Archive for August, 2009

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Fungal Skin Infections - Cure for Fungal Infections of the Skin

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Causes of Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal skin infections are the consequence of poor personal hygiene. Mostly, fungal growth occurs on those parts of the skin where dirt, sweat and dead skin cells accumulate easily. The folds of skin under the arms and inner thighs and between the fingers and toes are commonly affected by fungal infections. The most common symptoms of such infections are a constant itching and burning sensation, which may be accompanied with the eruption of rashes or blisters on the skin.

Home Remedies for Fungal Skin Infections

There are a few basic rules that you should follow to prevent such infections. Make sure that you wash your skin with antiseptic soap at regular intervals in order to prevent dust particles and sweat from accumulating on the surface of the skin. It is also useful to apply talcum powder on your skin to keep it from becoming damp. You should also wear clothes made of natural fabrics instead of synthetic ones in order to allow the free passage of air along the surface of the skin and the easy absorption of excess sweat on the skin. This minimizes the chances of fungal skin infections. You may also wash the affected area with a solution of common salt and lukewarm water. This acts as a natural disinfecting agent and helps to control fungal infections.

Alternatively, you may also add a little water to a tablespoon of baking soda and smear this paste on your skin and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it away with cold water. This destroys the microbes that might be breeding on the surface of the skin and cleanses the dead skin cells away from the infected portion. Dabbing a little cornstarch powder on the affected area is also a useful remedy for fungal infections. Eating a bowl of unsweetened yogurt every day also helps boost the body’s natural capacity to ward off microbes and prevent fungal infections. Applying a paste made out of a tablespoon of turmeric powder mixed with some rose water is also an effective remedy for treating fungal skin infections. While the natural antiseptic properties of turmeric help to kill the fungus that infect the skin, the rose water soothes the skin and relieves the itching and burning sensation. For another remedy, crush an onion to extract its juice and massage the affected area with this for a few minutes. The strong sulfuric chemicals present in onion juice effectively kill microbes breeding on the skin and treat fungal infections.

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Spider Veins Causes - How to Get Rid of Spider Veins Naturally

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Causes of Spider Veins

A majority of people above the age of 60 experience the swelling of the veins, which become prominent beneath the surface of the skin and looks like a web of raised lines. A good number of pregnant women and overweight people also experience this problem. The problem is also known to be partly hereditary in nature. The swollen veins look dark purple or bluish in color and often cause a hot, heavy, throbbing sensation. Mostly, veins in the thighs, calves and legs are affected by this condition as they bear the body weight and consequently experience excessive pressure. Sometimes, the ankles and feet may become swollen and painful if a person keeps standing for too long in this condition. The reason behind this condition is that as one ages, the one-way valves in the superficial become dysfunctional, causing blood to accumulate and even flow downwards through these veins. This makes them look swollen and leads to the symptoms mentioned above.

Tips to Prevent Spider Veins

Though it is difficult to cure chronic cases of spider veins completely, there are a few simple tips that you may follow to lessen the intensity of the symptoms. You should take care not to keep standing or walking for too long at a stretch. This creates undue pressure on your legs and worsens the problem. Rest your legs periodically by sitting or lying down, but also ensure that they do not remain stationary for too long, as this might lead to obstruction of normal blood circulation and thereby increase the swelling of the veins. Light forms of exercise such as taking short walks or practicing yoga are also useful. It is advisable to only practice yoga if supervised by a professional trainer and recommended by your physician. A simple exercise involving the ankles and calf muscles is especially useful in this regard. Sit straight with your legs spread out vertically in front and in direct contact with the floor. Now move your feet forwards and backwards, and then in slow circular motions, supporting them on your heels, for 10 minutes. This relieves pain and swelling in the veins by improving blood circulation in the leg.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting trousers as these impede easy blood circulation and increase the swelling. Wearing support stockings and compression belts may also help if you do need to walk or stand for a long time. Include natural sources of vitamins C and K such as citrus fruits, oranges, tomatoes, blueberries and grapefruit in your diet in order to strengthen your blood vessels. A simple remedy for lessening pain and swelling gradually is to soak a piece of cotton cloth in apple cider vinegar and apply it over the affected area for half an hour twice a day.

