Different skin conditions and how to deal with them
If you have sensitive skin, it is normally a sign of another condition. This can include dry skin, eczema, contact dermatitis and because the symptoms can be fairly similar, it is important to understand the different causes, preventions and treatments.
For the majority of the conditions, a few critical changes to your skincare routine can make a big difference.
Atopic dermatitis
This chronic skin condition shouldn’t be confused eczema. Dermatitis refers to skin conditions, and atopic refers to diseases caused by allergic reactions. This means that atopic dermatitis falls in the same medical category as food allergies and asthma.
Symptoms include dry, itchy and inflamed skin. The precise cause of this condition hasn’t been defined but it has been identified as a genetic condition. Skin flare-ups can be triggered by:
• Long, hot showers or baths
• Strenuous exercise
• Perspiration
• Cold, dry weather
• Stress
• Physical irritants
• Allergens
Although this condition is much more common in children, around 1 – 3 % of adults have it. What differs distinctly from children is the common body areas that are affected in adults, which are:
• The backs of the knees
• Crooks of the elbows
• The back of the neck
• The face
• Skin areas around the eyes
Despite having no permanent cure for this skin condition, reducing the severe itching and preventing it, is an important first step.
Eczema
Eczema is a very itchy rash that normally develops in early childhood but sometimes begins in adulthood. There are various types of eczema, but Atopic is the most common. A characteristic of this is dry skin that can’t properly retain a lot of moisture. Common triggers include:
Weather conditions
Environmental allergens, such as pet fur and pollen
Food allergies
Certain clothing materials
Hormonal changes
Skin infections
Although there is no cure for this chronic skin condition, there are various eczema treatments available. If you have eczema-prone skin or want more in-depth information about eczema, read this article.
Psoriasis
Identified by patches of itchy skin with an unusual appearance (usually a different colour than the rest of the body’s skin), psoriasis is a symptom of an autoimmune disorder. Common causes of this skin condition range from infections to cold, dry weather conditions, to severe sunburn. The treatment plan would depend on the cause, so it is highly recommended to visit a doctor or dermatologist if you suspect you have this condition.
Be gentle with your skin
Many of these skin conditions make your skin sensitive. That is why a good practice to adopt is to use products that are gentle on your skin. As the number one recommended brand by dermatologists, Sanex has developed a range of the best skin care products for sensitive skin, such as the Sanex Dermo Hypoallergenic Shower Gel. This is the best skin treatment for sensitive skin, especially as an eczema treatment, as it has been expertly crafted to gently clean very sensitive skin while boosting the skin’s natural defenses. To specifically address dry skin, Sanex has developed the Dermo Pro Hydrate Biome Protect Shower Gel.
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Sanex Expert Skin Health Hypoallergenic Shower Gel
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