Best Herbal and Ayurvedic Cure for Eczema Treatment

June 30th, 2009 | Posted in Wellness   Comments Off
Dr.Anna Hardy asked:


Eczema is a skin disease, which is observed as exfoliation of the skin, mostly accompanied by severe itching. In the chronic stages, there may be oozing of pus and bleeding from the affected regions. It is also commonly referred to as dermatitis.

In Ayurveda, eczema is known as Vicharchika. It is caused due to the vitiation of all the three doshas – vata, pitta and kapha. Eczema is an infectious disease. It can spread from one person to another. It has been found to run in families. Especially if there is some allergy, then there is greater chance of eczema. Other factors that can bring on eczema are age, climate, food, stress and nature of skin. Eczema has more chances of occurring during puberty and menopause.

Useful Herbs for the Treatment of Eczema

- Babul (Acacia arabica) The bark of the babul tree is potent in the treatment of eczema. It is boiled in water and the fumes are used to foment the affected areas.

- Butea (Butea monosperma) In the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, its the seeds of the butea tree that are useful. The seeds of the butea are mixed with lime water and are applied on the affected regions to get the required benefits.

- Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Linseed is applied on the affected regions in the form of its oil mixed with lime water. This is effective in the treatment of many skin ailments including eczema.

- Madhuca (Madhuca indica) Madhuca leaves are used to get the madhuca oil. This is applied on the regions where the eczema has occurred to obtain relief.

Dietary Treatments for Eczema

The following dietary rules are very important for eczema patients to be obeyed:-

- Salt must be reduced in the diet.

- Sour foods must be avoided. This includes all pickles, curds, etc.

- Bitter tastes are useful. These are obtained from vegetables such as bitter gourd, bitter drumstick and flowers of the neem tree.

- Turmeric has a soothing effect on the skin. It must be used liberally in flavoring the food. Turmeric is also useful if it is applied locally over the affected parts.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Eczema

Eczema is a constitutional disease. Its cause is deep-seated within the body. Hence external medications are not effective in eczema. With such medications, the outer symptoms may disappear, but the underlying cause remains. Ayurveda attempts at curing eczema from its roots. The method used is an elaborate process to purify the blood of the individual.

The different steps involved are:-

a) Snehana – This method oleates the skin, i.e. makes it smooth using oily preparations. b) Swedana – This method induces sweating which removes the toxins from the blood. c) Panchkarma – These are the five steps to improve the blood. They include vamana (emesis), virechana (purgation), vasti (enema), siro-virechana (errhines) and rakta mokshana (blood-letting).

The following Ayurvedic preparations are used in the treatment of eczema:-

One teaspoonful of Panchatikta ghritam twice a day and one tablet of Arogyavardhini thrice a day are prescribed to all patients of eczema.

In addition, a dosage of 50 milligrams of Chaturmukha rasa with gold is prescribed to be taken twice a day along with 15 milliliters of Khadirarishta thrice a day. All treatments must be continued for one month.

Physicians would suggest massaging the area with Mahamarichyadi taila or Guduchyadi taila.

Home Remedies for Eczema

- Applying the juice of the wild almond (Terminalia catapa) on the affected parts provides relief.

- An emulsion can be made with the seeds of the karanja (Pongamia pinnata) and lemon juice. This is very beneficial if applied externally.

- An ointment is prepared using one part of sesame oil, sixteen parts of arka (Calatropics gigantica) and one part of turmeric. This should be applied externally.

- Prepare a brew of the peel of the banyan tree. Both drinking this brew and applying it externally over the affected parts show promising results.

- After meals, take one teaspoonful of Panchanimbadi choorna, which is available at all Ayurvedic outlets.

There are some other preventive methods that are necessary for people with eczema. These are enlisted below:-

- Soap must not be used over the affected regions. Mild soaps can be used, but it is best to avoid them. Hot water must not be used for baths. Adding some olive oil to the water helps.

- If the skin over the affected part is excessively dry, then a ghee or an oil massage will help. This will prevent the skin from erupting.

- People with eczema should take care that their bodies do not suffer from sudden extremities of climate. Hence, traveling must be done with care.

- The products of wool are not good for skins affected with eczema. Hence, people with eczema must avoid blankets and sweaters that are made of wool.

