Common Skin Problems

Dry, Itchy, Irritated Skin - is a skin condition that effects many people. Below are some recommendations for caring for this type of skin:

• Avoid taking long hot baths or showers. Try to limit bathing to 10 minutes using warm water only.
  
  
• Moisturizers are essential. Apply a moisturizer to the entire skin surface immediately after bathing. Moisturizers can be reapplied throughout the day as necessary; twice daily applications are recommended. (moisturizers)
  
  
• Use a mild, unscented soap. Do not scrub too much; you won’t be any cleaner and your skin will only be more dry and itchy. (cleansers)
  
  
• Hot tubs should not be used by people suffering from dry, itchy, irritated skin. They only worsen this condition.
  
  
• Be cautious in using fabric softener sheets in the dryer. Many common brands contribute to skin being dry and itchy. A liquid fabric softener is preferable.

Hand Dermatitis - is very common.  Since there are many types and causes of hand dermatitis, it is wise to consult you dermatologist to determine exactly which condition you may have.  Hand dermatitis and rashes can be helped by following these guidelines:

• Minimize contact of the hands with soaps, detergents, water and solvents.  Get in the habit of wearing vinyl gloves while working around or outside your house.  Avoid hot water.  This tends to dry out the skin and will worsen your condition.
  
  

• When hands must be washed, a mild, non-irritating cleansing preparation is best. (cleansers)
  
  
• Moisturizers should be used when possible after exposure of the hands to water.  Moisturizers are most effective when applied to the hands no less than twice daily. (moisturizers)

Athlete’s Foot - this condition is so common that most people develop it at least once during their lifetime.  It occurs mostly among teenage and adult males.  Athlete’s foot should not be ignored - it can be easily treated, but it also can be very resistant to treatment.

Athlete’s foot is a term used to describe a very common fungal infection on the skin of the feet.  The medical term for athlete’s foot is tinea pedis.  If the feet are warm, moist and not well ventilated, athlete’s foot tends to worsen.  Athlete’s foot can be very well controlled by regular application of creams and powders. (athletes foot products)  Regular use of antifungal creams in those predisposed to athlete’s foot may decrease the chance of developing toenail fungus.  If toenail fungus does develop, it can be treated by topical or oral medication.  Oral medications tend to work better for nail fungus but are costly and require a prescription.  For early cases of nail fungus, topical products may be tried. (nail fungus products)

Poison Oak and Poison Ivy – Poison oak tends to be more common in the Western United States and Poison Ivy is more common in the Eastern United States.  Both poison oak and poison ivy contain a substance called urushiol, (you-ROO-she-ol), in their sap.  Urushiol is a colorless or slightly yellow oil that oozes from any cut, or crushed part of the plant, including the stems and leaves.  This toxic oil is responsible for the rash that develops from contact with these plants.

If you desire help with treatment and prevention of poison oak or poison ivy, check out DermStore.com for safe and effective products and information.  For more detailed information on poison oak and poison ivy.  Check out our tip of the month archives page.

Psoriasis - this is a persistent skin disease that causes the skin to become inflamed, producing red, thickened areas with silvery scales, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. In some cases, psoriasis is so mild that people do not know they have it. At the opposite extreme, severe psoriasis may cover large areas of the body. There are several different types of psoriasis. Consult with your dermatologist to determine exactly what type of psoriasis you may have. There are many different treatments available, so it is best to find the treatment most suited to your particular type of psoriasis.

home page | site policies | tip of the month | archive of previous tips | sitemap skin cancer | skin cancer treatment | protecting yourself from the sun treating acne and rosacea | cosmetic dermatology | common skin problems Now Available Dermatologist recommended Skin Care Products: on-line catalog 530-241-1111 fax 530-241-4870 website: www.reddingdermatology.com Redding Dermatology Medical Group, Inc. 2139 Airpark Drive Redding, CA  96001   content © 1998-2000 Redding Dermatology Medical Group, Inc. website by ReddingDermatology.com, comments to webmaster