Skin Problems Help
This page offer some basic information on a variety of skin complaints and problems. For each condition we have included a Self Help Guide - a list of simple, common sense actions you can take to help minimise the effect of a condition on your daily life.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that can affect people of any age. In the United Kingdom, 1 in 5 children of school age suffer from eczema, along with about one in twelve adults. The severity of the condition can vary; from mild forms, being dry, hot and itchy, to more severe cases where the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding.
Although it can sometimes look unpleasant, eczema is not contagious. With treatment, the inflammation of eczema can be reduced, though the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care. The cause of Eczema in any particular individual can be extremely hard to pin down and as a result, effective treatment is often a case of trial and error.
Self Help
There are several common-sense ways to help minimise Eczema flare-ups:
If the irritants that are causing the eczema are known, avoid them wherever possible.
Detergents and chemicals in soap, washing powder, bubble bath and shampoo may be a possible cause of the problem and can certainly make the problem worse.
Look for products free from Sodium Lauryl / Laureth Sulphate and chemical preservatives.
Have cool baths or showers, as heat will aggravate the condition
After washing, pat the skin dry, don't irritate it by rubbing vigorously with your towel.
Apply an unperfumed moisturiser, preferably PH balanced, to help keep your skin supple.
Drink plenty of water, as dehydration is a major contribution of poor skin condition.
Try skin products that actively sooth irritated skin, to break the damaging itch – scratch cycle.
Wear cotton clothes next to the skin and avoid rough, synthetic materials.
Use a hypo-allergenic laundry product to wash all clothes and other fabrics that come into contact with your skin.
Avoid using makeup or perfumes, as these products can often be major sources of irritation to sensitive or damaged skin.
Always test any product that will come into direct contact with your skin on a small patch of skin before full use.
Putting mittens on babies and keeping their nails short may help prevent damage to the skin from scratching. Cool, damp, tubular bandages on arms and legs can also help prevent skin damage from scratching.
During the day, long sleeves and long trousers can also help minimize damage from scratching.
Further information
National Eczema Society http://www.eczema.org, 0870 241 3604
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a recurrent skin condition that affects around 2% of the population in the UK. In simple terms, it is an acceleration of the usual replacement processes of the skin. Normally a skin cell matures in 21 to 28 days during its passage to the skin’s surface, where a constant invisible shedding of dead cells takes place. Psoriatic cells, however, are believed to turn over in two to three days.
Psoriasis is thought more likely to appear between the ages of 11 and 45 but can occur at any age. It appears as raised red patches of skin covered with silvery scales and can occur on any part of the body although elbows, knees and the scalp are the most common sites. There is often accompanying irritation. In areas where two skin surfaces come together, as in the natural skin creases and folds, Psoriasis can appear bright red and shiny rather than scaly.
Self Help
There are several common-sense ways to help minimise Psoriasis flare-ups:
Where possible, avoid anything known to trigger the condition, including stress.
Do not scratch or pick at the skin: it may bleed and become infected.
After washing, pat the skin dry, don't irritate it by rubbing vigorously with your towel.
Use plenty of moisturising cream to soothe and soften the skin. This is especially effective after washing.
Drink plenty of water, as dehydration has a great affect on skin condition.
Sunlight helps some people with Psoriasis.
However, avoid the sun if it causes pain and avoid getting burnt at all costs.
Wear cotton clothes next to the skin and avoid rough, synthetic materials.
Use a hypo-allergenic laundry product to wash all clothes and other fabrics that come into contact with your skin.
Avoid using makeup or perfumes, as these products can often be major sources of irritation to sensitive or damaged skin.
Always test any product that will come into direct contact with your skin on a small patch of skin before full use.
Further information
The Psoriasis Association http://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk, 0845 676 0076
What is Acne?
Acne is a very common skin disorder that affects over 80% of young people particularly during early puberty. It is caused by over activity of the glands that secrete oily substances on to the skin. The blackheads and spots usually occur on the face, where the greatest number of these oil-producing “sebaceous” glands exists. The back, chest and shoulders can also be affected.
The severity of acne increases and, typically, reaches its peak around the ages of 17 to 19. For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their mid-20s; however, those with sensitive skin may continue to have the disorder until they reach their 40s.
Self Help
Keep the spot-prone areas clean by washing twice a day with an unperfumed cleanser or specialist soap.
Use a light, mineral oil free, moisturiser; your skin still needs moisture!
Avoid covering yourself with thick layers of make up, and if you do, wash it off as soon as you can, certainly do not leave on overnight.
Do not pick at spots as this can cause scarring and inflammation.
Acne tends to be less of a problem in the summertime. This may be due to the sunshine helping to dry the skin.
Avoid products that contain mineral oils as these can block pores making the condition worse.
Avoid tight fitting clothing, head bands etc as this can prevent the skin from breathing, causing the Acne to worsen.
Further information
Acne Support Group http://www.m2w3.com/acne/, 020 8561 6868
What is Dermatitis?
The term Dermatitis in truth covers all inflammations of the skin. The most common type is known as Contact Dermatitis. This condition develops when the body's immune system reacts against a substance in contact with the skin.
A rash usually starts at the site of contact, but may then spread to other areas. For example, the nickel found in some jewellery may cause dermatitis on the ear lobes, wrists, and around the neck. Other causes of this type of Dermatitis include rubber and perfumes. The condition is particularly common with professions such as hairdressers and motor mechanics where skin is often and repeatedly in contact with harsh chemical agents.
Self Help
Use cotton lined rubber gloves for washing up etc
Avoid nickel-based jewellery
Use tepid or cool water in the bath or shower to avoid irritation developing
Use mild unperfumed and uncoloured toiletries, as Dermatitis is often caused or aggravated by chemicals and perfumes in such products.
Try not to scratch, as this will make the condition worse and risk breaking the skin. Use an active soothing product on the affected areas.
Further information
National Eczema Society http://www.eczema.org, 0870 241 3604
