12 Nov
Dandruff is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. The skin itself sheds every twenty-four days. Dandruff can happen at any age but is most commonly found in people between the ages of 12 and 80. Mild cases may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. And stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos. A yeast-like fungus that may cause or aggravate dandruff, a discovery that may lead to better treatments and even to a whole new wardrobe.
Dandruff is an itchy, annoying and persistent skin disorder of the scalp. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation. In the past ten years dandruff problems in the United States have become more serious and more frequent. As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common. Most cases of dandruff can be treated with specialized shampoos or common household remedies.
Dandruff is a shedding of the skin on the scalp that leads to white flakes on the head, neck, and shoulders. It is a natural and harmless scalp condition in which the shedding of dead skin cells occurs at an unusually fast rate. Because of the oily skin often associated with this condition, these cells clump together and flake off as dandruff. The skin of the scalp has many layers.
Dandruff and dark color shirt can never find a place together, because it looks really bad when someone brushes off the white flakes off your attire. At the initial level, dandruff might not seem like a big problem but at later stages it can become troublesome, when you’ll find that your skin is getting affected. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that can be easily treated.
Dandruff appears as scaling on the scalp without redness. Seborrhea is oiliness of the skin, especially of the scalp and face, without redness or scaling. Patients with seborrhea may later get seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis has both redness and scaling.
The main causes of dandruff are impairment of general health, development of a toxic condition mainly due to taking of wrong foods, constipation, and a low vitality due to infectious diseases. Another cause is caused by micro-organism called pityrosporum-ovle which is present in every body’s scalp.
Dandruff is usually a result of too much oiliness of the skin and scalp rather than dryness. While it is caused by build up of dead skin, in many more severe cases a yeast-like germ aggravates it. While this germ is normally present on everyone’s scalp, it can produce some irritation if it grows heavily. Hormones may also be another important cause, because dandruff usually starts after puberty and is more common in men than women. For unknown reasons, people with some illnesses, such as Parkinson’s disease, are more likely to have dandruff.
The most common symptom of dandruff is itching and excessive flaking of the scalp. Your scalp can be either excessively dry or oily. Severe cases may complain of dandruff scales appearing like lumps or crusts on the scalp. Dandruff is linked to impaired general well being and health, improper diet, constipation and low immune system functioning due to development of toxic conditions or infectious diseases.
Other probable causes of dandruff include emotional tension, harsh shampoos, general exhaustion and over-exposure to cold and heat conditions.
12 Nov
An eye stye is a common infection of the hair follicle of an eyelash. Generally, an eye stye starts with a small pimple. Within the next few days, it gets filled with pus and consequently bursts and heals on its own with the draining of infection.
An eye stye is believed to be caused by some debility in the system. It can even be caused due to blockage of glands by dirt or refraction error. A sty in the eye is usually a harmless development and can be treated at home. Styes may be treated by making a decoction (prepared from the roots, seeds, stems and other parts of the plants that are boiled in water) of eyebright and chamomile, to help reduce the inflammation.
Sometimes, the infection disappears quickly, without forming into a red swelling. But other styes worsen rapidly until the eyelid swells up. Eye stye occurs when staphylococcal bacteria infect one of the tiny glands at the base of the eyelid hairs and then becomes inflamed. It is commonly found as small bumps on the base of eyelids.
Stye is often accompanied with certain complications, such as there may be spread of infection to other eyelash follicles. There may also be spread of infection to the tissue of the eyelid, which is known as Eyelid cellulites. The symptoms of styes may resemble other conditions or medical problems.
1. Do not touch your eyes when you are gardening or cooking.
2. You should protect your eyes from air pollution and dust.
3. You should wear sunglasses before going outside.
4. Take a cup of water. Dissolve 2-3 granules of alum in it. Use as an eyewash.
5. Slit an aloe leaf lengthwise and place the pulpy side on the sore eye.
8 Nov
Melasma is a tan or dark facial skin discoloration. Melasma is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women. Melasma is an acquired of sun-exposed areas. The symptoms of melasma are dark, irregular patches commonly found on the upper cheek, nose, lips, upperlip, and forehead. These patches often develop gradually over time. Melasma does not cause any other symptoms beyond the cosmetic discoloration. Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis of sun-exposed areas. It presents as symmetric hyperpigmented macules, which can be confluent or punctate. The cheeks, the upper lip, the chin, and the forehead are the most common locations, but it can occasionally occur in other sun-exposed locations. Chloasma is especially common in women aged 20-40. It affects the forehead, cheeks and upper lips. It occurs frequently during pregnancy and is more common in dark skins than in fair skins. The most important factor in the development of melasma is exposure to sunlight. Cause of melasma is genetics, hormonal changes, and sun exposure are known to play important roles.
