Getting Smart about Healthy Skin

What is the best way to relieve itchy skin?

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:58:47 +0000

There are many ways that you can get itchy skin, and it does help to know the cause. For example, if your itchiness is due to chemicals you were using for cleaning, then stop using them, and use something else, and you shouldn’t have another problem, unless the new product causes you to itch too!

Sunburn can cause itching, as can insect stings or insect bites, head lice too, and your skin can itch signaling an allergic reaction to something, possibly food or animals. Dry skin commonly causes itchy skin, and this seems to happen more in older folk as their skin becomes less hydrated, or in other words, dehydrated.

Cold weather also brings on itchy skin, but so does too much water, as in having baths with water that is really too hot, and the same applies to showers. During the later stages of pregnancy, the skin has to stretch a lot more, and this can lead to some itchy skin especially in the lower abdomen.
Then of course, there are reactions to medications, over the counter (OTC), or prescription, and skin conditions such as psoriasis and urticaria.

Scratching itchy skin is not a good idea

This shows that there really are a lot of ways that the skin can become dry, and the treatment for dry skin and skin irritations does depend to some extent on the cause. Obviously, if you know the cause is an allergic reaction to something, then taking antihistamines should help you, and these are available over the counter. However, if this isn’t the reason for your itchy skin, you may need to try some of the following treatments.

Use moisturizers after you have showered or bathed, and again before you retire for the night. There are many moisturizers available, and the trick is to find one that works for you and doesn’t make the itchiness worse. For this reason, it may be as well to start with some of the less perfumed variety.

Aloe vera is good for itches of the skin and mild skin disorders, applied several times a day if possible. Putting some olive oil, or baby oil into your bath water can help too, but do be aware that this makes the bath very slippy, and it might be better to apply the oil directly to the itchy area after the bath, so that there is less risk of a fall in the bath.

Putting oatmeal or baking soda in the bath can help relieve the itching too, and I have read that adding evaporated milk to bath water helps as well, although I personally haven’t tried that option, yet.

I have also seen that cornstarch dusted on the body can help stop the itching, and chamomile lotion helps too, although it does turn white on the body, so you’d best use this at night when no one can see you if you need to use it on your hands and face!

Witch hazel is suggested applied to the itchy area, or wheat germ oil or you could even try lemon juice which has been successful for some people. It may depend on the time of the year that your itchy skin occurs, as you really don’t want to go outside reeking of lemon during the summer when all the bees and wasps may head straight for you!

Now, obviously if your dry skin continues, or causes severe itching, especially for older adults, then you should see your doctor to see if there is a medical condition causing the excessive itching. It could be something that is unbalanced such as your thyroid, but this can easily be checked by a blood test.

Burdock, chickweed, goldenseal, yellow dock or plantain may also help dry itchy skin, but some of the problem may just be caused by bathing too often in too hot water, or the use of too much soap, or too strong a soap.

For very dry itchy hands, try putting on petroleum jelly on the hands, then putting on cotton gloves to keep the jelly on your hands. This works very well for hands, but is obviously much harder to do for other parts of the body.

One of the worst things you can do for itchy skin is to scratch it, as it can soon become red, inflamed, swollen and infected, and start to ooze fluid. zIf this happens, you will need to see your doctor, and may have to take a prescription drug to stop the skin infection.

To summarize, there are a lot of options to try next time you need to relieve dry itchy skin – hope it clears up fast for you, as it can be very annoying to say the least.

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Is there a quick and easy way to get rid of peeling skin?

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:32:27 +0000

When we think of peeling skin, we usually think of sun burnt skin, but that isn’t the only time peeling and flaky skin occurs, although it is the most common. Other conditions such as strong harsh winds, or cold air can cause skin to get dry and flaky too, as well as medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism and many types of skin disorders including psoriasis and eczema.

