How I Cured My Baby's Eczema in 3 Days!

My son was only 5 1/2 months old. His head was covered with a thick layer of yellow cradle cap, his skin dry and scaly like sandpaper, he had pink raised patches of fungal infection all over his abdomen and legs. The patches around his genitals were raw if he was not changed immediately, which made him terrified of diaper changes and he was so itchy that he would take out blood from his face. My heart was in pain, I hated to see my son suffer. I had to do something but what?

I tried creams, and that helped a little, but I knew it was not getting to the root of the problem. Years ago, I had suffered from Chronic Yeast Infections for 13 years and was able to cure them in only 2 weeks from going on a raw food diet. Something was telling me that my breast milk was making him sick. But what was I eating that was making him sick? I ate organic foods and felt pretty healthy. My intuition said, go raw again. Was it safe to go raw? What would happen to my breast milk? Would my son get enough nourishment on only nuts, seeds and vegetables?

To make matters worse, my 5 ½ month old son had a dreadful case of bronchitis. He was so congested that he was vomiting up on his own phlegm. I had had enough! I had just seen the movie about reversing diabetes in 30 days so I decided, if someone can cure their diabetes in 30 days, I know for a fact that I can get rid of my son's bronchitis and eczema in 3 days with raw food. So I did it, I went raw -- well mostly raw. I researched my library of healing books and came up with some cleansing recipes.

For breakfast I made a juice with kale, wheatgrass, beet, carrot, lettuce and cucumbers, that was tasty. For lunch I made a smoothie with papaya, raspberries, spinach and almond milk, that was a little sweet for me but I made extra for snacking. For dinner I made a raw soup of yams, onion, garlic and vegetable soup, which tasted pretty gross. I snacked on raw almonds when I was hungry but I got through day one with flying colors.

By day two, my milk supply dropped significantly, but I stuck with it, my baby was 18 pounds and by no eans would starve. I thought, its just 3 days, I will get through it, listen to my intuition. I did my same juice for breakfast, same smoothie for lunch, almonds for snacking, but this time I had a plain baked yam for dinner. This tasted much better.

My son looked a lot better on the second day even though I felt that I had significantly dropped my milk supply. Could it be that my milk supply dropped because it was more potent? Could it be that my body was making less milk because I was eating highly, nutrient dense foods? My son was in good spirits and I was starting to feel like I had an abundance of energy, so I continued on my quest. I like trying new things, especially if they are positive changes so I decided that I was going to stick it out even though I did not have all the answers right away.

By day three I decided to go to Whole Foods and get some yummy raw snacks. I did the juice for breakfast, smoothie for lunch, and some of those tasty raw treats for snacking; made up of coconut and almonds. Those were so good that I ate the whole bag in one day. For dinner I did eat some cooked black beans. Now, by the end of the day, my son's bronchitis had cleared up 100% and to my amazement, so did his eczema! This was a pleasant surprise, an unplanned discovery! I took him into the doctor to tell them what had happened.

The nurse told me that I should continue with the diet, but once a week, add something new, and when his eczema comes back, that will be the culprit. So that is what I did, and what we discovered was that he is allergic to gluten.

Now my son is 2 years old and I am so blessed that we do not have to deal with eczema anymore. Many people have eczema all their lives and suffer horribly. I decided to take a chance and make a drastic change in my diet and heal from the inside out. When will you be ready to do it for yourself?

For more info. on nutrition for women and children go to: http://supermilkmama.com/

Ester Perez
http://supermilkmama.com/

Original article

Treatment for Recurring Ringworm in Humans

They say that those who place beauty above well-being are vain. When blemishes appear on the face, most people would embark on various courses of treatment to rid their skin on the unwanted flaws. Ringworm outbreaks are among the list of unwanted skin blemishes. The infection appears as red, swollen-rings and may affect every part of the body. If the infection is not treated promptly it becomes difficult to clear it from the skin. The only way to rid the skin of ringworm outbreaks altogether is by practicing proper sanitation and taking the right medication as prescribed.

People do not like taking oral medication. Men, in particular, cease applying medicated creams and taking oral medication before they complete the full treatment course. This is the reason why a number of people experience ringworm recurrences. The first step, to successfully clearing ringworm infections, is to follow the treatment regimen strictly; as prescribed by a physician.

The next step to curbing the outbreak is to understanding how the infection spreads. Ringworm may affect the feet, fingernails, scalp, legs and the arms. Transmission can be acquired directly from the soil; the fungus demartophytes thrive in moist soil. Humans can also transmit the infection among each other through physical contact. Ringworm may also be acquired from animals. The infection itself arises due to unsanitary practices.

