Skincare and Inflammation - Triggers, Allergies or just Sensitivity

What Causes Skin Inflammation

Inflammation caused by skin diseases are the most common case seen in dermatology. The vary in severity, from itching or redness to dermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea. Dermatologist tend to categorise such conditions as acute or chronic. Acute inflammation can be caused by allergens, chemical irritants, hair dyes and generally gets better within 1 – 2 weeks after no exposure to the irritants. However chronic inflammation is quite serious and causes more long-term problems for the skin. As the skin defensive cells start to protect the skin from any foreign substances, they actually cause more damage and inflammation; causing red, dry itchy patches. Due to this repeated cycle of irritation the skin doesn’t have a chance to heal properly therefore causes skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. 

                                      

Types of Inflammatory conditions

Acne Vulgaris, Rosacea, Psoriasis, Eczema, Ichthyosis, Vitiligo, Hives, Seborrheic dermatitis

 

Since when do we Suffer from Skin Inflammation

Skin conditions can form from an early age, babies and toddlers may suffer with various skin conditions. For example, most commonly the condition known as eczema is treated by many dermatologists. However, as we grow up and skin becomes more immune to certain irritants and if eczema is treated early on whilst we are still children, this condition can be soothed and, in some cases, cured. Adults who had eczema as children may notice that they are prone to skin dryness and perhaps when dealing with stressful times they may have a flare- up. The flare-up might just be in some areas that can be easily treated with emollients or soothing topical lotions. The best advice may be to consult a dermatologist if you notice any changes in the skin or if your experiencing dryness or any prolonged irritation. 

It Might Just be Sensitivity

Sensitive skin is a common condition where skin can show symptoms (dry skin, irritation, eczema, redness) or non-apparent such as burning sensation, itching or stinging, this then leads to chronic conditions as we mentioned earlier that can cause eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.

Hypersensitive skin is also known as skin that is more reactive to external factors of varying temperatures that are well tolerated by normal skin. A more extreme attribute of sensitive skin, hypersensitive skin is felt by heat or burning sensations and visible skin reactions. When this type of skin comes into direct contact with triggers or external pressures such as chemicals, fragrances, sunlight symptoms can worsen

 

Causes and Triggers of Sensitivity

1. Environmental factor
   Extreme temperature changes, Heat, Cold, Wind, Sun, Pollution
   
   
2. Psychological factors
   Anger, Medications, Extreme emotions, Stress
   
   
3. External factors
   Chemical irritants, Spices (foods), Alcohol, Fragrances, Laundry detergents, Swimming pools, Dry, hard water, shower water

Treatments Plans and Remedies

As noted by many dermatologists the most effective prescription creams for treating inflammation are the corticosteroids, especially the glucocorticoid strain steroids. They are highly effective for many skin conditions such as eczema, including atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and reducing symptoms of psoriasis. 

However, these are not as effective to treat acute inflammation, skin conditions which tend to flare up progressively get worse if too harsh creams are used. In these situations, CBD oils have been proven to be effective to relief and soothe the skin where corticosteroids may perhaps be too strong. 

 

 

Ingredients to avoid 

If you tend to suffer with sensitive skin and are prone to allergies, or notice skin irritations, it’s advised to check the products you’re currently using in terms of the ingredient list. Harsh chemicals or reactive substances may cause further irritation to delicate skin. Its best to avoid strong ingredients such as Aluminium, DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine), DMDM HYDANTOIN & UREA (Imidazolidinyl), Mineral oil, PARABENS (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl), PEG (Polyethylene glycol), Phthalates, PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG) & BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES), SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES, and TRICLOSAN. 

Dermatologists also advise the use of ‘Hypoallergenic', '0%' or 'pure' formulas that have reduced amount of ingredients that are free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, paraffins (including parabens), alcohol, emulsifiers, and colourants. Many skin conditions can be effectively managed or treated through the correct care, treatment plans, dermatologist supervision or even general advice from the pharmacy can set you in the right direction