Now you should realize that the peeling skin is serving a purpose – it is protecting the fragile skin underneath, so although it may not look pretty, it is as well to let nature take its course if possible. So don’t tug at it!

healthy skin smarts - sunburn can lead to peeling skin

Let’s assume that the peeling skin is due to sunburn, and not a medical condition which should be treated by your doctor or dermatologist. There are ways that you can safely and painlessly remove the layer of dead skin safely. (Better still would be not to get burnt in the first place, by always wearing UV protection every time you head outdoors, but we’re being realistic here.)

For burned skin, apply cold compresses every 15 minutes for about 15 minutes at the first sign of discomfort. Many people find that vinegar helps reduce the stinging of a sunburn, although the smell is not that great! However, you can use it at night to reduce the burning sensations, but be very careful of any sensitive area, especially around the eyes.

Take cool showers, and use an exfoliating sponge, or an exfoliating mitt to lightly and gently remove the dead cells. This will stop the appearance of peeling, so you will feel better about yourself.

Apply aloe vera which, when applied to a clean dry skin, is great for healing sunburns. Keep using it until the area no longer looks burned.

For dry skin that needs prescription medications, try to reduce the amount you sweat, and take cool showers to remove the sweat from your skin and keep you cool. Sweat can easily irritate any skin condition, so wear cool, light clothing, and obviously, avoid any fabrics that are even a little bit scratchy and could irritate your skin even more.

Do not pull to remove peeling skin – use a gentle exfoliating sponge in the bath or shower, just to remove the dead cells as mentioned earlier. Use a perfume-free moisturizer frequently, maybe even 3 or 4 times every day, and it is important to use it regularly to help get your skin back to normal.

Of course the best thing to do is to take care of your skin, and not damage it in the first place. So in the warmer months always use sunscreen to protect yourself, and use moisturizer at the first sign of dry skin, and hopefully you can avoid having peeling skin.

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How can I diminish red skin on my hands and face?

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:53:12 +0000

Unfortunately having red skin especially on your hands and face is rather noticeable, and people may jump to a wrong conclusion about its source. They may think that you are shy, and that is why your cheeks are flushed, they may think that you have been drinking a little too much alcohol, or if it is summer, they may think that you have been out in the sun too long without the appropriate skin protection.

red skin on hands and face is a concern for some

Now any one of these reasons could be why your face is red, or it could be caused by eczema, or rosacea, which becomes more noticeable in 30-60 year olds. With this problem which becomes worse over time, the face will turn more red, and you may be able to see blood vessels appear.

If this is not treated, it can lead to pimples and bumps, with bloodshot eyes, which is called ocular rosacea, and can result in the loss of sight. For advanced cases, especially in males, the nose may grow bumpy and swollen from excess tissue. Obviously this is a condition that you need to see a doctor about, and you may be referred to a dermatologist for treatment.

There are many reasons for having a red face, besides embarrassment, or alcohol. You could have hyperthyroidism, heat stroke, diabetes, hot flashes usually associated with women going through menopause. Exercise can cause a red face and so can anger, stress, dehydration, some heart conditions, and also some medications. See if you can pinpoint anything that is causing your red face, as your doctor will be sure to ask you when this occurs, and whether your red skin blotches are a constant condition, or if it is a temporary rash that comes and goes.

Now red skin on your hands and face is one thing, but much worse than this is red itchy skin, or blotchy red skin. There are some options for you in this case, although it is always a good idea to see your doctor in case there is something more serious that needs treating.

If you have a red itchy skin then try using some of the anti-itch remedies mentioned on this site, things like calamine lotion, aloe vera. Do not try too many products too fast, or you risk making the red face even worse.

And if your hands are affected too, then consider moisturizing them regularly, even using petroleum jelly on your hands over night, but make sure you wear a pair of cotton gloves so that the jelly doesn’t get all over you bed clothes.

Be aware that some people are more prone to red faces and hands than others, especially those of fair skin, but if you are unsure about the cause, do see your doctor – that’s what they are there for.

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Do You Have Red Itchy Bumps That Won’t Go Away?

admin — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:05:24 +0000

The medical profession has made great progress in curing some diseases, but when it comes to itchy bumps, there are often no easy answers to be found. The trouble is that those red itchy bumps can be the result of many things, one of the culprits being insect bites. On the other hand it could be an allergic reaction to something, and that something can be very hard, if not impossible, to track down, as it could be caused by something which has been ingested, or something which is on clothing, or neither.

