Archive for September, 2010

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How to Get Rid of Black Spots on your Face

Friday, September 24th, 2010

The problem of black spots on skin covering the face, chest and hands is quite a common one. Several people apply commercial skincare products that contain harsh chemicals on their skin and their face, in order to get rid of dark circles, freckles, age spots or brown patches. However, these harsh products could actually cause more damage to facial skin, even worsening the appearance of black spots on the face. Therefore, a lot of people now prefer opting for home remedies for black spots on face, as they are believed to be much safer. Moreover, most home remedies cost a lot less than commercial skincare products.

Home Remedies for Black Spots on Face

Some of the most effective home remedies for black spots on face are:

•    Vitamin E oil: Apply Vitamin E oil directly to the affected area and allow it to penetrate the skin. Do not wash the oil off and instead, let it stay on for some time. For the sake of convenience, it is best to apply the oil to the face at bedtime and leave it on all night, washing it off only in the morning.
•    Honey: This is one of the best ingredients for your skin, as it contains natural renewing properties. Apply some honey to the affected area and leave it on for at least twenty minutes or so, before rinsing it off. For an extra lightening effect, you could add some wheat germ to the honey, before applying it to the skin.
•    Milk: Since the facial skin is very delicate and sensitive, it is important to use ingredients that will not cause any irritation. Milk not only has a soothing affect on the skin, it is great for lightening and treating black spots on face. Take a ball of cotton, dip it in some milk and dab it gently on the affected facial areas. You could also use butter milk or sour milk for this purpose.
•    Citrus fruits: Most varieties of citrus fruits, especially lemons, are high in vitamin C, which contains natural bleaching properties. Apply some citrus fruit on to a piece of cotton and massage the darkened spot gently with it.
•    Sunscreen: Excessive exposure to the sun causes the skin to grow darker and also worsens the appearance of black spots on face. Therefore, it is best to avoid going out in the sun, during peak hours. In case you need to step out, you could apply a strong sunscreen, of a good brand, to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun.

In case the black spots on face do not lighten in spite of using home remedies, it is best to consult a dermatologist.

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Home Remedies for Skin Fungus Treatment

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Fungus is a type of organism that is known to cause infections in human beings, as well as animals. Skin fungus, in humans, is usually caused by fungi, such as the dermatophyte or yeast. A fungus known as yeast is naturally present in the human body. On the other hand dermatophytes are more like opportunistic fungi, as they look for a favorable environment and usually grow on the hair, nails or the top layer of the skin. The most common forms of skin fungus in humans are athlete’s foot, jock’s itch, nail ringworm, beard ringworm, scalp ringworm and Candida.

Skin Fungus Symptoms

The symptoms of skin fungus may vary, depending on the kind of fungal infection. In case of a ringworm, reddish-pink ring shaped scaly patches that have a clear center appear on the skin. A jock’s itch is characterized by a red ring-like rash in the groin area. In case of an athlete’s foot, you will see a scaly rash between the toes, which can be very itchy. Ringworm on the scalp is a condition that is seen more commonly in children and it is highly contagious too. Nail ringworm mainly affects the toenails, giving the nail a dull and thickened appearance; eventually the infected part could fall off from the rest of the nail. The most common symptoms of fungus on skin are rashes, peeling skin, itchiness, redness, skin cracks and scaly itchy patches. In some people, skin fungus with white spots may be visible on the face too.

Skin Fungus Treatment

There are many over the counter antifungal medicines and topical ointments that are available for skin fungus treatment. Different types of fungal infections require different medication. The treatment time for different infections may also vary. However, there are several people who prefer home remedies for skin fungus, since they cost less and are believed to have fewer side effects. Several people have treated skin fungus effectively, with the use of home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, bleach, herbs and essential oils. However, the exact effectiveness of the home remedies for skin fungus has not been lab tested and therefore, cannot be vouched for. Prevention of skin fungus is better than trying to cure the infection. In order to prevent fungal infections, it is important to follow strict hygienic measures.

Although skin fungus is common and is not very serious, it should not be left ignored. It is best to check with a doctor, in case you are not sure about the skin fungus treatment option that may best suit you.

