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Tag: SKIN

  • Skin Diseases: Your open secret that needs care

    Skin (otherwise called dermatological) diseases along with respiratory (breathing) and gastrointestinal (food related and its ingestion) disorders are the commonest illnesses that somehow and somewhere and at any time, we will all get either as individuals or together as a community. The reason why these three categories are sources of common diseases include the fact that as humans, we interact with each other via contact through the skin, we breathe air that are common to all and we share food that we, as individuals prepare or share food meant for the community wherever that we may belong. We cannot run away from getting any of the three disorders irrespective of our age or individuality.  It does not matter your position in life, your wealth or your colour. There is no escaping it. It’s almost a destiny that a human being will fall prey to any and all of the three classes of illness that I mentioned above.

    While gastrointestinal illness may be hidden and to some extent, respiratory disorder may be concealed, the same thing may not be true of skin infirmities. Even when the skin illness is in veiled areas of our body such as our armpit and “private parts”, expect if we failed to socialize with friends and families, can we truly hide our dermatological disorder:  Shame of the skin illness may in fact, make us a recluse.  In that way, one can argue that a person can “hide” his or her skin illness.

    What is so unique about skin illness is the fact our skin is the largest organ and the most exposed as well as the most visible part of our body. We are lucky as human beings that unlike the animals, we do wear clothing to cover our bodies. Even despite this obvious fact, for most people who are not under any obligation to cover up, our face or hands reveals our skin concerns as well as our likely infirmities.

    Women, by virtue of their glamour, self-awareness and their biological needs to be desired by men are especially more concerned about their appearance and men, in general, are less so. This is not to say that men don’t look after their skin. They do have every reason to, in fact, look after their entire body.  Thus, significantly more than men, women are often intolerant of any blemish on their skin.

    Children are often afflicted by skin disorders too. This affliction frequently compel their caring parents and guardians to bring them to the medical doctors.  Similarly, significantly, a worrying group are the teenagers that though neither yet an adult nor children, are highly concerned about their look.  We will take a detail look at skin diseases of children and teens under “The Skin Disorders in Children and Teenagers” in the coming weeks.

    In the weeks ahead, we shall be looking into and also discuss common skin illnesses that are peculiar to us and our environment. Environment do have a lot of impact on development of skin diseases.  Due to our location such as resulting from the effect of the Sun (weather in general) and parasites do affect the way we look and the appearance of our skin—for good or for ill. Our occupation (or if you prefer, a person’s profession) such as factory workers, chemical workers, farmers, our conducts, what we eat, the way we look after the rest of our body, what we apply to our skin and whom we associate or mix with do have a lot of impact on the health or otherwise on our skin.  Similarly, internal illnesses such as cancer of other body organs or even illness affecting internal organs (such as liver disease) may have its first and major manifestation in the skin. It does matter that we do not dismiss a particular appearance simply because we look upon it as a “minor thing” on our skin.  Such “minor thing” may be a sign of “bigger thing” inside.

    In coming weeks, we will take a look at such illnesses as the common disorders that frequently bother individuals such as pimples, allergy, other rashes (eruption), wrinkles, skin swelling, skin ulcer, excessive sweating, body odour and skin colour changes including skin bleaching. It could also be that a truly doctor-prescribed medication may produce undesirable side effects leading to a skin disorder.  We will also deal with more serious illnesses of the skin such as cancer and benign or what can be termed as “innocent” growths.

    Amazingly (though not such a surprise to qualified medical doctors), skin may also suffer from and be afflicted by sexually transmitted diseases (STD) such as HIV and syphilis to mention a few. We will take a look at this in the coming days under (Skin Manifestation of Systemic Diseases).

    For a start, next week, let us deal with common complaints of the skin such as pimples.

  • Care for a radiant skin despite harsh weather

    Care for a radiant skin despite harsh weather

    WE all want to be radiant, smooth and wrinkle-free all year round. But as harmattan months set in, your skin goes through a transition, and this is not always easy to achieve.

