Start with the scalp
The clues to look for
From dandruff on the shoulders frequent itching of your jackets scalp : they indicate seborrheic dermatitis. Plaques indicate irritation or allergy to the hair color product or hair lotion.
How to treat yourself?
For dandruff, try shampooing with ketoconazole, an antifungal agent, for two to four weeks. Then alternate with your usual shampoo, to maintain your hair and limit the risk of relapse.
Take a look at your eyelids
The clues to look for
Swelling of the eyelid, small balls at the base of the eyelashes. These, called chalazions, are caused by a blockage of the meibomian glands, which secrete sebum. The secretions accumulate and form small balls. The stye is an inflammation caused by bacteria: it is a more painful red ball.
How to take care of yourself?
Good eye hygiene, with the application of hot compresses three or four times a day, can make chalazia and styes disappear in a few weeks. But antiseptic ointment or antibiotic eye drops are often necessary to speed healing: so take the time to call your ophthalmologist.
How to prevent
Wipe a damp cotton over your eyes, even if you are not wearing makeup. Clean your lenses well, handle them only with perfectly clean hands.
Check your armpits
The clues to look for
Redness and itching, which may indicate irritation (especially after waxing), an allergy, eczema or an infection.
How to treat yourself?
Do not put no deodorant for a few days. A corticosteroid cream is very effective in case of irritation, but never without medical advice. In case of infection, the doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic cream.
How to prevent
Dry yourself thoroughly after showering.After waxing, disinfect the skin with an antiseptic solution or cream (Cetavlon®). If you tend to sweat, consider applying talcum powder.
Watch your back
The clues to look for
From moles, old or recent. With the help of a mirror or, better, by enlisting the help of your spouse, watch your moles. If they are irregular in appearance and uneven in color, show them to your doctor. If you have a lot of them, see a dermatologist once a year to check for any that could progress to some form of skin cancer.
How to take care of yourself?
Nothing like an appointment with the dermatologist to analyze suspicious moles. But for monitoring, follow method A, B, C, D, E. This method, which has five criteria, can detect suspicious moles.
A for asymmetry: the rounder the spot, the better. On the other hand, if it is distorted.
B for border: if the spot is cut like a “geographical map”, you have to worry.
C for color: if it is uniform, all is well. You have to be wary of multiple colors, brown-pink, beige-black, brown-red …
D for diameter: this criterion is not essential, but a spot must be looked at closely when its diameter is greater than 4 or 5 mm.
E for extension: if the nevus is growing, or if it is evolving, this is undoubtedly the most important sign.
Check your nails
The clues to look for
It is important to take the time to take a look at the color and shape of your nails because the latter are real health barometers. Clear discoloration may be indicative of anemia or liver disease. Ripples can be caused by eczema or certain microbial diseases (streptococci, staphylococci). Or small holes on the surface of the nails could be a sign of psoriasis.
How to take care of yourself?
The first good reflex is to limit contact with water and household products as much as possible: buy a pair of household gloves without delay!
Preparations based on Biotine® (vitamin H) or gelatin capsules, rich in amino acids, which are the major constituents of keratin, can improve the condition of the nails. But the results are very uneven. And if the condition of your nails does not improve, make an appointment with the dermatologist.