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How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation Naturally

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Hyperpigmentation refers to a common condition, where dark patches become evident, on a person’s skin. It is a well-known fact that the skin usually gets tanned and darkens with excessive exposure to the sun. The darkening of the skin in patches is usually the result of the improper pigmentation of the skin. A hormone known as melanin is responsible for the color of our skin. An excess or a deposit of melanin in any part of the skin can cause that patch of the skin to appear darker than the rest of the skin. This condition is quite common across the world and can be seen in people of almost any race. These dark skin patches can most commonly been seen on the face, hands, chest or other areas exposed to the sun.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

One of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation in people is hormonal changes, since the endocrine system influences the manufacture of melanin to a great extent. The hormone that is emitted by the pituitary gland, which produces melanin, is Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH). Progressing age is one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation, where liver spots are noticed all over the skin.

There are other causes like hemochromatosis, Nelson’s syndrome and Addison’s disease that cause the overall darkening of the skin. Diseases like polycystic ovarian syndrome (in women) and severe insulin resistance could also result in the appearance of dark patches across the skin, due to acanthosis nigricans. Many women also notice darker patches of skin on the face, or the “Mark of Pregnancy”, when they are pregnant.

There are other lesser known causes of hyperpigmentation too, which include the deposit of silver in argyria. This is commonly seen in people who use colloidal silver often, as a form of alternative treatment. This can cause the skin to turn bluish gray in color.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment

There are several hyperpigmentation treatment options, which may include topical therapies, laser resurfacing, intense pulse light, hydroquinone creams, medication, micro-dermabrasion, acid peels as well as other home remedies for hyperpigmentation. However, most people prefer opting for a natural treatment for hyperpigmentation, which includes the use of an effective sunscreen, exfoliating dead skin regularly, stimulating the growth of new cells and lightening the uneven color of the skin by using home remedies.

However, before choosing to go in for any hyperpigmentation treatment, it is important to consult a doctor as well as a skin specialist. This is essential as your doctor or skin specialist would be able to provide you better hyperpigmentation treatment options; one’s that would apply to your skin type.

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How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Face

Friday, September 24th, 2010

A large number of people are prone to developing dry skin on face. In some cases, the condition could persist for many days and most remedies are able to provide only temporary relief. Dry skin is especially common in the winter months, although some people may experience the problem throughout the year.

Causes of  Dry Skin

The skin becomes dry when it cannot retain moisture. The natural oil production is also reduced. This causes the skin to become dry and rough. Besides this, patchy areas are likely to develop on the skin as well. In severe cases, the skin could also become cracked. The areas of the face that are most prone to dry skin are the cheeks and skin surrounding the lips. Dry skin on face or any other part of the body is mainly the result of dehydration. In case the body does not receive adequate water or there is an excessive intake of coffee and sugar, the skin is likely to become dry. Poor dietary habits could also result in dry skin on face. Many people with dry skin also suffer from certain nutritional deficiencies such as those of vitamins A and B. Soaps and skin care products that are heavily perfumed usually contain harsh chemicals and this may aggravate the condition. Use of too much make-up is also likely to lead to dryness of the face. Some people are prone to allergies which are likely to dry out the skin. Even sun exposure, harsh weather and pollution can affect the skin. Dry skin on face is also likely to occur due to sitting in an air conditioned room for long hours. Other factors that cause dry skin include genetic factors, conditions such as diabetes and hormonal imbalances.

Home Remedies for Treating Dry Skin

Dry skin can be easily treated using some simple remedies.Here are some dry skin care tips.

  • Dry face skin care involves regular moisturizing.
  • The face must also be washed with a gentle cleanser thrice a day.
  • The skin must also be protected from exposure to sun and pollution. Skin exfoliation must be done every week in order to remove the dry and dead skin cells.

There are also many dry skin natural remedies.

  • Aloe vera serves as a beneficial natural moisturizer as it helps to keep the skin soft and supple.
  • You may also add essential oils such as almond oil, lavender oil and sandalwood oil to bath water.
  • Gentle facial massages using olive oil or coconut oil is also known to help in treating dry skin on face.

