Dr. Curtis McElroy

Author: docmac

  • What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

    What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

    Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition, and refers to a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects certain areas of the body, quite often the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis that affects the scalp is referred to as “scalp seborrhea”. This condition is mainly characterized by mild to dense dandruff, redness, itchiness, scaly patches and white or yellow crusty flakes.

    Seborrheic Dermatitis in Babies and Adults

    Seborrheic dermatitis can also be seen among neonates usually on their head and eyebrows. Babies can also have this skin condition in their diaper area which is easily mistaken for diaper rash. The condition gradually disappears as the infant reaches six months to one year of age.

    Experts suggest that the emergence of seborrheic dermatitis among newborn babies which is commonly referred to as “cradle cap”, may be caused by maternal hormone stimulation.

    If seborrheic dermatitis affects adults, the condition may last a lifetime. Changes in weather and stress are some of the factors that trigger flare-ups of this condition.

    Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis

    ” Increased Population of Lipophilic Yeast

    Initial findings from studies suggest that a lipophilic yeast, belonging to Malassezia genus called Pityrosporum ovale (P.ovale) is the main culprit of the development of seborrheic dermatitis. The occurrence of this skin condition serves as the body’s inflammatory response to the P. ovale organism.

    This organism naturally dwells in the skin’s oil and when there is an increase in the population of this lipophilic yeast, the skin also produces an excessive amount of oil. Thus, the skin becomes irritated and this will then result in greasy and red patches on the skin.

    Experts are trying to determine why some people develop seborrheic dermatitis and others do not when the organism responsible exists in all humans.

    ” Immunodeficiency Syndrome

    Studies also showed that the existence of comorbid diseases predisposes certain populations to dermatitis. Statistics reveal that only 3% of the general population is affected by seborrheic dermatitis. However, the incidence rate is higher, up to 85%, among individuals who have immunodeficiency syndrome.

    The exact mechanism of how the human immunodeficiency virus infection makes an individual prone to developing seborrheic dermatitis still remains to be discovered by researchers.

    ” Central Nervous System Disorder

    People who have Parkinson’s disease, major truncal paralyses, cranial nerve palsies and other illnesses associated with central nervous system disorders were also found to have a more extensive form of seborrheic dermatitis.

    People who have a central nervous system disorder and have subsequently developed seborrheic dermatitis are often resistant to treatment.

    The occurrence of seborrheic dermatitis among individuals with a central nervous system disorder can also be partly due to the increased pooling of sebum on certain areas of their body brought about by their immobility.

    In other words, the growth of the yeast organism on their immobile parts increases their likelihood of developing seborrheic dermatitis.

    Body Parts Affected by Seborrheic Dermatitis

    The areas of the body where seborrheic dermatitis occurs may differ from one person to another. Some of the most commonly affected areas of the body are those where the sebaceous glands are the most active. These include:

    ” Scalp, trunk and skin folds.
    ” Forehead and hair margins.
    ” Eyebrows and eyelashes.
    ” Beard and mustache.
    ” External ear canals.
    ” Nasolabial folds – Also known as smile lines or laughter lines.

  • What Is Eczema

    What Is Eczema?

    Eczema is the term used to describe a wide variety of skin conditions that are commonly manifested by dryness, redness, and itchiness caused by inflammation.

    Eczema can affect any age groups. Eczema is believed to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors; as for treatments, there is no known cure for eczema. Treatments are used to control or manage symptoms, such as the itching and inflammation.

    There are many different types of eczema, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, asteatotic or xerotic eczema.

    Atopic Dermatitis or Atopic Eczema

    Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is a skin condition or type of eczema, where the skin becomes dry, red and flaky. It can often be seen on the legs and arms, especially during the winter months or when a lack of humidity and heating dries out the skin.

    Contact Dermatitis

    Contact dermatitis is a skin condition due to contact with either an allergen or an irritant to the skin. 75% of contact dermatitis problems are due to irritants and has become a common disruption in some workplaces. This type of eczema can be treated by avoiding allergens and irritant causative agents.

    Increased awareness and pressure from insurers has led to many workplaces providing and requiring wearing of industry-specific PPE (personal protective equipment) to help prevent this condition in their employees.

