Skin diseases Archives - Page 21 of 21

tips to get rid of razor burn

Those were my school days and for the first time I shaved unnecessary hair with a razor. To my surprise I found small red bumps on my armpits, legs and on my face.

Like a normal teenager I was shocked and worried. Then one of my friends who had some experience in shaving suggested me to use new blade.

It took few days to get rid of razor burns, as I was not aware of home remedies to treat razor burn instantly.

Even now I face this problem, but now I don’t have to carry these annoying burns with me for days. With simple home available things I can cure razor burn.

Treating Razor Burn

1. Apply Aloe Vera gel on affected parts

Aloe vera is packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which help to fight razor bumps and relieve the burning sensation. You can get aloe vera gel from local store or you can extract it form aloe vera plant.

2. Apply Glycolic acid or Salicylic acid

Lesion caused by shaving can be treated by applying glycolic acid. Prefer lotions with glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is well known for treating acne.

3. Use shaving cream or any other soap foam before shaving

Shaving hairs without using gel leaves your skin irritated.

4. Avoid products with alcohol

Our skin is sensitive, alcohol and other harmful chemicals stripes natural moisturizer form skin making it dry and inflamed.

5. Start with hot and end with cool

Initially use hot water and once you shaved all unnecessary hair off soothe skin with ice packs or cold water. You can also apply moisturizing cream if you’ve dry skin.

6. Use new or good quality razor

Practice hygiene and you don’t have to get a pricey razor, a simple razor will work. And don’t push the razor to your skin.

Practice correct shaving techniques, shave in the direction of hair, though shave won’t be close this will help prevent irritation.

Share your method in comments.

Recommended post: 5 lesser-known benefits of having a beard

Image source

Psoriasis

Psoriasis Causes, Symptoms and Treatment – with Pictures

ByMoin Nex

Psoriasis (suh-RY-uh-sus) is a chronic (long term) skin disease resulting red, scaly and dry patches on skin; mostly concentrating elbows, scalp, knees and fingers. These patches may be small (mild psoriasis) or large (severe psoriasis).

In some cases psoriasis also affects joints; there will be no rash or bump on skin. This is called psoriatic arthritis, one among the 5 main types of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is most common type of psoriasis. Patches are caused due to rapid growing of skin cells which accumulate and form a silvery-white appearance. Fingernails and toenails are also affected by detaching nail plate; this is called psoriatic nail dystrophy.

psoriasis causes and treatment

Though we’ve lots more information about different types of psoriasis its causes are still unknown. Few experts say that over reaction of immune system and having psoriasis in families can cause psoriasis. Psoriasis is associated with cancer, diabetes and heart diseases. Why it’s associated and why it affects health is still unknown.

Good thing is it’s not contagious. When you come in contact with psoriasis effected person no need to worry. But it may spread to children, as it is termed as genetic disease (Wikipedia).

Stats on Psoriasis

Just to show how dangerous this disease can be, we’re sharing these stats.

In US psoriasis is most prevalent autoimmune disease. (Autoimmune disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your body by mistake) (source: Nlm.nih.gov)
2.2 percent of world population has psoriasis.
This skin disease affects mostly adults. Children and young people may have this condition.
Psoriatic arthritis, a type of psoriasis effects people between 30-40 ages.
It’s no more a cosmetic disease. Nearly 60 percent of people reported that this is a large problem in their lives.
Quality of life is shattered.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. Anyway, experts associate it with genetic disease and autoimmune disorder where immune system attacks your own body.

This result in forming of skin cells rapidly, normally it takes weeks for new cells to generate and old cells to shed but in this case on daily basis skin cells are generated. These over generated cells accumulate on skin forming dry, scaly patches. And when blood flows it form redness over these dead cells.

Also environmental factors may cause psoriasis.

How Psoriasis look like? Symptoms and signs of Psoriasis

Concentrating elbows, knees, lower back and scalp psoriasis forms red, flaky, thick silver patches. Anyway, any other area can be involved in this infection. These patches vary from small to large. In severe cases red, loose silvery patches are formed on skin.

Symptoms differ from person to person, depending on the severity of this autoimmune disease. People with severe psoriasis have to battle their everyday. Quality of life is completely shattered.

But don’t worry there are about 75 million Americans who’ve psoriasis.

Though there is no cure for psoriasis you don’t have to battle with it every day. There are different types of treatment to reduce psoriasis levels. Even people (85 -90 percent, approximately) with severe psoriasis reduced flare ups with varying treatments.

