scattered symptoms, looking for suggestions

[ArtMouse]

I have a slew of dermatological symptoms that I treat individually, but I suspect there's a bigger picture that I'm missing, which if identified could make everything easier and would like to hear suggestions, either from professionals or even just other people with similar issues, I have a sample of 1 right now. Maybe this all falls within normal and I'm just being over sensitive.

Large follicles and pores across face, particularly around temples, I've attributed these to previously suffering from late hormonal acne which was treated successfully with acutane some years ago, so I have the old battleground to deal with combined with a habit of picking at things.

Excema that flairs up on thighs, mid-riff and eyelids, which seems to be triggered primariliy by stress. Difference spots on my body seem to even relate to different emotional stress loads. I treat this by primarily identifying the stress trigger and dealing with it as quickly as I can, then with dry heat, cortisone cream and in the most severe cases cortisone tablets like prednisone, and during it's broken stages, with a topical anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial gel.

Generally very dry, no matter how much I drink or moisturise, my skin very quickly returns to a sort of papery texture. My hands look about 20 years older than I am. A masseuse once complained that they should charge me twice for how thirsty my skin is.

Many compound hair follicles in the soft skin areas, those tiny hairs on my belly for instance, it's not uncommon for 5-9 hairs to be camping in a single follicle,they're almost invisible so this isn't a problem, I just don't know how unusual or normal it is so I'm adding it.

I'm caucasian and freckled and tend to burn very easily, if this lends any general insight.

[ArtMouse]

Thank you, I've changed my diet over the last 2 weeks (much fewer fats and oils) and I can see a visible difference in my skin, but I will be more diligent with the cleansing and toning. I will look into resurfacing treatments after giving this a real chance.

I will try a more intensive moisturizing regime, and investigate better moisurizing creams, I suspect I won't succeed at the sock approach because I have a bit of a tactile claustrophobia,but I will try.

I'll let you know how it progresses :)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The problem of enlarged pores on face or facial pores is commonly associated with excessive oiliness and acne. The excessive oiliness of the skin is in turn triggered by the hormonal changes in the body.

Large pores can be easily dealt with proper cleansing and frequent toning and moisturizing of the skin. Other treatments to consider include microdermabrasion, skin resurfacing lasers and chemical skin peels.

In my opinion you should discuss these treatment options with a cosmetologist/dermatologist. Minimize contact with water and use mild soap like dove for washing hands. Also hydrate and protect hands by applying a moisturizing cream. At night, repair them with creams formulated from glycolic acid—a must for improving skin texture and tone. For a more intensive nighttime treatment, apply cream and then cover hands with gloves or socks.
If the symptoms worsen or persist then please consult a dermatologist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.