Archive for October, 2009

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Home Remedies to Remove Dark Skin around the Mouth and Nose

Friday, October 16th, 2009

Causes of Dark Skin around Mouth and Nose

Dark skin around the mouth and nose is not an uncommon occurrence, and is usually caused by hyper pigmentation which causes patches of the skin to darken. Hyper pigmentation occurs mainly due to a concentration of melanin in certain areas of the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its natural color and is the skin’s natural sunscreen that increases to protect the skin from sun damage. Hence, the areas that have a concentration of melanin tend to tan more when exposed to sunlight thus becoming darker than the rest of the skin. Besides this, the layer of skin around the lips is also thinner making it more prone to discoloration. Hormonal changes and lifestyle also play an important part in skin texture and color. A build-up of dead skin cells can also cause darkening of the skin.

Removing Dark Skin

To control the darkening of skin, it is essential to stay out of direct sunlight as the ultraviolet rays of the sun contribute to skin damage. However, it is not always feasible to stay indoors. Hence, the use of a sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 is recommended to protect the skin from these harmful rays. A sunscreen with titanium, zinc and avobenzone as ingredients is extremely effective in blocking out UVA and UVB rays. Since the effect of the sunscreen wears off within an hour or so, reapplying a liberal layer of the sunscreen whenever possible is recommended. The use of a scarf or umbrella to protect your skin further is also recommended.

Many people concentrate on the cheeks and tend to neglect the area around the mouth and nose when using most skin care products. This can be another reason for dark skin in this region. Hence, paying careful attention to every part of your face as well as your whole body is essential to prevent discoloration. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. Massaging the area with the juice of quarter of a lemon is recommended for fading away the dark tone. If you are unable to bear the tingling sensation that lemon juice leaves behind, adding a little honey or yogurt to the juice is recommended. These ingredients nourish the skin as well as prevent skin infections due to their anti-microbial qualities. Applying a mixture of a pinch of turmeric and a tablespoon each of gram flour and milk cream assists in nourishing and lightening the skin. Rubbing off this mask carefully when it is completely dry will also help to get rid of dead skin cells that make skin appear dull and dark.

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Dry Skin Bumps Remedy - How to Remove Bumps on Skin

Friday, October 16th, 2009

Bumps on Skin

Dry skin and bumps on the skin are conditions that are very commonly faced by numerous people around the world. Bumps on the skin are usually caused by ingrown hair, wherein the hair curls into the skin or grows sideways into the skin. This is generally caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells or blocked pores that restrict the proper growth of body hair. Both these factors are very common in people with dry skin as the skin tends to become flaky, as it lacks adequate moisture. These ingrowths may be accompanied by discoloration and itchiness that is aggravated by the nature of dry skin. In some cases, these areas may get sore and become infected with pus. Waxing or shaving unwanted hair may also result in ugly bumps on the skin. The use of tight-fitting clothing is not advisable as it may also result in these bumps due to the friction caused.

Preventing Bumps

To prevent the occurrence of skin ailments, maintaining personal hygiene is a priority. Avoid the use of very hot water and harsh skin products as they tend to make skin drier. Exposure to direct sunlight should also be avoided to prevent skin damage. Before a bath, place a warm towel on your skin for 10-15 minutes as it softens the skin, and brings the ingrown hair closer to the surface. Then gently massage the skin in circular movements with the same towel. This will help in releasing most of the hair stuck in the skin. This treatment can be followed with applying a mixture of oatmeal, milk cream and honey to the affected area. Keep this mask on for 15-20 minutes and then gently rub it off in circular movements of your fingertips.

The oatmeal is an excellent exfoliating agent that will assist in not only removing the ingrowths, but will also get rid of the accumulated dead skin cells, thus opening up blocked pores that cause the hair to grow awkwardly. Milk cream and honey nourish the skin, making it look younger and supple. Honey also prevents the spread of infections due to its anti-microbial qualities. A body scrub made with honey and sugar granules is another excellent remedy for the treatment of bumps and dry skin. Rubbing the skin gently with this scrub until the sugar granules dissolve completely is recommended for the removal of ingrown hair and dead skin cells. Adding a few drops of lemon juice to this scrub will also help in lightening skin tone as lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent.

