Archive for April, 2009

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what causes of boils and how to get rid of boils using home remedies

Monday, April 27th, 2009

What are Boils  and Boils Symptoms

Boils are eruptions on the skin that are caused by bacteria that show up as painful bumps filled with pus. Usually, boils start as a reddened skin infection and then become hard and firm. In due time, the center of the infection softens and gets filled with dead white blood cells (known as pus). At this point the boil becomes extremely itchy and painful. After this, the bump forms a pus filled head.  The pressure within causes the boil to rupture and drain eventually, bringing on healing. Boils can be of various sizes but in most cases it is found to be about 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter. Boils usually appear in the skin folds where it there is most likely to be more sweat friction – such as neck, thighs, armpits, and buttocks.

The common cause of boils is an infection of staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The bacteria can enter the skin through a cut or scratch. Clogged sweat glands and toxic materials in the blood can also lead to boils.

It is necessary to treat a boil as soon as it is detected. A delay in treatment of a boil can help spread the infection and poison the blood. Besides, the bigger the size of the boil, the greater is the chance of scarring the skin. Bigger boils may need surgical treatment by a doctor along with a regular course of antibiotics. Do not try to squeeze or drain out the boil on your own as it may lead to permanent damage of the skin tissue. Besides, doing so may also spread the infection to the other parts of the body.

Wash the affected skin with warm water several times a day to keep it clean and hygienic. To get relief from the pain, you can also apply a warm compress on the boil. For the warm compress, you should pick up a clean washcloth, soak it in lukewarm saline water, and press it against the boil. Besides pain relief, it also helps to ripen the boil and drain out more quickly.

Home Remedy for Boils - Boils Home Treatment

Some other home remedies for boils are:
•    Tea tree oil – apply tea tree oil on the boil by rubbing gently with a cotton ball. Tea tree oil is known to be a natural antibiotic and can help heal the boil faster.

•    Garlic and onion juice – apply freshly extracted juice of garlic and onion on the boil to help it ripen quickly.

•    Turmeric powder – mix turmeric powder with water and make a paste. Apply this paste regularly on the boil to speed up the ripening process.

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How to Get Rid of Nail Fungus Naturally

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Nail Fungus Infection

Nail fungus infection, also known as onychomycosis, happens when a particular fungi attacks the nails. At the beginning of the infection, you may see white or yellow spots under the nail, which later spread further and make your nails brittle and discolored. Besides these, you will also find the nails to be thickened and distorted when you have a fungus infection.

Nail fungus mostly grows when your nails are subjected to warm and humid conditions for a prolonged period. For this reason, fungus infection of the toenails is much more common than fingernails, because the warm and moist environment inside a shoe is a typical breeding place for fungus. Whenever there is a cut or damage to the nails, these fungi enter the skin beneath the nails and start infecting the area.

Home Remedies for Nail Fungus and Nail Fungus Cures

There are several natural remedies that are known to be beneficial for curing nail fungus infection. Here are a few of them:

•    Apply tea tree oil – rubbing tea tree oil on the area of infection can help fight the fungus infection. Soak cotton balls in tea tree oil and gently rub it on your nails two to three times a day.

•    Vinegar bath – apple cider vinegar is another good remedy for nail fungus infection. Add proportionate amount of apple cider vinegar and soak your nails in it for about 15-20 minutes each day.

•    Apply alcohol – soak a cotton ball in alcohol and swab it over the infected nails.

•    Use hydrogen peroxide – you can directly rub hydrogen peroxide on the infected nails or soak your nails in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution.

•    Use turmeric powder – make a paste of turmeric powder by mixing it with water. Apply this paste on the infected nails and let it dry up. Thereafter, wash off the dried turmeric with clean water.

If these home remedies do not seem to be effective, you should consult a doctor and get proper antifungal medications. It is better not to delay medication because as the infection progresses it becomes more painful and complicated.

