Major Skin Problems

Most of us do not know this fact that skin is the largest organ that our body has. It is the largest both in terms of the surface area and weight. The importance of the skin as an organ is often overlooked and we tend not to take proper care of it that leads to a lot of skin problems. Our skin plays the vital role of protecting the vital inner organs of our body. It gives protections against outside foreign agents like bacteria, dust and harmful chemicals and also helps in regulating the body temperature. Taking proper care and giving nourishment to the skin is of utmost importance, failing which we can be a target to various skin problems, few of which are discussed below.

Acne

This is one of the most commonly found skin problems that affect a lot of population throughout the world. This skin condition is created due to malfunctioning of oil glands which are present under our skin. The pores of the skin are connected to the oil glands underneath by small tubes known as follicle. When due to the malfunction of the glands this follicle gets clogged, then acnes appear on the skin. They may cause scars if not treated early with the prescription of a doctor.

Dry skin

Dry skin or xerosis is a very common skin condition characterized by a lack of the appropriate amount of water in the epidermis. Symptoms include discomfort from skin tightness and itching. To prevent dry skin , avoid harsh soaps and chemical cleansers that disrupts skin moisture levels. If untreated, dry skin may result in complications, including rashes, eczema, secondary bacterial infections, cellulitis, and skin discoloration.

Home remedies for dry skin

• Treatment generally requires more frequent and regular applications of emollients and moisturizers.
• Natural masks can be used to deal with facial dry skin. Apply a mask made of wheat flour, turmeric powder and mustard oil and after 30 min, wash off with luke warm water. Also consider a mask using honey and milk.
• Yogurt makes an excellent cleanser with a mild exfoliating action that will remove dry skin and leave you feeling refreshed and comfortable. Its a safe exfoliant for very dry skin as it exfoliates using lactic acid, instead of scrubbing granules.
• Dab on extra virgin olive oil which will eliminate dryness.

Eczema

This is considered to be a variant of dermatitis called atopic dermatitis. This skin disorder is generally characterized by dryness of skin with a feeling of itchiness and rashes on several parts of the body like face, hands, behind knees and elbows etc. There is no known definite reason for Eczema and the treatment is based on the family history and personal health condition.

Home remedies for eczema

• A careful washing routine is important if you have eczema. Preferably use to warm water for baths and showers. A warm bath containing added eczema-soothing ingredients like oatmeal or baking soda can be very effective in easing itchiness and relieving pain.
• Indulge in a moisturising wash as well as apply plenty of moisturiser afterwards.
• Choose a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh or highly fragranced soaps.
• Don’t scrub at your skin, and gently pat yourself dry before slathering on plenty of moisturiser while your skin is still damp. Moisturising skin soon after washing helps seal in moisture. Emollient creams and ointments are more effective than lotions.
• Use organic coconut oil which is a highly effective moisturizer. Apply the oil on eczema patches all over the body and allow to sink in.

Herbal Eczema Treatment

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a spreading bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin. The bacteria Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are usually responsible for this skin condition. Sometimes cellulitis appears in areas where the skin has broken open, such as the skin near ulcers or surgical wounds. It can be treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics. It usually begins as a small area of pain and redness on the skin which spreads to surrounding tissues, resulting in the typical signs of inflammation , redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. If not properly treated, cellulitis can occasionally spread to the bloodstream and cause a serious bacterial infection of the bloodstream that spreads throughout the body.

Home remedies for cellulitis

• Cellulitis can be effectively treated with oral antibiotics at home.
• When undergoing treatments for cellulites, you should take lots of vegetables and fruits which are low in calories. Alternatively, you can take fresh juices made using vegetables and fruits.
• Garlic, best known for anti-bacterial activities helps in destroying the bacteria causing skin infection. It has to be consumed directly or in the form oil until the infected person is cured from contamination.
• Yoghurt acts on skin infection by eliminating the bacterial actions. The infected person has to consume two cups of this natural cure which increases the good bacteria count in the body and helps in building the immune system effectively.
• Pineapple is the natural cure for cellulitis as it contains an enzyme named bromelain. Pineapple has to be consumed in supplement form as a part of daily diet to remove the cellulitis completely.
• Water is an efficient and prominent cure against bacterial infections caused on human body. By taking large amount of water, the bad bacteria are flushed out by constant urination that decreases bad effects on skin.

