Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Adult Psoriasis: How to Handle This Skin Disorder

Psoriasis is more common than people think and at least 3 percent of the population has the affliction. Adult psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. As you read this article, try to think about anyone in your life who has had to deal with this disease. This disease is not fun and it’s genetic. If you yourself deal with adult psoriasis, then understand that there are programs out there to help you. After reading this article you will have a better understanding of psoriasis and how to treat and prevent it.

First, let’s talk about what psoriasis is. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder which affects the skin and joints. The skin is such a weak but easily effective tissue on the body. It’s the weakest tissue of your body because it’s exposed to the outside. A lot of people have psoriasis and don’t even realize it. If you see a red, scaly, patch somewhere on your skin, you might be infected. Seek medical attention to determine what it is. Before you think that you’re safe because of your race or gender, think twice. All races and genders can get psoriasis.

Another thing you must realize is that adults are affected more than children .Though there isn't a cure, the rough, red and raised skin that is itchy at times can be treated. You can find prescription meds that can reduce the symptoms. There have been some nice results using dead sea salts. Aloe vera, milk thistle and flax seed oils have been helpful as well. And remember that you’re not alone. Adult psoriasis, just like other diseases, is one at the top of researchers' lists for finding a cure.

The psoriasis disease has its roots in genetics and is hereditary. To help yourself from not aggravating the skin condition, make sure you wear sun screen. If you have weak skin when it comes to chemicals, stay away from bleach and other cleaning supplies. Pay close attention to overexposure to the sun, as the ultraviolet rays from the sun can do eternal damage to your skin and assist the disease in forming.

In conclusion, adult psoriasis is very real and very scary. It isn’t something that is easy to get out of your mind, but it's important to be able to enjoy your life and not let it dominate your consciousness. Remember that it is an autoimmune disorder, is genetic, occurs in adults more than children, and since the sun loves it avoid overexposure. Hopefully this article has given you a better insight to the skin disease that is affecting so many Americans.

Learn more about Psorisis and Dead Sea Salts and Cures for Eczema at our blog.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Natural Ways to Treat Red Rashes

A red rash creates discomfort and awkwardness socially. The underlying causes of rashes can include bacterial infections, viruses, allergic responses, contact dermatitis, anxiety, fungus and other reasons. The appearance can be patches, red bumps or welts accompanied with mild to severe itching of the skin. Depending on the rash, you may get prescribed steroids or be able to use over the counter items such as calamine lotion, antihistamine creams or medicated moisturizers. There are also natural remedies that people turn to for skin rash problems. Be sure to determine the cause of the rash. If you have a bacterial infection or fever, it's important to find out if you need an antibiotic to treat the infection. Certain rashes are contagious and they need to be treated to avoid infecting others.

Herbs have been used in the east as well as by many cultures for centuries to treat various skin disorders as well as other health situations. The internal or external use of certain herbs can provide blessed relief from the discomfort of a rash. You can take herbal capsules, eat the herb raw, or take it as a tincture or a tea. Stinging nettles are good for rashes caused by allergies, for example. Lemon balm, lavender, mullein, and licorice root are all good for helping with the discomfort, as well. You can also use soothing creams that have these herbs as main ingredients for instant relief. Always check with your physician before engaging with a natural method of healing to see if it is medically advised. Some people can have allergic reactions to different herbs or it may conflict with a medical condition.

You can use herbs in the form of poultices, as well. Fresh or dried herbs are appropriate for this method. Basically, you chop up a cup or so of the herb you think is best for your condition, then wet the mound with hot water. Spread the wet herb mash on a piece of clean cotton cloth and apply to the rash, herb side down. This can bring relief within a short amount of time. Lavender is a very good herb for a poultice, as is mullein. Leave the poultice on until you start to feel relief.

A compress also works well for annoying rashes. It's similar to a poultice, except you soak a cloth in water that has been infused with a tincture or tea made from the herb of your choice. Then, wring out the cloth and apply it to your rash. Make sure the water you use is warm for best results. If you have any questions about other good herbs for your rash, you can find that information online or in herb books. There are literally dozens of herbs that have been used over the ages. Other natural approaches for rashes include using oils such as flax seed, olive oil and coconut oils on the skin or internally. Both the omega 3 and omega 6 groups are found to be an aid in skin healing.


Learn more about common Itchy Rashes and read about hives, pediatric rashes, and ways to Get Rid of Eczema .