As the saying goes, prevention of a disease is always better than cure. Therefore, it is always better to adhere to certain good practices to prevent your nails from fungus infection. Some of the common preventive steps are:
•    Keep your nails in good hygiene
•    Always dry your nails properly after a wash
•    Wear clean socks and shoes
•    Do not use nail polish on infected nails
•    Use antifungal powder on your socks and shoes
•    Do not share your shoes and socks with others

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What Causes of Numbness and Tips to Treat Numb Hands and Feet

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Causes of Numbness in Hands and Feet

Numbness is usually known as the condition when a part of the body loses sensation. It is a very common occurrence and everybody experiences it at some point or the other. It is very common to experience numbness when the nerves in some part of the body are compressed or irritated. It usually happens when you have remained in a posture for a long time and prevented blood circulation to the affected part of the body.  Numbness is also experienced regularly by diabetic patients. Low blood pressure can also induce frequent numbness of the hands and feet. In some rare cases, spinal injury or neurological disorders can also display persistent numbness as a symptom. Numbness in itself is completely harmless and in normal conditions it goes away on its own as soon as regular blood circulation is restored to the affected region. However, frequent occurrence of numbness in the body should be properly investigated as it may indicate some serious underlying disease. Onset of stroke or tumors in the body is usually associated with numbness and a tingling sensation. You should seek immediate medical care if your numbness is accompanied by sudden weakness, dizziness, and severe headache.

If the numbness in the hands and feet are due to a lack of regular blood circulation, there is absolutely no cause for worry. Stretch your hands and feet in a proper position and the numbness will disappear in no time. Still, here are some easy steps you can take to improve blood circulation in the body.
•    Avoid faulty postures – do not remain seated or standing in a posture that inhibits proper blood circulation in the body. Change your position at regular intervals when you are sitting or standing for a long duration. You should also avoid faulty and twisted postures when you sleep.

•    Massage – massage the numb area to induce immediate blood circulation. The best way to massage is to apply warm oil and gently rub with your fingers.

•    Hot compress – you can also get relief from numbness by applying a hot compress on the numb area. For a hot compress, you should heat up a towel and press it upon the affected hand or feet.

Finally, for better blood circulation in the body you should follow a proper lifestyle. Eat healthy and nutritious food and do some mild exercises daily. Avoid refined or processed foods and include more vegetables and fruits in your diet. Relax your body properly and try to lead a stress-free life.

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Dry Sensitive Skin - How to Care for Dry Sensitive Skin

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Dry Sensitive Skin Care

There are several types of skin– normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive – and each type requires a different type of skin care. However, when you have dry sensitive skin, it usually needs much more attention and care than other types.

Skin type is generally inherited, but there may be other factors that can affect your skin type. Environmental factors, exposure to the sun, use of cosmetics, and some underlying diseases can also impact your skin condition.

Dry Sensitive Skin Care Tips

Here are some skin care tips that can be followed to maintain the health of dry sensitive skin.
•    Moisturize – it is extremely important to apply moisturizer regularly on dry and sensitive skin. Choose a moisturizing cream or lotion that suits your skin type. You can also use essential oils – like coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil – that contain vitamins and proteins helpful for the skin. Be especially cautious so as to keep your skin properly moisturized when you go out in the sun. Along with a moisturizer you should also have a sunscreen lotion with appropriate sun protection factor (SPF).

•    Bathing – you should be careful not to have prolonged or frequent baths. Bathing for long hours can strip essential oils from your skin and make it dryer. Bathing in hot water is also to be avoided as it can further dry up the oils from your skin. Another important thing about bathing is the water – check if you have too much of chlorine in your tap water. Also, check whether the soap and shampoo you use are suitable for your skin. Do not use soap on your skin too frequently if you suffer from dry skin. You can scrub your skin with oatmeal as a substitute for soap wash.

•    Eat healthy – diet also plays an important part in keeping your skin healthy. Eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cereals, and nuts. Milk, egg, and fish should also be consumed in good amount. Also, you should drink adequate amount of water throughout the day to keep your skin properly hydrated. Additionally, you should also drink fruit juices whenever possible.

•    Use humidifier – to avoid hot and dry condition of indoor air, you should install a humidifier in the room. This will help increase the humidity level of the air in the room and benefit your skin.

•    Clothes – the material of your clothes can also have an impact on your skin. As far as possible, use clothes made of natural material (cotton or silk), and avoid clothes made of synthetic materials.