    The once hydrated and healthy skin and lips become chapped and dry. Looking after your skin in this season is very important, as we all know that the harmattan season is always characterised by dryness of the skin and intense cold. And if you are the type with the tendency to suffer from dry skin patches, the harmattan will certainly make your problems worse.

    All skins need tender loving care (TLC). A lifetime of healthy practice is the best route to a beautiful skin.

  • Understanding and erasing stretch marks from skin 1

    Diamonds are said to be a woman’s best friends. But I doubt if there is any woman who would like to have them in exchange for stretch marks. These anti-beauty marks which may appear on the breasts, arms, abdomen, thighs and buttocks easily make women lose their sex appeal and self-esteem as they put off many men.In many parts of Nigeria, women employ different methods to fight abdominal stretch marks, especially immediately after child birth. In some places, mothers, friends or relations of these women heat their abdomens with hot towels or clothto improve circulation in this region, disband accumulation of fat and other unwanted dross which may cause undulations in the abdominal topography associated with sagged skin and the ugliness of stretch marks.In the eastern parts of Nigeria, new mothers are given special soups which perform the same functions. In addition, many women place hot water bottles on their abdomen. TODAY, however, the skyline of this health challenge would appear to have changed. A growing epidemic of stretch marks among women is evident, and it is not confined to women who have just stepped out of the labour room. It affects also, those women who have hung their boots due to menopause or aging and who perhaps, are no longer producing enough estrogen, the dominant female hormone, are becoming or have become obese. Young girls, too, are not left out of the net. And if men think stretch marks are none of their business, they make a mistake.So, what are stretch marks which no one appears to have immunity against.

    Stretch marks

    WHAT happens when we hold a leaf at both endsat both ends and pull it in opposite directions beyond its tensile strength? It tears.Of course! That’s what happens in stretch marks! The skin is overstretched beyond its capacity to withstand the stress, and it tears. But the part of the skin which tears is not only the visible, outermost layer called the epidermis.It involves, also, the middle of  three layers which make up our skin. These three layers of the skin are:

    • The epidermis (outermost layer)
    • Dermis (middle layer)
    • Hypodermis (innermost layer)

    The dermis consists of dead cells that are consistently shed. The dermis houses nerve endings, sebaceous glands which oil the skin, sweat glands, connective tissue, and hair follicles. Beneath the dermis is the hypodermis, also called the subcutaneous or fat tissue. All these subsections of the skin perform different functions in skin life and health. To be healthy, and function properly they must be well fed and protected against the wear and tear of stress, free radical damage, infections, heavy metals and poor blood circulation, to mention some of the challenges the skin often faces, especially such a disturbances they may subject it to tearing or stretch marks.

    We need Vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids (EFAs), collagen, elastin, to mention a few nutrients, to maintain this structure. But we hardly do.

    ccording to HannanNichois in Medilexicon international limited: “The body goes through rapid growth cycles during puberty which can cause the development of stretch marks on boy’s shoulders and backs, and girls lips, thighs and breasts. Stretch marks can become apparent if weight is gained over a short period or if body builders and athletes increase muscle mass. Medical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome can cause stretch marks by the over production of the hormone Cortisol,andMarfan Syndrome weakens the body’s tissue and elasticity due to a faulty gene. Ehlers – Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a rare inherited condition that disrupts the integrity of structural proteins in the skin which can also cause stretch marks. Sometimes, prolonged or inappropriate use of cortisol steroid creams and lotions that are used to treat eczema can cause stretch marks by decreasing the amount of collagen in the skin. Shape faded stretch marks are a type of scar characterized by a loss of collagen, a type of protein fiber found throughout the body, producing strength and cushioning to many different areas, including the skin, and elastic fibers in the dermis.

