Archive for the ‘Skin Problems’ Category

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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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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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Home Remedies to Get Rid of Freckles

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Freckles usually refer to dark colored, round and flat spots that appear in the form of red spots on the skin. They range from approximately 2 mm to 4 mm and can appear all over the body. However, they are more commonly found in the areas of skin that are often exposed to the sun. Moreover, they are sensitive to ultraviolet sunrays, due to which they become all the more prominent after additional exposure to the sunlight. One of the most common causes of freckles is pigment precipitation that affects a certain area of the skin. Several people may also get these red freckles on the skin due to genetic factors, as it runs in their families.

Home Remedies for Freckles

In most cases, freckles are absolutely harmless, as they do not cause any problems. However, there are several people who find red freckles on skin unsightly and therefore, adopt home remedies for freckles, in order to lighten them. Given below are some of the most common remedies:

•    Apply some sour cream topically on the face or any other area where freckles can be found. Leave the cream on for a while and do not wash it off. Instead wipe it off gently, using some tissue paper. Top this remedy off with a moisturizer for better results. You would gradually notice a reduction of red freckles on the skin
•    Make a mask by grinding fresh fruits and vegetables such as red currants, strawberries, apricots and cucumbers. Use these masks on the skin regularly, to lighten the freckles.
•    Lemon juice contains natural bleaching properties, which can help lighten freckles that are generally darker in color, than the skin. Squeeze a lemon and use your fingers to apply the juice directly on the affected area.
•    Lactic acid, present in milk can help peel the skin without any dryness or irritation. Apply some sour milk on the freckles, to have the skin there peel away. Soon fresh skin, free of freckles, should take its place
•    To get rid of any red freckles on skin, apply some honey that has been heated slightly. Then wash your skin with first hot and then cold water. To make this remedy more affective mix some wheat germ to the warm honey, before applying it.
•    Mash a quarter cup of currants that are unripe and mix a tablespoon of honey that has not been pasteurized. Apply the mixture on the freckles and leave it on for at least half an hour, before rinsing it off with warm water.

Freckles are often caused by the sun and therefore, it is best to use a strong sunscreen, of a good brand, before stepping out into the sun.

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How to Treat Dry Skin Patches

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Dry Patches on Skin

Most of the times dry skin is a skin type but the there can be severe cases which can make your skin flaky and even make it crack and bleed. Though this is very rare and has to be treated with care. Dry patches on the skin are usually due to the kind of climate you live in. Dry arid climates could also make your skin dry and that is why winters can be hard on your skin. The harsh sun’s rays are equally responsible in damaging your skin and making dry patches visible. If your oil glands do not function well or are blocked it could prevent moisture reaching your skins and make it dry. Your diet also has a big effect on your skin, a vitamin rich diet will help to keep your skin healthy and nourished. Sometimes dry skin would appear as small itchy red blisters. This could also be a symptom of eczema, which would then result in patches of dry skin along the arms and legs and sometimes even the face. This is more common in the winters as this is the time when the skin becomes dry.

Treating Dry Skin Patches

These dry patches can be treated easily with a little care at home. The best way is to continuously moisturize the skin especially the affected area. Make sure that your skin retains the moisture and is soft and smooth all through the day. Each time you have a bath or take showers use lukewarm water instead of cold or hot water. Hot water is known to further dry your skin. Moreover use soaps that have moisturizers in them as soaps which are deodorant based have a high chemical content and dry up your skin. After your bath make sure that you do not rub yourself while toweling, it is better to pat it dry. Apply enough lotions, creams or body serums on your body till your skin is moist with it. Each time you go out wear a sunscreen with a SPF 15 or more so that it will protect you from the sun harmful UV rays which can cause dry patches on the skin.

A proper diet which is rich in vitamins and a sufficient daily intake of water can keep your sick hydrated and healthy. Medicated skin calamine lotions and antihistamines may be prescribed to soothe and control the itching. If these dry patches on your skin continue to persist with no relief then it is best to show a doctor at the earliest.

