symptom
During menopause, hormone levels decrease, sebum secretion decreases, and the skin becomes dry, especially in the dry autumn and winter climate in the north. The skin becomes thinner, looser, and loses elasticity, causing itching. Initially, the itching is limited to one area (such as the calf), and then gradually spreads to most parts of the body or even the whole body. The itching is paroxysmal, especially at night.
Due to intense itching, scratching can lead to abrasions, scabs, and pigmentation on the skin, and sometimes secondary infections such as pustules, folliculitis, and boils. Patients may also experience prolonged sleep deprivation, dizziness, depression, and loss of appetite-symptoms of neurasthenia-significantly impacting their quality of life. Therefore, proper skin care is especially important during menopause to reduce or avoid these symptoms.
prevention
Before skin problems appear, you can start by developing good lifestyle habits. You can engage in physical exercise within your capabilities to promote blood circulation and increase skin nutrition. Avoid taking baths with excessively hot water and reduce the frequency of bathing during dry seasons to reduce the loss of sebum and thus prevent the skin from becoming too dry.
At the same time, you can choose some oily moisturizers to protect your skin, eat more high-protein, low-fat foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and regularly consume some whole grains, soy products, and supplement the body with vitamins A, C, E and various trace elements to maintain the skin's luster and moisture.
Meanwhile, adequate hydration and sufficient sleep are also important for skin health. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to wind and sun, and repeated sunbathing, are detrimental to the skin health of the elderly and should be avoided as much as possible.
treat
If itching has already occurred, in addition to the precautions mentioned above, active treatment is necessary. Topical antipruritic agents and oral antihistamines can be used to relieve itching. Sex hormone therapy can also be added, but only under the guidance of a doctor. Depending on the condition, traditional Chinese medicine and physical therapies such as bathing may be used in conjunction. After the symptoms disappear, patients should still pay attention to skin nutrition, care, and health maintenance, maintain a positive attitude, and enjoy a healthy and happy old age.
