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Skin conditions have emerged as a significant health concern worldwide and are the fourth leading cause of non-fatal burden, measured in years lost due to disability. In India, skin and subcutaneous diseases accounted for 4.02% of the total years lived with disability and showed a 53.7% increase over one decade. Skin diseases can be acute or chronic; they have low mortality rates but pose significant morbidity worldwide. Every woman aims for glowing and healthy skin, but achieving and maintaining skin health is challenging due to skin problems. This blog will walk you through the steps of an ideal skin care routine for women and seven common skin issues women face and their treatments.
Synopsis
About Skincare
The skin protects your body from environmental hazards and enhances the appearance and look. It is the largest organ of the body and helps regulate body temperatures. If any skin problem arises, it becomes a social issue and impacts your life. Following a proper skincare regimen can protect you from common skin diseases. Skin care is not just a beauty regimen but a vital part of your overall health. Proper skincare not only improves appearance but also ensures the skin functions optimally.
Skin Care Routine
To make your skin look its best, follow a consistent skincare routine that dermatologists recommend. Dermatologists are trained professionals effective in providing the right guidance and skin disease treatment for various skin issues like acne, dryness, and premature ageing while promoting glowing and healthy skin.
Here are the basic steps of an ideal skincare routine:
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Cleansing: This helps to remove oil, dirt, and makeup from the skin. Choose a gentle cleanser according to your skin type.
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Exfoliating: The next step is removing dead skin cells to promote new cell turnover. Depending on your skin sensitivity, use this step 1-3 times a week.
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Toning: This step balances the skin's pH and removes any leftover impurities, along with preparing your skin for moisturising.
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Moisturising: This step helps to hydrate the skin by locking in moisture, adding softness and suppleness. This step is crucial for all skin types.
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Protecting: Protecting against harmful UV rays is very important to protect your skin from various skin issues. Applying sunscreen daily is essential.
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Treatment: In this step, you can include serum, masks, retinoids, or acne treatment products tailored to your skin concerns.
Common Skin Issues in Women and Their Treatment
The most common skin disorders and diseases women face and their treatments are as follows:
1. Acne: Acne is a common skin issue in women, especially adolescents. It occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog the pores. They are located on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. These appear as breakouts on the skin, which are composed of blackheads, whiteheads, red or pus-filled pimples, pink bumps, or deep, painful cysts and nodules. Hormonal changes, poor diet, stress, and improper skincare are the main causes. Use doctor-recommended skin care products for best results.
Its treatment depends on the type and location of acne and your age. Acne treatment may include Topical Medications like Retinoids, Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid-Based Cleansers, Dietary Changes, Laser or Light Therapy, Oral Medications, and Corticosteroid Injections (large and painful breakouts).
2. Pigmentation: Discoloration of the skin (skin discoloration disease) with brown or age spots is termed hyperpigmentation. It mostly occurs on ageing skin and skin exposed to the sun’s harmful radiations that change the tone and colour of the skin. Hormonal changes and inflammation are also some of the potential causes.
Treatment depends on the skin type and extent of pigmentation; common treatments include Laser Therapy, following an active skincare regimen, using Chemical Peels, and products rich in vitamin C, niacinamide, and hydroquinone. To prevent further darkening, always use sunscreen.
3. Eczema: Also called atopic dermatitis, is a common issue, especially in children. It is a dry and itchy skin condition that can occur anywhere. It usually causes a red rash on light skin and a brown, purple, or grey rash on darker skin. Allergens, environmental factors, and genetics can cause eczema.
Its treatment includes Antihistamines, fragrance-free moisturisers, applying Topical Steroids for flare-ups, avoiding triggers, Light Therapy, Immunosuppressant medicines, and other Topical medicines. If the condition becomes chronic, it requires treatment from a dermatologist.
4. Rosacea: This skin condition causes facial redness or a burning or stinging sensation. Followed by acne-like sores, bloodshots, irritated or watery eyes, and a red nose. There is no exact cause known for this condition; however, its triggers include alcohol, stress, spicy foods, and exposure to the sun.
This condition is usually incurable but can be treated by using gentle skin care products, Topical treatments, Antibiotics, avoiding triggers, and Laser or Nose Tissue Surgery.
5. Dry Skin: It is a very common skin issue faced by women. Dry skin is caused when the skin loses a lot of water due to cold weather, low humidity, hot showers, and harsh soaps. It is characterised by flaky, rough skin or a skin that itches or cracks. It can get painful, causing burning, peeling, or stinging.
Treatment involves using gentle, hydrating cleansers and moisturisers containing Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin. Avoid using hot water and use a Humidifier. Also, get the underlying cause of dry skin assessed and treated.
6. Hives: It is also called urticaria, which is itchy and raised welts that appear red or skin-coloured. Many people experience hives at some point in their lives. It can occur due to an allergic reaction, and its possible triggers include medications, latex exposure, insect bites, foods, pet dander, and viral infections.
Hives are usually temporary but can be chronic too. Treatment involves using Antihistamines to ease itching. For chronic cases, Corticosteroids may be prescribed.
7. Skin Cancer: It is also a common skin condition that is serious and can be life-threatening. Skin cancer can be either nonmelanoma or melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer usually affects the sun-exposed areas of the skin and is of two types: squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas. Melanoma cancer is a dangerous type of skin cancer, but early diagnosis can help in its cure. It shows changes in skin growth and moles, such as shape, colour, size, and thickness, along with spots that bleed, itch, hurt, or crust. Seek consultation with a dermatologist for early diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment depends on its type and severity, such as Surgery, Radiation Therapy, or Chemotherapy.
Consult our dermatology hospital in Broadway Kolkata if you need treatment for skin conditions and diseases
Conclusion
Dealing with skin issues can be frustrating and emotionally draining, but understanding their causes and treatments can help you manage them effectively. A proper skincare routine is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing common skin problems. To achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy skin, free from skin problems, seek professional advice from our dermatologists at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway. Get a quick diagnosis and personalised treatment, making a significant difference in your skin’s health and appearance.
FAQ's
Some skin issues cannot be cured but can be treated and managed with the right treatment by a dermatologist. These are cold sores, psoriasis, rosacea, vitiligo, and shingles.
Melanoma skin cancer is the most serious skin condition and requires immediate treatment. Though this cancer is not common, if left untreated, it can spread to other body parts.
Older or ageing skin is more prone to skin diseases and commonly experiences dry skin, age spots, blemishes, skin tags, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and warts.
There can be various types of skin rashes, which are generally simple irritations of the skin. Most skin rashes go away on their own in 2-3 weeks, but if they worsen, you need to seek help from a dermatologist to find their underlying cause.
To schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, contact our Dermatology Department or visit our website.
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