The sharing of clothes is one cause of person to person ringworm transmission. Sharing clothes is a gesture of kindness; it is best to protect other people from acquiring the infection. After general washing, particularly washing of the feet, thoroughly dry your skin with a dry towel. Towels should not be shared by any means; this practice leads to the transmission of the infection. The sharing of towels is an unhealthy practice which people should give up. Towels need airing out and thorough drying after each instance of use. The fungus causing ringworm thrives on moist towels.

Public places, such as schools, hospitals and other similar institutions, should be kept spotlessly clean in an attempt to curb the human to human transmission of ringworm. Infected individuals who engage in physical sports like wrestling and rugby are at serious risk of infecting other people. It is courteous to take a break from these sports until the outbreak clears. The first treatment course takes 2 weeks to complete, and if diligently followed sports players should be able to resume playing within no time.

Herbal remedies have come up to help infected individuals fight ringworm. Oregano oil helps to reduce itching which occurs around the infected regions of the skin. Garlic can be rubbed on the skin; in the place of traditional medicated creams. Apple cider vinegar baths are also used to clear the outset from infected regions.

For more information about ringworm treatment methods, read the article on ringworm treatment and ringworm.

Original article

What Is Eczema and Its Treatments

Eczema is a serious, persistent skin condition which causes inflammation of the outer layer of skin. Eczema is a term used by dermatologists to describe a variety of recurring skin rashes. Symptoms include redness, swelling, flaking, blistering, cracking and oozing or bleeding skin.

For patients the condition is painful and embarrassing. Eczema outbreaks are unpredictable and difficult to control.

Many patients rely on prescription medications to treat the symptoms of eczema, but they often do not address the underlying cause.

The Cause

Although doctors have so far been unable to determine the exact cause of eczema, there are things an eczema sufferer can do to improve the overall health of their skin, and thus relieve the severity of outbreaks and possibly reduce their occurrence altogether.

The first step is to control your diet. What you eat has a direct impact on the health of your body, in particular your skin. The first step is to avoid junk food, sugary sweets and soda. Next, consider increasing your intake of antioxidants. Foods which are rich in vitamin E or taking a vitamin E supplement should be your first choice. These foods and supplements will help improve the health of your skin.

If you are in the midst of an outbreak, or feel an outbreak of eczema coming on, the time is right to reach for a topical cream high in vitamin E to soothe the sore areas. You will want to avoid the use of creams or ointments with cortisone in them if at all possible because they can make the outbreak even worse, prolonging the symptoms or bringing on new outbreaks sooner.

Many doctors will prescribe ointments or creams with cortisone because they do provide temporary relief from the itching and burning sensation in their skin. Unfortunately, the cortisone is known for not being the best long term treatment for eczema.

Eczema is thought to be the result of an overactive immune system. It is possible your eczema outbreaks are triggered by something you are eating or something you come in contact with. It is imperative you try to identify what the triggers are for your outbreaks so you can avoid these things in the future, thus also avoiding eczema outbreaks.

The Cures

Beside prescription medication there are a number of natural remedies on the market which can help treat your eczema symptoms. Which ones work best for you will only be discovered through a process of trial and error. Don't be afraid to try something new in the hopes it will relieve your symptoms. If you find something which you can take or apply to the affected areas that helps your symptoms continue using it until or unless it no longer provides relief. When it comes to natural remedies no two are alike, so be careful about which you use and monitor your condition for any improvements or in case your eczema gets worse

There is so far no cure for eczema there are a number of treatments for the symptoms which can at least help you avoid the pain and embarrassment which comes with every eczema outbreak.

The best way to treat eczema is to combat the root cause from the initial stage. There are many other treatments available over and under the shelf, but natural treatments applied continuously at an early stage will give you the beautiful skin that one desire. For more information on eczema visit our website at http://www.treatmentsforeczemas.com/.

Original article

What Causes Hand Eczema

Hand eczema appears as a scaly, itchy rash on the skin that constantly peels. In some cases the hands might become cracked, red and painful. Flare-ups can occur on any area of the hand, but is most common on the back, sides and palms.

This type of eczema is most likely to occur in people who have a family history of eczema or other allergic conditions such as hay fever. Also, people whose hands get wet often or are exposed to irritating chemicals are prone to develop this type of eczema. The condition is more common in people who work in the cleaning, health-care, catering and metalwork industries.

This eczema cannot be passed from person to person, and does not usually spread to other areas of the body. However, people with hand eczema may have eczema on other parts of the body.

In addition to genetics, the main causes of hand eczema are outlined below:

Product Allergies
These range from normal every day items such as soaps, laundry detergents, cleaning agents, hand lotions and perfumes, to harsh chemicals used in the cleaning industry and metals. One of the most common metals associated with this eczema is nickel.

Fabric Allergies
Persons with hand eczema may be allergic to certain fabrics. The skin on the hands may become irritated by wearing gloves made of certain fabrics, or frequently touching these fabrics. Latex allergy is common among persons working in the health and house keeping industries where latex gloves may be worn for long periods of time during a work day. If you notice the onset of irritation after wearing latex or any type of fabric gloves, chances are this may be the trigger for your hand eczema.

