Patch Blog: Cool it Now (Before You Lose Control)

It’s nice out today and through the weekend. It’s also the high pollen season—and much else. So it’s well to remember a few things about a problem we all deal with at varying levels: Inflammation.

Inflammation is part of the body’s response to pathogens and irritants. It is a useful part of the healing process, but prolonged inflammation anywhere, including the skin, is dangerous—and it's never beautiful.

In the skin, it’s common to see inflammation as part of acne vulgaris, as the result of a sunburn, or—increasingly these days—in response to an active chemical or laser treatment.

The latter two cases of inflammation have pretty obvious origins, but the former (acne vulgaris) is a bit more nebulous. (Interestingly, there is a school of thought that links inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, with systemic inflammation caused by intestinal problems. Look up “gut-brain-skin axis”—it’s fascinating stuff!)

When the I-word strikes—whatever the cause—what’s most important is to take control and prevent it from cascading and causing damage, which runs the gamut from pigmentation problems to skin aging. Depending on the exact cause or severity, solutions could involve anything from hydrocortisone cream, mineral sprays or makeup, clay masks, herbal extracts such as licorice or green tea, ice packs, or stronger solutions that require the advice of a physician.

Once in that department, solutions include short-term use of anti-histamines, ibuprofen, or steroids. In the case of acne, find a treatment and/or homecare regimen that manages the condition—it should always include an anti-inflammatory component.

No matter what, don’t leave sunburns and skin inflammation go unchecked. If inflammation is increasing rather than going down, it is cause for concern. Also be concerned if it is chronic, as in the case of acne or dermatitis.

Bottom line: Don't just learn to live with it. Respond instead. After all, it’s your body's call for help. And as a reward for all these years of supporting you, you  owe it to your body to take action or seek the advice of a professional.