Facts about Eczema

Eczema (also known as dermatitis) is the name for a group of diseases that are the result of inflammation of the skin. The inflammation is a reaction of the immune system to a complex series of factors. These include the genes you inherit and external elements such as the climate and the food you eat.

There are many different forms of eczema; they can affect any age group, and their pattern and severity differs from individual to individual.

Eczematous skin tends to be red and scaly, sometimes with small blisters. It is intensely itchy and scratching can cause bleeding and infection.

Eczema is the commonest type of skin disease seen by doctors, and your doctor or pharmacist will be able to give you more detailed information on the disease. Here is some brief information about some of the more common types of eczema.

Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema is thought to be hereditary as there is often a family history of atopic allergy (eczema, asthma or hayfever). Approximately 60% of sufferers develop atopic eczema before the age of one year but fortunately most grow out of it by the age of 16. However the inherited tendency to eczema never goes away and it can return in later life. The natural course of the disease is that it flares up and then dies down from one week to the next, often affecting the wrists, ankles and behind the knees. The intense itch disturbs sleep and results in skin damage by scratching which can lead to secondary bacterial infection. The aim of treatment is to stop the skin flaring and keep the condition under control.

Contact Dermatitis

There are two types of contact dermatitis - irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. As the name suggests, the individual will have come into contact with external irritant which has caused the eczema.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis generally develops over a long period of time as a result of regular contact with a substance. It is the body's immune system reacting against the substance that causes the eczema. Typical substances a person can become allergic to are perfume, make up, and the nickel in costume jewellery.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis usually affects adults and is due to contact with irritants to the skin, commonly on the hands. Household detergents and chemicals used around the home or the workplace are the main culprits. New mothers often develop this type of eczema; the arrival of a new baby inevitably leads to more frequent hand washing. Hair dressers are also prone because their hands are frequently in water and in contact with chemicals in shampoos and hair dyes.

Seborrhoeic Eczema

This can affect adults or babies. In babies it is more commonly referred to as cradle cap and can be found in the scalp and nappy areas. Unlike atopic eczema, although it looks bad, it is not sore or itchy and generally clears up from the age of one onwards.

In adults, men are more susceptible; it usually affects the 20-40 year old age group. It causes redness and scaling of the skin. Dandruff is a mild form of seborrhoeic eczema. It can also involve the face, the eyelids and the eyebrows. This type of eczema is usually associated with yeast growth.

Varicose Eczema

This is more common in women than men and tends to develop in later life due to poor circulation. It may be associated with varicose veins. It affects the lower legs and ankles and leads to increased risk of ulceration in those areas.

Discoid Eczema

The cause of discoid eczema is unknown. It usually affects adults, often in later life. The affected skin appears like coin shaped red scaly patches usually on the lower legs.

Is eczema contagious?

No. Although eczema looks unpleasant, you cannot catch it or spread it by touching.

What causes eczema?

Eczema is a very complex condition and there is rarely one single cause for a person’s eczema. It is usually a combination of the inherited tendency and a trigger factor.

External trigger factors include house dust mites, contact with pets, climate, or the dyes in synthetic fibres. Stress, and occasionally diet can also have an effect.

Is there a cure?

Currently there is no cure for eczema. By following a good skin routine with emollients and appropriate medical care the effects of eczema can be managed and controlled.

Facts about Eczema

By: Blooger on: 10:11 AM

Top 5 Homemade Acne Masks

While many people are suffering from acne only a few of us have the knowledge to make our own acne treatment that helps us reduce our acne problems. With this short guide you will find out how to make homemade acne mask from few simple ingredients that are present at almost every home.

For easier start we have selected top five acne mask recipes which you can use for your endless struggle with acne.

Acne Mask #1: Salt Mask

This one of the easiest homemade acne masks that you can make. To make it you need sea salt or cooking salt and some water. You put the salt in the water for 20 minutes then apply the mask to acne spots and leave it on for 10-30 minutes. Salt cleans the skin and dries acne spots which makes it perfect treatment for acne scars. If you have the option then go to swim in the sea and you do not even have to make the mask, you just swim in it and enjoy the natural acne treatment.

