Skin is a living organ and is highly specialised. We have skin to help maintain our body temperature, to protect the underlying tissues, as part of the immune system, for sensation, maintaining shape and to
aid movement. Skin consists of a top layer (epidermis), a middle layer (dermis) and a subcutaneous
layer (which lies beneath the dermis).
The importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle can play a huge role in maintaining healthy skin. Here are some useful tips:
- Ensure that you consume a diet high in fruit and vegetables. Good nutrition is reflected in
healthy vibrant skin.
- Try to drink at least 1.5 litres of water every day as this will hydrate the whole body.
- Stop smoking! We all know the terrible effects of cigarettes on our overall health and this
includes our skin.
- Limit your exposure to the sun.
One of the well known associations with skin is its ability to tan or burn. This response to sunlight
depends on the number of melanocytes (cells that produce melanin pigment) in the skin and is under hereditary control. Melanin is vital for protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It is important not to deliberately try to tan skin because this is essentially damaging it, even if it isn’t burnt in the process. Repeated tanning of skin results in premature ageing, dryness and other forms of sun damage (such
as patches of pigmentation and scabby areas called solar keratoses). Once this damage has
occurred it is difficult to reverse.
When choosing sunscreens, Factor 30 is the maximum protection available in Australia. Sweating will remove ordinary sunscreens, so always buy water resistant products. There are several brands of low allergy sunscreens available and people with eczema or sensitive skin are advised to purchase them.
Zinc cream is a good choice for recently sun damaged or recently scarred skin as it does not wash off.
Remember, prevention is better than cure!
Common Problems
Sunburn
Sunburn is very common. Mild redness should respond to a moisturiser
such as sorbolene cream with vitamin E or the gel of the aloe vera cactus.
It is important not to use scented products or products not designed for sensitive skin. Extensively blistered sunburn should be reviewed by a doctor, as there are some prescription creams that may be used on the burns, and associated conditions (such as heat stroke) may also need to be managed. Blisters should not be deliberately burst as they are a sterile dressing for the healing skin underneath.
Dry Skin
Dry skin appears to be generally scaly and flaky, and usually small lines and creases may be seen. Twice daily moisturising with sorbolene, vitamin E
and glycerol (or other moisturising products) and not using soap when
bathing are usually enough to avoid the problem, and don’t forget to ensure you are drinking plenty of water. Sun damage and overheating will worsen
the appearance of dry skin.
Eczema
Eczema is an immune response within the skin in reaction to something in
the environment. The symptoms vary from mild eczema (redness, mild itch)
to more severe eczema (weeping, cracked, bleeding, red irritable skin). There is a strong hereditary tendency to eczema and an association with hay fever and asthma. Contrary to common belief, only 1% of cases of eczema are due to food allergy. Most patients with the condition will notice it is worse with heat, dryness, wool, soap, perfumed lotions and some sunscreens. Avoiding overheating, and moisturising and cleaning the skin with sorbolene or soap-free washes are the mainstay of prevention and treatment of eczema. Steroid creams and some newer medications may be needed (under medical supervision). Eczema is very common in young children and the majority of patients will find it improves or goes away with time. |
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Dermatitis and Infections
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a localised reaction to something in contact with the skin, and this may often be easy to identify (such as skin lotion, perfumed soap or detergent). It is basically very similar to eczema in appearance and treatment method. With dermatitis it is important to identify and hence avoid the trigger for the reaction.
Infections
Infections of the skin are usually bacterial, viral or fungal. Viral infections of the skin are common in children and may appear as red dots (eg measles) or multiple raised blisters (eg chicken pox). Bacterial infections may be pustules or may crust on the skin’s surface (as does impetigo) or travel underneath the skin (cellulitis). Fungal infections are usually slow growing and may mimic eczema and dermatitis. The treatment is different however, as steroid creams will only encourage the growth of fungi. If you suspect a skin infection, it is very important to see your GP in order to get proper treatment for it. |
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Acne
Acne is mainly a problem with blockage of glands in the skin. The glands expand with the pressure of secretions and a red angry inflammatory (immune) reaction occurs. This may be seen as a raised
lump under the skin with surrounding redness. It commonly then becomes infected with bacteria and
may become a pustule (white head) or an abscess (an infected cyst). There is a strong hormonal
influence as the underlying cause in patients with acne, so it is more common in teenagers and in
women just before their period or around menopause. It is also easily treatable. For those that have
acne, it may be a source of self consciousness, low self esteem and not infrequently it causes
depression. The most effective treatments usually involve reducing the hormonal fluctuations with the
oral contraceptive pill (females only), antibiotics to decrease infective complications and as a last
resort Retinoic acid as either an oral medication or as a lotion.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis occurs in about 2% of the population and although it clusters in families, it is not directly hereditary. The condition is characterised by silvery scaly areas with redness surrounding them,
especially on the knees, elbows and anywhere where there is a tendency to rubbing or trauma. It is
due to too rapid turnover of the immature skin cells (keratinocytes). Stress can often precipitate an
outbreak of psoriasis, so it is important to learn to manage it. Treatments for psoriasis include
emollients, salicylic acid, tars, steroid ointments, vitamin D and A derivatives and occasionally tablets.
Skin Cancers
Skin cancers are of three main types – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
All are associated with sun exposure.
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Squamous cell carcinomas usually develop from a solar keratosis (a flaky, firm, red area of abnormal skin which is commonly removed by freezing; usually there are many of them). One
in two hundred solar keratoses turn into a squamous cell carcinoma and the earliest signs
of this are that the solar keratosis becomes nodular at its base.
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Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer. Half will arise from a pre-existing mole
(especially irregular ones that are larger) and half arise from normal skin. This type of skin
cancer is not necessarily pigmented. As early diagnosis gives an excellent chance of cure,
any mole that is changing in colour or size, growing upwards or is new should be reviewed
by a doctor.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Most skin cancers, particularly if caught early, are treatable. You should make sure you get your skin
checked annually at your GP or a skin cancer clinic. It is also a good idea to once a month check your
own skin for changes in moles and also for new moles. Cover up in the sun and wear a high protection sunscreen and a hat when outdoors in order to avoid sunburn.
© Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Limited 2006
Produced by API, 11 Grand Avenue, Camellia NSW 2142 ABN 57 000 004 320
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made and all reasonable care taken to ensure the accuracy of the
information contained in this booklet, to the extent permitted by API, their agents and employees:
a. will not be held liable or responsible in any way; and
b. expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any loss (including, without limitation, any
injury, claim, suit, damage, cost and expense) arising out of or incurred in connection with any
reliance on the contents of this booklet by any person and irrespective of whether such loss
arises out of API’s negligence or otherwise.