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Cellulitis – What are the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Symptoms and Causes of Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a condition in which excess fat deposits in the body are concentrated in certain areas such as the hips, thighs, buttocks and abdomen. This causes the skin to look saggy and lumpy and leads to a feeling of heaviness and tenderness while standing or walking. Mostly, it is women who suffer from this problem, as they tend to put on weight more easily in the lower half of their bodies. The female hormones estrogen and progesterone are responsible for causing such uneven weight gain. Estrogen stimulates the expansion of fatty tissues, while progesterone aids fluid retention in these cells. Factors like obesity, pregnancy, lack of adequate physical exercise, stress and anxiety, smoking, and heredity may also cause cellulitis.

Cellulitis Treatment

A few basic lifestyle and dietary changes can help solve this problem. You must set aside some time every day for any form of vigorous physical exercise, such as swimming, cycling, jogging or aerobics. Stretching exercises that focus specifically on the abs and the legs are also recommended. You should also adopt a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Stay away from deep-fried snacks and highly sweetened desserts, as well as from carbonated and alcoholic drinks. Include fresh fruits, raw vegetables and whole grains in your diet, and drink plenty of water to ensure the proper digestion of food. Eating broccoli, asparagus and bananas is especially useful in preventing the formation of cellulite. You should also use fish or olive oil for flavoring your food, as they improve blood circulation and help prevent the deposit of fatty tissues in the body. Avoid all caffeine and nicotine based products, as they constrict the blood vessels and lead to the uneven distribution of fats.

There are several home remedies that you may follow to get rid of cellulite deposits in your body. Every morning, drink a mixture of two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of honey and a large glass of water. This will help you gradually lose the excess weight around your abdomen, thighs and buttocks. You may also mix 3 parts of apple cider vinegar with one part of any body oil of your liking and massage the affected areas with this solution every day for similar results.

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Peeling Skin on Fingers - Home Remedies to Stop Skin from Peeling

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Peeling Skin on Fingers

The outer layer of the skin, epidermis, peels off roughly every 28 days, as part of a natural cycle and is replaced by a new layer. However, sometimes the rate at which skin cells are lost exceeds the rate at which new skin cells are regenerated. This problem commonly affects the fingers, as they experience a very great degree of pressure and friction in the course of our everyday activities. This makes the peeling of the skin painful around this region. Mostly, nutritional deficiencies in the diet are responsible for this condition. Lack of hydration, sunburn, exposure to harsh chemicals, excessive perspiration and changes in the external environment may also cause skin to peel. Less frequently, peeling skin may be caused by more serious ailments like Kawasaki disease, exfoliative dermatitis, psoriasis and the Peeling Skin Syndrome.

Home Remedies for Peeling Skin

There are a few home remedies that you may find useful in solving this problem. Grate a fresh cucumber and apply its juice or the pulp on your fingers. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes and then wash your hands with cold water. This not only moisturizes the skin but also soothes cracking, flaky and itchy skin, thereby leaving your fingers soft and smooth. Similarly, the topical application of the juice of a handful of fresh mint leaves is known to be very effective in treating parched or peeling skin. For another remedy, mix equal portions of turmeric and sandalwood powder with a little honey and add few drops of olive oil to it, smear this paste on your fingers. Let the mixture dry naturally and then wipe it off with a ball of cotton wool soaked in water. This brings relief from itching and burning caused by peeling skin, as well as prevents microbial infections from occurring in the cracks of the skin.

A mixture of the pulp of a ripe banana or avocado, some sour cream, a pinch of powdered sugar and a tablespoon of olive oil is also an excellent natural remedy for treating peeling skin. Also, before going to bed every night you should soak your fingers in an infusion of some powdered oatmeal in a bowl of lukewarm water for around 15 minutes. Following this wipe your hands dry very gently using a soft cotton towel. This effectively removes dead skin cells from the surface of your fingers. Now massage a little clarified butter or milk cream on your fingers. You will find your fingers feeling soft and smooth the next morning.

