SKIN CARE

Eczema

Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions, however, most cases are either miss diagnosed or have the incorrect treatment plan.

Eczema is a condition whereby patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked and rough. Blistering may appear in severe cases.

Most forms of eczema are triggered by certain foods, chemicals and stress levels. Eczema is not curable however, treatment generally focuses on controlling the symptoms associated with eczema.

Types

There are 7 types of eczema:

• CONTACT DERMATITIS

Skin becomes red and irritated due to a reaction to substances touched.

There are two types,

1. A) allergic contact dermatitis, which is an immune reaction to an irritant like latex.
   B) irritant contact dermatitis, when a chemical irritates the skin.When treating contact dermatitis is is important to understand that anything topically applied, which stimulates the skin, WILL worsen the condition. Patients should take some sort of antihistamine medication. Topical cortisone is also typically recommended.

• DYSHIDROTIC ECZEMA

Small blisters appear on the hands and feet, common causes are allergies, damp skin and high levels of stress,

• HAND ECZEMA

Flair-ups only occur on the hands, this type of eczema is associated with jobs where hands are exposed constantly to chemicals, like hairdressing.

• NEURODERMATITIS

An aggressive form of eczema associated with high levels of stress.

• NUMMULAR ECZEMA

Round coin-like spots, common causes are adverse reactions to insect bites or aggressively dry skin. This type is often confused with Impetigo to the untrained eye.

• STASIS DERMATITIS

Fluid leaks from weakened veins into the skin resulting in red, itchy, swollen areas. Most common in areas of poor blood circulation in areas such as the lower limbs. This is also common in patients with blood circulatory disorders such as varicose veins.

• ATOPIC DERMATITIS

This is the most common form of eczema. Most patients will experience flair ups before the age of five. 50% of patients will carry the condition into adulthood, those that don’t, generally experience very sensitive skin.

Sensitive Skin

Some of us suffer from very sensitive skin and experience “flair ups” known as Rosacea.

Rosacea is a long-term chronic, inflammatory skin condition that mainly effects the face. Rosacea appears on the central region of the face, usually the forehead, cheeks, chin, and the lower half of the nose. It is commonly seen in woman and lighter skin types however when it does appear in men, the symptoms often appear much worse. Rosacea is often mistaken for acne, eczema or skin allergy.

Types

There are four types of Rosacea:

• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), is associated with facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.
• Papulopustular (or acne) rosacea, is associated with acne-like breakouts, and often affects middle-aged women.
• Rhinophyma, this is a very rare form of Rosacea and is often associated with thickening of the skin on the tip of the nose. Rhinophyma is very often associated with another type of Rosacea. This type of Rosacea normally effects men.
• Ocular rosacea, this type of rosacea symptoms are centred around the eye area.

Stages

There are four stages of Rosacea:

• Pre-rosacea phase (Phase 1):

In this stage the skin on the cheeks and nose becomes flushed and has a stinging sensation.

• Vascular phase (Phase 2):

Commonly named Telangiectasia. The skin will be swollen with a red appearance. Small blood vessels will be visible just below the surface of the skin.

• Inflammatory phase (Phase 3):

Small pimples will develop on the skin surface, sometimes they will be filled with some pus.

• Late phase (Phase 4):

This phase does not always occur in everyone. The skin around the nose occasionally thickens, making it look red and bulbous (called rhinophyma)

Symptoms

Typical signs and symptoms of Rosacea:

• Facial flushing
• Blushing
• Skin redness (erythema)
• Burning
• Red bumps and pustules
• Small cysts
• Thickening of the facial tissue, especially the nose
• Eye problems, swollen red eyelids-rosacea keratitis
• Dry, rough scaly skin
• Tiny Broken Blood Vessels
• Yellow-orange patches