MAKE-UP AT ITS BEST FROM WITHIN - COMMON SKIN DISORDERS

Common Skin Disorders

Though it is rarely life threatening, skin disorders can cause psychological stress, discomfort and even chronic disabilities. Because our skin is so visible, these disorders can be damaging inside and out. Some of the most common we probably know intimately, as they afflict 85 percent of us by the time we reach middle age. Among the most common are acne, dry skin, rosacea and psoriasis, which strike many people each year with varying intensity. The causes of these disorders are as diverse as the treatment tailored to each situation.

Cause

Hormones, drugs, cosmetics, caffeine, harsh soaps and even our genes are all culprits. For acne, bacteria actually gets trapped in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, causing cysts. Oil used in cooking, grease from one's scalp and beauty products can all promote bacteria. Notice pimples on your jawline? It could even be caused by the dirty cell phone you hold up to your mouth. Other conditions, like dry skin, can be hallmarks of more serious problems--such as an underactive thyroid. But they often signal a change in seasons and sensitivity to harsh soaps or perfumes.

Types

Acne is the most common skin disorder, striking many between the ages of 11 to 30. It appears in two forms: superficial (pimples) and deep (ruptured cysts that abscess). If your skin is irritated or itchy, you may have dry skin--a condition that worsens in the winter when air is cold and dry. Rosacea afflicts 14 million Americans and starts with easy blushing, progressing to persistent redness in the nose and face. About half the time, those with rosacea experience eye irritation, including inflamed lids and tearing. Psoriasis, a condition presenting itself as red, raised bumps and silvery scales on the scalp, elbows, knees and back, affects 7.5 million Americans.

Risk Factors

Fair skin has been found to be more prone to rosacea and more sensitive to harsh soaps and fragrant products that promote conditions such as acne and dry skin. Those who use drugs such as corticosteroids and barbiturates are also at heightened risk for acne.

Treatment

Treatment varies from condition to condition and person to person. Ointments may be recommended for both acne and dry skin.Those with dry skin must keep their skin moist to relieve itching. Rosacea may be treated with glycolic acid, laser therapy or topical and oral antibiotics, while those with psoriasis may find relief from steroids and retinoids.

Prevention/Solution

Contrary to popular belief, putting down the chocolate bar won't prevent pimples, but a regular cleansing routine with specially formulated products just might. Preventing dry skin is as simple as cutting back on baths that suck moisture from the dermis. Caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods have been linked to rosacea, so these are no-go items for anyone suffering from the condition. There is no known cause of psoriasis, but it's thought skin cells that grow too rapidly may be the culprit. Relief can be found in creams, ointments, retinoids and steroids.

Reference: Common Skin Disorders | eHow.com




Information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team or any form of advertisment. The information on this blog is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs.