The success of any skin treatment is dependent on the skin’s condition which should be analyzed prior to commencing any skin therapy. Analysis of the skin can only be assessed after the skin is cleansed of oils, make-up and dust particles and examination using a magnifying glass with white light (mag lamp) or a Wood’s lamp may be necessary. To assess the skin type, factors such as the skin’s moisture level, temperature, texture of the skin and the acid-alkaline balance (pH) are important to consider when categorizing the individual skin type.

What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis is a common condition involving the hair follicle. The hair in the follicle which normally grows in an upward direction curves and re-enters the skins surface resulting in the appearance of small white pimples or clusters of red bumps around the hair follicle. Bearded areas (sycosis barbae) on the facial skin are often infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus , resulting in pain, swelling and redness of the skin.

Oily skin is the excessive production of oil (sebum) by the oil glands of the skin (sebaceous glands) that gives the skin the oily and shiny texture often associated with teenagers and those suffering with acne vulgaris. Increased oil production is a result of hormones, particularly the androgens (male sex hormones) which is present in both males and females.

What causes oily skin?

At puberty, or during hormonal fluctuations that cause oily skin, the action of these androgens increases the size of the oil glands in the skin (sebaceous glands) as well as causing enlarged pores. This enlarged glands and pores result in more oil being produced as well as more oil being secreted onto the skin. It is often believed that oily skin is a result of external factors but long term oily skin is very much an internal process regulated by the body’s hormones.

Melasma is a hyperpigmentation (dark skin discoloration) disorder that is characterized with dark brown symmetric patches on the surface of the skin, primarily affecting the face. Melanin is a brown pigment produced by melanocytes, the pigment producing cells of our skin. Based on racial and environmental differences, the melanin concentration differs from person to person although certain medical conditions, drugs and topical applications (creams, gels, ointments) can also change skin pigmentation.

Causes of Melasma

Hyperpigmentation is the increased melanin production causing a characteristic dark discoloration of the skin. The increased melanin (pigment) production is often an indication of hormone imbalances in the body and therefore melasma is commonly found in women who are pregnant or on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Before commencing treatment for photodermatosis, it is important for your dermatologist to diagnose any predisposing conditions that may be contributing towards the light and sun sensitivity of the skin.

Predisposing Conditions

Sun sensitivity of the skin is present in conditions such as:

Polymorphic Light Eruptions

This is a form of dermatosis of the skin that affects more women than men. Lesions of papules, plaques and vesicles are usually present on the sun exposed areas of the skin. These lesions appear to be more common in the spring and summer seasons and occurs approximately 24 hours after the skin has been exposed to the strong sunlight.