Solutions to your common skin worries

Know the causes of common skin problems, how to prevent them and how to treat them. By Dr. Awi Curameng

We all have suffered from common skin afflictions at one time or another. Though none are overtly life threatening, they can compromise the way we feel about ourselves and present ourselves to others. Go through this list of skin conditions and see how they should be treated.

Corns and calluses

The problem: Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin. Corns are usually found on weight-bearing parts of the feet, such as the toes, and can be painful. Calluses are flatter, rough areas of skin that usually develop on palms and soles. They are rarely painful.

The cause: Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause corns and calluses. Tight shoes, for instance, can compress areas of the foot, which hardens and thickens the skin.

What to do: No treatment is need-ed unless there is pain. Prevention involves wearing good-fitting shoes, putting hand gloves when doing chores and applying protective pads over existing corns and calluses. During or after bathing, you can also rub a pumice stone over corns and calluses to remove layers of toughened skin. Never cut or shave them yourself to prevent infection.

Acne

The problem: Acne vulgaris is inflammation of a hair follicle and its accompanying oil gland. The area assumes the characteristic swollen, red appearance of a pimple, filled with pus, and often quite painful.

The cause: Acne is partly hereditary and could also be due to factors such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, bacteria in skin pores, skin irritation, or certain medications. Eating oily food or chocolate does not cause acne.

What to do: Keep your face clean by washing twice daily with a mild facial cleanser. Apply benzoyl peroxide ointment twice a day on pimples. If your acne doesn't respond to a few days' treatment, see a dermatologist. Do not squeeze your pimples! This may lead to infection and unsightly scarring.

Wrinkles

The problem: As skin ages, it loses its elasticity and begins to wrinkle, showing either fine surface lines or deep furrows.

The cause: Wrinkling is caused primarily by excessive sun exposure and smoking.

What to do: Medical treatments containing vitamin A, alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid), or antioxidants may reduce fine lines. Cosmetic procedures like glycolic-acid peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, surgical procedures and Botox injections are for deep furrows. As with any skin condition, see your dermatologist for the right treatment regimen for you.