How to soothe irritated skin

Skin is the largest organ of the human body, which performs protective (barrier) functions. She is exposed to various environmental influences that can cause her harm. If there is strong external influence, the barrier may be damaged. The consequence is irritation such as redness, inflammation or eczema.

Sensitive skin of the face and body does not always make itself felt - symptoms can manifest with varying intensity. Many people wonder how to soothe their skin? To prevent or eliminate problems, it is necessary to resort to effective cosmetic procedures. They can be carried out at home using natural remedies.

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Causes of skin irritation

Increased sensitivity of the epidermis occurs when the natural skin barrier (protective film with lipids) no longer performs its intended functions. Thus, substances that irritate the skin may be more likely to penetrate inside and cause inflammatory processes.

The following predisposing factors contribute to irritation of the epidermis:

age (the older a person is, the more skin problems arise);
negative environmental impact;
contact with allergens (for example, nickel in jewelry or cosmetics);
alcohols and anti-aging active ingredients in creams and cosmetics (eg retinol);
intensive scrubs for body and face;
components of decorative cosmetics, for example, glitter particles in eye shadow;
contact with cleaning agents, disinfectants, laundry detergents and softeners;
air pollution and high exposure to abrasive particles;
hot or cold climate;
insufficient humidity level in the room;
prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays;
wearing synthetic clothing;
preservatives and flavorings in cosmetic products.

In addition to external irritants, internal factors influence the condition of the skin. We are talking about insufficient hydration, excessive sweating and intoxication of the body. Bad habits such as smoking and alcohol abuse have a bad effect on the condition of the skin.

The epidermis becomes thinner and takes on a painful appearance with insufficient consumption of minerals and vitamins. The cause of increased sensitivity and irritation of the skin is stress and emotional overload. Also, fluctuations in hormonal levels lead to disruption of the production of sebaceous glands. Skin prone to irritation may react to insufficient body hygiene, for example, if makeup is not removed in the evening.

When exposed to negative effects, epidermal cells cannot recover naturally. In this case, there is a need to take additional measures - to carry out complex cosmetic procedures aimed at cleansing, nutrition and healing. Incorrectly selected care products only aggravate the situation, increasing irritation and worsening the condition of the epidermis. Before soothing itchy skin, you should study the recommendations of experts in the field of dermatology and cosmetology, given below.

When to sound the alarm

The cause of dryness and irritation of the epidermis can be a lack of subcutaneous fat. The problem can be identified by flaking areas, small cracks and inflammation. Accordingly, the skin becomes rough.

If the following symptoms appear, you should contact a cosmetologist:

severely itchy or painful skin;
the appearance of inflamed or reddened areas, rash;
care products do not relieve discomfort;
Dry and flaky patches of skin appear suddenly.

If these symptoms occur, the cause may be a skin condition that needs to be treated. It is easier to prevent problems than to carry out long-term drug therapy later. You should not bring the matter to the point of seeing a doctor. Prevention is the best remedy for healthy and beautiful skin.

Cosmetic procedures help to quickly soothe the skin and maintain it in normal condition. The main thing is to choose the right cosmetics. Experts advise giving preference to natural products developed based on natural ingredients. The active substances are fully absorbed by the body without being deposited in the internal organs and tissues. This eliminates the possibility of developing undesirable consequences from use and allows you to get quick and lasting results.

The Salt of the Earth brand offers special natural cosmetics for the skin of the face and body, which will replace procedures in beauty salons. The minerals included in the composition easily and quickly penetrate the cells, nourishing and restoring them, as well as improving the protective function of the skin. Minimum components – maximum effect due to complete digestibility and high activity.

Prevention of skin irritation on the face and body

The main rule for preventing skin irritation is to treat it with care. As far as possible, any external irritants should be avoided.

Some tips on how to soothe the skin of your face and body:

You should exclude cosmetics with irritating components (sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate, parabens, formaldehydes, fragrances, etc.);
wash and shower only with warm water;
refuse highly foaming shower gels and products containing mineral oil in the form of paraffin (creams, lotions, etc.);
opt for hypoallergenic products, refuse cosmetics with dyes and fragrances;
drink enough fluid - at least 1.5-2 liters per day;
Apply sunscreen to your skin before going outside during the hot season, if the SPF index is above 2.

To prevent the skin from losing a lot of moisture, you should take water treatments using natural care products that cleanse and soothe the skin. They do not contain active substances that attack the skin's natural acidic protective membrane and do not dry it out. Natural bath salts with oils, shimmers with dried flowers and bombs developed exclusively from natural ingredients are the right approach for skin care. They can be used separately from each other or combined with each other to obtain a complex effect. The main thing in this matter is regularity, since natural products have a cumulative effect.