    “The dermis is the layer of sensitive connective tissue of the skin located below the epidermis, containing nerve endings, sweat and sebaceous glands and blood and lymph vessels. Stretch marks form in the dermis when the connective tissue is ‘stretch’ beyond the power of its elasticity due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin from sudden growth or weight gain. Stretch marks are caused when the dermis is stretched so rapidly it tears. The abrupt stretching causes the dermis to tear which allows deeper skin layers to show through, forming the stretch marks. Usually, as the body grows, the strong connective fibers in the dermis slowly stretch. However, with rapid growth, the fibers overstretch and break. Stretch marks are red or purple initially due to blood vessels showing through the tears in the dermis. Stretch marks eventually fade to a silvery, white or glossy appearance due to the blood vessel contracting and the pale fat underneath the skin becoming visible instead.Stretch marks have a more extreme appearance with an increase in cortisone, produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisone weakens elastic fibers in the skin.

     

    Solutions

    In the search for solutions to stretch marks, almost no stone has been left unturned by researchers. Study after study have found natural recipes useful in some skin types and not so useful in others. In many cases, trying to find a cure can be a frustrating experience, but a jubilant discovery in others.

    MNT News reports, for example, while cocoa butter, olive oil, Bitter Almond Oil may work for some and not for others, Tretinoin (Retinoic acid) “improved the clinical appearance of early stretch marks” In one study, it is reported to reduce stretch mark length by 14 percent and the width by eight percent. Another study reported a 20 percent decrease in stretch mark length. This product is contra-indicated for pregnant and nursing women. Tretinoin is said to help to rebuild collagen ‘which makes stretch marks look like normal skin.’

    While checking a literature review of research of stretch mark management, I was interested in Silica. Traditionally, silica – containing herbs and supplements have been used to improve skin, nail and hair strength and health. Among these herbs are Stinging Nettle and Horsetail. As this column reported last Thursday, DIATOM has joined the league. Known more as Diatomaceus Health, the proprietary Diatom is between 92 and 96 percent Silica. It has been found to alkalize the blood, heal ulcers, cut high blood sugar and high blood cholesterol, improve digestion and calcium absorbtion, kill germs and remove heavy metals from the system apart from strengthening connective tissue which is at risk of breaking or tearing when the skin is over stretched beyond its tensile capacity. So, what does MNT News say about silica?

    “A study of 20 volunteers who massaged Silicon and placebo gels into separate sites of the abdomen daily for six weeks showed that the application of Silicon gels increased collagen levels and reduced pigmentation compared with a placebo. This finding would provide preliminary evidence of the use oftopical gels in the clinicalManagement of stretch marks”

    To me from the foregoing, it seems to one that skins likely to suffer from stretch marks may be laden with weak collagen matrix and “vegetable” connective tissue. Otherwise, why do some women not have stretch marks and others do? My sister has four children and has no abdominal stretch marks. Proudly, she exhibits her abdomen to women of her age whose abdomen would sicken any man.

    Diet, therefore, should be the first post of call for any woman who wishes to avert stretch marks or overcome them. The diet should provide nurture for not only collagen and connective tissue but also antioxidants and antimicrobials.For under the skin, especially the one which itches often, may be resident a large population of candida which ravages collagen and connective tissue, making the skin prone to stretch marks on little exertion. The liver should be treated along with the skin in the treatment of skin eruptions and other skin conditions.

    he skin is the largest organ for the excretion of wastes, although the liver is the chief excretory organ. if the liver is weak or sick, the skin, like the kidneys, receives an extra workload. More toxins and heavy metals, germs and parasites, may also find their ways to the skin. Natural remedies should be deployed against them. This column often mentions Amazon skin AP for such conditions. There is also Help for skin Disorders from the stable of Bell life style.  This help comes from the product Help for skin Disorders.The contents are extracts of Oregon grape root, Bitter sweet, Juniper Berries, Sarsaparilla and Neem.

