High hemoblogin
17.06.2019

What is a dry hand? Illnesses of leaders and presidents: Stalin had a “withered” hand, and Chernenko was poisoned by fish. How to properly care for dry skin

Thank you

Skin is the most large organ the human body, which has numerous and very diverse functions. This organ takes part in the processes of respiration, metabolism, thermoregulation, etc. In addition, the skin protects the body from a number of negative factors environment. By the appearance of the outer covering one can judge the general condition of the entire organism as a whole. But what does it “signal” about? dry skin and how dangerous this phenomenon is, you can find out by reading this article.

Dry skin – what is it?

Dry skin, dry skin or xeroderma- this is one of the signs of lack of moisture in the epidermis, or rather in its uppermost layer. The epidermis is the outer stratum corneum of the skin, the distinctive feature of which is considered to be the absence of living cells in it. In the same layer there is an accumulation of a very small amount of water ( about 20%). As soon as this layer begins to lack moisture, the lower layers of skin with living cells immediately begin to intensively evaporate water. As a result, there is a significant slowdown in the metabolic process, which leads to dulling of the skin. Any pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate through such skin, provoking the development of a wide variety of pathological conditions. Dry skin is a fairly common phenomenon, which is especially common in middle-aged and elderly people.

Symptom or normal?

Modern experts distinguish two main types of dry skin, namely:
1. acquired dry skin;
2. constitutionally caused dry skin.

1. In the first case, the skin becomes dry under the influence of certain external factors. These can be either ultraviolet rays or heat or low air humidity, frost, wind, etc. Often, excessive dryness of the skin is the result of a variety of therapeutic measures or numerous peeling procedures ( exfoliation of the upper stratum corneum of the skin) or dermabrasion ( skin rejuvenation method). The same changes are possible with external use of retinoids, azelaic acid and some other drugs.

2. Constitutionally dry skin is usually caused by physiological or genetic characteristics. Most often it is observed in children aged 2 to 6 years. It is during this period that a physiological decrease in the synthesis of sebum by the sebaceous glands occurs. Dry skin on the back, legs, face and hands can often be found in representatives of the fairer sex with thin and white skin. skin. Exists in modern medicine and a term like senile xerosis.
Senile xerosis is a clinical symptom characterized by excessive dryness of the skin as it ages. Quite often, the skin becomes dry during premenopause, as well as menopause ( complete cessation of menstruation due to cessation of ovarian function). Constitutionally caused dryness can also be observed with some skin pathologies such as ichthyosis ( hereditary disease characterized by various keratinization disorders).

There is another classification of dry skin, according to which it can be:
1. with good tone;
2. with decreased tone.

1. The surface of dry skin with good tone is smooth, elastic and matte. In addition, there are no wrinkles on it, however, it reacts sensitively to any external irritants, so it requires regular cosmetic care. If you don't take care of it, it will very quickly lose its tone. In most cases, such skin is typical for young people.

2. The surface of the skin with reduced tone is thinned. This is especially noticeable in the area around the mouth and eyes, since it is in these places that early wrinkles and folds appear. Owners of such skin require more modern techniques care for it, since conventional cosmetics are not able to improve it general state and appearance.

Is it possible to identify dry skin on your own?

Yes, you can. To do this, you need to press on the skin with your fingers. If fingerprints do not disappear for a long time, it means that your skin is dry and, therefore, vulnerable. There are other signs of dry skin.
Their list includes:
  • The skin cracks and peels;
  • Peels off in scales;
  • Itching and discomfort are felt;
  • Covered with red spots;
  • Very rough and inelastic;
  • There are practically no visible pores on it;
  • It is especially tight after a bath, shower or swimming;
  • You can feel its roughness;
  • There are deep cracks that sometimes even bleed.

Why does the skin need water?

A sufficient amount of moisture is one of the main conditions normal functioning the entire skin. The appearance of the skin also depends on the level of hydration. It is moisture that gives the skin firmness and elasticity. It also enriches the skin cells with all the necessary nutritional components. Without the necessary hydration, the skin becomes both thin and dry. In addition, it becomes covered with wrinkles and becomes hypersensitive to external influences.

The degree of skin hydration is determined by 2 regulatory mechanisms:

  • general condition of the stratum corneum;
  • total amount of sebum.
Both horny cells and sebum tend to form a so-called lipid layer, which protects the skin from losing large amounts of moisture. The lipid layer is also necessary to prevent the penetration of foreign agents such as pathogenic microbes, toxins and allergens into the deep layers of the skin. It follows that dry skin is a direct path to the development of immune reactions and inflammatory processes. It also provokes premature aging.

Mechanisms that prevent skin dryness

The epidermis, or rather its stratum corneum, is precisely the mechanism that not only prevents the skin from drying out, but is also responsible for its normal general condition. There is a unique structure designed to maintain normal moisture content of this layer.