Melasma also increases in patients with thyroid disease. It is thought that the overproduction of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) brought on by stress can cause outbreaks of this condition. Other rare causes of melasma include allergic reaction to medications and cosmetics.Melasma is thought to be the stimulation of melanocytes or pigment-producing cells by the female hormones estrogen and progesterone to produce more melanin pigments when the skin is exposed to sun. Women with a light brown skin type who are living in regions with intense sun exposure are particularly susceptible to developing this condition. Genetic predisposition is also a major factor in determining whether someone will develop melasma. Other factors that make it more likely that a person will get melasma include using medications that make you sensitive to the sun (photosensitizing). These can include some cosmetics and medicines used to treat ovarian or thyroid problems.
Apply the bleaching cream first then the sunscreen on top.Bleaching creams contain hydroquinone, which inhibits formation of new pigment. Bleaching creams take 3 to 6 months to obtain a worthwhile lightening of pigmentation.Stop daily bleaching cream after six months. Tretinoin always causes a degree of pinkness and peeling of the facial skin which can be controlled by starting with a little then building up. It may fade freckles, improve acne and smooth wrinkles. A sun screen must be applied as well. Avoid applying bleaching cream to normal skin as this will lighten as well. Sun protection is very important to minimise sun exposure on the face. Use a broad-spectrum very high protection factor sunscreen of reflectant type and apply it to the whole face. Avoid irritating the facial skin No strong soaps or abrasive cleaners - use only a mild soap or cleanser for washing.
Laser peel resurfacing is sometimes worthwhile. It is very important to follow up with careful sun avoidance and it may also be necessary to use hydroquinone. Another approach to chloasma is to use special camouflage cosmetics. Wear a hat with a brim to shade and protect your face. Apply sun block (such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to vulnerable areas.Use sunscreen that protects against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation. The sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Azelaic acid cream inhibits formation of pigment and is also effective against acne. Try it first on a small test area of the chloasma as described above for bleaching creams. There can be mild stinging after putting it on. This will settle with continued use of the cream. Superficial chemical peels (glycolic acid or Jessner solution) may be helpful. Deeper chemical peels run the risk of increasing pigmentation and causing uneven results, but may be recommended in severe cases.
1. Add 20 drops lavender and chamomile essential oil for a cool and soothing bath.
2. Grated cucumber can be applied all over the face. The juice is good for the skin around eyes too.
3. A thin paste of sandalwood applied to the sunburn area is beneficial
4. Wash the affected area with an antibacterial soap to prevent secondary infection.
5. Apply cold aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, or plantain to help heal sunburn.
6. Add a little lemon juice to milk and apply with cotton wool. Mayonnaise can also be applied by itself. It helps to soothe sunburn.
7. Add 20 drops of urtica urens tincture in four ounces of water and bathe the bruised area.
8. Before and after showering apply coconut or neem oil on your body.
9. When you are swimming in the sea, or in an open-air pool, remember to apply sunscreen before and after your swim.
10. Make a paste of Barley, turmeric and yogurt in equal proportions. Apply it over the area.
8 Nov
Dermatitis simply means skin inflammation. It caused by direct contact with an irritating substance. It is more common in men than women and the peak age of onset is at 55-65 years of age. Perioral dermatitis may be a form of the skin disorder rosacea, adult acne or seborrheic dermatitis, involving the skin around the mouth or nose. Common chemical irritants include detergents, soaps, chlorine, some synthetic fibers, nail polish remover, antiperspirants, and formaldehyde (found in permanent-press fabrics, polishes, artificial-fingernail adhesive, particle board, and foam insulation). Wearing rubber gloves, unwashed new clothes, or plated jewelry can also cause contact dermatitis. Many types of dermatitis. Contact dermatitis typically causes the skin to develop a pink or red rash. Pinpointing the exact cause of contact dermatitis can be difficult. Among plants, the leading culprits are poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, although contact with certain flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables irritate some people. Nummular dermatitis consists of distinctive coin-shaped red patches that are most commonly seen on the legs, hands, arms and torso.
