Tips on Taking Care of Your Skin

The skin is the largest organ of our body, which shields the internal tissues from exogenous factors. The skin acts as a huge sensory recipient through which the sensation of heat, cold and pain is perceived and maintains a constant temperature of the body. 1

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is a condition caused by the feeling of cutaneous reaction when our skin comes into contact with cosmetics, soaps and sunscreen, a condition that worsens after exposure to dry and cold climates. 1

 

Causes

The upper layer of the skin consists of a permeability barrier called a stratum corneum, which is responsible for the protection and defence functions of the skin. 2

Stratum corneum

·       Protects against bacteria and other factors that progress LOIMWXEIS3

·       Protects the stratum corneum from dehydration 3

·       Protects against exogenous factors such as chemicals and temperature 3

The disorders of the stratum corneum are the main cause of sensitive skin. These changes can be caused by extraneous factors such as weather conditions, air conditioner, skin cleansing products, personal care products and clothing. 1

Causes and symptoms

Although no cause of irritation is usually detected, there is constantly a feeling of itching, burning and tightening. 1

Age is also an important factor that contributes to skin sensitivity because the skin is more fragile and prone to endogenous or extrinsic irritants during childhood and old age. 1

Hydration of the skin is very important for maintaining healthy skin, regardless of the presence or absence of underlying skin disorders. Dehydration and dryness of the skin that is left unattended can lead to skin changes, like skin inflammation. 1

There are several products that you can use to control or improve various aspects of sensitive skin. Most dermatologists recommend moisturizing creams that contain a combination of ingredients, including hygroscopic agents (eg propylene glycol) that enhance skin hydration by attracting and retaining water in the skin. 1.2

Bibliography:

  1. Berardesca E, Farage M, Maibach H. Sensitive skin: an overview. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2013 Feb;35(1):2-8. 2. Norlén L. Stratum corneum keratin structure, function and formation – a comprehensive review. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2006 Dec;28(6):397-425. 3. NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Skin conditions. 2017. Διατίθεται στη διεύθυνση: https://medlineplus.gov/skinconditions.html

  2. Levin J and Miller R. A Guide to the Ingredients and Potential Benefits of Over-the-Counter Cleansers and Moisturizers for Rosacea Patients. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011 Aug; 4 (8): 31–49.

 

Minor accidents at home, such as superficial burns and scalds

Causes

Superficial burns are among the most frequent minor injuries occurring at home. Burns are caused to the skin when exposed to high temperatures. 2

  • 86% of the burns are caused by some heat source: more often due to fire, hot fluid or contact with hot surface. Scalding injuries are caused by exposure to hot water in the bathtub or shower, as well as from exposure to hot beverages, oil or steam. 2, 3

  • 4% are electric burns: (caused by electricity) 3

 

Signs and symptoms

The frequent symptoms include the following: 3

  • Redness around the ailing area

  • Swelling

  • Mild pain

  • Humidity at the point

 

Bibliography:

  1. Hellenic Ministry of Health and Welfare Centre for research and prevention of injuries among the Young (ce.re.pri.). European Home and Leisure Accident surveillance. Annual EHLASS report Greece 2002. Dept of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Athens University Medical School; 2002.

 

Skin irritation from the sun

Causes

Sunlight reaches the earth in the form of visible and invisible radiation or waves.

Short-length waves, such as ultraviolet radiation (UV), can penetrate the upper layers of the skin and reach the deepest layers, where they can damage or destroy

skin cells due to solar burn. 1

Young children should be especially protected from the harmful rays of the sun, because most damage from the sun is caused during childhood. 2

 

Signs and symptoms

As with all burns, sunburns cause skin to blush, become hot and painful.

Frequent and prolonged exposure to UV rays over a number of years can cause

skin lesions such as skin cancer, wrinkles and aging spots. 1

 

Bibliography:

  1. Berman K. Sun protection. U.S National Library of Medicine. 2017. Διατίθεται στη διεύθυνση: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000378.htm.

  2. American Academy of Pediatrics. Προσαρμογή από: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age Five. 2015. Διατίθεται στη διεύθυνση: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/Sunburn-Treatment-and-Prevention.aspx

Skin abrasions

Causes

The term “skinning” is a general term used to identify situations where some part of the body appears to be red and with some degree of skin irritation.

These skin irritations can be caused by sweat, abrasion of leather with a garment or prolonged contact with an irritant agent. 1

Sports activities

Abrasions and skin irritations often occur in people who exercise. They are usually caused by repeated friction between two surfaces of the skin or between the skin and the athletic equipment. 1

For example, irritation can occur inside the thighs and armpits in runners, cyclists and hikers, on the inner side of the thumb to people involved in tennis, rowing, weightlifting, Motorcyclist or people using fitness equipment, as well as inside the tibia in skiers and Achilles heel to climbers. 1

Signs and symptoms

Some of the mild symptoms of skin abrasions are as follows: 1

  • Dermal redness

  • Local/Mild pain

  • Burning sensation

  • tingling sensation (Sting)

Bibliography:

  1. Club A. Soreness. Prevention and treatment. Pharmaceutical field. Dermo pharmacy. 2011; 30 (5): 34-40.

 

Superficial Dermatological Treatments and Tattoos

Dermatologic Therapies

Causes

Dermatologic interventions help to obtain a more youthful appearance removing the external layers of the skin that have suffered most lesions and promoting the development of new, healthy skin cells.

Skin regeneration includes a variety of non-surgical therapies, such as lasers, peeling chemicals and dermo curettage. 1

Signs and symptoms

After a dermatologic micro-surgery, patients may not notice any noticeable change until they have passed a few weeks after the procedure. Problems that may occur after the process include the following: 2

  • The treated area may be pink or red for four to eight hours after treatment.

