Looking Good - Dry Skin VS Skin Conditions�?/FONT>
"Tips To Help You Look & Feel Your Best"
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Loads of people suffer from dry skin at one time or another
and it is usually caused by the weather. Weather-related
dry skin in the winter is the main culprit as the sun is
the cause in the summer. Cold air strips the natural barrier
of moisture in the skin and prolonged sun exposure will dry
the skin also. This usally clears up in a few days when a
moisturizer is religiously applied. There are some skin
conditions that are problematic, even with continuous
moisturizing. Here are a few of the main skin conditions
that can cause excessive dryness and problems...
Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a generally
hereditary condition that can occur year-round. In some
cases, it is caused by irritants such as fabrics (wool is
a common culprit) or allergic reactions to anything that
touches your skin, from skincare products to laundry detergent.
Although skin may become dry, you'll probably notice red,
itchy patches that can scab and flake off. Use a mild soap
and moisturizer especially designed for sensitive skin,
which will contain fewer ingredients likely to exacerbate
the condition. Your doctor may prescribe a cortisone cream
to soothe the redness and irritation. Stay away from drying
cleansers, acne products and AHAs. Non-irritating fabrics
such as cotton will also help keep flare-ups at bay...
Rosacea
Rosacea is an inflammatory disease of unknown cause that
tends to appear in people in their 30's and 40's and tends
to have familial incidences. Light complected people are
especially susceptible and systemic symptoms such as blushing,
irritated eyes are also associated with this disease...
To date there is no known cure for it. All of the traditional
treatments do not seem to be effective for the redness associated
with the skin. Antibiotics help with the bumpy pustules but
not the redness. Topical anti-inflammatories such as alpha
lipoic acid are proving to be the only effective way of treating
all aspects of this skin condition and without the negative side
effect profile of systemic or topical antibiotics...
Hot beverages, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages and spicy foods
can aggravate rosacea. Also, being in extremes of temperature,
bright sun, freezing cold, stress. A mild cleanser made for
sensitive skin should always be used to clean the face...
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis' symptoms include can
include red, itchy skin. It is also exacerbated by climate
changes. But that's where the similarities end. Seborrheic
dermatitis isn't a dry-skin condition; it's a stress-and-
hormone-induced overgrowth of yeast in the sebaceous glands.
It causes flakes around the eyebrows, in the folds of the
nose and on the scalp (commonly known as dandruff). Your
doctor will most likely prescribe an anti-fungal cream to
control the yeast, and you should see results in about a week.
Continue your normal skincare routine while you're on the
medication, but stop using any acne treatments or alpha hydroxy
acid-based products, which can dry skin out and make the symptoms
worse...
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a severe skin condition that affects lighter-
skinned individuals. It can start as early as the late teens
or early 20s but can show up anytime. Unfortunately, doctors
aren't sure what causes the disease, but genetics may play a
role. The symptoms are red, irritated lesions covered in scaly,
flaky skin. Normal skin cells turn over about every 28 to 30
days. However, psoriasis sufferers' skin cells regenerate much
more rapidly -- about every three to four days -- and cause the
lesions, which usually appear on the hands, elbows or buttocks.
There is no cure, but the regular use of cortisone ointments
and heavy moisturizers can keep mild flare-ups at bay. More
severe cases require oral medication such as Accutane or Tegison
(a retinoid). No single treatment will work in all cases. You
may have to try several medications or combinations before you
see results...
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