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Pressure Sores Prevention and Treatment

Friday, October 16th, 2009

Causes of Pressure Sores

Pressure sores are caused when the skin gets sensitive due to excessive pressure exerted on areas that come in contact with some other surface or material. Bed sores are the most common manifestation of pressure sores, because a person, who is unable to move, is in constant contact with a bed or chair. Common symptoms for pressure sores are discoloration of the skin, redness and swelling in the affected area and in certain cases, a foul smell emitted from the sore area. Tenderness, pain and pus are other symptoms of bed sores or pressure sores. Patients with a history of diabetes are highly susceptible to contracting bed sores because the body’s ability to heal itself is weakened by the onset of diabetes.

Prevention of Pressure Sores

The best way to naturally prevent pressure sores is by eating the correct foods and by relieving pressure from sensitive areas. If a patient in not capable of moving him or her self, the position of the body must be altered regularly so as to relieve pressure from sensitive areas. The back, elbows and buttocks are in constant contact with the surface of the bedding, which exerts pressure on these parts and causes pressure sores. The most common cause of occurrence of pressure sores is linked with incontinence and inability to control the passage of urine. Because of the high acidic content of urine, it eats into the skin, causing epidermal damage and ultimately leading to bed sores. If the patient is unable to control bowel movements or control the bladder, it is advisable that continence aids such as adult diapers be used to ensure that all excrescences from the body are soaked up and the acidic content of these wastes cause no further damage to the skin.

Keeping the skin clean is another effective method of reducing the occurrence of bed sores. Pressure sores need to be cleaned carefully and thoroughly by using a saline solution. The dead tissue must be removed from the affected area as it tends to rot and emit a foul smell. After cleaning the sore, it should be dressed properly, and the dressing should be changed regularly. Moisturizing the skin frequently but not excessively, after ensuring that it is dried well is also very important, because dry skin will tend to break easily, while skin that is overly moisturized will also tend to break easily. In the event that the sore is badly infected, medical advice must be solicited because bacteria entering the damaged portion could cause septicemia, leading to further damage of internal organs.

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How to Reduce Birthmarks Appearance

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

A blemish formed on the skin before birth is referred to as a birthmark. These blemishes are not restricted to any particular part of the skin and usually show up in the first month after birth. Birthmarks are made up of cells that form the inner lining of blood vessels. They usually develop in the form of soft raised lesions on the skin and are a result of a benign overgrowth of blood vessels in the skin. They are generally red in color and in some cases resemble a strawberry. They may also vary from shades of red to browns to black. They vary in size and shape as well. These blemishes may fade away with advancing age. Birthmarks are generally absolutely harmless but it is advisable to have your pediatrician check them as some, especially irregular moles, have the ability to turn cancerous over a period of time.

Reducing Birthmarks Appearance

Foods containing selenium, and vitamins E, C and A check the damage of free radicals in the body and are therefore recommended for use in reducing the appearance of birthmarks. Fresh raw fruits, such as kiwi fruit, cantaloupe and apricots contain vitamin A and C, and help in keeping the appearance of birthmarks under control. Raw wheat germ is known for its high selenium and vitamin E content. Nuts, whole grains and sesame seeds also contain selenium. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and ensuring that a healthy breakfast contains all the nutritional content required by the body is a very important aspect.

Almost 10% of the population is born with these skin lesions also referred to as naevi. The cause of these blemishes still remains a mystery and is in no way linked to any incident occurring during pregnancy. Birthmarks are usually not genetic and nor do they have any connection with trauma to the skin at birth. These blemishes are usually despised because of their ugly appearance and are of more concern if they appear on the face. These blemishes are better left untouched. However, if removal does seem necessary, consulting an experienced dermatologist is recommended. Surgical removal of the birthmark is the most commonly used method of removal, but may not prove to be the best option if the birthmark covers a large area. In such cases, plastic surgery may be required. Cryosurgery or laser therapy may also be used in the treatment of birthmarks. In some cases, the application of steroid creams may prove beneficial.

