THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT SOME COMMON SKIN INFECTIONS (PIMPLES, ECZEMA AND DANDRUFF)

SKIN CLEANLINESS

Before we look into the various skin infections, we need to first understand the skin and how it works. The skin constantly receives sweat from sweat glands; greasy matter accumulates in the sebaceous glands. If the skin is not keep clean regularly, a crust form on it, which consists of dried sweat and dirt, scales of dead skin and grease. This un-cleanliness leads to effects which are not only unpleasant but harmful. The skin pores become blocked and sweat cannot be adequately excreted. The sebaceous glands may also become blocked. Dirt also attracts germs and parasites which grow and multiply and produce many skin diseases. The dirt can also putrefy and cause a bad smell or body odour.

TAKING CARE OF THE SKIN

If you want to keep your skin healthy, you must:

1. Eat suitable food and avoid constipation.
2. Keep the skin clean by washing it thoroughly everyday with soap and water (but remember that water alone does not get rid of grease). Have a warm bath at least once a week. Warm water cleanses the body more effectively than cod water. Do not have a bath immediately after meal.
3. Rub your skin thoroughly with a rough towel to stimulate blood circulation through the skin.
4. Wear clothing of the right texture next to the skin, that is, hose, absorptive and moisture retaining clothes.
5. Exercise the body to keep your skin in good working order.

SKIN INFECTION

The skin is sometimes attacked by minor infections and diseases. Major skin infections are caused by microbes, particularly bacteria and fungi. A few common infections and their treatment are here treated. These include:

 i.                   PIMPLES

Pimples on face of teenager

You will recall that sebaceous glands keep the skin moist and soft. They are numerous on the skin on face and scalp. These glands pour their secretions (sebum) into the surface of the skin through the hair follicles.

Where the follicles are obstructed or the sebum is thick, inflammations such as pimples may develop.

(Increased production of hormones may increase the output of the oil gland). Pimples however usually disappear later in life.

Note that pimples should not be disturbed or treated except by competent medical doctors; otherwise secondary infection may set in.

SELF-HELP EFFORTS AT REDUCING PIMPLES ATTACK

1. Do not eat too much of fatty foods (e.g. nuts, chocolate, groundnut etc)
2. Keep the skin clean, wash face properly about twice each day with a washing swab or sponge, soap and warm water. Medicated soap may be used as prescribed by the doctor.
3. Do not pop (burst) the pimple. There is a risk you may push the infection further down, causing more serious blockage and worse swelling and redness. Popping pimples also increase the risk of scarring.
4. Avoid touching the face. Even though this may require some willpower, try to refrain from touching your face with your hands. Before touching your face make sure you always wash your hands with soap.
5. Make sure you have taken your entire make up off when you go to sleep. Only use makeup that is nonceomedogenic or nonacnegenic – you should be able to read this on the label.
6. If pimples are on parts of your body covered by clothing, such as your back, shoulders or chest, wear loose clothing. Whenever possible, avoid wearing headbands, caps and scarves – if you have to wear them, wash them regularly. In short – allow your skin to breathe.
7. Avoid creams and heavy lotion oil firm from these may close the pores and hair follicles.

 ii.                 ECZEMA

Eczema on skin surface

This occurs as rashes on the skin or as pimples, these become more severe and develop scabs which spread and become unsightly. Eczema commonly develops on the face or hand. It is an allergic disease which may be produced by a number of allergen such as cosmetics, soap, powders or certain types of clothing.

TREATMENT

There is no known cure for eczema; therefore, treatments aim to control the symptoms by reducing inflammation and relieving itching. Treatment may be difficult but a number of anti-allergy creams are available which have some measures of success.

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

Corticosteroids are highly effective in controlling or suppressing symptoms in most cases. These usually bring about rapid improvements but have greater side effects.

iii.              DANDRUFF

Dandruff on scalp

Dandruff is a common condition in which the outer layer of scalp peels off, producing little white scales. Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the population at the post-pubertal age and of any gender and ethnicity. It often causes itching.

In severe conditions, the flakes become large, greasy and yellowish. The scalp may be due to lack of enough oil produced by the sebaceous glands.

TREATMENT

A balanced diet, moderate exposure to sunlight and cleanliness of the hair and scalp help to clear up dandruff.

Keep the comb and brush always clean and to yourself.

Special shampoo may reduce dandruff.