Sun damage

Prolonged exposure to the the sun can induce premature skin aging, skin cancer, and many other skin changes. Many skin changes that were commonly believed to be due to aging, such as easy bruising, are actually a result of protracted exposure to the sun. Skin texture changes caused by UV exposure include thick skin in coarse wrinkles, especially on the back of the neck and thinning of the skin causing fine wrinkles, easy bruising, and skin tearing, particularly on the forearms and back of the hands.

Skin color changes caused by sun exposure are common. The most noticeable sun-induced pigment change is brown spots . Moles are usually seen in sun-exposed areas. Although it is normal to acquire new moles from childhood through young adulthood, their formation is stimulated by the sun.

Home remedies for sun damage

• Wear sunblock everyday regardless of your skin color and whether it is raining or sunny. Put enough sunblock on to cover any exposed skin. Ensure that your sunblock contains both broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection to prevent sun damage.
• Make a mixture of one tbsp. of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a half-cup of water. Apply to your skin with a cotton pad and let dry. Wash off with warm water after 30 minutes. Lemon juice contains natural glycolic and alpha hydroxy acids that help to gently exfoliate the superficial layer of skin cells to improve rough skin texture and uneven complexion due to sun damage.
• Apply honey to your face and other exposed areas of the body as a rejuvenating mask and cleanser. Spread a thin layer onto the skin and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Wash off the honey with warm water and pat the skin dry. Honey, particularly the dark varieties, contains high levels of natural, healing antioxidants that help reduce free-radical damage on the skin due to exposure to the sun, pollution and stress. They work by improving texture, tone and moisture in the skin.

Moles

Moles usually are small, round brown spots but they sometimes can be larger. They can be pink, skin-colored or black. Some are flat and smooth while some are raised above the skin like a slight bump. Most moles are normal. Atypical moles, which are seen in non-sun-exposed areas serve as an indicator that the person with these types of moles may be prone to developing melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Psoriasis

Scaling of the skin with visible swelling along with it, is termed as Psoriasis. Psoriasis can be of many forms but most of them cause red, usually thick silver colored scales to appear on various parts of the patient’s body. These patches can cause discomfort like soaring and itching and are generally formed on the scalp, elbow, face, palm, back or feet. This ailment is a bit difficult to diagnose because of its similarity with other skin problems, the doctor may go for a microscopic examination of the skin and see the reaction of the patients to certain medicines to diagnose it.

Home remedies for psoriasis

• Dietary supplements may help ease psoriasis symptoms from the inside. Fish oil and vitamin D have been reported to help some sufferers. Fish oil applied directly to the skin has also been known to work well for some.
• Use products meant for sensitive skin which are free of dyes and perfumes that can irritate skin.
• Applying olive or vegetable oil to scales and patches of psoriasis can lock moisture and nutrients in.
• Lukewarm bath with Epsom salt, mineral oil, milk, or olive oil can soothe the itching and infiltrate scales and plaques. Moisturize immediately after your bath for double benefits.

Rashes

This is another very common skin condition, affecting a lot of people. These may be temporary in nature and may come and go with the exposure of some agents like Sun or chemicals. It is characterized by dryness and itching of skin and can affect the face, upper back, elbows, knees and feet. Sticking to the doctor’s advice of good skin care regime, and avoiding the agents that bring rashes out can be considered as solutions.

Home remedies for rashes

• Apply aloe vera gel which is renowned for its soothing properties. It relieves swelling and irritation.
• Oatmeal has long been known to soothe itchy and dry skin. To remedy itchy skin, fill a bathtub with warm water and one cup of rolled oats. Soak for at least twenty minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
• Olive oil is another natural cure that can be applied topically to moisturize and soothe skin rashes. It will nourish the cracked and itchy skin that is common with rashes while relieving the itch temporarily.
• Vitamin E, in capsule form, can be used directly on the skin. To apply, break open a vitamin capsule and apply directly on the skin as needed. This sure will soothe and nourish cracked, dry skin.

Skin Cancer

This is one of the most common form of cancer. It may be caused due to a variety of reason like chemical exposure, radiation exposure or internal body problems. Basal and squamous cell cancer are the two most common forms of skin cancer. It can affect the body parts like the face, head, arms, neck etc…

Source: Prokerala