Archive for December, 2009
Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease symptomised by red, thick, scaled patches on the skin that have a silvery appearance. It usually affects people between the ages of fifteen to thirty and is rarely found in children or the aged. This skin condition can be caused by hereditary factors, skin infections, injury or trauma caused to the skin, changes in the season or due to metabolic abnormalities in the amino acids and proteins present in the body.
Tips and Home Remedies for Psoriasis
- Sea water baths on a regular basis or the application of seawater on all affected areas on a daily basis is known to help with the condition.
- Soaking in a warm bath in which Epsom salts have been added and applying olive oil onto all the inflamed areas is also highly beneficial.
- Catching a bit of early morning sunlight is also helpful for this condition, although care must be taken to avoid getting sunburnt in the process.
- You can also apply a bit of garlic oil or Aloe Vera gel to the patchy skin after washing it thoroughly. The oil extracted from cashew nuts can also be applied onto the skin and kept overnight after washing off all the grime and dust that may have accumulated over the day.
- You can also take four marigold heads and boil them in four large cups of water. Allow the water to cool and then massage it onto the affected areas of your body. If applied onto the scalp, it will have to be rinsed off with a mild shampoo. The juice of one lemon or a little cider vinegar can also be added to the water used to rinse your hair.
- Another remedy involves crushing a few almonds till they become a fine powder. Boil the powder for a while in water and then apply it onto all affected areas. Wash off with water the next day after keeping it on overnight.
- You should avoid food that is difficult to digest such as spicy pungent food, as it may lead to the build up of toxins in the blood. Animal fat and protein and sugar can be reduced as well in one’s daily intake of food. It would be advisable to include bitter gourd and the bitter variety of drumstick as part of the diet so that the kidneys are able to flush out the toxins, which will otherwise accumulate and cause the patches to spread to other parts of the body as well.
- Drinking three glasses of freshly made buttermilk every day is a popular health drink among people afflicted with psoriasis.
Tags: home remedy for psoriasis, psoriasis home remedies, psoriasis home remedy, psoriasis tips, treating psoriasis
Posted in Skin Care Treatments | 2 Comments »
Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Olive Oil for Skin Problem
Olive oil is a popular home remedy for common skin ailments, as well as for simply keeping one’s skin radiant and smooth. Regular use maintains the elasticity of the skin and conditions the hair, giving it extra shine and volume. If massaged into the nails and cuticles, it is also known to mend brittle dry nails and soften the edges of the cuticles. The polyphenol compounds present in olive oil possess anti fungal and anti bacterial properties and are known to protect the skin from sunburn. If your skin is already sunburnt, applying olive oil is said to accelerate healing. However, this is not to say that olive oil can be used as an effective sun block — it is only a supplement to the other precautionary measures one must take for protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Olive Oil for Facial Skin
If applied regularly onto the face by massaging into it in a circular motion, olive oil will in time dislodge blackheads and help keep away pimples, blackheads, and acne. A little oil dabbed underneath and around your eyes will also invigorate the skin around the region and prevent dark circles to some extent. The skin on the scalp often requires protection from lice, and a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis, which leads to the production of flaky dandruff-like lumps. Warming a little olive oil and applying it onto the scalp will help discourage both the lice and the dermatitis.
Olive oil is an ingredient in a popular face mask which involves combining honey, the yolk of an egg and olive oil. Apply this mixture on your face, and wash it off with warm water in half an hour or so. You can also mix a little sugar or salt with olive oil and use it to wash your hands by rubbing them together rather vigorously. This helps exfoliate the dead cells in the hands while the oil acts as an excellent moisturizer. A quarter cup of olive oil can even be added to your bathwater to aid in moisturizing the skin, although you should remember that it can leave the bath slippery.
Olive oil can also be consumed internally; since it is rich in Vitamin E and is an excellent antioxidant, it will protect your skin from the inside by acting against the free radicals that are known to accelerate the ageing process. Olive oil can either be used to cook or a dribble of it can be added to one’s daily intake of salad.
