What the steam causes the skin

In recent years, it has been considered an alternative to smoking and is often shown as a safer option. However, research shows that it has harmful health effects including skin. “Steam products contain harmful substances like traditional cigarettes. Johns Hopkins University studied the steam of popular fluids and found nearly 2,000 chemicals, including formaldehyde, nicotine and derivatives thereof, propylene glycol, toluene, acetaldehyde and trace elements such as cadmium, nickel and lead. Others were the same as those contained in regular cigarettes and others completely unknown! CORVERSE Substances such as nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and aromas containing can lead the body to oxidative stress and inflammation – factors known for their contribution to the development of skin problems, such as atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and premature aging”, explains Dermatologist – Afrodisiologist Dr. Christos Stamos. For example, a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that nicotine can reduce blood flow, reducing oxygen supply to the skin and thus preventing its ability to heal and be reborn. The level of damage depends on the toxins entering the body during inhalation and the number of times the device is used. DEPENDENCE “In particular are teenagers vulnerable. With hormonal changes taking place at the specific time of their lives they are very likely to already suffer from skin diseases such as acne and steaming to make it worse. Such a development will certainly strengthen issues of discontent and self-esteem that they often experience,” he adds. What Steam Can Cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis The chances of allergic contact dermatitis from using an electronic cigarette are increased. The point most frequently affected is palms, usually the “good” – dominant hand. The second most frequent localization is the area of the face and neck. The way the patient keeps the vapour device leads to the development of allergic contact dermatitis, possibly due to the sweat of the hand that corroses the device, exposing nickel to the skin. Clinical symptoms of this contact dermatitis include itching, erythematous, scaly spots with or without lignosis. Nickel and menthol, as well as hydroxycitronellal, iodopropynyl carbamate butyl ester and polyethylene glycol, are some known incriminating for developing contact dermatitis. Liquids also contain substances such as quinnamaldehyde, which reduces immunity, and others that promote oxidative stress damaging the skin barrier contributing to the development of allergic contact dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis There is a proven relationship between smoking and the risk of atopic dermatitis, even in teenagers. People of this age who use electronic cigarettes are at increased risk of developing “atopic course”. Although studies are still required to clarify the mechanism, it is believed that the condition, when attributed to the vapour, develops by inhalation of aerosols leading to local skin awareness, which in turn activates the systemic immune response. Edge Researchers have conducted studies, although not enough, on the challenge or deterioration of acne. It has been found that ingredients within a steaming device, such as heating element or steam, could irritate the skin, resulting in the development or exacerbation of the condition in predisposed individuals. Nicotine, for example, is known to cause inflammation and steam increase in sebum production, which can block pores and lead to common acne, but also worsen the symptoms of patients as well as those with rose-colored acne. Investigations continue. Burns Battery malfunctions and electronic cigarette short circuits are likely to cause burns. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported a 40-fold increase in the number of injuries based on visits to emergency departments from 2015 to 2017 compared to 2009 to 2015, i.e. before the steam became so popular. The most common type of burns are those caused by flame and follow chemical alkaline burns. The depth of these varies from surface to deep. Many require skin graft closure. Nor are the complications of burns negligible, since they can even cause systemic damage. Wound healing While traditional cigarettes have largely been associated with difficulty healing wounds, further studies are needed to confirm whether the same effects have also been on electronic cigarettes. The data so far show that there is a very significant negative impact, especially on diabetics. This also plays a key role in the outcome of surgery. Steamers, but also many smokers using electronic cigarettes to refrain from smoking during the perioperative period, do not know that electronic cigarettes contain at least as much nicotine as traditional cigarettes. Therefore, they may also adversely affect tissue oxygenation and wound healing and lead to lesions, including skin necrosis and vasculospasm. “It is obvious that the steam is not innocent, nor a healthy choice over smoking for the body and for the skin, since electronic cigarettes cause several cytological changes. Their negative effects on neutrophil function are a aggravating factor in the progression of psoriasis and other systemic, autoimmune diseases. They damage DNA and lead to a malfunction of endothelial cells that is the fundamental basis of the dermatological damage associated with the electronic cigarette. Upon cessation of steaming blood flow increases and carbon monoxide levels decline. So the skin improves, while oxygen, antioxidants and the production of new skin cells return to normal,” concludes Dr. Stamos.