    As herbal remedies.com describes Bitter or sweet: Herbalist use… as a sedative, pain reliever and diuretic. The yellow berries are used for treating convulsive disorders and menstrual problems. This herb is also used to relieve asthma, chronic bronchitis, thematic conditions and gouts. Bitter sweet is used internally or externally for skin diseases such as eczema, itchiness ‘psonasis, and warts, and as a treatment for swellings. A decoction of the twigs as a wash lessens the severity of skin conditions. It also works well in treating hives, ring worm, and itchy, crusty eruptions on the scalp and face. Recent research has shown Bitter sweet contains, the anti-tumour agent, Beta-Solar marine, which may have some effect in treating cancer”.

    ‘According to Natural life Energy: Sarsaparilla detoxifies the body Herbalists have used Sarsaparilla’s anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and toxin-binding properties to purify the blood and treat skin conditions. Sasaparilla is also nutritious and contain Vitamin A, B complex, C and D, and minerals iron, manganese, Sodium, Silicon, Sulfur, Copper, Zinc and Iodine. Sarsaparilla has been used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and leprosy, rhemathoid arthritis (RA) and joint pain, headaches, cold and sexual impotence. Scientific studies done in Sarsaparilla have isolated compounds responsible for its medicinal properties. Sarsaparilla binds with toxins and detoxifies the blood we learn from the baseline of Health Foundation in Jonbarron.org:

    Oregon grape root is known among herbalist for its ability to stimulate liver function, improve the flow of bile and for blood cleansing, Oregon grape root uses have traditionally included treating liver congestions and infectious conditions of both the stomach and intestines. Another benefit of Oregon grape root is its functioning as an antimicrobial. For these reasons, you would find it in Jon Baron’s Liver flush tincture and blood support formulas. When used on the skin, Oregon grape has been found to combat certain skin irritations.

    Studies have concluded that herbal remedies are often more effective on dermatological conditions than pharmaceutical, and the Oregon grape power to sleep fight psoriasis and atopic dermatitis would seem to support that claim.

    “Jane Cronin speaks elaborately about Zinc in www.clinicians.com. Zinc found in the skin as antioxidant properties that provide UV protection. Due to its importance in the production of collagen, it is important for wound healing and makes it important for dry and allergic skin conditions. It is very beneficial in the treatment of aching. This is due to its role in the oil glands and also because of its anti-inflammatory actions in the skin. If you think of teenage boys, needing lots of Zinc for growth and sexual development, with aching, Zinc is perfect.

    Many other authorities offer valuable suggestions about how to prevent or treat stretch marks. One of the suggestions is hydration, that is we should drink water, about five liters of it a day. The skin is ripped, causing stretch marks if it is dry and lacks elasticity.

    ack of collagen and elastin are linked to stretch marks. Both provide the skin with support structure. Cocoa butter and Vitamin E are suggested for overcoming these deficiencies. Some people add Collagen, elastin and Vitamin E to the Cocoa butter they use as massage cream.

    Says Mark Raineri: “The keys in fading and preventing future stretch marks is consuming mega dosages of the  right Vitamins and minerals (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Zinc), they are the important micronutrients which affects the skin directly. Vitamin A is very important for the growth of skin and maintaining healthy bones, nails and hair. It helps to repair injured skin and improve dry, scaly skin. It is absorbed through the skin and helps the skin remain soft and plump. When Vitamin A is topically applied, it stimulates the skin mitotically and metabolically, therefore maintaining the skin in a youthful condition. Experiments have shown that Vitamin A applied topically keeps the epidemics saturated with the vitamin. Vitamin A also stimulates the renewal process of the epidermal cells which causes thickening of the epidemics. At the same time, Collagen content in the skin was increased and improvement in skin elasticity could be observed (very important). One of the most important roles of Vitamin C is to help heal wounds and scar tissue. It is required for the synthesis of collagen, and acts as a cementing substance between skin cells. The most important role of collagen is to provide barrier for infections and diseases and to promote healing of wounds. Vitamin C loses its potency very quickly which can make it worthless unless used immediately. It also oxidizes very quickly when exposed to air and light.

