Common Skin Rashes, and Pressure Ulcers

Common Skin Rashes

Whether it is used by patients or doctors, the word rash does not have an exact meaning or refer to a specific disease or kind of disorder. It's a general term that means an outbreak of bumps on the body that changes the way the skin looks and feels. Rashes can be localized to one area or else be widespread. The way people use this term, a rash can refer to many different skin conditions. Common categories of rash are

• Scaly patched of skin not produced by infection
• Scaly patches of skin produced by fungal or bacterial infection
• Red, itchy bumps or patches over the body, such as on the chest and back

Although rashes are seldom dangerous, self-diagnosis is not usually a good idea. Proper evaluation of a skin rash requires a visit to a doctor or other health-care professional.

 

Pressure Ulcers a.k.a. Bedsores

Pressure ulcers, commonly referred to as bedsores, are typically the result of pressure on small blood vessels that supply muscles, tissue and skin with essential nutrients. Often, this pressure occurs when a person is lying or sitting in one position for a prolonged period of time. The surface of the bed or chair presses against bones and compresses the blood vessels in the tissues in between. Deprived of nutrients, the tissues begin to die, resulting in ulceration.

Pressure ulcers can range in severity, but all must be attended to properly and promptly. People with pressure ulcers may experience pain and are at risk for infection. Those at greatest risk for developing ulcers have difficulty moving, impaired sensation and poor nutrition

For more tips, please visit http://drmilc.com/

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The main cause of skin cancer is the sun. Sunlamps and tanning booths can also cause skin cancer. Anyone can get cancer, but people with fair skin that freckles easily are at greatest risk. Skin cancer may be cured if it is found before it spreads to other parts of the body.

There are three types of skin cancers. Two types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, grow slowly and rarely spread to other parts of the body. These types of cancer are found mostly on parts of the skin exposed to the sun, like the head, face, neck, hands, and arms, but can happen anywhere on your body. The third and most dangerous type of skin cancer is melanoma. It is rarer than the other types, but can spread to other organs and be deadly.

Don't wait for the area to hurt.

Skin cancer isn't usually painful. See your doctor right away if you have any of these signs. Check your skin regularly, like once a month, for things that may be cancer. Look for changes such as a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, or a bleeding mole. Also, check moles, birthmarks, or other parts of the skin for the

 

"ABCDE's." ABCDE stands for:

A = asymmetry (one half of the growth looks different from the other half)

B = borders that are irregular

C = color changes or more than one

color

D = diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser

E = evolving, meaning changes in size, shape, symptoms (itching, tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or shades of color.

Skin Care and Aging

Skin acts as a waterproof, insulating shield, guarding the body against extremes of temperature, damaging sunlight, and harmful chemicals. With age your skin changes and it becomes thinner, loses fat, and no longer looks as plump and smooth as it once did. Your veins and bones can be seen more easily. Scratches, cuts, or bumps can take longer to heal. Years of sun tanning or being out in the sunlight for a long time can lead to wrinkles, dryness, age spots, and even cancer. But there are thing you can do to help your skin.

 

Dry Skin and Itching

Many older people suffer from dry skin, often on their lower legs, elbows, and lower arms. Dry skin feels rough and scaly. There are many possible reasons for dry skin, such as:

 

• Not drinking enough liquids
• Staying out in the sun Being in very dry air
• Smoking
• Having stress
• Losing sweat and oil glands (common with age)

 

Dry skin also can be caused by health problems, such as diabetes or kidney disease. Using too much soap, antiperspirant, or perfume and taking hot baths will make dry skin worse. Because older people have thinner skin, scratching itches can cause bleeding that can lead to infection. Some medicines make the skin itchier. Itching can cause sleep problems. If your skin is very dry and itchy, see your doctor. Moisturizers like lo- tions, creams, or ointments can soothe dry, itchy skin. They should be used everyday. Try taking fewer baths and using milder soap to help your dry skin. Warm water is better than hot water for your skin. Some people find that a humidifier (an appliance that adds moisture to a room) helps.

Find more helpful tips at http://drmilc.com/