Dry Skin – When To See The Doctor

Dry skin is a common problem and in most cases, is easily treatable at home. An examination by a doctor is advisable if after making dietary, lifestyle and skincare regime changes, you still have chronic dry skin problems. It is then we might need to investigate whether there is an underlying health problem that needs to be resolved.

Dry skin can be part of a symptom picture for a number of underlying medical conditions, some of which can be quite serious. If you have dry skin that has cracked and bled, medical advice should also be sought. Some medications that you have been advised to take can have dry skin as an unwanted side effect.

Why the skin is so important?

Skin is the primary defence system of the body and is actually classified as the largest organ of the body. If the skin is damaged in any way or becomes drier and drier until cracking in the skin occurs, there is danger that microbes can enter the skin. These microbes can enter causing bacterial and fungal infections.

Untreated dry skin can lead to dermatitis – inflammation of the skin, causing itchiness, redness and swelling and again can become open to infection, especially if it is scratched due to the itchiness. So we can see it pays to look after our skin – if you are worried about your dry skin or it is making you miserable – see your doctor.

Medical Causes

• Hypothyroidism – a low thyroid condition that can cause dry skin by reducing the amount of oil produced by the body and other symptoms such as intolerance to cold and weight gain.

• Dehydration – dry skin associated with infrequent, dark urine, headaches.

• Underweight – especially if fats have been avoided in an effort to lose weight.

• Malnutrition – linked to low oil and fatty acid intake. A healthy body and healthy skin need some oils and essential fatty acids to maintain the lipid barrier and these are some of the body’s best natural moisturisers.

• Diabetes – fluctuations in glucose levels can lead to dehydration and this also will cause the skin to dry.

• Genetic Predisposition.

• Eczema and psoriasis – skin conditions that may be diagnosed.

Medications that can cause Dry Skin

There are a number of medications that can cause dry skin such as:

• High blood pressure medication – diuretic action

• Allergy treatment such as antihistamines

• Retinoids used in the treatment of acne

If you notice you develop dry skin after taking a new medication, speak to your doctor. Many cases of dry skin are easy to treat and are not a sign of more serious health conditions, but if in doubt – get it checked out.

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Skin Treatments – Microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion is as the name suggests – derma meaning skin and abrasion, a process by which the surface of the skin is planed surgically and could be likened to a very mild sandblasting. This improves the surface appearance of the skin as a new layer of skin then replaces the layer taken away by the microdermabrasion process.

The actual process involves tiny crystals that are sprayed on the skin at very high pressure and must be performed by an experienced operator fully trained in the process. Dermabrasion is most effective at treating conditions that are on the surface of the skin such as acne scars, fine lines, age spots and other skin lesions but at the least leaves the skin feeling softer and smoother.

Microdermabrasion is suitable for all skin types and produces no scarring or pigmentation with minimal risk involved. There are degrees of microdermabrasion and the mildest form leaves only a mild redness that quickly disappears. It can be done in the lunch hour and will leave the skin looking and feeling softer and smoother.

There are forms of dermabrading the skin which can have more dramatic results but will involve more discomfort and leave the skin having to go through a healing process – typically taking 7 to 10 days. The newly formed skin will take several weeks to lose the pinkness and return to normal. Sunlight must be avoided and sunscreen used at all times for at least 3-6 months otherwise darkening of the skin may occur.

During and after the healing process XXX Skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser is ideal to use as it is formulated for sensitive skins and contains calming and soothing plant ingredients with a mild antibacterial action. Avoid aspirin, alcohol and smoking for several days after the procedure has been done.

Make sure when you talk to a dermatologist or the person who is doing the procedure what your expectations are and what the healing process involves. A milder form is advisable before having a more intensive treatment to experience the process and see how our skin reacts. Done professionally microdermabrasion can have very pleasing results.

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