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How to Treat a Yeast Infection Diaper Rash Naturally

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Symptoms and Causes of  Diaper Rash

Diaper rashes a very common problem that infants face. The main symptoms of this condition are redness of skin, which may also be accompanied with crusting and swelling around the anal region. If allowed to persist, these skin eruptions may become infected with bacteria or yeast and start oozing, and may spread to the buttocks and the groin. Typically, the baby becomes irritable and keeps crying in such a condition as s/he suffers from itching and discomfort. The main cause behind these rashes is the combination of moistness and warmth in affected area caused by infrequent cleaning and drying, which makes the skin under the diaper a fertile ground for breeding microbes. It has also been observed that babies who have recently switched from breast milk to solid foods commonly suffer from this problem, as their urine and stools contain chemicals that irritate the skin further.

Prevent Diaper Rash

There are a few basic rules that you should bear in mind to prevent diaper rashes. Make sure to check on the baby at regular intervals, and change her/his diaper whenever it is soiled or wet. It is never a good idea to wipe the baby clean with the dry portion of the used diaper, as this only helps spread the microbes thriving all over the diaper. Use a soft cotton towel instead, and make sure that it is cleaned and dried after every use, or use a fresh towel every time. Do not fasten the diaper too tightly, as this causes friction on the baby’s soft and delicate skin and may lead to chafing, as well as obstructs the free passage of air along the surface of the baby’s skin and thereby cause dampness.

It is also a good idea to simply let the baby get dry in the air for a few minutes before every change of diapers. This helps in getting rid of any residual moisture on the baby’s skin and minimizes the chances of the appearance of rashes.You may also apply some corn starch or talcum powder on the buttocks of the baby before fastening the diaper to prevent moistness and destroy germs that might have been left behind even after cleaning and drying the baby. You may also add a little vinegar to the baby’s bathwater and wipe her/his bottom with this solution to neutralize the high pH level caused by urine on the skin. For older infants, administering a teaspoon of cranberry juice is also an effective natural means of preventing infections from diaper rashes.

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Dermatitis Types – Causes,Symptoms and Treatments for Dermatitis

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Dermatitis Causes and Symptoms

Dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin which results in blisters, redness, swelling, roughness, flaking, and often itching. There are different types of dermatitis, depending on what causes the skin inflammation and what specific symptoms accompany the condition. Atopic dermatitis, also known as swelling, mostly commonly affects the face, elbows and knees and causes severe itching in these areas. Nummular dermatitis is another form of this condition in which round lesions appear on the arms and legs due to exposure to nickel. Sebborheic dermatitis is another variant in which the oil glands beneath the skin are affected. Irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis are also other forms of this condition in which, as their names suggest, are caused by contact with either objects or chemicals that make the skin react adversely, such as latex, a few particular metals, poison ivy, certain soaps, pollen, and air and water pollutants. Besides the hypersensitivity of the skin, a low level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is known to trigger this kind of skin reaction.

Home Remedies to Treat Dermatitis

There are a few simple home remedies that you may follow to treat dermatitis. Application of vitamin E oil all over body after bathing keeps the skin well nourished and minimizes chances of irritation and inflammation. You should check if the use of any particular skin care product causes your skin to become inflamed, and discontinue its use immediately if this is so. Cosmetic products often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. You should also always apply a moisturizing sunscreen lotion that suits your skin type before going out of doors in order to defend your skin from getting excessively dry and damaged through direct exposure to the sun, as this makes you particularly vulnerable to skin inflammation.

Also, make it a point to avoid bathing in water that is too hot or too cold, as extremes of temperature can irritate the skin too. You may add half a cup of powdered oatmeal to your bathwater and soak yourself in this for 15 minutes to get relief from itching, swelling and roughness. Cold compresses are also useful in treating dermatitis as they soothe inflamed skin and relief irritation and pain. Topical application of aloe vera juice or gel is also a popular way of treating skin allergies and inflammation. The natural moisturizing, soothing and healing properties of aloe vera make it an excellent means of treating irritated skin.

