A lot of what we do in our St. Louis dermatology office is investigative work. Your dermatologist is somewhat of a detective, looking at clues on your skin and drawing conclusions based on symptoms such as redness, itching, and other irritations. Your skin is actually quite adept at reflecting your overall health. It can even clue you in to your stress levels, and management thereof, if you pay close attention. Here, we will discuss a few common dermatologic concerns and what they may mean.
Adult Acne
Typically, we expect for acne to clear up once our hormones have settled in to a nice norm. However, adults may experience breakouts, too. One of the biggest reasons for adult acne is stress. Stress and anxiety call cortisol into action in the body, and cortisol is a chemical that shouldn’t hang around too long. When it does, the skin will respond. If you are prone to stress-related breakouts, the last thing you want to do is worry about it! What you can do is develop a good skin care routine, as well as a plan to manage stress.
Raised, Red Patches
There are rashes, and then there are raised, red patches. The latter is a classic indicator that psoriasis may have developed. This condition does not originate in the skin or from any external trigger. Psoriasis, like eczema, is an autoimmune problem. This condition affects the rate at which skin cells renew. The buildup of cells on the surface cause inflammation and irritation. Dermatologic care will revolve around the severity of flare ups and the type of psoriasis a person has.
Dryness and Itching
If your skin is dry and extremely itchy, the problem might be resolved by the right lotion or cream. During the winter months, the dry air can have a detrimental effect on the skin, causing intense itching. At this time, a thick emollient cream, applied right after a shower, could provide the necessary moisturizing for happy skin. If itching and dryness are a chronic problem, a health examination from a family physician should be scheduled. This will rule out or diagnose an underlying health condition, such as a thyroid problem, that could be the source of dryness and itching.
It’s easy to overlook small symptoms that show up on your skin, but you shouldn’t. Any symptom that remains for more than a few days should be evaluated by your physician or dermatologist. To schedule a consultation with us, call (314) 878-3839.