    “Another very important Vitamin when trying to prevent stretch marks, Vitamin E is needed for the maintenance of normal body metabolism and in the protection and healing of body tissue and skin. For skin care, Vitamin E is most beneficial as an antioxidant in preserving the health of skin tissues and membranes. There are two ways to take Vitamin E orally and topically, applying Vitamin E topically on the stretch marks or taking Vitamin E pills.

    “Zinc, the most important quite possibly, the essential supplement to take in the prevention of stretch marks. The most important property of Zinc is the production of Collagen. Collagen holds the bodies skin tissues together.

    “It is the most abundant structural protein and makes up 80 percent of all connective tissue. In fact 75 percent of the dermis consist of Collagen and it makes up 90 percent of its volume. When a person has enough Collagen.It is near impossible to get stretch marks, Collagen is not available in food, so it is very essential to supplement with Zinc.”

    We cannot ignore other therapies such as the massage of stretch marks with a mixture of sugar and Olive oil. An antioxidant supplements I adds to skin formulas, following the example of Dr. Ray strand and Dr. Don Colbert, is Grape seed extract (GSE). It is more potent as an antioxidant than Vitamin C and Vitamin E, and it protect them against oxidation. It helps to clear skin blemishes such as dark spots on the skin and those white blotches of Vitiligo caused by free radical activity in the skin.

  • Combat skin infections with herbs, good nutrition 

    Combat skin infections with herbs, good nutrition 

    The human skin serves as the outer coverings for the body. It also shields the delicate internal organs. It is the largest organ of the body and it reflects what goes inside. Natural medicine practitioners therefore attach great importance to the health (state) of the skin.

    Among many other functions of the skin, it’s role as an organ of elimination is of interest to natural health care providers. Some individuals are of the opinion that the skin could be treated solely from the external and they end up buying and stockpiling soap, ointments and creams for their skin problems all to no avail.

    I am a Naturopath. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasising prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. In naturopathy, we look at various ways to promote skin health by supplying the skin with what it needs. Most importantly, we help it play its major role which is eliminating toxins as it should be. When conditions such as skin irritations, boils and rashes etc begin to manifest periodically and consistently too, a diligent practitioner would immediately commence detoxification programme for his clients.

    In nature cure, the three basic principles of maintaining or preserving health include Detoxification (the elimination of morbid matter); improve micro circulation; and balancing the body system. These three principles will enable the body dispose toxins that are hindering the body’s sound health. That allows the body to rejuvenate and heal itself without drugs.

    Skin diseases are many and varied, from fungal infection such as eczema and athletes foot to parasitic, bacterial and viral skin conditions, such as scabies, impetigo and mouth sores respectively.

    What most naturopaths do when confronted by serious skin conditions in their clients can be summarised as follow:

    •Exhaustive health evaluation

    •Colon cleansing protocols could immediately be undertaken. One is as healthy as his colon.

    •The patient is asked to consume a specific quantity of water daily depending on his age, weight, nature of his activity and (suspected) diseases. This ensures adequate body fluid for the elimination/flushing process.

    •Alteration of the client’s diet. His food will largely be composed of fruits and vegetables .This could last for few days or weeks, during which acid-forming foods must be avoided or drastically curtailed.

    •Blood purification herbs/foods such as Vernonia amygdalina (bitterleaf), Garcinia kola (Bitterkola), Fluerya aestuans (local stinging nettle), Gongronema latifolium (Utazi , Igbo) and Picralima nitida (Abere, Yoruba) may be administered.

    •In some non-open skin wound conditions, the use of Epsom salt for skin brushing and bathing would help in promoting peripheral blood circulation in the skin area and eliminate toxins trapped in the subcutaneous skin.

