Chronic skin conditions are more common than you may realise. Often these can be treated by making a lifestyle change that positively affects your skin. What you need to do is figure out the triggers or cause of your skin condition.
There are various theories on what effects your skin condition. These include genetics, air pollution, poor diet, stress, sunlight, and so on. Some of these things can be managed while others you will have no control over. Educate yourself on what may affect your skin condition and know how if possible, you might reduce the various symptoms.
Below are the top 5 most common skin conditions that people face and the best ways to treat them.
Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition people have to endure. Chances are that you have experienced acne symptoms at some point in your life. Acne is not a serious skin condition, but it can cause red pimples and inflamed skin to appear.
This generally happens when your skin’s pores get clogged by oils and bacteria. It is worse when you sweat because it will mix with these other elements on your skin. Hormonal changes may also cause acne, especially in teenagers.
To manage your acne, make sure you wear clean clothes. If you sweat for any reason, try to take a shower and wash as soon as you are able to. This means showering after exercising or other physical activities. Make sure you use hypoallergenic skin wash products that do not clog pores. They will usually say “for sensitive skin” or “oil-free” on the product.
Diet also has an impact on acne. There is a vast amount of information regarding foods that ought to be avoided if you are prone to acne outbreaks. Be informed, do your homework and research. This can go a long way to help you reduce the problem of acne.
Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is mostly seen in children but it can affect adults too. There are a wide variety of symptoms associated with eczema, including rashes, itchy skin, dry skin, redness, bumps, and scaly skin.
Medical experts cannot pinpoint an exact cause of eczema. They can only identify the possible triggers of its symptoms, such as environmental factors and genetic factors.
You can best manage eczema by eating a nutritious diet, exercising every day, and using gentle skincare products on your skin. You should also moisturize your skin with an oil-free moisturizer. Some people even claim that raw virgin coconut oil can serve as a great natural moisturizer because it is anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal.
Rosacea
Rosacea symptoms typically include redness on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and/or chin. You may even get this inflammation on your eyelids too. Doctors believe it is hereditary, although there are some known triggers which exacerbate the symptoms.
If you consume caffeine, spicy foods, or alcohol, these could make the symptoms worse. Intense exercises, sunlight, and stress can do the same too.
Aside from managing your diet, stress levels, and amount of sun exposure, a dermatologist may offer some other treatments. The three main treatments are topical retinoids, broadband light therapy, and vascular laser treatment. These may reduce the redness on the face, but it won’t keep the redness away. You will still need to monitor the triggers carefully and avoid them if you can.
Hives
Hives, also called urticaria, is an inflammatory skin condition which is caused by the release of histamine from the immune system. This causes your deep skin layers to become swollen.
The symptoms are red skin rashes which are often bumpy and itchy. The possible causes of hives include exercise, stress, medications, foods, sun exposure, and certain infections, allergies, and illnesses. Therefore, find out what your trigger is and avoid it. You can also take antihistamine medication to control the symptoms in the meantime.
Sunburn
Sunburn, slip, slop, slap and all that. If you spend more than 20 minutes under the hot sun with no sunscreen protection on your skin, then you will definitely experience sunburn. The longer you spend out under the direct sunlight, the worse your sunburn will get. The symptoms of sunburn include redness and a stinging sensation.
In the future, use a sunscreen that is SPF 35 or higher. Although, it really depends on your skin tone too. Someone with fair skin will need a stronger sunscreen than someone with darker skin. You can also wear a hat or stay in the shade if you are outside.
Know your limits to prevent permanent and lasting damage. Being as red as a lobster is not attractive. We all have those times when we do not realise how red we have become. Make sure you have Aloe Vera on hand to soothe and replenish moisture to the burnt skin.
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