Archive for the ‘Skin Infections’ Category

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Skin Blisters Treatment

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

Skin blisters are basically sacs that are filled with fluid that tend to appear in the form of fleshy bubbles on the surface of the skin. Skin blisters are most commonly observed on the feet on account of the friction caused by shoes that do not fit well. Some of the symptoms of skin blisters are the formation of a reddish spot on the skin where the akin is irritated which gradually progresses into a bubble like painful sac.

Skin Blister Infection

Skin blister infection occurs when this fluid sac gets ruptured and then gets infected resulting in the formation of pus. In some cases, the skin blister infection may be so severe that red streaks are observed on the skin moving in an upwards direction from the blister area. In such cases, if the individual also has a fever then they should immediately visit the doctor for appropriate skin blister treatment. The primary cause of skin blisters is the friction that occurs between the skin and the clothing or shoes which tend to pull the skin over the tissue back and forth. Skin blisters may also be caused by minor burns and chronic irritation to the skin because of manual labor at times.

Skin Blisters Treatment

Sometimes a skin blisters treatment may also involve piercing the blister to find relief. To do so one should sterilize the needle over a flame till it is red and once the needle has cooled down then one should puncture the edge of the blister to gently release the fluid. The loose skin that remains should be allowed to remain as it is as this will help the skin blister in healing faster. As part of this skin blisters treatment one should also apply some antibiotic ointment on the blister or simply clean the skin using a sterilized wipe. While treating a skin blister one should ensure that one’s hands and fingers are washed and clean.

One of the home remedies for skin blisters treatment is to apply some tea tree oil on the blister once the skin has been lanced and then drained. One could also try and prevent the formation of skin blisters by wearing shoes that fit well and by putting some mole skin on known vulnerable areas of the foot. Those who develop skin blisters on their hand on account of continuous manual labor should wear gloves while at work as this will reduce the friction and also the direct contact with the skin.

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Impetigo Causes,Symptoms and Treatment

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

Impetigo refers to a skin infection that is highly contagious, affecting mainly infants and children. This infection usually appears in the form of round red sores on the face, especially around the child’s mouth and nose. While this condition is more common when a child suffers from cuts through which bacteria can enter the skin, it can also develop on skin that is perfectly healthy. The condition is not very serious and it usually clears up on its own, in around three weeks, without any impetigo treatment required. However, there are times when the condition is a lot more serious and could lead to complications. In such cases, undergoing medical impetigo treatment becomes essential.

Impetigo Causes

There are two types of bacteria that can lead can lead to impetigo, Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph) and Streptococcus Pyogenes (Strep). Both these bacteria live on the skin, without causing any harm. However, when the bacteria enter the skin through a cut or a lesion, they can lead to an infection. This is more common in children than it is in adults. Impetigo causes in adults usually include skin injuries or conditions such as dermatitis. This condition is very contagious and can easily be passed on from one person to another, through direct contact, or even by touching infected items like clothing, toys, towels and bed linen.

Impetigo Symptoms

There are three different types of impetigo, which include Impetigo contagiosa, Bullous impetigo and ecthyma. The most common symptoms that have been associated with the various types of impetigo are:

•    Red sores, which rupture quickly, ooze for a couple of days and gradually form a crust which is yellowish brown in color
•    Severe itching
•    Blisters which are filled with pus, but are painless
•    Ulcers (rare)

In case any of the impetigo symptoms mentioned above become evident, especially in children, it is best to visit a doctor, a pediatrician or a dermatologist. The doctor will need to assess the symptoms and the severity of the condition, before suggesting the appropriate impetigo treatment options.

Impetigo Treatment

Impetigo treatment is effective in expediting the healing process of the sores, prevents the infection from spreading and improves the overall appearance of the skin. There are different types of impetigo treatment, which include topical antibiotics and ointments which include mupirocin or retapamulin as well as oral antibiotics. Most people prefer using natural treatment for impetigo, especially in case of children. Home and natural treatment for impetigo includes following strict hygienic measures and making sure that the child does not itch or touch the sores too much. The application of a vinegar solution can also make it easier to remove the scabs gently, thereby enabling the skin to heal faster.