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How to Treat Heat Rash in Babies

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Heat Rash in Babies

Heat rash in babies often becomes a reason for concern for parents. Most babies at some point do break out in heat rashes and need to be taken care of without delay. Heat rash is mainly caused because of the baby’s body getting heated up. Sweating always cools the body down, but when you sweat too much the pores get blocked and prevent the sweat from coming out of the body. This in turn tends to heat up the body from inside and rashes are one way that the body retaliates to let out the heat inside the body. It becomes more prominent with babies as their skin is new and fragile. This heat rash manifests on the skin as small red blisters or bumps. They usually erupt in areas where the baby’s clothing is tight, as the pores in that area gets blocked first. While treating heat rash in babies we need to remember that humidity is the major cause of heat rash or prickly heat as it is also called. This is not an occurrence of the summers it can happen in the winters too if your baby is wearing too many layers of clothing. Though not painful it can cause a lot of itching and irritation for the little one.

Heat Rash Treatment

First and foremost heat rash treatment for babies is to keep your baby cool and dry in any kind of weather. During the summer make sure that you dress your baby in cotton. Loose and light clothes for your baby will help to absorb the extra sweat and keep him cool. Leave the air conditioning or the fan on so that the room in which your baby lies is cool throughout the day. To treat heat rash you could also bathe your baby in lukewarm water with two spoons of baking soda or use a frequent cold compress to cool him down. Do not rub him dry after the bath, just let him air dry and the water will slowly evaporate and cool the body down. Make sure you do not let your baby scratch himself, or else the rash could increase and lead to small open wounds. To soothe the itching you can use a medicinal calamine lotion on the areas that are affected by the rash. Avoid the use of baby creams and powders as they can block the pores further. Make sure your baby avoids the sun and instead stays in the cool room. At all times keep your doctor informed about the state of your baby’s heat rash.

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How to Get Rid of Spider Veins on Face

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Causes of  Spider Veins

Medically, spider veins are known as ‘telangiectasia’ or a condition of broken capillaries caused by dilation of minute veins which lie beneath the skin. They normally look like a blue and red colored spider’s web which is how it gets the name ‘spider veins’. They are not very dangerous and do not cause any physical harm. Spider veins on a the face are primarily seen on the person’s cheeks and also on the nose. Spider veins are either caused by inherited or acquired factors. On the body, they are generally caused by puberty, trauma, pregnancy, a hormonal imbalance or chemotherapy among many other factors. Causes of Spider veins on the face, particularly on the cheeks or the nose is due to excess exposure to the sun, the cold or radiation or old age. Acne rosacea is also known to cause spider veins on the parts of the face that usually blush.

Treatment for Spider Veins on Face

There is more than one road to take with regards to treatment for spider veins on face. Treatments involving lasers or pulsed light are the most popular ways to get rid of spider veins on face. The abnormal veins are selected and destroyed by the heat emitted from the laser or the intense pulsed light. The recovery time from such treatments is minimal and results begin to show almost immediately. Electrodessication, a method where an electric current is used to cause the veins to swell, shut and shrivel away has also been seen to be a successful method in treating spider veins on the face. The above three treatments can be used for all types of skin. In general around 65% to 85% of the spider veins permanently fade away. Care must be taken to avoid the prevailing causes to steer clear of recurrences. With the right precautions side effects such as discoloration of the skin or even inflammation can be avoided.

Natural spider vein treatment would take longer to show results but is definitely a safer and more holistic method of treatment. Application of cider vinegar, vitamin e oil, rosemary oil or witch hazel tea on the affected areas is a good home remedy. A hot bath with Epsom salt twice a week has also shown good results. Consumption of 300ml carrot juice along with 200ml spinach juice is also beneficial to get rid of spider veins on face. Some yoga postures also temporarily drain the blood from the legs and reduce the pressure sustained by the veins.