Now the location of any itchy red bumps may help to identify a cause. An itchy scalp could be caused by head lice, or it could be a form of eczema, whereas itchy bumps in the genital area could be pubic lice or scabies. Acne can also be described as itchy red bumps on the skin, usually on the face or neck, and sometimes on the trunk of the body.

itchy bumps can be hard to identify

Until a diagnosis has been given by a medical professional, it is of course very difficult to know how to treat itchy bumps on the skin, since different causes require different treatments. If the problem is caused buy an allergic reaction to something, then antihistamines are generally prescribed, and will likely clear the issue up quickly, but if bites are causing the itchiness, then it depends what is doing the biting as to what treatment is given.

Then of course there are diseases like chicken pox, a virus that results in a rash, and this is contagious. This means that it can be spread to others, and doctors will generally ask whether any one else in the immediate circle of family or friends is suffering from the same type of itchy bumps, as this can help to pin point a source.

Scabies is a skin disease which is easily spread and is caused by a small mite. It is spread by direct contact with someone already infected, although less often it can be spread by the sharing of clothing. These mites burrow into the skin where they deposit their eggs. The rash is itchy, and is due to an allergic reaction to the mite.

With regards to allergic reactions, it is as well to consider whether clothing has been washed in a different detergent than usual during the last few days, or whether any new foods not usually eaten have been consumed. Or perhaps there has been a change in the brand of soap you are using in the shower, or maybe you have changed moisturizers. There are any number of options that could be the cause when it comes to allergic reactions, and there is also the possibility that it is a certain combination of things that cause the reaction too, making it even more difficult to trace the cause.

One of the other problems many mothers have is that their child has some kind of an itchy red rash, but it miraculously fades by the time they get to the doctor’s office, only to reemerge some time later! Of course this makes it much harder, if not impossible for the medical professional to identify. Perhaps though with more people now owning camera phones it is time to use these to take photos of the bumps so they can be shown to the doctor in the office!

If you break out in itchy bumps, red or not, then it may need more than one visit to the medical profession to discover the true cause of the problem, although you may find that time alone will heal.

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How can you tell if you have sensitive skin?

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:18:11 +0000

Sensitive skin is diagnosed by dermatologists, doctors who specialize in skin conditions, when they can see a reaction of the skin like skin bumps, skin erosion,, or hives, or if they see over dry skin, or notice a blushing or flush to the skin.

However, people tend to say they have sensitive or sore skin for a variety of different reasons. Some feel they have painful skin, others say the skin is a little sore. For example, when a fever is present, some people feel that their skin is sensitive or hurts a little, and is perhaps a little prickly. When this happens, they know that they do have a fever, and a quick check with a thermometer proves this is in fact true. Other people consider their skin is sensitive because certain products cause their skin to burn or sting, or turn red, or their skin just feels really uncomfortable, even though there is nothing to see.

human skin can be sensitive to touch

Sensitivity of the skin can be caused by numerous things, like allergic reactions to different foods, animals or skin products – and remember every one is different, so it can be very difficult to track down the cause of an allergy. If the skin is very dry, then the skin may not protect the nerve endings as adequately, and can cause skin reactions. Excessive heat or cold can cause sensitivity as can the wind or too much sun, and of course different skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

Now according to dermatologists, everyone’s skin reacts differently to all the different soaps and skin care products that are available these days. It is generally agreed that the more highly scented soaps, or those with strong detergents should not be used on the face, as these often give allergic reactions of different kinds to many people. It is better to use soap-free cleansers for the face, as most of these liquid facial cleansers have a lower pH than soaps and are less likely to cause skin irritation. There are also facial washcloths which are mild cleansers, but of course, this does add to the garbage pile, so using the liquid and your own reusable face cloth, washed frequently and dried thoroughly in the dryer to kill bacteria may be a better solution for you.

