Skin Concern - The Medical Clinic

Skin Concerns

“The Best Foundation You Can Wear Is Glowing Healthy Skin.” This quote is as true as can be. Your skin, being the largest organ of your body, is the most exposed part as well. It is the first thing people notice about you and can greatly impact your persona and confidence. Thus, having healthy skin is not a luxury but a basic need of your body.

However, with age, everyone experiences skin concerns that occur at different stages of life. Every day, you may be facing contributing factors that cause your skin to have certain skin conditions like pimples, acne, dryness, wrinkles, etc. Addressing these skin concerns is important for you, not only for an appealing appearance but also to maintain overall well-being.

Let’s explore some common skin concerns and how to treat them so that you can have glowing skin that radiates its appeal to everyone around you.

What is the Cause of Acne?

There are hair follicles and oil glands (also known as Sebaceous glands) naturally present under your skin. Acne occurs when hair follicles or the oil glands become clogged. The follicle gets blocked with the following:

∙ Sebum Oil: The Sebaceous glands under your skin release Sebum oil naturally to keep your skin from dryness. If the glands produce too much Sebum oil, it accumulates within the follicle, resulting in acne.

∙ Dead Skin Cells: Your skin sheds dead cells every now and then. At times, these dead cells amass in the follicle, causing acne.

∙ Bacteria: Bacteria reside over and under your skin. Sometimes, due to dirt or other contributing factors, the bacteria overgrow and start building up in the hair follicle, which results in acne.

The Symptoms of Acne

A pimple appears as a small pustule or bump that forms on the skin when the oil glands get clogged, causing the formation of swollen red lesions filled with pus.

A blackhead is seen as a tiny black spot on the skin. Blackheads are basically plugged pores with a black top.

A whitehead is a plugged pore with a white top. They appear when excessive oil or dead skin cells clog the pores, forming white bumps on the skin.

Nodules are a severe form of acne and are mostly referred to as hormonal acne. They are painful to touch and appear as small red bumps under your skin.

A cyst is a fluid-filled/ pus-filled lump formed under your skin. Cysts are most likely to occur more in males than females.

Other than these, your skin may experience the following with acne:

∙ Dark patches on the skin

∙ Discoloration of skin (uneven skin tone)

∙ Swelling or inflammation

∙ Pain and soreness

How Is Acne Treated

The medication proved to be effective in the treatment of acne is the following:

Antibiotics – Antibiotics can be applied over the skin or taken orally as they control the surface bacteria that result in acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide – It is easily available OTC (Over-The-Counter), and it also controls the surface bacteria that cause acne on the skin.

Salicylic Acid – Salicylic acid is also available OTC in the form of cleansers or lotions for acne. It dissolves the dead skin cells and peels off the damaged layer on top of the skin. This prevents hair follicles from being clogged, ultimately preventing acne.

Retinoids – Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives and are effective for treating pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Retinoids are mostly available on prescription as they tend to have side effects like irritation, dryness and skin sensitivity.

Melasma

Melasma is a common skin concern that affects millions of people around the world, often causing emotional distress and a dip in self-confidence. It is often referred to as ‘Chloasma’ or ‘pregnancy mask.’ It is a common skin condition characterized by the development of brown or greyish-brown patches on the skin, most frequently on the face.

Melasma patches are typically symmetrical and can vary in size, shape, and colour, and they frequently appear on the bridge of the nose, forehead, cheeks and upper lip. Melasma is more prevalent among women than men, with individuals with darker skin tones being at higher risk.

Types of Melasma:

∙ Pigmentation in the top layer of the skin.

∙ Dark brown patches with a well-defined border.

∙ Pigmentation in the dermal or middle layer of the skin.

∙ Light brown or bluish colour with a blurry border.

∙ More challenging to treat.

∙ A combination of both epidermal and dermal melasma.

∙ Involves bluish and brown patches of discoloration.

∙ The most common form of melasma.

Symptoms of Melasma

The primary symptom of melasma is the appearance of dark, irregular patches on the skin, commonly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. These patches can be tan, brown, or greyish in colour. However, these symptoms are distinguished from each other with regard to the type of Melasma. The symptoms are typically categorized into three common patterns:

❖ Centrofacial Melasma: This pattern involves the central part of the face, including the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin.

❖ Malar Melasma: Malar melasma primarily affects the cheeks and is characterized by patchy discolouration in this region.