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Causes and Treatment for Seborrheic Keratosis

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Seborrheic Keratosis Causes

Seborrheic keratosis is a skin ailment that originates in the keratinocytes that exist in the upper layer of the skin. They are non-cancerous growths that become more prominent with advancing age. They usually vary in size and color, ranging from shades of brown to black. They are oval or round in shape, may be flat or slightly raised and tend to develop a cauliflower-like warty appearance as they develop. These lesions look like dirt stuck to the skin and tend to itch, the itch increases as the skin ages. These lesions may be caused by a constant exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun or by an abnormal increase in melanin. It may also be an inherited condition or a side effect of certain medication. Having similar symptoms, seborrheic keratosis is very often confused with melanoma but it is not harmful at all. However, to clear any doubts, consulting a dermatologist is recommended. If the lesions or the skin around them tends to bleed, it may be a cause for concern.

Seborrheic Keratosis Treatment

A diet rich in fiber and low on fats is recommended for people prone to seborrheic keratosis. The antioxidants present in fruits and vegetables are beneficial in treating this condition. The juice of a lemon in a cup of warm water with a pinch of cayenne, consumed daily, is believed to be beneficial in melting away the lesions. Covering the lesion with dandelion extract or a paste of honey and flax seed powder and washing it off after 10-15 minutes may cause the lesion to disappear gradually.

Since seborrheic keratosis is not harmful in any way, they can be left on. However, due to their ugly appearance, people usually opt for having them removed, after consulting an experienced dermatologist. The itchy sensation they cause is another reason why people opt for lesion removal. Besides, these warty lesions tend to interfere with clothing and jewelry thus increasing the discomfort. The warty lesion can be removed by tying a strand of hair tightly around its base, thus cutting off the blood supply to the lesions. Gradually, the lesion will dry up and eventually fall off. The dermatologist may opt to lance off the lesions. If the seborrheic keratosis is very small, liquid nitrogen may be used to freeze the lesions in a procedure called cryotherapy. The lesion slowly crusts and falls off in a few days. In some cases, electric cauterization may be used wherein the stub of the growth is burned. However, these removal processes may leave behind a scar.

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What is Melanoma and Treatments for Melanoma

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Causes and Symptoms Of Melanoma

Melanoma is a rare form of cancer which affects the melanocytes found primarily in the skin. Melanocytes are the cells that produce the dark pigment – melanin, which is responsible for giving the skin, hair and eyes their natural color. Occasionally, this malignant tumor affects the bowel and eyes as well. At the outset, melanoma looks like a simple brown or black mole or blemish. Asymmetric moles or skin lesions with uneven borders which appear to be increasing in size may be indicative of melanoma, and should not be ignored as they may be malignant. It is also essential to keep in mind that melanoma can be fatal if left unattended. Melanoma is responsible for most of the deaths owing to skin cancer.

Treatments for Melanoma

Melanoma can be genetic or may be caused by a loss of or an alteration in the tumor suppression genes. Studies prove that melanoma is mainly caused due to exposure to the ultraviolet rays – UVA and UVB that cause damage to the DNA of cells. It is seen that this form of cancer is more widespread in Caucasian people who live in predominantly sunny climates. Hence, it is clear that a constant exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun should be avoided, especially when it causes sunburns. The use of sun-beds should also be avoided as they give out deep penetrating UVA rays that can cause cancer. The use of a sunscreen which has zinc, titanium and avobenzone is recommended as it effectively blocks out UVA and UVB rays. Wearing long-sleeved and ankle-length clothes, which cover the skin completely, along with a scarf to cover the face further help in preventing sun damage. The use of a broad-brimmed hat or an umbrella may also prove beneficial in preventing melanoma. Drinking plenty of water and increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants is advisable for the treatment of melanoma.  Studies show that curcumin found in turmeric is believed to fight melanoma cells by causing them to self-destruct. Onions and garlic are known to contain allyl sulphides that restrict the growth of cancer causing chemicals in the body.

