Asian Skin Care

According to Robert B. Baker of The Permanente Journal, Asians have a 5.6% higher risk of atopic dermatitis, otherwise known as atopic eczema. Asians are also at risk for developing other skin-related problems similar to eczema. One of those skin abnormalities is something called Tinea Versicolor, something I developed when I was 16.

Although all races are at risk for developing this, Asians have increased risk for developing tinea versicolor because of Asia's climate. Thankfully, I have this infection under control now, thanks to taking proper care of my skin. I took small steps to protecting my skin from this abnormality. If you're Asian (or maybe if you're not) here's how you can protect your skin from skin abnormalities such as Tinea Versicolor and eczema.

Tinea Versicolor: How I Developed It
During the end of 10th grade I noticed some rough patches in the pit of my elbow. It looked very strange -- they were oval brown patches that itched a bit -- but I ignored it. My skin was always a bit weird, considering my Asian heritage. I didn't think much of it until summer hit.

When summer rolled around I noticed that the patches increased. It was getting hot in Minnesota (which basically meant it was over 60F) and these oval patches began to spread up my arms. They were darker too, harder to ignore. I'm notorious for hating hospitals, so I ignored it again, thinking it was no big deal.

At the end of that summer the patches got worse. Patches developed on my upper torso, surrounding my upper waist like a belt. The patches were bothersome by now because it itched so much. When I itched it, it got inflamed and sometimes bled. I still ignored it though, because I just assumed it was due to my recent growth spurt.

By the winter, the patches engulfed my entire body. They were all over my arms, stomach, upper chest, back, and began spreading on my neck. I wore long sleeved shirts and hoodies to cover it up. No matter how much I washed my skin it wouldn't go away, and by now I was getting frustrated. I still refused to go to the doctor, despite the increased problems.

The next summer, when I finished 11th grade, I decided to cut my waist-long hair. I cut it into a short bob. Of course this made hiding it worse, so I wore hoodies during the summer. After three days of donning this new hairdo, my mother finally noticed the patches on my neck and screamed. She whisked me off to the ER. She thought I was going to die, but I insisted she should stop worrying.

When the doctor came in to see me, he took a scraping of my skin. It was then he told me I had Tinea Versicolor, a skin condition where the fungus on my skin was reacting and causing these brown patches. He told me that no matter how much I took care of my skin, it wouldn't help. He also told me it's probably due to my Asian heritage.

How I Took Care of My Infected Asian Skin
When I initially was diagnosed, the doctor prescribed me pills that would fight the fungus. It would help clear my skin up, but it wouldn't get rid of it completely -- there is no cure for Tinea Versicolor. Unlike Vitilgo, which looks similar to Tinea Versicolor, the color isn't permanent, but there is no cure.

When pills didn't clear it up, I took skin care into my own hands. It helped put my Tinea Versicolor in 'remission'. Here's the four things I did to take care of my infected body:

1. Avoid getting sweaty. This sounds like an odd one, but I noticed when I got more sweatier, it made it worse. By taking great care to reduce sweat, you reduce break-outs. Asian skin is more sensitive than others, so keep that in mind.

2. Take care to avoid hot weather. Tinea Versicolor is supposed to be worse in hot, humid weather. Living in Asian countries is basically a breeding ground for Tinea Versicolor and skin problems. Take care to avoid hot weather. Also take great care to avoid humid climates if you can. Asian skin can't tolerate harsh environments.

3. Use creams. The biggest way you can care for yourself is using special creams and ointments. Asian skin is more sensitive than other skin, as I've noticed, so use creams for sensitive skin. Moisturizing your skin returns a healthy, Asian glow and reduces the severity of Tinea Versicolor -- at least in my opinion.

4. Stop itching! Hot weather makes the infected area itchy, but don't itch it. It aggravates it and makes it worse.

Once my Tinea Versicolor disappeared, so did the rough patches. I've been "Versicolor-free" for about 3 years.

What You Can Do to Avoid Tinea Versicolor
If you're an Asian who wants to avoid this infection, I've got some bad news for you. You can't. In fact, all races can't avoid it, but Asians and African-Americans are more suspect -- at least that's what my doctor told me. All you can do is take care of yourself by keeping yourself dry, avoiding humid weather, and using creams to moisturize. No, you aren't cursed with this if you are Asian, but there's a chance you could develop it if you're in the right environment.

So, again, remember these tips:

- Take care of yourself by moisturizing with fungus-killing cremes.
- Take care of yourself by drying oily and wet skin.
- Lastly, take care of yourself by letting your skin breathe. No tight fabrics.

Asian skin is very sensitive and suspect to many problems, so make sure to take care of your skin. Asian skin is gorgeous, but if you don't take care of it, that Asian skin'll turn very icky. Always make sure to take care of your Asian skin. Asian skin is sensitive, so treat it that way.

Sources:

Robert B. Baker M.D., "Incidence of Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema by Ethnic Group Seen Within a General Pediatric Practice", The Permenante Journal Vol. 3 No. 1

Alan Rockoff M.D., "Tinea Versicolor", MedicineNet