Skin Care
Like any other organ of the body, the skin should be maintained in the best possible health so it can perform its functions correctly.
To download each 
PDF document please click on the links below, you will need Adobe Reader to view the documents, If you do not have Adobe Reader, click here for a free download of the program.
ACNE
Most teenagers will have a few blackheads and pimples, and some will have more severe and inflamed acne. As the body's hormone levels change, especially during adolescence, the hair follicles and oil (sebaceous) glands of the skin may be effected. this tends to be more apparent on the face, neck, chest and back. Although it is most common in teenagers, acne can
occur at any age. In order to reduce the effects of acne, it is important to use a suitable cleansing and treatment routine.
COLD SORES
Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). About 40% of Australians are affected by cold sores at some time in their lives. There are two types of HSV and each affects different parts of the body. HSV-1 usually causes infections on the face, such as cold sores around the lips and nose; HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. HSV is not the same virus that causes common cold.
DANDRUFF
Dandruff is a common scalp condition caused by too much shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Dandruff is an embarrassing condition that affects many people. Having dandruff may cause a lack of confidence and low self-esteem. The good news is there are treatments and steps that can be taken to help prevent and control problem dandruff. Understanding what
dandruff is and factors that cause it are the first steps in self care treatment and prevention - talk to your pharmacist about which treatments are best for you.
ECZEMA AND DERMATITIS
Dermatitis means skin inflammation and generally involves a red, itchy skin rash. There are several different types of dermatitis, with different causes. The name 'eczema' is often used interchangeably with the name 'dermatitis', but sometimes 'eczema' refers specifically to a condition called 'atopic dermatitis'.
Eczema and Dermatitis [ 68 KB]
HAIR LOSS
Hair covers most of our body. It is constantly growing, and is constantly shed. A healthy person loses around 50 - 100 hairs from the scalp every day. Losing more hair as we get older is natural; however, for a number of reasons, some people lose hair faster than others. Hair loss can affect both men and women at any age. Some types of hair loss are temporary - hair will
grow back - but sometimes hair loss is permanent. There are treatments which slow hair loss in some cases.
HEAD LICE
Head lice are spread by head-to-head contact with someone who already has head lice. Anyone can catch head lice, both children and adults. You can not prevent head lice, but learning how to spot (detection combing) and treat lice and proper use of the right product can make the treatment more successful. It is important to trace everyone who has been in close contact
with the person who has head lice (contact tracing). Ask a pharmacist how to spot and treat head lice, which products to use and how to trace those who have been in close contact.
SCABIES
Scabies is a skin infestation that causes intense itching. It is worse during the night. The scabies mite burrows down into the skin, and lives under the skin surface. The mite sets off an allergic reaction, thought to be caused by the insect's coat. Scabies can happen at any age and can be
safely treated. Ask a pharmacist which treatment is best for you and the people in your household.
SENSE IN THE SUN
The sun's rays are harmful to the skin. Melanin, the natural pigment in the skin, gives some protection from these damaging rays, but for most people, it is not enough. UVB rays cause sunburn and also affect the DNA in the skin which may cause skin cancer. UVA rays damage the skin, causing wrinkling, sagging and premature ageing, and may also have a role in causing skin cancer. Visible light may trigger photosensitivity reactions and a recurrence of cold sores.
SKIN RASH
Most skin rashes can be effectively treated. Treatments help stop symptoms such as itch, redness or swelling. Skin rashes need to be accurately diagnosed so that the cause of the skin rash is identified and removed and the right treatment is used.
TINEA (Ringworm)
Tinea is a fungal infection that grows best on warm, moist skin. The usual sites are warm, sweaty areas of the body, such as between the toes, beneath the breasts and in the groin. Tinea is sometimes called 'ringworm', which is misleading as it has nothing to do with worms. Tinea can be treated with the help of a pharmacist.