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Vitiligo Causes, Symptoms and Natural Treatments for Vitiligo

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Vitiligo Symptoms and Causes

Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin starts losing the natural pigment that is responsible for giving color to skin and hair – melanin. This happens when the skin cells stop producing melanin or when the melanin produced is destroyed due to sunburn, disorders relating to the immune system, stress, anxiety and emotional trauma, or hereditary factors. The discoloration usually starts in the form of small, pale and irregular patches on the skin, which may gradually expand and affect the entire body. The problem is more pronounced in those who are naturally dark in complexion.

Vitiligo Treatments

You must always protect your skin from the harmful radiation of the sun by using a sunscreen lotion that suits your skin type whenever you step out of doors. You should also add two tablespoons of turmeric powder to 100ml of mustard oil and massage the affected parts of the skin with this mixture twice every day. While the natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties of turmeric help defend the skin against local infections, mustard oil boosts the system’s immunity and improves blood circulation in the skin. Over a period of several months, this remedy brings about a gradual but pronounced reduction in the extent and the prominence of discolored patches on the skin.

Another effective home remedy for treating vitiligo is to mix equal portions of the extract of basil leaves and lime juice together, and apply this on the skin twice or thrice a day. The mixture should be allowed to seep into the skin for at least half an hour before you wash your skin with water. This restores to the skin its original complexion in a few months. A very popular and time-tested natural method of treating this condition is to drink water kept overnight in a copper vessel every morning, on an empty stomach. Topical application of a paste made by adding a few drops of vinegar to a tablespoon of radish seeds is also known to induce the production of melanin in the skin and thereby solve this problem. Rubbing the affected areas with a piece of freshly cut ginger is also useful in treating vitiligo, as the strong chemicals present in the juice of ginger stimulate the production of melanin and improve blood circulation, thereby restoring pigmentation to discolored patches on the skin. Regular consumption of celery is also recommended, as it contains a natural chemical called psoralen that makes the skin more receptive to sunlight and promotes melanin production.

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Bed Sores Treatment – How to Treat Bed Sores Naturally

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Causes of Bed Sores

Bed sores are skin ulcers that take the form of painful lesions, abrasions or swellings that are caused due to prolonged pressure on certain parts of the body. They mostly affect people who are handicapped or rendered invalid or bedridden due to diseases or accidents. Bed sores commonly appear on bony parts of the body as the skin experiences maximum friction in such areas. Bed sores mostly occur in the buttocks, knees, spine, ankles and shoulders. The most common symptoms of this condition are swelling, dampness, discoloration, foul odor, itching, and pus-formation on the skin. While it is possible to treat bed sores effectively in the initial stages, the problem becomes serious if it is allowed to persist till an advanced stage, and may cause deep wounds that run down to the muscles and bones and need regular dressings or even surgery. In extreme cases, bed sores may become seriously infected and consequently pose a threat to life.

Prevent Bed Sores

There are a few basic rules that you may follow at home to prevent bed sores. Care must be taken to shift the position of the bedridden person at regular and frequent intervals. This ensures that no part of the body experiences excessive pressure for a long period of time, and minimizes the chances of the appearance of bed sores. It is also advisable that the clothes as well as bed linen of the patient be changed, washed and aired regularly, as dampness is one of the chief causes of bed sores. You should also take care that the patient’s skin is patted dry after bathing and following every visit to the bathroom. This prevents both moisture and dirt from accumulating on the surface of the skin, and reduces the incidence of infections.

Application of antibacterial talcum powder on those parts of the body that are mostly in contact with the bed is also helpful, as this soaks up the excess perspiration and destroys microbes that might be breeding on the skin. It is also suggested that the patient should use a ripple mattress instead of a flat one, as this improves blood circulation in the skin and thereby prevents local infections. Drinking plenty of water, fruit juices and vegetable soups, as well as whole grains and pulses is also necessary to maintain proper blood circulation and to supply essential nutrients to the skin, which helps ensure that the skin naturally defends itself against infections.

