Is human skin ever really clean?

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 267, 13 December 1988, Page 4 (Supplement)

Is human skin ever really clean?

Getting out of the tub or the shower, you may feel wonderfully refreshed, but, in fact, you are not very clean - by strict technical standards.

Washing with soap and water removes the dust and grime of the day, some of the oily secretions of the body and many micro-organ-isms. Left behind are the thousands of millions of bacteria, yeasts and fungi - full time residents on the human skin that cannot be got rid of, no matter how vigorously you scrub. These micro-organ-

isms are particularly abundant where there are plenty of nutrients to sustain them. These nutrients are the products of sweat glands and sebaceous glands, which secrete an oily substance called sebum. The face, neck, armpits and groin have the highest bacteria count. By contrast the trunk and upper arms have the lowest bacteria count.

Certain kinds of mi-cro-organisms concentrate in particular areas: fungi do well in the moist area of the feet and groin, while the oily skin of the nose, ears and scalp is especially hospitable to yeasts. The bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus are formidable foes of man. If they enter the blood stream they can cause ailments that range in severity from

pimples and boils to serious - and even fatal - infections. Yet, on the surface of the skin they cause no damage. There is a group of bacteria known a s Carynebacterium acnes, normally found deep in the hair follicles which is harmless most of the time. However, during adolescence, when the sebaceous glands become more active, these bacteria can cause the bare of the teenage years - acne. Similarly, the fungi that thrive on the soles of the feet and the skin between the toes usually cause no problems. It is only if the skin is broken, and the feet perspire excessively that these fungi invade the skin and cause athlete's foot. Beneficial mi-cro-organisms The idea of things living on your skin may sound unpleasant, but as a matter of fact, scientists believe that most of these microorganisms actually protect you from disease - causing organisms. These enemies are always present and ready to attack. Because the skin is already teeming with inhabitants they may compete with each other and this may form a protection. Acne Nature is unkind to teenagers. Just when good looks becomes a major concern and attraction to the opposite sex a constant prococcupation, acne is likely to strike. Acne is not only cruel but common. The j outbreaks are generally

worse in boys, because the main cause of acne is the upsurge in the production of male hormones. Males secrete these in large quantities, while females also secrete them, although i n much smaller amounts. Certain normal skin bacteria, which are present in both sexes, are also thought t o contribute to acne by turning skin oils into irritant chemicals. Normally, the glands in the skin produce an oily substance called sebum that wells u p through the hair follicles and benefits the skin by lubricating it, but during adolescence, male hormones stimulate the secretion of too much sebum, which often plugs up the follicles. The result is acne: whiteheads, blackheads, inflammation and pimples, mainly on the face, neck and shoulders. Painfull cysts and abscesses can develop. Mistakenly believing that acne comes from dirt, many victims of the disorder vigorously scrub their face with soap and water - chances are they are only making things worse. There is no complete cure for acne but time. Never-the-less much can be done to keep it under control until adolescence is over. Gentle face washing especially when the face feels oily is a good idea as is exposure to small amounts of sunlight. There are a few things to avoid - harsh soaps, face creams and moisturizes, head bands, turtleneck sweaters and if these simple measures are not enougli you should

visit the doctor or dermatologist. Tinea or Athletes Foot Tinea is caused by a fungus and is more common in the summer months when the feet are prone to sweating and more people make use of swimming pools and changing rooms. The fungus is spread from one person to another and causes itching and peeling between the toes. Itching is intense and pain may follow if the area is rubbed or scratched. Infection can set in if the skin is damaged and broken. Prevention and Treatment Go barefoot where possible or wear open shoes to allow fresh air to circulate. If socks and shoes or boots are worn wash the socks daily and leave the shoes or boots out in the fresh air each day. When using swimming pool change rooms wear rubber jandals to prevent the spread of infection and after swimming or bathing dry between the toes carefully with a clean towel and apply antifungal powder available at the chemist. Dry the feet last and do not share towels. If the area of tinea

between the toes spreads and becomes hot, red, swollen and discharging pus it could be infected and should be treated by the doctor. Boils A boil is a painful swelling around the base of a hair caused by the o r g a n i s m Staphylococcus aureus. The area is hot and red with a yellow centre cone. The core forms pus which is very infectious. Because boils spread easily to other parts of the body and to other people some measures should be taken to avoid this. General body hygiene and daily showers are important as is separate towels and facecloths. Material used for dressings should be burned and the hands should b e thoroughly washed after changing the dressing. A person who gets a lot of boils should seek treatment as antibiotics may b e needed. Also boils can be a sign of some other illness and should be investigated. Some one who is over tired, not eating a well balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is more likely to suffer from boils.