When taking relaxing procedures, the body is saturated with essential vitamins, the immune system is strengthened, and waste and toxins are eliminated. As a result, the condition of the skin improves: it becomes soft, moisturized and smooth.

Mycoses of smooth skin

Among the widespread fungal diseases today, the most common are mycoses of smooth skin, such as microsporia, trichophytosis, lichen versicolor, mycosis of the feet (hands), and candidiasis. Sources of infection can be sick animals (cats, dogs, mouse-like rodents, cattle, etc.), as well as humans. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of diseases caused by opportunistic fungi, among which superficial forms of candidiasis are most often recorded. Such a wide prevalence of these mycoses can be explained by the massive use of modern therapeutic agents, the environmental situation and other factors that reduce the body's defenses. One of the reasons for the significant prevalence of mycoses is the weakening of sanitary educational work in recent years. Due to insufficient awareness about the sources and ways of spreading infection, as well as adequate preventive measures, patients turn to the doctor late, and therefore mycoses become chronic, including in children suffering from mycoses of the scalp and smooth skin.

Microsporia is a fungal disease caused by various types of fungi of the genus Microsporum. In Russia, microsporia, which has spread over the last 50 years, is caused by a zoophilic fungus - fluffy microsporum (Microsporum canis), which parasitizes the skin of cats, dogs, and less often other animals. Infection from a sick person is observed in 2% of cases.

Epidemiology . Infection in 80-85% of cases occurs as a result of direct contact with a sick animal or through objects contaminated with the fur of these animals. Infection of children can also occur after playing in the sandbox, since the causative agent of microsporia is highly resistant to environmental factors and can remain viable in infected scales and hair for up to 7-10 years. Children often suffer from microsporia.

Clinic . After 5-7 days from the moment of infection, lesions appear on smooth skin, which can be observed on both open and closed parts of the body (children love to pick up animals and put them in bed with them). The lesions are round or oval in shape, pink or red, with clear boundaries, a raised ridge along the periphery, covered with blisters and thin crusts, with peeling in the center. The lesions are usually small, from 1 to 2 cm in diameter, single or multiple, sometimes merging. In 85-90% of patients, vellus hair is affected.

Treatment . If there are single foci of microsporia on smooth skin without damage to vellus hair, you can limit yourself to only external antifungal agents. The lesions should be lubricated with alcohol tincture of iodine (2-5%) in the morning, and sulfur-salicylic ointment (10% and 3%, respectively) should be rubbed in in the evening. You can rub the following antimycotics 2 times a day: mycozolon, mycoseptin, travogen or 1 time a day in the evening - mifungar cream, mycospor - until the clinical manifestations resolve. In case of multiple lesions of smooth skin and single lesions (up to 3) involving vellus hair, it is recommended to prescribe the antifungal antibiotic griseofulvin at the rate of 22 mg per 1 kg of the child’s body weight, in 3 doses after meals, in combination with exfoliating the stratum corneum of the epidermis in keratolytic lesions means (salicylic acid 3.0, lactic or benzoic acid 3.0, collodion up to 30.0). The lesions are lubricated with one of these products 2 times a day for 3–4 days, then 2% salicylic ointment is applied under compress paper for 24 hours, the detached scales of the stratum corneum of the epidermis are removed with tweezers and vellus hair is epilated. If during a control study carried out using a fluorescent lamp or microscope, affected hair is detected, the procedure is repeated. Detachment of the stratum corneum of the epidermis and manual hair removal of vellus hair can be carried out after using the “sealing” method. The lesions are sealed in a tile-like manner with strips of adhesive plaster for 2-3 days, this causes an aggravation of the process, which, in turn, facilitates hair removal.

The results of treatment for smooth skin microsporia are monitored using a fluorescent lamp or microscopic examination for fungi. The first control study is done after the resolution of clinical manifestations, then 3-4 days before the first negative test, and then after 3 days. The criteria for cure are resolution of the lesions, absence of luminescence and three negative tests on microscopic examination.

During the treatment, bed and underwear are disinfected: boiling in a soap-soda solution (1%) for 15 minutes (10 g of laundry soap and 10 g of caustic soda per 1 liter of water); ironing outerwear, furniture covers, and bedding five times with a hot iron through damp cloth.

Prevention. The main measure to prevent microsporia is compliance with sanitary and hygienic rules (you cannot use other people’s underwear, clothes, etc.; after playing with animals, you must wash your hands).

Trichophytosis is a fungal disease caused by various types of fungi of the genus Trichophyton. Trichophytons can be anthropophilic, parasitic on humans, and zoophilic, whose carriers are animals. Anthropophilic trichophytons include Trichophyton (Tr.) tonsuraus and Tr. violaceum, to zoophiles - Tr. mentagrophytes var gypseum and Tr. verrucosum.

