Are you blighted by any of the following skin problems? Read on to find out how you keep the top most common dermatology concerns at bay.
1. ACNE
Acne can occur in people of all ages, not just teenagers, and hormonal imbalances, stress and excessive sweating are all aggravating factors for men. It can be tempting to increase the frequency of washing when acne breakouts occur, but sometimes this can make the problem worse as the skin compensates for excessive washing by producing even more oil.
Moderate to severe acne can be treated by over-the-counter skincare washes and creams, but if these don’t work then it’s important to seek advice from a dermatologist. Treatments such as laser therapy and chemical peels can help to minimize acne breakouts, whilst dermal fillers and micro-needling can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
2. ATHLETE’S FOOT
This irritating condition is caused by a fungus and tends to be particularly bad between the toes. The fungus can be picked up in warm, damp areas such as gym locker rooms, showers or swimming pools, but it tends to be made worse on feet that spend several hours each day in shoes and socks which create a warm, humid environment which the fungus thrives upon.
Anti-fungal creams and sprays can be purchased over the counter to treat athlete’s foot, but in severe cases it may be necessary to visit a doctor for prescribed medication. To minimize the risk of athlete’s foot and to make the recovery process faster, feet should be kept as clean and dry as possible and lightweight, breathable shoes should be worn.
3. HAIR LOSS
Hormones and genetics can both cause thinning of the hair, known as androgenetic alopecia, whilst male pattern baldness is the term to describe a receding hairline and loss of hair on the frontal scalp and crown. Although hair loss is common in men, it can often have a negative impact on the confidence of those suffering from it. Luckily, there are treatments available.
Certain shampoos and topical treatments can help to slow down the rate of hair loss and encourage the growth of new hair. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy can also be used to stimulate new hair growth. Laser therapy is also an incredibly effective treatment, with the likes of the Capillus Laser Cap and the LaserCap LCPRO offering a convenient way for patients to improve scalp health, hair count and hair strength.
4. JOCK ITCH
The same fungus that causes athlete’s foot can also affect the groin area, causing what is known as ‘jock itch’. It tends to occur as a result of excessive sweating and is therefore common in men who play lots of sports. The main symptom is a red, itchy rash which can be very uncomfortable.
To keep jock’s itch at bay, men should wear breathable, cotton underwear and be sure to change their underwear after physical activity. They should also be sure to shower daily and to keep the groin area as dry as possible.
5. RAZOR BURN
This is one of the biggest and most common skincare problems for men, and although in its most moderate form it causes a slightly uncomfortable rash, when severe it can cause large raised bumps, blisters and even acne. Although many believe that it’s caused by poor shaving technique, it can still occur in men who shave perfectly if they have particularly sensitive skin.
To keep razor burn at bay, you should:
– Wash the face in warm water before shaving
– Use clean, sharp blades
– Use a high quality shaving gel
– Shave in short strokes against the direction of hair growth
– Use an aftershave lotion with vitamin E or aloe vera
6. UNDER EYE CIRCLES
Some men are simply more prone to dark under eye circles than others as a result of genetics. However, dark circles are exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet. They can make you look tired, gaunt and unwell, so to keep them at bay you should:
– Drink plenty of water
– Have a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables
– Exercise regularly
– Get seven to eight hours of sleep each night
– Take time out to relax and reduce stress