The genesis of Skin Problems

February 10, 2015

The genesis of Skin Problems: Symptoms of common skin problems

The genesis of Skin Problems and solution for a more healthy and glowing skin

The skin being the largest organ of the body is often very vulnerable to many attacks. It is also less advantageous because of its exposure to the direct attacks from the environment. We may not conclusively address all the skin problems known today, but we are going to highlight some of the genesis of kin problems known to us today. In order to get the best out of this discussion, we are going to be talking to doctor Dalal Akoury who is among other disciplines is a skin care professional of over two decades. In her practice and desire to give to the community her best, she founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where is focusing on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. The great and many years of experience give her an upper hand among other professionals in dealing with all matters relating to the protection of the good health of your skin. Therefore as we get into the discussion, if you have any skin condition of whatever level, doctor Akoury will be waiting for your call to schedule for that very important and life changing appointment today.

Now take time to re-evaluate yourself in this order. Is your skin itchy, oozing, or breaking out? In today’s life we have more than 3000 skin problems affecting people of all walks of life. Moles, rashes, hives, and eczema are just a few which doctor Akoury is going to help us understand in this article. Variances like changes in color or texture can result from inflammation, infection, or allergic reactions affecting any part of your body. When dealing with skin disorders, it is important to note that some skin conditions can be minor, temporary, and easily treated while others can be very serious, and even deadly. This is what the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is going to help us understand. Now take a little more time and keep reading to be well informed on the possible skin care risks, symptoms and solutions.

The genesis of Skin Problems: Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is caused by the return of a chickenpox infection from latently infected nerve cells in the spinal cord or brain. It begins as a painful sensation which is often mistaken for a musculoskeletal injury. It is soon followed within one or two days by a red, blistering unilateral (one-sided) rash distributed to the skin supplied by a sensory nerve (a dermatome). Zoster tends to occur most often in the elderly and can be prevented with a vaccination. Treatment with antiviral drugs within two days of the onset of the eruption limits the development of a persistent, severe pain (neuralgia) at the site of the eruption.

The genesis of Skin Problems: Hives (Urticarial)

Hives, also known as urticarial, is a very common allergic skin condition due to antibodies in the bloodstream that recognize foreign chemicals. This eruption appears suddenly anywhere on the body as elevated bumps surrounded by an intensely itchy red rash. There may be many lesions, but each one only exists for eight to 12 hours. As older ones resolve, newer ones may develop. Most of the time, urticarial resolves spontaneously within two months and is treated with oral antihistamines for symptomatic relief.

The genesis of Skin Problems: Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory genetic condition in which patients develop scaling red bumps that coalesce into plaques and typically occur but are not limited to the scalp, elbows, and knees. Psoriasis is not curable; it can come and go by itself. There is a variety of treatments depending on the severity and extent of involvement, which vary from topical creams and ultraviolet light exposure to oral drugs and injectable medications. Patients with psoriasis tend to develop cardiovascular disease, which may be attributable to system-wide inflammation.

The genesis of Skin Problems: Eczema

Atopic dermatitis (called eczema) is a genetic condition that presents in early childhood with a chronic itchy, weeping, oozing dermatitis. It tends to localize to the arm creases opposite the elbow and on the leg opposite the knee. Most patients also have inhalant allergies such as asthma and hay fever. The condition improves with age. In most but not those entire affected allergy to a specific substance does not seem to play a role in flares of the skin rash. Treatment involves the application of emollients to wet skin and occasionally the use of topical steroids.

The genesis of Skin Problems: Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the face that is characterized by redness, dilated blood vessels, papules, pustules, and occasionally by the overgrowth of nasal connective tissue. It casually resembles teenaged acne, but it happens in adults. Tireless facial flushing is an early sign of the skin’s uncontrolled sensitivity to certain naturally produced inflammatory chemicals. Treatment of rosacea involves topical and oral drugs.

The genesis of Skin Problems: Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)

Herpes labialis (cold sore) is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores commonly appear on the edge of the lip. This virus exists in a dormant state in the spinal cord nerve cells, and after certain environmental triggers like sunburn or cold, the virus is induced to travel along a peripheral nerve to the same skin site over and over again. The eruption is self-limited to a maximum of 10 days. In this case treatment may be unnecessary unless the eruption becomes too frequent.

