Skin Diseases & Skin Care

Commentary

The skin is the human body's most extensive and diverse organ. The general state of one's skin is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for one's health. Its unfavourable appearance as a result of dermatitis affects the patient's psychological state, and both of these factors play an important role in the development and treatment of chronic skin diseases.

Pathogens, noxious mechanical and chemical agents, and autoimmune responses all cause inflammation, which is a complex process in which the body repairs tissue damage and defends itself against harmful stimuli. Symptoms of inflammation include redness, swelling, itching, heat, and pain. Some intracellular biochemical substances are released from cells in response to an inflammatory factor. Cytokines are produced by monocytes and macrophages (regulatory glycoproteins of the immunological system).

The basic role of cytokines in inflammatory processes is to activate inflammation-related cells (neutrophils, macrophages, and mast cells), allow communication between them, induce prostaglandin synthesis, and influence the synthesis of C-reactive proteins. Proinflammatory cytokines (interleukins IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL18, and interferon, as well as tumour necrosis factor – TNF) are distinguished from anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13). The first type predominates, resulting in a systemic inflammatory response, whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokines predominate, resulting in an anti-inflammatory response.

Maintaining our overall health requires a strong immune system. It detects and neutralises foreign invaders like infectious microbes and cancer cells. Inflammation can occur as a result of this.

Our skin, like any other part of your body, can be involved in immune responses. A rash is frequently formed as a result of skin inflammation. It is usually a reaction of our immune system to conditions such as:

• Infections

• Internal diseases

• Allergic reactions

Symptoms

• Skin inflammation can cause the following symptoms:

• Rash that varies depending on the source of the inflammation:

• It may be smooth or scaly, and it may itch, burn, or sting.

• Skin can be flat or raised. Redness

• The affected area is warm.

• Pimples or blisters

• Raw or cracked skin that may bleed skin thickening in the affected area

Causes

When our immune system responds to a stimulus or trigger, it causes inflammation. Inflammation is caused by many different types of immune cells in the immune system.

These cells release a variety of substances that can widen and permeate blood vessels. This makes it easier for the immune response to reach the affected area. It also causes many of the inflammation-related symptoms, such as redness, heat, and swelling.

The following are some of the possible causes of skin inflammation:

• Immune system dysfunction

• Allergic reaction

• Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection

• Photosensitivity

• Heat

• Other factors including: 

• Genetics

• Immune dysfunction

• Bacteria on the skin

Treatment

Depending on the severity or cause of the rash, inflamed skin can be treated with a variety of topical treatments and even home remedies. When a rash lasts longer than 24 hours, it is best to see a dermatologist.

Medical treatments: Topical: These are treatments that can be applied directly to the skin. They include antibacterial or antifungal creams, corticosteroids that reduce inflammation, calamine lotions, and anti-itch creams that contain hydrocortisone to relieve itching. Immunomodulators, which target the immune system, are another option.

Oral: Oral medications for skin inflammation are only available with a doctor's prescription. Generic antihistamines are prescribed for some allergic reactions, as are oral antibiotics and antifungal tablets for bacterial infections. A dermatologist may prescribe an injection for more severe conditions such as psoriasis.

Medicinal plants: Plants and their extracts have been shown to be effective in treating skin inflammation. The flowers of matricaria (chamomile) and calendula (marigold) are widely used to treat skin inflammation and conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Aloe vera, witch hazel, yarrow, and evening primrose oil are some other plants that are used to treat skin inflammation. Herbs with anti-inflammatory properties include fenugreek seed, ribwort plantain leaf/herb, purple coneflower sage leaf, and St John's wort.

Home remedies: Some cases of skin inflammation can be temporarily treated with home remedies. However, these are only intended to provide temporary relief. A dermatologist should be consulted if the condition persists.

Among the options are:

Cold compress: Applying a cold, wet compress to the affected area can help relieve itching and redness. For relief, soak a clean napkin in cold water or apply an ice pack to the affected area. A bath with hypoallergenic soap or one containing anti-inflammatory ingredients can also help to reduce inflammation.

Oil massage: Due to its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is very effective in treating skin inflammation. Because it is anti-inflammatory, it can also be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Massage the oil into the scalp and other scaly areas gently.

Diet: Inflammation-causing foods such as margarine, sweetened fizzy drinks and colas, french fries and other fried foods, red meat, and refined flour used in breads and pastries should be avoided. These foods are linked to weight gain and, as a result, inflammation, which leads to chronic diseases such as diabetes. The following foods are anti-inflammatory because they contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation:

• Tomatoes

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Almonds and walnuts are examples of nuts.

• Strawberries, oranges, blueberries, cherries, pineapple, and lemon juice are examples of fruits and berries.

• Sardines, mackerel, and salmon are examples of fatty fish.

• Greens such as spinach and kale.