Traumatic Injury
It is not uncommon for this type of eczema to develop in the area of a traumatic injury to the skin. These include chemical burns, scrapes or cuts. Hand eczema is more likely to develop if the top layer of the skin is removed. The eczema clears up when the injury fully heals, and usually does not occur again.

Seasonal
Hand eczema may be associated with seasonal allergies, such as hay fever. It may also be associated with the seasonal weather pattern, tending to be more common when the environment is dry.
While the above is not intended to an exhaustive list, it does cover the major causes. However, in the final analysis, you can only know what triggers your hand eczema, by being observant of what your hands are coming into contact with most frequently, around the time of a flare up.

Shelley M Rock provides information on how to control eczema to persons suffering from this dry skin condition. Her approach to controlling eczema is to deal with the root causes, rather than just treat the symptoms.

For more information visit my blog at http://allergyrock.com/

Original article

Nummular Eczema Treatment Explained

Eczema or dermatitis, one of the most common skin complaints, has affected the young and old globally. Although there is no definite cure for it, eczema can be tamed with the right treatment, one of which is the nummular eczema treatment. Nummular eczema (discoid eczema) mainly occurs in adults and is most common in middle-aged men. This type of eczema can appear suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red, intensely itchy skin, normally on the arms and legs, and sometimes the hands. Read on to find out how to treat nummular eczema.

1. Emollients

Emollients are more of a preventive form of nummular eczema treatment. Applying an emollient three to four times daily keeps your skin soft and supple as it prevents moisture loss and it's one of the best ways to prevent eczema flare-ups.

Emollients are oil or fat based and can come in the form of a cream, ointment, lotion or bath and shower oil. Some emollients have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching benefits as well. And the more oil an emollient contains, the better it protects the skin against moisture loss.

When it comes to choosing an emollient for nummular eczema treatment, select according to the environment you live in. Ointments typically contain 80 percent oil and 20 percent water and are suitable in dry, low humidity conditions. Look for ointments that contain petroleum, mineral oil, linoleic acid, or glycerin in the list of ingredients. Creams which contain 50 percent oil and 50 percent water are more suitable in humid conditions. Consider creams such as Aqueous cream BP, which is available on prescription and over-the-counter.

2. Steroid Creams

This form of nummular eczema treatment helps to calm eczema flare-ups by suppressing the body's inflammatory response. The most commonly used steroid cream is hydrocortisone, which is quite mild (0.1 - 1 percent) and can be bought over-the-counter.

A strong dosage is usually required if nummular eczema flares up. However, the steroid cream has to be prescribed by your GP and should only be used for a short periods under supervision. Do note that using excessive amounts of steroid creams for too long can lead to skin thinning, leaving your skin more fragile.

3. Antibiotics

As mentioned in earlier, it appears as coin shaped areas of red, intensely itchy skin. These areas may become infected when they weep fluids and that's when antibiotics, an effective type of nummular eczema treatment, come into the picture.

The antibiotic is usually used concurrently with a strong hydrocortisone cream during such a flare up as this type of eczema tends to harbour bacterial infections. Combined creams include Betnovate C and Fucidin H, both of which can only be prescribed.

One important pointer to remember is that you should use the antibiotics only when necessary as prolonged use can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The cause of nummular eczema remains unclear to date. But a paper in the British Journal of Dermatology in 1976 suggested that the condition is most likely the result of allergy to bacteria. This theory is supported by the fact that using antibiotics to treat nummular eczema often works.

Having read this, maybe it's time for you to get more detailed information and expert advice regarding the medications and others available for nummular eczema treatment. Go to http://susanclarkbeateczema.net/ to get your doubts cleared now!

Original article

Using Wet Wrap Therapy For Eczema

Wet wrap therapy for eczema used to relieve eczema symptoms and used by some for severe dermatitis. In this article we're going to be reviewing eczema symptoms. Also, some of the benefits associated with utilizing this approach for skin issues will be outlined. We also will look at objections people may have to this approach. With this information you can determine whether this therapy is something that you would want to try to relieve your dermatitis condition.

There are several benefits to utilizing the wet wrap therapy for eczema, but before we look into those benefits let's look at the symptoms associated with eczema. Eczema usually appears as a skin rash and there is typically itching prior to the rash appearing. It also produces patches of dry skin. The skin can also appear thickened. Eczema usually appears on the face, neck, hands, and legs. In children, eczema is usually found on the knee and elbow areas. It's important not to scratch the affected skin because it could produce sores or get infected.

