Skin Complexion Problems
Some of the most common skin complexion problems are acne, eczema and rosacea. Acne affects nearly everyone at some point in their life, eczema can affect approximately 3 to 5 percent of the population and rosacea can affect many people who are fair skinned. Some of these complexion problems can overlap, such as acne and rosacea, but with a variety of treatment options available, you can successfully navigate these skin problems, improving the look and feel of your skin. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Acne
-
Acne is considered one of the most common of skin disorders and largely remains a complexion problem of the young. Acne starts when hair follicles become plugged up with oily secretions, either causing blackheads or whiteheads. Both types of these pimples can then develop into full blown cysts or nodules, which are often quite painful. Acne becomes very evident during puberty and affects both sexes, with boys seeming to have the most severe cases. About 20 percent of adults continue to experience episodes of acne well after their teen years. Acne is exacerbated by oily skin. The increased hormone production in the teenage years is seen as the culprit in the development of adolescent acne. Women often experience acne well into their 30s, and this skin problem may worsen due to fluctuating hormone levels.
Eczema
-
Eczema is characterized by itchy, inflamed skin and is a form of dermatitis. Some of the signs of eczema are flaky, dry skin and blisters. On fair-haired and fair-skinned people, the appearance of eczema and the effected areas may turn a brown or grayish color, while on darker-skinned people, these areas may actually be lighter, because it alters their natural pigmentation. Usually eczema is found on the face, hands, wrists, elbows and knees. It is not limited to those areas, however. Eczema tends to run in families and is most common in infants, who will usually outgrow it by the time they turn 2 years old. Interestingly, eczema is often associated with having asthma. This skin problem may be an internal response to external stressors, so it is important to focus on identifying and reducing stress.
-
Rosacea
-
Rosacea is a very upsetting condition that typically affects adults who have reached middle age. It affects both sexes equally. It has a similar appearance to acne, and can often accompany acne. The specific features of rosacea are red, inflamed skin, dilated blood vessels and a general flushed appearance that can become very noticeable. The sufferer often has a red, bulbous nose, which can become quite thick, with a pitted and scarred appearance. Rosacea can also trigger conjunctivitis, and leads to the growth of blood vessels in the corners of the eyes. The causes of rosacea are unknown, but it is thought to be triggered by sunlight, extreme temperatures, spicy food, alcohol and hot drinks.
Treatment Options for Acne
-
Treatment for acne is available over the counter and includes cover-up creams and drying lotions. If these are used, choose those that are water based, and hypoallergenic. These will usually contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If a more severe form of acne is present, your dermatologist can write a prescription for a cream containing vitamin A, or retinoic acid. Before applying any medication, whether over the counter or prescription, be sure and wash the effected area with soap and warm water. Often applying a warm compress over the area will allow some of the pimples to drain. Do not squeeze pimples as this will lead to further infection.
Treatment for Eczema
-
Eczema is considered a benign disorder, so treatment is often directed at relieving the symptoms. Usually over-the-counter remedies and home treatments are enough to help. For a case of eczema that is chronic, your physician will look at allergens and consider building up your immune system. Otherwise, the use of an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help stop the itching. Doctors will often recommend taking a warm bath to remove crusted and flaky skin. Following this up with an application of petroleum jelly helps to conserve the skin's natural moisture content. If the doctor determines that the eczema is allergy related, antihistamines may be of some help, and in more severe cases, corticosteroid medication can be used.
Treatment for Rosacea
-
Some topical treatments can be used to treat rosacea. Topical metronidazole is a very mild treatment that can be applied to the skin once a day. This cream is often used in conjunction with a course of antibiotics. In addition, rosacea responds quite well to dietary changes, like reducing or eliminating hot drinks, alcohol and spicy foods. Large doses of vitamins, in particular vitamin B2 have shown promise in the treatment of rosacea.
-
References
- Photo Credit IreneK StockXPERT