Epidemiology. With superficial trichophytosis, caused by anthropophilic fungi, infection occurs through close contact with a sick person or indirectly through household items. Often children become infected from their mother, grandchildren from grandmothers suffering from a chronic form of the disease. The incubation period lasts up to a week. In zooanthroponotic trichophytosis, the sources of infection are sick animals: cattle, rodents. The highest incidence of this type of trichophytosis is recorded in the fall, which is associated with field work: it is at this time that the likelihood of infection through hay and straw increases. The incubation period ranges from 1–2 weeks to 2 months.

Clinic. On smooth skin with superficial trichophytosis, lesions can appear on any part of the skin - face, neck, chest, forearms. They have clear boundaries of a round or oval shape, with a raised ridge along the periphery of a bright red color; they are larger in size than in microsporia. The lesions are reddish-bluish in color, with peeling, nodules on the surface; in the chronic form, they develop on the skin of the buttocks, knee joints, forearms, less often the back of the hands and other parts of the body; the lesions do not have clear boundaries. Lamellar peeling is observed on the skin of the palms and soles. Vellus hairs are often affected.

With trichophytosis, caused by zoophilic fungi, the disease on the skin can occur in three forms: superficial, infiltrative and suppurative. Lesions are usually located on open areas of the skin. With a superficial form, they are round or oval in shape, with clear boundaries, a raised ridge along the periphery, on which bubbles, crusts, a pink center, and a bright red ridge are visible. The lesions are larger in size than with microsporia. Sometimes they are located around natural openings - eyes, mouth, nose. In the infiltrative form, the lesions rise above the skin level and are accompanied by inflammatory phenomena - infiltration. The suppurative form is characterized by the development of tumor-like formations, bright red in color, covered with purulent crusts due to the addition of a bacterial infection. When the lesion is compressed, pus is released from the hair follicles and pain is noted. The disease is accompanied by a violation of the general condition, sometimes the temperature rises. After the resolution of clinical manifestations, cicatricial atrophy of the skin remains at the site of former lesions. Clinical forms of zooanthroponotic trichophytosis can transform into one another.

Diagnostics. The diagnosis of trichophytosis is established on the basis of the clinic and when the fungus is detected during microscopy of pathological material, and the type of pathogen is determined using cultural examination.

Treatment. Treatment is carried out with antimycotics for external use. The lesions are lubricated with tincture of iodine (2-5%) during the day, and sulfur-salicylic ointment (10% and 3%, respectively) or mycoseptin is rubbed in in the evening. You can carry out monotherapy with ointment or cream (kanison, mifungar, mycozoral, mycospor (bifosin), exoderil, mycozoral, etc. In the infiltrative form, 10% sulfur-tar ointment is prescribed to resolve infiltration 2 times a day. Treatment of the suppurative form of trichophytosis begins with removing crusts from the affected area using bandages with 2% salicylic ointment, which are applied for several hours. After removing the crusts, vellus hair is epilated. Then apply lotions with solutions that have a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect (furacilin 1:5000, rivanol 1:1000 , potassium permanganate 1:6000, ichthyol solution (10%), etc.). As a result of this treatment, the hair follicles are freed from pus, inflammatory phenomena are reduced. Next, sulfur-tar ointment (5-10%) is prescribed for resorption of the infiltrate (5-10%) in the form of rubbing or under wax paper.After the infiltrate has resolved, antimycotics are used for external use (see superficial form of trichophytosis).In cases where vellus hair is affected in lesions on smooth skin, the stratum corneum of the epidermis is detached, followed by hair removal. To do this, you can use salicylic collodion (10-15%), milky-salicylic-resorcinol collodion (15%). If there is no effect, griseofulvin is prescribed orally at a daily dose of 18 mg per 1 kg of body weight, in 3 divided doses after meals daily until a negative test for fungi, then every other day. As an alternative method, terbinafine (Lamisil, Exifin) can be prescribed to adults 250 mg (1 tablet) once a day after meals every day, children weighing up to 20 kg - 62.5 mg, from 20 to 40 kg - 125 mg , over 40 kg - 250 mg in combination with antimycotics for external use.

The criteria for cure for trichophytosis are resolution of clinical manifestations and three negative fungal test results at three-day intervals.

Prevention. Prevention of trichophytosis depends on the type of pathogen. With superficial trichophytosis caused by anthropophilic fungi, the main preventive measure is to identify the source of infection, and it can be children suffering from superficial trichophytosis, or adults suffering from a chronic form of the lesion. In recent years, cases of chronic trichophytosis have been observed in middle-aged and older children. For suppurative trichophytosis, preventive measures are carried out jointly by medical workers, epidemiologists and veterinary services.