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Home Remedies for Dry Itchy Skin and Dry Itchy Skin Symptoms

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Causes of Dry Itchy Skin

Dry skin is naturally prone to infections and damage, more than any other skin type. Itchiness is also a common problem associated with dry skin. It is therefore extremely necessary to take proper care of your skin, if you happen to have dry skin.

Usually, skin type is inherited and cannot be changed. However, certain extraneous factors may also have an effect, making your skin dry. The dryness of your skin, for example, may be a result of environmental factors like heat and humidity level of air. Prolonged exposure to the sun, unsuitable cosmetics, and some underlying diseases may also have an effect on the dryness of your skin.

Tips for Dry Itchy Skin

Whatever may be the reason behind your dry skin, it is important that you follow a strict skin care regime to maintain the health of your skin. Here are some tips that can help you deal with your dry skin in a better way.
•    Moisturize – this is the most important part of dry skin care. Get a moisturizing cream or lotion that suits your skin and apply it regularly on your skin. The best time to moisturize your skin is right after bath, so that the moisture present in the skin can be trapped more effectively. However, you can apply moisturizers on your skin many times, throughout the day, whenever you feel the need. Coconut oil, almond oil, and olive oil can also be used on your skin as moisturizers.

•    Protection from the sun – if you spend long time in the sun, it is important that you also apply a sunscreen lotion besides regular moisturizers. Choose a sunscreen lotion with appropriate sun protection factor (SPF) and apply it on your skin whenever you go out in the sun.

•    Bathing – bathing is essential for healthy skin, but bathing also washes away the natural oils secreted by the skin. It is therefore important not to bathe frequently or for a long duration, especially if you suffer from dry skin. Also, you should use the mildest of soaps on your skin. Many soaps contain chemicals that may be harsh to the skin and use of them can result in dry skin. Therefore, if a soap or shampoo does not seem to suit your skin, you should change it immediately. At regular intervals, instead of soaps you can also use oatmeal for washing your skin – this will cleanse your skin but will not remove the essential oils from your skin. Finally, you should also keep an eye on the bathing water – check if the bathing water is causing any harm to your skin due to increased levels of chlorine in it.

•    Eat healthy – maintain a proper diet that gives you proper nourishment. You should have adequate amount of protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential oils in your food. Eat a lot of green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cereals. Fish, egg, and dairy products should also be included in your diet. And, finally, you should drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin amply hydrated.

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Caring for the Skin during Summer

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Summer Skin Care Tips

One of the primary problems your skin faces in the summer months is extreme dryness. For this reason you should use a good quality sun screen. Always carry an umbrella or use a large brimmed hat to protect your face and skin from the sun.  For dry skin it is a good idea to use something other than normal soap to wash your face. An herbal infusion can soothe your skin in the summer months.  You can mix two teaspoons of chamomile, one teaspoon rose petals and half a teaspoon peppermint leaves. Cover this with a cup of hot water. When it has cooled down strain it and use it to wash your face. This will not only soothe your skin but also reduce the dry patches of skin.

When your face is sweating, use a cotton ball that has been dipped in sour milk to clean your face. You will find that using a cotton ball dipped in rose water also makes a refreshing face wash liquid.   While the summer months are about sweating, this does not mean that your skin doesn’t need moisturizing. In fact during the summer the sweat evaporates from the skin and leaves it looking dry. This kind of skin can easily be affected by acne. Rather than not use a cream at all, you should use a light cream. This will keep your face moisturized without leaving it looking oily. You can make a variety of fruit and vegetable masks to help your skin cope with the weather. You can puree a tomato or some grapes or melon and tie this up in a muslin cloth. Lay this muslin cloth on your skin. You can also use a face mask with oatmeal mixed with a raw egg. Cucumber juice, applied with a clean cotton ball, is a great way to keep your skin looking fresh.

Drinking a lot of water is the best way to keep the skin looking hydrated. This also helps you feel energetic. Fruit juices and buttermilk too should be consumed. An ideal diet during the summer months should include lots of salads and soups. Heavy dishes like fried food or food that is spicy should be avoided.  Eat lots of grapes, oranges and watermelon. Keep your body hydrated by staying indoors during the day in a cool room. Ensuring that you sleep well and get adequate rest is another integral part of keeping skin looking good during summer.