- People with eczema must take care that they do not sweat too much. Sweat can irritate the eczema.



Kristin

Glutathione Antioxidant - a Skin Whitening Pill

June 28th, 2009 | Posted in Skin Care   Comments Off
Maria Baltazar asked:


If you’re wondering how a skin whitening pill may be your best bet for the greatest antioxidant that medicine has ever produced, this article explains it. Find out also how glutathione can be your best defense defense for anti-aging, acne control, and overall body health with a strong immune system as your bonus.

If you think that Glutathione is just a skin whitening supplement, well that’s about to change here. You have more good news. Read on.

So what really is Glutathione?

It is otherwise known as reduced L-Glutathione, an amino acid found in every cell of a living organism. It’s considered as the ultimate and master antioxidant known to man because it protects the body from a multitude of diseases and conditions.

Yes, Glutathione is part of the human body.

As we age, our glutathione levels considerably decrease due to toxic exposures, such as air pollutants, stress, drugs, smoking, food chemicals, or just about everything that damage our cellular systems.

Some of the health benefits of Glutathione are to help prevent:

* male infertility

* AIDS or HIV virus

* various cancers

* cataracts or vision impairment

* thyroid problems

* liver malfunctions

* heart diseases (LDL or bad cholesterol)

* multiple sclerosis

* Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, or other brain disorders

And the list does not stop there.

Today’s fast paced lifestyle demands the need for better body and skin care, even for healthy individuals. Whether you choose to take Glutathione as a skin whitening pill (wonder what’s one of the big silent African American beauty tip of famous celebrities for fabulous skin?) or antioxidant, you can achieve both or just the latter if you control the dosage.

You got it. Skin lightening is just Glutathione’s side effect.

Its main functions go deep into the cellular level of our arteries, brain, heart, immune cells, kidneys, lenses of the eyes, liver, lungs, and skin against oxidant damage.

Thus, Glutathione has the capability to:

* Preserve good health.

* Prolong life.

* Prevent premature wrinkling.

* Control acne and acne scarring.

* Improves the immune system.

* Perform in the synthesis & repair of DNA.

* Detoxify nicotine in the body.

* Stop dark skin hyperpigmentations.

* Help normalize an ailing liver.

Are you a recovering alcoholic? Smoker who can’t quit? Need a great anti-aging or acne solution? Have melasma, uneven skin tone, age spots, freckles, dark skin spots? Longing for younger, radiant and beautiful skin? It’s all in a package.

Conclusion: Glutathione is not for people who only want to whiten their skin. If you want to promote better health and wellness or help fight major diseases, this beats all other antioxidants combined.

It gets better than that. It has no other known side effect than skin lightening. So yes, it is safe with no risk of overdose because it is totally water soluble. A word of caution. Glutathione preparations with Tyrostat (L tyrosine), Goat/Sheep Placenta Extract, or high dosages of Vitamin A and E. These are the ones to watch out for and should be avoided.



Dora

Some Effective Natural Cure for Psoriasis

June 24th, 2009 | Posted in Diseases And Conditions   Comments Off
Dr.Anna Hardy asked:


Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease which causes patches of thick, red skin covered with silvery scales. Itching and burning accompanied by pain are the common symptoms of psoriatic skin. The inflammations are observed mostly on the hands and legs, but they could spread to the fingernails, the toenails and even to the mouth and the *********.

In complicated form, psoriasis may cause pain in the joints and cracked skin. If there is an injury or a insect bite in the affected part, then there could be severe pain and aggravation, accompanied by bleeding.

Causes of psoriasis are not properly known. There may be a family prevalence of the disease, as 33% of psoriatic patients have another close family member suffering from the same disease. It may be due to viral and bacterial infections, obesity, remaining away from sunlight for long periods of time, stress, cold climate, abrasions on the skin and even alcohol consumption and smoking.

In Ayurveda, diseases such as Eka-kushta, Kitiba-kushta and Sidma-kushta are quite alike to the condition of psoriasis. These are vata vitiations. Treatment is through a very carefully prescribed dietary regimen and drug therapy.



(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Psoriasis

- Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)

The juice of the leaves of the black nightshade can be applied locally on the affected regions. It helps in reducing the inflammation of the skin, and also has beneficial properties in allaying the pain and the itch.

- Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a blood purifier. Eating a few cloves of garlic every morning on an empty stomach filters the toxins out of the blood and provides protection against psoriasis.

- Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum)

The flowers of the jasmine have good effects in the treatment of psoriasis. The flowers are crushed, made into a paste and are directly applied on the inflamed parts. This application reduces the pain and the itchiness of psoriatic inflammations.

- Onion (Allium cepa)

Onion has blood purifying properties. Hence, it is made an important part of the diet of a person suffering from psoriasis.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Psoriasis

A strict dietary regimen is very important in psoriasis. The wrong kind of foods can aggravate this condition, whereas the right foods can help in early treatment. The following dietary guidelines must be followed:-

- Avoid all hot, spicy and pungent foods. These take long time to digest and cause toxins in the blood, known as ama. When the ama builds up in the body, the psoriasis can spread to a great extent. Also, avoid all foods that cause constipation.

- Salts and curds must be avoided as they can inflame the skin further. This will cause greater itching and hence more discomfort. Rock salt can be taken in small quantities for flavoring, but not the salt readily available in the market.

- Cut down on fats, animal proteins and sugars. Also consume less quantity of food.

- Bitter tastes are preferable. These foods help in purifying the blood and also facilitate the kidneys to flush out the toxins from the blood. For this purpose, foods like bitter gourd, the bitter variety of drumstick and neem are very ideal.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Psoriasis

The Panchkarma therapy is utilized in Ayurveda for the treatment of psoriasis. This is the first step because unless the toxins are removed from the body, it will not respond to any medication. In severe cases, purgation and bloodletting is done to cleanse the body internally. Oleation is employed using medicated ghee with bitter herbs. Commonly used herbs are neem, kutki and guduchi.

Once the purification of the body is done, Mahatikta ghrita or Panchatikta ghrita are prescribed to the person. The dosage is given in one teaspoon quantity twice a day for a month. Any guggulu preparation can be given together for better results.

There are also some popular Ayurvedic oils for external application. These are Mahamasha taila, Pinda taila, Kasisadi taila and Chandana Bala Lakshadi taila. Kushta Rakshasa taila is prescribed only for application when there is severe itching. This oil reduces the itchy sensation and prohibits the psoriasis from spreading.

(4) Home Remedies for Psoriasis

- Take one teaspoonful of sandalwood powder in three cups of water. Boil it till it is reduced to one-third the quantity, i.e. to one cup quantity. Add some rose water and sugar to it. Take this thrice a day.

- Make the powder of some almonds and boil them thoroughly in water. This is used for external application on the affected part. Keep it overnight and wash it next day with water.

- Shikakai (soap nut) boiled in water and applied on the affected parts also gives good relief.

- Attach a fresh thin banana leaf on the affected part.

- Fry thin slices of onion in ghee and eat them.

- Apply lime juice that has been diluted with water externally on the psoriatic patches.

- Cabbage soup is good for treatment of psoriasis. Drink one bowl of it everyday.

Exercise is good for psoriatic people, but care must be taken not to perform exercises like jogging and running which will put more pressure on the knees. Cycling and waling are good. Leading a sedentary life will aggravate the psoriasis further. It is also important to keep the mind stress-free through yoga. Stress can aggravate psoriasis.



Lee

Eczema – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

June 21st, 2009 | Posted in Diseases And Conditions   Comments Off
peterhutch asked:


Eczema is a general term for many types of skin inflammation, also known as dermatitis. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis (some people use these two terms interchangeably). However, there are many different forms of eczema.

Although eczema can sometimes look unpleasant, it is not contagious. With treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced. However, the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care.

People with eczema often have a family history of the condition or a family history of other allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever. Eczema might look different in different persons, and may occur in different parts of the body to different person. In adults, eczema most often develops on the hands and elbows, and in “bending” areas such as the inside of the elbows and back of the knees. In young children, eczema most often develops on the elbows, knees, face, neck, and scalp.

Symptoms of eczema may include red, itchy skin and sores that ooze and crust over. One out of ten children develops eczema, but more than half of them lose it by the time they reach their teens. It is a chronic inflammation of skin categorized by scaly and itching rashes. Dermatitis is a common condition that isn’t life-threatening or contagious. But, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treat dermatitis.