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How To Treat Acne Conglobata

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Acne conglobata

Acne conglobata refers to a severe and rare type of acne. It is characterized by comedones or lesions that usually develop in clusters. Inflamed nodules also start occurring around the lesions. These then enlarge and become filled with pus. In time they rupture and the pus is discharged. The pus is usually foul smelling and tends to collect again after the nodule is drained. In severe acne conglobata, ulcers may also develop beneath the nodules. These attach to each other beneath the skin surface and abscesses are formed. The abscesses can be very painful and often leave behind deep scars.

Acne conglobata is an infectious condition. It generally occurs in individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Once acne conglobata develops, it can persist for many years. Some individuals are even known to suffer from the condition up to the age of 40 years. Those people who already have active acne are more prone to developing acne conglobata. However it could also appear in people who have recovered from acne. Males are more susceptible to this condition than females. This type of acne is also known to occur in infants. Areas of the body that are likely to be affected include the thighs, buttocks, back, chest, shoulders, arms and face.

Acne Conglobata Treatment

The most common acne conglobata treatment is isotretinoin which is derived from vitamin A. Pills containing isotretinoin are usually prescribed for those with acne conglobata. The course may continue for about 15 to 20 weeks. Most people experience complete recovery after one course of medication. These pills work by restricting the oil production of the sebaceous or oil glands. However there are some side effects of this medication. Individuals taking these pills have experienced mild muscle and joint pains, dry skin, dryness in the mouth and nose and cracked lips. Along with the pills, topical applications and facial cleaners may also be prescribed.

A strong immune system is important in order to fight acne conglobata. Vitamin and mineral supplements such as those of vitamins A, C, E, B6 and zinc are often prescribed to boost immunity. The diet must also be healthy and must incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Regular exercise is also essential as this helps to enhance blood flow through the body and keeps the skin healthy. Those prone to acne must also ensure that their skin is kept clean at all times so that further aggravation of the condition is prevented.

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Types of Fungal Skin Infection | Fungal Skin Rash

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Fungal Skin Infection

Although fungal skin rash is a commonly occurring condition, it can be difficult to diagnose since its symptoms are similar to many other skin conditions. Rash that occurs due to infection by fungus is known as fungal rash. The infection is likely to occur in areas of the body that usually remain warm and moist such as the groin area and armpits. In some cases, fungal skin rash may appear on the face also. This condition is referred to as facial tinea. There are various types of fungal skin rashes depending on the type of infection. Examples of fungal skin rash include jock itch or tinea curis and ringworm or tinea corporis.

The levels of fungus in the body are kept in check by the immune system and the ‘good’ bacteria that are naturally present in the body. However, if the immune system is weakened due to certain factors or if the bacteria in the body are destroyed, the fungus levels will rise and a fungal skin infection may occur. Intake of antibiotics for a long period of time can lower the levels of bacteria in the body. The growth of fungus may also occur due to the intake of immunosuppressant drugs as these drugs compromise the immune system. Other factors which could contribute to the growth of fungus in the body include diabetes, excessive perspiration, incontinence and obesity. Fungal skin rashes may vary in appearance depending on the type of infection. Some rashes may appear as red scaly areas on the skin and burning and itching is likely to occur. The rash may be restricted to one part of the skin, but could spread to larger areas as well. Jock itch usually occurs around the groin and buttock region and causes a great deal of itching. Other type of rash may develop on the chest and back area. Ringworm appears as a circular ring that is red and tender. Athlete’s foot is another type of rash that causes itching and redness.

Fungal Skin Rash Treatment

Fungal skin rash treatment usually involves application of anti-fungal creams, powders or lotions. The rash usually affects the skin surface and hence medication is effective in treating it. In severe cases, oral anti-fungal medication may also be prescribed. A beneficial natural remedy for fungal skin rash is tea tree oil. Dilute a few drops of the oil in some water and dab over the affected areas. It is also important to keep the skin clean and dry at all times. Clothes must be loose and comfortable and perfumed soaps and creams should be avoided.

