Feb
11
Scaly Scalp Conditions
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What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a common scalp condition and whilst it may seem like a minor complaint, it can often make sufferers feel embarrassed and lead to loss of confidence.
It is the build up of dead cells on the scalp and it is estimated that one in four people in the UK will suffer at some time in theeir lives. It affects both men and women and is most common in people in their 30’s and 40’s.
The skin cells are shed from the scalp at a quicker rate than normal and then clump together to form visible white flakes. It is also linked to the presence of higher levels of a fungal yeast called Malassezia furfur on the scalp. The presence of this yeast accelerates the rate of skin shedding and causes irritation and inflammation.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
This is a more severe condition that affects both the scalp and other parts of the body such as the nose, ears, eyebrows, face and forehead. It is thought that the condition may be due to a reaction to the fungus Malassezia furfur.
The symptoms are red and inflamed skin, white flakes, patches of red scaly and greasy skin and occasionally yellow brown crusts on top of these patches. It is quite common for newborn babies to the condition where it is referrred to as ‘cradle cap’.
It is important to try and relieve the itching associated with the underlying condition. There are several shampoos available containing one or more of the following ingredients.
- Ciclopirox olamine and ketoconazole are topical antifungal agents. They also have anti-inflammatory properties to sooth a sore and itchy scalp.
- Salacylic acid is often added to help remove the dead skin cells from the scalp.
- Selenium sulphide reduces the output of natural oils on the scalp
- Coal tar clears the scales and relieves the itching.
The aim of any treatment is to slow down the shedding and kill the fungus causing the condition.
Scalp psoriasis
This is a long term hereditary scalp condition most often appearing between the ages of 10 and 30. Skin cells are produced at up to six times the normal rate on the scalp (and other areas such as the elbows and knees).
Understanding What Causes Dandruff
Dandruff is such a common condition for many around the world. Most individuals experience it as a result of having hair scalp that is itchy.
Beauty Tips: Remove Dandruff with the this simple tip
Remove Dandruff with the this simple tip.
Dandruff symptoms are caused by quite a few factors – excessive oil production by means of sebaceous glands, scalp as well as skin allergies due to paraben preservatives or ruthless surfactants, product build-up, or inflammation.
Dandruff has been aggravating humans for many centuries and at different times people were coming up with different ideas to improve the conditions of their scalp.
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Feb
9
Emollients – How and Why
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How do emollients work?
Emollients are made up of water, oils, fats, waxes often containing one or more of the following active ingredients:
- Liquid paraffin
- White soft paraffin
- Emulsifying ointment
They work by providing an oily layer over the surface of the skin, trapping water underneath the oily layer thus preventing evaporation and rehydrating the skin. This leads to a reduction in the penetration of irritants and allergens, soothes irritated and itchy skin and crucially avoid the use of soap products as the emollients themselves have cleansing properties.
A number of formulations are available and where possible, they should be fragrance-free.
Creams
Emollient creams contain a mixture of oils and water and feel cool on the skin. They soften and rehydrate the skin. A pump dispenser is better to avoid the possibility of contamination.
Lotions
They contain more water than creams and are especially useful for covering large areas of the body. They keep the skin soft and supple.
Soap substitutes
People wth eczema should avoid using soap as it is very drying to the skin and can cause flare-ups. It is recommended that you use a soap substitute. They do not foam like a traditional soap product but they still clean the skin.
Bath additives
They help to soothe itching, rehydrate and cleanse the skin. If possible, you should try and bathe once or twice a day for 10 to 20 minutes each time if possible. Use lukewarm water and one to three capfuls of the additive. Afterwards, the skin should be patted dry and not rubbed, followed by an application of emollient cream or lotion. Normal bubble baths should be avoided.
Wash gels
They offer the same benefits as bath additives but, since they require a shorter contact time with the skin, they can be used in the shower.
Emollients should be stroked onto the skin in the direction of the hair growth but never rubbed and should be applied liberally (250-500g per week is not unusual). They should also be applied to all parts of the body and not just the affected areas.