Causes of Eczema

In most cases there is a familial predisposition. Atopy ( allergic rhinitis , asthma and hay fever ) is the term doctors use to describe this predisposition. However, the environment plays a significant role as well (such as heat in the summer and dry winters). There are two types of eczema. Atopic eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition . People with atopic eczema are sensitive to allergens in the environment which are harmless to others. In atopic eczema there is an excessive reaction by the immune system. This type of eczema can worsen after eating certain foods or after being exposed to other allergens such as pollen or dust.

Treatment of Eczema

1. Avoid frequent use of soaps, hot water, and other cleansing procedures (especially if you have a dry skin type) that tend to remove natural oil from the skin.

2. Topical corticosteroids , reduce inflammation in the skin and are usually safe and very effective in curing eczema when used correctly. Mild corticosteroids are generally used for children and on the face and flexures, eg crease of the elbow, behind the knees etc.

3. A very common treatment for treating eczema involves - applying lotions, creams, or ointments to keep the skin as moist as possible.

Healing the skin and keeping it healthy are of primary importance as part of both preventing further damage and enhancing quality of life. Developing and sticking with a daily skin care routine is critical to preventing flares. Key factors are proper bathing and the application of lubricants, such as creams or ointments, within 3 minutes of bathing. People with atopic dermatitis should avoid hot or long (more than 10 to 15 minutes) baths and showers. A lukewarm bath helps to cleanse and moisturize the skin without drying it excessively. Because soaps can be drying to the skin, the doctor may recommend limited use of a mild bar soap or nonsoap cleanser. Bath oils are not usually helpful.



Shannon

Rosacea Treatment, Symptoms of Rosacea

June 19th, 2009 | Posted in Skin Care   Comments Off
peterhutch asked:


If rosacea has been a long-term problem for you, I strongly recommend that you invest some time with a physician with special expertise in the condition so that your unique symptoms can be properly diagnosed. Reputable physicians will insist on making a diagnosis before they treat you, but multiple repeat visits are usually not required. In the meantime, here are some safe, effective, and inexpensive treatments you can do on your own.

Rosacea is a skin problem of the face. In this the ****** skin gets a reddish tone forever. It may cause itching and also cause spider veins and acne like pimples. Rosacea gets flared with triggers such as sun, caffeine, alcohol, spiced food etc. Though there is no cure for rosacea, it can be controlled. Let us find out more.

Any person with symptoms assembling the ones present in Rosacea must immediately see a dermatologist. If you are diagnosed with Rosacea, you should know there is no actual cure for the condition and its real cause of development is still unknown. Ways of keeping Rosacea under control are still available and must be used in order to prevent the condition and its symptoms from evolving into more serious complications.

Rosacea makes the face look red. Especially the central part of the face always looks red in rosacea. This begins slowly. If found in time, a lot can be done to stop this. But once rosacea develops fully, nothing much can be done. If you notice that your face blushes after drinking hot drinks, tea or coffee suspect rosacea. If your face becomes red after you eat anything spicy, suspect rosacea. If your face becomes red when you are out in the sun suspect rosacea.

Rosacea affects both the males and the females and usually begins after the age 30. The condition is aggravated by several lifestyle and environmental factors such as eating hot, spicy foods, drinking alcohol and/or caffeine, exposure to the sun, rain, or wind, temperature changes and stress. Some medications such as ACE inhibitors are also linked with the development of the disease.

Its holistic treatment may therefore have to include a certain degree of therapy. Unhappily, lack of knowledge about rosacea can lead to serious complication while attempting to treat it. This is because it is often mistakenly thought to be acne and treated accordingly. The compounds used in addressing acne can seriously exacerbate acne rosacea symptoms.

The best possible hope for Rosacea patients is an early diagnose and treatment; the condition must be carefully controlled in order to prevent the appearance of rhinophema or teleangiectasie. A rapid treatment could also reverse the progression of the symptoms. In severe and late stages, Rosacea is still treatable but the results may vary and more specific methods must be applied



Florence

A Look at Some of the Symptoms of Eczema on the Scalp

June 15th, 2009 | Posted in Skin Care   Comments Off
Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Eczema is very common skin disease found both in children and adults. It can affect various parts of our body, from legs, hands to the scalp. Eczema on the scalp or scalp eczema is very common form of eczema; since skin of the scalp is different from the skin anywhere else on the body. Because of this uniqueness, the skin of the scalp is easily vulnerable to eczema.