Tags: common skin ailments, olive oil for acne, olive oil for dry skin, olive oil for face skin, olive oil for facial skin, olive oil for skin, olive oil for skin moisturizer, olive oil skin care
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Friday, December 18th, 2009
Causes of Hives on Face
Hives can occur on the face, arms and torso, although hives on the face and neck can be caused by serious allergic reaction and it would be advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible. You may be allergic to some kind of food, such as shellfish or mushrooms, nuts, jelly fish or if you have come into contact with certain plants such as poison oak or poison ivy. Animal dander, pollen, emotional stress and strain, excessive sweating, reaction to some kind of medication and viral infection are other causes for an eruption of hives. Hives on the face can also be caused due to an allergic reaction to some kind of makeup. Hives are symptomised by itchy red coloured patches, wheals or welts on your face. They may also appear as pink lesions over the face and neck.
Tips and Natural Remedies for Hives
It is important to identify the factors causing the hives in the first place and these need to be avoided at all costs.
- Avoid stepping out into the hot sun and having steaming hot showers when the hives crop up.
- Apply a cool compress to the area to get some relief from the itchiness and the pain.
- Fill up a tub with lukewarm water and add half a cup of cornstarch and half a cup of baking soda to it. Soak in it once every day in case the hives have spread to your neck and the rest of your body.
- Apply Aloe Vera gel or Vitamin E oil to the affected areas twice a day for best results.
- Take a tablespoon of oat meal in a bowl and pour a cup of boiling water. Allow it to steep for half an hour or so and then strain the liquid. Soak the liquid in a cotton ball and apply onto the hives. Repeat twice a day for best results.
- Make a poultice out of crushed chickweed leaves and apply onto the area to relieve the itching.
- An alkaline solution made of the milk of magnesia can be applied onto the affected region as well.
- Avoid applying make up for a few days till the hives clear up.
- Drink a tea made from peppermint, passion flower or chamomile, to soothe your nerves.
- As hives are also caused by stress, all these above mentioned herbs act as excellent stress busters.
- Consuming cayenne pepper is also recommended to battle this condition. If you develop wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the throat and if your face swells up, consult your health care provider immediately.
Tags: causes of hives on face, hives natural remedies, hives on face, natural remedies for hives, symptoms of hives
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Friday, December 18th, 2009
Ringworm in Children
Ring worm is usually a mild fungal infection that affects the skin, particularly the body, scalp, feet and groin. A ring worm rash would look like a red circular lesion on the skin with a scaly border. The area can be quite itchy. When it affects the scalp, it may cause hair loss and dandruff like scaling. When it affects the feet, patchy rashes that are itchy appear as fissures between the toes. Parents usually use topical steroids for the infection, but it is best that you resort to them only if the home remedies do not work and under strict medical supervision.
Before trying out home remedies, there are a few precautionary measures you must take. If you have pets in the house that your child usually cuddles, make sure that it does not have the infection as well. If it does, you must take your pet to the vet and get it treated lest your child get re-infected. Wash your child’s clothes separately and check if your partner or any other member of the family is suffering from the same condition. Also use a separate towel and comb for your child. The child can be allowed to go to school but with strict instructions to not share clothing, hats or hair brushes.
Home Remedies for Ringworm
- At home, you can make a pulp out of raw papaya and rub it onto the patches. A paste can be made dried papaya seeds and applied onto the infected areas as well.
- Make a paste out of ground mustard seeds and apply onto the ringworm patches. Leave on for about ten minutes and wash off with hot water.
- The application of raw turmeric juice to the area is known to cure ringworm infection to a large extent and the child can also be given a teaspoon of the juice mixed with a little honey.
- Grind dry butea seeds and mix with a teaspoon of lime juice till it is a thick paste. Apply onto all patchy areas and wash off in a half an hour.
- Apply a little coconut oil onto the affected areas once or twice a day. The antifungal antibacterial properties of the oil can aid in curing the infection.
- Avoid giving the child tinned or bottled food, sugar and white flour products. Lightly cooked vegetables, fresh fruits, seeds, nuts and whole grain cereals need to be a regular part of her or his diet.