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How to Get Rid of Armpit Rash

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Itchy Armpit Rash

Underarm rash or armpit rash is known to be very painful, irritating and even embarrassing, the armpit or the underarm is a very sensitive part of the body and is usually one of the warmest places on the external area of a person’s body. This makes the armpit a very conducive breeding ground for bacteria resulting in armpit rash. Armpit rash may also be caused on account of environmental elements, such as a reaction to chemicals or even because of personal body conditions. The rash under the armpit is usually easily treatable and in most cases can also be prevented by following some basic personal hygiene.

In women who tend to shave their armpits, itchy armpit rash may be caused by inflamed, itchy and bumpy underarms which may linger for quite a few days. Some other causes of armpit rash and underarm itching could be medical conditions such as melanoma or even ichthyosis. However, in most cases the commonly observed causes of armpit rash are a reaction to bacteria, deodorants or shaving or even a combination of all these three. In order to get rid of armpit rash one needs to first determine the exact cause of the armpit rash, that is, whether it is on account of a razor burn  or because one perspires excessively or even because of dry underarm skin.

Home Treatment for Underarm Rash

  • Home treatment for underarm rash includes wearing clothes that are loose around the underarms and also keeping the affected area as clean as possible.
  • One should also try and avoid prolonged exposure to intense activity or heat which in turn causes excess perspiration which may further worsen the armpit rash.
  • One may also use some natural products for the treatment of underarm rash such as aloe vera, tea tree oil and even vitamin E enriched lotions. If the armpit rash is a result of some chemicals present in the various sanitary products or deodorants that one uses, then one should switch to another brand immediately.
  • Very often those who are keen to know how to get rid of armpit rash are also advised to modify their diet by minimizing their intake of spicy foods. This is because spicy foods are known to aggravate rashes and pimples. Additionally, eating spicy foods also induces perspiration which may further worsen the underarm rash.
  • Natural treatment for underarm rash also includes adding ginger to ones diet as it is known to contain anti inflammatory ingredients which helps in reducing the underarm rash.

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Blepharitis Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Blepharitis Symptoms,Causes

Blepharitis is a medical condition which is observed in the form of an inflammation of the edges of ones eyelids. In most cases both the eyes get affected at the same time and this bacterial infection may also lead to persistent scaly red – rimmed eyes in the individual. Some of the commonly observed blepharitis symptoms include the eyelids being sealed together with a sticky crust when one is sleep. The other blepharitis symptoms are the margins of the eyelids being inflamed, scaled or reddened, sensation of a foreign particle being in the eye constantly along with some amount of itching or burning. Some people may also experience dandruff like flakes on the eyelids while suffering from blepharitis. Some other blepharitis symptoms include watery eyes, loss of eyelashes, eyelashes growing abnormally, eye drainage and general discomfort of the eyes.

Some of the common causes of blepharitis are excessive production of oil by the glands present in the eyelids, poor eyelid hygiene being maintained by the individual, a bacterial infection or even an allergic reaction. In some rare cases blepharitis may also be experienced on account of an infestation of lice on ones eyelashes.

Natural Treatment for Blepharitis

Blepharitis treatment does not guarantee a complete cure from this medical condition but it helps on controlling the symptoms. The key to a blepharitis treatment being successful is maintaining good eyelid hygiene by gently scrubbing the edges of the eyelids with some tearless shampoo with the help of cotton tipped applicator or even a lint free washcloth. One may use this blepharitis natural treatment several times in a day till there is some improvement in the symptoms observed. Some doctors may also prescribe steroid drops or antibiotic drops as part of the blepharitis treatment; however this is usually done in severe cases.

  • Blepharitis natural treatment also includes keeping warm compresses on the eyelids as this will help in loosening the crusted secretion and thereby help keep the eyelids clean.
  • Those suffering from blepharitis should be careful not to rub their eyelids which may be tempting on account of the constant itchiness and irritation. This also helps in treating the condition faster and works as an effective blepharits treatment.
  • One should also wash their hands frequently so as to prevent any further infection.

In some cases of blepharitis, complications may also occur in the form of development of corneal ulcers which are characterized by discharge form the eye, eye pain, sensitivity  to light and even impaired vision. Blepharitis symptoms may also include swelling and even fever in some cases which may be on account of a secondary bacterial infection.