In this structure, a special role is assigned to corneocytes ( postcellular structures of the stratum corneum) and intercellular lipids. Lipids include: ceramides, so fatty acid, ceramides etc. The production of these substances occurs in special organelles ( parts) cells of the granular layer. The produced lipids, in turn, form the main barrier to water, which prevents large amounts of moisture from evaporating. Lipids are also responsible for the integrity of the skin, since they tend to firmly connect postcellular structures to each other.

Diseases accompanied by dry skin

1. Hypothyroidism;
2. Psoriasis or lichen planus;
3. Atopic dermatitis ;
4. Diabetes ;
5. Eczema;
6. Stress;
7. Kidney failure;
8. Allergic rhinitis;
9. Chronic intoxication;
10. Ichthyosis;
11. Keratosis pilaris;
12. Dystrophy;
13. Seborrhea ( dandruff);
14. Hypovitaminosis A And RR ;
15. Sjögren's disease.

1. Hypothyroidism: a specific state of the body that occurs as a reaction to low level hormones thyroid gland. IN in this case The skin becomes especially dry in the elbow area. Other symptoms include drowsiness, hearing loss, split nails, dull hair, swelling of the limbs, etc. All these signs can be eliminated by compensating for the required amount of hormones.

2. Psoriasis or scaly lichen: is a chronic non-contagious skin disease that occurs as a result of disruption of the endocrine and nervous systems or metabolism. In such cases, the skin of patients becomes not only dry, but also inflamed. It swells and begins to peel off. Peeling of the skin in certain areas of the body that have been affected is often observed. The course of treatment for this pathology depends on its form.

3. Atopic dermatitis: a chronic allergic disease that develops in individuals with a genetic predisposition to atopy ( allergies). This disease is not contagious, but it is characterized by a relapsing course, so its treatment will take a lot of time. In such cases, the skin becomes dry and thickened. Crusts are observed in places where scratching occurs.

4. Diabetes: a chronic pathological condition accompanied by a disorder of all types of metabolism due to an absolute or partial lack of insulin in the body, i.e. pancreatic hormone. Skin when diabetes mellitus It becomes dry most often in the area of ​​skin folds, although any other areas of the skin can be affected.

5. Eczema: acute or chronic inflammatory disease skin, which is allergic in nature and is not contagious. With this pathology, patients complain of dry skin, rash, itching and a burning sensation in the affected area.

6. Stress: general reaction of the body to psychological or physical impact, which disrupts his usual state. Such a reaction can provoke the development of a number of symptoms, namely: nausea, abdominal pain, fever, chills, feeling short of air, etc. Frequent stressful conditions are especially dangerous. They lead to uncontrollable anxiety and loss of large amounts of moisture from the body.

7. Kidney failure : a pathological condition accompanied by impaired renal function to maintain a constant internal environment of the body. Patients experience nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and decreased consciousness. The skin is typically dry and pale with a yellow tint.

8. Allergic rhinitis: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, which occurs under the influence of certain allergens and is accompanied by itching in the nose, sneezing and difficulty in nasal breathing. Often this condition is characterized by dry skin in the area of ​​inflammation.

9. Chronic intoxication: a pathological condition resulting from regular exposure of the body to certain toxic substances that arise in the body itself. In this case, all systems and organs are affected human body, including the skin.

10. Ichthyosis: hereditary dermatosis, characterized by the formation of scales on the skin, which with all their appearance resemble fish. Dry skin is especially pronounced on the extensor surfaces of the upper and lower limbs. Sometimes the torso is also affected.

11. Keratosis pilaris: a congenital familial pathology that begins to develop in childhood, but its symptoms become more pronounced only during puberty. The skin of such patients is hard, dry and rough. The extensor surfaces of the upper and lower extremities, the skin of the abdomen and back are affected.

12. Dystrophy: pathological process in which a particular tissue loses or accumulates substances that are not typical for it in in good condition. The skin becomes very dry and pale.

13. Dandruff or seborrhea: pathological condition of the skin caused by dysfunction sebaceous glands, as well as changes in the composition of their secretions. The skin becomes dry only with the dry form of seborrhea.

14. Hypovitaminosis A and PP: represents a lack of these vitamins in the body. A specific symptom is general dryness of the skin with slight pityriasis-like peeling.

15. Sjögren's disease: systemic autoimmune pathology, accompanied by damage to various secreting glands. Dry skin is a common symptom of this pathological condition. In addition, patients experience decreased visual acuity, photophobia, stomatitis, dental caries, etc.

Other Possible Causes

  • Bathing in hot water;
  • Aging;
  • Failure to maintain a healthy lifestyle;
  • Frequent washing;
  • Taking medications;
  • Seasonal factors;
  • Climate change;
  • Dehydration;
  • Inflammatory processes;
  • Allergic reactions;
  • Irritations;
  • Wounds, scratches, cuts;
  • Dry air in homes;
  • Excessive use of alkaline soaps and cosmetics;
  • Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Skin after vacation

Quite often we face the same problem - we come from vacation with soft and elastic skin, but after 3-4 days it becomes hard and dry. There are plenty of reasons for this. First of all, this long stay in the sun, the consequences of which do not make themselves felt immediately. The local climate, which is much drier than the maritime climate, also plays an important role.