The genesis of Skin Problems: Plant Rashes

In allergic individuals, the development of a linear blistering eruption occurs within 1-2 days of exposure to a member of the poison ivy or poison oak family of plants. Since the plant contains highly allergenic chemicals, most people will become allergic after a single priming exposure. The eruption will resolve within three weeks but will occur again the next time the skin comes in contact with the plant.

Treating Plant Rashes

The repeated application of cool wet compresses to the blisters followed by evaporation of the water can be soothing and speed healing. Treatment with steroids creams may be required in severe cases. Once a person is allergic, this is permanent; it is important to avoid this plant family assiduously so this very unpleasant allergic reaction will not recur. Many of those allergic to Toxicodendron are also sensitive to mango skin and cashew nut oil.

The genesis of Skin Problems: Acne

Acne vulgaris is a noninfectious eruption of papules and pustules on the face and occasionally on the chest and back. It occurs in all teenagers as they progress through puberty. Comedones (blackheads) and inflammatory papules and pustules are all present simultaneously. This is not a condition of dirty skin but is mediated by hormones that begin to circulate during puberty. The condition generally resolves around the age of 20 but may produce scarring if severe and left untreated.

Finally we are going to continue with discussion of other skin problems in the next article. Remember they are over 3000 so stay on the link for more information about the genesis of skin problem. However you can seek for help from doctor Akoury by scheduling for an appointment with her today for long and lasting solutions to whatever problem you may be having.

The genesis of Skin Problems: Symptoms of common skin problems

Handling changes brought by climate change on your skin

January 15, 2015

Handling changes brought by climate change on your skin – The best approach all year round

Handling changes brought by climate change on your skin using natural means

In our quest to keep our skin radiant and beautiful, we often seek lots of information from all available means. There are a lot to be desired in the media today about seasonal skin care. Take for example the fashion magazines, in this media you will probably be told that different seasons require different skin care products which may not be true exclusively. This is so because each skin type responds differently to weather changes. In other wards we are alluding to the fact that weather is not a skin type. Therefore handling changes brought by climate change on your skin should be considered continuously irrespective of the season. Doctor Akoury says that buying skin-care products based purely on the season is not only a waste of money, but can also cause skin health deterioration if not handled professionally. In view of this dear reader, I encourage you that even as we progress with the discussion, you need to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury to professionally take you through the best skin care products suitable for your skin.

The best practice therefore is to always listen to the communication given to you by your skin in all seasons. If the fluctuations in climate change during winter and summer causes yours skin damage, then with the professional advice from doctor Akoury, you will make some adjustments however is this is not so, then there is completely no reason to do anything different. It must interest you to know that it is your duty to protect your skin and feed it with value addition products to nourish and keep the skin healthy all year round. You can do this by continuously assessing your skin to determine what effects (if any) brought about by the changes in climate. Upon noting this you need to share with your dermatologist to help you adapt to the best skin care routine for your condition. This is one of the best ways of handling changes brought by climate change on your skin. The following is a helpful guide to keeping your skin beautiful and healthy when weather takes a toll:

Preventing fall and Winter Dryness
Warm Weather Issues

Handling changes brought by climate change on your skin – Preventing fall and Winter Dryness

If your skin starts feeling drier, flaky, or itchy during the cold months, or if you find yourself in an arid environment, such as traveling from Seattle to Phoenix (which can definitely be climate change for your skin), the dry air, both inside and out, are probably to blame. Here’s what you can do primarily in handling changes brought by climate change on your skin to make your skin feel smooth and comfortable again:

You may want to consider changing both your facial and body cleanser from a gel or foaming water-soluble cleanser to one with lotion or creamy texture. You may be surprised how this simple action would solve the problem.
A richer, lotion-type toner would be advisable so that after cleansing, a soothing moisturizing toner is applied immediately to calm your skin and establish a base for making your skin healthy after cleansing, as well as removing the last traces of makeup.
Depending on how dry your skin becomes, you may need a more emollient moisturizer. Any moisturizer should be loaded with ingredients that help keep moisture in your skin (glycerin, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid are just a few examples). Your moisturizer also should contain anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce irritation, cell-communicating ingredients to help skin produce normal skin cells, and antioxidants to fight off free-radical damage.
Adding a serum loaded with these ingredients also can help at night, providing another layer of protecting ingredients while you sleep.
For some people, the change to cold, dry weather can result in dry, cracked skin. If that’s the case, apply a cream or lotion containing 2% salicylic acid (BHA, beta hydroxy acid) to exfoliate built-up skin cells that lead to dull skin, clogged pores, and breakouts.
Flaky, chapped lips are more common at this time of year and may require some extra TLC. Remove dry, dead skin cells with a gentle lip exfoliants and follow up with a rich, emollient lip balm for super smooth lips.
Remember to use sunscreen irrespective of the sun intensity where you live. The sun protection is essential in all season’s year in year out. Remember that your skin can withstand any climate change better when it isn’t being damaged day in and day out by the sun.

