Why Do I Have Red Patches on My Skin After Showering?
In summer, our bodies tend to sweat easily, leading people to bathe frequently. Bathing not only relieves physical fatigue but also removes dirt from the skin. However, some individuals may notice the appearance of red patches on their skin after bathing. If these patches persist for a prolonged period, they may be indicative of a skin disease or an allergic reaction. It is advisable to consult a doctor for examination if the symptoms are not caused by allergies.
1. Endogenous Factors:
- Race: Differences in the number of stratum corneum layers, intercellular adhesion, melanin content and volume among different ethnic groups contribute to variations in skin sensitivity.
- Age: Younger individuals are more prone to skin sensitivity compared to older adults, possibly due to decreased sensory nerve function and reduced nerve distribution in older skin.
- Gender: Women generally have more sensitive skin than men, which may be attributed to their higher skin pH level and poorer buffering capacity against irritation.
- Genetics: Individuals with sensitive skin often have a family history of the condition.
- Endocrine Factors: The menstrual cycle can affect skin sensitivity.
- Diseases: Certain skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and ichthyosis, can increase skin sensitivity.
2. Exogenous Factors:
- Chemical Factors: Include cosmetics, soaps, and cleansers.
- Environmental Factors: Include rapid changes in temperature, seasonal variations, air pollution, and sunlight.
- Lifestyle Habits: Spicy and stimulating foods and alcohol can exacerbate skin reactions.
- Psychological Factors: Increased stress and emotional fluctuations can trigger or intensify skin reactions.
Clinically, patients with sensitive skin often experience symptoms such as itchiness, tingling, burning, and tightness. The severity of these symptoms varies among individuals. After using cosmetics, the discomfort may worsen, and some individuals may not be able to tolerate any skincare products. The symptoms may appear within minutes, hours, or even days after using the products. Sometimes, dry skin, facial erythema, and fine scales may also be observed, and the face may be prone to flushing.