6 Ways of Treating Skin Inflammation

Inflammation isn’t necessarily always a harmful thing. It’s normal for your immune system to have this response if you have an injury or infection, and it can be a sign that natural processes are fending off germs and healing wounds. The signs of inflammation stem from a response your immune system has to some kind of trigger, such as an immune system that’s not functioning properly, allergic reactions, an infection, and heat. Chronic inflammation, however, can be highly damaging for your skin and trigger redness, itching, swelling, and other symptoms. Increased skin inflammation not only contributes to flare-ups of several common, chronic skin diseases—such as adult acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis—but it also a cause of accelerated skin aging. If you want to learn more about reducing inflammation that contributes to symptoms of chronic skin conditions, it’s best to see a dermatologist. Naples’ Skin Wellness Physicians offers these tips for patients who want to soothe their inflamed skin while they wait to see a skin-focused physician:

1. Limit Your Sugar Intake 

Too much refined sugar or carbohydrates can be bad for your complexion. This is because in a process known as glycation, having an excess amount of sugar in the bloodstream causes sugars to latch onto the normal proteins and fats of the skin, preventing the proteins from functioning properly. The skin proteins we need to preserve strong, supple skin eventually become weaker, thinner, and discolored, causing the formation of wrinkles and a loss of elasticity on the surface. 

2. Make Other Changes to Your Diet 

If inflammation is a problem for you, take a look at your diet. Try to make other changes to your diet in addition to cutting back on sugar, such as drinking water more often, avoiding processed foods, and including more antioxidant-rich foods. Fried foods, sodas, red meat, margarine, shortening, and processed meats are all believed to increase inflammation. 

3. Wear Comfortable, Soft Clothes

If possible, wear clothes that are made from natural fibers such as cotton. Wear loose, soft, and smooth clothing that allows your skin to keep cool, because tight clothes are known to aggravate skin that is already damaged. 

4. Get More Sleep

Millions of Americans aren’t getting enough sleep, but you need around seven to nine hours per night as an adult to support your immune system. Not getting enough sleep causes increased inflammation and, in turn, if you have chronic skin conditions like eczema this may lead to increased itching, which will make getting to sleep more difficult. 

5. Reduce Stress Levels 

Your emotional health has been shown to be closely connected to your skin health. Studies have revealed that stress is one of the leading causes of inflammation in the body, which contributes to several major diseases. It’s normal and healthy to have some temporary, sporadic incidences of stress, but problems arise when we are in a prolonged, unmanaged state of stress. If you already have some low-grade inflammation, ongoing stress can make it much worse. For example, higher cortisol levels worsen insulin resistance. Make a habit of destressing by regularly engaging in low to moderate intensity exercise, reading a book, calling a friend, or incorporating yoga or some form of meditation into your routine. Try to distract yourself from thoughts that are making you stressed. 

6. Avoid Sun Damage 

Sun exposure is one of the main contributors to inflammation. Also, if you get too much sun exposure, the UV radiation damage will most likely make your skin more irritated, so wear plenty of sunscreen and cover up with hats, sunglasses, and clothing to shield your skin against the effects of its rays. 

Interested in learning more? Talk to an experienced and board-certified dermatologist if you would like to get more advice on supporting healthy, balanced skin. Call (239) 732-0044 to get in touch with Skin Wellness Physicians or fill out a contact form to request a consultation.