Dry skin of the hands, feet and mucous membranes with menopause

One of the signs of menopause is dryness of the skin. With a climax, every woman faces this problem. Consider the causes of this pathology and its treatment.

Climax is characterized by significant hormonal changes in the body. During this period there is a sharp decrease in the production of estrogen by the ovaries, which leads to a disruption in the production of glucosaminoglycans. This leads to a decrease in the synthesis of collagen, as one of the main components of beautiful and healthy skin.

[1]

Epidemiology

According to medical statistics during the first five years of menopause, it is possible to lose up to 30% of the protein responsible for the health and elasticity of the epidermis. In postmenopause this rate is about 2% per year. Collagen fibers form the skeleton of the skin. Between the fibers is hyaluronic acid, which retains water, maintaining normal moisture. Deficiency of estrogens leads to the fact that collagen fibers merge, that is, tissues lose their elasticity and elasticity. Estrogen deficiency leads to a decrease in the number of blood vessels and a decrease in fat production by sebaceous glands.

Most of all, from the deficiency of estrogen and elastin, the face, chest and pelvic regions suffer. That is, changes in these areas during menopause are inevitable. To minimize the pathological process, you need to contact a dermatologist, an endocrinologist and a cosmetologist. It also requires the help of a nutritionist who will make up a diet that replenishes the deficit of substances responsible for the health of the skin.

[2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7],

Causes of the dry skin with menopause

All causes of dry skin in menopause are associated with hormonal changes, which provoke a lower production of estrogen and other substances. Let's consider the basic factors transforming a smooth, elastic skin in a dry and scaly:

• Decreased estrogen level - during the menopause, the amount of hormone produced decreases, which negatively affects the condition of the epidermis. Estrogen affects the amount of fat produced, moisturizing the skin. Its reduction leads to a decrease in moisture and the appearance of dryness.
• Deficiency of collagen - a decrease in estrogen leads to a decrease in collagen. This substance is responsible for the elasticity and smoothness of the tissues. When the balance of fat and collagen is disturbed, the skin becomes rapidly aging and is more prone to dryness and flaking.
• Harmful habits - smoking and alcohol have a negative effect on the entire body, but especially on the condition of the skin. This leads to a weakening of the barrier responsible for the normal humidity.
• Long stay in the sun - climax is a bright sign that the time spent under ultraviolet rays should be minimized. Also it is necessary to use additional methods of protection from the sun, preventing the loss of moisture.
• Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs with a deficiency of thyroid hormones. Pathology leads to dry skin throughout the body, and especially in the area of elbows. The disease is accompanied by increased drowsiness, hearing impairment, stratification of the nails, brittle and tarnished hair.
• Diabetes mellitus is a disease with endocrine system damage and a violation of all kinds of metabolism. With this pathology, the skin is especially dry in the area of skin folds and face.
• Stress - when the body is in a state of stress for a long time, a number of pathologies arise from different organs and systems. There are bouts of nausea, pain in the epigastric region, chills, fever, a sense of lack of air. Frequent stresses lead to neurological disorders and loss of a large amount of moisture, which negatively affects the body condition, provoking its dryness.
• Hypovitaminosis - with a deficiency in the body of vitamins A and there is dryness, flaking and itching. Similar is observed in dystrophic states.
• Chronic intoxication - a pathological condition that occurs due to prolonged exposure to the body of toxic substances. All systems and organs are affected, including the skin.

In addition to the above reasons, dry skin with menopause may be associated or aggravated by such causes as:

• Dermatological diseases - most often xerosis is associated with psoriasis or squamous ejaculation. Both diseases are of a chronic nature and are not contagious. Occur due to a violation of the endocrine or nervous system, as well as a malfunction in the metabolism. The skin is dry and inflamed, puffiness and peeling occur.
• Atopic dermatitis is a chronic allergic disease that occurs in people with a predisposition to atopy. The disease is not contagious, but has a recurring course. The epidermis is dry and thickened, there are crusts in the combing areas.
• Eczema is a chronic inflammatory disease with acute course. Pathology is allergic and not contagious to others. The skin is dry, itchy, there are peeling and rashes.
• Hair keratosis is a hereditary disease in which the epidermis is dry, hard and rough. Defeat most often are the limbs, back, abdomen.
• Seborrhea - dandruff is a pathological condition of the skin. It arises because of a violation of the function of the sebaceous glands and a change in the composition of their secretions.

