A Look at Natural and Traditional Skin Treatment

Our skin is the first thing someone notices. Most people find imperfections on their body, but certain issues are genuine skin disorders that can disrupt one's life. For instance, rashes, acne and herpes should be treated and not ignored. Other problems such as scabies, chicken pox and viral infections need to be addressed as well. Some skin conditions are contagious including fungal infections and bacterial infections.

Even when something is minor, it can be very troublesome. A teenager may have just a few pimples on their chin, but can feel that it is the end of the world. It is hard to have perspective. You can tell a teen that it will clear up and that it isn't skin cancer, but it can still be very hard to let go of it.

Natural remedies may work for certain situations. For instance, corn starch and zinc oxide can be helpful for heat rashes and rashes due to perspiration being trapped. Oatmeal baths are helpful for a number of conditions including the itching from chicken pox and scabies, inflammation from eczema and unidentified skin problems. Try to use warm instead of hot water as some skin conditions get aggravated by heat. It will dry the skin out and eczema is something that requires eczema.

Not every natural remedy is appropriate for one's situation. For instance, dandelion weed is recommended by some for pupps and for warts. This can be useful for some people, but others may find dandelion to be an irritant. If you are someone that has allergic reactions, consider that certain plants and flowers may conflict with your body's chemistry.

Testing part of the body first is important. Also, don't ignore traditional remedies because you want to be holistic. Antibiotics are critical for certain skin conditions such as impetigo and strep rash. When you have a bacterial infection you want to use the best and most trusted remedy. Oregano oil is an anti-viral agent and used for centuries. If you have a viral situation, be sure to ask your doctor about this remedy. In India and other countries, neem oil is used for many forms of skin problems from
scabies to eczema.

Research before using a natural remedy and check with your physician as there are more studies now for herbs and plants that can be accessed than in the past.

Read about and study Pictures of Skin Rashes and learn about Hot Tub Rash and other problems.

How to Deal with Common Skin Issues

It is rare for someone to be able to accept their skin. Most people scrutinize it and are upset by one or more issues such as acne, wrinkles, dry skin or freckles. More serious disorders can include eczema, hives, lupus rashes and shingles. Some conditions are chronic and others may just occur once. Our skin makes us very self-conscious and people will hide and not go out if the discomfort level is too high.

Acne is a common problem for teenagers but it can also extend into adult years. It can be mild, moderate or severe. Thousands are spent by marketers on infomercials each week to promote their products. Effective agents seem to be salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and antibiotic topicals such as cleocin. There are also oral antibiotics and prescriptions to help those with severe skin eruptions such as cystic acne that can lead to scarring.

Acne can be due to many reasons such as hormonal shifts, heredity, stress, and allergic reactions to medications. Some books recommend eliminating saturated fats to avoid skin eruptions. Fortunately, it is easier to now find low fat and no fat products compared to the seventies.

Those wearing helmets for sports often notice that their skin is worse during lacrosse and other sports so this is good to keep your eye on. Wash the skin but don't dry it out and use an agent that works to keep the pores from plugging. Keep your hair off your forehead to avoid pimples in that area due to excessive oils.

Eczema can cause a lot of discomfort due to the severe itching and the red, angry appearance of the skin. For some, the skin is cracked and has blisters as well. Atopic eczema is seen as an allergic reaction that runs in families. Some people also can get it as well as contact dermatitis due to perfumes, ingredients in detergents, household cleaning compounds and specific food intolerances.

Make a list of the triggers and use moisturizers twice a day to avoid dryness and scaling. If the condition is severe you may be told to get a prescription cortisone cream. Soothing baths in oatmeal are also helpful , but keep the water warm and not hot to avoid drying the skin out.

See a dermatologist if necessary for the best diagnosis. Use stress reduction tools to keep your anxiety level down and be sure to get lots of rest. Do not let your skin problems erode your confidence but instead look at your true qualities that are not just skin deep.

Learn more about ways to Get Rid of Eczema and read about other skin problem issues including how to Treat Fever Blisters .

Vitiligo Skin Pigmentation Problems and Ways to Treat It

Vitiligo skin disorder is a disorder in which the skin loses its pigmentation and appears patchy because the melanocytes, which are pigment-producing cells, are destroyed. Because of this disorder, white patches appear on the patients’ skin, eyes, mucous membranes, inner ears. In some case hair, also turn white. Various types of Vitiligo are linear, segmental, trichrome, and inflammatory.