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Black Skin Marks - How to Get Rid of Black Marks on Skin

Monday, August 17th, 2009

Black Marks on the Skin

Black marks on the skin occur as a result of hyper pigmentation. This is characterized by the appearance of dark marks or patches on the skin. This condition develops due to an excessive production of melanin, which is a pigment that determines the skin color and is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. The dark spots that occur on the skin due to hyper pigmentation are called age spots or liver spots. Increased exposure to the sun leads the skin to produce excess melanin. This is the body’s attempt to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the UV rays of the sun. Skin conditions such as acne can also leave scars on the skin, which result in dark spots. Injuries to the skin may also leave dark marks after healing. Freckles are another type of brown spots that occur on the skin. All these skin conditions become aggravated when exposed to the sun.

Remedies to Remove Dark Patches on Skin

Aloe vera gel is very effective in taking care of skin blemishes. The gel can be squeezed out of a fresh aloe vera leaf and applied to the darkened areas of skin. Protecting the skin from exposure to the sun is very important. You can achieve this applying sun screen before walking out into the sun. Use an adequate amount of sun screen that will cover all the areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. To get rid of dark patches on the skin, you can rinse the face with a solution of vinegar and water. Vinegar helps to bleach the skin, making it lighter. Apple cider vinegar and natural vinegars can be used for this. Onion is also believed to be effective in treating darkened skin. Onion juice can be extracted by chopping an onion, blending it and straining it through a clean cloth. Add apple cider vinegar to the juice and apply it to the affected skin with a cotton ball. Lemon juice also has natural bleaching properties, and can be applied to black spots.

An excellent remedy to remove dark patches on the skin due to sun exposure is to make a mixture of milk powder, lemon juice, honey and almond oil to the tanned areas. A paste of oatmeal, tomato juice and yogurt can also be rubbed gently into the skin. Turmeric powder mixed with lemon juice is known to be effective in getting rid of darkened areas on the skin. Also, drink plenty of water so that the toxins causing skin illnesses are removed from the body.

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Mosquito Bites Remedies - How to Stop Itching Mosquito Bites

Monday, August 17th, 2009

Mosquitoes bites can cause itching and irritation. Mosquitoes are attracted to sweet and pleasant aromas and certain body smells, and are also attracted to dark colored clothing. Female mosquitoes feed on blood so that they can produce eggs. While they suck on the blood, they inject saliva into the human skin. This saliva consists of certain proteins that stop the blood from clotting and allow a free flow of blood for the mosquito. The saliva protein may cause allergic reactions in some people. Swelling and redness could also occur. Some individuals are more prone to mosquito bites, which could be due to certain body odors. Mosquitoes are also carriers of malaria and infected mosquitoes could spread the infection to the persons they bite.

Mosquito Bites Remedies and Prevention

To prevent mosquitoes from biting, it is advisable to wear light or bright colored clothes. Covering the body as much as possible will also reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Mosquito repellents are commonly available over the counter and can be used to keep mosquitoes at bay. For mosquito bites that have already occurred, the most effective remedy for reducing the itching is to apply a pinch of salt to the bite. This works almost immediately in decreasing the irritation. Apple cider vinegar will also help to stop the itchy feeling arising from a mosquito bites. An easy remedy to treat mosquito bites is to apply a dab of toothpaste to the affected skin. Any type of toothpaste can be used, although peppermint toothpaste works best to relieve itching. Another good remedy is to apply a paste of baking soda and witch hazel to the bites.

Aloe is a natural product that has many beneficial uses. It can be used to alleviate the itching as well as healing the wound caused by the bite. Many skin products containing aloe are commonly available, but you can also apply the gel from fresh aloe vera leaves. Rubbing the affected areas of the skin with a slice of lemon will prevent infection from occurring and stop the itching. Baking soda and water mixed together and applied to the bites is also believed to reduce the itching. Rubbing a mixture of garlic, salt and water is effective in making the itching subside. Lavender oil could also be applied to the bites to prevent itching. Ice may also be placed on the bites to reduce swelling and irritation. Banana peel is also known to be effective in relieving itching.

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