Handling changes brought by climate change on your skin – Warm Weather Issues

When moving to a warmer climate or going from spring to summer, the increased heat can make oil (sebum) melt inside the pore. This causes liquefied oil to flood the skin’s surface, resulting in a shiny appearance. In addition, the increase in sweat mixed with oil feels uncomfortable, and leaves you looking greasy. In further effort towards handling changes brought by climate change on your skin, the following applications will help you to address these changes:

During warmer months you may need to use a more thorough gel or foaming cleanser to be sure you are cleaning all the oil off your skin without adding more.
Reduce the amount of creamy or rich lotion moisturizer you use, or stop altogether. If you don’t have dry skin, you really don’t need moisturizer in the traditional sense of the word; that is, thick lotions and creams. Instead, consider a well-formulated toner, gel, or serum to give your skin the essential substances it needs (antioxidants, cell-communicating ingredients, and skin-identical ingredients) to stay young without adding oil or emollients.
For extra shine control when the heat or humidity is intense, use an oil-absorbing product, which also minimizes the appearance of pores. Oil-blotting papers also can help absorb excess oil and sweat, plus they’re great for touchups on-the-go.

Finally at this facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) we endeavor to deliver informative treatment solutions tailored to your individual needs toward handling changes brought by climate change on your skin. Therefore if your skin reacts to seasonal and climate changes doctor Dalal Akoury will help you maintain perfect skin in all seasons without having to replace all your skin-care products every time the weather changes. With minor adjustments as will be advised professionally upon scheduling for an appointment with the experts (Dr. Akoury), you will have a much more rejuvenated and beautiful skin ready for whatever Mother Nature sends your way.

Handling changes brought by climate change on your skin – The best approach all year round

The Anti-Aging Skin Contributing Factors

January 12, 2015

The Anti-Aging Skin Contributing Factors – Extrinsic Factors in Premature Skin Aging

The Anti-aging Skin contributing factors – skin aging is associated with so many things including loss of fibrous tissue, slower rate of cellular renewal, and a reduced vascular and glandular network.

The skin being the biggest organ of the body is not just offering the defense mechanism for the body but also serves to regulate excretion of metabolic waste products, regulates temperature, and includes receptors for pain, tactile sensation, and pressure. I dearly the good health and complexion of your skin is as important as that of the other organs associates with the lifestyle and the quality of your nutrients you choose alongside age related factors like hormonal imbalance. The skin is the focal point in the social and visual experience since it is the skin that reflects the consequences of aging. Therefore the skin is influenced by various anti-aging skin contributing factors including ultraviolet radiation, excess alcohol consumption, tobacco abuse, and environmental pollution. Alongside with that as body weight increases and blood sugar levels rise, biochemical reactions disrupt the very structural framework skin. All these put together will lead to cumulative deterioration in skin appearance and function. To keep the beauty of your skin effectively it will be very important that you consult with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care. Doctor Akoury is passionately involved in offering quality, affordable, reliable and dependable skincare solutions to people from all walks of life across the globe. She has been in practice for well over two decades making her to be highly experience for the job. Scheduling for an appointment with her for all your skin related conditions will be very beneficial to you and your loved ones.

Remember that skin aging is associated with so many things including loss of fibrous tissue, slower rate of cellular renewal, and a reduced vascular and glandular network. Barrier function that maintains cellular hydration also becomes impaired. The subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) flattens, particularly in the face, hands and feet.

Depending upon ones genetic makeup and lifestyle, normal physiological functions within the skin may decline by 50% by middle age.

