Our skin is colonized by billions of bacteria in a balanced equilibrium. They are part of the natural skin flora and serve as a protective shield against external influences. However, even the smallest injuries or a weakened immune system can allow bacteria and pathogenic germs to penetrate the skin and cause skin inflammations. Depending on the location and pathogen, this triggers different skin conditions.
Some skin regions are more prone to inflammatory processes. This applies especially to areas with many glands and hair follicles. Heavy sweating in places where skin touches or rubs against skin is another risk factor, which is further aggravated by severe obesity. In addition, certain work and lifestyle habits as well as athletic activities can contribute to the development of skin inflammations.
Skin inflammations frequently occur in these areas:
Among the most common causes of bacterial skin inflammation are bacteria that penetrate the body. It can develop through external injuries (e.g., cuts, chafed areas, or animal bites), surgeries, other tissue damage, or a weakened immune system.
Excessive body hygiene...
…for example, through improper care and excessive use of disinfectants—alters the skin’s pH value and damages the natural acid mantle. This makes it easier for inflammatory pathogens to penetrate the skin.
During shaving...
…the razor blades often also injure parts of the outermost skin layer. Bacteria or germs can enter through these minimal wounds and cause inflammation.
Friction on the skin...
…as occurs during sports through constantly repeated movements, for example, can damage the epidermis and facilitate the penetration of pathogens.
Stress and an unhealthy lifestyle...
…with poor nutrition and excessive consumption of alcohol and cigarettes impairs the immune system. The weakened body cannot fully defend against inflammatory pathogens that it could otherwise withstand.
Lack of movement...
…can particularly endanger those skin areas on which one’s own body weight permanently rests. This is usually related to the affected person’s restricted mobility due to a serious illness or advanced age. The constant pressure makes corresponding skin areas particularly susceptible to inflammation.
A weakened immune defense...
…due to chronic pre-existing conditions promotes inflammatory skin processes. For example, diabetics suffer from poor circulation and very dry skin, which can contribute to the development of inflammatory skin conditions.
When harmful bacteria penetrate the skin, inflammatory skin processes are set in motion, which manifest through different symptoms depending on location and severity. Bacterial infections should always be taken seriously. Detected early, painful skin inflammations can be treated gently and in a skin-friendly manner, and serious health consequences can be avoided.
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Pimples are reddish elevations or inflammatory skin changes that often develop from a blackhead. They are frequently filled with pus. Adolescents during puberty are particularly affected, but pimples can occur at any age.
Pimples develop primarily in areas with many sebaceous glands: on the face, neck and back, décolleté, as well as shoulders and upper arms.
When hormonal changes, stress, and improper care lead to excessive sebum production, the sebum can no longer drain and clogs the glands. Initially, a whitehead forms, which darkens over time. If the clogged sebaceous gland becomes infected by bacteria, the blackhead turns into a purulent pimple. As a result, extensive purulent inflammations can also develop.
Squeezing pimples is not recommended. The open wound can become even more inflamed as bacteria penetrate neighboring skin areas. In addition, squeezing can leave unsightly scars.
A healthy lifestyle can contribute to clear skin and the reduction of pimples. In terms of diet, fatty and sugar-rich foods as well as too many dairy products should be replaced with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided.
Hectic pace and stress in everyday life should be largely avoided, as stress hormones stimulate sebum production. Regular exercise, preferably in fresh air, increases well-being and simultaneously stimulates blood circulation in the skin.
If pimples do develop, various creams and ointments can help reduce inflammation and associated symptoms. Gentle treatment with plant-based preparations such as ilon Classic is recommended. If acne is suspected, a dermatologist should be consulted.
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Abscesses develop when pathogens enter the body through small skin injuries, such as those that can occur during shaving or improper manicure, and multiply there. The body responds with a defense mechanism and forms a pus capsule to prevent the spread of infection. However, this makes it difficult for healthy cells to reach the inflammation site and stimulate the natural healing process.
Abscesses can occur in various parts of the body. Smaller abscesses and abscess-like inflammations can be treated well in the early stage with medications such as ilon Classic to prevent possible spread of the inflammation. However, it is important to note: If symptoms persist, worsen, or possible side effects occur, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted. This applies especially when abscesses appear on the face.
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Razor bumps are small red pustules that are partially filled with pus. When inflammation sites merge into larger areas, this is also called razor burn.
Individual susceptibility to skin irritations during shaving varies and depends on the degree of skin sensitivity and hair quality. People with curly hair are more frequently affected because the regrowing hair pushes under the skin instead of following the hair canal in its growth direction. These ingrown hairs can easily become inflamed.
In addition, even the smallest injuries from improper shaving represent entry points for bacteria that cause razor bumps.