Tags: fungal infection, home remedies for ringworm, ringworm in children, treating ringworm in children, treatment for ringworm in children
Posted in Skin Care Treatments | 3 Comments »
Friday, December 18th, 2009
Tips for Lightening Skin
There are several home remedies to lighten skin colour, but do remember that if your complexion is naturally dark, you will not be able to achieve completely fair skin. Dark skin tones are usually the result of excess melanin in the skin. The skin tends to produce more melanin when you are out in the sun in a bid to protect itself from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Other causes for dark skin include heredity, skin disorders such as lichen simplex chronicus that causes the skin to become dark and patchy and it could occasionally be the symptom of some underlying disease. Use a sunscreen with an SPF above 30 on all exposed parts of your body whenever you step out. It would be advisable to wear long sleeves when you do go out, but this might be difficult in the summer months. Use an umbrella to shield yourself. You can also use goggles, and a head scarf to protect your eyes and face from the heat and dust.
Home Remedies to Lighten Skin Colour
- At home, you can mix a teaspoon of milk powder, a teaspoon of honey, the juice of half a lemon and 5-6 drops of almond oil. Apply the mixture on your face and neck and wash off in twenty minutes or so. If repeated every day, your skin is likely to glow and it will aid in lightening the tan.
- Lime juice works as an excellent bleach and it can be combined with a little turmeric and applied onto the face, neck and hands. Wash off in about fifteen minutes with cool water.
- Grind dried orange peels and mix it with yogurt to form a thick smooth paste. Rub it gently into the face and let it stay on for half an hour before you wash it off with cold water.
- Grate a tomato and mix the pulp with a few drops of lime juice. Use the mixture on your face and neck consistently for about twenty days for a lightened skin tone.
- Slice a raw potato and place all over the face. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then wash your face.
- Your intake of food also has a role to play in maintaining healthy food.Avoid oily, greasy food as well smoking and alcohol consumption.Drink 5-6 litres of water every day so that harmful toxins are flushed out of your body. The water will also allow your body and skin to remain hydrated at all times.
Tags: lighten skin color, lighten skin color naturally, remedies to lighten skin, skin lightening tips, tips to lighten skin color
Posted in Skin Care Tips | 6 Comments »
Friday, December 18th, 2009
Skin Abscesses
Skin abscesses or boils as they are known in common parlance are classified as deep infections in the skin. Skin abscesses are of different kinds, some are caused by the staphylococcus bacteria and others, when the oil ducts in the body get clogged and lead to infection. Sometimes the sweat glands get inflamed leading to the formation of an abscess and for people who sit for long periods of time, the tendency to develop cysts on the buttocks region is high as infections of the hair follicles around the region can occur. Boils commonly occur due to ingrown hair, small cuts or scrapes which might get infected with bacteria or if a foreign body such as a splinter has lodged in the skin.
Treat Skin Abscesses
While skin abscesses are a common phenomenon, it is rampant in people with a low immune system, especially those affected by conditions such as cancer and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Common abscesses can be treated at home, provided they are detected early on and may not require medical attention. Most experts suggest applying heat to the affected area either using a hot pack, a hot water bottle, or by simple taking a hot bath. When heat is applied to the area, it increases the blood circulation underneath and allows the body to fight the infection through the white blood cells that accumulate there. Abscesses can be extremely painful and they are best left untouched when they are small and hard. You may attempt to drain it out on your own when they have softened and the pustule has formed. You will know that it is ready to be drained when the centre of the boil becomes white or yellow in colour due to the formation of pus. Once the pustule is gently removed, the abscess can be drained. Occasionally they drain out on their own after having been soaked properly and the pain will soon decrease. You can if you wish make a paste out of turmeric and hot water and apply it on the abscess. The antiseptic antifungal properties of turmeric will aid in keeping away infections.
To avoid abscesses it is necessary to keep your skin clean by regularly bathing with soap, and by keeping your hands and fingernails in particular clean. Use an antibacterial soap while bathing. Using an abrasive brush to scrub yourself is also advisable. Exercising regularly and maintaining a well balanced diet that is high on protein, vitamins and minerals will help boost your immune system and fight infections that can lead to abscesses.
Tags: home remedies for skin abscess, home treatment for skin abscess, skin abscess home remedies, skin abscess home treatment, skin abscess symptoms, skin abscesses, treat skin abscesses
Posted in Skin Infections | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Clear unblemished skin is a sign of good health and hence while treating the blemishes externally, it is also necessary to treat them from within by consuming a healthy balanced diet. Blemishes mar the texture of the skin and its appearance; however, there are several popular home remedies to clear up the skin.