What to do?
First of all, it is necessary to humidify the air in the house as much as possible. To do this, place vases with fresh flowers or vessels with water throughout the rooms. While in the car, set the air conditioner or climate control to 85% humidity for at least 7 days. It is very important to carry out several moisturizing procedures under polyethylene. Such procedures will help increase sweating and reabsorption of water by the skin. Just 3 procedures and you don’t have to worry about dry skin.

Fish skin and swimming pool

“Fish skin” or ichthyosis is a congenital pathological condition characterized by excessive dryness of the skin. Coping with this pathology is not so easy. Patients are prescribed baths with starch, salt or soda, as well as special ointments based on urea or salicylic acid. Often the skin becomes dry for all those citizens who regularly visit the pool. Most often, the elbows, knees and forearms are affected by peeling, although the whole body can become dry. To avoid all these problems, be sure to rinse with cool water after each swim in the pool.


Skin climax

Quite often, the skin becomes dry in women over 45 – 50 years old. The skin of their feet and palms suffers especially badly. This phenomenon is due to very diverse hormonal changes that occur both before and during menopause. Treatment in such cases should be comprehensive. Women are often prescribed hormone replacement medications.

Weight loss products are also harmful!

Quite often, the skin becomes dry among the fairer sex, who are constantly trying to get rid of extra pounds. In this case, two options are possible. The first is a fairly strict diet, due to which the body lacks proteins, vitamins and microelements. The second is special weight loss products, which have both diuretic and laxative effects. These properties of such products cause the removal of huge amounts of water from the body. As a result, the skin becomes dehydrated. It becomes dry and begins to peel. Given this fact, while taking such medications, you must drink at least 2 liters of liquid daily. You should opt for low-fat fermented milk drinks, plain water and juices. Strong tea and coffee should be avoided, as these drinks contribute to dehydration of the body.

Risk factors

Despite the fact that anyone without exception can become the owner of dry skin, there is a certain group of people who are especially at risk of developing this phenomenon.

IN this group you can enter:

  • people over 65 years of age;
  • citizens who very often receive hot bath or shower;
  • persons living in climates with low humidity or in cold climates.

Possible complications

1. Phlegmon – acute inflammation connective tissue skin under the influence of bacteria or infections;

2. Eczema or atopic dermatitis – a pathology characterized by redness, inflammation, and cracking of the skin;

3. Folliculitis - inflammation hair follicle, characterized by redness and swelling of the affected area. At the site of the lesion, a nodule with an abscess on the surface, which is penetrated by hair, may also form.

The development of all these diseases is possible in case of improper care of such skin or against the background of weakening of the protective functions of the skin.

When is it necessary to consult a dermatologist?

You should seek help from a doctor if:
  • In addition to dryness, there is redness of the skin;
  • Your sleep is disrupted due to dryness and itching;
  • The efforts made did not help improve the general condition of the skin;
  • Ulcers appeared on the skin;
  • Large areas of severely flaky skin are observed.

What should the diet be like?

Both dryness and flaking of the skin are most often caused by insufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals. In most cases we are talking about vitamins of the group IN . To replenish the amount of these components, experts recommend eating more eggs, fresh fish, green vegetables, brown rice, dairy products, brown bread, liver, fruits and nuts. Eating vegetables and fruits will help activate the process of collagen production, but the liver is one of the main sources of protein. Large amount of vitamin WITH found in both lemons and oranges, as well as sea buckthorn juice. Dairy products will enrich the body with amino acids, which take part in the construction of body cells, including skin cells. "Good" cholesterol, which is involved in metabolism, is found in fatty varieties fish. It is imperative to include vitamins in the diet A . All red vegetables and fruits are enriched with this vitamin. Every day you should eat from 300 to 400 grams of beets, carrots, red bell pepper, red apples or tomatoes. In addition, you can seek help from special vitamin and mineral complexes.

Dry skin in newborns

Numerous young mothers are faced with the phenomenon of excessive dry skin in their babies. In fact, this phenomenon is quite normal, since sweat glands In the first days of babies' lives, they do not work actively enough. Their increased activity is observed only during the period of adaptation of the baby, so that after a few days the dryness disappears, and on its own. Additional moisturizing in the form of oils and creams is not required.

Dry skin in children

In childhood, the skin can become dry for a number of reasons. It could be like natural factors and frequent bathing, hard water, early artificial feeding, malnutrition of the mother during pregnancy or lactation, various pathologies intestines, too early introduction complementary foods, presence in the house various means household chemicals etc. It is worth remembering that children's skin is very delicate, so it quickly reacts to any, even the most insignificant changes. Even the most common talc-based baby powder can dry out your skin. Dry skin is one of those problems that needs to be dealt with, as it can lead to redness, pain, flaking, itching and cracking of the skin. Most often, dryness is combated with moisturizing lotions and creams. If they do not help, then the child needs to be shown to a specialist who can determine the real reason what is happening, and, therefore, prescribe adequate treatment.