    •Antimicrobial herbs such as Garlic, tumeric, Aloe vera, cloves, Xylopia aethiopica (Uda, Igbo, Eru, Yoruba) and Alchornea cordifolia (Ipa In Yoruba) may be recommended.

    • Nutritional supplements, such as Vitamin A, C, B-complex, Pantothenic acid (B5), E and Omega 3 fatty acids are usually recommended as specific to individuals.

    •Only when the above conditions are fulfilled can we begin to think of topical applications of soap, ointments or creams. Remedies that are efficacious when the holistic treatment has been done on any skin problem include Coconut oil, Aloe vera gel and Shea butter.

  • Tips for taking care of oily skin

    If you have dry skin, your complexion may look dull or lackluster. Wrinkles and lines develop more easily when you have dry skin. The following are tips for taking care of dry skin:

    Wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Washing more often can strip your skin of all the natural moisturizers and increase oil production. The only time you should wash your face more than twice a day is if you have been perspiring.

    •Keep showers and baths warm, not hot. Hot water strips your skin of natural moisturizers and dry it out. While a long, hot shower feels good, for those with dry skin, shorter (5 to 10 minutes) and warm showers will help keep your skin moisturized.

    •Stay away from harsh soaps and cleansers. Stick with non-soap, fragrance-free cleansers. Stay away from those with antibacterial and other additives.

    •Use a moisturizer after you shower. After your shower, pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer. This helps lock in moisture. If you apply moisturizer during the day, splash a little water on your skin before applying the moisturizer.

    •Try different moisturizers to find the one that is right for your skin. There are hundreds of moisturizers and it is hard to know what is right for your skin. You may need to try a few different ones, but look for those specifically made for dry skin.

    •Use a shaving cream or gel. When you shave, you are also taking the skins natural oils away. Shave after your shower, when your hair is wet and softer.

    •If you use a toner, use it only on areas that are oily, such as your forehead or around your nose. If you have areas that aren’t oily, toners can create dry patches.

    •Stop smoking. Smoking dries out your skin and causes premature aging.

    •Drink plenty of water. Our bodies hydrate from the inside out. If you aren’t drinking enough water, it can show up on your skin. Drink the eight recommended glasses of water each day to keep your skin smooth.

    •Don’t forget moisturizer for areas where the skin is thinner and can easily dry out. This includes around the eyes and the neck.

    •Exfoliate. This removes the dead skin cells on your face. When you are finished exfoliating, immediately apply moisturizer. This allows the moisturizer to reach the live skin cells and penetrate into the skin.

    •No matter how tempted, don’t pick, pop or squeeze pimples as it can cause scarring and leave red spots on your face.

  • Secrets for glowing skin

    Secrets for glowing skin

    DO you care for a glowing skin this merry period? A healthy diet and an active lifestyle are very essential factors that influence a person’s skin complexion. Eating vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds will ensure that your body receives all the vitamins and minerals it requires in order to function smoothly. Original olive oil is very helpful in attaining healthy skin. You can apply olive oil on your body as well as include it in your diet or for cooking food.

    Avoid foods rich in saturated fats this celebratory period, as this will help in the process of attaining a flawless skin complexion. Alternately, you can eat foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, as they contain unsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial in maintaining skin and hair textures. Fish like salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines are rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids.

    You will also need to take good care of your skin externally, as your diet will only ensure that your skin gets all the required nutrients, in order for it to stay healthy.

    Protect your skin from the sun by applying a sun screen lotion. Additionally, always wash your skin after coming indoors. This will help your skin stay clean of the dirt that sticks to its pores.

    You can apply aloe vera juice on your skin before going to bed. Aloe vera is a natural skin moisturiser and will help keep your skin soft and glowing. You can also use olive oil in order to achieve similar results.