Unless you take action to support your skin’s intrinsic defense systems, the youthful qualities of your skin will rapidly deteriorate. Fortunately, by harnessing insights garnered through the latest scientific innovations, you can dramatically slow, and potentially reverse, the signs and symptoms of accelerated skin aging.

Throughout this article, you will learn about internal and external strategies to combat accelerated skin aging, including topical interventions containing scientifically advanced ingredients that help support youthful skin structure and function, and targeted nutritional supplements that fortify your skin form the inside out.

The Anti-Aging Skin Contributing Factors – Skin Anatomy and Function

Like we had distinctively discussed in our previous article that the skin is comprised of three layers namely: the epidermis which is the outer layer comprising of keratin which strengthens the skin, the dermis which is directly below the epidermis providing a kind if scaffold for strength and support and the hypodermis which is the bottom layer of the skin containing fat cells which insulate the body and help to preserve heat, as well as other connective tissues. Remember that the skin contains the sebaceous glands and sweat glands (eccrine and apocrine), which help to prevent dryness, protect skin against bacteria, and maintain core body temperature (thermoregulation).

The Anti-aging Skin Contributing Factors – Skin Aging Contributing Factors

Premature skin aging is the result of several factors such as intense physical and psychological stress, alcohol intake, poor nutrition, overeating, environmental pollution, and UV exposure.

The Anti-Aging Skin Contributing Factors – Intrinsic Factors in Skin Aging

Intrinsic skin aging is determined primarily by genetic factors, hormonal status and metabolic reactions, such as oxidative stress. Skin is at risk for similar degenerative effects seen in other organs, yet due to its visibility, the skin outwardly discloses many aspects of our inner health.

The Anti-aging Skin Contributing Factors – Genetics

Cellular aging is the process by which a cell becomes old and can no longer replicate. Known as “replicative senescence”, this phenomenon can be the result of DNA damage induced by factors such as UV radiation, toxins, or age-related deterioration. A hallmark of replicative senescence is the shortening of telomeres the “caps” at the ends of DNA strands that help ensure chromosomal stability.

Skin cells are some of the most rapidly dividing cells in the body. However, as DNA damage accumulates with age, the rapid replication of skin cells causes them to be intrinsically vulnerable to replicative senescence, especially if efforts to protect skin cells from damage are not taken.

The Anti-aging Skin Contributing Factors – Hormones

With aging, there is a decline in the level of sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), and growth hormone. These particular hormones have great influence on the skin. Balance is critical in the realm of hormones, and while escalating sex hormones during puberty increase the incidence of skin acne, declining hormonal levels with aging accelerate skin deterioration.

The Anti-Aging Skin Contributing Factors – Oxidative Stress

As the outermost barrier separating internal tissue from the environment, the skin is regularly exposed to UV radiation and air pollution. These exposures induce the production of highly volatile molecules called free radicals, which go on to wreak havoc in the cellular environment of the skin. Chronic free radical assault leads to the appearance of uneven, blotchy pigmentation, and subverts the structural framework of the skin, giving rise to wrinkles and sagging skin. Free radicals also arise from internal, metabolic reactions like glycation from elevated blood sugar, so simply avoiding exposure to UV light is not adequate for optimal protection.

Oxidative stress plays a central role in initiating and driving events that cause skin aging at the cellular level. Oxidative stress breaks down protein (collagen), alters cellular renewal cycles, damages DNA, and promotes the release of pro-inflammatory mediators (cytokines), which trigger the generation of inflammatory skin diseases. It is also established that free radicals participate in the pathogenesis of allergic reactions in the skin.

In addition to the skin’s antioxidant defense, epidermal immune cells called Langerhans cells help protect the skin by recognizing antigens (foreign substances) and inducing antibody defense responses. As observed in aging skin there is a reduced number of immune Langerhans cells, thereby affecting skin’s ability to ward off stressors or infection that may impact its health. This is critical, because with advancing age, skin immunity declines, increasing the incidence of infection, malignancies and structural deterioration (skin aging).

The Anti-aging Skin Contributing factors – Elevated Blood Sugar Levels and Glycation

While external factors such as sun exposure can accelerate extrinsic skin aging, scientific evidence points to another culprit:

Glucose-driven intrinsic aging – Glucose is a vital cellular fuel. However, based on the accelerated rate of aging seen in diabetics, chronic glucose exposure has long been known to affect how the body ages by a process called glycation. Besides that there is very strong scientific evidence that glycation reactions are promoted by oxidative stress which lead to the production of reactive oxygen species in the skin.