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How to Treat Skin Allergy

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Different types of people suffer from different types of allergies. Skin allergies are fairly common amongst the population. When the skin comes in contact with any substance that it is sensitive to (allergen), you may suffer from a skin allergy. Research has uncovered a number of common allergens such as nickel, gold, certain perfumes or fragrances, formaldehyde and many more. Before you can use the right skin allergy treatment you first need to learn to recognize skin allergy symptoms and find the root cause for your allergy. A patch test could be done to discover what you might be allergic to.

People suffering from skin allergies may experience redness, blisters, skin rashes and swelling, scaling of the skin and in rare extreme cases sudden immobility.
In most cases, it is the hands and arms that bear the brunt of the skin allergy.

Types of Skin Allergies

There are a few different types of skin allergies.
•    Contact dermatitis. As the name suggests, when the skin comes in contact with an allergen, a rash may develop. This usually happens within 30 minutes of contact. The skin should not be scratched or covered with anything, as this may worsen the problem.
•    Eczema is an advanced form of dermatitis which would cause blisters and scabs, and in certain severe cases pus flows from the skin.
•    Hives. These are usually harmless and in the look like circular raised welts. They usually appear in batches on the skin and can become red and fairly itchy.

Treatment for Skin Allergy

How to treat skin allergy is an important question that must be answered.  Antihistamine creams do help in relieving some of the symptoms and should be used at night as they work as a sedative. Antihistamine tablets are also good at blocking the immune system, thus preventing the allergy to begin with. But if you do suffer from a skin allergy there are a few home remedies that can become a part of your skin allergy treatment. Applying a paste made from Sandalwood and a few drops of lime juice onto the allergy site has been known to provide relief from itching. A mixture of coconut oil and lemon juice is also beneficial. Another treatment for skin allergy is drinking syrup made from 5 grams of garden mint, 12 grams of sugar and some water. Drinking a glass of water with 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar twice a day is another good natural remedy for skin allergies. Cosmetics on the skin should also be avoided.

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How to Use Home Treatment to Cure Heat Rash

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Heat rash is also referred to as prickly heat. It occurs due to intense heat and is characterized by itching in certain areas of the skin. It generally develops on areas of the body that are covered such as the chest, abdomen and groin region. In cases of severe heat rash, the body is unable to regulate the heat and exhaustion and fever may result. Heat rash interferes with the body’s cooling system and evaporation of the sweat stops occurring. This leads to overheating of the body. Most cases of heat rash do not require medical treatment. There are many heat rash home remedies that help in providing relief from itching and discomfort.

Cause of Heat Rash

The primary cause of heat rash is excessive sweating due to heat and humidity. When the body begins to perspire profusely, the accumulated sweat begins to affect the skin cells. In an attempt to protect the deeper layers of the skin, the cells create a barrier and some amount of sweat becomes trapped beneath. This leads to tiny sweat-filled bumps on the skin. When these bumps rupture, the sweat is released and itching and pricking is experienced. Heat rash commonly occurs in babies that are wrapped up in too many clothes. Individuals that are bedridden may also develop heat rash due to sweating and friction of the body parts that are constantly touching the bed. In case there is pus formation in the rash, a proper diagnosis may become necessary as it may be indicative of a skin condition such as eczema. In other cases, natural remedies for heat rash are quite sufficient for treating the condition.

Home Remedies for Heat Rash

The best heat rash cure is to cool the body down. Taking a cold shower or staying inside an air-conditioned room will help to achieve that. An ice pack is also an effective for treating heat rash. Place an ice pack over the affected areas for about 10 minutes. Do this 3 to 4 times a day. Heat rash is also alleviated by dusting the body with cornstarch or baking soda as this helps to absorb the sweat form the skin.One of the most popular heat rash home remedies is a bath of oatmeal powder. Add some ground oatmeal to a bath of warm water and soak the body in it for a little while.In addition to home remedies for heat rash, one must also wear loose clothing made from absorbent fabrics such as cotton. Overweight people may be more vulnerable to heat rash as sweat accumulates easily within the skin folds.