The loss of elasticity can be caused by frequent bathing in hot water, taking medications, seasonal factors and climate change. Dryness of the body occurs with inflammatory and allergic diseases, due to excessive use of cosmetics and alkaline soap, in case of gastrointestinal disturbances.

[8], [9]

Pathogenesis

The mechanism of development of such pathology as dry skin in the period of menopause, depends on many factors. Pathogenesis is associated with hormonal changes. Because of the deficiency of estrogen, the production of collagen and elastic fibers decreases. Collagen is a special protein necessary to maintain the normal structure and elasticity of the epidermis. It provides self-healing of skin tone, prevents wrinkles.

To replace estrogen during menopause and associated pathologies, hormone therapy is used. This treatment is called HRT and has a high risk of developing breast cancer. As for the skin, about 38% of women taking hormones, confirmed the improvement of the epidermis after such therapy.

[10], [11], [12], [13],

Symptoms of the dry skin with menopause

The pathological manifestations of hormonal adjustment in the body, associated with menopause, develop gradually. Symptoms of dry skin with menopause are increasing.

Symptoms of a dermatological problem:

• Skin rough to the touch
• Itching
• Peeling
• Cracks
• Skin pattern is pronounced
• After water procedures there is a strong tightening
• Redness and irritation

Increased dryness can provoke the appearance of deep cracks, which bring painful sensations and bleed. The dry skin reacts to the slightest irritation and is very sensitive. Due to loss of elasticity, exfoliating plates appear, deep wrinkles are formed. The cover becomes rough, there is a risk of developing erythema and hyperkeratosis. Without the correct treatment of xerosis, skin atrophy is possible, with both the epidermis and the dermis. So serious changes are dangerous by the transition to trophic ulcers.

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First signs

The change in the skin in the menopause has a number of characteristic symptoms. The first signs of a pathological condition are most often manifested by a change in the condition of the face, chest, arms and thighs. Without proper care, loss of elasticity leads to peeling, itching, irritation and other unpleasant sensations.

Because of the increased dryness, when pressing on any area there is a trace from the fingers, which passes relatively long. There are small cracks, the pores are almost invisible, possibly flaking skin scales. Unpleasant sensations are intensified after taking a hot bath, as tightness appears. Similar signs do not appear singly, causing severe discomfort.

[15], [16]

Complications and consequences

Loss of elasticity of the skin during menopause leads to a number of problems. The consequences of this pathology are manifested by such symptoms:

• Change in thermoregulation due to increased sweat production.
• Due to a decrease in the skin's ability to retain water, itching, scaling, and cracks occur.
• Accelerates the aging process, wrinkles appear.
• The skin becomes thinner, atrophic changes occur.
• The risk of exacerbation of skin diseases increases.
• Reduces the production of vitamin D.
• Disrupts wound healing speed.

Menopausal changes lead to a violation of the protective properties of the skin, increasing the risk of infection. Cosmetic changes negatively affect self-esteem and mentality. Because of this, during the menopause may develop depressive disorders, loss of self-confidence and impaired quality of life.

Conjunctivating the period of menopause can lead to serious consequences. Complications are manifested by such diseases:

• Phlegmon - acute inflammation of connective tissue of the epidermis, arising from bacterial or infectious pathogens.
• Atopic dermatitis, eczema - a pathological condition with redness, inflammation and cracking of tissues.
• Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle, which is characterized by hyperemia and swelling. In the lesion site, a purulent nodule that is permeated with hair can form.

The above complications are formed due to improper care of the body or in its absence. Painful symptoms are associated with a weakening of the protective functions of the skin and age-related hormonal changes in the female body.

