Infants

ATOPIC ECZEMA: This intensely itchy rash, which often occurs on the face and in the creases of elbows and knees, involves scaling with redness. Small red pimples may appear. When scratched, the pimples can ooze and form large weeping areas. Often aggravated by factors such as dryness in winter, grass in hot weather and sweating. Atopic refers to a cluster of conditions including asthma, hay fever and allergies. So even if a parent doesn’t have eczema, but has asmthma, the baby can have eczema.

SOLUTION: Wash with an unscented, soap-free cleanser. Moisturize with a glycerin-based moisturizer after bathing, while the area is still wet. Keep the baby from becoming too hot and dress him only in cotton clothing. Look for new 24-hour moisturizers, and new products that contain colloidal oatmeal. If the condition is severe, consult a dermatologist, who may prescribe a topical steroid ointment and an antihistamine to reduce the intense itching.

SUN SENSITIVITY: Sunburns in early childhood cause most visible sun damage in adults.

SOLUTION:Most dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF higher than 15 for babies. It is vital that parents dress infants in brimmed hats, sunglasses and lightweight cotton clothing to provide adequate protection from the sun.

CRADLE CAP: Cradle cap, a form of seborrheic dermatitis, is the formation of thick yellow scales on the top of a baby’s head and lasts from two to four weeks, but can last for months. It is painless and harmless unless it becomes infected.

SOLUTION:Use a mild shampoo daily, or try rubbing warm mineral or olive oil into the scalp at night to soften the scales and then wash them off with baby shampoo the next day. The condition generally disappears on its own.

DIAPER RASH: This red, irritated rash on the skin beneath the diaper is much milder today than in the past thanks to the advent of disposable diapers.

SOLUTION: If you do use cloth diapers, even occasionally, be sure to wash them in a mild detergent – harsh chemicals can cause diaper rash. Both cloth and disposable diapers should be changed frequently. Wash with a soap-free cleanser and apply a water-repellent ointment to the baby’s skin to prevent irritation. Zinc oxide ointment helps; if the rash is more serious, look for a medicated zinc oxide ointment.

Children

SCALING FEET: The soles of the feet, which are often covered in nylon socks and encased in rubber boots or sneakers, may peel and become red and scaly.

SOLUTION:Substitute cotton for nylon socks. To soothe sore soles, soak them in an emollient oil-and-water mixture. Moisturize with a glycerin-based moisturizer. At night, smooth on petroleum jelly and protect with clean, cotton socks. If that doesn’t do the trick, your dermatologist can prescribe a topical steroid ointment.

WARTS: Often appearing on the hands and feet, warts are infectious, can last from six months to five years and are extremely difficult to treat.

SOLUTION:Leave them alone and they’ll disappear eventually. If you feel you must do something, try treating them with an over-the-counter wart remover.

Teens

ACNE VULGARIS: Caused by inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, acne usually begins during puberty. Most teenagers think that washing their faces several times a day will get rid of acne. In fact, overuse of soaps and harsh cleansing agents often further irritates the skin.

SOLUTION:For very oily skin, a mild over-the-counter cleanser with salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoil peroxide applied twice a day (be gentle, don’t scrub), followed by an oil- and fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic, non-comedogenic moisturizer (it won’t clog pores) applied only when the skin is dry, will help clear things up. A mild topical antibiotic or vitamin A preparation is sometimes necessary for more serious cases. If acne is severe, see a dermatologist for treatment.

COSMETIC IRRITATION: Many teenage girls experiment with makeup, particularly lipstick, foundation, blush and eye shadow. Oily cosmetics can contribute to acne and blackheads.

SOLUTION: The problem may be pigment in the product – try switching brands. Remove makeup with a mild cleanser and apply a hypoallergenic, fragrance- and oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer only if the skin is dry.

20s

WOMEN
ACNE ROSACEA: Sometimes mistaken for regular acne, acne rosacea involves redness, peeling or blistering, mainly on the nose and cheeks. It may be triggered by stress, alcohol, heat, cold, sun, spicy foods or exercise.

SOLUTION: Because sun exposure worsens the condition, it’s important to use a moisturizer with SPF and an effective sunscreen regularly. Mild topical antibiotics may also help. There is laser therapy to help with redness and enlarged blood vessels.

CONTACT DERMATITIS: A common form of dermatitis, contact dermatitis is a reaction to some substance that has come into direct contact with the skin, provoking flaking, itching, redness and cracking. It can be caused by a heightened sensitivity to certain chemicals or plants, cosmetics or metal jewelry, or by a reaction to some medications.

