SKIN DISORDERS

Dry skin: Normal healthy skin looks pink, feels smooth & soft is well preserved. If the superficial skin cells are deprived of water, the skin looks parched, cracked, feel rough and hard. There are several reasons for developing dry skin. It can be a result of frequent washing (which removes natural oils) or a failure to protect the skin with regular applications of moisturizing cream. Certain environmental factors like wind, sun exposure & over heated homes can also dehydrate the skin. Some times dryness is hereditary- then it is called ichthyosis. As we age, our skin gradually becomes rough & parched.

Acne: Acne is one of the commonest skin problems. It produces unsightly spots on the face, neck, chest, back & upper arms although traditionally considered a teenage problem (8 out of 10 teenagers suffer from it), acne can affect people even in their forties. One out of every 20 persons in the fourth decade has acne. Even though it is a common problem, acne causes much anguish in the victims, so much advice is preferred to them that they really do not know what to do. More ever acne can some time go on for ages, producing both physical & psychological scars. The sebaceous gland is the site of the problems. These glands produce sebum which, contains cholesterol, fatty acids and waxes, several things can go wrong with this fairly simple process. For example, if the production of sebum increases or if dead cells clog up the openings of the glands, the flow of the sebum gets disturbed. The pores get blocked & black pimples develop as the sebum spills into the surrounding tissue.

These pimples might even get infected. Male hormones, the androgens, are thought to be responsible, at least in part, for the over production of sebum & the consequent development of acne. In the past, diet had been held responsible for aggravating the problem. Hence for years, chocolates, spices & fatty foods were considered a taboo for acne patients. Recent studies however have scientifically exploded this myth. So dietary restrictions are no longer necessary to combat the onslaught of acne. Other factors, which affect acne, are menstruation, stressful conditions, hot humid climates and genetic factors. Cosmetic preparations containing lanolin & paraffin are known to exacerbate. Pimples may also occasionally occur as a side effect of drugs taken for other illness. Oral drugs are required when acne is severe and can not be controlled by local measures. Scars which result from acne require specialized care & management.

Skin allergies: When the skin cannot tolerate certain substances, it reacts to their presence; this reaction can be either in the form of eczema or in the form of hives, this result in itching and redness of the skin. It is often difficult to pin point the cause of the allergy. It could be something you have ingested-foods, medicines, drinks or something you have applied cosmetics, antiseptics or something you have worn-cloths, jewellery or something you have only touched detergents, plants, vegetable, chemicals. So looking for the causes is sometimes really like looking for proverbial needle in the haystack.

Deciding exactly what has caused the allergic reaction is difficult of several other reasons too.

The reaction may take a few hours to few days to develop; it may not develop immediately.

Cosmetics companies are extremely secretive about the ingredients of their products, making it difficult for the patient & the doctor to identify the cause of the rash. The reaction can develop even to minute amounts of the substance & the patients might not even be aware of the contact.

More ever the substances can get on to the skin in all sorts of indirect ways; for example, nail varnish can easily cause reactions on the face because we all touch our face several times a day.

Hives or urticaries: Hives are temporary swellings of the skin, caused by a localized collection of fluid in the dermis due to leakage from the blood vessels. Articaria can result from any of the following: -

·         Allergy to foods, pollens or drugs.

·         Changing to the temperature.

·         Infections, including the presence of worms and Emotional upset.

Some times the cause can not be accurately determined. A few individuals get hives repeatedly, but in most people urticaria usually gets better over a period of time. If the cause can be made out, it is easy to cure urticaria.

Moles & tumors: Moles are actually abnormal multiplication of the pigment cells of the skin. They are usually black or brown, but may some times be pink. They can be smooth or irregular, flat and raised and may even be hairy. They can be present absolutely anywhere on the body. Moles began to appear in childhood and continue to increase during adolescence. An average adult has between 15-20 moles spread over the body. Any mole which, appear later on life or one which changes in size rapidly or one which has a tendency to bleed needs to be treated.