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Skin
I chose “skin” as my topic this month for a couple of reasons. For one thing, we are moving into summer — well, at least here in Texas we are! I understand there has been some late snow elsewhere in the U.S.! And summertime means fun in the sun, right? Also, my friend just took her daughter to the dermatologist with acne — ugh. Lots of teens get it and it’s no fun! So let’s see what we can learn about our skin.
The Largest Organ
You probably know that your skin is your body’s largest organ. That’s right; your whole skin is an organ. It’s job is to protect all that lies beneath it, to provide an outlet for sweat — which allows your body to stay cool and also secretes toxins that you want to be rid of — and to send thousands of messages per minute from your nerve endings to your brain and back.
That is one busy organ! And, like all of your organs, sometimes skin has problems. Before I start on a few of the potential problems, I want to talk about general health and nutrition. That’s right, here I go again. A healthful diet and regular exercise will contribute to glowing, healthy-looking skin. Drinking lots of water — at least eight eight-ounce glasses per day — also helps skin to maintain good health. And, of course, there’s the hygiene issue. Regular bathing and washing the face are keys to good skin, reducing blemishes all over, and keeping you smelling sweet!
I will have my usual “see your doctor” caveat at the end, but I do want to mention the very serious issue of skin cancer. Remember the “ABCDs” of skin cancer: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color change, and Diameter larger than a pencil. It is especially important to notice any changes in previously ordinary moles. See www.skincancer.org and your doctor for more information.
Dealing with Acne
Now, let’s get back to our more mundane problems. We’ll start with my friend’s daughter’s problem: acne. Guess what: it’s not just for teenagers anymore. Many adults suffer from it too. What’s the treatment? Well, there are many over-the-counter remedies available, such as scrubs, ointments, and facial cleansers, but dermatologists will usually recommend oral and topical antibiotics for medium to advanced cases. These treatments help prevent scarring. For self-help, the acne-sufferer should wash the affected area (usually the face, but the back and chest can be affected) twice daily with a mild, oil-reducing cleanser, change pillow cases twice a week, and avoid oil-containing make-up and moisturizers. Your dermatologist can tell you more — and h/she will tell you to eat right too!
Scratching the Surface of Eczema
Another fun skin problem is eczema. This one comes in many forms and has many causes, but generally causes drying, scaling, itching, and redness in the effected area(s). Some people will have a small patch of eczema and others may have it spread widely over their bodies. Eczema can be unpleasant, but is not usually contagious. Treatments are as varied as the causes, but there are some new therapies, including “wet-wrap” therapy. Depending on the cause, if one can be determined, sometimes treatment will include antihistamines, antibiotics, steroids, and phototherapy. As always, keeping the affected area clean and staying healthy will be helpful!
Shining a Light on Sunburn
I have room for one more: sunburn! If you haven’t ever suffered from sunburn, you are among a very fortunate minority! While the sun can be very good for you — in that it causes your body to produce Vitamin D — it can also cause tremendous damage to your skin, causing aging, discoloration, and, of course, the dread enemy skin cancer. If you worshipped the sun in your teens and 20’s, you’ll be paying for it in your 30’s and 40’s. So start young — it’s kind of like smoking: if you haven’t started overexposing yourself to the sun, don’t start. And if you have already overexposed yourself, quit now. (How do you like the way I slipped in that anti-smoking deal?)
Use sunscreen daily, rain or shine, summer and winter. Remember my friend whose daughter just went to the dermatologist? Well, my friend is 41, but in spite of her fair skin and due to her vigilant sunscreen use, she could pass for 31. She’ll say, “I can’t take credit for good genes,” but I am sure the sunscreen is probably more the hero.
The Usual Last Words
As always, see your doctor with any concerns about your skin, especially about skin cancer. If you have fair skin, have had more than three blistering sunburns before age 20, or if there is a history of skin cancer in your family, it’s a good idea to get a check-up with the dermatologist.
Take care of your skin and it will take care of you!
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