    Asteatotic or Xerotic Eczema

    Asteatotic, which means ‘lack of oil’, or xerotic, meaning ‘dry’ eczema occurs due to extreme dryness of the skin. The skin becomes like all eczema conditions, dry, cracked and very itchy.

    Natural Treatments for Eczema

    The first step in treating eczema is identifying the cause, as this condition can often be treated easily with simple changes to current circumstances. The most common causative agents of eczema are due to irritants that may be in the environment, in the products used on the body or in the clothes worn.

    Therefore, the first thing to do is to avoid synthetic products and opt for milder, safer herbal alternatives for shampoos, soaps and detergents. Change your medicated topical creams to natural ones for sensitive skin. Choose effective oils such as aloe vera and virgin coconut oil.

    A strong brew made from dried chamomile tea leaves will relieve many symptoms of eczema. Apply the brewed tea to the skin using a piece of cotton cloth or gauze, 20 minutes a day.

    Take a lukewarm bath as often as needed to remove any skin irritants and bacteria on the skin. Pat the skin dry, rather than rubbing, to prevent further irritation. The skin absorbs water, so the water helps hydrate and soften dry skin.

    Always apply a moisturizer or herbal oil to the skin after each bath to hydrate the skin and avoid further drying. Vitamin E is a known skin rejuvenator and many creams contain it.

    The best remedy for eczema is a diet of fruits and vegetables that will help the skin to heal and rejuvenate. Regular exercise will help the body rid itself of toxins that may cause irritation to the skin.

    Your next line of defense is to have an allergy test done to know which ingredients or products trigger your eczema, so that you may remove them from your life.

  • Acne – A Skin Disorder That Affects Adolescents and Adults

    Acne – A Skin Disorder That Affects Adolescents and Adults

    Were your preteen or teenage days filled with worry over acne and pimples? Right before a big date, a dance, or the day you had to take a picture for your school’s yearbook, you experienced an acne outbreak and you were an emotional and mental wreck. Those are common experiences of growing up many can identify with.

    Acne is a disease which affects the oil glands in your skin. Predominantly a problem on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders in children and young adults aged 12 to 20 or so, although adults are not immune to the effects of acne. Usually just frustrating and embarrassing, severe acne can cause lifelong scarring and other health problems.

    How Does Acne Develop?

    You have probably noticed tiny little holes in your skin, called pores. They are connected to the oil glands which are located just under your skin. Those glands create a substance called sebum, which is very oily. At the root of your hair is a follicle, and this is how your pores connect to oil glands.

    When everything is working properly, oil takes dying skin cells to the surface of the skin inside your follicles. When an excess of oil causes a follicle to clog up, bacteria multiply, and a pimple is formed. and you have developed the disease that is acne.

    As mentioned earlier, acne is not a significant health threat. It can cause real damage emotionally, and lead children and teens, as well as full-grown adults, to avoid social interaction. This can cause development issues, under-performance at work and school, and lowered self-esteem. Acne is not a serious problem for physical health, but mental and emotional states of being are often affected deeply, and not in a good way.

    Who Gets Acne, and Why?

    It is estimated that 80% of everyone between the ages of 11 and 30 will experience some acne outbreaks, but adults in their 40s and 50s may experience them as well.

    Strides made in the last few decades in science and medicine have combined to extend the average human lifespan significantly. Yet, we still have no idea what actually causes acne.

    Sure, excess oil production combined with bacteria result in the pimple formation, but there is no definite explanation for what causes or triggers these outputs, or why they are more prevalent in some people and not others.

    Multiple Factors Contribute to Acne

    Dermatologists and other health experts believe that the massive hormonal increase in the teenage years can cause follicles to become clogged up more frequently than usual, due to an increased release of oil.

    Other hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, seem to increase the incidence of developing acne. If a woman stops or starts birth control pills the acne risk rises as well. Makeup that does not allow your pores to breathe properly might be a cause, and if your parents had problems with acne and pimples, you will probably get them to.

    Prevention and Treatment is Available

    The good news is that there are multiple treatment protocols for acne and pimples. This helps prevent acne from developing, stops new pimples from being created, and can help prevent scarring that often accompanies acne. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs and topical applications are the most common and successful acne treatments.

Copyright @ 2017 DrCurtisMcElroy