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Dry skin and eczema.
The skin is a fantastic structure which generally we take for granted(...as if this flesh which rounds about our mortal Souls were brass impregnable-Shakespeare).It prevents our bodies from losing too much moisture helps keep us warm in the cold or cool when it is hot.It copes with knocks cuts and infection . Its also extremely valuable in providing some of the function of the immune system. Many of the cells which help us fight off infection live quietly in the skin waiting until they are needed. It is no surprise that when Edward Jenner experimented with vaccination he scratched the skin with cowpox virus to succesfully give some protection against smallpox.
Our skin is alive with germs some helpful some harmful generally the skin ensures that we are protected against the harmful ones. It produces its own oils to keep it supple and its own antibiotics.It learns not to react when it comes into contact with substances which are not harmful .Much of the skins function occurs as a result of its barrier function.The tough cells of the outer epidermis are locked together and keep the owrld out and te internal contents in. Given the shocks that the skin is heir to it is hardly surprising that periodically the barrier function breaks down. This can be because of injury infection or malnutrition (in conditions sucha as scurvy lack of vitamin c the skin is the first area to be affected.).
Inadequate fluid intake or excessive cleaning of the skin also cause problems. In conditions such as eczema breakdown of the barrier function is obvious. obvious.Large areas of skin become red and sore and often ooze fluid .In burns one of the main causes of death apart from infection is fluid loss.
So how do we look after this unique organ? A good diet helps containing adequate vitamins.The B group of vitamins seem important. Zinc also helps the immune function of the skin. Try not to drink too much alcohol this makes the oil glands work harder and produce more oily secretion.Dont wash the skin excessively you are washing away the natural oils that protect it.Dry yourself properly after bathing as damp and warmth will encourage the growth of germs.Avoid soaps or bubble bath with lots of additives they are more likely to cause a reaction.Drink plenty of water this will keep the skin properly hydrated.
If you have problem skin then regular use of a moisturiser will help.There are lots on the market and you may need to try several before you find one which suits your skin type. Aloe products seem to be gentle on the skin and unlikely to cause any reaction as does a moisturiser called epaderm.Bath additives such as colloidal oatmeal can help.Treat infection promptly you can buy canesten cream over the counter and this is effective against many fungal infections both in the groin and between the toes.antiseptic creams such as germolene can be effective against minor infections as can iodine based preparations (betadine ointment although soem people are allerigc to iodine if you are allergic to metals like nickel you shouldnt use iodine based creams.Naturally based antibiotic cream such as Aloe propolis are also highly effective .Tea tree oil is another commonly used antiseptic preparation.shaving is a common cause of problems as many proprietary shaving foams are loaded with chemicals which dry and irritate the skin. if you wet shave use the simplest preparation you can findo old fashioned shaving sticks are good if you can find them.
A recent study on Cardiospermum Gel has found it to be apparently effective and more pleasant to use than many moisturisers in mild dry skin conditions.SkinShop supply a number of products which are beneficial including an effective preparation for herpes simplex (coldsores)
Those with eczema ought to be able to keep their eczema under control 70% of the time with a moisturiser if they get the right one. Perhaps 20 to 30 of the time they may need more treatment such as a steroid cream but this should be viewed as a temporary answer rather than aa permanent solution.