Skin Disorders

Thanet College. Hairdressing, Beauty and Fitness

SKIN DISORDERS: Investigate the following terms and write a short descriptive paragraph on each,

ERYTHEMA:

Erythema is a reddening of the skin which can be caused by a number of factors such as eczema, electrical treatment, acne and acne medications, exercise and massage all of which can cause the capillaries to dilate resulting in the redness. Erythema is also a sign of disorders including Erythema Multiform, Erythema Nodosum, Lupus Erythematosus and Fifth Disease. In massage Erythema is often seen as a positive contra-action to treatment which demonstrates that the treatment has been effective, more oxygen and nutrients are being brought to surface via the dilated capillaries and that toxins are being eliminated from the body.

Illustrative example of Erythema in the face

To reduce dilated capillaries essential oils such as Lemon in low dilutions (Citrus Limon), Grapefruit (Citrus x Paradisi), Rose (Rosa Centifolia and Rosa Damascena) and Frankincense (Boswellia Carteri) can be used.

Oils such as Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis), Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus) are rubefacient and are therefore likely to exacerbate the problem. In addition Eucalyptus should not be used on sensitive skin or on the face.

HERPES SIMPLEX:

There are two main forms of the Herpes Simplex Virus – Oral or HSVI and Genital or HSVII Herpes. With Oral Herpes the sufferer usually displays sores around the mouth area and face. These sores are fluid filled and eventually rupture leaving a weeping wound. This then solidifies to form a crust which eventually drops off leaving reddened healing skin. The sores from the primary infection heal completely and usually do not scar. However the virus that causes the infection stays in the body. It moves to nerve cells where it remains dormant until it occurs again. Reoccurrences can be triggered by a number of factors including stress. HSVII is associated with the genital area. The Herpes Simplex Virus is highly contagious and is spread by direct contact with the lesions or liquid filled blisters. Unfortunately there is no successful vaccine for HSV and treatment can only ease the symptoms.

Illustrative example of oral Herpes

In the active stage of HSV essential oils should only be applied by the client themselves to stop the risk of cross-infection.

Essential oils useful in treating the symptoms of HSV are Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia), Bergamot (Citrus Aurantium subsp. Bergamia) and Rose (Rosa Centifolia or Rosa Damascena).

HIVES/UTICARIA:

Uticaria or Hives are itching red welts or bumps which may later turn white and are non-contagious. They can occur anywhere on the face or body, lesions appear rapidly and can last for anywhere between 15 minutes to six weeks.

The exact cause of hives is unknown the rash usually occurs in response to an allergen such as certain foods (including strawberries and shellfish), medication such as penicillin, house dust, pet fur, cleaning products, soap or shampoo. Other factors include stress, heat or other stimulus to the skin, chemical sensitivities, an infection or immune system disorder.

When hives lasts for more than six weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic, they may be a sign of a more serious problem such as hepatitis, thyroid disease or lupus. Barring these more serious disorders Hives are usually harmless and leave no marks. However it can be seen by this disparity of causes how dangerous it would be for a non-medical practitioner to make a diagnosis and recommend specific treatment.

Illustrative picture of Uticaria

Essential oils useful in helping with Uticaria include Peppermint (Mentha Piperita), although not on the face, Lavender (Lavendula Augustifolia) and Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita).

ACNE VULGARIS:

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Illustrative picture of Uticaria

Essential oils useful in helping with Uticaria include Peppermint (Mentha Piperita), although not on the face, Lavender (Lavendula Augustifolia) and Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita).

ACNE VULGARIS:

Acne Vulgaris or simply Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease. It is characterised by whiteheads and blackheads (comedones), pus filled spots and in severe cases cysts and scars. It is an indication of a change in the hormonal balance and in sufferers of Acne the sebaceous glands are particularly sensitive to a hormone, present on both men and women to varying degrees, called testosterone. The over activity of the sebaceous glands produces more of the skins natural oil (sebum) and simultaneously dead skin cells lining the pores are not shed properly leading to clogging of the hair follicle. These two actions cause the formation of the whiteheads and blackheads. As the hormones balance out Acne tends to diminish which is why it is frequently seen in adolescence and lessens as people reach adulthood, although some will continue to experience it. In women Acne is more common around menstruation due to hormone fluctuations. Acne is generally found on areas of the body which contain the most sebaceous glands, namely the face, back and upper portion of the chest. Other causes or triggers for Acne include heredity and stress.