Acne Mask #2: Baking Soda

Another easy homemade acne mask which makes miracles for some of us when it comes to acne treatment. To make this mask all you need is water and baking soda. First clean acne spots with preferred cleanser (skin cleanser that you use normally will do the task), then mix the water and baking soda and apply the mixture on acne spots. Leave the mixture on for a while, do some household chores, read a book, go on internet, talk to your friends, watch television or do whatever makes you happy and then rinse the mask off your face. When soda mask will be removed you can feel how soft and clean is your skin. This treatment does not work the same for everyone, while some see drastic improvement in their acne treatment, others do not see any results. It depends on a person and skin type but if you find this mask suitable and efficient repeat the treatment several times a week for few weeks and you can say good bye to acne.

Acne Mask #3: Yogurt Mask

If two masks mentioned above were easy to make here is the third simple homemade acne mask that everyone can make. It consists of Yogurt and Honey and does not need a lot of preparation.

Take one teaspoon of honey and heat it up a little so it becomes softer (if you have dry skin ad additional teaspoon of honey for better effect). Then mix the honey with one tablespoon of natural yogurt which is medium fat (do not use low or non-fat yogurt). Mix the ingredients at room temperature for a while. When it is prepared apply it to acne spots that you wish to treat. Leave it on 10-20 minutes and then was it off with washcloth. If this acne mask helps you, try to use it several times a week and get rid of acne fast.

Acne Mask #4: Oatmeal and Onion Mask

This is a bit more complicated homemade acne mask than the masks I mentioned previously but its efficiency is very promising. You might dislike the smell of onion but you have the results in mind while setting aside the pleasure. Peel one medium sized onion and shred it until you get a puree. Cook ½ cup of plain (non-sweet) Oatmeal, when cooked set it aside to cool down and add the onion puree. When the mixture is cold apply it to your face and leave it on for 5-15 minutes. If the mask is not thick enough to stay on your face then you might add some honey to make it more sustainable. Then slowly rinse it off and wash your face. If you did not use the whole mask for treatment you can store it in refrigerator for 5-7 days before it gets old.

Acne Mask #5: Egg White Mask

This is the last but not least simple homemade acne mask. It is called the Egg white mask because you have to remove the yolk from the egg whites. No other preparation is needed. When yolk is separated you can put it away and take only egg whites. Then whip the white part until you have a dense paste. For people with oily skin it is advisable to apply some lemon juice and mix it with a paste to achieve a better effect. Clean your face and gently apply the mask. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with warm water or washcloth. After using this mask your skin will be tightened and red spots will be cleared.

Top 5 Homemade Acne Masks

By: Blooger on: 10:07 AM

Tips for Sensitive Skin Care

Sensitive skin care is more than just choosing the right sensitive skin care product. To provide the best sensitive skin care, you need an overall approach to providing the best possible care.Problems Faced by People with Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin face many problems. The redness, irritation and blotchiness associated with sensitive skin can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. It can be annoying having to avoid everything that may cause sensitive skin to flare up. Providing the right sensitive skin care can be particularly difficult, as many skin products will have a negative effect.

Dealing with Sensitive Skin

NATURAL METHODS

Natural skin care can be an effective way of treating sensitive skin. Natural products are less likely to trigger the reaction that other products may have on sensitive skin. Here are some of the best natural ways to treat sensitive skin.

Food Intake and Hydration

Diet can play a big part in sensitive skin break outs. A healthy diet (containing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables) will help skin look healthy. People with sensitive skin should pay attention to their diet and take note if any foods seem to trigger a sensitive skin reaction. Even some healthy foods may cause a reaction in some people, so do not discount these when you look at possible triggers. Hot and spicy foods are particularly likely to cause a negative effect.

People with healthy skin should also drink lots of water, which will help keep their skin hydrated. When skin is adequately hydrated, it is healthier and better able to fight off skin irritations.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies are very good for sensitive skin, because they are free from the harsh chemicals that can cause skin problems. Generally, products that contain natural ingredients will be better for your skin and less likely to cause a sensitive skin reaction. Try the following remedies for some special sensitive skin care.

