FOUNDATION CREAM AND FUNGAL INFECTION

A foundation cream is an oil in water emulsion that is smoothed on to the skin before make-up is applied. Because it is slightly sticky, the foundation cream helps to ensure that your chosen make-up stays on the skin properly. If you use a fairly thick moisturizing cream you don't need a foundation cream. Fungi are plants, but that does not stop them causing skin infections. Fungal infections can be caused by a variety of different organisms but the commonest is probably ring-worm. Any agent designed to kill small, harmful organisms is germicide. For practical purposes, the word 'germicide' is interchangeable with the words 'antiseptic' and 'disinfectant'.

FOOT PROBLEMS

Nine out of ten people have foot problems. There are, however, things that can be done to prevent them developing. Wearing comfortable shoes that fit properly and provide the necessary support is obviously a help. Cutting toe nails regularly and washing and carefully drying the feet daily can prevent many skin problems. Make sure that socks or tights are big enough so as not to constrict the feet and apply moisturizing cream to the skin on the feet. If you suffer from poor circulation or diabetes, never try looking after foot problems yourself - you need your doctor's help. And whatever your general health never try to cut growths or corns with a knife; they need expert attention. Do remember, too that any existing lesion that changes in any way should be seen by your doctor.

FLUSHING

The skin reddening so typical of both flushing and blushing is caused by the dilation of superficial blood vessels and most commonly affects the face, neck and chest. The reaction is caused by the release of chemicals and can be provoked in many different ways. For example, it happens during the menopause when the flushes may either be intermittent, or persistent and last for years. Why flushing occurs at this time is not understood precisely but hormone replacement therapy seems to help. Flushing can also be produced by drinking alcohol, after taking drugs, while suffering from high temperature. There are also few medical disorders in which flushing is one of the symptoms.

EYE PROBLEMS

There are three main problems which occur around the eyes. Allergy reactions around the eyes are usually caused by cosmetics. The initial symptoms include redness, itching and some swelling of the eyelids and the surrounding tissues. Infections which involve the eyes cause redness, but there is usually also some grittiness and stickiness and the eyelids may be stuck together first thing in the morning. Wrinkles are the other common problem to affect the area around the eyes. Changes in the upper and lower eyelids occur relatively early on in the ageing process and an individual who has relatively few wrinkles elsewhere may have a quite a number around the eyes, simply because the skin there is exceptionally thin.

ERYSIPELAS

Erysipelas is a superficial infection of the skin in which the symptoms include redness, tenderness and swelling. The initial symptoms are rather similar to flu, but a patch of skin quickly develops the signs described above. Erysipelas is caused by the same sort of bug that often produces sore throats; half a century ago it was an extremely dangerous disorder. However, streptococcus, the bug concerned, can usually be controlled with the aid of penicillin. The bug gets into the skin thorough a cut or abrasion and the symptoms start to appear two to five days later, appearing first on a limb and working their way quite rapidly towards the trunk. A fever commonly occurs with the infection

EMOLLIENT AND EMOTIONAL REACTION

An application which is rubbed on to the surface of the body in order to help soothe, soften and relax the skin and the tissues beneath is emollient. When we are angry, we usually go red and when frightened, we go white and when embarrassed, we blush. It is clear, therefore, that there are strong links between our emotions and the state of our skin. Anxiety, stress and worry of all kinds can make existing skin problem worse and provoke new ones. When this is the case, the skin problem will not disappear until the psychological problem has been dealt with.

ELECTROLYSIS

An effective, efficient and permanent method of removing unwanted hair. Tiny needles are inserted into each hair follicle, one at a time, so the operator needs to be skilled. Once inside the follicle the needle de3stroys the hair root by using electricity to produce a chemical reaction. The main advantage with the electrolysis is that it is usually permanent - the hairs don't grow back again. The disadvantages are that it is slow, rather expensive and sometimes painful. Occasionally a skin reaction may be produced. Electrolysis is probably best reserved for the most annoying or embarrassing excess hairs – such as those on the female face.

DRY SKIN

Normal, healthy skin that looks pink and well preserved and feels smooth and soft is well supplied with water. If the superficial skin cells are deprived of water, the skin will look parched and cracked and feel rough and hard. Dry skin is exactly what it sounds like. There are a number of reason why dry skin can develop but most commonly the problem is caused by frequent washing (which removes natural oils), a failure to protect the skin with regular applications of a moisturizing cream and spending too long in a centrally heated, dry atmosphere. The most important single way to prevent dry hair or to deal with it once it has developed is to use a moisturizing cream regularly.

DRY HAIR

Hair that is dry is brittle, coarse and difficult to comb or set. It also breaks easily and splits at the ends. If you have dry hair there are several things worth remembering. Heat makes dry hair worse. Sunshine, electric dryers, sun lamps and curling tongs a;; exacerbate the existing problem. Frequent brushing with a soft brush may help by stimulating the hair cells to produce natural oils. Wash your hair less frequently. If it is dry it probably won't want washing a great deal. If you wash your hair too often, you'll simply wash existing oils away. Moisturizing creams help hair to stay healthy. They are particularly important for individuals who suffer from eczema or dry hair.

DRUG REACTIONS

Skin rashes of many different kinds can be caused by both prescribed drugs and drugs that have been bought over the counter without a prescription. The majority of reactions seem to be pink or red, spotty and itchy. It is often difficult to confirm the relationships between a skin problem and a specific drug but if you experience such a problem after starting a new drug you should report the fact to your doctor. Remember that drug reactions may take a week or two to develop, so the symptoms may also arise after the drug has been stopped. Drug reactions usually fade when you stop taking the drugs responsible.