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Home Remedies for Wart Removal Treatment

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Warts refer to growths that occur on the skin due to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Warts commonly occur on the skin and genital areas. In most cases, warts are quite harmless. They remain confined to the surface of the skin and do not enter deeper into the skin. Warts tend to be unattractive in appearance and hence many people wish to get rid of them. There are certain types of wart removal treatment options such as cryosurgery. Home remedies for wart removal are also known to be effective. Wart removal home remedies have been in practice for over a very long time.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Warts

•    A simple remedy to get rid of warts is to apply a piece of duct tape over the area and leave it there for about a week. Then gently pull off the tape and soak the affected area in water for about ten minutes to soften it. The wart can then be scrubbed away using a pumice stone. It is important not to scrub the area excessively as it may damage the skin and lead to infection. For stubborn warts, the entire procedure may be repeated for the next couple of weeks.

•    One of the most popular wart removal home remedies is apple cider vinegar. These are beneficial for getting rid of facial warts. Dab a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and rub it gently over the area. Cover the area with a band aid and keep it on for one day. When the band aid is removed the next day, the wart should also come out with it.

•    Garlic is a helpful remedy for removing skin warts. Crush a clove of raw garlic and add a few drops of water to it. Apply the paste to the wart and leave it on for a day after covering the area with a bandage. A blister is likely to develop when the bandage is removed and this means that the wart should come off in about a week.

•    Other wart removal home remedies like the use of Vitamin E oil is known to be rather effective. A small amount of vitamin E oil may be applied to the wart daily for about a week.

•    Genital wart removal can be done by applying a mixture of fresh onion juice and salt. This may be done thrice a day until the warts come off.

•    Aloe vera is an age-old remedy for genital warts. Fresh aloe vera gel may be applied to the wart to soften it and enable it to come off.

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How to Get Rid of Cold Sores Fast

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Cold sores commonly occur in and around the mouth. They appear as painful blisters that cause burning and pain. Redness and swelling may also occur. The blisters are also filled with fluid. Cold sores may persist for about two to three days.

Causes of Cold Sores

One of the main causes of cold sores is the herpes simplex virus. This virus can be of two types, type 1 and type 2. In most cases, the cold sores in the mouth occur due to the action of the type 2 virus. The herpes simplex virus tends to remain dormant in the nerve cells for long periods of time. Certain conditions such as suppressed immunity or stress can cause a re-activation of the virus and cold sores may develop. Other factors which lead to re-activation of the virus include increased acidity in the body and excessive sun exposure. Cold sore treatment is not usually sought after as these are known to subside and disappear by themselves. Some sores may last for only a day, while others may persist for up to ten days. However when seeking cold sore treatment, one should remember that cold sore treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms of the sores. The virus itself is difficult to get rid of. Some individuals continue to carry the virus in the nerve cells for their entire lives. Here are some tips on how to get rid of cold sores.

Home Remedies for Cold Sores Treatment

The most effective natural treatment for cold sores is a hot compress. This can be done once the blister has ruptured. Warmth helps to quicken the healing process. A clean wash cloth may be dipped in warm water and placed over the sores. A warm tea bag may also be applied to the affected areas. This will help to improve blood circulation in the area. A cold compress may also be applied to the sores to prevent them from developing. This is most effective when done in the early stages. Rubbing an ice cube over the areas will also have a positive effect on the sores. The affected area must be kept clean in order to prevent further infection. The herpes virus can be restricted when the alkaline levels of the body are high. One should avoid consuming acidic food when undergoing cold sore treatment.

•    Home remedies for cold sores also include application of garlic oil to the sores. This will help to reduce the infection and also keep the sores soft and less prone to cracking.

•    Another beneficial remedy for getting rid of cold sores fast is application of aloe vera gel.

