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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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Vitiligo Cures - How to Cure Vitiligo Naturally

Monday, September 7th, 2009

Vitiligo is a skin disorder in which the cells responsible for the production of the natural coloring pigment, melanin, are destroyed, causing the appearance of white patches on the skin. These white patches generally appear on the limbs and the trunk, but vtiligo can sometimes also affect the inner lining of the nose, mouth and private parts, as well as the retina of the eyes and hair. The incidence of vitligo is higher in women and in people who have a naturally dark complexion. The most common causes of vitiligo are sunburn, emotional stress and trauma, prolonged physical illness and heredity.

Home Remedies to Treat Vitiligo

As a precautionary measure against vitiligo, always apply sunscreen on exposed parts of your skin before stepping out into the sun. This protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation and reduces chances of irregularities in skin pigmentation. There are a few home remedies that you may follow to treat vitiligo. Rub the affected portions of the skin with a slice of onion for 5 minutes twice a day. This stimulates the skin cells to produce more melanin and helps restore pigmentation to pale patches. Massaging the white patches with the juice of ginger also has similar effects. This also has the additional advantage of improving blood circulation in the skin, which promotes even distribution of melanin. An effective natural cure for vitiligo is to grind equal parts of wild duckweed and honey into a paste and consume a teaspoon of this mixture twice every day. You should also massage your skin with the juice of this herb in order to get better results. Rubbing the white spots with fresh figs is also known to make white patches less prominent. You may also mix two parts of radish seeds with three parts of vinegar and grind the mixture till a consistent paste is obtained. Now use this paste to massage the white patches. Following this remedy every day helps reduce the intensity and extent of the condition.

For a simple remedy from the kitchen, crush a few fresh basil leaves and mix their juice with that of a lemon. Smear this mixture on the white patches 3-4 times a day. This brings about a gradual reduction in the prominence of the pale patches in a few months. The leaves of celery have been found to contain a high level of psolaren, a natural chemical that helps treat vitiligo. Thus, massaging the skin with a few crushed celery leaves is beneficial for treating vitiligo.

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Dyshidrosis Eczema - Causes and Dyshidrotic Eczema Treatment

Monday, September 7th, 2009

Causes of Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrosis eczema, or simply dyshidrosis, is a chronic skin ailment in which small blisters appear symmetrically and recurrently on the hands and feet. Not only do these blisters look ugly, they also cause severe itching and pain. The blisters may appear seasonally or accompany hay fever and attacks of asthma. Sometimes these blisters merge together and form larger and more painful lesions, which might require surgical draining. The exact cause of this disorder is not known, but it is believed that it occurs as a result of other skin diseases like atopic dermatitis or bacterial infections, or is triggered by acute stress. External contact with allergens like copper, nickel or mercury, or the consumption of these toxins through food may also cause this problem. Regular intake of hormone pills and oral contraceptives and excessive smoking could also be responsible for causing dyshidrosis. Usually, a course of corticosteroid ointments or creams are recommended by doctors for treating this kind of eczema.

Cures for Dyshidrotic Eczema

There are a few simple remedies that you may follow at home to treat dyshidrosis. Wash your hands and feet with a solution of some Epsom salts added to lukewarm water. Soaking your hands and feet in white vinegar for 10 minutes twice a day also helps relieve itching and irritation. You should also keep a check on the kind of body products you use. If you observe that the blisters appear after the application of a particular brand of soap or cream, discontinue its use immediately and opt for safer options like mild herbal skin care products. It also recommended that you wear hand gloves while washing utensils or clothes, as the strong chemicals present in detergents may irritate the skin and cause the appearance of the blisters.

Overexposure to water and direct sunlight may also cause the skin to become fragile and cause the eruption of blisters. It is advisable, therefore, that you restrict contact with water and heat so far as possible. Every time you wash your hands and feet, remember to massage them with a cream that suits your skin type. It is also useful to apply a moisturizer on your hands and feet before going to bed every night. This prevents the skin from becoming too dry and thereby reduces the chances of infections. In case of severe itching and burning, apply a cold compress at regular intervals by tying up a few ice cubes in a soft towel and pressing it gently against the blisters.

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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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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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What Causes Skin Wrinkles and How to Get Wrinkle Free Skin

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

Skin Wrinkles

Wrinkles are a natural occurrence as we age. Aging in itself however is a contentious issue because very evidently some of us tend to age a lot faster than others. There are a few factors that contribute to outwardly manifestation of early aging. Stress is one of the major factors that can cause age to creep up on you. An unhealthy lifestyle is also one of those factors that can have the same effect. A healthy lifestyle is one in which you are at your optimum weight for your height, where your diet is rich in minerals and vitamins, and where your fat deposits are neither too high nor low. An additional point is adequate sleep. Sleep is crucial to the body and especially the skin because, it is during sleep that the body renews and repairs itself. Also, a powerful antioxidant that is created by the body itself called melatonin is secreted only during sleep. Therefore, all these factors need to be borne in mind.