Mycosis of the smooth skin of the feet (hands). In a number of countries, up to 50% of the population suffers from mycosis of the feet. This disease is more common in adults, but in recent years it has often been observed in children, even infants.

Etiology. The main causative agents of mycosis of the feet are the fungus Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum), which is isolated in almost 90% of cases, and T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale (T. interdigitale). Damage to the interdigital folds, which may be caused by yeast-like fungi, is recorded in 2-5% of cases. The anthropophilic fungus Epidermophyton floccosum is rarely isolated in our country.

Epidemiology. Infection with mycosis of the feet can occur in the family through close contact with a patient or through household items, as well as in a bathhouse, sauna, gym, or when using someone else's shoes and clothes.

Pathogenesis. The penetration of fungi into the skin is facilitated by cracks and abrasions in the interdigital folds caused by sweating or dry skin, abrasion, poor drying after water procedures, narrowness of the interdigital folds, flat feet, etc.

Clinic. Clinical manifestations on the skin depend on the type of pathogen and the general condition of the patient. The T.rubrum fungus can cause damage to the skin of all interdigital folds, soles, palms, dorsum of the feet and hands, legs, thighs, inguinal-femoral, intergluteal folds, under the mammary glands and axillary area, trunk, face, and rarely the scalp. The process may involve vellus and long hair, nail plates of the feet and hands. When the skin of the feet is affected, there are 3 clinical forms: squamous, intertriginous, squamous-hyperkeratotic.

The squamous form is characterized by the presence of peeling on the skin of the interdigital folds, soles, and palms. It can be flour-shaped, ring-shaped, lamellar. In the area of the arches of the feet and palms, an increase in the skin pattern is observed.

The intertriginous form is the most common and is characterized by slight redness and peeling on the lateral contact surfaces of the fingers or maceration, the presence of erosions, superficial or deep cracks in all folds of the feet. This form can transform into dyshidrotic, in which vesicles or blisters form in the area of the arches, along the outer and inner edges of the feet and in the interdigital folds. Superficial blisters open with the formation of erosions, which can merge, resulting in the formation of lesions with clear boundaries and oozing. When a bacterial infection is attached, pustules, lymphadenitis and lymphangitis occur. In the dyshidrotic form of mycosis, secondary allergic rashes are observed on the lateral and palmar surfaces of the fingers, palms, forearms, and shins. Sometimes the disease becomes chronic with an exacerbation in spring and summer.

The squamous-hyperkeratotic form is characterized by the development of foci of hyperkeratosis against the background of peeling. The skin of the soles (palms) becomes reddish-bluish in color, and pityriasis-like peeling is noted in the skin grooves, which extends to the plantar and palmar surfaces of the fingers. Pronounced ring-shaped and lamellar peeling may be detected on the palms and soles. In some patients, it is insignificant due to frequent hand washing.

In children, lesions of smooth skin on the feet are characterized by fine-plate peeling on the inner surface of the terminal phalanges of the toes, usually 3 and 4, or there are superficial, less often deep cracks in the interdigital folds or under the toes, hyperemia and maceration. On the soles, the skin may not be changed or the skin pattern may be enhanced; sometimes ring-shaped peeling is observed. Subjectively, patients are bothered by itching. In children, more often than in adults, exudative forms of lesions occur with the formation of blisters and weeping eczema-like lesions. They appear not only on the feet, but also on the hands.

Rubrophytia of smooth skin of large folds and other areas of the skin is characterized by the development of lesions with clear boundaries, irregular outlines, with an intermittent ridge along the periphery, consisting of merging pink nodules, scales and crusts, with a bluish tint (the color is bluish-pink in the center) . On the extensor surface of the forearms and shins, rashes can be located in the form of open rings. Lesions with nodular and nodular elements are often observed. The disease sometimes occurs as an infiltrative-suppurative trichophytosis (more often in men when localized in the chin area and above the upper lip). Foci of rubrophytosis on smooth skin can resemble psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, eczema and other dermatoses.

The fungus T. interdigitale affects the skin of the 3rd and 4th interdigital folds, the upper third of the sole, the lateral surfaces of the foot and toes, and the arch of the foot. This mushroom has pronounced allergenic properties. With mycosis of the feet caused by T. interdigitale, the same clinical forms of damage are observed as with rubrophytosis, but the disease is often accompanied by more pronounced inflammatory phenomena. In the dyshidrotic, less often intertriginous form, large blisters may appear on the skin of the soles and fingers, along with small blisters; in the case of bacterial flora, with purulent contents. The foot becomes edematous, swollen, and pain appears when walking. The disease is accompanied by an increase in temperature, deterioration of health, development of allergic rashes on the skin of the upper and lower extremities, torso, face, enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes; the clinical picture is similar to that observed with eczema.