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How to Take Care of Skin during Pregnancy

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Skin Care during Pregnancy

A woman can glow during pregnancy. However, since her body is undergoing various changes, it is also likely that her skin may require extra care and pampering during this period. One of the most common problems faced by women who are pregnant is the sudden outbreak of acne. Acne can attack even women who have never before suffered any such problem. It is not advisable to eat medicines to help cure the acne and the use of over the counter creams is also not recommended. Under these circumstances it is advisable that you use simple home remedies to get rid of this problem. Your diet will determine what your skin looks like and if you are on a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grains then your skin will reflect this. In addition to a healthy diet you should also ensure that you sleep sufficient hours every night. Exercise regularly so that you feel fit and this is reflected in your skin. Another possible problem you may face is known as pregnancy mask or melasma.  This is caused because of the hormones related to pregnancy.

The way to take care of your skin and ensure that you don’t suffer from this skin related problem is by staying indoors and taking great care of your skin when you do venture out. Use a good quality sun screen which can protect your skin from the sun.  Some women suffer form an itchy skin. If this becomes unbearable you can simply dip a soft cloth in milk and apply this on the itchy regions of your body. You should also regularly apply moisturizer on your belly to subdue the itch.

Pregnancy Skin Care Tips

Stretch marks are of course the biggest side effect of pregnancy. Most women dread the ugly marks which make your skin look so terrible. A regular application of cocoa butter is believed to help prevent these from appearing. Aloe Vera gel should also be applied every night on your stretch marks. For a general pampering of your skin you should regularly apply a paste made of two teaspoons of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric and some milk. You will find that regularly applying Aloe Vera gel on your skin helps keep it smooth. Massage baby oil into your skin everyday before you have your bath. This massage will keep your skin looking supple and smooth. Cleansing your skin is as important as moisturizing it.

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Home Remedies for Dark Underarms and Dark Underarms Treatment

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Causes of Dark Underarms

Dark underarms not only restrict your choice of clothing but also cause you embarrassment because of the color of your skin under your arms. While it is difficult to actually pinpoint the actual reason for the development of dark skin in this region, you can try some remedies and take some simple precautions to ensure that underarms don’t look dark. One of the basic reasons for the dark skin under the arms is lack of hygiene. Good hygiene is essential to look good and feel good. People who don’t remember to wash under their arms may find themselves with dark skin. The constant accumulation of sweat and dirt can cause the skin to change color and become dark.  In order to avoid this the skin under the arms should be regularly cleaned while bathing. The use of soap and some regular scrubbing can help reduce the darkness of the skin under the arms.

In some cases it is the use of some cosmetic products which causes the skin to turn dark. This can be avoided by using good quality cosmetics. Changing the cosmetics may also help solve this problem.  Wearing tight clothes is another possible reason for the dark underarms. Tight clothes chafe against the tender skin of the underarms and when clothes constantly chafe, the result could be dark skin.

Home Remedies for Dark Underarms

Applying  lemon juice on the skin under your arms is believed to help reduce the darkness. Since potato, like a lemon, is believed to be an active bleaching agent, you can apply a slice of raw peeled potato on your underarm.  Baking soda is another effective remedy. Use a teaspoon of baking powder on your underarms as soon as you have had your bath. Aloe Vera gel is also effective and can be applied every night at bedtime.  You can alternate this with the application of Vitamin E which is believed to be beneficial in fading the darkness of the skin.

In order to clean your armpits thoroughly, make a stiff paste by mixing a teaspoon of gram flour with a pinch of turmeric and some drops of milk. Apply this on your underarms and let it dry. When it has dried completely, remove it, using a little water to rub it off. This will help remove any accumulated dirt and make your skin look cleaner. A variation on this paste is using some yogurt instead of the milk. A paste of sandalwood powder and water can also be applied on your underarms. In addition, tight clothes should be avoided. Cosmetic like deodorants and perfumes should not be used directly on the skin since these could react, causing the skin to become dark.