The gland present on the scalp, which is the sebaceous glands produce a large amount of grease and hair follicles are also present on the scalp. This is why skin present on scalp is different from anywhere else. The head is more exposed to other environmental factors like direst sunlight, heat and cold. So these environmental factors also make the scalp more vulnerable to eczema.

Eczema on the scalp is further categorized into environmental eczema and internal eczema. Environmental eczema is of three types, irritant contact eczema, allergic contact eczema and herpericum eczema. Internal eczema has many different types; atopic eczema, seborrhoeic eczema, nummular eczema, madidans eczema, ruburn eczema, pustulosum eczema and asteototic eczema.

Skin condition “Eczema on the scalp” is called as seborrhoeic dermatitis. This Eczema on the scalp is causes irritation and itching which results into oily, greasy scales of skin of scalp that eventually flake off. This leads to, what is called dandruff. Eczema on the scalp is commonly seen in adults aged 30-60 and it is common in men than women.

Symptoms of this eczema on the scalp are very prominent like itchy scalp, red and inflamed scalp, oily and yellowish scales that sometimes flake off and greasy skin patches on eyebrows and behind ears. Cause of this Eczema on the scalp are not certain, some dermatologists think that they might be related to hormonal imbalance. Another theory says that it could be caused by fungus.

There are many kinds of treatments that are available to treat Eczema on the scalp. Some treatments include anthralin, pyrithione, salicylic acid and corticosteroids. Other than mediation some form of treatments like eating fish oil, salads can help you in treatment against Eczema on the scalp.

Eating fish oil is recommended in treatment against the Eczema on the scalp. Omega 3 fish oil has effective healing effect on scalp eczema. But this treatment is very time consuming treatment and can take around 6 months to show sign of improvement. But advantage of this omega 3 fish oil supplements is that they are inexpensive and you can easily get them. Essential fatty acids present in fish oil help to cure Eczema on the scalp. These fatty acids are used by body to breakdown certain enzymes and particles.

Having lots of salads would also help in treatment against Eczema on the scalp. Green vegetables contain some ingredients, which are excellent for your skin. You can even include alfalfa sprouts in salsa the main advantage of them are that they are antioxidant. This will get rid of harmful bacteria and microbes, which cause irritation and discomfort.



Herbert

Brown Age Spots How to Get Rid of Them

June 14th, 2009 | Posted in Anti Aging   Comments Off
Frank Langella asked:


Are your frustrated with the unsightly brown age spots that have begun to appear on your skin? They can be a real eye sore when they become bigger and more noticeable. The good news is, they can be removed and prevented easily. First let’s take a look at what these spots really are.

Brown age spots are actually collection of pigments in the skin. These are mostly caused by over exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun as these rays cause the production of melanin to increase in the body. Melanin is the substance which gives our skin its shade of darkness. The more melanin you have, the darker the skin will be. When melanin gets concentrated in an area, it becomes an age spot.

They can also occur as our bodies age, and other factors like a diet lacking in minerals and vitamins or lack of exercise can also contribute to their formation. Mostly people over the age of 40 are affected by them, however even children can have these spots when over exposed to the sun.

The treatment for these spots usually involves applying frozen nitrogen or mild acidic solutions to the affected area of the skin. This actually destroys that skin area and removes the skin spot. Though effective, these solutions treat only the symptom and not the cause. Not only that, due to their destructive nature they also leave behind some marks on the skin.

The best way to treat brown age spots is to prevent them in the first place from forming. This can be done by applying creams made from natural ingredients. Cynergy TK is one such natural ingredient which fights against the harmful effects of free radicals. It also helps keep the skin soft and supple.

Extrapone nutgrass root is also effective for treating age spots as it reduces the production of melanin in the skin. An important antioxidant found in natural products is Nanobelle coenzymeQ10, or CoQ10. CoQ10 is also very effective at neutralizing free radicals and penetrates deep into the skin for maximum effect.

Products containing these natural ingredients will not only lighten existing brown age spots, but also prevent new ones from forming. On top of it, since they are devoid of any harsh chemicals they will not cause any side effects also.

In conclusion, all you need to do is research a little into natural products available in the market, and banish those spots for good!



