Care More About Your Medication And Skin Care Routine
Healthy Skin Is A Reflection Of Overall Wellness
Skin conditions are not only uncomfortable but can also make you self-conscious in public. Don’t be discouraged. Proper self-care and skincare medications can help you lead a happy life. Here is an overview of five common skin conditions and medications used for managing them.
1. Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition, mainly affecting teenage people. It’s best to get treated in teenagers as acne in adults is hard to treat. Over-the-counter, prescription medications and other procedural therapies are available to manage acne. Effective OTC products for acne contain one or more of the following ingredients - salicylic acid, sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid. Look for these ingredients regardless of what type of product you use, whether it is a lotion, cleanser, or toner.
If your acne doesn’t get better within three months, your physician may prescribe stronger topical medications such as azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, or topical antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin). In case of severe acne breakouts, oral skincare medications such as isotretinoin, antibiotics, or hormonal pills will be prescribed.
Tip: Never pop pimples, as this habit can force the microbe to get into the skin and cause infections. Clean your face every night with gentle cleansers.
2. Atopic Dermatitis
If you have red, dry, and itchy skin, you might have atopic dermatitis (eczema). It is more common in people with a family or personal history of asthma, food allergies, or environmental allergies. Moisturizers and over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can be helpful in the management of mild eczema. Compared to moisturizers, ointments are a good choice since it provides a long-lasting effect. Ceramides containing moisturizers are excellent for eczema as they enhance hydration and healing.
Your healthcare provider may recommend steroid creams or pills for moderate to severe eczema. Newer skincare medications called TIMs (topical immunomodulators) may be helpful in people who do not respond to other medications. Therapies such as phototherapy or wet wrap therapy are used in people with severe or treatment-resistant symptoms.
Tip: Avoid traditional bar soaps as they are harsh and can wash away the skin’s natural oils. Choose a soap or cleanser for dry, sensitive skin.
3. Bacterial Infections Of The Skin
Various microbes can cause skin infections, and bacterial skin infections are fairly common. Some of the common infections are impetigo, cellulitis, boils, and Hansen’s disease. The common antibacterial topical medications are mupirocin and clindamycin. Oral or injectables useful in treating bacterial skin infections are erythromycin, tetracycline, and dicloxacillin.
Tip: Practice good hand-washing techniques and wash wounds, cuts, or insect bites immediately. Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people having infections, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or bar soap.
4. Rosacea
It is a condition commonly affecting facial skin, causing redness in the nose, chin, and cheeks. People who have fair skin and tend to blush more are more likely to get affected. Unmanaged rosacea may cause pus-filled pimples and red solid bumps. Small blood vessels may also become visible. Prescription skincare medications available to treat rosacea are anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medicines. They are available in oral as well as topic formulations. Other skincare products, such as moisturizers and gentle soaps, can be helpful in the management of rosacea.
Tip: Be sure to apply sunscreen every day, as the sun’s ultraviolet rays can aggravate rosacea.
5. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is another common skin disorder in which affected people have pink or red patches of skin covered with silvery scales. People can also have cracked skin or nails and joint pain. Steroids are the frequently prescribed medications used to manage mild to moderate psoriasis.
A skincare medication called anthralin and vitamin D analogs help slow skin cell production. In case of severe psoriasis, or if the other treatments have not worked, oral or injectable medications such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, retinoids, or immune system-altering drugs are used. Light therapy (exposing the skin to controlled amounts of artificial or natural light) is also used to manage moderate to severe psoriasis.
Tip: Avoid drinking alcohol, as it may reduce the effectiveness of some treatments for psoriasis.
Basic Skin Care Tips For Maintaining Healthy Skin
The two important aspects of skin care are understanding your skin type and minimizing the number of products you use. Choose products based on your skin type. Avoid touching your face as it may transfer dirt or germs to the face. Regularly use sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher for the best protection.