Illustrative example of Acne Vulgaris

Essential oils useful in helping with Acne Vulgaris include Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia), Bergamot (Citrus Aurantium subsp. Bergamia), Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea), Lavender (Lavendula Augustifolia) and Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata).

ACNE ROSACEA:

Acne Rosacea is a skin condition which primarily affects men and women between the ages of 30 and 55. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which the skin appears abnormally red, the blood vessels become inflamed and swollen and the redness is found primarily on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Rosacea develops slowly and usually gets worse unless treated; it has three stages. In the first stage flushing or redness (Erythema) occurs and may last for hours or days. The skin becomes sensitive and may burn or sting and red lines may appear (known as Telangiectases). In the second stage of Rosacea the redness covers a larger area and skin eruptions including swelling, pimples and pustules develop and may last or weeks. Symptoms may spread to the scalp, neck and chest. The third stage of Rosacea is characterised by large nodules appearing, most commonly on the cheeks and nose. This stage is known as Rhinophyma and is quite rare with few patients progressing to this stage.

The cause of Rosacea is not fully known but it tends to occur in those with fair, sensitive skin types and it is thought that the defect lies in the blood vessels of the skin which dilate too easily. There are a number of factors that tend to make Rosacea worse including alcohol, spicy foods, temperature extremes, stress and too much exercise. Rosacea is not contagious.

An illustrative example of Acne Rosaeca

Essential oils good for Acne Rosaeca include Chamomile German (Matricaria Retutica), Rose (Rosa Centifolia or Rosa Damascena) and Neroli (Citrus Aurantium var. Amara).

SEBORRHOEA:

Seborrhoea is an excessive secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands and is the name given to excessively oily skin. The glands are enlarged and the skin appears greasy, especially on the nose and centre zone of the face. The skin may feel unpleasant and seems to become dirty quickly. Make up may slip off or cake. The condition affects both men and women although it is seen more commonly in adolescent boys and men as it is thought that male sex hormones play a part. In general Seborrhoea is relatively harmless although it may develop into Acne Vulgaris or Seborrhoeic Dermatitis. Rarely it is a sign of underlying Parkinson’s disease or Acromegaly (an excess of growth hormones).

Essential oils useful in alleviating Seborrhoea include Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Flexuosus/Cymopogon Citratus) although care must be taken if used on the face, Petitgrain (Citrus Aurantium var. Amara), Juniper (Juniperus Communis), Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea) and Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata).

Essential oils which are very astringent may contribute to the problem by triggering the skin to produce even more sebum.

SPIDER NAEVUS:

Spider Naevus are a collection of dilated capillaries radiating from a central papule, giving a spider like appearance. They are most commonly found on the face, neck, upper trunk and hands; why they only occur in the upper part of the body is uncertain. They vary in size from being hardly visible to more than half a centimetre in diameter. Causes of Spider Naevi include liver disease (usually alcohol related), excess oestrogen and hyperthyroidism. They may also occur in pregnancy (in the first two trimesters) and facially in Acne Rosaeca. However they are also found in otherwise perfectly healthy individuals.

An illustrative example of Spider Naevus

BROKEN OR SPLIT CAPILLARIES:

Broken capillaries show up on the skin as very thin red threads. Usually dry, delicate or mature skin that is thin and fragile is most susceptible to broken capillaries. Broken capillaries occur when the capillary walls narrow and widen too quickly causing the muscles in the capillary walls to tear. When the capillary tears, the blood seeps to the surface of the skin. Causes of broken capillaries include:

Abrasive cleaners and facial scrubs or make up
Pregnancy – In pregnancy there is a greater amount of blood flowing through the body. As a result the veins enlarge which can cause broken capillaries as well as varicose veins.
Extremes of temperature and weather
Hormones so those going through puberty, pregnancy or menopause
Leg Injuries – those who have suffered leg injury may have increased or decreased blood flow.
Standing for long periods of time
Pressure such as squeezing a spot or even glasses pressing on the face

Illustrative example of Broken/Split Capillaries

Essential oils useful in helping with broken or split capillaries include Chamomile German (Matricaria Retutica), Rose (Rosa Centifolia or Rosa Damascena) and Neroli (Citrus Aurantium var, Amara).