[17], [18], [19]

Diagnostics of the dry skin with menopause

To determine the cause of xerosis, that is, the loss of epidermis elasticity, it is necessary to conduct a series of examinations. Diagnosis of dry skin with menopause is based on physical examination and study of medical history. Age-related climacteric changes are associated with a decrease in hormone production. If there are suspicions of dermatological diseases during menopause, then a set of additional studies is prescribed:

• Visual inspection
• Anamnesis history
• Blood chemistry

If dryness is accompanied by allergic conditions, then epicutaneous and intrakutan skin tests are carried out. With xerosis and dermatoses, bacteriological, serological and virologic tests are indicated. Histological examinations can also be prescribed. If necessary, conduct laboratory and instrumental diagnostics.

[20], [21], [22]

Analyzes

At the expressed dryness of integuments, a number of researches and the tests directed on an establishment of the reason of a pathological condition are spent. If the disorder is associated with hormonal changes in the female body, then appoint such tests to identify menopause:

• The level of FSH - follicle-stimulating hormone increases with active menopause. This indicator indicates a violation of the synthesis of estrogens.
• Estradiol is the main hormone of estrogens, which is responsible for the strength of bone tissue and the state of the skin. Its deficiency causes a number of pathological changes.
• The level of LT - luteinizing hormone is involved in the creation of the ovule in the follicle and affects ovulation. With menopause, its values are increased.
• Progesterone - a decrease in its level indicates the onset of menopause, during the first 2-3 years after the onset of menopause it is completely eliminated from the body.

To assess the condition of the skin, take such laboratory tests:

• Blood sampling from the finger - reveals inflammatory processes and allergic reactions.
• Urine - determines the damage to the kidneys and other organs.
• Biochemical blood analysis - determines the various indicators that affect the state of the body. For example, the level of sugar, the presence of protein and much more.

Analyzes with dry skin during menopause give an opportunity to assess the state of the body and to prescribe the right treatment to alleviate pathological symptoms.

[23], [24], [25], [26]

Instrumental diagnostics

The most effective method for establishing the true cause of xerosis during menopause is instrumental diagnosis. Depending on the symptoms of the disorder, different methods of research are used.

Particular attention is paid to sowing the inflamed skin area (biopsy). This method is used to determine pathogens that contribute to the damage of the skin. Helps to choose the right method of treatment. If there is a suspicion of an allergic reaction, then an analysis is performed on the serum autoantibodies for the detection of an allergen. A coprogram is also conducted, that is, an analysis of excrement for dysbiosis. This analysis is necessary in the event that the condition of the tissues is associated with gastrointestinal diseases.

Differential diagnosis

Dry skin can appear with a variety of diseases, both dermatological, and with the defeat of internal organs. Differential diagnosis is aimed at establishing the real cause of skin disruption during menopause. In addition to the analysis on the level of estrogens and a number of other hormones, differentiation is carried out with such pathologies as:

• Eczema - its xerotic form causes increased dryness of the epidermis, cracks, itching, peeling. Possible inflammation and bleeding of some areas due to their combing.
• Follicular kuratosis - small, pimple-like rashes. The body becomes rough to the touch, dryness, itching appears.
• Ichthyosis - the cells of the epidermis are strongly flaky, forming thick scales that exfoliate. In their place remain painful wounds and cracks.
• Psoriasis - one of the most common diseases, which is characterized by dry skin. It is accompanied by peeling, itching, painful sensations. In some cases, a secondary infection is possible.

Based on the results of differential diagnosis, the doctor gives recommendations for normalizing the body condition.

Treatment of the dry skin with menopause

The health of a woman during menopause depends not only on the level of hormones, but also on the effect of external factors. Treatment of dry skin in menopause is aimed at maintaining the normal state of the epidermis. To do this, use special creams for the body with estrogen and vitamin preparations. Of great importance is the way of life, we will consider the main recommendations for preserving the beauty of the body and face in the climacteric period:

1. Avoid direct sunlight, as the ultraviolet damages the epidermis. Use special sunscreen and occlusal creams that prevent loss of moisture.
2. Adhere to a diet with unsaturated fatty acids, for example, omega-3 (salmon, sunflower oil, soy). Proper nutrition will maintain healthy skin, prevent dryness and provide a protective barrier.
3. A hot shower or bath is harmful to the skin. After such procedures there is a feeling of strong tightness, it is possible peeling, itching and even cracks. During bathing, use moisturizing lotions and gels, and then apply organic oils on the body to prevent unpleasant sensations.
4. Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen. Such treatment is good not only on the condition of the skin, but also on the whole body, as it struggles with climacteric symptoms. For therapy, a synthetic analogue of estradiol is used, which binds to sensitive receptors, maintains the moisture and elasticity of the epidermis.