The wet wrap therapy for eczema helps to rehydrate damaged skin. It also helps you sleep better because it reduces itching. It is also effective at removing the redness associated with eczema, and it also decreases the chances that the skin will develop a bacterial infection. This treatment for eczema is often used for a week or two to relieve the symptoms associated with this skin condition.

Often before the wrapping, one will get in the bath and add some oil to it in order to soften the skin. After bathing, a moisturizer is then applied to the skin. The bandages that are wrapped around the body are either moistened through sitting in water or by a cream. On top of the moist bandages, dry ones are also used to lock in moisture.

The amount of time that it takes to this treatment for eczema ready is one of the drawbacks for this treatment. It's also very difficult to utilize on children because usually children cannot sit still long enough for one to be able to wrap the bandages. Another drawback or disadvantage is that it takes time to adjust the sensation of wearing wet bandages. In addition, wearing the bandages can make you feel cold, so it's important to keep the room temperature warm.

This dermatitis therapy is helpful for some people with severe condition. Weigh the pros and cons and see if it is something for yourself or a family member.

Learn more about ways to Get Rid of Eczema and find out about Eczema Causes.

Original article

Hand Eczema - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Itchy rashes on the hands may be caused by allergies, dry skin, or even psoriasis. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as chapped hands, itchy skin, and red rashes, then you may be suffering from eczema. Popularly known as hand dermatitis, this skin condition may cause extreme discomfort and interfere with your work as well as your everyday activities. Here are some of the best ways to prevent and cure this condition.

Hand eczema - an overview

Hand dermatitis is a common skin condition that may cause a wide range of mild to severe symptoms. In the United States, it has been known to affect as many as 1 in 10 people. Although hand eczema may be caused by a variety of factors, 80% of those who are suffering from this condition acquired it from their jobs. It is most common in women, especially those who keep jobs that require frequent hand washing or exposure to various solvents and chemicals.

This condition usually starts with dry, chapped hands. It eventually progresses to scaly, red, and itchy skin. Severe symptoms may also include blistered skin that weeps and cracks. Regardless of what symptoms you are currently experiencing, you can still overcome this stubborn condition. Once you have modified your lifestyle and used appropriate medical therapies, you can easily say goodbye to its symptoms for good.

Tips for curing hand eczema

If you are suffering from hand dermatitis, certain factors may aggravate its symptoms and make your condition much worse. You can start fighting back against this condition by keeping a diary and using it to identify external factors that usually trigger its symptoms. Flare-ups are usually associated with constant exposure to soaps, synthetic fibers, certain fragrances, and cosmetics so you have to take note of these common irritants.

Avoidance may be the cornerstone of preventing hand dermatitis but you can still use other strategies such as taking a daily bath while limiting your bath time to approximately 15 minutes. Three minutes after bathing, use a fragrance-free cream or oil to moisturize your skin and protect it from irritants and allergens. You should also use plastic gloves whenever you need to use harsh detergents, soaps, and other chemicals.

If these simple home treatments fail, you can also consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider and ask them to prescribe appropriate medical treatments. Phototherapy, oral antihistamines, oral corticosteroids, and tar treatments are only some of the methods you can use to address the symptoms of dermatitis. Appropriate self-care and medical treatments are all you need to get rid of hand eczema and its irritating symptoms.

To find out more about skin conditions that cause skin rashes and itchy red bumps on skin, read this article on eczema vs psoriasis, and on itchy rash on hands.

Original article

Eczema Sufferers - What You Can Do Now

Eczema sufferers are advised to avoid most cleansers, because they contain irritating ingredients like sodium laurel sulfate. They are strongly advised to avoid exfoliation, because exfoliants worsen redness, pain and irritation. If you have eczema, you have probably heard that recommendation before, but you still need to clean your skin. So, what should you do?

The Answer for Keeping the Skin Clean Without Aggravating the Eczema

Use a deep cleansing mask that contains no sodium laurel sulfate or anything irritating. It actually contains ingredients that help reduce eczema symptoms and promote long-term healing when used consistently. It will also clean out your pores and reduce your risk of other problems.

What are the Ingredients and the Benefits?

The deep cleansing mask should contain-

• Kaolin, the benefits include cleaning out the pores without causing irritation, reduced pain, itching and redness, because of the natural anti-inflammatory activity.

• Macadamia oil benefits the skin by preventing dryness, the oil is able to penetrate through the damaged areas to moisturize and repair.

• Shea butter, which will further reduce redness, itching, pain and dryness, because of the natural anti-inflammatory activity and the moisturizing fatty acids it contains.

• Allantoin, yet another natural anti-inflammatory.

• Active manuka honey, the benefits include a reduced risk of infection, because of the anti-bacterial and anti-microbial activity.

• Xtend TK, another natural anti-inflammatory that also promotes skin growth and protects against future damage

You can use the mask every two weeks to help keep your pores clean and reduce your risk of infection.