• Use almond or jojoba oil to cleanse your face.
• Comfrey steeped in water can make a good toner.
• Make a facial exfoliate by mixing grapefruit with oatmeal.
• Make a face mask out of fruit.
• Cucumber and yoghurt also makes a good face mask for sensitive skin.
• Licorice is a good product for sensitive skin. Look for skin care products that contain licorice.
• Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help prevent sensitive skin reactions.
• Aloe Vera can soothe skin that is red, irritated and blotchy. Apply directly to the skin.

Tips for Sensitive Skin Care

By: Blooger on: 10:04 AM

Use Blotters to Control the Shine on your Skin

Those with oily skin are always afraid of what their face looks like by mid day. With liters of oil pouring down an oily T zone or shiny cheeks that make your skin look dull; you begin to get frustrated with this condition. Fortunately there are a few ways to take care of this. Start with using oil free cosmetics or those that will help to reduce the oils from the surface of the skin.There are a few substances that help to get rid of the oil from your face; they are commonly known as blotters. Some are available in the sponge form while others are available in the form of tiny rubber strips. You may also see a few cotton rounds or paper tissues that serve the purpose.

Foams and sponges are economical and they serve the purpose. They can be washed and reused. Care must be taken to wash them regularly to prevent the bacteria from spreading. Use a mild disinfectant when washing them.

If you choose cotton rounds then you must make sure that they are pure cotton. Often they are adulterated with polyester fibers. These fibers stick to the skin and clog the pores causing damage to the pores. They are usually available in packs of 100 and are easy to store in a small purse.

Blotting paper and strips are small and easy to handle. They are available in packs of dozens. Simply dab onto your skin to soak the excess oils. They are disposable and bio degradable.

In addition to these products you can always use a tissue paper. Avoid using the ones that are perfumed. Dab and soak in the oils and maintain an oil free look all day.

Blotters help to control shine all day long and help to make your skin look radiant. It helps to keep your make up on throughout the day.

Use Blotters to Control the Shine on your Skin

By: Blooger on: 10:01 AM

Glow your Skin with Vitamin A!

The skin is the largest and definitely the most visible organ of the body, and it is only natural that you’d want to give it the best possible care. In fact, there are tons of skin care products available in beauty shops and health care stores everywhere. Too much, in fact, that making a selection can be daunting. To avoid the confusion though, there is only one thing you have to look for when it comes to skin care - Vitamin A.Increasing your Vitamin A intake is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Vitamin A has been known to get rid of stubborn acne, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, lines and crow’s feet, and protects your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. You might be surprised to see just how drastically your skin can improve just by increasing the amount of Vitamin A you take in.

To give you a head start, here are some foods that naturally have high Vitamin A content:

• Apricots
• Carrots
• Kale
• Kiwi
• Mangoes
• Papaya
• Peaches
• Red Peppers
• Spinach
• Tomatoes

Vitamin A is not very hard to find and if you are already eating a healthy balanced diet, the chances are good that you are already getting your body’s required daily amount of this vitamin. However, if you want to further increase your intake of Vitamin A, you can either eat more of these fruits and vegetables or take a Vitamin A supplement.

Glow your Skin with Vitamin A!

By: Blooger on: 9:57 AM

Tips to do Spa Facials at Home

Getting a spa facial is good for your peace of mind as well as your well-being. Facials are one of the most common treatments you can get when you are visiting a spa. What if you can’t afford a trip to the spa but still want that glow from within that spa style facials can give you? Your beautiful skin needs to cleanse, moist and supple, and facials give you just that. When you can’t afford a spa facial, why not follow the 6 steps below and give yourself a facial today.

6 steps to most facials are:

Relax, cleansing, exfoliating, mask, and then rehydrating (meaning moisturizing).After you gotten everything together that you want to be using for your facial, start off with:

Step 1~ The very first thing you need to do is get yourself relaxed. One way is to start off your facial with draping over your face a warm (not hot) damp towel. Leave it on till it cools or about a minute.