Diagnosis. The diagnosis is established on the basis of clinical manifestations, detection of the fungus by microscopic examination of skin flakes and identification of the type of pathogen by cultural examination.

Treatment. Treatment of mycosis of the smooth skin of the feet and other localizations is carried out with antifungal agents for external use. For squamous and intertriginous forms of lesions on the feet and other areas of the skin, medications are used in the form of a cream, ointment, solution, spray; you can combine a cream or ointment with a solution, alternating their use. Currently, the following medications are used to treat this disease: exifin cream, mycozoral cream, nizoral cream, canizon cream and solution, mycozon cream, mycospor (bifosin) cream, mifungar cream, lamisil cream and spray, mycoterbin cream. These drugs are applied to cleansed and dried skin once a day, the average duration of treatment is no more than 2 weeks. Antimycotics such as travogen, ekalin, batrafen, mycoseptin, mycozolon are used 2 times a day until clinical manifestations resolve, then treatment is continued for another 1-2 weeks, but once a day - to prevent relapse. In nodular and nodular forms of rubrophytosis, after relieving acute inflammatory phenomena using one of these ointments, sulfur-tar ointment (5-10%) is prescribed in order to further resolve the clinical manifestations. For intertriginous and dyshidrotic forms (the presence of only small blisters) of mycosis of the feet, drugs with a combined effect are used, which, along with an antifungal agent, include a corticosteroid, for example mycozolon, travocort, or a corticosteroid and an antibacterial drug - triderm, pimafucort.

In case of acute inflammatory phenomena (wetting, the presence of blisters) and severe itching, treatment is carried out as for eczema: desensitizing agents (intravenous or intramuscular administration of calcium chloride solution (10%), sodium thiosulfate solution (30%), calcium gluconate solution (10%) or calcium pantothenate orally; antihistamines. For external medications, at the first stage of therapy, lotions are used (2% boric acid solution, potassium permanganate solution 1:6000, 0.5% resorcinol solution), 1-2% aqueous solutions of methylene blue or brilliant green, fucorcin. Then they switch to pastes - boron-naphthalan, ichthyol-naphthalan, ACD paste - F3 with naphthalan, if complicated by bacterial flora - lincomycin (2%). At the 2nd stage of treatment after resolution of acute inflammatory phenomena, the above-mentioned antimycotic agents are used.

A drug such as Triderm, which contains, in addition to an antimycotic (clotrimazole 1%), a broad-spectrum antibiotic (gentamicin sulfate 0.1%) and a corticosteroid (betamethasone dipropionate 0), can quickly and effectively eliminate the symptoms of inflammation and itching in the presence of both fungal and bacterial infections. .05%). The presence of Triderm in 2 dosage forms - ointment and cream - makes it possible to use it for different types and at different stages of the pathological process.

If external therapy is ineffective, systemic antimycotics are prescribed: itraconazole in a continuous regimen of 200 mg per day for 7 days, then 100 mg for 1-2 weeks; terbinafine (Lamisil, Exifin) 250 mg once a day every day for 3-4 weeks; fluconazole (150 mg once a week for at least 4 weeks).

Prevention. To prevent foot mycosis, it is necessary to observe, first of all, the rules of personal hygiene in the family, as well as when visiting a bathhouse, sauna, swimming pool, gym, etc.; disinfect shoes (gloves) and linen during the treatment period. After visiting a bathhouse, swimming pool, sauna, to prevent mycosis of the feet, apply Daktarin spray powder to the skin of the interdigital folds and soles.

Tinea versicolor is a fungal disease caused by Malassezia furfur (Pityrosporum orbiculare), a yeast fungus. Lichen versicolor is quite widespread in all countries; young and middle-aged people suffer from it.

Etiology. Malassezia furfur as a saprophyte is found on human skin and, under favorable conditions, causes clinical manifestations.

Pathogenesis. Factors contributing to the development of the disease have not yet been precisely established, however, lichen versicolor is more common in people suffering from excessive sweating, changes in the chemical composition of sweat, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine pathology, vegetative-vascular disorders, as well as immune deficiency .

Clinic. The disease is characterized by the presence of small spots on the skin of the chest, neck, back, abdomen, less often the upper and lower extremities, axillary and inguinal-femoral areas, on the head; the spots are initially pink in color and then become light and dark brown; Slight peeling is also observed, sometimes it can be hidden and can only be revealed by scraping. The rashes often merge, forming large areas of damage. After tanning, as a rule, white spots remain as a result of increased flaking. The disease is characterized by a long course with frequent exacerbations.

Diagnosis. The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical manifestations, when the pathogen is detected in skin flakes during a microscopic examination and in the presence of a characteristic yellow or brown glow under a Wood's fluorescent lamp, as well as a positive iodine test.

