Professor Geoff Sussman...The Skin Why Protect It
Geoff Dumayne introduced Associate Professor Geoff Sussman by outlining a wonderful and extensive CV of research, education and clinical activity in the area of wound management and skin health. Presently linked to Auckland and Monash Universities plus some past stints at St Annes in Oxford, Geoff has had key roles in many medical societies across his areas of expertise and interest. He was awarded at OAM in 2006 for his efforts. Despite a passionate and still highly active role in his work at 77 years, Geoff has found time to be a Rotarian, and be involved in gymnastics and diving as personal pursuits!
His address at the meeting was on the care of the skin. So we learnt of the basic structure of that organ, many facts about it and hints and his observations for maintaining skin health. Perhaps simply catalogued under the following four captions this summary attempts to condense the full presentation which is available on our web link.
SKIN pH In brief the skin has an intrinsic acidic state. So Geoff's view is that it is essential to ensure as the skin ages that appropriate measures are taken such as not using soap or other alkaline pH products that will increase the drying and therefore cracking of the skin. Contrary to conventional soaps which are alkaline, pH neutral cleaners include Dove, Cetaphil Bar, QV Bar and Dermabeen.
SKIN MOISTURE A dry skin is to be avoided. While stressing the need to keep the skin moist with appropriate creams etc, Geoff pointed out that one needs to understand the components within them and the marketing behind such lists of contents. Products from Ego, Hamilton, Dermatech and Nivea are examples of simple products with few preservatives and few ingredients but which offer beneficial moisturising of the skin. Common aqueous based items provide little.
SUN DAMAGE UV protection creams (stronger is better) are important but care is needed to ensure that they are regularly reapplied as they wash off and on all areas of exposed skin.
THE USE OF SKIN ADHESIVES was a particular focus in Geoff's analysis of simple wound care as may prompt one to access the '"First Aid Kit". With updated knowledge of the damage which perceived old popular remedies such band-aids, and old-fashioned antiseptics can do especially to the skin of older people, Geoff recast the content of our "First Aid Kit" by introducing a range of modern products which posses the characteristics to encourage healing with little or no detrimental impact on the skin.
The audience was kept fascinated and interested by the magnificent blend of simply described medical technicalities and Geoff's skill in keeping the common touch to his address. See Geoff's presentation, click here.