Skin Problems - Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis and Rosacea Kendal

Skin is the largest organ of the human body covering a surface area of about two square metres, and accounting for some 16% of your entire body weight. Consisting of two main layers, the small outer layer known as the epidermis, and a larger inner layer called the dermis, the main functions of the skin are protection from infection and damage, and body temperature regulation. The skin secretes special substances that can kill harmful bacteria, and it produces melanin, a pigment to defend the skin from ultraviolet light. Keratin is produced on the outer epidermis to help protect against damage, infection, and becoming too dry.

However, sometimes the balance of oils and bacterial defences can be breached or slip out of balance, resulting in a whole host of skin problems ranging from slightly irritating to life-long problems. This article covers a few of the more common skin problems and how to treat them.

Acne

Acne is a skin problem characterised by clusters of spots, pustules and painful red nodules, caused by an excessive secretion of the oily substance sebum. Sebum normally helps keep the skin supple and smooth, but when over-produced it can stop dead skins cells from shedding properly, leading to blockages in pores and hair follicles. This can encourage a build up of bacteria which causes lots of little infections on the surface of the skin resulting in spots.

Acne commonly affects teenagers going through puberty – a time when the skin becomes more sensitive to the hormone testosterone (found in both girls and boys). Testosterone causes an increase in the production of sebum which can lead to acne. However there are other causes of acne, including stress, genetics, PCOS, certain medications, and some dangerous chemicals. It is cannot be caused by eating chocolate or greasy food or by poor hygiene, although if you don’t wash regularly it can exacerbate the problem you already have. Although acne skin problems cannot be completely cured they can be treated keeping the condition at a minimum. Common treatments include special gels and creams that can be applied directly to the skin, or taking tablets designed to loosen excess skin cells and reduce the production of sebum...

Profile of the Author: This article is written by Jackie Griffiths , a freelance journalist who writes health, medical, biological, and pharmaceutical articles for national and international journals, newsletters and web sites.

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