The exact cause is unknown, but makeup, moisturizers, topical corticosteroids or some dental products containing fluoride may play a role. Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, causes the skin to itch, scale, swell and sometimes blister. Eczema usually runs in families and is often associated with allergies, asthma, and stress. Seborrheic dermatitis consists of greasy, yellowish, or reddish scaling on the scalp and other hairy areas, as well as on the face or genitals, and in skin creases along the nose, under the breasts. is caused by an overproduction and blockage of oil glands. This condition is called cradle cap in infants and is likely related to hormonal changes affecting the glands. It may be aggravated by stress. Stasis dermatitis is caused by poor circulation and can happen in people with varicose veins, congestive heart failure, or other conditions. Veins in the lower legs fail to return blood efficiently, causing pooling of blood and fluid buildup and edema. This leads to unhealthy skin growth and irritation, especially around the ankles.
1. Bathing Reduce how often you bath or shower, using lukewarm water.
2. Replace standard soap with a substitute such as a mild detergent soap-free cleanser.
3. Clothing Wear soft smooth cool clothes; wool is best avoided.
4. Apply an emollient liberally and often, particularly after bathing, and when itchy.
5. Apply a topical steroid cream or ointment to the itchy patches for a 5 to 15 day course. Steroids should usually be applied once or twice daily to the red and itchy areas
6. Pimecrolimus cream is a new anti-inflammatory cream shown to be very effective for atopic dermatitis.
7. Antihistamine tablets may help reduce the irritation, and are particularly useful at night.
8. Sometimes, creams containing hydrocortisone or wet dressings that provide moisture to your skin may help relieve redness and itching.
1. Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon camphor and 1 teaspoon sandalwood paste on the rashes. Apply nutmeg paste to the affected areas. Put natural vitamin E on the affected skin, it will relieve you of itching. Zinc taken orally and applied directly on the affected skin is effective.
2. Oatmeal baths made from powders such as Aveeno provide effective but temporary relief from the itching of eczema and dermatitis
3. Apply cod liver oil, vitamin E oil, or aloe vera gel to affected areas.
4. Take chickweed, dandelion, red clover, Redmond clay, and yellow dock in capsule form.
5. Shark cartilage reduces inflammation.
6. Use a lotion made out of blueberry leaves this is proven to be fantastic relieving inflammation of dermatitis.
8 Nov
Pruritus (Itch) is an uncomfortable sensation. Pruritus (itch) is a common symptom encountered by dermatologists and primary physicians. It is defined as an unpleasant sensation that provokes a desire to scratch. Pruritus is one of the most prominent and disturbing symptoms of skin and other diseases, which was already known to the physicians in the Old Age, including Hippocrates who wrote about it. Pruritus has to be distinguished from pain, burning, tickling, touch and other sensations. It should be stressed that pruritus is a symptom and not a disease. It is a subjective sensation, but sometimes it can be accompanied by excoriations, crusts, hyperpigmentation, lichenification with thickening, increased skin creasing, and burnished nails. It can also lead to pyodermization. Pruritus affects patients of all ages. It may be most noticeable and bothersome at night or after bowel movements. An itch from cutaneous (skin-related) stimuli, such as movement of small hairs on the body.
Pruritus(Itch) was thought to be transmitted along the same pathway as pain, although recent research has found that itching has its own neural pathways. An itch caused by histamine is transmitted to the brain by a different neural pathway. Sometimes hemorrhoids will start off as anal itching. For this reason it is important to be examined by a physician. Pinworms can cause sever anal itching and should be thought of if several members of the family have this problem. One can see the worms by putting scotch tape over the area than looking at the tape. In addition, drinking certain beverages, including some alcoholic beverages - especially beer - milk, citrus fruit juices and drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea and cola, may be aggravating for some people. Similarly, some foods that may be a problem include chocolate, fruits, tomatoes, nuts and popcorn. Other rare causes of pruritus ani may include pinworms, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal infections and allergies.
1. Itching can be treated directly with an antipruritic (antihistamines or mint).
2. Ice and cold water can also be helpful.
3. Sometimes scratching relieves isolated itches, hence the existence of devices such as the back scratcher.
4. Avoid any provocative factors, e.g. dryness of the environment, wearing irritating fabric, overheating, stress, vasodilatation from hot food.
5. Topical applications: Emollient, menthol in calamine lotion can be used.
6. Commonly used oral medication: Antihistamine are most useful in conditions in which antihistamine clearly plays a role, e.g. urticaria.
1. Baking soda battles itches of all kinds. Add 1 cup baking soda to a tub of warm water. Soak for 30 to 60 minutes and air dry. Localized itches can be treated with a baking soda paste. Mix 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Apply to the itch, but do not use if the skin is broken.