Brian

Know the Symptoms of Psoriasis for Immediate Treatment

June 13th, 2009 | Posted in Diseases And Conditions   Comments Off
Nigel asked:


If you suspect a member of your family, a close friend or you yourself suffer from psoriasis, it is useful to be able to recognise the symptoms of psoriasis so that you can get the right type of medical treatment that is needed to control the different kinds of psoriasis manifestations that occur.

If you see that someone is suffering from psoriasis, you can examine the affected area and do some research on the internet to help them find some remedies that will help to reduce the redness, itching, scaly skin and other, sometimes unsightly symptoms. You may want to ask your doctor or dermatologist for a list of symptoms that the disease has.

Common indicators of psoriasis are itching and burning sensations that are frequently associated with rashes and other skin problems. Most people that suffer from psoriasis get lesions and scaly skin. This can cause the skin to ***** and flake due to becoming very dry. Other symptoms to look out for when psoriasis is suspected are red spots that can be seen on certain parts of a person’s body, like the elbows, the scalp, the ******* areas, and the knees.

Once you are familiar with the symptoms of psoriasis, it is important to consult your doctor or dermatologist to help you or the affected person with this skin condition to get a treatment for the uncomfortable and sometimes painful flare-ups that often occur with psoriasis.

Psoriasis treatments vary depending on the severity and type of psoriasis the person is suffering from and the places where the flare-ups and scales are found. An easily treatable type of psoriasis is the kind that is found on the scalp. This type is known as scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis has the same symptoms, lesions and scaly skin that is often found on the elbows and knees. Scalp psoriasis affects sufferers on the sclap itself and around the nape. This form of psoriasis can be treated with ointments and topical creams that are formulated to remove these flakes and lesions. Anti dandruff shampoos can be used to remove the flakes from the person’s hair and other creams and lotions can be used to reduce the redness and itchiness of the lesions themselves.

Guttate psoriasis can be treated at home when the case is not too severe. By keeping the skin moist it will be help to reduce the irritation that a dry skin brings. After bathing it can help to apply a think lotion that will trap water against the skin and will soothe any burning sensations.

Pustular psoriasis is normally seen in adults. Pustular psoriasis is characterized by white pustules (blisters of non infectious pus) surrounded by red skin. The pus consists of white blood cells and is not contagious or an infection. It may be localized to certain areas of the body–for example, the hands and feet or it can be generalized, covering most of the body. It tends to go in a cycle, reddening of the skin followed by scaling and the formation of pustules.

Psoriasis can become very unsightly and can cover a large area of the body which may become very uncomfortable and stressful for the sufferer. Over the years there has been lots of research conducted on psoriasis so if you suffer from the disease make sure you contact your doctor or dermatologist as they may be able to give you some medication that will help treat the symptoms of psoriasis. Do your best to reduce stress as this is a major cause of a lot of psoriasis outbreaks.



Edna

Rosacea Information Treatment Symptoms ****** Redness

June 12th, 2009 | Posted in Health   Comments Off
Alien asked:


Rosacea is a common but often misunderstood condition that is estimated to affect over 45 million people worldwide. It affects white-skinned people of mostly north-western European descent, and has been nicknamed the ‘curse of the Celts’ by some in Ireland. It begins as erythema (flushing and redness) on the central face and across the cheeks, nose, or forehead but can also less commonly affect the neck and chest.

Rosacea affects both the males and the females and usually begins after the age 30. The condition is aggravated by several lifestyle and environmental factors such as eating hot, spicy foods, drinking alcohol and/or caffeine, exposure to the sun, rain, or wind, temperature changes and stress. Some medications such as ACE inhibitors are also linked with the development of the disease.

What is the cause of rosacea?

The cause of rosacea is unknown. There are several theories regarding the origin of overactive ****** blood vessels and inflammation, including genetic, environmental, vascular, inflammatory factors.

Hair follicle mites (Demodex folliculorum) may be involved in at least some cases, as these are found in greater numbers within rosacea papules.

An increased incidence of rosacea has been reported in those who carry the stomach bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, but most dermatologists do not believe it to be the cause of rosacea.

What Are the Symptoms of Rosacea?

• Erythema, or flushing of the face or neck - This happens when the blood vessels on the face and the neck expand to accommodate the increased volume of blood flow. The redness will disappear during the initial stages but will eventually become permanent as the disease progresses.