Other Recommendations

On a daily basis, it is not wise to use soap. You can use warm water to clean the skin, but you should always follow up with a good moisturizer. Even water can strip away the skin's naturally protective barrier and cause dryness.

Body lotions and facial creams help to heal eczema by replacing the protective barrier. The creams were designed by a team of researchers to mimic the skin's natural sebum. On a molecular level, the creams are nearly identical to sebum. So, they are quickly absorbed and never cause any kind of irritation.

Because, this is sometimes a chronic condition, it means there is some chronic inflammation, which is a cause of cellular aging throughout the body. As it relates specifically to the skin, inflammation damages and degrades collagen fibers, which means it can make you look older before your time.

An anti-inflammatory diet is sometimes recommended for eczema. Some foods contribute to inflammation, while other modulate and prevent chronic inflammation.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are good choices, because they reduce inflammation. Simple carbohydrates like breads and baked goods are bad choices, because they contribute to inflammation.

The Total Benefits

If you follow all of the recommendations above, you will look better and feel better, too. While the Deep Cleansing Mask is your solution to problems with keeping your skin clean, the other recommendations will work over time to gradually heal eczema and prevent it from coming back. Basically, the suggestions will gradually cure the condition.

And now I would like to invite you to visit http://www.xtendskincare.com/ for FREE Instant Access to your personal copy of our FREE SKIN CARE GUIDE and SKIN CARE-NEWSLETTER. This SKIN CARE GUIDE could be the MAP that leads to a younger looking you with a healthier glowing complexion. Just CLICK the Blue link that says FREE SKIN CARE GUIDE. You have nothing to lose except maybe a few wrinkles and could gain a new look.

Original article

Getting Rid of Eczema Forever

For people suffering from eczema nothing would please them more than getting rid of their eczema forever.

Unfortunately there no cure for eczema and very few quick and easy treatments to help make the symptoms go away.

Eczema is commonly known as an irritating skin rash, but for patients it is painful, embarrassing and can lead to bleeding, oozing cracked skin. The near uncontrollable itching often leads to scarring of the affected areas and possibly spreads the outbreak to unaffected areas of the skin.

There are a number of ways patients use to get rid of eczema but most of these center on relieving the symptoms. The swelling, bleeding, embarrassing effects of eczema are what the patients truly want to get rid of.

Cortisone Treatments

Doctors will often prescribe a cortisone treatment to help relieve the itching, but patients report that although the cortisone does indeed relieve the itching it does not prevent further outbreaks or get rid of the eczema. In fact, some patients report that the cortisone treatment often leads to more pronounced outbreaks with more severe symptoms once they stop using it.

Many patients claim that the best way to get rid of eczema is to start by identifying exactly what is causing your outbreaks in the first place. Some doctors believe eczema is caused by an over reaction of a patient's immune system. This over reaction is made evident in the swelling, cracking, itching and bleeding skin. By identifying what is likely triggering the immune system over reaction you can remove the root cause of your eczema.

Start by thinking about the foods that you eat. Some patients report that by eating healthy, avoiding junk food, sugary sweets and soft drinks they can keep eczema outbreaks from happening or at least reduce the severity of the symptoms when they do have an outbreak.

Patients often report that by improving the overall health of their skin, either by increasing their intake of vitamins through a supplement, or by applying a cream or ointment high in vitamins directly to their skin is another great way of getting rid of eczema.

Avoid Irritants

It is also a good idea to avoid, as best you can, aggravating the eczema outbreaks. Try not to scratch the affected areas or wear scratchy clothing over the outbreak if at all possible.

There are a number natural, herbal remedies which some patients have reported has helped them get rid of eczema. These should be considered only on a trial basis as not every patient is the same and may not react the same way to the same treatment.

It is also important to remember that herbal treatments have not been thoroughly tested by the Food and Drug Administration. Be certain to record exactly what herbal remedies you are trying to get rid of your eczema so you know what works, what you might want to try again and what you might want to avoid in the future.

There is no cure for eczema but there are a number of ways in which you can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent further eczema outbreaks.

There are currently many products available on the market professing to provide the best treatments for eczema. However, the key features to look for include: effectiveness, the overall safety of the product, the speed at which the product aids in giving skin relief and the composition of the product itself and ultimately the cost of the product. Visit our website @ http://www.treatmentsforeczemas.com/ for more information.

Original article

Common Systematic Drugs Prescribed For the Treatment Of Psoriasis

While there is no psoriasis cure, there are many treatment therapies that can help to alleviate the various symptoms of psoriasis or prevent flare-ups. Many treatment methods include home remedies for psoriasis, implementing a psoriasis diet, light therapy for psoriasis, homeopathy, acupuncture for psoriasis, topical treatments, etc. Taking medications internally is known as systematic therapy. Systematic therapy is usually suggested in cases of moderate to severe psoriasis.