MILIA (WHITEHEADS):

Milia also known as whiteheads are very common white, pearly bumps or pimples that can happen in individuals of all ages and are particularly prevalent in newborn babies, affecting up to 50% of them. They are inclined to occur on the skin of the cheeks, nose, chin, gums and around the eyes. Milia occur when dead skin becomes trapped in little pockets at the surface of the skin or mouth. Milia may be cause by heavy cosmetics which prevent the exfoliation of dead cells, excessive sun exposure which makes the skin thick again preventing natural exfoliation and blistering. In children Milia tend to disappear within two to four weeks whereas in adults they may take time to go or persevere indefinitely. However they are harmless and removal is for cosmetic reasons only.

Illustrative example of Milia (Whiteheads)

PSORIASIS:

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder in which areas of the skin grow much faster than normal resulting in live cells reaching the surface of the skin and accumulating with dead ones in visible layers. Its appearance is that of red, raised patches of skin covered with silvery scales. The most common sites on the body for psoriasis to occur are the scalp, elbows and knees although any part of the body can be affected. Psoriasis is not contagious but is very itchy, uncomfortable and unsightly. Psoriasis can start at any age but most commonly between the ages of 11 and 45 and affects approximately 3% of the population. Exact causes for Psoriasis are not known although it is though that there is a strong genetic disposition, which if triggered by certain factors can set it off. Triggers include certain medications, skin trauma, psychological factors and stress. Sufferers of Psoriasis may go on to develop Psoriatic Arthritis which affects the fingers, toes and backbone.

Illustrative example of Psoriasis

Essential oils useful for helping with Psoriasis include Chamomile German (Marricaria Retutica), Lavender (Lavendula Augustifolia), Rose (Rosa Centifolia or Rosa Damascena) and Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia).

ECZEMA and DERMATITIS:

Eczema (also known as dermatitis) is the name given to a group of diseases that are the result of inflammation of the skin. It is a mild to chronic condition characterised by itchiness, redness, inflamed or cracked skin, small water blisters and thickened areas of skin in places that are scratched easily. It is seen mostly on places such as the elbows and knees but is not restricted to these areas. Eczema is often hereditary and tends to begin in childhood, with time it tends to subside but may flare up at any point when triggered by factors such as stress, allergies, extremes of temperature or weather and a weakened immune system. There are various types of Eczema including:

Atopic Eczema as description above
Allergic contact Eczema or Dermatitis – develops over time as an outcome of long term handling of a substance causing an allergic reaction. The rash usually starts at the area of contact but can spread to other areas. Substances that an individual can become allergic to include make-up, perfume, latex, preservatives, poison ivy and the nickel in custom jewellery.
Irritant contact Eczema or Dermatitis – Similar to Allergic Dermatitis it is due to contact with irritants on the skin, most commonly the hands. Common irritants are household cleaning products, chemicals and detergents. Some essential oils may cause Irritant Dermatitis.
Seborrhoeic Eczema – This is associated with growth of a yeast that usually lives under the skin. It usually starts as a greasy rash on the scalp causing dandruff (or cradle cap in babies). It can worsen becoming red and irritating and spreading to other parts of the body. It is most common in babies under 1 year old and in adults of 20-40 years of age.
Varicose Eczema – Tends to occur more in older age and in women. It is associated with poor blood circulation and high blood pressure. It can lead to increased risk of ulceration.
Discoid Eczema – The cause of this is unknown. It usually affects older adults and as the name suggests appears as red coin shaped red scaly patches, particularly on the lower legs.

Illustrative example of Atopic Eczema and to the right Contact Dermatitis.

Essential oils useful in alleviating symptoms of Eczema/Dermatitis include Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris), Chamomile German (Matricaria Retutica), Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens), Lavender (Lavendula Augustifolia), Juniper (Juniperus Communis), Rose (Rosa Centifolia or Rosa Damascena) and Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin).

Essential oils that may make Eczema/Dermatitis worse, as they are all skin irritants, include Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum), Ginger (Zingeber Officianale), Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata), Melissa (Melissa Officinalis), Pine (Pinus Sylvestris), Basil (Ocimum Basilicum), Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus).

In all of these disorders and indeed any other disease or disorder it is important that a therapist does not attempt to diagnose. While the above information provides guidelines or recognising the disorder/disease there is always the possibility that the symptoms are masking some deeper rooted problem. Therapists should work alongside medical practitioners, not seek to replace them and when in any doubt consent should be obtained before treatment.

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