How To Prevent Skin Irritation?

Lifestyle has a significant impact on good skin health. To prevent skin irritation, the first thing to do is to identify the agent that may be causing it and stop it. A healthy diet and good hygiene measures are also essential.

Skin irritation is a very common problem that affects even those who do not have sensitive skin. It usually manifests itself as redness and dryness. However, some people also experience a slight itching and tension sensation in the area.

The skin is a dynamic organ that, at times, can react to a stimulus that previously did not generate any effect. Cold, heat, humidity, or lack of it, and many other factors can injure you at any given time. Therefore, this time, we tell you what to do to prevent this problem. Take note!

Skin and irritation

The skin is the largest organ in the body and, according to a Health and Safety Executive publication , acts as an interface between the human body and the external environment. It is made up of three layers: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The three of them work together to perform the following functions:

• Protection : acts as a protective barrier against trauma, toxic agents, radiation and microorganisms, among others.
• Sensation : it is the organ of the sense of touch.
• Biosynthesis : with the use of sunlight, it converts some substances into vitamin D, for example.
• Immunity : can induce immune responses.
• Homeostasis : balances the exchange of substances with the environment and helps regulate temperature.

A rash that is nonspecific is called skin irritation. This means that it does not always have the same causes or produce the same manifestations. However, the clinical evidence indicates that it basically causes redness and inflammation and, only rarely, itching. It should not be confused with an allergic reaction.

Main causes of skin irritation

As we mentioned, there are many factors and agents that can cause skin irritation. Among the most frequent are the following:

• Cleaning products : some soaps or laundry detergents cause skin irritation in sensitive people.
• Cosmetics : sometimes they have the same effect as toiletries.
• The sun: solar radiation irritates the skin and, when it damages it, it also makes it more sensitive to other irritants.
• Sweat : the humidity generated by sweat could irritate the skin, especially if it is accompanied by some friction, as occurs on the feet with footwear.
• Textile or Woven Materials : Some synthetic fibers cause skin irritation in certain people.
• Xerosis – This is a condition that makes the skin drier and weaker and thus predisposes to irritation. Likewise, it generates itching, this causes scratching and leads to irritation of the skin.
• Atopic dermatitis : This problem leads to the skin being more permeable to irritants.
• Allergies : skin irritation is a common symptom in allergic reactions.
• Chemical substances.

Measures to prevent skin irritation

Proper hygiene guidelines are essential to prevent skin irritation. If you have delicate skin, it is best to use a medicated or neutral soap. The same goes for shampoo, shower gels, and similar products. It is important that they are not abrasive and that they have low delipidifying power.

Likewise, it is more convenient for you to take a shower, instead of taking a bath. Drying the skin is as important as bathing. Use a cotton towel and don’t rub your skin; Rather, you can pat yourself dry. If necessary, use a dryer so that no traces of moisture remain.

Tight clothing, especially synthetics, is not suitable. It is best to wear loose clothing made of natural fabrics, such as cotton. Nor is it good to suddenly go from a warm environment to a cold one. Finally, healthy eating and a good emotional state also contribute to keeping the skin healthy.

There are other measures that are highly recommended, especially if you frequently experience skin irritation. These measures are as follows:

• Soothing and moisturizing mask : it is convenient to apply it twice a week. Much better if it is made with natural products.
• Deodorants and perfumes : they must be suitable for sensitive skin.
• Thermal water: thermal water is very effective in combating skin irritation.
• Use of sunscreen : it is essential; the best thing is that it is medicated.

When to see the doctor?

Although skin irritation is not a health-threatening condition, there are some important symptoms to which you should pay special attention. According to an article from the Mayo Clinic, the doctor should be consulted in the following cases:

• The discomfort is so strong that it distracts you from your daily routine and prevents you from falling asleep.
• You feel pain.

• You have suspicions of an infection.
• Signs and symptoms persist even when self-care measures have been taken.

Finally, if you are using a product on the skin that may be the cause of this problem, it is best to suspend its use and see if the situation improves. If so, the symptoms will most likely go away in a couple of days.