During pregnancy

Dry skin is one of those problems that almost all expectant mothers face, and all because during this period the body experiences a sharp need for fluid. This type of “dehydration” is most often experienced upper limbs, feet, and facial skin. This phenomenon should be combated using special means to relieve irritation, the instructions of which indicate that they do not tend to have side effects on the fetus. Under no circumstances should you opt for products that contain hydrocortisone or cortisone, as they will only increase dehydration.

It's best to start by following some fairly simple tips, namely:

  • Use emollients;
  • Wash your face 2 times a day using foam for dry skin;
  • Make a moisturizing mask once a week;
  • Drink as much non-carbonated mineral water as possible, which helps moisturize the skin from the inside;
  • If necessary, use a humidifier;
  • Use scrubs with small particles only;
  • Take a bath no more than once a week, and use healing oils, which contain extracts of medicinal plants.

5 myths about dry skin

Myth 1:

Dry skin is a congenital property.
This also happens, however, this is not a pattern. The skin can become dry under the influence of cosmetics or due to an unbalanced diet, so it’s not always Mother Nature’s fault.

Myth 2:
Dry skin needs a nourishing cream, but dehydrated skin needs a moisturizing one..
In fact, all skin needs hydration, regardless of its type. Even if you have normal skin, without additional moisturizing, very soon it will become dehydrated, and, consequently, begin to peel and crack.

Myth 3:
Dry skin is dehydrated skin.
This is wrong. These problems are different. In the first case, there is a significant decrease in the production of sebum, but in the second, it is all due to a lack of moisture against the background of impaired barrier functions.

Myth 4:
For dry skin, proper care is enough.
Care alone is not enough. Very often, patients require complex treatment, including balanced diet, the use of cosmetics, as well as therapy for the underlying disease.

Myth 5:
Dry skin doesn't need water.
Despite the fact that water “washes off” the special protective film, there is no way to do without it, since only with its help can you achieve complete cleansing. Having cleansed the skin, you can be sure that the applied cream will be completely absorbed, and, therefore, will give the necessary therapeutic effect.

Dry scalp - what to do?

Dry scalp is a fairly common phenomenon, which is especially common in winter. The first sign of this problem can most often be found on the shoulders. In such cases, people come to the conclusion that they have dandruff, but they should not make hasty conclusions and immediately buy anti-dandruff shampoo, which in this case will only worsen the general situation. First, carefully examine the fallen flakes. If they are large and endowed with a yellowish tint, then this is not dandruff, but the result of an imbalance of the sebaceous glands.

What to do?
First of all, seek help from your diet. Enrich daily diet fatty acids. Eat more avocados and oily fish. Avoid using perfumed conditioners and shampoos for a while. Buy softer products and wash your hair with them carefully. After washing your hair, rinse your hair for a week apple cider vinegar. It would not be a bad idea to purchase an air humidifier.

This mask is also perfect for caring for dry scalp: thoroughly mix 1 tbsp. l. honey with 2 tbsp. l. olive oil . Pour the resulting mixture into a plastic container. Then take a coffee cup, pour almost boiling water and carefully lower the container into it. After 3 - 4 minutes, take out the container, cut off one of its corners and pour the contents onto your hair. We put on a cap and leave the mask for exactly 15 minutes, after which we wash our hair with shampoo.

It is important to note that the scalp can be dry even in the presence of certain diseases. It could be like psoriasis ( autoimmune pathology characterized by dry, itchy and flaky skin), and baldness or seborrheic dermatitis ( a chronic inflammatory disease that affects those areas of the skin where sebaceous glands ). In all these cases it will be necessary complex treatment, which can only be prescribed by a specialist.

Dry hand skin and how to deal with it?

The condition of the skin of the hands directly depends on a number of factors. These include the rules of hand care, the general condition of the body, living conditions, nutrition, and much more. If at least one of these conditions is violated, the skin of the hands almost immediately becomes dry and rough. In addition, the skin begins to age. It is not surprising that sometimes it is the hands that reveal a woman’s true age. Various types of products also have a detrimental effect on hands. internal reasons type chronic pathologies, which provoke persistent metabolic disorders.
  • Regularly use soap that contains nourishing cream;
  • Dry your hands thoroughly after each wash;
  • Wash your hands lightly warm water, then rinse them with cold water;
  • Under no circumstances go outside with wet hands, and in cold weather without gloves;
  • In the morning and evening, massage a nourishing cream containing glycerin into the skin, which has a moisturizing effect;
  • During the hot season, lubricate your hands with sunscreen before going outside;
  • Do all housework with rubber gloves;
  • Regularly treat your hands with a scrub, which will help get rid of dead cells;
  • In the evening after using the cream, put plastic gloves on your hands for 30 minutes.

Masks and compresses for dry skin of hands

Recipe No. 1: Make mashed potatoes and apply it in a thin layer to the skin of your hands. We put on gloves and walk like this for 120 minutes, after which we wash our hands with warm water.

