Offensive body odor
Offensive body odor (bromhidrosis) is rare.
It can often be overcome by bathing and use of a deodorant or antiperspirant
under the arms. No special soap is needed. Men may prefer to wash under the
arms with soap, follow with an application of rubbing alcohol which, upon
drying, can be covered with an absorbent powder such as an ordinary baby talcum
preparation.
DRY SKIN. An insufficient flow from the sebaceous glands causes
dry skin.
This is not uncommon in middle and older age, and tends to en-
courage wrinkling. If your skin is dry, avoid frequent washing with soap and
water; instead, use a cleansing cream or oil, or a soap substitute. At bedtime,
apply an emollient cream which usually contains lanolin or cholesterol (which
is derived from lanolin) blended with vegetable oils and fats. Do not use plain
lanolin. Olive oil or a commercial product such as Nivea cream is satisfactory.
Apply more frequently if necessary. Dry skin often tends to chap during cold
weather or in very dry air. If chapping occurs, treat as just indicated for dry
skin. A lotion or hand cream may be used for chapped hands.
CHAFING
This is the result of friction, usually
from clothing or the The Skin, Hair, and Nails / 171 rubbing together of body
surfaces such as the thighs, which may be damp from perspiration. By keeping
the areas dry and by using a good plain talcum powder, you can usually clear up
the irritation.
PRICKLY HEAT
Common in infants, this is due to overheating
of the skin. Keep the skin as cool as possible and use a light powder rather
than a heavy one which will block perspiration and accentuate the condition.
FROSTBITE.
The result of severe cold, frostbite
usually affects nose, ears, fingers, or toes. Warm the parts gradually. Do not
rub on snow or massage a frostbitten area, since this may damage the skin. For
severe frostbite, a physician should be seen as soon as possible so effective
treatment may be started and gangrene prevented.
OILY SKIN, Sometimes more distressing than
dry skin, oily skin often can be corrected by use of plenty of soap and water,
avoidance of creams and greasy lotions. Go easy, too, on heavy powder or
pancake makeup, always washing it off thoroughly at night. The main problem
faced by many people with oily skin is acne.