As is common with many psoriasis treatments, what works for one patient will not necessarily work for another. This does not mean that a patient should give up on finding treatment that works for him or her. It just means that their search for a treatment regimen that works will take a little longer and they will have to try various combinations of home remedies for psoriasis, light therapy for psoriasis, acupuncture, herbs, topical creams and gels and so forth.

The following are common systematic medications that are used for the treatment of psoriasis. While they may be great at clearing up psoriasis flare-ups, they may also lead to very unpleasant side effects so talk to your doctor before, during and after use.

1. Methotrexate

Psoriasis results from the abnormal turnover of skin cells. Methothrexate has provided relief for many psoriasis sufferers by interfering with this rapid skin regeneration otherwise known as being an antimetabolite.

Methotrexate is great as a systematic treatment option for moderate to severe psoriasis as well as the painful psoriatic psoriasis in addition to other types of psoriasis such as pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and severe plaque psoriasis.

This drug is usually taken in pill form or an injection is administered to the patient and a doctor may tell you to only take it once a week. Follow-up while on this medication is necessary to monitor the patient's reaction to the drug.

Side effects: May include loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, etc.

2. Cyclosporine

When topical medications, light therapy for psoriasis or even home remedies for psoriasis fail as well as many other treatments for psoriasis, Cyclosporine is usually recommended for those with moderate to severe resistant plaque type psoriasis.

Cyclosporine works by suppressing an aspect of the immune system that is responsible for psoriasis flare-ups and works very rapidly when compared to other systematic medications such as methrotrexate and retinoids. Relief usually begins to be noticed during the first four to eight weeks. It is usually administered to patients in pill form once a day. When treatment is discontinued, psoriasis symptoms will usually return.

Side effects: Cyclosporine should be discontinued after a year because it can lead to permanent kidney damage. This drug may also increase the risk of cancer, lead to high blood pressure, excessive hair growth, nausea, diarrhea, tremor, etc.

3. Oral Retinoids

These are synthetic drugs that are derived from vitamin A and its product, vitamin A acid which are very beneficial for skin. One of the common drugs derived from vitamin A is isotretinoin or Accutane which is used for the treatment of severe acne. Acitretin or Soriatane is another oral retinoid that is derived from vitamin A and is used to treat severe forms of psoriasis.

These derivatives of vitamin A directly affect the differentiation and growth of skin cells which is why they are great treatment options for severe cases of skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. Soriatane and Accutane can both be used to clear psoriasis. These drugs can also work better when used in combination with uv light therapy for psoriasis.

When using Soriatane, it may take several weeks or months to see any results but the results may last for up to a year. The condition may get worse before it gets better after starting treatment. Soriatane works by slowing the rapid skin regeneration associated with psoriasis and helps to reduce the redness, thickness and scaling that may be noticed. Accutane may help with this as well. A daily dose should be taken with meals.

Side effects: Birth defects are commonly associated with oral retinoids so pregnant women or women planning to get pregnant are discouraged from taking these oral retinoids. Other side effects include inflammation of the pancreas, increased fats in the blood, uv light sensitivity and burns, etc.

There are many other drugs that can be prescribed for systematic treatment of psoriasis. Due to the cost and potential side effects that may be permanent, it is important to try other treatment therapies first such as acupuncture, home remedies for psoriasis, topical treatments, following a psoriasis diet, light therapy for psoriasis, etc.

For more information on psoriasis as well as treatment options including home remedies for psoriasis, uv light therapy for psoriasis, following a psoriasis diet, etc, visit http://permanentpsoriasisrelief.blogspot.com/ for more information on overcoming this chronic skin disease. Also find an effective natural treatment resource that has been of great benefit to many psoriasis sufferers around the world.

Original article

Dealing With Atopic Dermatitis And Inflammation

Also known by the name Atopic Dermatitis, Eczema is the term most often used to describe any inflammation or irritation of the skin, although correctly speaking, not every dermatological irritant is eczema.

Eczema is a series of lesions in the skin that are made up of many fluid filled vesicles. The skin becomes red, irritated and swollen, and can be characterised by oozing when the fluid filled vesicles burst. This fluid, when it dries out on the skin, can form a thin layer crust that gives the condition its well-known appearance.

There is most likely a defective genetic reason behind the condition, and while this is generally accepted, it has not been proven beyond doubt. Practitioners think this that the problem lies within the skins inability to repair itself. There is also a high chance that sufferers will exhibit signs of other immunobiological problems.

There are many reported triggers that can bring about an outbreak of Atopic Dermatitis, mostly within the environment of the person concerned, and varying greatly in nature, but centering on processes that dry the skin. These can include drying soaps, rubbing of the area concerned, rubber glove usage, solvents in the area and excessive sweating.