Recipe No. 2: mix 2 yolks with 2 tbsp. l. honey and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Apply the resulting mixture to your hands and hold until it dries, then remove the mask with a damp cotton swab.

Recipe No. 3: one glass of sour cream must be mixed with 1 yolk and the juice of 1 lemon. Spread the resulting mixture in a thick layer on gauze, then wrap your hands in gauze, wrap them in cellophane and wrap them in a towel. After 20 minutes, remove the mask with a damp cotton swab, then put cotton gloves on your hands.

Recipe No. 4: Pour celery root with 1 liter of water and boil it for 60 minutes. Then we filter the resulting broth and use it to wipe our hands.

Recipe No. 5: 1 tbsp. l. steamed crushed plantain leaves in 1 liter boiled water. Strain the resulting infusion and keep your hands in it for at least 20 minutes. After this procedure, your hands must be thoroughly dried and lubricated with a rich cream.

How to properly care for dry skin?

Dry facial skin requires both careful and timely care. If you do not take care of such skin, very soon the wrinkles that we are so afraid of will appear. Irritation and inflammation of such skin can occur even from ordinary water, which is why it is best to use for washing melt water or special lotions. Even if you don’t have melt water on hand, then add a little soda to the water or use milk, after diluting it with water. Infusions or decoctions of medicinal herbs are also excellent for washing. Regularly apply special masks to the skin, but only after cleansing the skin and after warm compress or massage. Masks can be made from oatmeal, dairy products, warm cereals or mashed potatoes. Special gymnastic procedures, as well as a balanced diet, can also give good results.

Recipes for some face masks

Mask with vegetables: grind cereals and mix them with grated carrots in a 1:1 ratio. Dilute the mixture with a small amount of milk and apply it to the skin. After 15 – 20 minutes, wash off the mask with warm water.

Mustard mask: mix 1 tsp. mustard with the same amount of vegetable oil and a small amount of boiled water. Apply the mixture to your face for 5 minutes, then wash it off with warm water.

Mask of honey and yolks: Mix 2 yolks with 0.5 tbsp. l. honey and 2 tbsp. l. vegetable oil. Lightly heat the resulting mixture in a water bath and apply it to the face in layers. Each layer should be applied after 5 minutes. Just 3 – 4 layers. After applying the last layer, wait 20 minutes and rinse off the mask with warm water.

Dry skin around the eyes

Dry skin both on the eyelids and around the eyes is a rather serious problem, since if it is present, women not only experience pain and discomfort, but also cannot use decorative cosmetics and apply makeup. There are many reasons for dry skin in this area. These are problems with the cornea, and allergic reactions, And chronic inflammation century ( blepharitis), and lack of tear fluid, and frequent use of eye makeup, as well as numerous eye infections. Often the skin around the eyes becomes dry due to such an addiction as smoking. If the reason lies in some disease, then it is worth visiting an ophthalmologist who will prescribe the necessary treatment.

If the reason is not so significant, then start following some fairly simple rules:
  • Regularly moisturize your skin with special moisturizing creams for the eye area;
  • Choose facial cleansers that contain skin-friendly ingredients;
  • Apply night cream regularly to the eye area;
  • Carefully protect this area from ultraviolet rays;
  • Switch to a healthy diet;
  • Keep yourself hydrated from within by drinking plenty of fluids daily.
Today, there are numerous home remedies that can be used to easily moisturize the skin around your eyes. One such remedy is a plant called aloe. Take a leaf of this plant, cut it, wrap it in a plastic bag and place it in a cool place. dark place. After 10 days, squeeze the juice from the leaves and use it to wipe the area. This juice will restore both irritated and dry, as well as inflamed skin.

Dry skin on lips

In most cases, the skin on the lips becomes dry due to our own fault, since many of us have the habit of licking our lips, as a result of which the moisture formed on them evaporates very quickly. This problem occurs especially often in cold and windy weather. Lips can also become dry when exposed to direct sunlight. There are other reasons for the development of this phenomenon, among which can be identified a lack of moisture or nutritional components. In all cases, the problem must be dealt with, or better yet, prevent its development. To do this, before each exit from the house, you need to lubricate your lips with a special balm or cream that will help prevent chapping in this area. In summer, it is best to smear your lips with a product with a sunscreen effect. Don't forget about hygienic lipstick, as well as special vitamin complexes, the use of which is relevant at any time of the year. At the pharmacy you can also find special nutritional products in the form of creams that carefully care for this area and prevent the loss of large amounts of moisture. At least once a week you should massage your lips with a soft toothbrush. Avoid all long-lasting lipsticks for a while, as they tend to dry out your skin.

Masks for dry lips

Apple mask butter: mix 1 tsp. grated apple with 1 tsp. softened butter. Apply the resulting mixture to your lips for 15 minutes.

Carrot and cottage cheese mask: mix 1 tsp. carrot juice with the same amount of cottage cheese and apply everything to the lips for 15 minutes.

Mustard or linseed oil mask: Apply one of the oils to your lips for 15 minutes.

All these masks can be applied to the lips no more than 2 times a week.