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How to Treat Mild Acne

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Mild acne basically includes small lesions in the form of whiteheads, blackheads or even pustules which tend to appear near or at the surface of the skin. Treating mild acne is relatively simple and not much of a problem as it is considered to be just the beginning of acne. The key to successful mild acne treatment is to always keep the skin clean or else bacteria settles down on the skin which could further aggravate the acne.

Treatment for Mild Acne

  • Mild acne treatment can be practiced at home itself by gently washing the affected area of the skin with some warm water and a mild soap at least twice a day. This will help in removing any excess oil as well as the dead skin cells.
  • One may also use a topical acne cream that is available commercially and that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for treating mild acne.

One should remember that treating mild acne at home would require around 4-8 weeks for any noticeable improvement and it is recommended that even after the acne clears the mild acne treatment should be continued. This would then help to prevent new lesions form forming.In some cases, even mild acne may leave behind noticeable scars on the skin which may adversely affect one’s beauty and complexion. Hence in such cases of mild acne, mild acne scar treatment may be required by a qualified dermatologist who will asses the skin and the scars and then recommend the appropriate treatment. In some cases the dermatologist may even recommend a combination therapy which involves two or more mild acne scar treatment. Such a combination treatment for treating mild acne includes the use of a topical retinoid and a prescription topical microbial which are known to be very effective in clearing mild acne. Those suffering form mild acne should avoid using harsh skin cleansing agents or medicated scrubs as this may further worsen the condition and even leave behind some mild acne scars.

Home Remedies for Treating Mild Acne

  • One of the home remedies for treating mild acne is to wash the skin with some fresh buttermilk and then rinsing it with some warm water. This treatment helps the skin to maintain its pH balance which in turn makes it difficult for the bacteria to thrive.
  • Mild acne scar treatment at home can be done by applying  a pack made up of a teaspoonful of milk, a tablespoon of ground lentils along with  pinch of camphor.

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How to Get Rid of Dark Underarms

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Dark underarm skin is a very common and natural problem, faced by several people today. It occurs when the skin in the armpit turns a few shades darker, than the skin on the rest of the body. This darkening in complexion could occur due to various factors. Some of the common causes of dark underarms are obesity or rapid weight gain, excessive perspiration in the armpit area and also infections that arise from unhygienic conditions. Besides these there are some other causes of dark underarms too. These causes of dark underarms arise from conditions such as a skin disorder, an accumulation of dead skin cells in the area, excessive use of deodorants as also shaving and use of hair removal creams that could be harmful. Wearing clothes that are tight around the arms, causes friction in the area and this is one of the causes of dark underarms too.

Most people are constantly looking for ways to get rid of dark underarms, because they can cause quite an embarrassment. They could also keep you from wearing some of your favorite sleeveless clothes.

Natural Remedies for Dark Underarms

To treat your dark underarms you need to understand the causes of dark underarms and avoid them constantly. There are certain beauty and cosmetic companies that offer treatments and services, aimed at lightening the complexion of the skin in the armpits. However, the laser techniques and skin lightening programs that are offered by commercial beauty companies can be very expensive, making them unaffordable for most people. What is worse is that not all these treatments yield the results that were promised. Therefore, more people are now turning towards the natural remedies for dark underarms, mainly because of their effectiveness, affordability and their benefits. Given below are some of the most commonly used natural remedies for dark underarms that would help you overcome your embarrassment:

•    Avoid using deodorants continuously, throughout the day. Make it a point to use deodorants only once and use anti-fungal powders or alum powder on the underarms instead.
•    Apply some baking soda to the armpit, after you take a bath, as it is very effective in lightening the skin.
•    Potato is one of the most effective natural bleaching agents you can find and it does not contain the harsh chemicals that all commercial bleaches do. Grate a potato, along with its skin and apply it directly to the armpit. Leave the potato on for at least 20 minutes, before washing it off with cool water.
•    Vitamin E has been known to lighten the skin, without leading to any severe side effects. Apply some Vitamin E oil or cream, directly on to the armpit.
•    Get rid of the dead skin on your underarms, by exfoliating it gently. Use a sponge or a plastic scrunch for this purpose.

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