Home Remedies to Clear up the Skin
- Make a paste out of a teaspoon of honey, the juice of half a lemon and a quarter teaspoon of turmeric, and apply onto the blemish. Wash it off after 15-20 minutes. Repeat this application about three or four times every week.
- The bacteriostatic properties of honey combined with that of lemon and turmeric is likely to clear it up in a month, and prevent infections as well.
- Take a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice and mix it with some honey. Apply onto the face and wash it off in about twenty minutes.
- You may also apply egg white onto the affected area although using eggs may tend to get a little smelly.
If you find a zit popping up, do not at any cost squeeze it, as it will then take a longer time to heal. It might leave a scar and the discharge from the zit can cause the surrounding areas to get affected as well. The best thing to do would be to squeeze a little lemon juice onto a swab of cotton and apply onto the boil. The acidic properties of lemon juice are likely to fight any possible infection and it will also prevent you from touching it and thereby transferring bacteria onto it from your hands. If you fear that a pimple is likely to raise its head, grind the kernel of a nutmeg and put it into a little milk and bring it to boil. Once it has cooled completely, apply onto the pimple and leave overnight. Wash it off overnight and continue till the pimple disappears. Dead skin cells are one of the major problems which cause the skin to appear rough and full of blemishes. While there are several exfoliating products available in the market, it is advisable to use a blend of oatmeal and water till it is a thick paste. Apply onto the skin and scrub gently to exfoliate and remove all the dead cells. A healthy balanced diet is also essential for clear skin, and your diet must be high on protein containing milk, eggs, pulses, legumes, fish, lean meat and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Tags: clear skin home remedies, clear skin naturally, getting clear skin, home remedies for clear skin, how to get clear skin, natural clear skin
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Skin Abrasions
Skin abrasions are usually caused as a result of the epidermis or skin coming into contact with a rough surface by scraping against it. Abrasions are superficial damages to the skin and while they may bleed a little, in most cases the affected area only loses a little skin. They are not likely to leave a scar unless the abrasion is deep and results in tissue scarring. Skin abrasions are common in children if they have fallen and scraped themselves, and in sports persons and accident victims. The symptoms of an abrasion are pain, redness or soreness, swelling and occasionally bleeding.
The first step in cleaning the skin abrasion at home involves cleaning the affected area with a mild soap and water. Wash away all the dirt and grime and then follow it up with an antiseptic wash, and pat the region dry. You can even use a clean sterilized piece of gauze to gently scrub the region clean. Apply an antiseptic ointment and dress the wound with a clean bandage or a sterilized piece of cloth. The wound should heal on its own. If the abrasion is deep and accompanied by a great deal of blood, it would be advisable to consult a physician to get it cleaned up. You may also require stitches if the wound is deeper. Do not forget to get your tetanus shot done if more than ten years have lapse since your last booster.
Home Remedies to Treat Skin Abrasion
- If the abrasions are only mild, you can use aloe vera gel for topical application. The anti inflammatory, anti bacterial will help in the healing process.
- Brew a little thyme tea and use it to disinfect the area or alternatively pour a few drops of essential oil into a cup and use instead. A few drops of lavender oil applied onto the affected area is also known to help with the healing process.
- Collect a few marigold flowers and crush them. Apply the pulp over the injured area or alternatively apply crushed parsley leaves onto the area.
- A poultice made of lavender and witch hazel and used during your daily bath is likely to treat the skin abrasion to some extent.
- Brew a tea with either sage leaves or slightly crushed geranium leaves and apply over the affected area.
- Take care to avoid alcohol, drugs and smoking, as this will slow down the healing process.
- A rich nutritious diet is also necessary to fight infections and speed up the healing process as is drinking plenty of water to flush out the toxins from the blood stream.
