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acne
Acne may be whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and cysts. Acne affects men and women of all ages. Many mature women are still experiencing acne, years after they thought they'd "grow out of it".
Acne develops in the pores and oil glands in the skin. The cells in the pores form keratin (cellular debris) that accumulates and blocks the openings. The oil glands continue to produce oil (sebum). Bacteria in the pores flourish in the environment of blockage and increased presence of sebum. The result is a cascade effect causing the skin to become inflamed and swollen, forming a pimple or cyst.
In females, it is not uncommon to have pre-menstrual flares secondary to hormones called androgens. Many medications are also associated with acne. Examples include testosterone, barbiturates, lithium, anticonvulsants and topical, inhaled or systemic corticosteroids. Finally, mechanical irritation such as friction from a bra strap, helmet or headband may cause acne.
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rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin condition that usually affects the face and eyes. It is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness that flares up periodically on the face. Pimples and broken blood vessels may also be present. Rosacea tends to begin between the ages of 30 and 60 and is more common in fair-skinned people. Rosacea may resemble other dermatologic conditions, such as acne but differs from acne in that rosacea patients do not get blackheads or whiteheads. It is more common in women; however, men generally have more severe cases.
The cause of rosacea is unknown and while there is no cure a number of medical and laser treatments are available to control and reverse the symptoms.
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wrinkles
Many factors - including aging, trauma, environmental damage, smoking, smiling and frowning - can create wrinkles as well as normal expression and movement lines on the face. Wrinkles range from fine lines to deep creases.
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sun damage
Ultraviolet light from the sun can cause premature wrinkling, skin lesions, pigment changes, age spots, spider veins and dilated capillaries all of which compound the aging process.
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scars
Scars may include unsightly marks resulting from acne, accidents, disease or surgery. Scars are a natural part of the healing process. The more the skin is damaged and the longer it takes to heal, the greater the chance of a noticeable scar.
Vivamedical offers several treatment options to minimize the size, depth and colour of face and body scars.
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pigmentation disorders
Skin color is influenced by a person’s genetic heritage as well as environmental factors. It is determined by the amount of pigment or melanin that is produced in the skin. The cells manufacturing this pigment are called melanocytes. These cells are found throughout the upper layers of the skin. Natural pigment is nature’s way of protecting the skin from ultraviolet light. A suntan is actually sun damage and does not provide sun protection.
Uneven pigmentation of the skin may be a natural occurrence or related to ultraviolet light, infection, hormones, drugs, acne or topical chemicals applied to the skin. There are also skin diseases and genetic abnormalities that can cause hyperpigmentation. Common causes of hyperpigmentation include sunspots, freckles, “acne spots” and melasma (pregnancy mask).
Melasma is a common condition seen in women, related to hormones (estrogen) and sun exposure. This condition is frequently exacerbated during pregnancy, at menopause, and with the use of oral contraceptives. The skin darkens in patches of tan to brown, primarily on the sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck and arms. Most sun exposure throughout the day is brief but cumulative. Consequently, brief exposures without sunscreen can cause dramatic changes in skin pigmentation.
Sunspots, commonly referred to as liver spots, are a product of sun exposure. Sunspots result from the increased production of melanin as a consequence of long-standing sun exposure. The most common areas involved are the face, neck, upper chest and arms.
Freckles, develop in fair-skinned individuals as a result of sun exposure. This is the skin’s protective measure against the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Freckles are predominantly seen on sun-exposed surfaces and will fade when the skin is protected from ultraviolet light.
Medications are a frequent cause of sudden skin pigmentation. Most of the pigmentation is seen in sun-exposed areas suggesting an interaction between ultraviolet light and the ingested medication.
Finally, post-inflammatory skin darkening is a common occurrence after irritation or injury to the skin. It is more prominent in dark-skin, however, it is also seen in lighter-skin individuals. After irritation or injury to the skin, the pigment cells (melanocytes) deposit pigment in both the upper and lower layers of the skin. This is a condition that usually clears with time, although it can last for months to years. Immediate treatment is important, as this will help determine the outcome and ultimate appearance of the area.
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excessive sweating
Sweating is a normal process that maintains body temperature by eliminating excess body heat.
Excess Sweating, or Hyperhidrosis, is sweating beyond what is necessary to maintain normal body temperature. Sweaty palms, feet, or armpits may increase anxiety and stress in both occupational and social situations.
Treatment available:
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Common Skin & Body Conditions
