5 Common Dermatology Concerns for Men
Data indicates that men suffer from skin conditions just as much as women. The key difference is that men usually remain silent about their problems due to embarrassment. They believe that seeking help for their dermatology concerns may make them “less manly.”
But skin problems have nothing to do with masculinity because it does not distinguish between sexes. In other words, every single person can potentially suffer. Here are 5 of the most common dermatology concerns for men.
Razor Burn
Arguably the biggest and most common skincare concern for men is razor burn. Depending on the man’s skin, razor burn can cause a spectrum of discomfort. Razor burn can cause a rash, raised bumps, blisters and even acne in severe cases. Many people believe that razor burn is a direct result of poor shaving technique or even a cheap razor. However, this can still occur even if a man is a master of shaving or purchased an expensive razor, especially if the man has sensitive skin.
If you want to avoid several days of discomfort of razor burn, you need to start shaving smarter. Here are 5 helpful tips:
- Always wash your face in warm water before you shave.
- Make sure you use clean, sharp blades.
- Use a high quality shaving gel
- Shave in short strokes against the direction of hair growth
- Once finished, use an aftershave lotion with aloe or vitamin E to help minimize irritation.
Acne
Contrary to what people believe, teenagers are not the only ones to suffer from acne. Acne can and does occur in people of all ages. Throughout our lives, pimples of all types can emerge out of nowhere, causing us to doubt how well we take our care of our skin. Changing your diet won’t help; and washing your face too much may actually cause your outbreak to worsen. However, the truth is that acne can be a result of several factors such as sweating, stress or even hormonal imbalances.
Luckily, mild cases of acne can be easily treated with over the counter products such as face wash and creams. If, however, you are suffering from severe acne or your breakouts do not improve, it is best to consult with your dermatologist to discover the underlying cause of your acne.
Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, this condition can occur anywhere on the body. However, it is commonly found on flexors such as the backs of the knees and arm bends. The affected skin is dry, itchy, and can become raw if scratched. In addition to being severely dry, the areas can become red and inflamed, often having small, raised bumps on the surface. Sometimes these areas develop brownish-gray patches as well. Scratching eczema patches can lead to infection, particularly when the affected areas are near the eyes.
Bags Under Eyes
Most men do not wear makeup or concealer, so it’s easy to spot the dark circles under their eyes. These dark circles – or bags – can really kill a man’s appearance. They can make men look tired, withered, old, or even take a toll on their self-esteem.
Some men have baggy eyes due to genetics; but this isn’t the case for all men. These dark circles can appear as a result of a poor diet, a lack of sleep or even stress. If you want to rid yourself of these dark circles, try:
- Keeping yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Exercising regularly
- Taking time to relax and manage your stress
- Eating healthier! Put away the chips and start eating more fruits and vegetables.
- Make sure you are getting at least seven hours of sleep.
Athlete’s Foot
While this skin infection is more prominent in men who actively exercise, anyone may suffer from Athlete’s foot. A fungus that is usually present between the toes causes this condition. This fungus attacks the feet because it thrives in warm, dark and humid places like within shoes. Warm and damp areas such as locker rooms, swimming pools and showers are the perfect breeding ground for this fungus.
To lower your chances of athlete’s foot, try to keep you feet clean and dry as possible. Athlete’s foot can be easily treated with over the counter products like creams. In severe cases or if left untreated, you may require a stronger prescribed medication.
Don’t Suffer in Silence!
These are just a few of the dermatology concerns that men experience. It is very common to hear about dermatology concerns regarding women or teenagers. However, it is imperative not to overlook the skin care needs that concern men! Healthy and younger looking skin is not gender specific. If you or someone you know has a skin condition that needs to be addressed, schedule a consultation with your dermatologist today.