Treatment. Currently, there is a sufficient selection of antifungal drugs for topical use that have a pronounced antifungal effect against the causative agent of lichen versicolor. These include imidazole and triazole derivatives, allylamine compounds. During the treatment of the disease, the following is used: exifin cream (applied to cleansed and dried skin in the affected areas 2 times a day for 7-14 days, if necessary, after a 2-week break, the course of treatment can be repeated), nizoral cream, mycozoral ointment, cream and canizon solution, mycozon cream, mifungar cream (prescribed once a day, duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks); lamisil cream and spray; nizoral shampoo (for three days, apply to the affected areas of the skin for 3-5 minutes and wash off in the shower). For common, often recurrent forms of lichen versicolor, systemic antimycotics are more effective: itraconazole (prescribed 100 mg once a day for two weeks, then take a two-week break, repeat the course of treatment if necessary), fluconazole (150 mg once a week within 4-8 weeks). During treatment, it is necessary to disinfect the patient’s clothes, hats, underwear and bed linen by boiling in a 2% soap-soda solution and ironing with a hot iron while wet. Family members of the patient should also be examined.

Prevention. To prevent recurrence of mycosis, it is necessary to use nizoral shampoo. Treatment should be carried out from March to May once a month for 3 days in a row.

Smooth skin candidiasis is a fungal disease caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida.

Etiology. The pathogens are opportunistic fungi that are widely distributed in the environment. They can also be found on the skin and mucous membrane of the mouth, digestive tract, and genitals of a healthy person.

Epidemiology. Infection from the external environment can occur with constant fractional or massive infection with fungi.

Pathogenesis. Both endogenous and exogenous factors can contribute to the occurrence of candidiasis. Endogenous factors include endocrine disorders (usually diabetes mellitus), immune deficiency, severe somatic diseases and a number of others. The development of the disease is possible after the use of a number of modern medications: broad-spectrum antibiotics, immunosuppressive and hormonal drugs. The occurrence of candidiasis in the interdigital folds of the hands is facilitated by frequent contact with water, as this develops maceration of the skin, which is a favorable environment for the introduction of the pathogen from the external environment.

Clinic. On smooth skin, small folds on the hands and feet are more often affected, less often - large ones (inguinal-femoral, axillary, under the mammary glands, intergluteal). Lesions outside the folds are located mainly in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, severe general diseases, and in infants.

In some patients, the disease begins in small folds of the skin with the formation of small, barely noticeable blisters on the lateral contacting surfaces of hyperemic skin, the process gradually spreads to the area of the fold, then peeling, maceration appears, or immediately shiny eroded surfaces of a deep red color with clear boundaries appear, with peeling of the stratum corneum of the epidermis along the periphery. The 3rd and 4th interdigital folds on one or both hands are most often affected. The disease is accompanied by itching, burning, and sometimes pain. The course is chronic, with frequent relapses.

In large folds, the lesions are dark red in color, shiny, with a moist surface, with a strip of exfoliating stratum corneum of the epidermis, occupying a significant surface, having clear boundaries and irregular outlines. New small erosions appear around large foci. In children, the process of large folds can spread to the skin of the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and torso. Painful cracks sometimes form deep in the folds.

Candidiasis of smooth skin outside the folds has a similar clinical picture.

Diagnosis. The diagnosis is made on the basis of a typical clinic when a fungus is detected in scrapings from skin flakes during a microscopic examination.

Treatment. Limited and sometimes widespread acute forms of smooth skin lesions, especially those that developed during therapy with antibacterial drugs, as a rule, are easily treated with local antimycotic agents in the form of a solution, cream, ointment and can resolve even without treatment after discontinuation of antibiotics.

For candidiasis of smooth skin of large folds with acute inflammatory phenomena, treatment should begin with the use of an aqueous solution of methylene blue or brilliant green (1-2%) in combination with indifferent powder and continue for 2-3 days, then antifungal drugs are used until clinical resolution manifestations.

Among the antimycotic agents for candidiasis of smooth skin, the following are used: Canison solution and cream, Mycoson cream, Mifungar cream, Candida cream and solution, Triderm ointment and cream, Pimafucort, Pimafucin, Travocort, Travogen, Nizoral cream, Mycozoral ointment, Ekalin.

For common skin processes and in case of ineffectiveness of local therapy, systemic antimycotics are prescribed: fluconazole (Diflucan, Forkan, Mycosist) - adults at a dose of 100-200 mg, children at a dose of 3-5 mg per kg of body weight, itraconazole (100-200 mg), nizoral (adults 200 mg, children weighing up to 30 kg - 100 mg, over 30 kg - 200 mg) once a day daily, as well as the polyene antibiotic natamycin (adults 100 mg 4 times a day, children 50 mg 2–4 times a day). The duration of treatment is 2–4 weeks.

