Common skin problems

Extremes of temperature, excessive sun exposure and alcohol consumption may all contribute to the condition telangiectasia, more commonly described as broken capillaries. Whenever these tiny vessels become dilated, they are likely to be visible at the skin surface, particularly around the nose and cheeks. The usual cosmetic treatment is known as sclerotherapy. This involves injecting each capillary with a saline solution, causing the swollen vessels to collapse. Most individuals find the treatment effective, however, there is a possibility that the problem may reoccur within a year or two. The best preventive measure is to avoid extremes of weather, always apply good quality organic moisturiser, and to limit intake of salt, alcohol, and saturated fats. Increasing the dietary supply of essential fatty acids and the key antioxidant minerals (zinc, selenium, and manganese) will also help to promote blood vessel integrity.

Allergies

Itchiness is one of the most frequently reported concerns in relation to the condition of skin. When determining the causal factors it is important to consider the location, duration, and severity of the itching sensation.

One of many possibilities is that of systemic allergic reaction. In basic terms, an allergic reaction is an exaggeration of the normal immune response. Upon encountering unfamiliar or potentially dangerous substances, the immune system will produce antibodies which enable the body to create powerful neutralising chemicals like histamine. In most cases, an allergic reaction is determined by the quantity of histamine present in the bloodstream. One of the physiological effects of histamine is to rapidly dilate blood vessels, initiating the release of excess fluid. In some cases the released fluid will form blisters beneath the skin. Commonly known as weals or hives, these can be extremely itchy, even painful.

Skin allergies can be triggered internally by swallowing or inhaling various substances, including whole and processed foods, additives, chemical residue, environmental pollutants, and medicinal or recreational drugs. Some of the most common external triggers of skin allergies include cosmetics, solvents, cleaning and hygiene products, topical medicines, clothing and other fabrics. Allergic skin reactions may also be triggered by insect bites or contact with certain species of plant, particularly stinging nettle, cacti, and fungi.

Individual susceptibility to acute and chronic allergic responses is now believed to have some genetic component. Children face a greater risk of suffering skin allergies when either or both parents have history of similar conditions. There is also research and anecdotal evidence to support the theory of a critical period during development of the immune system. The theory proposes that infants and young children are exposed to certain allergens during a critical period, resulting in an increased susceptibility throughout adulthood which might otherwise have been avoided.

Treating allergies

At this point in time there is no medical remedy for systemic allergies. Conventional treatments tend to focus on basic prevention and the alleviation and management of symptoms. An initial priority is often to conduct a series of tests which determine the source of irritant or substance which triggers the allergic response. The skin prick test is useful isolating triggers for most systemic allergies. A tiny amount of each potential trigger is delivered subcutaneously. A positive result is usually indicated within minutes by the familiar allergic skin reaction, an itchy swelling over the site. The patch test is best suited to identifying irritants in localised skin reactions such as contact dermatitis. Potential allergens are introduced with adhesive patches positioned on the sensitive skin of the arms and torso. After several hours, the patches are removed and the skin is examined for signs of reaction at each site.

Avoiding allergy triggers

Once identified, it makes sense to strictly avoid allergy triggering substances. This may include excluding particular food groups such as dairy produce, wheat and manufactured wheat products containing gluten, nuts and seeds including peanut, sesame, and various tree nuts. In most cases it is possible to substitute these items with an alternative food source. Individuals with lactose intolerance and associated dairy allergies may find benefit from soy products containing protein, calcium, and other nutrients essential for bone growth and repair. Wheat can usually be replaced with other milled grains including corn, buckwheat, oats, and millet. When the list of food allergens is extensive or complex, a qualified naturopath or dietician can be consulted to ensure dietary solutions which are safe and effective.

In view of current research, infants require additional protection to prevent allergies from developing later in life. The recommendations now include breastfeeding, whenever possible, for at least six months. Due to the vulnerability of their underdeveloped respiratory and immune function, infants face a greater long term health risk when exposed to common sources of environmental pollution and toxicity. This includes tobacco smoke, vehicle exhaust, pesticide, hormones, industrial chemicals, synthetic perfumes, deodorants, and air fresheners. In most developed countries, there is steadily increasing demand for organic produce, and within this sector, a number of dedicated manufacturers supplying baby foods with the additional reassurance of an organic certification.

Artificial conditions

Inappropriate heating, bedding, and clothing are a relatively common source of itching, dry, and irritated skin. With the low cost and popularity of central heating, electric blankets, synthetic covers, gowns, and pyjamas, there is a tendency for some individuals to become overheated during the winter months. Synthetic bedclothes are very efficient in trapping heat and increasing the resting body temperature. As this temperature rises, the body attempts to regulate it through the surface evaporation of sweat. This natural defence process will be interrupted by any synthetic fabrics which trap moisture and fail to breathe. When this occurs there is likely to be increased sweating from regions directly exposed to the air.

Constant or heavy sweating around the head and neck can contribute to a type of facial dermatitis. This condition will be exacerbated by any rubbing or scratching which is common during restless bouts of overheated sleep. The best remedy is to protect the body’s natural temperature by choosing clothing and bedclothes made from natural fibres which breathe. Organic cotton, wool, linen, hemp, silk and mohair are all suitable for this purpose.