Skin conditions can be uncomfortable, hinder your activities, and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. When a skin condition lingers, the situation can be frustrating and potentially harmful. Often you can treat a skin condition yourself following some simple tips, but if the issue does not respond to treatment or if something just doesn’t seem right, you may want to consult a professional.
Whether a blemish, an abrasion or a rash, keep the area clean using soap or cleanser. Clean the area a couple times a day and steer clear of using a harsh cleaner that may further irritate your skin. Try not to touch the area with the skin irritation, if possible avoid wearing clothing that covers the area or wear loose clothing that will not rub or further irritate the inflamed or injured area. For an open cut or wound, clean the area with hydrogen peroxide, use a first aid cream, like bacitracin and cover with a bandage.
Identify issues that are causing pain or discomfort and address those. If you have an itchy rash, take an over-the-counter pill or apply a cream or an ointment to sooth the irritation. For dry skin, use a moisturizer. Ice the area if you are experiencing swelling. Find a solution for the symptoms present to keep the blemish and surrounding areas comfortable.
Pay attention to swelling, discoloration, or, in the case of a mole, any changes in the size or texture. Also, monitor the temperature of the impacted area and take note if the area feels warm to the touch. If it helps, write things down or take pictures with your phone to track any changes. Paying attention to the details allows you to gauge improvement or worsening conditions and help guide your next steps.
If there are any sudden changes or if symptoms do not subside you may want to consider visiting a professional. When a skin condition sticks around and there is no sign of improvement after an extended period of time, consult a dermatologist to determine what is triggering the issues and how to best address the aliment. If you’re already seeing an esthetician, you might speak to them about it during your next visit to help address many skin ailments.
Your skin is your biggest organ and maintaining healthy skin impacts your overall health, comfort and even your self esteem. When a skin condition fails to improve despite treatments, it may be an indicator of a bigger issue. When in doubt, consult a general health professional to help remedy the issue and get you back to feeling and looking your best.