Skinformation: Dermatitis & Eczema

Let’s first look at dry skin and remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Dry skin (and its conditions) can be managed and treated. There are various remedies for treating dry skin such as holistic methods, supplements, and restoring and nourishing skincare.

Dry skin is due to abnormalities in the integrity of the skin barrier function. Gene mutations and/or hereditary factors contribute to dry skin as well as metabolic factors such as thyroid deficiency and illnesses such as cancer, HIV and medications.

        • Reduction of lipids in the stratum corneum

        • Retention of corneocytes and reduction of water-holding capacity

        • The ratio of ceramides, cholesterol and essential fatty acids may be abnormal/reduced

        • There may be a reduction in the proliferation of keratinocytes

If your skin is dry, it may feel taught, itchy and uncomfortable. Redness and cracking in the skin are also signs of dry skin and an impaired skin barrier. We can assist you in determining if your skin is lacking nourishment and severely impaired or whether it is dehydrated. Often, people can get confused between the two and their treatment requirements are very different.

Dermatitis:

There are many variations of dermatitis and it can be present in some cases in normal and oily skin types too, depending on the condition. However, dry skin types are much more prone to dermatitis.

Typically, this condition refers to a group of itchy inflammatory conditions characterised by epidermal changes. Some forms of dermatitis are known as: Peri-oral dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, eczema craquele (scaly dermatitis), seborrheic dermatitis, gravitational dermatitis, and more.

If you are unsure of your skin type or condition, feel free to enquire with us today. We can help treat and manage some dry skin conditions; where something is beyond our scope of practice, we can refer you to the correct specialist.

Eczema:

Most common skin disorder worldwide, roughly affects approximately 230million people. Prevalent in young children but can occur at any age and any part of the body.

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is an inflammatory skin condition where your immune system tends to overreact to an environmental trigger. The condition tends to run in families; inheriting a filaggrin gene mutation from your parents can lead to a “leaky” skin barrier that reduces your skin’s ability to block allergens and allows moisture to escape.

  • There are many varying types of eczema; long-lasting and chronic conditions for most people with periodic flare ups.

  • Can be accustomed with hay fever and asthma; data suggests 20% of those with atopic dermatitis have dermatitis due to a link of inflammation that is often caused by strong reaction to environmental allergens.

Treating dry skin

Here are some quick pointers about how to treat dry skin conditions and where to start. Ultimately, book a consultation with one of our team and learn about your skin.

  • Your skin journey begins with an in-depth skin consultation and skin analysis. We need to determine factors, triggers, medical history, current skincare, and a background history to determine a treatment plan to assist you to skin health.

    We also need to establish the severity of any eczema, dermatitis, or dry skin and whether or not you might need specialist services. A consultation is critical for this.

    At MiSkin, we are serious about skin, your wellbeing and results. We do this through education and care.

  • In addition to the above and whether we can treat you, we need to focus on repairing and strengthening the skin barrier function, hydrating and nourishing the skin and soothing the skin. Our clinical facials are the best first step to begin your journey.

    Where necessary, a recommendation to see a doctor, dermatologist, or nutritionist will be made to ensure you are on the right path.

    In addition to in-clinic treatments, it is paramount you avoid certain exacerbations like excessive bathing, fragranced products, and you need to moisturise twice daily.

  • A tailored medical grade skincare routine is essential. We want effective ingredients that are going to address cell processes at the core, not on the surface. Medical grade skincare achieves this.

    Ingredients such as urea, glycerin, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid are great hydrators. Ceramides and occlusive agents support the skin and offer a seal to prevent transepidermal waterloss in the skin.

    Be mindful of many companies claiming to be cosmeceutical due to having one or two ingredients at a high concentrate. However, it’s critical you are using high-quality medical grade skincare that has clinical data and research behind it, otherwise it’s unfounded.