A state of obesity requires special attention to skin care for a number reasons. As the forces of weight and gravity grow, they place greater stress on healthy skin. This thin, elastic layer of tissue becomes more delicate and easily broken. Because the immune response is less efficient in obese people, the likelihood of infection is greater. If you're overweight or obese, caring for sensitive skin is an important concern and a key factor in maintaining your health.
Effects
Very heavy and obese people have more sensitive skin and a higher risk for skin problems as side effects to their physical conditions. Fleshy folds trap and perpetuate bacterial growth. Even folds of healthy skin can rub together, causing irritation and inflammation, followed by dry skin and itching. These symptoms can appear in other areas of your body that experience heavy pressure, such as the feet, or from abrasion by clothing tags or foreign objects against skin.
Types
Several body zones need special attention to skin care in overweight or obese people, especially those who tend to sweat. Cleansing and moisturizing the face neutralizes surface bacteria and prevents acne and irritation to healthy skin. Washing and powdering your body prevents bacteria buildup in skin folds. Because obese people have decreased immunity and are at greater risk for broken skin, paying special attention to feet is encouraged. Cracked, sensitive skin and cuts on the feet are easily overlooked when you are overweight.
Complications
Skin-related health complications arise more often or with greater severity in
those who are obese. Because damaged skin takes longer to heal, detecting a cut or infection right away is important. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in painful cellulitis or contact dermatitis, which may progress until surgical intervention is necessary. Other possible tissue irritations include chronic psoriasis and yeast infections of the bladder or genitalia.
Prevention
You can prevent skin problems or soothe your psoriasis with daily skin care of your whole body, plus a skin-friendly diet. Increasing vitamins A, C and E and dietary fiber in the foods you eat will boost your immune, digestive and cardiovascular systems, which interact to support healthy skin.
Features
Sensitive skin needs special treatment, even when washing and drying. You should begin with smoothly clipped, not filed, fingernails. In order to avoid abrasion, fingertips, rather than a washcloth, should be used to cleanse delicate areas. Patting skin dry with a towel is gentler than rubbing.
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