Skin conditions

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Ichthyosis – what are the warning signs of Ichthyosis?

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is a condition that causes widespread and persistent thick, dry, “fish-scale” skin.

There are at least 20 different types of ichthyosis. Some types are inherited at birth and other types are acquired during adulthood.

There’s no cure for ichthyosis, but a daily skincare routine usually keeps the symptoms mild and manageable.

 

What causes ichthyosis

Most people with ichthyosis have inherited a particular faulty gene from their parent. The signs and symptoms of inherited ichthyosis appear at birth or within the first year of life.

The faulty gene affects the rate at which the skin regenerates – either the shedding of old skin cells is too slow, or the skin cells reproduce at a much faster rate than they can shed old skin. Either way, this causes a build-up of rough, scaly skin.

Ichthyosis vulgaris

Ichthyosis vulgaris is the most common type of inherited ichthyosis, affecting 1 in 250-1,000 people. Signs and symptoms include:

  • skin may appear normal at birth
  • skin gradually becomes dry, rough and scaly, usually before the age of one
  • the face and the bends of the elbows and knees aren’t usually affected
  • limbs may develop fine light-grey scales
  • the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet may have more lines than normal and be thickened
  • the child often also has eczema
  • symptoms are often worse when it’s cold and dry and improve in warm, humid conditions – this means they may be more noticeable in the winter than the summer

Other types of inherited ichthyosis

Other inherited forms of ichthyosis are very rare and include:

  • X-linked ichthyosis – only affects males and includes general scaling, particularly over the limbs and trunk (torso)
  • congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma
  • harlequin ichthyosis – this is extremely rare, but the scaling is severe and requires intensive care at birth
  • syndromes that include ichthyosis – such as Netherton’s syndrome or Sjögren-Larsson syndrome

Congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma

Ichthyosis may develop if a baby is born with a shiny yellow membrane (collodion membrane) that sheds within the first week of life.

Once the membrane has shed, one of the following types of ichthyosis can develop:

  • non-bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma – inflamed scaly skin that affects the entire skin surface
  • bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma – inflamed scaly skin with fluid-filled blisters that may become infected and produce a foul-smelling skin odour
  • lamellar ichthyosis – where the skin isn’t as red, but the scales are larger and tighter to the skin

In severe cases of congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma a child may also have drooping lower eyelids (ectropion), mild hair loss and tight skin on the fingers.

Acquired ichthyosis

Acquired ichthyosis tends to develop in adulthood and isn’t inherited. It’s usually associated with another condition, such as:

Certain medications can also trigger ichthyosis, including some medications used in targeted cancer therapy, such as vemurafenib and protein kinase inhibitors.

Treating ichthyosis

There’s no cure for ichthyosis, but moisturising and exfoliating the skin daily can help prevent dryness, scaling and the build-up of skin cells.

Skincare

Your skin specialist (dermatologist) will be able to prescribe or recommend suitable moisturising treatments (emollients), which may be in the form of a cream, ointment, lotion or bath oil.

You should:

  • apply emollients to wet skin to trap the moisture – ideally a few minutes after having a bath or shower
  • gently rub wet skin with a pumice stone to remove some of the thickened skin
  • brush washed hair to remove scales from your scalp

Other useful exfoliating or moisturising products include lanolin creams, products containing urea, propylene glycol, lactic acid, and other alpha hydroxy acids.

Your dermatologist may also recommend peeling creams, such as salicylic acid, to help exfoliate and moisturise your skin. However, some people may find these products irritate their skin.

Antibiotics or antiseptics may be prescribed to treat skin infections.

Steroid treatments aren’t effective for treating ichthyosis.

Severe ichthyosis

People with severe ichthyosis may need to spend several hours a day caring for their skin.

They may have the following problems:

  • overheating – as a result of a reduced ability to sweat
  • limited movement – dry skin can make it too painful to move certain parts of the body
  • skin infection – after cracking and splitting of the skin
  • impaired hearing or eyesight – if skin builds up over the ears or eyes

People with severe ichthyosis may be prescribed retinoid tablets (synthetic vitamin A), which reduce the growth of overactive scaly skin. They improve the skin’s appearance, but don’t improve the inflammation or redness.

Vitamin D supplements may also be prescribed.

Outlook

People with mild ichthyosis have a normal lifespan. However, the most severe inherited types can be life threatening.

