Skin irritations

The main measure to prevent skin irritations is to avoid exposure to the cause that causes them. Usually, the cause is easily identified as the irritation recurs after exposure to it. So many times it is necessary, especially for women, to “get rid of” their favorite jewelry and perfumes or to change their nail and hair dye. In some cases where contact with the irritant is necessary, such as cleaning workers who use irritating cleaners or builders who come into contact with cement, the use of gloves is necessary. In these cases, topical cortisone also helps.

With the help of special skin tests, the cause of the dermatitis can be detected and, if possible, we can take care of its removal.

In any case, the protection of the skin from irritation is achieved by its proper hydration. Good hydration can be achieved by using special emollients and moisturizing ointments (such as ointments containing eucerin, petroleum jelly, vitamin E, aloe). Emollients should be applied to the skin immediately after washing (bathing or washing hands) to “lock” the moisture inside the skin. The use of ointments and creams is preferable to lotions, as the latter do not necessarily have an oily base. It is important that the daily bath does not exceed 10 minutes in duration and that we use lukewarm or warm water, but not hot. More general measures that also help prevent skin irritations are avoiding hot and dry climates, avoiding woolen or synthetic clothes, avoiding direct contact with household cleaning solutions. The good hydration of the body with the daily consumption of large amounts of water and the reduction of daily stress contribute to the good health of the skin and its protection against any harmful factor.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that smoking, both active and passive, is the “number one” enemy of the skin. In addition to contributing to its aging, it is often responsible for causing irritant dermatitis.

Angelos P. Karatzaferis, Specialist Pathologist/ Scientific Associate for the GET WELL Natural Corner service
Excellent Graduate of the School of Medicine of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Specialty in Internal Pathology at the Pathological Physiology Clinic of the University of Athens