A skin biopsy is performed to confirm if the condition is melanoma and to ascertain the severity of the condition. Regardless of the numerous years of research, surgical removal of the malignant tumor, in its initial stages, is the best way of avoiding the further spread of the disease, thus becoming the closest cure. Chemotherapy, adjuvant therapy, immunotherapy, hyperthermia and radiation therapy are the alternative treatments for melanoma.

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Forehead Acne - how to get rid of acne on forehead

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Cause of Forehead Acne

The presence of acne on your skin is largely dependant on your skin type and is caused by a range of factors including hormonal imbalances and allergic reactions to weather conditions, and chemicals in skin care products. Oily skin is generally prone to acne, as excessive oil produced by the skin clogs pores and then reacts with the sebaceous glands, resulting in acne. In addition, some people are prone to frequent hormonal disturbances and imbalances that result in the formation of acne. Acne may also form as a result of extreme weather conditions. People who are prone to skin allergies are more likely to develop acne as a result of daily dust and heat exposure. Certain chemicals in skin care products may also result in the formation of acne and so it is crucial to find skin care products that suit your needs. Read the labels of your cosmetics carefully and ensure that you are not allergic to any of your skin care products. Use a mild soap to wash your face and avoid those that have a strong perfume.

Since you complain of forehead acne, it may be advisable to keep the area as clean as possible and free from potential irritants. The excessive accumulation of oil on your forehead may cause the formation of acne. Hair styles that cause a lot of hair to fall on the face and forehead may lead to the blockage of pores in the area. This could potentially lead to the formation of acne and skin infection. You should therefore ensure that you keep your hair off your forehead at all times. This will keep oil and sweat from accumulating on your forehead. In addition, you can try a few natural remedies to treat your acne at home.

Get rid of Acne on Forehead

Make a mixture of lime juice and cinnamon powder and apply it on your forehead. You can also mix groundnut oil with lime juice and apply it on your forehead to help reduce acne. Garlic is an effective remedy for treating acne at home. Apply a few cloves of crushed garlic on your forehead to help reduce acne. Alternatively you can apply the juice of mint leaves to help reduce acne. Make a paste of orange peel and apply this on your forehead to help cure acne. Make a mixture using one tablespoon each of yogurt, oatmeal and sour cream. Add a few drops of lemon juice to this mixture and apply it on your forehead to help treat acne. Apply a face mask made of sandalwood powder and water every night and wash it off in the morning with lukewarm water. This will help reduce acne and prevent scarring.

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Ice Pick Acne Scars - How to Get Rid Ice Pick Scars

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Ice Pick Scars

An ice pick scar is one of the several types of acne scars. Although this type of acne scar is common, it is one of the most serious as well. Ice pick scars are characterized by a skin indentation that is deep and is v-shaped. They are called ice pick scars because they appear as if the skin has been punctured with an ice pick. Since ice pick scars are very deep, they are difficult to treat and may take a great deal of time to heal. These scars extend deep into the dermis and have the appearance of small holes in the skin. An ice pick scar forms on account of a skin infection. Common cysts and other skin inflammations tend to get infected and this works its way to the outermost layer of the skin, leaving behind a long, deep scar. It is very important to maintain a high level of personal hygiene if you are prone to acne. This helps prevent infection of acne and therefore helps prevent the formation of deep scars. Remember to keep your nails clipped short, as you may cause scarring by accidentally scratching or pulling at your acne. Wash your hands frequently to avoid infecting your acne and to keep it from spreading.

Ice Pick Scar Treatment

To treat severe ice pick scars, it may be necessary for you to visit your dermatologist, who will help you weigh your options. Since ice pick scars are very deep and difficult to treat at home, you may either need to consider surgery or take skin regenerating supplements. Skin regenerating creams are another possible option to treat ice pick scars. In either case, you should consult a dermatologist to find out what nature of treatment might be most suitable for you.

Alongside this, you can try a few remedies at home to help reduce the scars. These remedies may provide marginal relief but may not help treat the scars permanently. Apply some aloe vera on your scars everyday to help increase the vitality of your skin and to help reduce your scars. Make a paste of honey and sandalwood powder and apply it on your scars to help diminish them. Garlic is an effective remedy for treating scars. Apply some garlic juice on your scars everyday to reduce scars effectively. Tea tree oil is another effective remedy for scars. Apply tea tree oil everyday to help fade scars naturally.

