Skin Health: Skin Diseases, Preventive Measures And Home Remedies For Dry Skin

What is skin?

Skin is the largest organ of the body and covers the entire surface of the body. It is composed of an outer epidermis, an inner dermis and a layer of subcutaneous fat below the dermis. An average skin is between 1 and 2mm thick. The skin of the eye is 0.5mm thick.

  Functions of the Skin.

1. Control of body temperature

Skin play an important role in controlling body temperature (vasoconstriction and vasodilation).

2. Excretory organ

It has a minor role as an excretory organ. Lactic acid and urea are lost.

3. Response to stimuli

It contains receptors sensitive to heat, touch, pressure and cold.

4. Protection

It protects the body against invading microbes, mechanical damage, poisonous chemicals, dehydration and damage due to ultraviolet rays.

5. Vitamin D production

It produces vitamin D in the fatty cells by using infra-red rays of the sun.

  Diseases of the Skin

The diseases of the Skin are mainly cause by Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi or protozoa. These include:

Scabies

Chickenpox

Eczema

Skin rashes

Boil

Ringworms etc.

  What causes dry skin?

Dry skin (xerosis) often has an environmental cause. Certain diseases also can significantly affect your skin. Potential causes of dry skin include:

Hot baths and showers. 

Taking long, hot showers or baths can dry your skin. So can frequent swimming, particularly in heavily chlorinated pools.

  Weather. 

Skin tends to be driest in winter, when temperatures and humidity levels plummet. But the season may not matter as much if you live in desert regions.

  Heat. 

Central heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces all reduce humidity and dry your skin.

  Harsh soaps and detergents. 

Many popular soaps, detergents and shampoos strip moisture from your skin as they are formulated to remove oil.

  Other skin conditions. 

People with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis are prone to dry skin.

  What are the risk factors of dry skin?

Anyone can develop dry skin. But you may be more likely to develop the condition if you:

Are in your 40s or older. The risk increases with age — more than 50 percent of older adults have dry skin.

Live in dry, cold or low-humidity climates.

Have a job that requires you to immerse your skin in water, such as nursing and hairstyling.

Swim frequently in chlorinated pools.

A sudden occurrence of dry skin might be connected to the clothes you’re wearing or what you’ve exposed your skin to.

Sitting by the fireplace, spending time in chlorinated or chemically-treated water, or even wearing wool clothing can all irritate your skin and make it feel dry. Check what you’re putting your skin through, and try to treat it gently.

What are the home remedies for dry skin?

There are a variety of home remedies a person can use to relieve dry skin. Most of the treatments for dry skin are used as moisturizers unless otherwise stated. The best way to use a moisturizer is to apply it liberally to damp skin after a bath and let it soak in.

As this article was on 'what are the home remedies for dry skin? Here are the home remedies:

I. Coconut oil

Another natural oil that works well to treat dry skin is coconut oil. A 2014 study found that coconut oil is as safe and effective as petroleum jelly for treating dry skin. It was found to significantly improve skin hydration and increase the number of lipids (fats) on the surface of the skin.

As 2016 research explains, coconut oil contains saturated fatty acids that have emollient properties. An emollient is a fat or oil that acts as a moisturizer by filling in gaps in dry skin, making it smooth.

II. Make a Natural Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub 

Create a naturally moisturizing exfoliating scrub using a combination of olive oil and sugar. Combine ½ cup of sugar with 2 tbsp of olive oil, Crompton says. If you want, you can also add an essential oil like lavender, which adds a natural fragrance and can promote relaxation. Gently rub the scrub into your skin, and then wash it off. Last, use a soothing moisturizer to lock in the benefits of freshly exfoliated skin.

III. Use Milk Compresses for Irritated Skin

“Milk has natural anti-inflammatory properties,” says Shainhouse. "It also contains lactic acid, a mild, natural exfoliant.” To make a milk compress, Cincinnati Health Institute advises soaking a clean cloth (like a washcloth or a towel) in a bowl of cool milk, and holding it in place over any dry areas. Shainhouse recommends using these compresses on your skin for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. It’s especially helpful for irritated skin that’s itchy, too. Lactic acid can sting cracked skin, though, so use with caution.

IV. Petroleum jelly

According to a studyTrusted Source, petroleum jelly products can heal skin in older adults. Petroleum jelly, also known as mineral oil, covers the skin in a protective layer. It traps moisture underneath. This helps heal dry, irritated skin patches.

V. Sunflower seed oil

A 2013 study found that sunflower seed oil improved hydration when used as a moisturizer on participant’s arms.

The same study found that olive oil actually damaged the skin’s barrier, suggesting not all natural oils are suitable for use as moisturizers.

VI. Oatmeal baths

Oatmeal is common folk remedy for irritated skin. A 2015 studyTrusted Source showed why grandmothers and great-grandmothers have been recommending this home remedy for centuries: It works.

Colloidal oatmeal has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation. This remedy is especially effective if you’re seeking to relieve itching. After you’ve taken an oatmeal bath, make sure you moisturize your skin to lock in the barrier.

You can make an oatmeal bath at home. Use a food processor to chop oatmeal into a fine powder, then stir it into warm water. You can also try one of the many commercial products available to make an oatmeal soak.

VII. Antioxidants and omega-3s

When your skin is dry, it means you’re exposing it to elements that are damaging skin cells faster than your body can repair them. There are some foods that can help your skin appear healthier, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Foods rich in antioxidants can minimize damage from toxins and help your body make healthy cells. 

Some of the foods that contribute to skin health include:

blueberries

tomatoes

carrots

beans

peas

lentils

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, may also contribute to a glowing-skin diet.

VIII. Honey

A 2012 review of research notes that some studies have shown honey to be beneficial for many types of skin diseases.

Some studies suggest that honey may be used as an at home treatment to relive dry skin.

Various studies have found honey to be:

moisturizing

healing

anti-inflammatory

These are all qualities that suggest honey is an ideal at home treatment to relieve dry skin. It is completely natural and can be applied directly to the skin.

  Complications of dry skin.

Dry skin is usually harmless. But when it's not cared for, dry skin may lead to:

  Atopic dermatitis (eczema). If you're prone to develop this condition, excessive dryness can lead to activation of the disease, causing redness, cracking and inflammation.

  Infections. 

Dry skin may crack, allowing bacteria to enter, causing infections.

These complications are most likely to occur when your skin's normal protective mechanisms are severely compromised. For example, severely dry skin can cause deep cracks or fissures, which can open and bleed, providing an avenue for invading bacteria.

  What are the preventive measures to dry skin?

Preserving of healthy skin is vital to our health. Skin is the first line of body protection against infectious disease especially those diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. When your skin is compromised by itching, an infection can occur. You may want to incorporate a good moisturizer into your daily routine, even when your skin isn’t bothering you.

In fact, maintaining a healthy skin barrier daily is one of the best ways to prevent outbreaks of dry skin. Another essential skincare tip is to use a moisturizing sunscreen every day to prevent skin damage and dryness.

Make sure to wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing that draws sweat away from the skin when you’re exposed to high temperatures or skin-irritating conditions.

Eat adquate diet and take birth at least twice daily as these will help keeping the moisture in skin, washed away disease causing microbes and boost immunity.

Remember that extremely dry skin can be an indication of a more serious condition. If home remedies aren’t helping, you may need to see a doctor to get a prescription treatment to relieve your dry skin.

Sources:

www.everydayhealth.com

www.medicalnewstoday.com

www.healthline.com

www.mayoclinic.org