Tags: causes of skin abrasion, how to treat skin abrasion, skin abrasion, skin abrasion home remedies, skin abrasion treatment, symptoms of skin abrasion, treating skin abrasions
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
Tips for Baby Skin Care
Baby skin is extremely sensitive and can be subject to a multitude of ailments. First and foremost, make sure your baby is kept clean by giving her or him regular baths using a mild baby soap. Massaging warm olive oil into the baby’s body half an hour before the bath will also provide the child with the necessary Vitamin E required. Take care to keep your nails trimmed and avoid wearing bracelets or bangles while doing this as you may inadvertently hurt your child. After bathing the child, tap dry with a soft, dry towel and put the baby into clean, dry clothes. Change the baby’s nappy every time the baby has soiled itself, as it can not only be uncomfortable, but can also cause nappy rashes. Use a soft cotton wash cloth on your baby’s bottom and allow the child to stay nappy less for a few hours every day to air the region and let it dry on its own. A good wipe that is not alcohol based can also be used on the baby’s bottom followed by a light dusting of baby powder. In case the child has itchy skin at night, use a damp cloth and pat on the affected area, and then moisturize it to provide some relief. Dress your child in loose fitting cotton clothes.
Home Remedies To Keep Baby Skin Healthy
- In case the child has dry peeling skin make a concoction out of honey and olive oil, and massage gently onto the skin. Honey can be sticky and mildly uncomfortable but it can be washed off after a while.
- Grate a cucumber and apply onto the baby’s skin or alternatively make a paste out of a few mint leaves and apply onto the child’s body for about 15-20 minutes twice a day, and then wash it off.
- Depending on the age of your child, his or her diet must be balanced and contain fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Milk products, eggs, carrots are rich in Vitamin A and are essential for healthy skin.
- Green leafy vegetables like spinach, cabbages and cauliflower, lentils, cereals and pulses will aid in keeping your child healthy and contribute to healthy skin.
- If your baby has not got to the stage of eating solid food, you may try feeding the child with a few teaspoons of freshly squeezed fruit juice. But consult your doctor before you do so to confirm as to whether it is all right at your child’s age.
- Also remember to feed your child plenty of water throughout the day so that the body remains hydrated and this will also help in flushing the toxins out of the body.
Tags: baby skin care, baby skin care tips, natural baby skin care, skin care for babies, take care baby skin, tips for baby skin care
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
Facial Skin Problems
Most people suffer from some facial skin problem at some point in their lives. These can be caused due to genetic factors, hormonal imbalance, age, exposure to smoke, dust, the harmful UV rays of the sun, and occasionally as a symptom of some underlying disease. Skin problems could range from acne, brown spots, wrinkles, dry skin, whiteheads, blackheads and even common pimples. If you are worried about any skin problem it would be advisable to consult a dermatologist at the earliest in order to diagnose your condition. Every skin problem has its own unique remedy and since you have not mentioned your ailment, the remedies here will be of a general nature.
Home Remedies and Tips for Facial Skin Care
- On the home front take care to use a sunscreen lotion with an SPF above 30 on all exposed parts of the skin including the face.
- Cover your face if possible when going out in the sun by using a wide brimmed hat or by carrying an umbrella.
- Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser and cold water.
- Use a face wipe to clean up the entire makeup at the end of the day, especially your eye makeup which is something that people tend to forget.
- Heat a little oil, preferably olive oil and massage in circular movements into the skin. This will provide it the required amounts of Vitamin E to keep it healthy and glowing.
- Take a bowl and add a glass of boiled milk into it. Squeeze a few drops of lime juice, and add a teaspoon of glycerine into it, stir this mixture well. Leave the mixture aside for half an hour and apply onto your face, hands, and feet before going to bed. If you do not want to soil the sheets, you may keep it on for half an hour or so and then wash it off, although keeping it overnight produces the best results.
- Make a mixture out of egg yolk, olive oil and the juice of one lime. Apply onto the face and leave it on till dry. Wash off with water at medium temperature and then splash your face with cold water.
- You may also keep thin slices of potato or cucumber on your eyes while lying down to clear up dark circles.
- Remember to drink 12-15 glasses of water a day to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and cut down on oily, greasy, junk food.
- Try to get enough sleep as well a lack of it can lead to dull, unhealthy skin.
Tags: causes of skin problems, common skin problems, face skin problems, facial skin care remedies, facial skin problems, skin problem on face, tips for facial skin care
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