The skin is the largest organ of the human body, holding everything in place and keeping our body at the right temperature. The skin is primarily made up of three layers, namely the Epidermis, the Dermis and the Hypodermis. The skin loses almost 40,000 cells every minute, and new cells are constantly being generated by the epidermis, replacing the layers of your skin. Humans possess more than twenty sq ft of skin, and it is important that we keep it clean so that it is infection-free. Infections can be caused by skin ailments, or at times upon using harmful chemicals which can cause skin irritation.
Most clothing, whether its synthetic or natural, can cause irritation. People with allergies to any kind of chemicals used in dyes and fabrics can suffer from skin rashes. Wearing very tight clothes, or ones that do not breathe can also cause bacterial infections owing to too much sweat. Always wear clothes that feel comfortable on your skin and avoid use of clothes that do not dry easily or are too tight, to prevent any such skin problems.
These include a wide range of products, from lotions and ointments to hair-removers, perfumes and deodorants. The list is endless. Cosmetics contain chemicals which can trigger skin allergies, and improper use or use by those who are prone to allergens can result in eczema, hives, itchy skin and blisters. To avoid any such problems from occurring, limit the use of excess cosmetics and look for products that are hypoallergenic. Do not use them if they are past the printed expiry date, and always wash your hands before applying any such products to your skin. Before using any new cosmetic, it is advisable to do a "patch test" which can ascertain whether you are allergic to any ingredient in the cosmetic, especially if you are prone to skin problems.
Soaps and detergents, are used to keep our skin and clothing clean, but, ironically, they can have an adverse effect on our skin if they contain harmful skin irritants. Since most of these products are heavily scented, there is a higher chance that they can cause skin problems. Products containing bleaches and whiteners should be carefully used since they can be toxic and can result in itching if not rinsed off properly.
The most commonly used cleaners include kitchen and tile cleaners, degreasers, carpet cleaners, and mold and mildew removers. Use mild soaps and detergents wherever possible. Steam-clean carpets, without using detergents, unless absolutely necessary. Cleaners should never be used on skin, and you should always wear protective gloves while using any of them. They contain toxic substances, and if used in excess over a long period of time, are extremely harmful, resulting in dry, flaky and broken-down skin. A simple way out is to use baking soda, which is a powerful cleansing agent with no side effects.
Most insects like mosquitoes, bedbugs, and ticks can cause allergic skin reactions, and swelling and itching at the bite site. To prevent this from happening, you can use insect-repellent creams, but these must be used sparingly and should not ideally be used by people who are already prone to skin reactions.
To minimize the risks of skin irritation, know the products you are buying and the exact ingredients they contain. Read all labels carefully, choose those which say "eco-friendly", "hypoallergenic", "fragrance-free" or "unscented" and "organic", as these are less likely to cause harmful irritation, and are environment-friendly too. If you are suffering from skin irritation, try not to scratch where it itches, because even though it provides temporary relief, it can result in the infection spreading further. Try applying a mild, cooling lotion instead. Visit a health care professional if the irritation persists or does not go away within a few days.