This attack on the skin’s structural support system underwrites to the aging of tissues and when accelerated by hyperglycemia, to the gradual development of diabetic complications. Not surprisingly, collagen abnormalities with aging and in diabetes share similar roots and have widespread consequences for the skin, such as thinning, discoloration, loss of elasticity, and tendency to rashes and infections. It is because of these known complications, that the anti-aging skin is the concern of many. Therefore if this concerns you too then you need to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for further and more professional medication.

The Anti-aging Skin Contributing Factors – Extrinsic Factors in Premature Skin Aging

Protecting the Skin Structures for beauty

January 10, 2015

Protecting the Skin Structures for beauty – Skin Anatomy and Physiology

Protecting the Skin Structures for beauty. To uphold beautiful skin, and derail the rate at which it ages, the structures and functions of the skin must be enhanced and protected.

The beauty of any person is reflected on the radiance of the skin. If the skin is not glowing the whole body is faint and sad. That is why it is always a concern to everyone to keep their skin healthy. In the process of doing this a few people have succeeded while majority have failed because they made certain mistakes that caused them the beauty of their most exposed organ. This article is going to address the measures we need to take towards protecting the skin structures for beauty. Remember that matters to with the skin are very delicate and very little mistakes can be very disastrous to the skin and general health of the body. Therefore to help the situation from getting out of hand, doctor Akoury founded a health facility called AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where skin care is done professionally and anybody with any skin related complication can get solutions. It is therefore advisable that you don’t take chances with the beauty of your skin, if you have any concern however little, schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today.

Now back to the business of protecting the skin structures for beauty. We all know that the beautiful healthy skin is determined by the healthy structure and proper function of components within the skin. To uphold beautiful skin, and derail the rate at which it ages, the structures and functions of the skin must be enhanced and protected. In order to do this, doctor Akoury advices that we must fast get the knowledge of enhancement and protect the skin and most importantly the basic anatomy and composition of the skin. The skin has three major components:

Protecting the Skin Structures for beauty – Hypodermis

The hypodermis is the deepest section of the skin. The hypodermis refers to the fat tissue below the dermis that insulates the body from cold temperatures and provides shock absorption. Fat cells of the hypodermis also store nutrients and energy. The hypodermis is the thickest in the buttocks, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. As we age, the hypodermis begins to atrophy, contributing to the thinning of aging skin. This therefore makes it to be one of the structures to be protected if we’re to attain beauty.

Protecting the Skin Structures for beauty – Dermis

This is flanked by the hypodermis and the epidermis. It is a fibrous network of tissue that provides structure and resilience to the skin. While dermal thickness varies, it has an average thickness of about 2 mm. The major components of the dermis work together as a network. This mesh-like network is composed of structural proteins (collagen and elastin), blood and lymph vessels, and specialized cells called mast cells and fibroblasts. They are surrounded by a gel-like substance called the ground substance, composed mostly of glycosaminoglycan. The ground substance plays a critical role in the hydration and moisture levels within the skin.

Collagen – This is the most common structural component within the. It responsible for forming a framework that gives the skin strength and flexibility. The glycosaminoglycan moisture binding molecules enable collagen fibers to retain water and provide moisture to the epidermis.
Elastin – this is also found in the dermis and it is responsible for giving the skin its ability (skin elasticity) to return to its original shape after stretching.

In protecting the skin structures for beauty both collagen and elastin proteins are produced in specialized cells called fibroblasts, located in the upper edges of the dermis bordering the epidermis. Alongside with these are the intertwined blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, and mast cells. Remember that mast cells are specialized cells that play an important role in triggering the skin’s inflammatory response to invading microorganisms, allergens, and physical injury. The blood vessels in the dermis help in thermoregulation of the body by constricting or dilating to conserve or release heat. They also aid in immune function and provide oxygen and nutrients to the lower layers of the epidermis. These blood vessels do not extend into the epidermis. Nourishment that diffuses into the epidermis only reaches the very bottom layers. The cells in the upper layers of the epidermis are dead because they do not receive oxygen and nutrients.

The junction between the dermis and epidermis is a wave-like border that provides an increased surface area for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients between the two sections. Along this junction are projections called dermal papillae. As you age, your dermal papillae tend to flatten, decreasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the epidermis.