But do not forget that hormonal changes in menopause, this is not the only cause of xerosis. Deficiency of vitamins, fungal diseases, hypothyroidism and many other things can also cause discomfort. Proper care for the body, a balanced diet and consultation with a dermatologist and beautician, will preserve the beauty and health.

Medications for dry skin

To date, the pharmaceutical market, there are many drugs that effectively combat skin problems. Medicines for dry skin in menopause are represented by special vitamins, various biological additives, creams and lotions with estrogen and other essential substances for the epidermis.

Consider the most popular drugs:

1. Aevit

Vitamin A, which includes vitamins A and E, saturating the skin with useful substances. It has antioxidant and immunostimulating properties. The active components of the drug participate in the physiological processes of the body, stimulate the growth of epithelial cells, accelerate the processes of tissue regeneration, affect lipid and protein metabolism. Aevit improves capillary blood circulation, normalizing permeability of vascular walls and trophic tissue.

• Indications for use: deficiency of vitamin A, E, prolonged stressful stress, psoriasis, xeroderma, lupus erythematosus, atherosclerotic vascular lesions, gastrectomy, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, diet with high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, hyperthyroidism, menopause period.
• The medicine is taken orally, 1 capsule once a day. Duration of therapy is 30-40 days, if necessary, repeat the course in 3-6 months.
• Side-effects are extremely rare and are manifested by violations of the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions. With prolonged use of the drug, there may be an exacerbation of cholelithiasis and pancreatitis.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance of components, chronic circulatory insufficiency, thyrotoxicosis, glomerulonephritis. With special care, vitamins are prescribed for patients with an increased risk of thromboembolism and with myocardial infarction, coronary artery atherosclerosis.
• At application of the raised doses development of the raised drowsiness, headaches, disturbances of sight, pressure increase, pathological changes of a liquor is possible. In especially severe cases, convulsions, heart failure, violations from the central nervous system, glands of internal secretion are observed. There is no specific antidote, symptomatic therapy is indicated for the treatment of overdose.

2. Vitasharm

Complex vitamin preparation, improves microcirculation of the epidermis, stimulates nutrition of hair follicles, synthesis of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, enhances the process of exfoliation, stimulates the protection of skin cells from damaging effects of the environment.

• Indications for use: pathology of the skin, chronic diseases of the central nervous system, increased fragility of nails and hair, hypovitaminosis of retinol. The medicine strengthens the hair follicles. Tablets take 1 pc. 1 time per day for a month.
• Side effects: allergic rashes, attacks of nausea and vomiting, anaphylactic reactions. In case of an overdose, adverse reactions become more symptomatic. The drug is contraindicated in chronic pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, intolerance of the components of the drug.

3. Revivo

A multivitamin preparation, beneficial for the skin condition, its elasticity and smoothness. The medicine is used for hypovitaminosis of various genesis, with inflammatory lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, liver diseases and for increasing the body's resistance to infections.

Revivonu take 1 capsule 1-2 times a day, after meals. Side effects are manifested in the form of allergic reactions, it is also possible to stain urine in a bright yellow color. The drug is contraindicated for intolerance of its components.

In addition to vitamin preparations, to improve the skin in menopause, special creams are recommended that stimulate the production of collagen. Such cosmetics support the tone of the epidermis, prevent its premature aging, eliminate wrinkles and reduce the damaging effect of ultraviolet radiation. There are funds with natural and artificial estrogen. Preparations with natural ingredients are used only on the prescription.

• Quench from Kate Somerville - moisturizing serum for the face with phytoestrogens, preserving youth and smoothness of the skin. Ingredients include wheat germ, fat and vitamin A, they prevent the drying of the epidermis.
• Lineless Infinite Moisture Brandt is a moisturizing lotion with an extract of nuts. Stimulates the process of cell renewal, provides smoothness and silky skin. Contains soy, green tea, hawthorn fruit and other substances with phytoestrogens.
• Hydramax is a moisturizing cream from Chanel for women of menopausal age. It consists of carob fruits, which are rich in estrogen.

