Where does stewardess disease get its name from?

No, stewardess sickness has nothing to do with high altitude anxiety or an allergy to tomato juice, but refers to an acne-like rash on the face, which can mainly be localized around the mouth or around the eyes. Where did the stewardess disease get its name from? You will find out in this article:


The medical term “perioral dermatitis” is used medically correctly for this quite common skin disease. The term "stewardess disease" was coined in the 1950s when stewardesses were able to stock up on new products from different countries shortly after the war. Perioral dermatitis is caused by excessive use of cosmetics. Dry cabin air and long flight times without the possibility of removing make-up put additional strain on the skin and this led to the formation of pimples and pustules in the perioral area. The consequence was often an even stronger make-up to cover the skin changes and so a vicious circle came into force that was difficult to stop.


Overall, the motto “less is more” applies. Conventional cosmetics as well as luxury products often contain substances such as parabens and silicones, which ensure superficial "success" after use, but have no lasting effect and even damage the skin: These additives can affect the balance of the skin as they are not absorbed by it and instead remain on the surface of the skin; therefore they cannot be broken down, which makes natural regeneration of the skin more difficult.


The best therapy, today as then, is a cosmetic zero diet, i.e. leaving out all irritating substances on the skin!


Treatment with cortisone ointments is not recommended, as these aggravate the skin problems and can lead to permanent skin damage. Rather, light anti-inflammatory creams with erythromycin as an active ingredient can help, and in more stubborn cases a short-term tablet cure with minocycline, a special skin antibiotic. Both require a prescription.


Natural home remedies, such as compresses with cool, black tea, can help relieve burning, tight skin and itching.


Even after the disease has healed, the following applies to skin care: “Less is more” - and not just for stewardesses!


 


You can find more articles on the subject of skin and skin health here: https://le-manoir.de/dermablog/


More information on the subject of "Where does the stewardess disease get its name from?": Https://www.spiegel.de/gesundheit/diagnose/periorale-dermatitis-mundrose-der-raetselhaft-make-up-ausschlag-a-1089662.html


Your dr. med. Peter Kessler