SOLUTION: Remove the offending article from the environment of the skin. Using products that are labelled hypoallergenic is also a good idea because they don’t contain harsh perfumes or chemicals. In some cases, mild, topical steroid medications can alleviate the inflammation.

MEN
ATHLETE’S FOOT: A fungus that grows on the skin and can spread to toenails and even fingernails in some cases causes this scaly, itchy, contagious condition.

SOLUTION: Change your socks and shoes daily and keep feet clean and dry – use foot powder if your feet sweat. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions and powders are usually effective remedies. However, if the infection persists, a dermatologist may prescribe a more powerful topical medication or antifungal tablets.

INGROWN HAIRS: Shaving is the major cause of ingrown hairs and dry skin.

SOLUTION: For men with curly facial hair, it’s important to always shave in the same direction as hair grows. This trains hairs to grow a certain way and prevents them from becoming ingrown. A mild moisturizer or a lotion containing benzoyl peroxide applied directly after shaving will soothe dry, stinging skin. Exfoliate skin regularly.

IRRITATED UNDERARMS: Sports buffs may notice that their armpits become irritated after a vigorous workout. Excessive sweating and showering contribute to this condition.

SOLUTION: Shower with a soap-free cleanser. Dry underarms thoroughly after showering and try a variety of antiperspirant and deodorant sprays, roll-ons or sticks to find out which works best for your skin type.

30s
WOMEN
WRINKLES: The shape of things to come, wrinkles at this stage can appear around the eyes (crow’s-feet) and mouth (laugh lines), or may even be visible when the face is still. Women who have smoked for several years will have more wrinkles than those who haven’t.

SOLUTION: Creams containing topical vitamin A derivatives, in combination with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) creams, will repair existing – and prevent further – damage.

STRETCH MARKS: A result of a thinning of and loss of elasticity in the dermis, or lower layer of the skin, stretch marks plague many pregnant women. Appearing on the breasts, abdomen, hips and thighs, they are bright red, raised lines that turn purple, then eventually form pale, shiny, depressed streaks.

SOLUTION: There is little you can do to prevent stretch marks beyond trying to keep weight gain moderate during pregnancy. Moisturizing liberally may help. Dermatology clinics sometimes offer laser treatments that achieve modest results on recent red stretch marks.

MILD ADULT ACNE: Hormonal changes, as well as exercise and sweating, can trigger those unsightly spots you thought you’d left behind with your teenage years.

SOLUTION: For mild acne, an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide cream is usually effective. So are products containing salicylic acid. If it’s more severe, see a dermatologist.

SPIDER VEINS: Fine, visible blue lines sometimes begin to appear close to the surface of pale-skinned women’s legs.

SOLUTION:Injections and laser treatments are the best way to rid yourself of spider veins.

MEN
DANDRUFF: Sweating and heat contribute to an increase in dandruff, an itchy, scaly rash on the scalp sometimes caused by a minor fungal infection, which in more extreme cases is described as seborrheic dermatitis.

SOLUTION:While harmless, dandruff is an irritating condition that usually requires constant control. Shampoo daily with a mild over-the-counter anti-fungal shampoo. In some cases, a physician may prescribe a topical corticosteroid lotion or a shampoo.

Body and Sol
Whatever your age, the most important thing to remember is that any amount of sun exposure poses a dangerous risk of developing skin cancer, including malignant melanoma.

Take preventive action by avoiding direct sunlight whenever possible. If you must be out in the sun, protect all exposed areas of skin by applying a sunblock that protects against UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30 (the higher the number, the longer it will take your skin to burn). You should also wear a sun-deflecting hat, clothing and sunglasses.

40s
WOMEN
AGE SPOTS: Dark spots resulting from early sunburns begin to appear at this age. Most common are seborrheic keratoses, slightly raised, yellowish or brownish blemishes. Also common are solar lentigenes, which are caused by overexposure to the sun, and freckles.

SOLUTION: Creams containing vitamin A derivatives and sunscreen help diminish age spots. Most blemishes are harmless, but see a dermatologist about spots that grow rapidly or bleed; these are signs of skin cancer.

DRY SKIN ON LIMBS: The older we get, the more likely we are to favour baths over showers. However, increased tub time leads to drier, often itchy skin, particularly on the arms and legs.

SOLUTION: Use a soap-free cleanser and bath additives with moisturizers. Moisturize arms and legs regularly with an over-the-counter cream – a 24-hour, glycerin-based moisturizer is a good bet. Colloidal oatmeal products should help, too.

MEN
ACNE: Some men in this age group may still have a degree of relatively minor acne.