If you have inherited ichthyosis, you’ll have it for life. Acquired ichthyosis may get better if the underlying cause is identified and treated.

Leave a comment Posted on Infectious Diseases, Skin conditions

Scabies – find out the signs and symptoms here.

Scabies

Scabies

[Original article on NHS Choices website]

 

Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin.

The main symptom of scabies is intense itching that’s worse at night. It also causes a skin rash on areas where the mites have burrowed.

Read more about the symptoms of scabies.

Scabies mites

Scabies mites are called Sarcoptes scabiei. They feed using their mouths and front legs to burrow into the outer layer of skin (epidermis), where they lay eggs.

After three to four days, the baby mites (larvae) hatch and move to the surface of the skin, where they mature into adults.

Scabies like warm places, such as skin folds, between the fingers, under fingernails, or around the buttock or breast creases. They can also hide under watch straps, bracelets or rings.

Read more about the life cycle of the scabies mite.

How scabies is spread

Scabies is usually spread through prolonged periods of skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, or through sexual contact.

It’s also possible – but rare – for scabies to be passed on by sharing clothing, towels and bedding with someone who’s infected.

It can take up to eight weeks for the symptoms of scabies to appear after the initial infection. This is known as the incubation period.

Read more about the causes of scabies.

Scabies outbreaks

Scabies is widespread in densely populated areas with limited access to medical care, and is most common in the following tropical and subtropical areas:

Africa

Central and South America

northern and central Australia

Caribbean Islands

India

southeast Asia

In developed countries, scabies outbreaks can sometimes occur in places where there are lots of people, such as schools, nurseries and care homes.

In the UK, most outbreaks of scabies occur in the winter. This may be because people tend to spend more time indoors and closer to each other at this time of year.

It’s difficult to know exactly how many cases of scabies there are in the UK. This is because many people don’t visit their GP and treat the condition with non-prescription medicines.

Treating scabies

Visit your GP if you think you have scabies. It’s not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated.

The two most widely used treatments for scabies are permethrin cream and malathion lotion (brand name Derbac M). Both medications contain insecticides that kill the scabies mite.

Permethrin 5% cream is usually recommended as the first treatment. Malathion 0.5% lotion is used if permethrin is ineffective.

If your partner has been diagnosed with genital scabies, to avoid reinfection you should visit your nearest sexual health clinic so you can be checked and, if necessary, treated.

Avoid having sex and other forms of close bodily contact until both you and your partner have completed the full course of treatment.

Read more about diagnosing scabies and treating scabies.

Complications of scabies

Scabies can sometimes lead to a secondary skin infection if your skin becomes irritated and inflamed through excessive itching.

Crusted scabies is a rare but more severe form of scabies, where a large number of mites are in the skin. This can develop in older people and those with a lowered immunity.

Read more about complications of scabies.

Leave a comment Posted on Skin conditions

Bullous pemphigoid – what are the early signs and symptoms of Bullous pemphigoid?

Bullous pemphigoid

Bullous pemphigoid

Introduction

Bullous pemphigoid is a blistering skin disease that tends to affect the elderly.

It’s caused by a problem with the immune system, but usually goes away on its own within a few years. In the meantime, blisters can be controlled with medication.

About 1 in 10,000 people are affected by the condition in the UK each year.

What are the symptoms?

Bullous pemphigoid typically starts with a red, itchy rash that looks a bit like dermatitis (a type of eczema) or hives. This tends to last several weeks or months.

Groups of large, itchy blisters usually then appear on the red patches, just beneath the surface of the skin. They can be up to 5cm in diameter and full of fluid, with the thick skin of the blisters stretched tightly.

The fluid inside is usually clear, but can turn cloudy or bloodstained.

Blisters last a few days before healing without leaving a scar, but a cycle develops where more form.

The rash and blisters are usually seen on the upper arms and thighs, sometimes spreading to body folds and the tummy. In severe cases, the blisters may cover most of the skin, including the inside of the mouth.

However, some people have no symptoms or just have mild redness and irritation without blisters.

Who is affected?

The condition is usually seen in older people aged over 70. Rarely, it can affect children and younger adults.

Bullous pemphigoid is also slightly more common in women than men.

What is the cause?

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune condition, which means the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues and organs.

