In the modern world, your skin is exposed to many elements that can cause irritation, puffiness and unsightly blemishes. Outside influences like chemicals, stress, infections and sun exposure can all take their toll on this delicate organ of yours; hence why skin problems like eczema and rosacea are so prevalent in Western countries.
As the body’s protective shell, your skin puts up with a lot, so it’s important to afford it the care and attention it deserves. Here are four of the most common skin complaints and the surprising factors that could be causing them.
Puffiness
Skin puffiness, particularly around the eyes, is often a sign of allergy-related irritation. When an allergic reaction is triggered, it causes the seepage of serum in the blood, causing inflammation under the skin that leads to swelling. If you suffer from puffy skin, you can take anti-inflammatory antihistamines, many of which can be bought over the counter or prescribed by your physician. You can also add ice packs to the swollen area for instant relief.
Rashes
Rashes on the face and body often occur as a symptom of atopic eczema, particularly if they are accompanied by itchy, red or cracked skin. However, frequent rashes can also be indicative of gluten intolerance. Other symptoms include bloating, digestive issues and hair loss. If you are intolerant to gluten, six weeks free from wheat, rye and barley could clear up your symptoms for good. Just be sure to consult your doctor before making changes to your diet; he or she should also prescribe a topical cream to help soothe discomfort caused by skin rashes.
Thread Veins
Thread veins, those small, spider-like veins under the skin’s surface are a common skin complaint among women. They can be caused by genetics, aging, too much alcohol, rosacea or sun exposure. The most effective treatment options for this condition are Thermocoagulation, a non-invasive microwave technology that produces instant results without scarring; and Injection Compression Sclerotherapy, a saline injection that destroys thread veins over several weeks.
Acne
Acne is caused when the hair follicles in the skin become blocked by excess sebum: the lubricating substance produced by the sebaceous glands to stop hair drying out. Anyone who’s ever suffered from acne will understand how badly it can affect a person’s comfort and confidence.
The condition can run in families, and it usually occurs as a result of hormone changes in the body such as puberty, periods and pregnancy. However, increasing evidence shows that there are other triggers for acne that can be avoided. For example, smoking, certain cosmetic products and steroid medications have been known to trigger outbreaks of acne. Recent studies also show an increase in acne severity in dairy consumers, so it could be worth cutting milk and cheese out of your diet if you want to see changes to your skin.