Prevention. Prevention of smooth skin candidiasis in adults and children consists of preventing its development in people suffering from underlying diseases, as well as in people receiving long-term antibacterial, corticosteroid, and immunosuppressive therapy. To prevent the development of candida infection in children hospitalized in somatic departments and receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics, it is necessary to prescribe fluconazole at the rate of 3 mg per kg of body weight once a day, treatment is carried out during the entire main course of therapy. Patients with intestinal candidiasis are prescribed nystatin 2–4 million units per day or natamycin 50 mg for children and 100 mg for adults 2 times a day for 15 days.

Zh.V. Stepanova, Doctor of Medical Sciences, TsNIIKV

Note!

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of diseases caused by opportunistic fungi, among which superficial forms of candidiasis are most often recorded.
Due to insufficient awareness about the sources and ways of spreading infection, as well as adequate preventive measures, patients turn to the doctor late, and therefore mycoses become chronic
50% of the population suffers from mycosis of the feet. Adults get sick more often. Recently, there has been an increase in incidence in children, even infants.
Treatment of mycosis of the smooth skin of the feet and other localizations is carried out with antifungal agents for external use.
If external therapy is ineffective, systemic antimycotics are prescribed.

How to relieve irritation

Irritated skin should not be constantly exposed to negative factors. She needs soothing care and protection. It is also important that the agents used have an anti-inflammatory effect. Since itching can be very unpleasant when the skin is irritated, it is recommended to use soothing products. Natural salts with plant flowers (calendula, chamomile) are effective. Herbs help restore and heal the skin. Salts saturate with minerals (magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus) and increase the protective properties of the epidermis. Itching is eliminated, which reduces the likelihood of skin damage, for example, at night through unconscious scratching.

Cosmetologists advise using tea rose oil when acne or irritation appears, because it has an antiseptic effect. But it can also dry out the skin, so long-term use of this product is not recommended. Combined with natural Himalayan and Epsom salts, as well as lavender flowers, tea rose relieves irritation without negative effects on the skin.

All skin needs a combination of oil and moisture. The appropriate ratio varies depending on skin type. Itchy skin and a feeling of tension usually lack moisture. Oil emulsion-based care products are ideal:

Slim Citrus. Accelerates metabolism, activating the lymphatic drainage effect. Normalizes the skin's water balance, cleansing it of toxins and impurities, improving its appearance.
Muscle Care. Relieves stress and relaxes muscles, minimizing negative factors that worsen skin condition. Provides nutrients and restores the protective barrier, preventing acne and irritation.
Balance & Calm. Smoothes and tightens the skin. Effectively eliminating peeling and eliminating dehydration. Quickly relieves irritation, fights peeling and acne.

You should also pay attention to the “Perfect Skin” set, which contains Dead Sea salt, Coffee Cocktail scrub and salt with essential oils. Comprehensive care promotes restoration - the skin becomes smooth, even and radiant. After 1-2 weeks of regular use of the products included in the set, you can forever forget about irritated skin prone to peeling. The tools included in the set complement each other. The complex effect will definitely be appreciated: relieving fatigue, relaxing and improving skin condition.

You can treat dry skin at home, for example, with magnesium oil, which will soften by delivering nutrients to the deep layers of the dermis. If the epidermis is excessively dry, a burning sensation is possible. You just need to rub a few drops into the affected areas of the skin. Magnesium oil has a pleasant consistency, is quickly absorbed and forms a transparent protective film that retains moisture in the layers of the skin and at the same time allows it to breathe. Thus, irritated and damaged areas of the epidermis are restored.

Hormonal ointments

When there is no positive dynamics from the use of non-hormonal ointments, specialists resort to hormonal drugs. Their main components are glucocorticosteroids - hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands in the human body. The mechanism of action of such drugs is based on the effect on the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates. Hormonal ointments restore the level of cortisone, with a deficiency of which the body becomes unable to cope with inflammatory processes.

Depending on the degree of impact on the skin, hormonal ointments are divided into several categories:

weak,
average,
strong,
very strong.

The latter are used only for the most severe forms of dermatitis, so they are never prescribed first. Examples of hormonal ointments:

Hydrocortisone,
Celestoderm,
Akriderm,
Advantan,
Elokom,
Dermovate,
Fucicort.

The main disadvantages of hormonal ointments in the treatment of dermatitis:

Addiction. The main disadvantage is that over time the ointment ceases to be effective for treating a particular patient. The same active components of hormonal ointments are addictive.
Side effects. Due to their hormonal nature, such ointments have many unpleasant side effects. They appear when used incorrectly or for too long. In severe cases, skin atrophy and even adrenal insufficiency may develop.
Presence of withdrawal syndrome. As in the case of non-hormonal ointments, when using hormonal ointments, you cannot interrupt the course and skip application. The withdrawal syndrome manifests itself especially strongly when abruptly stopping a hormonal drug. This means that symptoms of dermatitis may suddenly return. For this reason, hormonal drugs are discontinued gradually, reducing the dose and number of applications.