The person’s immune system produces antibodies against the skin. These antibodies attack the basement membrane, which lies between the skin’s top layer (epidermis) and the next layer (dermis), and holds the skin together. The skin layers start to separate and fluid builds up in between.

It’s not understood why autoimmune diseases like bullous pemphigoid happen, but it’s thought something triggers the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues. Certain medicines and sunburn have been known to act as a trigger.

Symptoms usually come on unexpectedly.

Bullous pemphigoid isn’t:

  • infectious
  • caused by an allergy
  • affected by diet or lifestyle

How is it diagnosed?

Your GP may suspect bullous pemphigoid just by looking at your skin.

The diagnosis is then confirmed by taking a small sample of your affected skin (biopsy) and sending it to a laboratory to be inspected to see if the top layers of skin have separated.

Special staining (immunofluorescence) may be used to show up the antibodies, and a blood sample may be taken and checked for the presence of pemphigoid antibodies.

How is it treated?

If you’ve been diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid, you’ll probably be referred to a dermatologist (skin specialist) for treatment.

The aim of treatment is to stop new blisters forming and heal the blisters that are already there.

Your specialist may prescribe quite powerful medication with potentially severe side effects, so the smallest possible dose is used to minimise this.

You’ll usually be prescribed corticosteroids (either tablets or cream), sometimes alongside “steroid-sparing” medication that allows doctors to reduce the dose of steroids. You may also be prescribed an antibiotic.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, or steroids, are an anti-inflammatory medicine prescribed for a wide range of conditions.

If the affected area of skin is only small, you may be prescribed steroid cream to rub into the area. For larger areas of blisters, you may be given steroid tablets.

If the blisters are severe, you may be given a high dose to start with to get the condition under control and stop the blisters appearing. This may take several weeks.

The dose is then gradually reduced, and you’ll either come off the steroids or be kept on a low dose for a long time.

To use the lowest possible effective dose of steroids, your doctor may give you “steroid-sparing” medicine to take alongside, which is described below.

Read more about steroid medicines, including the side effects.

Tablets to suppress your immune system

You may be prescribed azathioprine or methotrexate medicine to take alongside steroids. These work by suppressing your production of antibodies.

The idea is that side effects will be less troublesome if low doses of two different tablets (steroids and immunosuppressants) are used instead of one high dose of steroids. This is known as steroid sparing.

Looking after your skin

Blisters should be left intact, if possible, to reduce your risk of infection.

However, if they’re particularly large and in a difficult place – such as the sole of your foot – they may be carefully pierced with a sterile needle to release the fluid. The skin of the blister should be left.

If blisters do break, they heal quickly.

Outlook

It’s not possible to cure the condition with treatment, but it usually goes away on its own within five to six years. In the meantime, medication is effective in keeping the blisters under control.

Regular follow-up appointments are usually necessary in the meantime so any side effects of the medication can be monitored, and to make sure the symptoms are under control.

Posted on Patient Talk, Skin conditions

7 NATURAL WAYS TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN


Most times, we focus more on our outfits and ignore our skin which reflects how we appear. Those who put in little effort to take care of their skin sometimes end up causing significant damage to their skin through the use of chemically produced skin care products.

It is important to know that the skin develops in a way that makes it naturally defensive against chemicals and infections. However, it needs to be well maintained to make it serve its purpose. Just as your nutrition and certain daily routines affect your health, certain natural routines are also necessary to maintain healthy skin.

It is necessary for you also to know that those fine lines across the eye region, the facial wrinkles and the aging body you are beginning to have is as a result of your inability to naturally maintain your skin. While it may seem like that chemically produced skin product is working for you, its effect may tell on you sooner or later.

So beyond the use of these products, here are seven amazing natural ways to care for your skin:

Gently treat your skin: Protecting your skin from damage is as important as taking proper care of your skin. The skin is very sensitive and requires a gentle approach for its care. To gently treat it;

  • Exfoliate: One of the best ways to have and enjoy an ever radiant skin is by exfoliating. Exfoliating helps to remove dead cells thereby allowing a regeneration. It is advisable to opt for dry brush exfoliation. Practitioners have stated that dry brush exfoliation is one natural way to reduce skin puffiness and calm the body nerves. When using the exfoliation brush, it is best to apply pressure so as to avoid scratching the skin gently. Exfoliate before showering.
  • Mild soap: Every skin requires a little amount of oil to keep the body moisturized. Strong soap can cause dryness and body itching. It is best to make use of mild soap for your bath.
  • Reduce bath time: The fact that you stay so long in the bathroom may affect your skin. Hot and long showers can deprive your skin of required oil. So make use of mild water and limit your bathing period.
  • Moisturize: If you have dry or oily skin, ensure to moisturize. Moisturizing keeps you slightly wet thereby keeping your skin healthy and attractive.

