How can eczema be prevented?

Eczema outbreaks can usually be avoided with some simple
precautions. The following suggestions may help to reduce the
severity and frequency of flare-ups:

• moisturize frequently

• avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity

• avoid sweating or overheating

• reduce stress

• avoid scratchy materials (e.g., Wool or other synthetic material)

• avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents

• avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens,
molds, mites, and animal dander)

• be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid
those food

How is eczema caused?

Eczema can be inherited with asthma or hay fever, or could be caused due to many underlying ailments. Eczema occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy. Although
there is no known cause for the disease, it often affects people with a family history of allergies. Those who are genetically predisposed and then exposed to environmental triggers may develop eczema.

Eczema and Dermatitis

Eczema or dermatitis is a type of allergic skin condition that causes dryness, scaling and redness. Itching, sometimes intense, is the hallmarks symptom. With time, the lesions tend to flake and if
bacterial or viral infection is introduced by scratching, the affected lesions begin to ooze.

Although eczema may look different from person to person, it is most often characterized by dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin. Eczema is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes", since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of the rash.

Eczema can occur on any part of the body. However, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees and ankles. Chronic scratching causes the skin to take on a leathery texture because the skin has thickened.

What can I do to treat acne?

If you have acne, consult your dermatologist at Max Healthcare early as treatment can help improve your appearance. Waiting to 'outgrow' acne can be a serious mistake, since medical treatment can prevent the development of scars.

Your doctor will prescribe treatment depending on the type and severity of the acne. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. In addition, you must clean your skin properly and avoid any greasy
makeup. Do not squeeze or scratch pimples. Do not attempt to cover pimples on the forehead with a fringe.

What causes acne?

Acne is said to occur due to changes in the hormonal levels, which increases the activity of the oil glands in the skin. When hormone levels increase, the skin of the acne-prone person reacts by
producing excess sebum (oils). The bacteria on the skin alter these oils to produce substances that cause acne. Unlike popular myth, consuming greasy food does not cause acne.

Acne or Pimples

Acne or pimples, as they are commonly called, are groups of boils that occur on the face. It is a common skin condition, which is manifested in blackheads, whiteheads, red spots, and sometimes
deeper boil-like lesions called nodules or cysts. While it may afflict a person at any age, it is usually considered a cause of great distress during the teenage years.

Common Skin Ailments

The most common ailments encountered in skin care are:

• Acne or pimples
• Eczema or skin rash
• Contact allergy
• Fungal infections
• Hives or Urticaria
• Leucoderma or Vitiligo, or white patches
• Psoriasis
• Skin cancer

Our Skin

Our skin is a multi-layered tissue that provides a protective covering for the body. Although it is similar in basic composition in all people, its color, look, and feel varies from person to person. These layers of skin are richly supplied with nerves and blood vessels and help us perceive the sense of touch. Skin also performs the function of regulating body temperature through sweat glands that are present within its layers.

Skin Care

Beauty, they say, is skin deep. Whether or not this is true, beauty
definitely begins with a healthy skin. A beautiful skin is a mirror to
good health. Yet we often tend to neglect our skin, taking it for
granted until it develops certain disorders.

This brochure attempts to highlight the significance of this crucial
part of our body and answers frequently asked questions on skin care. It also provides well-reaserched information on the
symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment of some of the most
commonly found skin ailments. In the following pages you will find
information on:

• Our skin
• Common skin ailments
• Caring for a healthy skin
• Prevention and treatment for common ailments