    Exfoliating your skin twice a week will help you lighten your skin tone effectively. Take two tomatoes and blend them into a pulp. Add 250 grams of unflavoured yoghurt to the tomato pulp. A pinch of turmeric (Atale pupa) and 2 teaspoons of honey mixed with the tomatoes and yoghurt will complete your paste. Apply this paste on your entire body, keeping it on for 15 minutes. After the stipulated time, scrub the paste off using a local sponge and wash your skin with water after that. Tomato is a natural bleaching agent; yoghurt will help keep your skin moisturized. Turmeric has natural skin healing properties that will help cleanse your skin and provide it with a gentle glow. Honey has anti-bacterial properties that will help get rid of bacteria from the surface of the skin. This will help your skin look lighter than before.

    Want sweet skin? Try a sweet scrub-Regular facials are essential to maintaining healthy skin – and at-home facials can work just as well as pricey spa treatments. There are a number of ways to get pro treatment at home, but look first to sugar, one of nature’s great skin-sloughing agents. Applying a sugar scrub in gentle circular motions, followed by a lukewarm wash and pat-dry, can do wonders for your skin. Follow with a light steam by boiling water, removing it from the stove and standing over it for a few minutes.

  • How to avoid SKIN infection

    How to avoid SKIN infection

    A good skin is indeed something to treasure. For many a glowing skin brings out their beauty and help to enhance the other features and parts of the body. Some have it while some don’t and those in the latter category have to put in a lot of efforts to make their skin look good. If you really want to have a good skin, then you need to understand how to take care of your skin, some common skin infections and how you can avoid them.

     

    It encase your entire body

    The human skin is a vast immunological organ system that encases the entire body.

    What most people don’t realise is that it’s comprised not only of the skin but the hair & scalp and nails. There are literally thousands of pathogens that can impact the human skin. One of the most import roles the skin plays in avoiding skin infections is to act as barricade to these outside pathogens. These invaders can be in the form of bacteria, fungus or viruses.

    The average person’s skin weighs almost 9 lbs., and is comprised of three separate layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. There are two major kinds of human skin: glabrous skin, the non-hairy skin on the palms and soles, and hair-bearing skin. Within the last cited kind, the hairs are organised each with hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and an affiliated arrector pili muscle.

     

    Common Skin Infections

    Fungi can cause many kinds of skin infections. Fungal infections are persistent and the invading fungal particle prefer damp places on the human body, although they are fairly capable of infecting any part of the skin. Some typical skin infections caused by fungus are athlete’s foot, jock itch, and yeast infections. Typical symptoms include persistent itching sensations, flaking of the skin, and eruptions on the skin. Without proper care they can become extremely hard to clear up.

    Another very common fungal illness is ringworm. Ringworm usually infects the region of the groin where it is slightly wet, though it can infect almost all other places on the body.

    .

    Bacterial Skin infections

    The skin is a natural hosts for thousands of bacterial species. These bacteria create colonies on the skin and for the most part are considered part of the regular, healthy skin flora.

    Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are not frequent visitors to the skin’s flora, but they can survive without necessarily causing an outbreak. Over exposing the skin to pollution, natural trauma, pre-existing skin illnesses, and poor hygiene, can contribute to the weakening of healthy skin flora allowing offensive bacteria to proliferate – resulting in a major disruption. For the athlete, skin-to-skin contact (including hair) with an infected individual or surface can cause skin infections to occur as well.

     

    Viral infections

    Outbreaks of vital infections, Herpes simplex virus (HSV) being one of the most common, occur once the virus gains a direct foothold at mucosal coverings or on locations where the skin is abraded. After the main implantation, the virus then travels to the adjacent dorsal ganglia. There it stays dormant if not reactivated by psychological stress, bodily strain, or even sunlight.

     

    Fungal and Yeast Infections

    Skin Infections due to fungi organisms can occur frequently especially in the form of jock itch and athletes foot, because these organisms have a very high affinity for keratinised tissue. In other words, skin and hair.

    The majority of fungal infections consist of three main categories of fungusTrichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Most of these fungal colonies thrive in loamy soil, on animals, and on infected human skin and hair.