Hormonal products can claim to be the best ointments for dermatitis, but only in terms of effectiveness. Yes, they help cope with the symptoms of the disease faster than non-hormonal ones. But at the same time, they can have a short-term effect, require very strict adherence to the treatment regimen, have side effects and a large list of contraindications, which includes:

venereal diseases;
tuberculosis;
pregnancy and lactation;
herpes;
bacterial or fungal skin lesions.

Overview of Soothing Natural Remedies

Products that soothe facial skin should be developed based on natural ingredients. The main thing is to approach home care wisely. Don't overdo it and take daily baths or use too many cosmetics. Active substances may begin to “argue,” which will only aggravate the situation and increase irritation. In this case, such a statement as “I’ll put more in, I’ll sit longer” doesn’t work. Everything is good in moderation.

If you don’t know how to soothe your skin from irritation, check out the list of the most effective and safest products:

Salt scrubs. Suitable for sensitive skin, because abrasive particles dissolve in water, exfoliating gently and without damaging the epidermis. They have a pronounced regenerating and antiseptic effect. The essential oils included in the composition nourish the skin, increasing elasticity and maintaining water balance. They will have an antibacterial effect and soothe the skin. The result is softness and silkiness without inflammation or irritation.
Tropical Touch Coconut Milk Scrub. A delicate product suitable for dry, thin and sensitive skin. Formulated with Epsom salts, grape seed oil, coconut flakes and coconut milk powder. At the same time, it cleanses and nourishes the skin, improving its structure and increasing its protective properties. Organic ingredients rejuvenate and moisturize the skin, restoring its natural beauty.
Home SPA. Mixes of sea, Himalayan and Epsom salts, dried chamomile and calendula flowers and bath bombs developed on the basis of baking soda have a complex effect, effectively eliminating the problem of irritated skin.
White Velvet Blend. Contains three types of natural salt, dry cream, jasmine buds, macadamia and almond oil, white clay and coconut milk. The recipe was developed based on the ancient recipe for Cleopatra's bath. The unique composition provides hydration and nutrition.
Set of bath salts. Epsom salt eliminates swelling and has a lymphatic drainage effect; pink (Himalayan) – contains 84 minerals, nourishing, moisturizing and increasing skin elasticity; Dead Sea – rejuvenates and increases the protective barrier; Crimean - moisturize and smooth the epidermis.

To ensure complete skin care and prevent irritation, it is recommended to use a dry massage brush. The procedure gently exfoliates dead cells, stimulating blood circulation. Dry rubbing helps restore not only the upper but also the deep layers of the skin. Dried cactus fibers help prevent skin irritation by stimulating the protective properties of the epidermis. As a result, the skin becomes silky and toned.

Cosmetics without fragrances, parabens and preservatives are much safer and more effective than the products that many of us are used to using. You can achieve ideal skin condition with the help of natural oils and salts. Natural products created by nature are effective for the beauty of the face, body and hair, and also help achieve peace of mind.

Natural cosmetics replace salon procedures, solving problems quickly and comprehensively. Natural monocomponent products, with regular use, give visible and lasting results. If there are a lot of substances in cosmetic products, then this only worsens the situation, confusing the skin. Cosmetics should contain only those substances that are really necessary (panthenol, hyaluronic acid, vegetable oils, etc.). This approach allows you to quickly cope with irritation, soothing and restoring the skin.

Preparation

There's nothing worse than shaving dry, coarse hair on dry skin. Here you need to act wisely - before shaving, the skin and hair must be moisturized and made soft. This means that the shaving machine is best used after a bath or shower. Moreover: the day before it would be a good idea to thoroughly cleanse the skin with a scrub - it will remove dead skin cells and solve the problem of ingrown hairs.

So, our feet are ready - let's take up the tools. First of all, we need the machine itself - and the more modern, the better. For example, the most advanced body razor of the Dorco Shai 3+3 brand has six blades in a dual 3-blade cassette. The cartridge is movably attached to an ergonomic handle and is equipped with a rubber micro-comb that lifts hairs before shaving and a moisturizing strip. This design is the result of a long, more than century-long evolution of “women’s” razors; with its help, everything can be done quite painlessly. In addition to the machine, you need shaving cream, gel or foam - this product, as we said above, must be chosen so that it itself does not cause allergies, and the machine glides over it flawlessly.

Eve 6 Simple

Razor with 6 blade movable cassettes follows every curve of your body