In addition to the skin, the mucous membranes suffer from dryness during menopause. There are special gels, lotions and creams for intimate hygiene, preventing discomfort:

• Estriol - cream affects the acid-base balance, improves the production of lubricant. Positively affects the local immunity and prevents the development of harmful microorganisms. Promotes the production of hormones, eliminating the causes of the disorder.
• Divigel is a hormonal drug prescribed by a doctor. Contains estradiol, eliminates itching and dryness, increases the production of lubricant, increases local immunity.
• Vagilac is a gel given to women during menopause. Eliminates dryness, itching and pain. The composition of the drug includes lactic acid, which normalizes the acid-base balance and increases local immunity.
• Lactacid - helps with moderate dryness, has a mild effect and has no contraindications.

In addition to the use of medicines, to correct the problem, it is necessary to adjust the diet, observe personal hygiene and perform medical recommendations for stabilizing the hormonal level.

Alternative treatment

To eliminate hormonal changes during menopause, not only the classic methods recommended by the doctor, but also non-traditional methods of therapy are used. Alternative treatment of dry skin with menopause is represented by such recipes:

• Mix 250 ml of mineral water with 50 ml of milk. Wipe the body with this mixture for 20 minutes. The procedure promotes the production of collagen and improves skin condition.
• Mix until smooth ½ cup of cream, 100 g of butter, banana and avocado. In the resulting mashed potatoes, add 3-5 drops of rose oil and whisk again. The agent can be used as a body lotion.
• Combine 200 ml of honey, 250 ml of milk and a teaspoon of almond oil. The mixture should be heated in a water bath and add 20-30 grams to the bath during bathing or used as compresses on especially xerotic parts of the body.
• To eliminate cracks and peeling, mix in equal proportions glycerin and ammonia. If necessary, apply ointment on the damaged areas. To treat cracks, you can use a warm mixture of marigold oil and sea buckthorn.
• To normalize the skin condition on the face, you can prepare a special mask. Pour 100 g of oat flakes with milk and allow them to steam. In the prepared oatmeal, add ½ teaspoon of jojoba oil, almond oil and vitamin E. The mask should be kept for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Before using alternative medicine prescriptions, it is worth consulting with a dermatologist, as some components can cause an allergic reaction or aggravate the condition of the epidermis.

[27], [28], [29]

Herbal Treatment

Another option to eliminate problems with the skin during menopause is herbal treatment. Consider the most effective recipes for herbal therapy:

• Prepare a decoction of chamomile and a decoction of flax seeds in the desired proportion. During water procedures add decoctions in equal parts to the bath. It is in such water that it takes 10-15 minutes. After bathing, the skin becomes silky and smooth, dryness and itching go away.
• To effectively mitigate, the milk compress is great. Lactic acid contributes to the removal of dead cells, accelerates regeneration processes and helps healthy tissues to retain moisture. In cold milk or kefir, moisten a cotton napkin and apply to irritated areas for 5-7 minutes. After the procedure, you need to wash with warm water.
• Cut off the aloe leaf, rinse thoroughly, cut and remove the flesh. Soak the cotton ball in the pulp and wipe the skin with it. After this procedure, the body becomes soft and supple.
• Melt on a water bath a teaspoon of beeswax and a couple of tablespoons of lanolin. Add olive oil and aloe juice to the mixture. The resulting product must be used to wipe face and body.
• Immediately after water procedures, apply a mixture of honey and olive oil (2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of oil, warmed in a water bath) on the body. After 20 minutes, the mixture should be washed off with warm water. The mask nourishes the skin, eliminates itching and flaking, removes toxins.

When using herbal medicine recipes, you must strictly follow the instructions and do not change the proportion of recipes. This is associated with a risk of allergic reactions.

Homeopathy

To activate the natural systems of the body and alleviate the symptoms of menopause, homeopathy is used. This method of alternative medicine is based on the introduction into the body of small doses of natural substances, which leads to the gradual restoration of organs and systems. Homeopathic remedies do not have bactericidal or antitoxic properties, they do not contain hormones. They are prepared on the basis of plant components, minerals, secretions of living organisms.