Friday, January 8, 2010

Kids and Contagious Skin Rashes: What Can They Catch

Kids can scare you when they come home from school and tell you that the kid sitting next to them had this ugly rash all over their arm and was scratching all during class. Your mind can also just envision what happens when you child shares pencils, plays during recess and crowds with other kids around the teacher.

Not every rash is contagious fortunately. Allergic rashes aren't. Eczema is not contagious. However, there are other ones that can be communicated easily between kids. Some of these include chicken pox, measles, scabies, impetigo and roseola.

Measles ia very contagious and shows red marks on the face, a body rash, fever and possible infections of the ear. Even if your child doesn't show symptoms within a few days, it doesn't mean he is in the clear. He may show symptoms a week or ten days later. It can be spread by the air through coughing as well as via touch. Kids are advised to stay home during the illness and to not be near others. Fevers can get very high and vaccination is important.

Another rash that is common is called impetigo. This is often spread around camps as well as at schools. There is a bacterial problem that infects the skin. Some people will have it on their face and others can have it on the arms and other parts of the body. Kids like to peel them, but there can be pus and this may make the rash spread around one's own body. For mild cases an antibiotic cream can work, but for other cases, an oral antibiotic is necessary. When my nephew caught impetigo at his bunk at camp he was given initially a cream antibiotic but it didn't do the trick. They prescribed an oral antibiotic to clear it up. It's important to teach kids to use hand sanitizers and many do better with a hand spray or gel rather than running to a sink.

Roseola is another rash kids get and it can take 2 weeks to appear. Scabies is a rash that can take four weeks to appear so it's important to be aware that it can take a while for certain rashes to be detected. When a child gets roseola they'll get a fever and the marks on the body can be either flat or have texture to them. Fortunately, most kids with this rash aren't itchy. Try to keep the fever down with over the counter medications. Due to the contagious nature, it's important to keep your child in isolation from other kids during the symptoms phase.

Rashes are complicated and can indicate a viral infection, bacterial infection, fungal issue, insect origin or be due to allergies.


Learn more about Toddler Eczema and other common Itchy Skin Rashes

Friday, January 1, 2010

Dealing with Pain Using Prescription Medication Pills

Chronic pain is defined most simply as pain that does not go away. It can be caused by an injury, by nerve damage, or by illness, and can occur in any part of the body. Chronic pain can range from mild to severe, but it is constant. Being in chronic pain can make it difficult to live a normal productive life. Many people who experience chronic pain resort to medications to help make life bearable. Unfortunately, many of the medications commonly prescribed for chronic pain are highly addictive. This means that people can be in pain and also suffering from addictions to these pills. Some of the most commonly prescribed, and most addictive, pain medications are oxycodone, codeine, vicodin, and morphine.

Oxycodone is a narcotic used to treat moderate to severe pain caused by fractures, arthritis, and cancer. It goes by brand names such as Percoset, and OxyContin. Oxycodone is a highly addictive pain medication. Many people begin taking it to manage pain after an injury or accident, then find that they are addicted. Because oxycodone dampens the brain’s responses to pain, people find that they need more and more of it to get the same level of euphoria and pain relief. When taken as directed, oxycodone can cause headaches, nausea, and dry mouth. Overdoses can cause seizures and coma.

Codeine is another opiate commonly used as a pain medication. It is also frequently used in cough medicines. Because codeine is highly addictive, many people find themselves “hooked” without realizing it. Although codeine is only available by prescription, it is possible to become addicted to cough syrup containing codeine. Many people who are addicted to codeine take it along with alcohol, which multiplies its negative effects on the body. Sometimes people get codeine as part of a prescription for dental procedures and accompanying pain. When someone notices the relaxing effects on both pain as well as one's stress levels, it can be used as another way to deal with daily problems rather than to get more permanent and lasting solutions that are natural.

We also observe commercials on television all the time that show us ways to relieve pain, improve depression, get a better night's sleep and deal with daily aches. This starts to train the mind to look at prescription pills as ways to solve our daily problems and not explore natural means. Try to incorporate some natural solutions including dietary changes, supplements, increased exercise and meditation to use the mind and body to heal itself. The mind is a very powerful tool in coping with pain and can be explored to aid in relieving discomfort.


Learn more about Prescription Drug Addiction Recovery and Vicoden Side Effects