SOLUTION: Avoid using oily products on the affected skin. It’s OK to continue using aftershave and shaving gels because they generally don’t aggravate acne.

CRACKED AND BLISTERED FEET: Men’s feet take a pounding, whether from playing sports or from being encased in work boots. Dry feet can become cracked and infected if neglected, especially around the heels. Distance runners often get painful blisters on their feet and toes.

SOLUTION: Use a moisturizer containing urea or even petroleum jelly for acute cracks. Protect against blisters by placing a soft piece of padding over chafed areas. Try the new products designed to prevent blisters. To prevent fungal and bacterial infections, wear flip-flops in locker rooms or swimming pools.

50s
WOMEN
THINNING SKIN: At this age, a natural loss of the complex sugars that give skin its plumpness occurs, causing it to become thinner and more wrinkled.

SOLUTION: The only way to restore plumpness is by undergoing cosmetic procedures, but it is possible to prevent skin from thinning in the first place by following sun-safe practices (see Body and Sol, page 60). Remember to use a rich moisturizer with SPF.

INCREASED FACIAL HAIR: The male hormone testosterone, which is present in women, starts to work overtime at this age, producing fine hairs on the chin and upper lip.

SOLUTION: There are a variety of hair-removal techniques available, including plucking, waxing, laser treatment and electrolysis.

MEN
SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS: This red, flaking irritation appears in areas that contain oil-producing sebaceous glands, often starting on the scalp and then spreading to the face and neck. It can affect eyebrows, the folds of skin on each side of the nose and the area behind the ears.

SOLUTION: Medicated shampoos designed for dandruff may limit scaling and flaking. Anti-yeast or antifungal creams, available without a prescription, can be used on other areas.

SKIN CANCER: Generally, men are more likely than women to dislike using sunscreen regularly, and cancerous growths may begin to appear at this age. The three most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.

SOLUTION: Basal cell carcinoma starts as a small, flat nodule and virtually never spreads to other parts of the body. It can be surgically removed or treated with radiation. Squamous cell carcinoma usually develops on the lip, ear or hand – areas that receive the most exposure to strong sunlight. Without treatment – usually surgery or radiation – the tumour may spread and become fatal. Watch also for actinic keratoses, which are recurring scaly papules that are not malignant but can be precursors to squamous cell carcinoma. These can be frozen off with liquid nitrogen by your dermatologist to prevent them from becoming malignant. Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and usually develops as a pigmented patch of skin, such as an existing mole. Early diagnosis is essential, so it is vitally important to perform self-exams to check for moles that may be showing changes. Treatment involves surgical removal of the cancer. Chemotherapy drugs may also be needed.

60s and up

In this age group, men and women don’t usually have unique skin conditions; rather, certain problems are common to both.

BROKEN BLOOD VESSELS: Even a slight bump may cause these blotchy spots to appear on hands and arms.

SOLUTION: Creams with vitamin K and vitamin C may help reduce blotching (they may also reduce dark circles under eyes).

AGING WARTS: Not actually warts, these are rough spots that itch and sometimes bleed, and they can be located virtually anywhere on the body.

SOLUTION: Spots can be surgically removed by laser treatment or liquid nitrogen.

LEATHERY SKIN: This look, most often described as that of a weather-beaten sailor, is caused by years of direct sun exposure without adequate protection.

SOLUTION: Creams containing glycolic acid can be used to remove the upper layer of skin, exposing a smoother layer beneath. Vitamin A derivtive products are also effective. Be sure to use a rich moisturizer with SPF. And try an exfoliator with AHA.

DIABETES-RELATED DRYNESS:
As we age, circulation becomes poorer, so it’s often difficult to feel what’s going on with our feet. Because of this, it’s important to pay close attention to them, especially if you suffer from diabetes, because dry, cracked heels can get infected.

SOLUTION: Creams containing urea are the best way to keep feet moisturized. Look for products designed specifically for cracked heels.

Smooth talking

The extent to which you will wrinkle over the years depends on an array of circumstances, including how much sun you’ve been exposed to, how careful you are about using sunscreen, whether you smoke and how much water you drink (adequate hydration is vital in the quest for healthy skin).

Regardless of your age, when wrinkles first appear, moisturizing will help diminish them. Here is a checklist of some effective ingredients that your medicine-cabinet creams might contain, all of which have restorative properties.

• beta and alpha hydroxy acids (BHAs and AHAs)
  
• glycerin
  
• glycolic acid
  
• retinoic acid
  
• retinol
  
• urea
  
• vitamin A
  
• vitamin C
  
• vitamin E
  
• vitamin K