Weight loss and diet plan for a healthy lifestyle. » Skin Care

THE SKIN AND THE ENVIRONMENT

admin — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:26:29 +0000

The skin is constantly exposed to environmental hazards, especially ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet A light is especially likely to cause damage within the dermis, leading to wrinkles and premature ageing, while ultraviolet В light is more likely to cause skin cancer. With the ongoing depletion of the ozone layer, ultraviolet intensity is rapidly increasing. As a consequence, the risk to our skin is greater, and our love of sun-baking does nothing to help the situation.The skin is constantly surrounded by potential enemies, not only the sun, but fungi, bacteria and viruses. Undamaged skin is very efficient at protecting us from serious infections. Other environmental hazards include various chemicals, cigarettes, creams and cosmetics. Many people do not realize that nearly every cosmetic contains at least ten different chemicals, the safety of which can be uncertain.Despite popular belief, most skin diseases are not related to food, and the majority of food allergies are not evident on the skin. True skin allergies to substances applied to the skin— particularly in the form of perfumed cosmetics, creams, medicaments, industrial chemicals and plants – do occur, however.Another misconception is that skin diseases are not particularly important to one’s overall state of health. Although it is rare for people to die of skin diseases, on a psychological level they can cause depression and social isolation.Because much of our skin is often visible, disease is easy to detect and sometimes difficult to hide. Because we place such value on the attractiveness of our skin, we are more concerned with our skin than almost any other part of our body. Cosmetic companies are able to take advantage of our insecurity, promoting all manner of skin remedies. Even the most intelligent people can be brainwashed by their advertising. Methods of minimizing skin damage, however, are available to us all, especially in the form of sun protection.
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SKIN INFECTIONS: BOILS

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:22:18 +0000

Boils are deep infections, usually of hair follicles. They may occur at any age but are most common in adolescence. They can occur at any site except the palms and soles. Friction such as that often felt in the belt or collar areas may predispose to their development. Various diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes may aggravate boils, although very few people with boils have in fact got diabetes. The most common infective organism is the Staphylococcus.

A single boil may require no treatment other than careful washing with an antiseptic soap, causing it to spontaneously discharge. When there are multiple boils, or if one is in a potentially dangerous site, active treatment is necessary. Initially, a penicillinase-resistant semi-synthetic penicillin should be administered—such as Cloxacillin. The pus should be cultured, so that the most appropriate antibiotic can then be selected for further treatment. If boils recur, further investigations are necessary. Cultures should be taken from the infected lesion and from other sites such as the nostrils, normal skin, armpits and genital area. This will identity the reservoir or source of the infective organism. Occasionally cultures taken from other members of the immediate family may be helpful. Appropriate local treatment with an antibiotic cream can then be employed to eradicate the source. Treatment may be assisted by the taking of oral antibiotics and antiseptic baths. Further investigation to exclude possible concurrent diseases such as diabetes and immunological deficiencies may occasionally also be necessary.

Viruses are lengths of nucleic acid which carry enough information for their own replication only. They are therefore completely dependent on the host cells. Unlike bacteria, they do not grow by dividing; they assemble new virus particles by the addition of protein. There are a large number of viruses which affect man and, unfortunately, there are no antibiotics effective in their treatment.

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