Sensitive skin is a frequent problem, but it is not a medical diagnostic in and of itself. In general, the word denotes to skin that is more prone to inflammation. Each person's source of inflammation may be different.
Chemicals, colors, and scents found in goods that come into touch with the skin cause local responses in those with normally sensitive skin.
They may also develop rashes or discomfort as a result of clothes or friction. Some people are allergic to particular chemicals and may experience skin reactions.
Sensitive skin might sometimes be a sign of a more serious ailment. Avoiding possible triggers and soothing inflamed skin may aid persons with sensitive skin in finding respite and improving their quality of life.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
Finding and removing triggers, as well as employing home remedies or prescription pharmaceuticals to address the symptoms, are common approaches to treating sensitive skin:
Medical treatments
Doctors may prescribe a variety of drugs depending on the reason of sensitive skin and the accompanying symptoms. They are as follows:
- Steroid creams: Both OTC and prescription-strength steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, may help alleviate inflammation and irritation. They should not be used on the face.
- Analgesic creams: Numbing creams may help relieve irritation, making the user less inclined to scratch or aggravate the region.
- Antihistamines: Taking an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), orally may assist with certain allergic responses.
- Protective sunscreen: Broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can help shield sensitive skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Prevention and home remedies
Some home remedies may also aid in the treatment or prevention of sensitive skin issues. They are as follows:
- Moisturizers: Moisturizers and lotions that are hypoallergenic may help to relieve dry skin without aggravating sensitive skin. Depending on the type of sensitivity, certain substances may be more effective than others. People with really dry skin, for example, may benefit from substances such as urea or lactic acid.
Others may benefit more from basic oils such as shea butter or coconut oil. Before applying a product to the remainder of the damaged skin, always try it on a tiny area first.
- Oatmeal: Oats may be especially beneficial to those with sensitive skin. According to research, putting colloidal oatmeal to the skin may assist with symptoms including rashes, dry skin, and eczema.
Oatmeal works through improving the skin's barrier rather than merely curing the symptoms. Applying a colloidal oatmeal paste to sensitive skin may aid with symptom management.
Other tips
People with sensitive skin may be able to reduce their discomfort by:
- Avoiding the use of extremely hot water for bathing and hand washing
- Avoidance of strong scents, detergents, and other substances
- Taking shorter showers and baths (less than ten minutes)
- Using fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soaps, deodorants, and detergents
- Staying away from strong chemical cleansers
- Patting instead of rubbing the body dry
- Before using new items to larger sections of skin, test them on a tiny area first.
A person might keep a daily product log to assist them discover any potential causes of symptoms on their skin. If a person discovers a product that they suspect is causing a response, they should discontinue use and take it to their dermatologist for allergy testing.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
In many circumstances, having sensitive skin is not reason for alarm because it is most likely the result of a small allergy or underlying skin problem.
Natural temperament
If a person has sensitive skin and no underlying health problem, their skin may be more readily irritated.
Many people get irritation after being exposed to:
- Sunlight
- Strong winds
- Extremely low temperatures
- Extremely high temperatures
A person with sensitive skin may also be more prone to allergic responses to skincare products, cosmetics, or certain types of clothes.
Symptoms of sensitive or reactive skin can manifest in a variety of ways, including:
- Eczema
- Hives
- Areas of redness
- Itchy, stinging, or burning rashes
- Without a noticeable rash, itching, stinging, or burning
- Sunburns
Contact dermatitis
Touch dermatitis is an inflammatory skin response caused by skin contact with something. Contact dermatitis is classified into several categories.
Irritant contact dermatitis
Irritating contact dermatitis can be caused by soaps, laundry detergents, or simply exposure to water. In response to the ingredients in these products, a non-specific, inflammatory skin reaction occurs. People can also have reactions to jewelry composed of metals such as nickel.
The skin may become irritated, red, and swollen. It may get exceedingly dry and crack in certain situations, and blisters may appear.
Photoallergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin becomes inflamed after coming into touch with anything after being exposed to sunshine, often a sunscreen lotion.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic dermatitis occurs when an allergic person's skin comes into touch with anything. Eczema and hives can be caused by an allergy, which is an immunological response.
The following are examples of common allergens that can cause skin reactions:
- Nickel
- Coloring and dyes
- Fragrances
- Rubber or latex
- Components or compounds in creams or bath and cosmetic items
- Responses to plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and stinging nettle
Symptoms could include:
- Redness combined with or without swelling
- Hives or rashes
- Flaky, dry skin
- Blisters or leaking, cracked skin
- Dark, leathery skin patches
If the problematic product is removed, symptoms may resolve on their own. Anyone who is having trouble determining which items are causing their symptoms should consult a dermatologist.
Dry skin
A person with sensitive skin may also have dry skin. As the protecting fluids and fat that keep the skin from drying out are lost, the skin becomes more sensitive.
Dry skin may emerge more frequently in places exposed to the weather, such as the hands, face, and arms.
Taking precautions to preserve moisture in the skin may aid in keeping it from drying out. Daily use of moisturizing lotions and face creams may help avoid symptoms.
African Americans should take extra care to moisturize their skin, since research suggests that their skin is more prone to water loss.
Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin ailment that produces dry, itchy areas of skin, however symptoms vary from person to person.
Eczema most commonly affects children, but it may also affect adults. The face, elbows, neck, wrists, ankles, and legs are the most prevalent sites for eczema flare-ups.
People will get itchy and bumpy rashes in these locations. This may be more difficult to see on darker skin.
Rosacea
Rosacea patients may have red skin and visible blood vessels, usually on the face. Some persons may develop a rash of tiny, pus-filled pimples on their skin.
Rosacea comes in several forms and causes a wide range of symptoms. This might include redness, flushing, irritated and swollen eyes, and acne-like rashes.
Photodermatoses
Photodermatoses are abnormal reactions to sunlight that occur within the skin. UV radiation from sunshine may stimulate the person's sensitive immune system, creating a response in the skin in persons with this illness.
A photodermatosis patient's response to sunlight may result in a rash, blisters, or scaly areas on exposed skin. The response worsens as the skin is exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.
Skin that is covered by clothing, a hat, or even hair coverings is unlikely to exhibit symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Having sensitive skin is not always indicative of a significant skin problem. Some people are simply more sensitive to skin-care products than others.
Avoiding harsh chemicals, fragrances, and other irritating elements in skin care products can help alleviate and prevent symptoms in many circumstances. Simple home remedies may help alleviate rashes or reduce people's responses to these goods.
Anyone who has chronic or worsening symptoms should consult a doctor or dermatologist for testing. The response might be caused by an underlying illness or allergy. Other therapies may also be recommended by doctors.