The process of inflammation begins with the area become increasingly itchy, raised and red. The disintegration of the fluid filled vesicles then causes an oozing, and when dried, a crust, which can develop into a cracked surface. Dust and pollen can also exacerbate the situation. The symptoms can actually develop anywhere on the body, the most common sites in which the condition can occur are the neck, and around the elbows and knees.

Treatment is usually via the application of a hydrocortisone cream, generally available without a prescription and applied up to three times a day. For more extreme cases, a stronger medicine may be tried, but this is not undergone lightly as there may be side effects.

It is often pointed out that Eczema is "not a rash that itches" but an "itch that rashes", and as such, if one can control the urge to scratch at the site (easier said than done) then one can control the outbreak of the skin irritation.

The disease is more common in children than it is in adults. In children t it can surprisingly affect up to 20%, with this figure falling down to between one and three percent of the adult population.

Diagnosis revolves around an extremely through examination of the skin by a medical professional, as well as relating, as best is possible, the time of the outbreak with any relevant triggers that might have been present around the patient at the time.

There is no known cure for the condition, but there are ways to prevent unnecessary suffering. Common recommendations include avoidance of over bathing, soaps and known allergy causing foods and substances as well as the wearing of loose clothing. Exercise is recommended, as is the use of a humidifier to avoid spending too much time in dry air.

Find out more about Eczema Causes and ways to Get Rid Of Eczema.

Original article

Things To Consider In Your Search For Healthy Skin

The Foundation Of Healthy Skin

Fats have a central role to play in your health, being the second largest compound in the body after water. Unfortunately many people have been misled into believing that fat should be avoided. The right fats are crucial to our overall health, and when the right fats are missing from our diet, health will be compromised. The reason for this is that the right fats are required in every single cell membrane, so if they are missing, every single cell in your body will be unable to do its job effectively.

Skin cells are special because you can see them

Obviously skin cells are special because unlike the cells inside our body we can see them very clearly. Common symptoms of skin lacking the right fats are: dry, flaky skin, prematurely aging skin like wrinkles, skin disorders like rashes or eczema, thin skin and skin that bruises easily.

Having healthy cell membranes is therefore the foundation of all health, including skin health. This is why it is generally possible to see how healthy someone is by looking at their skin.

Replacing the bad fats in the membranes of your skin cells with the right fats will result in significant improvements in the quality of your skin, simply because your skin cells can function more effectively, by replacing themselves and retaining moisture more efficiently.

In summary - the right fats in the membrane of your skin are the foundation to healthy and good looking skin.

Other aspects to skin health

Although the right fats form the foundation of healthy skin, there are some other aspects to skin health that you may have to consider if your skin is not 100% healthy yet.

Water is the number one compound in the human body - Water has a number of very important functions to perform in your body and brain, and can transform the way your skin looks, because of these functions. Water flushes wastes and toxins out of your cells, excreting them through your kidneys, bowels, and skin. Water has the ability to carry nutrients, such as glucose and amino acids, as well as other nutrients, to every cell in your body - and brain. So, dehydration will affect your skin and the nutrients it receives from your blood stream, making your skin look dry, pasty and unhealthy. Drinking fruit juices and soft/soda drinks doesn't supply water to the body, although they are liquids, because the body has to break them down first, due to their sugar and salt content. So the body treats them like food initially, using digestive juices to break them down. If there is a little water left over, it is not sufficient to provide adequate water to the body. Only real, pure water can do that. Drink 300ml's for every 10kg's of body weight.
Sometimes a specific food can be your skins enemy - Food allergies or intolerances are often noted on the skin, simply because the skin is second largest organ in the human body. If you are eating a specific food that your body battles to digest, and absorb, then understandably your skin may reflect that problem. By removing a suspect food from your diet for a period of 2 weeks - 3 months, you will be able to note any changes in your behaviour and physical health. The most common foods that provoke an allergic response are as follows, with food additives known to cause skin reactions at the end of the list:Wheat (and other gluten grains, such as oats, rye and barley)milk or dairy productschocolatecorneggsfish (including shellfish)berrieslegumes (soya, green peas, lima beans, peanuts)nutsporkpeaches.MSG (E621/621)Sulphites/metasulphites/metabisulphites (E221/221 and E223/223)Tartrazine(E102/102) and BHA (E320/320).

Undergo this elimination diet under the guidance of an expert in food allergies, and sensitivities, who will be able to help you eliminate all the possibly offending foods, and guide you in choosing suitable alternatives.

Manufacturers make food that won't go off - but your skin can

Processed foods and sugar can play havoc with your skin. We weren't designed to consume nutrient deficient food, so our bodies don't cope well with it, and unfortunately, one of the first places to see the damage of such a sugar-laden diet, is on your skin. Sugar and refined carbohydrates cause blood sugar imbalances and poor skin quality. This is because collagen, the specialized protein that skin is made up of, is especially sensitive to refined sugar. Sugar causes skin to look lacklustre, and also causes breakouts. Tiny compounds called Advanced Glycation End products are formed through the action of sugar on collagen, which cause wrinkles.