The exact cause of Vitiligo is not known to the doctors and there are different theories about its cause. The most common one is that it is an autoimmune disease. This means that the effected person’s immune system reacts against his own organs and tissues. Due to this, the body produces cytokines that cause the pigment producing cells to die. Another theory believes that people suffering from this problem inherit a set of three genes, which cause pigmentation. There have been reports that it can also be caused by sunburn or emotional upheavals but this has never been scientifically proven.

Over 1% of world’s population is believed to be affected by this disorder. Most of the people develop it before they reach the age of forty. It is common to both sexes but more people of ethnic origin are found to be affected by this disorder. Most people with it have no other autoimmune disease . It is also believed to be hereditary and in about thirty percent of the cases, it is found that parents of vitiligo infected children carry the same disorder.

Vitiligo often starts with a place where a minor sunburn or injury has occurred. People often notice Vitiligo white patches in arms and legs first. There are mainly three patterns in which Vitiligo appears these are: focal pattern which is de-pigmentation in few localized areas, the second one is segmental pattern in which the patches appear at only one side of the body and generalized pattern which is the most common one, in this the patches appear all over the body. There is no special diagnosis for this disorder as it is very apparent to the eye. The medical history of rash, sunburns, family history of Vitiligo is taken into consideration by the doctors. In some cases, the doctors perform a biopsy to confirm. The skin sample will show zero pigmentation in case of Vitiligo. A blood test might also be done to examine the antibodies.

There are many treatments available for Vitiligo. The most commonly used treatment is (Psoralen & Ultra-Violet A light). Psoralen is a drug, which reacts with ultraviolet light and helps in darkening the skin. Many sittings are required for this kind of treatment and it does not work well and feet and hands.
Steroid creams are prescribed for initial treatment and in cases where the disorder has just started spreading.

De-pigmentation is done using chemicals like monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (monobenzone or Benoquin) which is applied to the pigmented areas to match the color of the skin areas. This has to be done very careful and may cause some side effects. Skin grafting can also work for areas, which have small pigmentation.

People who have this disorder are advised to apply sunscreen because tanning brings out the difference in the skin areas. Small portions of patchy areas can also be covered with clever use of cosmetics. However, they should be selected with great care to suit the skin type.


Learn more about Vitiligo Skin Disorder and other issues including hives, psoriasis and skin problems such as eczema and Hot Tub Folliculitis .

Rashes from Bacteria and Chemicals in Pools

The summer season brings a lot of hot days and many head to the beach to cool off. For others, the long drives to beaches does not is not practical, so the condo pool or local swimming pool works well. It’s fun to go swimming with your family and friends especially if you are experiencing the scorching heat of ninety degree days.

There are some things to consider when you choose a swimming pool especially a public one. It's possible that you may contract certain skin complications or rashes from them. There are different kinds of rash. If you use a jacuzzi or hot tub you may get eruptions from there. Many health clubs and condo associations have both a jacuzzi as well as a pool for swimming. There are also chlorine rash or swimmer’s itch. Normally, in order to maintain a clean jacuzzi or pool to swim in it's necessary to kill unwanted bacteria. Chlorine is applied to the pool water to maintain its safety. Some people are allergic to chlorine which can result in a red rash. Other people may get a rash due to overexposure but are fine otherwise. Chlorine rash is a form of chemical contact dermatitis.

You can also react to the bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa. This can be present in both pools and hot tubs. It can even be on the filters in pools and resist anti-bacterial agents. The effect of this bacteria can include pimples and blisters that resembles the effect of a chickenpox. There can also be fungus and other causes of rashes. The more crowded a pool or jacuzzi is, the possibility of the anti-bacterial agent breaking down increases. Also a further complication is when the elderly or young children accidentally have urination issues in water.

Here are some precautions to prevent rashes:

Moderation is the key. Do not overexpose your skin to the pools chlorine; let it have ample rest to breathe. If you know you are allergic to chlorine then you'll need to avoid the pool and head to the beach.

Shower with warm water before you take a dip on the pool, also shower after taking a dip on the pool.

Choose swimming pools that are regularly maintained or cleaned.

Another cause of rashes or swimmer’s itch is from birds, mammals and even snails. Do be careful.

You can use over the counter corticosteroid creams, cool compresses, oatmeal baths, baking soda soaks, or various anti-itch lotions that are available without a prescription such as Aveeno or Calamine lotion to treat inflammation. Be sure to give your body a break from pools to let it heal.

Be safe and have fun, take care of your skin and enjoy the warm weather.


Learn more about dealing with a hot tub rash and read about ways to get rid of heat rash .