Step 2~ Take your favorite cleanser and warm it up in your hands. Then use gentle, circular motions when applying it. Wipe it off with a warm wet towel.

Step 3~ Exfoliate by applying a gentle scrub to your face. Make sure it’s a fine grain scrub not one that’s too rough for your skin. In fact its better to use a fine grain scrub once a week than a rough one every now and then. Facial scrubs help get rid of dry skin, dead skin cells and helps your skin renew itself. Gently remove the scrub with warm water.

Step 4~ You may want to practice this before starting your facial. Giving yourself a facial massage. Start by tapping your fingers lightly along your forehead. Now gently pinch your eyebrows along the brow line, then press your fingers along the bottom of your cheekbone. Now rub along your jaw line in a circular motion. Press your fingers along your cheekbone from your nose to your ear. Then press your fingers up and down the back of your neck, then using a circular motion, massage your scalp from your forehead to the top of your head.

Step 5~ It’s time for your mask. Gently apply whatever you decided to use as your mask. You can make your own or buy one that is organic/naturally handcrafted just right for your skin. Why not place cotton balls soaked in cool water or cucumber slivers over your eyes while you lay back and relax for a 10 to 15 minute break?

Rinse off your mask, and onto the last step.

Step 6~ Now its time to rehydrate your skin by smoothing on your favorite organic/naturally created moisturizer cream or lotion.

That’s all you need to do to create your own spa style facial at home. Saves you money and gives you and your pocketbook a break from the everyday world.

Tips to do Spa Facials at Home

By: Blooger on: 9:52 AM

5 Tips on Dry Skin Care

It’s still winter, and in many geographic regions across the world, winter air is rather cold, windy and dry. In such conditions, our skin dries up as well, resulting in skin cracks, discomfort, and even premature aging. Here are some simple rules for those who want to have young and beautiful skin all year around.

Do Not Stay Too Long in the Bath

Once the weather gets cold and windy, many people find comfort in hot showers or half-an-hour baths. Yet, long “water” sessions present the shortest way to dry skin and cracks in the skin. Therefore, try to spend as little time in the shower as you can, and take warm showers rather than hot ones. Pay attention to your soap as well; regular soap bars will dry your skin the most, so you should switch to shower gels, in particular the special gels designed for sensitive or dry skin. When you get out the shower dry yourself up, but do not rub your skin with the towel too much, as it presents extra trauma for your skin. While the skin is still dump after the bath, apply some moisturizing cream, this way the cream will be more effective.

Dress According to the Weather

Dry skin is particularly sensitive and is prone to micro-traumas. Dry skin gets scratches, cracks easier as well as can create discomfort from practically any form of contact. Thus, it is crucial to reduce the number of micro-traumas your skin gets during winter season. In particular, try not to wear wool or polyester materials (spiky fibers will be either too massive for the body, or cause itching). Give preferences to soft materials, cotton, and silk. Whenever possible, wear baggy clothes.

Artificially Keep the Air Humid

Another reliable way to “cheat” the winter cold is by creating your own weather at home. To do this, buy an air ionizer and keep it at 30-50% humidity level.

Avoid Stress

It is a known fact, that stress can seriously affect our health. Furthermore, if the person suffers from psoriasis, then stress will be reflected on the skin in the form of ugly plaques. On the other hand, stress can affect healthy skin as well. The more the person is under stress, the less moisture his or her skin will be able to retain, hence the skin will get dry.

Watch Your Weight

Some studies show, that strict diets and vegetarian lifestyle improve one’s overall skin condition and relieve skin diseases. Yet, winter holidays is definitely not the period of the year when we watch our nutrition carefully. Even if your Christmas dinner does not pose that much threat to your waist people consume on average 6-7% more food during winter season. Try to avoid this trend, and go easy on the turkey, mashed potatoes, and pies during the season. In particular, go easy on alcohol, as well as fatty and diary foods.

5 Tips on Dry Skin Care

By: Blooger on: 9:48 AM