Treating Psoriasis

Psoriasis is not equal for everyone; you need to try different treatments to find the exact medicine which affect your psoriasis. So, we advice you to consult a doctor or dermatologist for diagnoses.

Different psoriasis treatments

Topical treatments for Psoriasis, this involves directly applying on target area. This is the first type of treatment to try in diagnosis process.
Biologic drugs, patients with severe to mild psoriasis are prescribed for this treatment. Biological drugs are given either by injection or intravenous infusion which targets specific parts of immune system.
Systemic medications – when topical and light therapy fail to reduce psoriasis flare-ups oral medication is given. Unlike biologics this targets the whole immune system. Systemic medicine is given either by oral or injection or both.
UV Light therapy – exposing psoriasis infected parts to UV rays can reduce flare-ups, but you need to be consistent to see the change. More about light therapy here.
Complementary and Alternative – NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) shows that 36 percent of Americans prefer complementary therapy for chronic diseases. This treatment involves both medical and health care systems which are not presently considered in traditional medicine.

Natural treatments

When all medical treatments fail to reduce flare-ups you can try natural remedies. This includes sunlight and ocean water. Aloe Vera, Oily fish, Dead Sea salts and cayenne are mostly used in natural treatments.

Read this: Natural remedies to treat Eczema

Having a healthy diet in no way treats psoriasis, but it can indirectly reduce agents causing psoriasis.

Psoriasis Pictures

Image source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

References

http://www.psoriasis.org
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/
http://www.medicinenet.com/psoriasis/article.htm

Dry skin

Itchy Dry Skin Patches On Body, Face and Hands

ByMoin Nex

Dry skin is a common skin condition which can be cured in a week by applying a moisturizer.

Dry skin irritates your skin which stimulates itching and it’s almost impossible to refrain yourself from scratching though don’t recommended doing so. Scratching dry skin leaves rough, red and dry patches on skin which will again lead to itching causing severe skin problems.

If dry itchy skin goes away within a week after applying moisturizing cream and hydrating from the inside by taking few energy drinks, then there is nothing to worry. But in case if you still see dry itchy patches on skin then you need to worry a bit, as this can be a chronic skin disease. Rush to your doctor as soon as you identify that itching is not normal.

It can be eczema or psoriasis; both are chronic diseases (last for long time). Unfortunately causes of eczema or psoriasis stays unknown till now. Anyway, scientist after a study, came to know that hereditary is one among the cause of eczema (NHS). This (eczema) is serious skin disease which is affecting about 9% to 30% of US population. Like eczema, psoriasis causes itchy skin with dead cells accumulated on upper layer forming dry patches.

If you’ve dry itchy skin patches on any part of your body for longer period then it can be eczema (Atopic eczema) or psoriasis.

We recommend visiting dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis.

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How to know if you’ve a chronic skin disease?

Symptoms are simple and easy to recognize. You see your skin dries out and dry skin normally causes itching. It is irresistible to stop scratching and scratching leaves your skin with red or dry skin patches.

One of the main symptoms is, even after applying effective moisturizing cream itching continues.

If you see itchy dry skin more than 2 weeks then experts suggests visiting doctor for diagnosis.

Now that you know you’ve something more than normal itching don’t ignore visit a dermatologist.

Can you get rid of itchy skin at home?

Not sure!

It depends on the level it affected you. With few home remedies itching or dry skin may disappear but it may come back again. Anyway, if you’re looking for a quick home remedy then here it is:

Don’t miss this: Dry skin brushing to get rid of Cellulite

Home remedies for itchy dry skin

Baking Soda Bath – Add one cup of baking soda to bath tub and soak for about 30 minutes. You can also mix one part of water and 3 parts of baking soda to apply on localized itching.
Oat meal – Mix oat meal in water and spread it on affected part which gives smoothing and cooling experience.
Essential oil- Natural oils has many advantages to your skin, it can help you get rid of itchiness. Add any essential oil to bathing tub or apply directly.
Applying Aloe Vera on itchy skin relives you from itchiness, as it moisturizes your skin. Use a cotton ball to apply.
Drink more water, to hydrate your body from the inside.
Humidify your room with a humidifier in winter.
Avoid soaps with fragrance, as ingredients in it stripes essential oils on skin which keeps skin moisture.
Dry skin is main cause of itching so take vitamin A, B and E enriched diet.
Avoid alcohol and smoking which dehydrates your body.
Apply moisturizing cream regularly.

There are literally many home remedies to treat dry skin and itching. Would you like to share any if you know?

Images showing Dry Skin Patches

eczema on hands eczema on two hands eczema on fingers eczema on feet itchy dry skin patches