How Botox Can Help in Skin Problems?

There was a time when Botox was frowned upon, with only celebrities admitting to have gone through the procedure. However, today it has become a popular noninvasive procedure for a variety of health and skin problems.

In the UAE, nearly 3.18 million botox procedures took place in 2011, according to statistics released by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). In fact, according to the findings of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, which conducted a review of aesthetic medicine trends in the Middle East for the first half of 2016, Botox was the most popular among the top 5 non-invasive cosmetic procedures, witnessing 53% year on year growth.

If you too have been thinking of this procedure, you’ll be happy to know that you are in stellar company, with Naomi Watts, Nicole Kidman, George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Robert Pattinson, Robert Downey Jr. and many more having already tried and loved it.

So, How can Botox Help with Skin Problems?

The whole concept of utilizing Botox to combat skin problems predominantly stemmed from treating hyperhydrosis, a chronic sweating condition, triggered by extreme stress and anxiety. The treatment helps in blocking nerves in the sweat gland to prevent excessive perspiration.

Renowned New York-based dermatologist, Amy Wechsler, admits that she has injected Botox into different parts of the body, such as the forehead, scalp, underarms, palms, soles of the feet and more. The aim was to prevent excessive sweating in those particular areas for six months – and the results were phenomenal! Not only is the procedure approved by the FDA, it is also highly beneficial for people with skin-related issues.

How Does it Work?

A conventional procedure includes injecting extremely small doses of botulinum toxin type A, a protein extracted a bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum.

It acts by preventing the release of the neurotransmitter, Acetylcholine, often discharged by the nerves to trigger muscle contractions. And most importantly, the treatment needs to be done every four to six months, since the body becomes capable of breaking down the toxins and rekindle nerve transmissions.

The good news is that the procedure does not require any recovery time and has only some temporary side-effects, such as headache, muscle pain, swelling at the injection site, fatigue and dizziness. These effects wear off over time, but it is advisable to consult your doctor and keep him/her updated on your condition.

However, make sure you undergo the procedure at a skilled and experienced clinic, given that a neurotoxin is being injected into your body and should be done by a qualified professional.

Different types of Skin Problems, Symptoms, Prevention, and Cure

According to a survey published in the Saudi Gazette in April 2016, 65% of women in Saudi Arabia suffer from skin ailments, along with more than half the children in the country. The study also revealed that while the variety and frequency of skin conditions might vary, the most common cause is the volatile climate of the Kingdom, with extreme weather conditions that include high temperatures and lack of humidity. The situation is not too different in other countries in the Middle East. Here’s a look at some of the most common skin problems experienced by people in this part of the world.

Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin problems, where the oil clogs the pores on the skin, leading to pimples. It can appear anywhere on the face, neck, shoulders, chest or back, and comes in many forms.

Causes:

• Hormonal Imbalance
• Overactive Sebaceous Glands
• Eating Junk Food

Symptoms:

• Itching
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Red and painful pimples with pus

Prevention:

• Wash the skin gently with soap for no more than two times in a day
• Don't pop or squeeze the pimples
• Avoid rubbing the affected areas
• Wash sweat and oil off as soon as possible
• Maintain a healthy diet

Treatment:

• Applying creams and lotions
• Antibiotic or other prescribed medication
• Laser Resurfacing

Eczema

The word eczema is derived from the Greek word “ekzein”, which means “to boil out”. And as the name suggests, it is an inflammation of the skin that involves signs like redness, itching, weeping, oozing and even crusting. It is more common in infants and children.

Causes:

• Environment
• Genetic factors
• Allergens like dust mites, pollen and dandruff
• Microbes, like bacteria, virus and fungi
• Hormones
• Stress

Symptoms:

• Rashes on the scalp and cheeks
• An extra fold of the skin under the eye, called the Atopic pleat
• Inflammation of skin around the lips
• Dry skin
• Constant urge to rub and itch

Prevention:

• Bathing regularly, at least once a day
• Wearing clothes made of breathable material
• Avoiding activities that lead to excessive perspiration

Treatment:

• Using anti-inflammatory creams
• Antibiotics
• Photo-therapy
• Medicines to treat viral and fungal infections
• Moisturizers for the skin

Skin Cancer

Overexposure to the sun and UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer. This disease damages the fibers in the skin, called elastin, which results to the tearing and breaking off of the skin. The damage may not be visible at a young age but starts to show its effect as time passes.

Causes:

• Uncontrolled growth of skin cells
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiations from the sun
• X-ray exposure
• Scars or burns

Symptoms:

• Small blood vessel may be visible within the tumor
• Depression
• Bleeding
• Sore throat that doesn't heal

Prevention:

• Apply a good sunscreen before going out
• Use sunglasses
• Cover as much skin as possible

Treatment:

• Laser Treatment
• Chemotherapy
• Drugs and medication
• Cryosurgery or freezing
• Radiation Therapy