❖ Mandibular Melasma: Mandibular melasma appears on the jawline and is less common than the other patterns.

Treatment of Melasma

While melasma can be a persistent condition, there are several treatment options available to help manage and improve its appearance. It’s important to note that results may vary from person to person, and a combination of treatments may be necessary. Here are some common approaches to treating melasma:

Topical Treatments:

Over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments can be used to lighten melasma patches. These may include ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinoids, or glycolic acid. It’s important to consult a dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan.

Topical Corticosteroids:

In some cases, topical corticosteroids may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and pigmentation.

Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels, administered by a dermatologist, involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the top layer, revealing new, less pigmented skin underneath.

Sun Protection:

One of the most effective ways to prevent melasma from worsening is to protect your skin from the sun. This includes wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing wide-brimmed hats, and seeking shade whenever possible.

Laser Therapy:

Laser treatments, like fractional laser and intense pulsed light (IPL), can target melanin and reduce melasma pigmentation. These treatments should be performed by experienced professionals.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is also a common skin concern that affects people of all ages and skin types. It refers to the darkening of specific areas of the skin, causing patches or spots that are apparently darker as compared to the surrounding skin.

This condition occurs when there is an excess production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye colour. A variety of factors can trigger this condition and can manifest in different ways.

Hyperpigmentation can affect any part of the body and can be particularly distressing when it appears on the face, hands, or other visible areas.

Causes

One of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation is prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This can lead to the formation of age spots, also known as sunspots or liver spots, as well as freckles.

Inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis can cause hyperpigmentation as a response to injury or irritation. The body produces excess melanin as part of the healing process, leading to dark spots in the affected area.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy (melasma or chloasma) or as a result of birth control pills, can trigger the development of dark patches on the skin. This is commonly referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.”

Some individuals are genetically predisposed to developing hyperpigmentation. In these cases, it may appear as birthmarks or evolve with age.

Wounds, burns, or friction-related trauma can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, leaving behind persistent dark marks.

Symptoms of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation presents itself in various forms, including:

Sunspots: Small, dark spots that typically appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands.

Freckles: Small, flat, brown spots that are often genetic and can darken with sun exposure.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots or patches that develop after skin injuries, inflammation, or acne breakouts.

Lentigines: Dark spots that resemble freckles but tend to appear in older individuals, often as a result of cumulative sun exposure.

Treatment of Hyperpigmentation

There are various treatment options available to manage hyperpigmentation, depending on the cause, severity, and individual preferences. Some of the most common treatments include:

Sun Protection

Preventing further hyperpigmentation is essential. Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, along with protective clothing, can help safeguard the skin from harmful UV rays.

Topical Products

Over-the-counter and prescription skin-lightening creams containing ingredients like corticosteroids, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinoids, vitamin C, and alpha hydroxy acids can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone over time.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the top layer, revealing a fresh layer of skin underneath. This can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Microdermabrasion

This procedure exfoliates the skin’s outer layer and can be effective for treating mild hyperpigmentation.

Laser Therapy

Various laser and light-based therapies can target hyperpigmented areas, breaking down excess melanin and encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells.

Cryotherapy

For certain types of hyperpigmentation, cryotherapy, which involves freezing the dark spots with liquid nitrogen, can be effective.

Start Taking Care Of Your Skin Today!

As it is said, “Beautiful, healthy skin is the basis of any look.” – Thus, it is crucial to take care of your skin to feel truly best within yourself.

Caring for your skin doesn’t require a significant time commitment, but it does require diligent attention to maintain a healthy, radiant complexion over the long term.

It’s crucial to use skincare products that facilitate skin exfoliation and minimize the development of bacteria. Additionally, it’s essential to use skincare products that are devoid of pore-clogging ingredients.

Holts Healthcare takes your skincare to the next level. Their medical-grade skincare products are specially formulated with active ingredients that deliver visible improvements within just seven days.

In addition to effective skincare products, Holts Healthcare also provides telemedicine consultations for a wide range of medical services, from general check-ups to specialized treatments. You can schedule appointments, seek medical advice, or even obtain prescription medication for your skin right from your device.

However, to ensure your skin safety, they require digital paperwork for our telemedicine consultations, including essential information about medication and food allergies.

Book a virtual appointment with Holts Healthcare today and embrace healthier, happier and more radiant skin.