• Telangiectasia, or the formations of red lines on the face - The red lines you see on your face are actually the enlarged blood vessels underneath the skin. Unfortunately, they become more prominent as the redness fades.

• Formation of papules or the pimples - The pimples of rosacea are commonly characterized as small lumpy red pimples. Some of these pimples may contain pus and may appear as small white bumps. In rosacea, no whiteheads or blackheads are present.

• Burning or itching of the skin

• Edema or swelling of the face

• Rhinophyma or the enlargement of the nose - This condition usually accompanies rosacea and is most common among older men.

• Ocular rosacea - Most people afflicted with rosacea also develop mild to severe eye-related problems. Inflamed, dry and crusty eyelids and conjunctivitis characterize ocular rosacea. If left untreated, ocular rosacea can give rise to more serious problems, which includes irisitis or the painful inflammation of the iris and keratitis or the ulceration of the cornea.

What Causes Rosacea? Nobody knows for sure. For all we know, there may be a number of factors that lead to this condition. However, it was observed that some people are more prone to developing the disease and that it seems to run in the family.

Is rosacea like acne?

Rosacea is basically different than acne. Unlike common acne, rosacea is not primarily a plague of teenagers, but occurs most often in adults (ages 30 to 50), especially those with fair skin. Different than acne, there are no blackheads or whiteheads in rosacea.

Rosacea strikes both sexes. It tends to be more frequent in women but more severe in men.

How is it treated?

Every patient must be treated differently, because the disease affects each person in a different way.

Mild cases may be treated with topical creams or antibiotics. Doctors can prescribe medicines and other treatments for rosacea. There is no cure, but with treatment, most people can control their symptoms and keep the disease from getting worse.

* Antibiotic creams or pills may be used to treat redness and pimples. Antibiotic pills may also help treat eye problems. Women who are pregnant should not use some antibiotic creams or pills. If you use antibiotics, be patient-it can take a month or two before you start to see improvement.

Surgical

Enlarged blood vessels, some redness and changes due to rhinophyma often become permanent. In these cases, surgical methods, such as laser surgery and electrosurgery, may reduce the visibility of blood vessels, remove tissue buildup around your nose and generally improve your appearance.



Courtney

Psoriasis- What Causes Psoriasis?

June 10th, 2009 | Posted in Health   Comments Off
Cdmohatta asked:


Any bacteria do not cause psoriasis. No virus or fungus causes it. It is not a contagious disease. There is nothing but body that decides if you will get psoriasis or not. A gene is responsible for psoriasis. Those who have that gene may get psoriasis if it is triggered.

Psoriasis - common triggers

The common triggers of psoriasis are sunburn, stress, skin injury, some medications, infections, smoking, drinking, and change in weather. Any of these can trigger psoriasis in a person who has the faulty gene. The gene makes skin act abnormally. Again it is not necessary that every time the triggers will work. Sometimes they don’t while sometimes a small trigger flares up psoriasis. Talking about the gene, not all siblings get psoriasis. It can be hereditary many times. As we discussed, for getting psoriasis you need a faulty gene and a trigger. Many healthy persons who show no sign of psoriasis sometimes get a small injury and the skin does not heal. After some days, the doctors find out that the person has psoriasis, which is not allowing the skin to heal. The strange behavior of skin at certain places on the body is responsible for psoriasis. Skin misbehaves at the command of a gene. Let us see how skin acts differently in psoriasis.

Psoriasis - skin action in psoriasis

In our skin the bottom layer produces new cells. These new cells take up to a month to travel to the top and the dead cells from the top are shed off. We can say that the skin renews itself every month. What skin cells you have today are not those you were born with. Old cells die and new cells are born. That way our whole body renews itself. In psoriasis skin, the speed at which skin brings up the new cells and sheds the old increases many fold. The cells are shed every third or fourth day instead of a month. This creates the red patches, flakes and itching. The skin misbehaves at the command of a gene.

Every treatment aims towards providing relief to itching, removing the flakes and slowing down the process of skin cells coming up. To learn more about how psoriasis is treated, please click here- Psoriasis: Treatment

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Related links :-

1- Psoriasis: Types

2- Psoriasis: Causes



Justin