3 COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

Skin diseases vary greatly in symptoms and severity. They can be temporary or permanent, and they can be painless or painful. Some have situational causes, while others may be genetic. Some skin conditions are minor, temporary, and easily treatable, while others can be life-threatening. 

The skin, which is in constant contact with the external environment; interacts with allergens, physical factors, climatic conditions, microbial agents, and many other environmental factors. This makes the skin prone to many diseases. Skin diseases are among the most common health problems.

It is essential to take skin diseases seriously like all other diseases and to take necessary actions for early diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we will try to explain the most common skin problems and what you can do about them.

1. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent type of eczema or skin inflammation. It is a skin disease that causes flaking and dandruff in the scalp, face, chest, and body folds.

Seborrheic dermatitis may improve in some patients without the need for treatment. Still, sometimes the symptoms associated with the disease can be severe and adversely affect the patient's daily life. In such cases, treatment is needed.

1.  What Are The Symptoms And Why Does It Occur?

Seborrheic dermatitis usually appears on the scalp. It can be seen mainly in the hair, eyebrows, and sometimes between the beards. The skin with seborrheic dermatitis becomes red and pink. Crustings resembling oily yellow dandruff may occur on the reddened skin.

Although seborrheic dermatitis is a non-contagious dermatological problem, unfortunately, like all diseases, it affects life negatively. On the other hand, it is difficult to say that there is no definite information about the cause of seborrheic dermatitis.

However, we can give approximate reasons for its emergence as follows:

• Seborrheic dermatitis can occur due to the fungus called Malassezia, which causes an excessive increase in the oil secretion on the skin surface.
• Sebum is the oil produced by the body's sebaceous glands and protects the skin from external factors. It is found on the body's surface, being more concentrated on the face, scalp, and back. However, overproduction of it upsets the skin's balance and leads to dermatitis.
• Surprisingly, changes in weather and seasonal changes are also among the triggers of seborrheic dermatitis.
• Stress and fatigue can be considered as one of the most important causes of seborrheic dermatitis, as in many diseases.

2.  What Can We Do About It?

The absence of a specific cause and a treatment method with 100% results obliges patients who have seborrheic dermatitis at any stage of their lives to take precautions.

• Have a balanced and healthy diet
• Stick to your sleep schedule
• Pay attention to your personal hygiene: Since excessive sweating will not be good for your skin, you should take a bath frequently and wear clean clothes, especially in summer. On the other hand, due to the sensitivity that may occur on your skin, you should make sure that the clothes you use are made of cotton.
• Prefer natural treatment methods: Healing spas; Just like eczema, psoriasis and many other diseases, it is also known to be good for seborrheic dermatitis. The sulfur in the spa water plays an important role in the recovery of the disease by changing the course of the disease.
• Various aromatherapy oils are also useful in relieving inflammation.

If you suspect seborrheic dermatitis, you can consult a specialist doctor as soon as possible. You can use the medicines given by the doctor.

2. Acne

Acne problem, which usually starts in adolescence, can be seen in all age groups, regardless of gender, although it mostly stays in adolescence.

• Pimples with white tips are a sign of acne.
• Small red bumps are among the symptoms of acne.
• Some nodules under the skin surface, which may be solid, large, and painful, can be seen as a sign of acne formation.

1.  Why Does Acne Occur? How Is It Treated?

Many factors such as the activity of sebaceous (oil) glands, Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, inflammation of the skin, genetic factors, hormones, and lifestyle are effective in the formation of acne.

Adults are not immune to the ups and downs in their lives, and there are more things that can cause acne than you might think. These can be anything from using the wrong cleanser to an imbalance of something internal.

2.  What Are The Ways To Prevent Acne?

• Cleaning the skin with warm water every day is a simple method to prevent acne.
• Gently massaging your skin every day will provide relief as it will open the skin's pores.
• According to its severity, acne should be treated without exacerbation and without leaving a trace, using creams and gels.

If your acne is more than just a nuisance and you can't seem to get rid of it, contact a dermatologist.

3. Dry, Itchy Skin

Dryness is usually the cause of itching that increases in winter. Decreased humidity in the air, baths with hot water, increased stress, and products used as cleaners increase itching.

Itching can be a symptom of an internal disease, or it can be a health problem on its own and can affect the whole body. Dry skin is a condition that can be seen in everyone. However, some risk factors increase the risk of developing dryness by causing skin sensitivity.

Dry skin may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• A rough appearance on the skin
• Itching
• Skin peeling and flaking
• Fine lines or cracks
• Redness and rashes
• Bleeding deep cracks
• Scars and discoloration due to scratching

1.  How Is It Prevented And Treated?

• Patients are advised not to bathe frequently and with hot water.
• At least 2.5-3 liters of fluid should be consumed per day.
• The use of humidifiers should not be neglected. Moisturizers cover the skin and ensure that water is trapped in the skin.
• It may be beneficial to use cleansing creams, mild skin cleansers, and shower gels with added moisturizers instead of soaps that cause dryness on the skin.
• The skin should be protected from cold weather. Wear scarves, hats, and gloves when going out in winter should not be neglected.
• Rubber gloves should be worn during dishwashing and cleaning, which requires the hands to come into contact with water. It must be worn, especially if harsh cleaners are used.

If the complaint of dryness does not go away despite the person's tremendous effort, if the itching due to dryness is so much that it prevents sleep, and If there is peeling and flaking in large areas; It is necessary to apply to a health institution for treatment.