Whelehans Pharmacy: Dry Skin
Dry skin
There are many causes of dry skin; common causes include conditions like dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. I discussed Eczema previously in the Examiner so this week I give a more general overview of dry skin causes.
Dermatitis
The simple definition of dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. Different types of dermatitis include contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Symptoms include swollen, reddened and itchy skin. 80% of dermatitis cases are “contact dermatitis”, caused by an allergic response to a substance your skin has been in contact. This can include latex, detergents or jewelry such as nickel. Symptoms are often mild. Treatment involves avoiding contact with the offending substance. Skin hydration with an emollient is important. A topical steroid such as hydrocortisone 1% cream available in pharmacy may be required.
Eczema
Eczema is a type of dermatitis called atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that involves a complex interaction between environmental and genetic factors. It generally starts in childhood with many people growing out of it. Eczema affects over 30 percent of children before they reach school age and 1 to 3 percent of adults. It is very often inherited. There is very often a link with asthma and hay fever. Eczema has become more common in recent years, the cause of this is uncertain. Skin hydration can control eczema and in more severe cases, steroid creams may be temporarily required.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition which affect between 1 to 3% of the population. It is caused by inflammation of the skin. It typically develops as patches of red, scaly skin. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis (about 80% of cases). Its symptoms are dry, red skin lesions, known as plaques that are covered in silver scales. They normally appear on elbows, knees, scalp and lower back but can appear anywhere on the body. The plaques are normally itchy, sore, or both. In severe cases the skin around your joints may crack and bleed. Skin hydration is important; other treatment options for more severe psoriasis include topical steroids, vitamin D analogues (eg. Dovonex® cream) and coal tar preparations.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is characterised by red, scaly patches that develop on the scalp, face, and upper trunk. It is more likely to affect men than women. It is commonly aggravated by changes in humidity, changes in seasons, trauma (eg, scratching), or emotional stress. The usual onset occurs with puberty. It peaks at age 40 years and is less severe in older people. Approximately 1 to 3 percent of adults suffer from seborrhoeic dermatitis. Dandruff is a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis and is estimated to affect 15 to 20 percent of the population. The cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis is unknown. There is evidence that a type of fungus called malassezia has an influence. Seborrhoeic dermatitis most commonly affects the sides of the nose and the nasolabial folds (skin folds that run from each side of nose to corner of mouth), eyebrows, glabella (space between eyebrows and above the nose) and scalp. There are many treatment options for seborrhoeic dermatitis. Shampoos containing the antifungal ingredient ketoconazole or ciclopirox are most effective in the control of scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis including dandruff.
To be continued…next week I discuss prevention and treatment of dry skin
For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore). Find us on Facebook.