Dry foot skin in children and adults

In adults, dry skin is most often observed on the heels, since it is in this area that the skin is endowed with a thicker stratum corneum. Given this fact, this area should be treated with special attention. First of all, it is necessary to remove dead cells from the heels at least once a week. Pumice is perfect for this procedure. Immediately after removing loose particles, the heel should be thoroughly wiped and lubricated with one of the moisturizing creams.

Attention! Failure to properly care for this area can cause small cracks to appear, through which both microbes and fungus can easily penetrate.
As for dry skin on the feet of children, it has its own distinctive features. This skin is very susceptible to infections. In addition, it spreads easily inflammatory processes. Insufficient care of the skin of a child’s feet can cause the development of diaper dermatitis ( areas of red, inflamed skin) and diaper rash or prickly heat ( small red rashes). You can avoid all these troubles. To do this, it is necessary after each hygiene procedure Massage the baby's feet and lubricate them with baby cream or oil.

Dry skin of the foreskin

Dry skin foreskin may be observed in the following pathological conditions:

Krauroz: inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis, which has a recurrent form;

Balanitis: inflammation of the skin on the head of the penis, which can develop as a complication of an infectious or non-infectious disease;

Balanoposthitis: inflammation of the glans penis and foreskin.

In the fight against all these diseases, experts recommend paying close attention to genital hygiene, as well as using special drugs, endowed with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and immunomodulatory effects.

Before use, you should consult a specialist.

In medicine there is a place not only for scientific facts, but also for amazing, sometimes mystical phenomena. The latter includes the disease “alien hand syndrome”. This is a very rare pathology that the average person is unlikely to encounter in everyday life.

general information

This disease is understood as a rare disorder of a psychoneurological nature, in which the limbs make movements not controlled by the human consciousness. Just imagine: regardless of your intentions, the hand begins to perform various actions: touch objects, say hello, hit in the face.

Despite its unusual nature, this pathology is quite real. It is a variety of so-called idiokinetic apraxia. Alien hand syndrome is often accompanied by epileptic seizures.

This pathology in medical practice is also known as “Dr. Strangelove’s disease.” In Stanley Kubrick's film, the main character, after whom the illness is named, could have his hand raised in a Nazi salute or suddenly start strangling him.

Despite the official recognition of this disease in medical circles, adherents are still actively interested in it mystical stories. Until now, many believe that this phenomenon is associated with human supernatural abilities.

Alien hand syndrome: myth or reality?

This disorder was first discovered in 1909. Since then, only 50 such cases have been recorded.

A German neurologist, Goldstein, was once approached by a lady who was constantly being strangled by her own hand while on vacation. The doctor was unable to detect any serious mental disorders the patient to explain with medical point sight of such attacks. After the woman's death, Goldstein performed an autopsy and examined her brain. The doctor discovered damage that destroyed the connection between the two hemispheres.

Today, alien hand syndrome is the cause of much controversy among scientists from all over the world. Universal method there is no cure for it. To reduce symptoms, doctors recommend psychotropic drugs.

Relatively recently, neurosurgeons discussed the consequences of a brain operation that resulted in the patient developing this disorder. This fact confirms that the disease develops against the background of trauma and mechanical damage to the brain. Doctors have studied the consequences surgical intervention and came to the conclusion that this rare disease actually arose after the surgery. The woman now has to wage a daily struggle with her own limb, which once almost strangled her. The patient was prescribed a sedative, thanks to which the deviation was curbed for some time. However, it is now impossible to predict how the hand will behave in the future.

Main causes of pathology

Why does alien hand syndrome occur? The reasons for the development of this disorder still remain unknown.

Neuroscientists rely on the theory that human brain cannot detect differences between previously planned actions and mechanical functions. It is believed that a desire that arises in a person penetrates into that part of the brain that is subconscious, and then it becomes a mechanical function. As a result, “violent” movements of the limbs appear.

Such actions are regarded as disturbing and at times mystical. Today this theory has a conjecture stage. Scientists still cannot explain why alien hand syndrome only affects certain

What diseases accompany this disorder?

  1. Stroke.
  2. Formations of a malignant nature.
  3. Injuries and mechanical damage.
  4. Corticobasal degeneration.
  5. Vascular infarctions.
  6. Pathologies leading to damage (agenesis, multiple sclerosis).

Clinical picture

The pathology begins its development with the patient experiencing a feeling of foreignness in his own limb. As the disease progresses, a person cannot fully control the movements of his hand; it literally does not obey him. Limbs suddenly begin to live own life, sometimes trying to attack his master. They stop following commands given by the brain. Sometimes a person is forced to tie a limb so as not to become its accidental victim and thus curb the alien hand syndrome. The symptoms of this pathology develop very rapidly, which forces a person to seek help from a medical institution.

Ways of development of the pathological process

Doctors identify three options for the development of this disease:

  • Callosal. In this case, there is a disruption of the direct connection between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
  • Frontal. As a result of damage to the anterior cingulate gyrus and motor cortex, the disease gradually spreads to the dominant limb. Research mechanisms are disinhibited, so the most pronounced is
  • Thalamic. Against the background of damage to the thalamic system, control over limb movements occurs, and the body diagram is distorted. The person loses the ability to put objects on the table or touch his own nose.