Stay away from Sun: While the sun is an important part of existence, exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause lasting damage to the skin and can even cause wrinkles, aging and skin cancer. If there is a way to limit the number of times you go out, please do. However, if your occupation disengages give room for that, it is best to protect yourself by doing the following:

  • Application of Sunscreen: Sunscreen is one effective way to protect yourself from the damaging effect of UV rays. However, ensure you buy one that contains SPF of at least 15 and apply every two hours to keep your skin intact
  • Look out for shades: You should avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm. Since you will have to be out during these periods, ensure you look out for shades. Especially if you have to work on the field, try to seek shades.
  • Wear well-covered cloth: Avoid putting on exposing clothes. Wear hats to cover your face and neck. Put on long pants to cover your legs as well as the long-sleeves top.  These clothes will naturally keep you safe.

Maintain a healthy diet plan: Studies in alternative medicine have stated that healthy and good looking skin is a direct reflection of the digestive system. Practitioners have stated that those who suffer from skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, rosacea may have to review their diet as their diet determines how healthy or unhealthy they can be. 

Amongst others, it has been noted that a lack of fiber and fluids strongly contribute to common skin conditions. If adequate measures are not put in place to adjust the diet plan to include sufficient fiber and fluids, there may be no lasting solution to these conditions.

Lack of water or fluids will cause dehydration thereby affecting the skin and the body system. Understand that you cannot substitute Alcoholic and caffeine fluids for water. So ensure to take at least 8 cups of water daily.

More so, eating enough fiber will also aid digestion. Nutritional reports have stated that the average human eats 12 grams of fiber daily. This is actually not good for the skin. However, the Nutrition board has advised that men take at least 38grams of fiber while women should take at least 25grams of fiber.

As it is necessary to increase the amount of fiber in your diet, you will also have to increase your fluid intake. Appropriate use of both will surely help you attain a younger and beautiful skin as well as help you get rid of acne.

Avoid smoking: It is no news that smokers are liable to death as smoke affects the lungs. While death is its ultimate effect, smoking is really bad for the skin. Smoking restricts the activities of the tiny blood vessels in the extern layers thereby reducing the flow of blood and ultimately leading to pale skin. More so, it destroys and restricts the vital effect of required nutrients and oxygen. As it destroys collagen and the body’s elasticity, it causes the body to shrink thereby causing wrinkles. Not only does it affect the skin, but it also affects the facial appearance. Smokers make a certain facial appearance when smoking. As these facial features become permanent, they tend to cause wrinkles and fine lines across particular regions. It is best to stop smoking while it is still early. If you think you are addicted, you should talk to your doctor.

Stay Active: Health practitioners have stated that inactivity can elevate loss of muscle tone, bloating, as well as acne. Though some people prefer to stay inactive to reduce stress, it is important to know that the best way to relieve stress and to cater for your overall health is by being on the move. Stretch regularly, take a walk and hit the gym. A little sweat helps to nourish the body with swift blood circulation.

Eat benefiting Fats: Eating good fats rather than the ones with a high level of LDL cholesterol is an excellent way to maintain your natural skin. You can make use of flaxseed or walnut oil for your salad dressing. However, do not use these oils for cooking; rather they should be refrigerated and used in the pure state. You should also add olive oil avocados to your diet.

Sleep: You want healthy skin, but you do not sleep? Adequate sleep goes a long way in helping to sustain a beautiful and good looking skin. While you peel off dead cells while exfoliating, your skin repairs itself and rejuvenates while you are asleep. No matter your schedule, creative time for quality sleep.

Beyond any other thing, caring for your skin should never be ignored and should always be in your to-do list. Incorporate these natural ways and thank yourself later.

References

https://www.verywellhealth.com/tips-for-natural-skin-care-89844

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237

https://www.lifehack.org/352302/6-ways-take-care-your-skin