Razor bumps can develop on any hairy body area. In men, the face and neck are usually affected, as daily shaving severely impacts the sensitive skin. In women, razor bumps occur more frequently in the groin area and intimate region when tight, chafing clothing is worn after intimate shaving. The sensitive skin under the arms can also be irritated and inflamed during shaving or epilation.
To prevent razor bumps, switching from dry shaving to wet shaving can be helpful. For protection and care of sensitive skin, the use of mild aftershave lotions or balms after each hair removal is recommended. This soothes the skin and provides moisture; disinfecting and antibacterial properties can prevent inflammations.
If razor bumps have already formed, medical specialty ointments can combat the inflammation. Skin-friendly preparations based on plant ingredients such as ilon Classic have proven effective.
Ingrown hairs are a common problem after hair removal. These occur when shaved or epilated hairs regrow and bend back into the skin or grow sideways into the skin. This leads to red, inflamed nodules that can become painfully inflamed. This problem is particularly common in areas with dense hair growth such as the neck, bikini area, or under the arms. To avoid ingrown hairs, thorough skin care should be maintained. The skin should be regularly exfoliated to remove dead skin cells and enable free regrowth of hairs. For treating ingrown hairs, special products such as ilon Classic can be used, which help reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing process.
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Hair follicle inflammations are small reddish thickenings on the skin at the exit point of a hair, usually surrounded by purulent, yellow-green, or whitish pustules.
Folliculitis can basically affect any hair. Usually affected are the face, neck and scalp, as well as buttocks and genital area, or arms and legs. Typical signs of hair follicle inflammation are reddened areas and small pustules filled with pus around the hair, as well as pain sensitivity when pressure is applied. Additional accompanying symptoms such as itching and pain may occur.
Hair follicle inflammation often develops through injuries to the skin surface, for example during shaving. Even a minimal cut, abrasion, or tearing of a hair is sufficient for germs to penetrate the outermost skin layer. Another risk factor is blockage of the hair follicle due to excessive sebum production on the hair shaft. The resulting sebum accumulation can promote bacterial infection—particularly affecting people who are already prone to skin inflammations.
Hair follicle inflammations should be treated as quickly as possible to prevent possible spread. To control the course of the condition, the use of special ointments such as ilon Classic is recommended, which eliminate inflammations, swelling, and pus foci. To prevent the infection from spreading, all clothing items and other textiles that come into contact with inflamed areas, such as towels and bed linens, should be washed as hot as possible.
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A nail bed inflammation is an infection of the tissue area from which the nail grows and which is covered by the nail. The so-called perionychium, the tissue around the nail, can also be inflamed. Nail bed inflammation can occur on fingers and toes.
Nail bed inflammation is usually caused by bacteria, especially staphylococci. On undamaged skin, these microorganisms cause no harm. However, they can enter the body through small cuts and tears, irritated skin areas, or ingrown nails and cause acute, sometimes purulent inflammations.
While anyone can basically be affected by nail bed inflammation, some groups have a higher risk of infection:
The first signs of nail bed inflammation are usually redness of the affected skin area and itching around the nail. Subsequently, the area swells, the skin appears reddish and shiny, and local overheating occurs. Initially, the area only hurts when pressure is applied to the nail plate or surrounding skin. As it progresses, the pain can increase and throbbing may occur in the affected finger or toe. Inflammation on the toe is often more painful because body weight rests on the toes when walking.
Treatment with home remedies such as tea tree oil, chamomile, or compresses with healing clay, which are often recommended, can very rarely keep the inflammation in check. Instead, early use of medications such as ilon Classic is recommended at the first symptoms. Treatment of inflammation in the nail area always involves risks. Therefore, whenever possible, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted, especially if symptoms persist, worsen, or possible side effects occur.
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Our body has approximately three million sweat glands. Palms, soles, and forehead are particularly densely populated, and a large number of sweat glands are also located under the arms and in the genital area.
Basically, two types can be distinguished: sweat glands at hair follicles and on hairless skin. They all secrete fluid and moisten our skin surface. This effectively regulates our body temperature. Through sweating in heat, the sweat evaporates on the skin and thus causes cooling.
Skin areas with high sweat gland density are particularly at risk for inflammations. When bacteria penetrate the sweat glands, smaller abscesses form there. Blockage of the glands with sebum or by heavy creams or oils can promote such purulent inflammations. This creates an enclosed microclimate that represents an ideal environment for bacteria.
Possible symptoms of sweat gland inflammation are inflamed purulent sebaceous glands, reddish-colored skin areas around the purulent inflammation, and pain sensation when pressure is applied.
Detected early, sweat gland inflammation can be treated well in the early stage to avoid possible spread. Medical ointments that protect the skin from chafing and swelling are suitable. A plant-based drawing ointment such as ilon Classic can help manage sweat gland inflammation in a gentle yet effective way.
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