The described paths of development of the pathological process are sometimes found in a mixed form. To determine the specific variant of the disease, you need to seek help from a doctor. Only a qualified specialist after full examination can confirm the diagnosis of “alien hand syndrome”.

Treatment and prognosis

Currently, doctors cannot offer effective therapy to combat this disease. Treatment and prognosis are determined by the disease that caused it. First of all, the causes of pathology are eliminated. In the presence of obvious neuropsychological disorders, prescribe medications to eliminate them. To relieve motor agitation, psychotropic medications are used.

Corticobasal degeneration, which usually accompanies the syndrome, inevitably progresses. The main disease gradually becomes less pronounced against the background of increasing weakness in muscle tissue. According to statistics, death occurs within the first 10 years after the onset of symptoms characterizing alien hand syndrome. Photos of patients with this diagnosis can be studied in specialized medical reference books.

In the absence of serious damage to the brain, the prognosis is favorable. As a result of drug treatment, patients with this syndrome recover or continue to live, gradually adapting to all changes in the body.

A very unpleasant story happened to me once. It all started with a walk into an abandoned mine with friends. I am an extreme person by nature and love adventure. He climbed abandoned towers, risked his life walking along the edge of a high-rise crane, and wandered along old non-functional metro lines. That's how brave I am. So. My comrades gathered to explore the mine, which is located not far from our village. I am a city resident, I came to the village to visit my grandmother for a couple of days to breathe fresh air and of course take a walk. We went down into the mine and wandered around with flashlights like real miners. We got dirty as hell, but were happy to the limit. When we got ready to return an hour later, I was the last in our group. And so my guys were going upstairs, and I heard a terrifying roar behind me. Turning around and shining a flashlight, I saw strange creature. She looked like a dog that was standing on hind legs. Only it was definitely not a dog, but rather an unknown creature with a head like a huge one. bat and tangled black fur. This creature grinned and stared at me with bulging eyes. I got scared and started calling friends. Suddenly, the creature ran at me and the only thing I managed to do was throw it away with my left hand. I felt his disgusting fur and body warmth. It ran back to where it came from. And my friends quickly came down to me. Each of them swore to me that they had not seen that creature. I gathered my courage. After all, nothing bad happened. You never know how many such creatures are disfigured by diseases or genetics.
When I returned to the city, I did not remember this incident. After a week, the skin on my arm from palm to elbow began to dry out. It’s enough for a guy to boldly admit that he has a cosmetic problem. I didn’t think much of it, but literally a month later, my skin on my hand became so dry that the skin began to crack and stretch, revealing bloody cracks. I then went to a dermatologist. He said it was just a fungus in a very aggressive form and prescribed a special cream. After some time, the hand became more and more uglier. The cream didn’t help, and I tried everything I could to cure it. I took a moisturizing bath, smeared other creams on my skin, wrapped bloody cracks 5 cm in size with a bandage, and consulted other doctors. They said one thing: “Everything will pass, lubricate your hand with antifungal cream.”
Out of despair, I took a leave of absence from work and went to my grandmother. I'm tired of bandaging my hand and lying to my colleagues that I have a minor burn. All my relatives knew that I seemed to have a fungus, but my grandmother, when she first saw my mutilated hand, said that it was not a fungus, but a living evil spirit that had settled on my flesh. And if it is not driven away by a spell, then this creature will seize my hand to the bone and it will begin to die. My grandmother told me that a long time ago she met a man, a resident of our village, with a similar deformity on both legs. He tried for a long time to recover, but only a healer helped him. He went to see her once, and the next day the skin tightened and took on a healthy appearance. People of the old generation all knew this story.
I realized that I became the same victim evil spirits and, having asked local old people, found the house where that healer lived. She was already 83 years old. She gave up witchcraft a long time ago, but taking pity on me, she agreed to help. The old lady told me that evil spirits can only be expelled from within and no external influence will not help, unless of course you wait until the hand itself turns black and falls off. I remember how she cooked something in a small saucepan for a long time and said incomprehensible words to herself. The pan contained the disgusting contents of dusty jars that grandma told me to take out from under the bed. After an hour of waiting, she gave me a glass with some kind of black, thick, stinking liquid. I drank and left.
The next day, the bloody wide wounds on the arm began to heal quickly, and within a week everything was gone. As a reminder of this incident, I have been left with ugly scars for the rest of my life.

From joint inflammation to compressed nerves, these problems can cause hand and wrist pain.

Many shapes arthritis and related circumstances that affect joints, muscles and/or bones can cause problems such as:

  • pain,
  • stiffness,
  • swelling in the wrist and fingers.
  • numbness and tingling,
  • porous nails,
  • painful ulcers,
  • thickening of the skin.

Below are some possible problems associated with diseases that affect the hands and wrists.

