Skin compromise means the skin is no longer able to effectively protect and maintain itself. This inability stems from various factors, including internal imbalances, allergies, and damage to the skin barrier. A compromised skin barrier, for instance, is a common issue, leaving skin vulnerable to irritation, dryness, and infection.
Understanding Skin Compromise
Several factors contribute to skin compromise:
- Damaged Skin Barrier: The skin's outer layer, the stratum corneum, acts as a crucial barrier. Damage to this barrier, caused by harsh cleansers, environmental factors (like sun exposure), or certain medical conditions, weakens the skin's protective function. See: https://www.cerave.com.au/blog/everyday-skin-care/damaged-skin-barrier See also: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
- Internal Imbalances: Conditions like hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying illnesses can impact skin health and lead to compromise.
- Allergies and Irritants: Contact with allergens or irritants can trigger inflammatory responses, damaging the skin and compromising its protective capabilities.
- Medical Conditions: Certain skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis) and systemic illnesses can directly affect skin integrity, causing compromise.
- Trauma: Physical injuries, such as burns, cuts, or pressure injuries, disrupt the skin's structure and function. See: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18670282/ See also: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3199473/
- Age: As we age, the skin's natural ability to repair and protect itself diminishes, leading to increased vulnerability and compromise. See: https://www.cerave.com.au/blog/everyday-skin-care/damaged-skin-barrier
Examples of Compromised Skin
- Dry, cracked skin: Indicates a damaged skin barrier.
- Redness, inflammation, and itching: Suggests an allergic reaction or irritation.
- Wounds that are slow to heal: Points to compromised skin regeneration.
- Skin infections: The compromised skin is more susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections.
Treatment and Management
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the skin compromise. It might involve topical treatments (creams, ointments), oral medications, lifestyle adjustments (diet, hydration), or medical procedures. In cases of severe compromise, specialist medical care might be necessary. See: https://www.eucerinus.com/products/original/eucerin-original-healing-soothing-repair-creme