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How to Remove Skin Tags at Home with Skin Tags Treatment

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Skin Tags Treatment

A skin tag is a benign tumor. Usually this is formed in places where the skin of our body is creased. That is why it is usually noticed in the neck, armpit or groin region. Usually you can also see it on the faces of people.  The skin tag is usually not directly attached to the skin. There is usually a fleshy stalk known as peduncle. Skin tags are small protuberances which start off as the size of a pin. They grow with time and often grow into a large size. The removal of skin tags is the only way of ensuring that another doesn’t grow in the same spot. However, skin tags, even if they are left untouched, do not ever cause any problems. They are not malignant and therefore not likely to pose a threat to the person who has them. The only discomfort associated with a skin tag occurs when they are irritated because of constant chafing of clothes or jewelry.

There are various procedures by which skin tags can be removed. The skin tags contain nerve cells, which means that if something happens to them, the person will experience some amount of pain. For this reason it is essential that anesthesia is used in order to remove the skin tags.  The procedure of removing the skin tags has to be carried in the presence of a general practitioner, or, in some cases, in the presence of a dermatologist. In case the skin tag is large, the patient may be required to go into surgery as an outpatient.

Remove Skin Tags

There are different ways of removing the skin tags. One of these is the process by which the skin tag is frozen and then it is cut off. This process is known as Cryotherpay. The patient is administered local anesthesia in case the skin tag that is being removed is large. For small skin tags this step is bypassed and the skin tag is simply removed without causing any pain or discomfort to the patient.  Some doctors prefer to use the method of snipping the skin tags off using a special pair of scissors. Another method used by dermatologist is using liquid nitrogen to destroy them. Cauterization is another way of removing skin tags. The skin tag is first cut off and then the skin is electrically burnt in order to close the skin. This process helps in the removal of larger skin tags since it helps the healing process.  There are also different ways of removing the skin tags at home using techniques like oils. This is a technique that has not been assessed medically and you should take the precaution of checking with your doctor before you follow these.

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How to Treat Sunburn - Sunburn Home Remedy and Treatment

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Home Remedies for Sunburn and  Sunburn Treatments

When you have got sun burnt, you will have to live with it for a few days. There is no remedy that can quickly fix this problem and make you better instantly. A case of sunburn usually takes about twenty fours to develop and reveal its true intensity. And after that it is a matter of days before you skin begins to show signs of healing. However, you can follow some simple steps in order to ease your discomfort and make you feel comfortable. Keeping cool is of primary importance and you will find that taking a bath soothes your skin. You can also use cold compresses on the affected area. Dip your towel in cold water and use this to smooth over the tender skin. Do it gently since this could be painful if you apply pressure.

Moisturizers work well too and ensure that your skin doesn’t feel stretched. You will find that Aloe Vera gel helps in instantly soothing your skin. There are several sunburn creams available in the market. However take some basic precautions when buying one, since several of these contain anesthetics which may actually irritate your skin. When your skin breaks out in blisters, resist the temptation to break them. Breaking the blisters actually slows the healing process. In addition, you run the risk of getting an infection.  Try to avoid touching your skin constantly since this will only increase the pain and discomfort. Stay in a cool room. Don’t wear tight clothes that can chafe against your sun burnt skin.  Instead, dress in loose comfortable clothes in natural fibers.

You may need to visit your doctor if you find that your sunburn does not show any signs of healing. You may also need to consult your doctor if you have fever and if you are in terrible pain. Your doctor will be able to give you some pain relievers which can make you feel more comfortable.

Steep a few tea bags in water. Once they have steeped add ice cubes to cool them down. Lay these on the affected area. You can do this three times a day. This will not only reduce the pain but also prevent any possible scarring. Mix two teaspoons of sandalwood powder with some drops of water. Apply this on the sun burnt skin. This helps cool down the skin and will give you relief.  You can also dip some gauze in room temperature milk and lay this on the burnt skin. If you are badly sun burnt all over your body, you will find that a soak in a tub of water is very soothing. Simply add half a cup of white cider kitchen vinegar in the tub and then get into the water. You will find that mixing equal quantities of cornstarch and baking soda in lukewarm water and then soaking your self in this helps reduce the worst of your pain.

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