What are men's top skin problems and treatments?
As tough and rugged as men are sometimes perceived to be, it may come as a surprise that their skin can actually be very sensitive. Harmful chemicals and infections, cuts, scrapes, overexposure to sunlight, sweat, and stress can make male skin react in many less-than-ideal ways.
Acne
Pimples aren't just an issue for teenagers…unfortunately. Humidity, stress, heavy sweating, or the use of steroids can cause blemishes. Even if you're the figure of perfect personal hygiene and diet, you'll still see flare-ups. In fact, washing your face too much can cause acne to get worse.
If your acne is bad enough to rattle your confidence, see a primary care physician. If you're dealing with a more moderate situation, try a 5 percent, over-the-counter, benzoyl-peroxide skin wash from your local drug store, and use it twice a day.
Razor Burn
Razor burn can affect a man's skin in many different ways, from a couple hours of mild discomfort to a rash to blisters to acne.
Interesting, your shaving technique may not be the problem (as long as you're shaving in, and not against, the direction of hair growth). Instead, make sure that you:
- Wash your face with warm water before you shave.
- Always use new, properly sharpened blades (or clean blades with an electric shaver)
- Use shave gel, cream, or even hair conditioner.
- Shave in short, deliberate strokes.
If you do suffer from post-shave irritation, apply an aloe-based cortisone cream or an aftershave lotion with vitamin E to help soothe the skin.
Athlete's Foot
If you work out, you're naturally more at risk for athlete's foot. Why? Because this common fungus multiplies in public areas such as communal showers, locker rooms, and gyms. While the infection typically starts between your toes, it can quickly spread to your toenails and other parts of your feet.
Fortunately, most cases are easily treatable with over-the-counter creams, such as Lotrimin and Lamisil. More severe cases of athlete's foot may require prescription medication. Call your doctor if home remedies aren't helping after a week.
Remember that it's also very important to wash and dry your feet twice a day.
Dark Eye Circles
Most men neglect their facial skin, particularly the areas under their eyes. While dark circles can often be genetic, not getting enough sleep and eating poorly won't exactly help the situation, genes or not.
The top ways to alleviate dark circles include:
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Drinking more water
- Exercising
- Taking the time to relax
- Getting more sleep
Another useful tip: It may not feel like the most manly of things to do, but an occasional face mask and/or applying cucumber slices to tired eyes may be helpful as well.
Jock Itch
The same fungus that causes athlete's foot can also cause itchy, red rashes in the groin area. This condition can be very common in men who sweat a lot.
Doctors recommend over-the-counter antifungal treatments such as Lamisil AT. While most infections respond well to these treatments, if you find that your skin isn't healing after a week, talk to your doctor.
Reduce your rash risk by:
- Showering daily.
- Keeping your groin area dry
- Changing your underwear daily
- Making sure that whatever you wear down there is clean and fits correctly