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Bacterial Skin Infection Treatment

Friday, November 12th, 2010

Bacteria are always around us but sometimes when the skin and the tissues within get infected these same bacteria through an unnoticed wound can cause a full blown infection. Most of the time bacterial skin infection’s symptoms are slow to rise and develop only over several hours. The symptoms are pain or swelling in the affected areas along with redness, and in some cases it is accompanied by itchiness. Impetigo bacterial skin infection is a superficial infection of the skin often caused by staphylococcus bacteria. Impetigo is more common in children than among adults and is often contagious; adults usually get it while nursing the children.

Home Remedies for Bacterial Infections

Prevention for such kind of bacterial infections is that you make sure that wounds are kept clean. Moreover heat and humidity act as stimulators for the growth of such kinds of bacteria. Bacterial skin infection treatment can be done at home easily. Herbs like dandelion could be applied topically on to the skin. Boil some water and prepare an infusion with the dandelion leaves and roots. When this juice is ready apply it to the affected area.

•    Another remedy for bacterial skin infection is an infusion made from the buds of the white birch. This can be prepared by boiling the buds in some water along with a pinch of tea leaves. Taking 2 tablespoons of this twice a day will help to soothe and replenish your skin.

•    Aloe vera gel is also an effective remedy to relax the skin and counter the infection.

•    Cucumber juice is another remedy that will help to relive the itching and soothe the skin in such a way that the healing will be facilitated. Grate the cucumber in such a way that it forms a pulp, apply that that pulp on the affected area. Leave it for 10 minutes and wash it off and dry the area completely. You can also use the juice of the cucumber and apply it at frequent intervals for the same.

•    Bacterial skin infection can also be treated by mixing baking powder or corn starch in the bath water. This will help to clean the area and prevent any kind of other infection.

One bacterial skin infection treatment is to change your diet and eat foods that are rich in Vitamin A, B and C. Green leafy vegetables, sprouts and fresh fruits are full of vitamins that will strengthen the immune system and speed up the healing. Consulting a skin specialist would help a great deal if your condition does not improve for a long time.

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How to Get Rid of Ringworm Naturally

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

The medical term for ringworm is tinea. Certain types of fungi known as dermatophytes, which live and grow on the surface of the skin, are responsible for causing ringworm. Ringworm could occur in various areas of the body such as the groin, scalp, feet, hands and nails. It is a contagious infection and can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. The fungi are known to thrive in moist and warm areas and hence ringworm commonly occurs in those who wear socks or caps for long durations of time. Ringworm leads to symptoms such as redness and itching which occurs in circular areas of skin. These areas have slightly raised edges and dryness and scaling may also occur.

Causes of Ringworm

Causes of ringworm could also include contact with objects that have been used by an infected person. Personal items such as towels, clothes, combs and bed linen are common modes or transmission of ringworm. The infection may also spread through use of common shower stalls or locker rooms. There are certain factors which may increase the risk of ringworm. Individuals affected by eczema or other problems of the skin are more vulnerable to ringworm as the outer layer of the skin is already open for the fungi. Ringworm is also known to occur commonly in children before the age of puberty. Treatment for ringworm involves topical applications such as lotions and creams which reduce inflammation and promote healing. Healing can take a considerable amount of time and hence medication must continue for about three months. Some individuals may suffer from certain side effects due to the prolonged use of medications. There are also several home remedies for ringworm which are known to provide relief from the symptoms. Here are some tips on how to get rid of ringworm using home remedies for ringworm.

Home Remedies for Ringworm Treatment

Essential oils such as tea tree oil and lavender oil are known to be beneficial home remedies for ringworm treatment. A carrier oil must be used along with tea tree oil as it can cause some irritation on the skin if used undiluted. Castor oil may also be applied to affected areas of skin to cure ringworm. Dab a small amount of raw castor oil directly on the affected area and allow it to remain for an hour. Margosa leaves are well known for their ability to reduce itching and irritation caused by many skin problems. Natural treatment for ringworm can be done by applying a solution of margosa leaf extract and water to the affected area. It is always good to keep the doctor informed when using home remedies for ringworm infection.