Protecting the Skin Structures for beauty – Epidermis

This is the outermost layer of the skin. Categorized into five horizontal layers, the epidermis actually consists of anywhere between 50 cell layers (in thin areas) to 100 cell layers (in thick areas). The average epidermal thickness is 0.1 millimeters, which is about the thickness of one sheet of paper. The epidermis acts as a protective shield for the body and totally renews itself approximately every 28 days.

Stratum basal – it is the first and deepest layer of dermis sitting directly on top of the dermis. New epidermal skin cells, called keratinocytes, are formed in this layer through cell division to replace those shed continuously from the upper layers of the epidermis. The regenerative process is referred to us skin cell renewal which decreases as we age.
Stratum spinosum – it is also known as the prickle cell layer and is composed of 8-10 layers of polygonal keratinocyte which then begins to flattened.
Granular – it is composed of 3-5 layers of flattened keratin (a tough fibrous protein giving the skin its protective properties).
Stratum lucidum – This layer is present only in the fingertips, palms, and soles of the feet. It is 3-5 layers of extremely flattened cells.
Stratum corneum – This is the top, outermost layer of the epidermis and is 25-30 layers of flattened, dead keratinocytes. This layer is the real protective layer of the skin. Keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are continuously shed by friction and replaced by the cells formed in the deeper sections of the epidermis. In between the keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are epidermal lipids that act as a cement between the skin cells. This combination of keratinocytes with interspersed epidermal lipids forms a waterproof moisture barrier that minimizes trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) to keep moisture in the skin. This moisture barrier protects against invading microorganisms, chemical irritants, and allergens. If the integrity of the moisture barrier is compromised, the skin will become vulnerable to dryness, itching, redness, stinging, and other skin care concerns.

Finally with this information of protecting the skin structures for beauty, you can now make informed decisions knowing all the components of the skin. This is very scientific and calling doctor Akoury to guide you in the resuscitation of the health of your skin would be very important. I will encourage you to make that effort of scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your journey of restoring the beauty of your skin.

Protecting the Skin Structures for beauty – Skin Anatomy and Physiology

Skin Irritants: How to Get that Glowing Look

January 6, 2015

Fighting Common Skin Irritants for a Glowing Look – Prevention & Treatment of Irritants

Fighting common skin Irritants for a glowing facial look. And once you’re no longer exposed to the irritant or allergen, redness usually vanishes.

The beauty of the skin can easily be affected by a simple skin irritation and the sooner we get to serious business of fighting common skin irritants the better for a glowing and radiant looking skin. It is important to note that individuals with sensitive skin can easily trigger an irritation even by changing the kind of soap they use leading to an outbreak of redness, stinging and itching. Things that cause skin irritations are all around us even in our homes. In fact our homes harbor most of these common skin irritants including triple-antibiotic ointments, bandage adhesives, and jewelry that contains metals such as nickel. When your skin becomes inflamed after coming in contact with one of these substances or many more the condition is called contact dermatitis. People with sensitive skin can get two types of this condition:

Irrespective of the kind of dermatitis you’re suffering from doctor Akoury will be there to help you get well as well as fighting other common skin irritants for a glowing look.

Fighting Common Skin Irritants for a Glowing Look: Irritant Contact Dermatitis

This form of skin irritants is the most common one affecting about 80% of all reported cases. Like for instance when your skin get into contact with an irritating substance, you’ll often get a reaction that resembles a burn with red, chapped, and dry skin. This skin reaction tends to be more painful than itchy. Skin irritants contact dermatitis is naturally triggered by common substances we are exposed to in our day today life like:

Strong soaps
Acetone in nail polish removers
Drain cleaners
Acids
Detergents
Plants

How this affects vary depending on the sensitivity of individual patients skin. Individuals with high skin sensitivity can develop irritation from even mild soaps and detergents they use regularly. Besides that doing house activities where your skin can be exposed to cleaning products like detergents and waxes, this can wear down the protective barriers of your skin making your skin to be vulnerable for an attack by all these irritants. Typical irritant contact dermatitis symptoms include:

Dry, cracked skin
Mild skin swelling
Blisters or painful ulcers on the skin
Stiff, tight-feeling skin