To eliminate excessive dryness, burning, itching and flaking, the following preparations are recommended: Vita bardana, Vita derm crema, Vita pufa 3. Their dosage and duration of application are determined by a homeopath physician, individually for each patient. Also, there are homeopathic remedies that have a beneficial effect on the whole organism during menopause:

• Feminal is a preparation based on the extract of red clover. Its action is aimed at normalizing the level of sex hormones, that is, eliminating their deficiency.
• Remens is a homeopathic remedy based on the cimicifugi of ratsimosa, an extract of the Canadian sanguine, sepia, pilocarpus. Strengthens the body, compensates for the deficiency of female hormones.
• Estrovel - contains extracts of soy, nettle leaves, ricicosis cymicifugi and vitamins B, E. Reduces the pathological symptoms of menopause, reduces the risk of various neoplasms, compensates for calcium deficiency and positively affects the immune system.
• Ledis formula "Menopause" is a medicine based on the extract of passionflower, sarsaparilla, dong, vitamins B, E, minerals. Corrects psycho-emotional disorders, compensates for the lack of estrogens, prevents vitamin deficiency and osteoporosis.

In addition to the above drugs, for the normalization of the female body during menopause, such homeopathic remedies can also be prescribed: Tibestan, Femiwell, Lefem, Climacoplane, Menopace.

Operative treatment

Methods of surgical intervention with xerosis are not used. Operative treatment of skin dryness in menopause is represented by various physiotherapeutic procedures. They effectively moisturize the epidermis, normalize its condition, eliminate itching, flaking, cracks.

• Mesotherapy - in the deep layers of the skin with the help of a needle is introduced a vitamin solution. This procedure normalizes metabolic processes, improves nutrition and cell protection, prevents dehydration. Vitamin solution contains magnesium, potassium, sulfur, zinc, phosphorus, selenium and other useful substances.
• Biorevitalization - this procedure is the introduction under the skin of drugs with hyaluronic acid. Promotes moistening of the epidermis, normalizes the condition of elastin and collagen fibers, restores tissue structure.
• Microcurrent therapy - is used to normalize the metabolism. The skin is affected by weak electrical impulses, which simulates circulation and lymphatic drainage. This contributes to the restoration of damaged tissues. The effect of the procedure is similar to a healthy deep sleep, after which the skin looks rested and rejuvenated.

All procedures are prescribed and conducted by a cosmetologist, after examining the patient and collecting an anamnesis about the causes of the pathological condition.

Prevention

All prevention of dry skin during menopause consists of full body care, balanced nutrition and compliance with water balance. Consider the main recommendations that will preserve the beauty and health of the skin at any age and will warn any pathological changes:

• Humidification - after a shower and other water procedures, a feeling of tightness, itching and dryness may appear. To reduce discomfort, it is recommended to use saturated creamy preparations with moisturizing effect and vitamin composition.
• Exfoliation - regular peelings remove dead skin scales. This allows you to maintain its fresh color and improves the absorption of nutrients from cosmetic products. For rough areas (elbows, knees, feet), you can use scrubs, and for more delicate tissues - chemical exfoliators. The latter contain alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic and lactic acids.
• Prevention of dehydration - a healthy kind of skin largely depends on the level of moisture. To maintain it, you can use protective lotions to prevent loss of fluid. Also it is necessary to drink at least two liters of purified water per day. This is beneficial not only on the skin, but also on the general condition of the body.

In addition to the above recommendations, it is necessary to minimize the time spent in the sun. Since ultraviolet radiation negatively affects the state of the epidermis. Prevention consists of a balanced diet, rejection of bad habits and maintenance of physical activity and psycho-emotional health.

[30], [31], [32], [33]

Forecast

Dry skin with menopause is not a diagnosis, but merely a sign of hormonal changes in the body. The prognosis of this condition is favorable. Since to eliminate discomfort properly enough to care for the body, to follow a diet, to abandon bad habits. Of great importance is the choice of drugs to eliminate the xerosis. To maintain the normal state of the epidermis, funds with estrogens, vitamins, minerals and other substances useful to the body are recommended. Also do not forget about salon cosmetic procedures that allow you to restore the beauty and youth of the skin at any age.

[34], [35], [36]