- Apply emollient cream after a bath with additives
- Warm emollient cream in the hands before applying
- Apply extra amounts in severe or cold weather
- Apply frequently – ideally three or four times a day
- Continue to use emollients even when the eczema has improved
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Feb
9
The first line of treatment in managing eczema is ‘complete emollient therapy’.
It is a simple effective treatment and is known to be effective in improving symptoms and minimising the risk of flare-ups. The fragrance-free products are usually better and less likely to cause irritation.
Emollients are therapeutic moisturisers that help to keep skin moist and allow it to feel more comfortable and less itchy. However, they are not often used appropriately leading to a greater use of topical steroids.
NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) have issued guidelines on using a stepped approach to eczema treatment.
Mild atopic eczema – Emollients + Mild Potency Topical Corticosteroids
Moderate atopic eczema – Emollients + Moderate Potency Topical Corticosteroids + Wet or Paste Bandages
Severe atopic eczema – Emollients + Potent Topical Corticosteroids + Other Topical Treatments + Wet or Paste Bandages + Phototherapy + Systemic Therapy
Stepped-care plan
The basis of complete emollient therapy is the use of a combination of emollient creams, ointments, bath oils and soap substitutes to manage the symptoms. It is important that the correct quantity of emollient is applied throughout the day by using a combination of products applied at the appropriate time and in adequate quantities.
Topical corticosteroids are useful in speeding up healing and reducing inflammation. They are usually applied twice a day and should be used in conjunction with the emollient therapy. At least 15 minutes should be left between each treatment type.
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Jan
28
Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to be irritated, itchy and dry. It can be very irritating for sufferers. It affects an enormous number of people to varying degrees but, unfortunately, atopic eczema cannot be cured.
However, it can be managed effectively with emollients so that symptoms can be minimised. In a recent survey of childhood eczema, 59 per cent of respondents said that looking after a child with eczema had a considerable impact on family life and regularly affected family plans.
- Eczema affects one in five children and one in twelve adults
- As well as the physical symptoms, eczema can cause low self-esteem and lack of confidence
- 20 per cent of children with eczema are often bullied because of their skin condition.
Eczema gets its name from the Greek word ‘ekzein’, meaning to boil. This is probably why you will often hear people with eczema say that their skin feels dry, hot, red, inflamed and painful.
There are many different types of eczema with differing degrees of severity. In mild cases, a person’s skin may appear dry, scaly, red and itchy and may occasionally affect their sleep. In more severe cases, the skin may be bleeding, crusting, weeping and prone to secondary infection.
Who Gets Eczema?
It is children that often suffer from eczema, although it can be seen in people of all ages. The most common type among children is atopic eczema, affecting as many as 15% of children by the age of seven.
It is a genetic condition ie it runs in families, but it will often skip a generation. Importantly, children with eczema will often have other conditions such as asthma and hayfever. Many children will ‘grow out’ of their condition only to see it reappear in later life. In 65 per cent of children, all symptoms will have disappeared by the age of seven. By the time they reach 16 years old, 75% will be eczema free.
For adults, the cause of eczema can be quite different. It is possible that a person’s skin is reacting to something that they have come into contact with at work on in the home. Alternatively, the cause might be environmental (eg hot weather) or linked to a particular medication or pre-condition such as poor circulation.
In babies and children, the symptoms most often affect the cheeks, forehead and limbs, whereas in older children and adults it often occurs in skin folds such as the elbows and crease of the knees.
Different types of eczema
Atopic Eczema
This is the most common type of eczema in children.
It often starts in small patches on the cheeks, around the mouth and neck and then spreads to other parts of the body, such as knees and elbows. The skin will be dry and itchy and prone to flare-ups. Triggers include soap, pollen, house dust mites, central heating and scratchy clothing.
Contact dermatitis
This is the most common type of work-related skin disease. Two types are seen, namely, irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The irritant form is caused by irritants such as soap, detergents, bleach, cement or raw food.
The allergic form is caused by an allergy to a substance such as nickel, perfume, cosmetics and topical medications. The symptoms include dry, red, split, cracked, weeping, painful, itchy and stinging skin. It can occur suddenly even if the person has been used to a substance for many years.
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