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Your skin is a magnificent wrapping paper for all the organs inside you. When
something goes wrong inside you, your skin may be affected too and give a clue to
the diagnosis. For example, liver disease causes many skin changes like red palms,
white nails and dilated capillaries. The skin can get diseases which primarily affect
it too, like eczema or psoriasis.
The skin grows in two layers, the epidermis and the dermis which both sit on
a layer of fat calls called the subcutis. New cells are made in the dermis and work
their way upwards until they reach the epidermis. Here they are shed as dead cells
every month. Your skin is made of 70 per cent water and has a slightly acid surface
from sweat and skin oils like sebum. Soap is usually alkaline and frequent washing
will change the skin pH and make it more vulnerable to attack. Looking after your
skin involves protecting it from harmful radiation, keeping it at a healthy pH,
maintaining its water content and keeping the surface intact.
Any of the skin disorders which are caused by the skin drying out (eczema, sunburn)
will respond to soaking the skin in plenty of clean water or aqueous cream. A steroid
cream is sometimes applied and then water is trapped in the cells by putting an
oily or waxy cream on top. Conversely, weeping or scaling skin diseases will need
creams which dry the skin out and slow down its re-growth, like coal tar preparations.
Eczema and other skin conditions
Our skin is our largest body organ. It protects the body from injury and infection
and is an indicator of age and health. Since it is our fist line of resistance to
all the ills to which the flesh is heir, it can suffer from many disorders ranging
from the minor (dandruff) to the serious (systemic lupus erytematosus).
There are literally hundreds of skin conditions. Here are a few:
- Specific skin complaints – Acne, rosacea, psoriasis, pemphigus
- Bacterial and viral infections – Boils, impetigo, cold sores, shingles, warts
- Fungal infections – Ringworm, athlete’s foot
- Parasitic diseases – Scabies, lice
- General and congenital disorders – Moles, birthmarks, leg ulcers, bedsores
- Physical conditions – Chilblains, sunburn
- Allergic reactions to irritants – Eczema or dermatitis
Of all these the commonest is almost certainly eczema. It can appear anywhere
on the body with symptoms of itching, redness, soreness and weeping. It can be familial,
and may accompany other conditions like asthma and hay fever. Common in children
it may well clear by adulthood.
Often the results of allergic reaction to irritants, it is important to look
for and eradicate possible "triggers" – e.g. soaps, washing powders, chemicals,
and perfumes. Wetness of the skin should also be avoided. Several useful creams
are available over the counter from the chemist – discuss your needs with him /
her. If worried consult your doctor: he may prescribe a steroidal lotion or cream.
Should he/she do so, make sure you follow the application instructions implicitly.
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