  • Patients may also feel a mild bite. This feeling usually subsides within four to six hours.

 

Tattoo

Causes

To become a tattoo, use a special tool with a needle that is immersed in coloured ink and then applied to the skin. The needle penetrates the skin through the epidermis and enters the papyl layer of the dermis, where the particles of ink accumulate.

Signs and symptoms

Each new tattoo goes through a specific healing process that is divided into three stages.

  • First stage (days 1-6)-secretion of viscous fluid, swelling and redness. It’s starting to form a tractor over the area.

  • Second stage (days 7-14)-the itching and exfoliation begins.

  • Third stage (days 15-30)-the tattoo seems to have healed completely, however repairing the deepest layers of the skin continues. Therefore, it is recommended that you continue to take care of your tattoo with a regenerating cream that will help this process and will protect the colours of the tattoo at the same time.

The requests for tattoo removal are constantly increasing. The tattoos are removed by using special lasers that may result in the skin becoming red for a few days. 3,4 After removing the tattoo it is very important to follow Carefully the care instructions that follow the removal procedure. Also keep the area clean and do not rub the skin. 4

Bibliography:

  1. The American Board of Cosmetic surgery. Skin Resurfacing Guide. 2017. Available at: http://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/no.

  2. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDs). Lasert/Light Therapy. 2017 available at: https://www.asds.net/Laser-Light-Therapy-Info/

  3. Khunger N, et al. Complications of tattoos and tattoo removal: Stop and think before you ink. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2015 Jan-Mar? 8 (1): 30 – 36. 4. New Look laser tattoo removal. Aftercare. Have the best results. 2017. Διατίθεται στη διεύθυνση: http://www.newlookhouston.com/After-Tattoo-Removal

 

Hair Removal

Waxing is part of the daily routine beauty of many men and women, who may use several methods of epilation for the face and various parts of the body, including permanent hair removal methods. It is important to know how to properly use hair removal techniques to avoid hair growth in the skin or mild skin irritation that may occur after waxing with a wax or razor. Indeed, razor blades are the most common cause of injury when waxing among young women. 1

Laser hair removal has become a leading treatment choice for long-term hair removal. Laser and IPL (Intense pulsed light) can be applied anywhere in the body. They present the best results in women with dark hair and light skin, but they are not very effective in white or blonde hairs. After a laser session, the skin may show irritation, swelling or redness. New laser technologies are developed to improve efficiency, safety and comfort for women and men of all skin types. 2

Bibliography:

  1. Swain TA. Hair removal-related injuries in the United States, 1991-2014. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016;15(4):444-451.

  2. Gan SD. Laser hair removal: A review. Dermatol Surg. 2013 Jun;39(6):823-38.

 

Superficial Burns

Superficial skin burns (eg sunburn, mild scalding, instant burning that causes redness of the skin but without skin rash or pustules) do not require a bandage, however it is advisable to apply a softening or moisturizing product , to sore and red skin. 1

It is important to seek medical attention immediately in case of severe burns. It is advisable to see your doctor if you experience extensive oedema, pain or fluid loss in the affected area or if you suffer from a high fever. 2

Bibliography :

  1. Douglas HE, Wood F. Burns dressings. Aust Fam Physician. 2017 Mar; 46 (3): 94-97. 2. Schaefer T, Szymanski K. Burns, Evaluation And Management. StatPearls [Internet] . Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2017.

 

Exposure to the sun

If you or your children are sunburned, follow these steps: 1

  • Get out of the sun as soon as possible – go indoors or in a shady place. 2

  • Make cool baths to reduce heat.

  • Apply moisturizer to relieve the discomfort caused by dryness. When you get out of the bathtub, wipe gently leaving some water on your skin. Then apply a deep moisturizing cream to trap the water in your skin.

  • Drink extra water to avoid dehydration.

  • Avoid exposure to the sun, until the skin has healed completely.

Bibliography :

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs. 2017. Available at: https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs

  2. NHS Inform. Sunburn. What to do if you are sunburnt. 2017. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/injuries/skin-injuries/sunburn

 

Skin Scratches

Cleansing the skin, good drying and daily hydration will reduce the risk of scratches and help keep the skin in perfect condition. Use soap-free cleansers and apply a moisturizer after the bath to moisturize the skin and keep it in good shape. 1

After sports activities, apply specialized cream containing moisturizing agents. In this way, it not only soothes the skin but also hydrates it.

The regeneration process is usually delayed on dry skin and therefore, it is preferable to keep the area hydrated for as long as possible. 2

Bibliography :

  1. Fraser B. Aging skin and the importance of skin integrity assessment. 2017. Available at: https://healthtimes.com.au/hub/aged-care/2/practice/bf1/aging-skin-and-the-importance-of-skin-integrity-assessment/2/.

  2. Garrote A. Escoceduras. Prevención y tratamiento. Ámbito farmacéutico. Dermopharmacology. 2011; 30 (5): 34-40.

 

Dermatological treatments and tattoos

After dermatological treatments, such as laser reconstruction and exfoliation, as well as tattoo removal, the treated areas may develop swelling, redness, and itching. The dermatologist usually recommends that you keep the treated area moisturized by applying specialized cream and daily changing the dressing. 1.2

Keep in mind that regeneration takes several days, depending on the depth of reconstruction and the type of laser used for dermatological treatment or tattoo removal2

Bibliography :

  1. The American board of cosmetic surgery. Skin resurfacing guide. 2017. Available at: http: //www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center .

  2. Binhlam JQ. Laser resurfacing. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. 2017. Available at: https://www.asds.net/LaserResurfacingInformation.aspx

 

Hair Removal

Waxing may cause mild skin irritation. In case of dry or exfoliated skin, moisturizing lotions can provide relief.