Irritable skin and sensitive skin are questionable conditions.
See our section on dry skin.
and see our section on moisturizing products
What causes the signs of irritated, 'sensitive' or allergic skin symptoms ?
In many cases what is occurring is that an irritant is causing a reaction in one's skin. This may be in the form of a direct irritant or an allergy. This assertion is shared by many clinical and professorial dermatologists.
To explain.
A Direct Irritant
If one were to pour common household chemicals such as vinegar, Clorox, Draino, or battery acid (sulfuric acid) on one's skin, one's skin would react (no brainer). Redness, swelling, perhaps blistering, cracking, possible skin loss, etc., might occur. This is due to the direct chemical irritating effect of the chemical. Over time all skin will develop a problem with these agents. There is no element of 'allergy'.
An Allergic Component.
Besides direct irritation, an 'allergic component' may be present if one is experiencing redness, swelling, dryness, etc. Think of poison ivy or poison oak rubbed on your skin. Sure you will be 'sensitive' or 'irritated'. Some might not react at all - but most would react with redness, etc.
In topical medical preparations, a frequently found substance causing allergies is methylparaben. This compound is the cause of an 'allergic' type reaction. Another common allergen is latex, Most are not allergic to latex and do not react with redness, cracking, swelling and perhaps blistering. Some of course do.
Substances that cause 'allergic reactions' not only cause local problems, but also can cause generalized problems and in particularly in the breathing tubes, lungs, trachea and larynx. In severe cases the blood vessels dilate and the blood does not get back to the heart.
Other environmental materials can cause allergic reactions or irritation effects in the skin. Many of these are found in the work place. Compounds containing chromium as in cements and cement dust, irritate the skin but also the inside of the nose and eyes.
Resins and adhesives, glues, rubber adhesives, acrylic and epoxy resins, polyurethane foams,
arsenic and acrylic materials, such as methyl methacrylate and polyurethane, are irritants to skin and other organs.
Therapy =
Remove the allergen or irritating substance. YOU are in the best position to figure out what is causing your problem. Your family doctor , dermatologist, allergist or plastic surgeon can help you if you can not determine your environmental problem. Many times they will not be successful if you are not successful. Many time steroid creams will be prescribed, time after time after time. No good if there is a persistent irritant or allergen.
Try to find the allergen or irritant yourself.
Then - once the allergen or irritant is removed -
Rehabilitate your skin with a routine of intense moisturization.
See our information on dry skin and therapy for dry skin and methods of moisturization, the key to improvement.