Moisturizers can help your skin have more moisture, and the choice of moisturizing products is extensive. What you should look for is a product with few ingredients (less chance of a reaction to something), and one that has little or no fragrance. If you want a fragrance, you can always use a little perfume, rather than adding fragrances to all of your body, which could cause a skin reaction if you are allergic to anything in that product.

When you have purchased a new product, try it out first by putting a dab behind your ear overnight for, say, five nights. If you have no obvious reaction to it, then for 5 nights, put a little of the product on a temple at the side of your eye. If this remains problem-free, then you should be safe to use the product over the whole of your face.

Of course, if your sensitive skin results in a rash, that doesn’t clear up, or is very painful, then you need to see your doctor to try to find out why this is happening – in which case, good luck, as pinning down the cause of an allergic reaction can be very challenging!

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What causes a skin infection?

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:02:24 +0000

Living on the surface are the skin are many different types of bacteria, and when the skin is broken, or punctured for any reason, the bacteria can then enter the resulting wound, and cause a skin infection.

One type of bacteria which you may be familiar with already is the Staphylococcus, which itself has some 30 different types of bacteria causing different types of illness. For example, one kind of staph infection causes urinary tract infections or UTIs, another causes boils and folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles. Of course people with existing skin diseases like eczema are more likely to suffer from skin infections because their skin is already damaged, allowing the infections to enter more easily.

skin infections may need prescription drugs

Staph infections are spread through contact with contaminated items, but it is most often spread by skin to skin contact, and from one area of the body to another by touch. It helps to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, not just a quick 2 second wash, but a thorough washing so that the bacteria are killed by the soap. Also show or bathe regularly, or in other words, pay attention to your personal hygiene.

Skin infections can be spread amongst people, especially those who live in close groups, like students, and who share items, like towels or clothing, or bed linen. Warm environments can encourage the spread of staph infections, as can a person’s excessive sweating.

Impetigo is another bacterial skin infection which affects the top layer of the skin, forming a honey colored crust. Your doctor will probably treat impetigo with a topical antibiotic, rather than having you take oral antibiotics which can affect the stomach causing upsets.

Of course there are plenty of other skin infections, and if you notice a skin wound that gets warm and red with swelling after a couple of days, then you probably have an infection in that wound. You may have a fever, and there may be pus leaking from the wound. You may need to take a course of antibiotics to treat this, so you should see you doctor, and get the infection under control as soon as possible.

Should you get a skin infection in an area that you usually shave, then avoid shaving for a few days, if possible, to let the skin recover. If this isn’t an option, then try using a clean disposable razor, or else clean your electric razor thoroughly each time after you have used it.

If you suspect you have a skin infection and it is painful, you can use clean hot compresses on the area, or soak the infected area in warm water to encourage healing. A warm compress can be used on a sty which is an infection of an eye lid. In this case, put the clean warm compress over your closed eye. If this skin infection doesn’t clear up in a few days, then see your doctor.

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FAQs about itchy skin

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:16:43 +0000

Itchy skin can be extremely irritating, and even just writing about it has had me aware of itches all over the place! I shall have to use some of the remedies mentioned on other pages to stop this right now! Here are some of the questions others are asking:

Besides moisturizer, what is the best natural remedy to combat dry and itchy skin?

Can itchy skin be a sign of dehydration?

Can treated or hard water cause itchy skin?

skin needs looking after properly

Could stress be causing your itchy skin problems?

Does your itchy skin equal a shorter life?

Does it really work. Remedies for scaly patches of dry, itchy skin?

How can I stop getting really itchy skin at night?

How do I great severely dry and itchy skin?

How do you treat dry itchy skin on your face?

How do you treat dry, itchy skin?

How much anti-histamine meds could cause overdose (itchy skin)?

How to : stop winter from ruining your skin (itchy)?

How to get rid of my dry itchy skin ?

How to treat scaly and itchy skin on the face?

I Get itchy skin when I take ginseng, what herb can I take to counter that?

I Have itchy skin. What could it be and what should I do to stop it?

Is itchy skin a sign of pregnancy?

Is an itchy skin rash a side effect of consuming fish oil omega 3 supplements?

Is having itchy skin normal after chemotherapy is over?

