Skin: A Mirror to Health

By Dr Anupama Kudchadkar
Posted on 2009-01-04
Global warming, decreasing ozone layer, exposure to multiple chemicals and cosmetics, faulty lifestyles and wrong eating habits, invasive fashions and the changing human behavioural patterns has lead to multiple skin problems from minor to those of major life threatening ones.
Most of the skin disorders are directly related to the climatic conditions, personal hygiene and can also be a result of psychosomatic problems and at times skin disorders can appear as a reflection of internal organ disturbance and require an astute and expert dermatological physician to detect it.
In a tropical place like Goa which a costal location we see a lot of skin problems related to our climatic conditions related to warmth and humidity. The combination of which is ideal for excessive sweating and if this sweat is as allowed to linger on the body for prolonged period it can lead to multiple germs like fungi and bacteria growing over the body specially on the body folds producing multiple infections and skin rashes. Improving personal hygiene by regular cleansing and keeping the body parts dry can go a long way in preventing such infections.
Newborns and infants who have delicate skin are prone to certain skin problems like eczemas, especially those born with dry skin. As per our traditions oil massage and application of homemade remedies during bathing can be more harmful than beneficial as it can produce irritation of skin, worsening the eczemas. Such children are also prone to skin infections. Proper loose and cotton clothing is essential for children in tropical climates.
School going children are exposed to a variety of communicable skin infections like scabies, viral wants, molluscum contagiosum and bacterial infections. Multiple viral infections like chicken pox, measles, hard foot and mouth disease is also common at this age. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent it from spreading.
Adolescence is the stepping-stone into adulthood. A lot of hormonal changes take place which can reflect on the skin in the form of increased sebum (oil) production, hair growth, development of sexual organs, etc, common skin problems at this age are acne, dandruff, fungal and bacterial infections stretch marks, etc.
Housewives and professionals working in factories come in contact with different chemicals. They are all prone to develop skin eruptions on the palms, soles and nails. Hand eczemas, allergies and friction dermatitis, cumulative insult dermatitis are some of the conditions that women with hormonal disturbances acquire. They can also get skin problems commonest being facial pigmentation and hair fall. Unwanted facial hair growth in young girls can also be a result of disturbance in hormones precipitated by stress, food habits and lifestyle.
Outdoor workers and professionals should be more careful about sun exposure as it can lead to premature skin aging, photosunsitivity and pigmentary skin disorders. Regular usage of skin protection creams or lotions and proper clothing is an essential remedy for such professionals.
The elderly population needs special attention because of dry skin and as they are predisposed to multiple skin problems like leg eczemas, dry eczemas, skin infections and skin cancers. Associated stematic illnesses also can contribute towards skin problems.
Other dermatological problems need prompt and prolonged treatment and a lot of counselling as it can also lead to other psychological problems. We should look after our skin not only because it is the first impression we make on the other person but is also a reflection of our mental and physical well being.