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skin care according to localisation

The skin varies in thickness and texture depending on its localisation. On the eyelids, face and neck, in axillar and inguinal regions, the skin is rather thin, whereas the palms and soles are characteristically referred to as "thick skin areas". The skin on forearms and lower legs tends typically more to get dry than the skin in seborrhoeic regions such as the eyebrows, nasolabial folds and chest.
Below skin care procedures with special regard to different skin areas are listed.

Face and neck
In facial skin, the network of collagen fibres is quite lax, allowing for facial expression. The areas rich in sebum glands (nasolabial folds, lower forehead, chin) are predilection sites for acne and seborrhoeic eczema. Adequate skin care considers the skin type, the age, and existent skin diseases. It is also very important to moisturise the neck and decolleté area.


Eyelids / periorbital region
The skin of the eyelids and under the eyes is very thin and does not produce as many lipids (fats/ oils) as other skin regions. Besides applying adequate skin care, it is important not to rub the skin in this area, as this may cause wrinkle formation. Instead, skin care products should be applied with a light tapping motion.
"Adequate" skin care for this region depends on age, skin type and existent skin diseases.

Hands
The palm is rich in sweat glands and has a thick epidermal layer (link zu skin structure - epidermis). It is the only body area besides the soles with no hair and no sebaceous (oil) glands. The back of the hand has a thinner skin layer and often feels drier to the touch than the palmary region.
"Adequate" skin care for this region depends on skin type and existent skin diseases.
In some cases where the palms are clammy and the backs of the hands desiccated, different skin care products must be applied in either localisation. Then it is recommended to use light oil in water-emulsions for the palms and lipid-enriched water in oil-emulsions, containing urea, lactic acid or other water-binding substances where appropriate, for the backs of the hands.
If there is dry skin due to skin type or extisting skin diseases in this region, often there is the need for moisturisers richer in lipids/ oils than in other skin regions. Therefore, lipid-enriched water in oil-emulsions with water-binding ingredients are often used in dry skin conditions of the hands.
In skin conditions of the hands involving vesicular eruptions, oozing and erosions, urea-containing moisturisers may cause a stinging/ burning sensation and should be used with caution.
If an increased palmar sweating is existent, sweat-reducing products may be applied.
As the hands may come into contact with irritating or allergenic substances, adequate skin protection should be applied depending on the activities performed.


Feet
The sole is rich in sweat glands and has a thick epidermal layer. It is the only body area besides the palm with no hair and no sebaceous (oil) glands. The back of the foot has a thinner skin layer and often feels drier to the touch than the sole region.
"Adequate" skin care for this region depends on skin type and existent skin diseases.
The back of the foot usually needs moisturising skin care products, whereas the sole may need sweat-reducing products, antimicrobial lotions, powders, or rich moisturisers, depending on the skin texture, the amount of sweating and existing skin diseases and infections.
Moisture of the soles and the areas between the toes may favor mycotic and bacterial skin infections. Therefore these areas should be kept dry as far as possible by wearing adequate stockings (cotton instead of synthetic material), applying sweat-reducing gels or creams and rubbing the feet dry after showering or bathing.
Patients with diabetes should give special attention to skin care of the feet, toes, and interdigital areas.
In skin conditions of the soles involving vesicular eruptions, oozing and erosions, urea-containing moisturisers may cause a stinging/ burning sensation and should be used with caution.

Intertriginous areas
In these regions, including the axillary, inguinal and perianal region, skin is lying on skin, leading to increased moisture and possibly maceration with subsequent bacterial or mycotic infections. These regions should be kept dry as far as possible. Rich moisturisers or water in oil-emulsions should not be used here in general.
As the increased moisture may facilitate the development of contact allergies, no products containing frequent allergens should be used here.



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