Is it a wound, or itchy skin?

Is it possible to have contact allergies (itchy skin) from one cat and not another?

Is it true that itchy skin is a symptom of kidney problems?

My cousin has itchy skin and it becomes very dry, what kind of cream or lotion can help it?

What can I do to relieve itchy skin due to drying?

What can I use to treat dry itchy skin on my inner thighs?

What causes itchy skin?

What causes my itchy skin rash? How do I find out for sure?

What could be causing my occasional itchy skin?

What if a person has extremely itchy skin, and this person has red spots all over her. What should I do?

What is a good lotion to use for dry itchy skin?

What is a good remedy for dry itchy skin?

What is the best cure for severe itchy skin?

What is the best lotion for extremely itchy skin?

What is the best remedy for a chronic itchy skin?

What is this itchy skin irritation my family has been dealing with lately?

What is wrong with my skin? I Have itchy skin that turns red almost immediately after scratching?

What lotion is best for itchy skin while pregnant?

What might be the cause of itchy skin without a rash?

What should I do about my labs dry and itchy skin?

What the best non-perfumed body cream and non-perfumed soap for who has itchy skin over shoulders and neck?

What to do about dry and itchy skin?

What would cause itchy skin, facial swelling and chest pains?

Why does my skin itch?

Why is my skin so itchy?

Anyone of you pregnant ladies experiencing itchy skin that is not relieved by any lotion?

Is it normal to get really itchy skin when outside in the evening?

Itchy skin?

What is the best medicine for itchy skin? Such as eczema?

What is the best way to relieve itchy skin?

When I go swimming, I get red bumps, and itchy skin, mostly down by my ankles. What is it?

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FAQs about skin infection

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:25:51 +0000

Questions about skin infections can help you to know what questions you want to ask your doctor, and what answers you should have ready to help him make a diagnosis. Here are some recent questions about skin infections that others have asked.

Can a bacterial skin infection on the outer ear form as a result of repetitive friction?

Can you get an infection from skin peeling?

How Do People Get Skin Infections?

healthy skin smarts - itchy skin and hand

How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections?

How long does it take for a skin infection to improve?

How long for a skin infection to clear?

How long should msra skin infection bump last on skin?

I had an ingrown hair underneath my lip that turned into a small skin infection. Can I use salicylic acid?

I have intermittent rash, itchy, swollen, painful joints, localized skin infection. What could it be?

I was recently diagnosed with a staph skin infection- Cipro?

I’m taking a tablet to cure bacterial skin infection (got red pimples on skin).Is it ok to take birth-pill now?

Is it alright to apply rubbing alcohol to skin infection?

Is it possible that my Staph or MRSA skin infection will come back…?

Is this allergic reaction or possible skin infection?

Should students with MRSA skin infections be excluded from attend…?

What Causes A Skin Infection?

What Is a Skin Infection?

What can I do about dry skin/infection in my belly button?

What doctor should I see about my skin infection?

What is the name of the minor skin infection you get from having a small cut on your body?

What kind of skin infection causes red rings and a swollen finger?

What kind of skin infection do I have?

Which vitamin helps tissue growth,maintains healthy eyes and skin…?

Why do we swell when we have get an injury, skin infection or a bite?

skin infection from cat to human?

What are the best option to seek remedies for fungal skin infection? in India. ?

Which is deemed the most serious staphylococcal skin infection?

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Discoloration Of Skin – Dark Spots On Face – Hyperpigmentation Of Skin

admin — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:36:11 +0000

The discoloration of skin, especially dark spots on face, is a concern for many, whatever is causing the hyperpigmentation of skin, or changes in the pigmentation of the skin. Acne is often the cause of such dark spots, and for some it is of more concern than the acne itself. The good news is that there are treatments for hyperpigmentation, but the bad news is that hyperpigmentation remedies can take weeks and even months before their effects are noticeable.

So why does the pigmentation on face change because of acne? The inflammation which acne causes results in an increase in the production of melanin, or melanocytes, by the body and it is these which lead to the pigmentation turning a darker color, in some cases red, in others brown for others the skin turns a pinkish color. Whatever the cause, the results are disturbing for many, especially when the discoloration of skin is on the face.