Wrinkles are caused due the breakdown of a protein called collagen. There are specialized collagen cells in the skin and due to the very stable nature of the protein, the collagen cells don’t end up being renewed as often as other, regular cells of the body. The estimate is that once a human reaches his or her maximum size, the collagen then takes thirty years before the breakdown occurs. Therefore, it can be estimated that true aging should start after the age of forty. Some factors like stress can accelerate this process. This is because of a steroid created in the body called cortisol that is secreted in times of stress, and has the ability to destroy collagen. Therefore, excess stress means early aging. When collagen starts to break up, the skin loses it texture and starts to wrinkle and sag.

Countering this problem requires that you start a high intake of antioxidants. This can be done by having foods that are rich in all the vitamins. Next, you need to live a healthier lifestyle and cutback on toxins like alcohol and tobacco. Start exercising and getting more sleep as well. Finally, to deal with any wrinkles already on you, use a tretinoin based face cream. Tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A and has the ability to induce collagen growth. It is even used to promote hair growth and skin whitening. Be warned though, most of these creams are quite expensive but worth the investment.

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How to Cure Dry Skin Rashes Naturally

Friday, July 10th, 2009

Symptoms and Causes of Skin Rashes

Rashes are spots or small areas on the skin that look inflamed or different in color and texture from the surrounding area. They may cause itching, burning or sometimes even pain, but may also cause no discomfort at all, at other times. Rashes appear mostly due to allergies resulting from contact with certain kinds of fabric, consumption of particular foods and use of cosmetic products that contain irritating chemicals. Skin disorders like eczema and diseases like chicken pox may also be responsible for rashes. Prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight, bacterial and fungal infections caused by lack of personal hygiene, insect bites, reaction to certain medicines and emotional stress might also cause the appearance of rashes.

Home Remedies to Cure Skin Rashes

There are several effective home remedies for getting rid of rashes. You could massage the affected area with olive oil, till the oil seeps into the skin. This relieves the irritated skin instantly and prevents the recurrence of rashes. Another remedy is to dab the skin with some chamomile tea at regular intervals. In order to make this tea, you should boil a few chamomile leaves in a cup of water, collect the clear liquid and store this decoction in a container. You could also grind a cup of uncooked oatmeal to a powder in a blender and add this into a tub of warm bathwater. Soak your body in the water for at least 15 minutes and then pat it dry with a soft towel. This is highly beneficial in getting rid of rashes.

For another remedy, apply some aloe vera gel or the juice of the leaves of this plant on the rashes every couple of hours. This will relieve the itching or burning sensation and make the rashes disappear in some time. You could also try applying a little baking soda on the affected area, holding it tight with your palm for a few minutes. In order to reduce inflammation caused by rashes, you may also soak a ball of cotton wool in comfrey or calcium water and dab the skin with this. For treating rashes caused by fungal infections, boil 10-15 basil leaves in a tablespoon of olive oil, and add to this decoction a couple of crushed cloves, 2 teaspoons of salt and pepper, and massage the skin with this mixture. Basil leaves have natural antiseptic properties, and salt and pepper are disinfectants, which combine with the soothing effect of olive oil to make rashes disappear in a few hours.

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How to Treat Psoriasis Naturally

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

What is Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a serious skin disorder, which is marked by the appearance of rough patches on different parts of the skin. This happens because the new skin cells generally surface to replace the old dead ones in roughly 30 days, rise up to the epidermis in just 3 or 4 days and then die naturally, creating an excess of dead skin cells, which appear as flaky patches. These patches are covered with thick scales that are reddish or pale in color and may sometimes be inflamed. Other symptoms include eruption of pustules on the skin, red lesions in the folds of the skin, itching and pain in the affected areas. It mostly affects young people in the age group of 15-30 years and infects both men and women. The root cause of this disease is a weak immune system. The immediate cause could be abnormal metabolism of proteins and amino acids, changes in the weather, infection and injury to the skin. Hereditary factors may also predispose one to psoriasis. Psoriasis does not spread by touch.

Home Remedies for Psoriasis

It is advisable to consult a dermatologist if you have psoriasis, a few simple home remedies might prove beneficial in such cases. One of the easiest and most effective ways of removing the dead skin cells and getting rid of itchiness is to soak in a tub of tepid water for at least half an hour twice every day. Make sure that the water is just warm enough and not too hot, so that the dirt and germs accumulated in the dead skin cells are washed away without any damage to the skin. Sunbathing is also believed to be very useful in treating this condition as the rays of the sun naturally prevent microbial growth in the lesions and consequent infections. You should also always keep your skin well moisturized, since dry skin is more prone to becoming flaky and susceptible to infections.

Use an oil-based moisturizer after bathing and throughout the day at regular intervals in order to trap the moisture in your skin cells. Before going to bed at night, apply a moisturizing disinfectant moisturizer on the affected areas and cover them up with a plastic wrap. Wash the skin gently with water the next morning. Regular application of body oil at bedtime also helps. You should also try and keep your immediate surroundings well hydrated to prevent your skin from becoming too dry. Using a humidifier at your home and office is a good idea.

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