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Sensitive skin symptoms

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While it isn’t exactly a “medical” diagnosis, sensitive skin is quite common. This is more of a known condition, and it can occur for a lot of different reasons. Some people are born with genetics that predispose them to sensitive skin. Others simply have reactions to their environment, diet, or other changes in or around them. Regardless of the cause, there are a lot of easy clues that could help you identify if you have sensitive skin. Once you know, you’ll know better what you can do about it.

Look for Signs

Most of the symptoms of sensitive skin and other common dermatitis cases are visible. If you pay attention to your skin, as well as any changes that might occur, you’ll easily identify what is going on. You might even be able to identify the culprit on your own if you’re really keeping a close eye on your skin.

Clue #1– Red patches, including rashes, irritation, or scaly, rough areas. When the outer layer of your skin is compromised, it leaves your skin vulnerable to irritants, moisture loss, and other risks.

Clue #2– Dry, flaking patches of skin. Although not every person with sensitive skin also has dry skin, it can be a good indicator that there is something amiss, or at least something to keep an eye on.

Clue #3– Flushing and/or blushing of the skin after exposure to weather, irritants, or certain foods or beverages. People with sensitive skin often notice sensitivity to spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, and caffeine that results in flushing, sweating, and red blotches on the skin.

Other Ways to Identify Skin Sensitivity

Most people notice when their skin doesn’t look or feel right. The majority of people will notice visual symptoms along with other signs of sensitivity, but every case is different. It can help to ask some basic questions of yourself to identify if there is an issue, and whether you can eliminate the cause or need to seek medical attention.

Clue #4– Reactions to Cosmetics, Soaps, and Beauty Products

Think about your use of skincare and beauty products. Have you had reactions to multiple shampoos, soaps, perfumes, makeup products, or fragrances? Perhaps you have had reactions to prescriptions of topical lotions, creams, or gels. These reactions are definite indicators of a sensitivity issue if they have happened more than once and with multiple brands or products. While one reaction might not be alarming, multiple reactions could mean your sensitive skin is a bigger issue than you thought.

Clue #5– Allergies or Other Sensitivities

Do you have other allergies or sensitivities? This alone doesn’t guarantee that you will develop sensitive skin, but it is often found that people with this condition also have other allergies, eczema, asthma, hay fever, or related conditions. Even if you “grew out” of your allergies or don’t experience bad symptoms or attacks, you may still have the sensitivity in your system. This can carry over to the skin in many cases, so be sure to talk to your doctor about these issues as well.

What You Can Do To Alleviate Sensitive Skin

There are a lot of simple things that you can do to alleviate, or even avoid, sensitive skin. By educating yourself, you will be able to make better decisions about the skincare products you buy, the foods you eat, and other things you do in your daily life that could affect the condition of your skin. Consider choosing products that are designed specifically for sensitive skin. This should alleviate any risk of reactions in the first place, and it won’t cost much more than your old products.

You should also call a doctor immediately if you notice that a product causes a rash, itching and burning, or other symptoms. It might be a simple allergy but it also might be a sign of something more serious. Don’t treat your own rashes with topical creams until you’ve consulted a dermatologist. These products contain chemicals that could make things worse. Seeing a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon is a great way to get educated about your skin issues and find the best solutions.

General tips for taking care of sensitive skin include:

-Avoid super hot water, as it can strip the skin of oils and promote dryness

-Avoid soaps and scrubs with fragrances or artificial ingredients, as well as harsh chemicals

-Don’t soak if you can help it. That means limit baths and shower time, as again the water exposure strips the natural oils from the skin and can lead to dryness.

-Protect and be proactive with your skin. Utilise hats, sunglasses, and safe sunscreen and lotion products.

-Reduce what you use. Look at the number of products you are using on your skin. The fewer, the better. Consider going without makeup some days, changing your makeup cleanser, or even skipping foundation for the sake of your skin.

The Bottom Line

Sensitive skin is an issue for many men and women, but there are ways that you can help alleviate it on your own. If that is not enough, you can also seek medical attention from a St George dermatologist or cosmetic professional.

Dr. Philip S. Schoenfeld is founder and Medical Director of Renu by Dr. Schoenfeld. He has been named a Top Doctor in multiple local and national publications and his opinion is frequently sought out with regards to the most recent and effective trends in facial rejuvenation. Learn more by visiting his website here: https://www.renudc.com.