Discoloration of skin due to acne scars - there are treatments for hyperpigmentation

As mentioned above there are several different types of treatments available, in various price ranges, but the first step is to get the acne under control, otherwise more scars will be forming while you are trying to treat existing discoloration. Assuming control has been achieved, the more expensive options are to see dermatologists who specialize in laser therapy or microdermabrasion or chemical peels. These treatments are used to treat skin discoloration, although they do have some side effects such as skin irritation and redness. Obviously this is something you should talk to your health care professional about to see how long this usually lasts, and whether there are any other implications for your skin type.

The other hyperpigmentation remedies include the use of home remedies, over the counter creams and gels which can lighten the skin of the dark acne spots and even prescription creams and gels. There are many different skin care products available for the treatment of hyperpigmentation, many of which contain glycolic acid.

Retinoids and hydroquinone cream are available both as a prescription and also over the counter. This cream works by reducing the quantity of melanin which the body is producing in an area, so it is essential that you use it only on the areas you want to be lightened. The cream often has glycolic acid to help with the lightening process, and sometimes other bleaching agents too.

However, you might want to try some home remedies first which are considerably cheaper options. Hyperpigmented spots are often helped by the use of lime juice, or a slice of potato, or a yogurt and honey paste, or mint extract, and even tomato juice. These foods contain natural bleaching agents, and as such are not harsh on your skin. However, you will have to be patient using these remedies, as they do take time to get results, and regular use.

Obviously the results that you get for your discolored skin and dark spots on face will depend on your skin type, as well as the severity of the acne, but the various treatments for hyperpgimentation should help you make a start at reducing the impact of the dark skin on your face, and help you get rid of pimple scars.

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Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation – What Is It And What Treatments Are Available?

admin — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:34:56 +0000

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation appears on the skin after inflammation such as acne has healed, and it causes dark and discolored patches on the skin. These areas of discolored skin are known as macules, and are flat, but they may be of different colors, depending on your skin color. They may be brown, black, red or a pinkish color, and the hyperpigmentation is the result of too much melanin being produced in a response to the inflammation of the skin which is caused by the acne. Fortunately there are a few different types of options available to deal with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Stage one of dealing with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is to make sure that the acne is under control. There is no point in trying to treat the darkening of the skin if more outbreaks of acne are going to produce more problem areas. Once the acne is controlled there are several options available to treat post inflammatory inflammation, including over the counter options such as glycolic acid which exfoliates the skin and lightens the dark areas of the skin. Glycolic acid is present in a number of skin products such as cleansers as well as creams and gels. It is also available in stronger concentrations with a prescription from your doctor or health care professional. Do not expect immediate results if you use glycolic acid to treat your hyperpigmentation, as it may take a few weeks to a few months before you get noticeable results.

Hydroquinone cream is often used for treating post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and this works by reducing the amount of melanin which is produced. As the melanin causes the darkening, this can work well. However you should make sure that you use this cream only on the areas you want to be lighter in color. Hydroquinone cream is available as a prescription but also over the counter, and it often contains other ingredients such as glycolic acid to help with the lightening process.

Retinoids can also be used to treat a number of dermatological conditions such as inflammatory skin disorders, and these work by increasing the cell turnover rates, and are used to help clear up acne as well as deal with the pigmentation issue. However, results are not generally seen immediately, and it could take a few months before you notice your dark spots lightening.

Azelaic acid is also used to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation as it reduces the amount of inflammation, so reducing the effects of acne as well as helping the dark spots to fade. However, this is only available on prescription. However, as with most conditions, it is always a wise move to see your doctor or health care professional before beginning any new treatment.

There are other treatment options available for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but these need the services of the professionals. Microdermabrasion is one such technique which removes the top layers of skin, and laser therapy can also achieve this. Some professionals use chemical peels to remove the top layer of the skin, which also helps to get rid of the dark spots. However, these methods are more costly than those mentioned above for treating post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and may not be realistic for your budget.

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