Fighting Common Skin Irritants for a Glowing Look: Allergic Contact Dermatitis

This less common form is a true allergic reaction. In allergic contact dermatitis, the immune system responds to a substance that touches the skin. You can become allergic to the substance after one exposure or many. In fact, people can be exposed to a substance for long periods, even years, before developing an allergy. Common sources of allergic contact dermatitis include:

Fragrances
Preservatives
Cosmetics
Poison ivy
Topical antibiotics
Rubber or latex
Metals in jewelry, such as nickel

Some people are also allergic to over-the-counter topical triple-antibiotic ointments. All told, thousands of substances can cause allergic dermatitis. When a person who has become sensitized to an allergen becomes exposed by touching the substance, symptoms, such as itching and skin inflammation, are often delayed. They can show up anywhere from a few hours to as many as four days after contact. Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis include:

Reddened skin
Darkened, leathery, cracked skin
Dry, scaly patches of skin
Burning or intense itching
Blisters that ooze
Hives
Sun sensitivity
Swelling in the eyes, face or genital area

In addition, some people get a form called photo allergic contact dermatitis. This type happens only after the skin touches certain substances and then comes in contact with sunlight. These substances may include:

Lime juice
Sunscreens
Aftershave lotions
Antibiotics and some perfumes

Fighting Common Skin Irritants for a Glowing Look: Finding the Source of Skin Irritnts

If you suspect that a certain product or substance is causing your dermatitis, avoid it and watch whether your rash improves.

But it’s not always easy to pinpoint a specific cause. For example, your eyelids may be chronically dry, red and flaky, but what’s to blame: your eye shadow, eyeliner, makeup remover, or overnight eye cream?

Sometimes, people have no clue at all — they get a rash, but they can’t recall the substances that have touched their skin. Or their facial skin becomes inflamed, leading them to suspect a face product. In fact, they might have unwittingly transferred a substance from their hands to their face. The substance doesn’t affect the hands, but the more sensitive facial skin will react.

If you can’t figure out the source of irritation, see a dermatologist. He or she will quiz you about your job, household chores, hobbies, drug and cosmetics use, and other factors in order to gain clues about the root of the problem.

Your doctor may also do testing. No test can be performed for irritant contact dermatitis. But your doctor may do patch testing to see if you’re sensitive to various types of allergens that are known to cause dermatitis. Small patches of these substances are placed on your skin for one to two days so that your doctor can check if a rash develops.

Fighting Common Skin Irritants for a Glowing Look: Prevention & Treating Contact Dermatitis

To relieve itching, contact dermatitis is commonly treated with:

Oral or topical steroids
Oral antihistamines
Skin emollients
Oatmeal baths

Once you’re no longer exposed to the irritant or allergen, redness usually vanishes after a week. But itching, scaling, and temporary skin thickening may go on for days or weeks. You can also take steps to protect your sensitive skin from developing contact dermatitis. For example:

Once you’ve identified an offending substance, avoid it. Wear gloves or protective clothing to prevent exposing your skin to cleansers, weeds, and other substances during housework or yard work. If your skin makes contact, wash the substance off right away with soap and water.
Learn to recognize poison ivy and poison oak.
Use mild, unscented laundry detergent.
If you have sensitive facial skin, consider using gentle, soap-free, liquid cleansers. Or use a moisturizing soap that’s free of fragrance and dyes.
Don’t scrub your face vigorously with a rough washcloth or buff puff. Instead, cleanse gently and pat dry.
Avoid deodorant or antibacterial soaps.
Choose moisturizers, sunscreens, and cosmetics that are fragrance-free and don’t contain acids or botanical ingredients. Physical sun blocks that contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide are less likely to cause skin problems than chemical sunscreens.
Test cosmetics and personal care products before using. Apply a small amount of the new product twice a day to a small patch of skin near the inside of your elbow. If no irritation occurs in that spot after a week, you can try using the product.

Protect your skin by applying petroleum jelly or a thick, moisturizing cream two or three times a day. The objective of fighting common skin irritants may not be realized if the experts are not adequately involved. Therefore scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury an expert in skincare with over two decades experience of practice would be the starting point. The beauty of your skin is and must be your number one priority. Call doctor Akoury today for that very important appointment.

Fighting Common Skin Irritants for a Glowing Look – Prevention & Treatment of Irritants

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