Osteoarthritis (OA)– the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition in which the cartilage that serves as a cushion between bones breaks down where joints form.

This eventually causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain, and stiffness in the joint.

  • wrist,
  • basal joint,
  • proximal interphalangeal joint or PIP,
  • distal interphalangeal joint or DIP.

In the finger joints, osteoarthritis can lead to the formation of bone knots. In PMF these nodes are called Bowchard nodes. In the DIP joint there are Heberden nodes.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease that occurs when the immune system body, which usually protects against infection, mistakenly affects synovium - a thin membrane that lines the joints.

  • joint damage,
  • pain,
  • edema,
  • inflammation,
  • loss of performance,
  • disability.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the joints of the wrist and fingers and can lead to deformities that later make it difficult to move your hands.

Juvenile arthritis (JA)– arthritis developing in children under 16 years of age. There are several types of juvenile arthritis that cause pain and swelling in the wrist and hand joints.

Gout– a form of arthritis, which is characterized by the deposition of urate crystals in the form of uric acid in various tissues of the body, including joints.

For most people, the first sign of gout is excruciating pain and swelling of the big toe. More often this happens after an injury, such as an illness or bruise.

Subsequent flare-ups of pain may occur from time to time in other joints, including the wrist and fingers. If the disease continues for many years, uric acid nodules, tophi, can form under the skin of the hands.

Reactive arthritis– a chronic form of arthritis that develops after suffering infections of the genitals, urinary or gastrointestinal tract.

  • intestines,
  • kidneys,
  • bladder.

A small percentage of people with this condition develop skin rashes and hard calluses on the feet or palms.

Lupus– chronic autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system creates antibodies that negatively affect healthy tissue, including joints.

The wrists and small joints of the hands are most often affected by this disease.

  • skin,
  • heart,
  • lungs,
  • kidneys

Psoriatic arthritis– a form of arthritis that is accompanied by a skin condition called psoriasis. Psoriasis in most cases precedes arthritis.

Damage to the joints by psoriatic arthritis most often causes inflammation of the entire finger, giving it a “sausage” appearance.

  • "thimble" symptom
  • layering and/or separation from the nail plate.

Skin rashes associated with psoriasis can also affect the condition of the hands.

Infectious arthritis (septic arthritis)– arthritis, which occurs when there is an infection inside a joint. Often occurs as a result of bacteria entering the body, which spread through the blood to the joints. Sometimes it can be caused by viruses or fungi.

Raynaud's phenomenon– a state in which blood vessels narrow, usually on the hands, due to low temperatures or stress.

As the blood vessels constrict, the fingers become cold and pale, then blue and numb or sore. When the vessels open again, the hands turn red or purple.

Raynaud's is often associated with connective tissue diseases, particularly scleroderma.

Osteoporosis– a disease characterized by a decrease in bone density, causing them to become brittle and increasing the risk of fractures. The wrist bones are the most commonly broken bones in people with osteoporosis.

This occurs due to aging, or with inflammatory diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis), inactivity, when following a diet with low content calcium or use of corticosteroid drugs.

Carpal tunnel syndrome. It occurs when median nerve, the one that extends from the forearm to the hand and, with the help of which the fingers and hand bend, is compressed inside the carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel formed from bones and ligaments through which the median nerve and several tendons pass.

When a tumor in the tunnel compresses the nerve, resulting in pain, weakness, and/or numbness in the arm or wrist.

Scleroderma is a general term for disorders that involve abnormal growth of the connective tissue that supports the skin and internal organs.

Although there are several different forms of scleroderma, all of them can cause thickening and roughening of the skin on the fingers, called sclerodactyly. As a result, it becomes more difficult to bend and straighten your fingers.

Dermatomyositis– inflammatory muscle damage, which often leads to serious consequences.

  • muscle pain and weakness,
  • joint pain,
  • skin rash,
  • changes around the nails,
  • roughening and cracking of the skin on the palms and fingertips.

Dupuytren's contracture, sometimes called Dupuytren's disease, is an abnormal thickening of the fascia, a thin sheet of tissue under the skin in the palm of the hand.

This leads to the development of knots and lumps, causing the fingers to bend in reverse side, towards the palm.

The ring and little fingers are most susceptible to this. A disease that occurs mainly in men over 40 years of age. European descent, the fascia on the feet is least often affected.

Tendon ganglia– tumor formations that appear near the joints and tendons of the hand and fingers.

  • metacarpophalangeal joints or MCP joints,
  • distal interphalangeal joint or DIP,
  • at the top of the wrist
  • on the palm side of the wrist.

These ganglia can occur in people of any age and can come and go without any notice. apparent reason, can be both painful and painless.

Stenosing tenosynovitis of the hand (trigger finger syndrome)– occurs when one of the rings of connective tissue that hold the tendons of the fingers close to the bones, at the base of the finger or thumb, thickens, constricting the tendons and thus allowing finger movement.

This may cause painful sensations in the fingers.

In some cases, when it recurs, the swelling is larger than before and it becomes difficult to straighten or bend the finger.
Random articles

Up