HOW TO TREAT SKIN RELATED PROBLEMS

INTRODUCTION :

The skin guards the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments, and internal organs. There are two general types of skin, hairy and fabulous skin. However, the skin can be dry, sensitive, pale, sagging, or tired. People deficient in essential nutrients such as beta-carotene, the B complex vitamins, and vitamins C and E often suffer from the drying of the skin.

FUNCTION OF SKIN:

Because it interfaces with the environment, skin plays an optimal role in protecting (the body) against pathogens. Excessive water loss Its other functions are insulation, temperature regulation, sensation, storage, and synthesis of the vitamin by the action of ultraviolet (UV) and the protection of vitamin B folates, absorption of oxygen and drug, and water resistance. The severely damaged skin will try to heal by forming scar tissue.

SKIN PROBLEMS:

Skin disease is a common ailment, thus it affects all ages, from the neonate to the elderly, and causes harm in several ways.

RASHES:

A rash is an area of red, inflamed skin or a group of individual spots. These can be caused by irritation, allergy, infection, an underlying disease, as well as by structural defects, for example, blocked pores or malfunctioning oil glands. Examples of rashes include acne, dermatitis, eczema, hives, and psoriasis.

Viral infections

These occur when a virus penetrates the stratum cornea and infects the inner layers of the skin. Examples of viral skin infections include herpes simplex, shingles (herpes zoster), and warts. Some systemic viral infections, such as chickenpox and measles, may also affect the skin. Viral infections cannot be cured with antibiotics.

Bacterial infections

Such infections are caused by a variety of bacteria, the most common types being staphylococci and streptococci. Bacteria may infect the topmost layers of skin, the follicles, or the deeper layers of skin. If not treated correctly, these infections may spread throughout the body. Examples include impelling cellulitis, and Lyme disease. Bacterial infections are better treated with antibiotics.

Fungal infections

Harmless fungi are always present on the surface of the skin. Infection occurs when these organisms enter the body. These infections are usually superficial, affecting the skin, hair, nails, and include athlete's foot, lock itch, and ringworm. However, in people with a suppressed immune system or who have been taking antibiotics for a long period -, the fungi may spread too deep within the body, causing more serious disease.

Parasitic infections

These infections occur after exposure to parasites such as lice and scabies.

Pigmentation disorders

The amount of pigment in the skin is determined by the amount of melanin being produced by the body. Loss of pigment can be caused by an absence of melanocytes, malfunctioning cells, exposure to cold or chemicals, or some types of infection. An increase in pigment (hyperpigmentation) may be caused by skin irritation, hormonal changes, aging, a metabolic disorder, or any other underlying problem. Age spots, freckles, are examples of hyperpigmentation. Vitiligo is an example of hyperpigmentation.

Tumors and cancers

These growths arise when skin cells begin to multiply faster than normal. Not every skin growth is cancerous. Some tumors are harmless and will not spread. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, affecting 800,000 Americans each year. It is caused, in 90% of cases, by sun exposure. The three types of skin cancers are basal cell cancer (the most curable), squamous cell cancer (which may grow and spread), and malignant melanoma (the most deadly form). Prevention involves protecting the skin against damaging ultraviolet rays. Early detection helps to improve the chances of a cure. Regular self-examinations are, therefore, recommended.

Trauma

Trauma describes an injury to the skin caused by a blow, a cut, or a burn. Whenever the surface of the skin is broken, the body becomes more susceptible to infection and disease.

Other conditions

Wrinkles, rosacea, spider veins, and varicose veins are among those conditions that cannot be neatly categorized. Wrinkles are caused by a breakdown of the collagen and elastin within the dermis, which results in sagging skin. Rosacea is a chronic disorder in which the skin of the face becomes red and develops pimples, lesions, and more rarely enlargement of the nose. Its cause is unknown. Spider veins and varicose veins become apparent when blood vessels enlarge and become visible through the surface of the skin.

MEDICINES USED FOR TOPICAL USE:

The common medications for topical use include:

Anthralin (drithocreme, Micanol, and others): Although not often used, these help to reduce inflammation and can help treat psoriasis.
Antifungal agents: Nizoral are a few examples of common topical antifungal drugs used to treat skin conditions such as ringworm and athlete's foot.
Benzoyl peroxide: Creams and other products containing benzoyl peroxide are used to treat acne.
Coal tar: This topical treatment is available with and without a prescription, in strengths ranging from 0.5% to 5%. Coal tar is used to treat conditions including seborrhea dermatitis (usually in shampoos) or psoriasis. Currently, coal tar is seldom used because it can be slow-acting and can cause severe staining of personal clothing and bedding.
Corticosteroids: These are used to treat skin conditions including eczema and come in many forms including foams, lotions, ointments, and creams.
Retinoids: These medications (such as Tamarac) are gels or creams derived from vitamin A and are used to treat conditions including acne.
Salicylic acid: This medication is available in the form of lotions, gels, soaps, shampoos, and patches. It should be used sparingly, as putting too much on one's body at once can cause toxicity. Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in many skin care products for the treatment of acne and warts.

MEDICINES USED FOR ORAL USE:

Oral treatments for skin conditions include:

Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics like erythromycin, tetracycline are used to treat many skin conditions.

Antifungal agents: Common oral antifungal drugs can be used to treat more severe fungal infections

Antiviral agents: Common antiviral agents include acyclovir, and familiar. Antiviral treatments are used for skin conditions, including those related to herpes

Corticosteroids: These medications, including prednisone, can help treat skin conditions linked to autoimmune diseases including vasculitis and inflammatory diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Dermatologists prefer topical steroids to avoid side effects; however, short-term use of prednisone is sometimes necessary

Immunosuppressants: Immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate, can be used to treat conditions including severe cases of psoriasis and eczema

Biologics: These new therapies are the latest methods being utilized to treat psoriasis and other conditions. Examples of biologics include stellar and revive.