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How to Get Rid of White Scars on Skin

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

White Scars on Skin

White scars may form on the skin as a result of trauma. Trauma caused to the skin hampers the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. Injuries that are very deep usually cause intensive damage to those layers of the skin that are responsible for producing melanin. As a result, while the wound is healing and new skin and tissue forms, no pigment is present, and the resulting scars appear white and do not match the color of the rest of the skin. It is therefore essential to take very good care of your skin after an injury. Scars may seem more or less prominent depending upon your natural complexion, nonetheless, they can be a cause of immense discomfort and embarrassment. To help prevent the formation of white scars after an injury, apply aloe vera gel directly on the wound. This not only helps it to heal faster, but also prevents scarring. This should be done immediately after an injury for the aloe vera to take effect. Honey is another effective natural antiseptic that can be applied directly on your injuries to help them heal faster and to prevent scarring.

Remedies to Get Rid of White Scars

In addition, you can apply sandalwood paste on your scars to accelerate fading and healing. Apply sandalwood paste on your scars and leave them overnight. This will help restore the natural pigment of your skin in the regions affected by scars. Make an herbal wash using a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and half a glass of water. Boil the fenugreek seeds in the water and then strain the liquid and allow it to cool. Apply the resulting herbal wash on your scars using a cotton swab at least twice a day. Vitamin E is an effective remedy for treating scars. Take a few capsules of Vitamin E, break them open and mix the contents with equal parts of rose water and lemon juice. Apply this solution on your scars at least twice daily. This will help diminish your scars.

You can use natural bleaches to help fade your scars. Apply the juice of a lemon on your scars at least once everyday to help in treating the same. Lemon juice is a natural bleach that will give your skin an even complexion. Using some milk, make a paste by grating nutmeg and apply it on your scars to help diminish them. Cucumber is another effective method of treating scars. Apply grated cucumber on your scars to help them fade.

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Skin Burn Treatment - How to Treat Burns on Skin

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

How to Treat Skin Burns

Skin burns can be caused by several external factors and usually classified based on the intensity of the damage to the skin tissue. Thus, first degree burns result in the least damage while third-degree burns are the most harmful. For example, sunburns are classified as first degree burns and result in some redness of the outmost skin tissue with peeling of damaged skin. On the other hand, third-degree burns are usually caused by direct contact with caustic chemicals or fire, and result in damage that penetrates deep into the skin tissue, causing dark, charred skin. Most cases of fatalities are caused by third-degree burns, though some second-degree burns (if widespread) can be equally serious.

It is advisable to visit a doctor with any type of skin burn, though some mild cases of first degree burns can respond well to home treatment. These can include light sunburns, allergic ‘burns’ caused by exposure to foods like chili peppers, and minor blisters caused by touching hot objects. In most of such cases, the skin turns red and sensitive and may be painful to the touch. Sometimes, the damaged outer layer peels off or small blisters develop, which can seep a clear liquid. It is important to avoid damaging these blisters, which are natural bandages of the skin and help to protect the damaged skin tissues. Running cold water over the affected skin immediately after getting a minor burn can reduce the temperature and minimize skin damage, though this may not be advisable for certain types of chemical burns or grease splatters. A cold compress, such as ice wrapped in a towel, works well in providing topical relief by numbing the burnt skin. You can also use a cloth soaked in cold milk, which is very soothing.

Home Remedies for Burns

Aloe vera gel is also great for covering and protecting the inflamed skin. It also has antiseptic properties that help prevent infections in the damaged skin tissue. For larger areas seen in sunburns, adding a few drops of tea tree oil to bath water can provide similar protection. Adding medicated oatmeal to the bathwater also helps to sooth the inflamed skin. As far as possible, the sensitive burnt skin should not be irritated with tight clothing, while cosmetics and deodorants need to be completely avoided. Drinking lots of water also helps the skin in its natural healing process. However, certain medical conditions such as diabetes can complicate even the mildest case of skin burn, and such individuals will require medical care and supervision.

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