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How to Get Rid of Dry Flaky Skin on Face

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Dry flakey skin, especially on the face can be an embarrassing condition and there are several remedies to battle this. The condition is caused by the use of harsh soaps, environmental conditions such as extreme humidity or extreme cold, exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun, skin diseases like dermatitis or psoriasis and even poor nutrition. If the oil glands underneath the skin are not working properly, it may also become a cause for dry flaky skin.

Home Remedies for Dry Flaky Skin

In order to get rid of dry flakey skin on the face, it is essential to moisturize it thoroughly. Use soap or body wash that has moisturizer as an ingredient to prevent your skin from getting too dry. Massage a little coconut, almond or olive oil into your skin once a day and leave on for at least an hour to treat dry flaky skin before having a bath. If the soap you are using now tends to dry up your skin too much, you can switch to another one that is more conducive to your skin type. Make a concoction out of the yolk of one egg, a few drops of rose water and freshly squeezed lime, a spoon of orange juice and an equal quantity of olive oil. Mix it all together till it becomes a smooth paste and apply gently onto the face and neck before having a bath. Let it stay for about twenty minutes before you wash it off.

Another dry flakey skin remedy involves mashing a ripe banana and patting the pulp onto the skin. Wash it off in fifteen minutes. Dry flakey skin on the face can also be cured by mashing up an avocado and squeezing the juice of one lime into it. Once it becomes an even paste, apply it onto the face and neck. Wash it off when it has dried using lukewarm water. If the dry skin is extremely severe, massage a little avocado oil or castor oil into the skin and allow it to stay for a few hours before washing it off with water and mild soap. There is no complete cure for dry flakey skin if it is a hereditary condition although these remedies will keep it under control to some extent.
Drink about six liters of water every day to keep your skin supple and hydrated. Make sure that your diet consists of fruits and fresh green leafy vegetables. A cup of yoghurt every day accompanied by different varieties of seeds and nuts will also prove beneficial for this condition.

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Removing Corns - How to Remove Calluses on feet naturally

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Home Remedies for Corns

Corns are of two kinds, hard corns and soft corns and these develop on the sides of the feet and on the toes in an attempt to protect the foot. If the foot has structural malformations or if the person has worn ill fitting shoes for a long period of time, hard corns are likely to develop. If the phalanges or the fourth and fifth toe bones are too wide, there is a chance for the formation of soft corns. Removing corns would depend on the type of corns they are and the reason for their formation. Hard corns are believed to be easier to remove because it involves easing the pressure on the corn by wearing shoes that fit perfectly. A pad made of lamb’s wool can be placed over it to remove them and in some cases the podiatrist may use an acid preparation to burn it off or remove it surgically.

Home remedies for corns include the application of mashed papaya, the juice of a lemon, pulped green figs and liquorice to the affected area. Grind about four sticks of liquorice along with a teaspoon of mustard oil and apply regularly on the corn. Leave it overnight and wash the area in the morning. The corn will reduce in size and the skin will become soft gradually. Chalk powder has been found effective for some people and a piece of chalk can be ground and a little water added to make a thick paste. Apply over the corn and repeat the procedure for about two weeks to notice the difference.

Calluses on Feet

Calluses on feet are primarily caused by ill fitting shoes and these will have to be changed almost immediately. On how to remove calluses, the first thing would be to soak your feet in a tub of warm water into which Epsom salts and essential oils have been added. Once it has soaked sufficiently, use a pumice stone to file away the callus gently. This will not only get rid of the dead skin, but also stimulate the growth of fresh, smooth skin. If the calluses are hard and difficult to file away in one go, continue the procedure over a period of a month or so. After each soaking and filing session, moisturize your feet with a good moisturizer or petroleum jelly. Your feet should be moisturized before going to bed and you can wear a pair of light socks to seal in the moisture.

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