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How to Get Rid of Warts On Hands

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Warts on Hands

A wart is a skin defect that is caused by a viral infection of the skin. Warts appear as raised bumps on the skin, often whitish in color. A wart often looks like a blister but it is solid rather than filled with fluid. The solid nature of the wart makes it hard and durable and this is why warts tend to last for long periods of time on the skin whereas other skin defects heal much faster. Warts are typically caused by the human papilloma virus which has several different forms and could cause symptoms in many different locations of the body. The causes of warts on hands are the same as all other wart conditions; it is only the specific type of human papilloma virus that may be different. Warts on hands may also appear simply because the hand is exposed to the virus. Warts are generally not contagious and it is only in the rarest of cases that warts will be transferred from one individual to another through contact.

There are two ways one could follow when considering on how to get rid of warts on hands. On the one hand, an individual can attempt treatment of the condition through medication or by using some natural treatment of warts. On the other hand, the individual can go for a surgical removal of warts on hands. This could be done using laser treatments, lancing or some other procedure. In the case of surgical treatment, the patient is often required to undergo a round of medication before and after the procedure as well. This is to ensure that the underlying infection is also taken care of.

Natural Treatments for Warts

Among natural treatments for warts on hands, one can use some natural products that can be applied to the skin.

  • Apple cider vinegar or aloe vera juice can be applied to the wart itself to help remove the offending abnormality from the skin.
  • Aloe vera is naturally capable of nourishing the skin and this would help with the condition and the skin health as well. An individual may use this juice on the entire arm with extra application on the area affected by warts.

It is also suggested that certain foods be added to the diet to help with warts on hands or any other part of the body. These foods include citrus fruits, eggs, garlic, onions, bananas and pineapple. All these foods are natural products and their consumption may be good for the body in any case as they provide some good nutrition to the body.

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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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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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Home Remedies for Treating Skin Boils

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Boils on the Skin

Boils on the skin usually start off as tiny red nodules, which gradually grow bigger and then probably break down in the middle, where pus accumulates. They can appear on almost any part of the body. A person who is suffering from boils on the skin, often experiences itching and irritation. At times, boils, which are also known as “furuncles”, appear alone or there may be more than one boil, in a particular area. At times boils occur in different areas at the same time; they may also appear in the form of successive crops. When the boils ripen, they often emit a discharge. At times, fever and other problems may occur, because of skin boils. The main cause of skin boils is the staphylococcus germ, which enters the hair follicle or the sweat glands. While the main cause of boils is bacterial, there are several factors that can lead to the growth of the bacteria in the follicle. Another factor that may cause skin boils is the presence of a toxic condition in the bloodstream, due to a frenzied pace of life. Using home remedies for skin boils has become very common, as most people regard them as being safer and with fewer side effects.

Home Remedies for Skin Boils

Given below are some of the most common home remedies for skin boils:

•    Onions and Garlic are very effective in treating boils. The juice of onion and garlic could be applied on the boils topically, in order to ripen them. For best results, mix equal parts of both onion, as well as garlic juice.
•    Create a poultice using a teaspoon of milk cream, a teaspoon of vinegar and a pinch of powdered turmeric. Apply the poultice on the boil, to ripen it, without causing a septic infection.
•    Steep some parsley in a dish of hot, boiled water, till it becomes juicy and soft. When the parsley is comfortably hot, wrap it in a linen or muslin cloth and apply it directly on the boil.
•    Use a hot Epsom salt bath at least two or three times a week till the boil is persistent, to get rid of it. Once the boil disappears, use this remedy once a week, to prevent them from coming back.
•    Rub a warm and moist compress over the tender area, around three or four times a day, to bring the boil to head, which can be easily drained.

In addition to using home remedies for skin boils, it is very important to follow a proper, healthy and balanced diet and get adequate amounts of exercise each day. Even though most people prefer treating skin boils at home, at times skin boils treatment may require professional intervention as the boil may need to be surgically removed. This is the case especially with larger boils.

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