2. Add 1 to 2 cups finely ground oatmeal to a warm bath to ease your itches.
3. Lemon is also treat itchy skin.
4. Pour a cupful of white vinegar in bath water and soak the body in it for 5-10 minutes.
5. Application of cod liver oil or Aloe Vera to the affected area is also beneficial.
6. Salt free diet is the best when suffering from itchy skin.
7. Application of vitamin E oil is also effective.
8. Neem is an effective remedy for all types of skin problems. Application of neem oil to the affected areas gives relief from itching.
9. Cover the affected area with light paste of coconut oil and limejuice.
8 Nov
Cold sores also called fever blisters. Cold sores are caused by a viral infection that attacks the skin and nervous system. . They are sometimes confused with impetigo, which usually develops between the nose and upper lip. Fluid that weeps from impetigo is cloudy and honey-colored. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and they’re contagious. Canker sores, which aren’t contagious, are ulcers that occur in the soft tissues inside your mouth, places where cold sores don’t occur. Cold sores are usually caused by herpes virus, which can lay dormant in the body and becomes active later when something triggers it. Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 are two strains of the Herpes virus family, Herpesviridae, which cause infections in humans. HSV establishes latency, during which the virus is present in the cell bodies of nerves which innervate the area of original outbreak. During reactivation, virus is produced in the cell and transported outwardly via the nerve cell’s axon to the skin.
Herpes infections are marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips) or on the genitals. People can catch HSV-1 by kissing a person with a cold sore or sharing a drinking glass or utensils, so it’s easy to see why there are so many cold sores around.The blisters resemble those seen in Chickenpox an infection caused by a third member of the alpha-Herpesviridae subfamily, Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), also known as Human Herpes Virus 3 (HHV-3). Lesions heal with a crudescent scab, the hallmark of herpetic disease. HSV is generally transmitted by direct contact of lips or genitals when the sores are present, or also when no sores are present (known as viral shedding). HSV can be present in semen, fluids, and saliva. In addition, herpes may be transmitted during childbirth, which can be fatal to the infant. The immature immune system of the child is unable to defend against the virus and even if treated, infection can result in brain damage.
HSV-1 is so common that most Americans get infected with it, although many never have any symptoms. Around 1 in 5 people in the UK have frequently recurring cold sores. Some people never get them, either because they do not have the virus or because it never becomes active. Kids who get infected with HSV-1 may get cold sores occasionally for the rest of their lives That’s because even after the sores themselves dry up and go away, the virus stays in the body, waiting around for another time to come out and cause more sores. Cold sores will usually go away on their own within a few days.Treatment may include topical creams or ointments or sometimes antiviral medicines (such as acyclovir or famciclovir). Treatment may reduce the duration of the cold sores by only 1 to 2 days. Using a medication may shorten the duration of cold sores and decrease your pain.
1. Drug called acyclovir (Zovirax), which may help shorten the length of the outbreak.
2. Good hand washing when a sore is present will help prevent the spread of the infection.
3. Treatment may include topical creams or ointments or sometimes antiviral medicines (such as acyclovir or famciclovir).
4. Treat any pain by taking paracetamol or applying witch hazel to the sore. A topical (applied to the skin) anaesthetic
5. Avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods and drinks, which may irritate the sore.
6. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins A, C and E, zinc and iron is also important to keep the immune system strong.
1. Ice is a very good home remedy for cold sores. Rub ice on the infected skin for few minutes, repeat this every hour.
2. Apply a tea bag for few minutes on the blisters, repeat this every hour. One can also consider pressing a warm tea bag on the blisters for approximately 30 minutes.
3. Applying Witch Hazel on sores will give you some relief.
4. Avoid acidic and salty foods. Foods such as chocolates, peanuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal and whole-wheat are high in arginine, therefore they should be restricted.
5. Avoid tea and coffee. Eat vitamin rich diet.
6. Applying sunscreen to your lips may help prevent sun-induced recurrences of cold sores.
7. Change your toothbrush.
8. Coconut Oil - Take 100ml of coconut oil, 2ml of dettol, and 3ml or carbolic acid and mix them together. Apply twice daily directly on your cold sore. Some people say this formula also works on boils and mosquito bites.
9. Take a leaf from an aloe vera plant and rub the liquid from it onto your cold sore blister
10. Tea Tree Oil is the best home remedy for cold sores. This is a drink that contains tea tree oil, herbal sage, and violet. These ingredients are mixed together with a couple sage leaves and ginger powder, and put in with a cup of boiling water. Drink this 2-3 times a day and within a couple of days your cold sore will be gone.
11. Ibuprofen is a useful home remedy for cold sores as well as additional bodily ailments.
12. Take 3 acidophilus pills in the morning and 3 in the evening and it will start to dry out and clear up. If you suffer from frequent ones, take 2 a day to keep them away.