Skin loves fresh, colourful foods

Fresh foods, such as green and coloured vegetables all provide potent nutrients, as well as enzymes that help food digest properly. Fresh produce, especially capsicums, pumpkin, tomatoes and carrots also contain Vitamin A, which apart from being a potent antioxidant, is also responsible for cell turnover and skin brightness. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are especially useful, as are sulphur rich vegetables, such as leeks, garlic inions and shallots. Leafy green vegetables also provide a natural form of iron, which is very helpful in getting oxygen to your cells, to keep them well energized. Berries and citrus fruits are especially good for skin because they are packed with vitamin C, which helps restore a glow to skin and slow ageing. Special compounds called anthocyanins protect collagen, the protein in skin, stopping free radicals from wreaking havoc with this delicate protein.

Tiny compounds that help your food work properly

Digestive enzymes are very important little compounds, because they help your body to function optimally, by helping you digest your food, by breaking food down into smaller parts. This enables your body to obtain nourishment. They also help different biological reactions to take place in your body, which are essential for your health and wellbeing, so they can be helpful to your skin.

A healthy gut leads to healthy skin

Your skin needs the right nutrients like vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients and other important compounds found in your diet to stay healthy. But these can only be absorbed if your digestive system works well. Probiotics found in yoghurt (choose unsweetened, organic varieties to maximise benefit) or probiotic supplement will help your digestive system to work optimally and provide your skin with all the nutrients that your diet supplies.

The sun can be your skins friend

You do need a certain amount of sun exposure, as the sun, acts on your skin to produce Vitamin D, which has a number of important functions to perform in your body. However you can get this sun exposure at safe times during the day.

Skin irritants in your surroundings

Environmental irritants, such as dust mites, chemicals in our homes, washing powder residue on clothes, shampoos, as well as certain fabrics can all irritate sensitive skin. When the skin is inflamed and sensitive due to essential fat deficiency and lack of nutrients, it is very susceptible to environmental irritants. And it is wise to avoid any known irritant while the skin is healing. However, it is never a good idea to expose yourself to chemicals - whether your skin is healthy or not. Unfortunately, many people concentrate on avoiding environmental irritants, without looking to the real cause of the skins distress.

Important skin nutrients that you may be missing out on

Zinc is a very important mineral for maintaining good quality skin, and is unfortunately one of the minerals that most soil is deficient in. This means that most fresh produce is deficient in this important nutrient. Zinc supplementation may be necessary to get glowing skin if you are very deficient in this mineral.

Selenium is another important mineral for good skin, and a deficiency may be due to refined food consumption, and lack of essential fats. Mushrooms, cabbage, courgettes, avocados, lentils, seaweed and Brazil nuts contain this important mineral.

Vitamin A and E, are both very important for skin health, and if your diet doesn't include carrots, apricots, melon, red asparagus, tangerines, peppers, broccoli, squash, mango, sweet potatoes, watercress, papayas, pumpkin, tomatoes, parsley and green leafy vegetables, as well as fresh seeds, nuts, cold pressed vegetable oils, beans and peas, you will be deficient in these important vitamins. They are also potent anti-oxidants, so they keep your skin young, as well as healthy.

Vitamin C is also very important to attain and maintain healthy skin and fresh produce is often missing this important vitamin, due to long storage times and the distance that some fresh produce has to travel to get to the consumer. You will find good quantities in citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, broccoli, strawberries, watercress, cabbage, peas and kiwi fruit.

Great skin starts on the inside

If you want great health - and great skin - you have to eat the best food you can find, and supplement with a good green drink and a multivitamin, which is a very good insurance against nutrient deficient produce.

Working your way through the list above may enable you to pinpoint another area of your lifestyle that could be contributing to your skin condition. The essential fats are the foundation of great skin, and the other aspects build on the right fats. Remember your skin's health is a reflection of your health, so working on the cause of your skins distress is a much smarter option that applying a bandage, which creams and other medication are.

Delia McCabe is a Nutritional Neuroscience Researcher. She has a Masters degree in Psychology and has been doing research for over ten years. Her specific area of interest is Essential Fatty Acids and how they effect brain and general health. She has discovered that many chronic illnesses and mental health problems can be traced back to a lack of Essential Fats. Find out if you are deficient by doing the quick assessment at http://www.deliahealth.com/.

Original article

5 Ways To Avoid Eczema Flareups During The Winter

The winter months can be the most miserable months of the year for those who suffer with eczema. The air is dry and we have the heating on inside our homes. In addition we dress in woollens and synthetics which are well documented to irritate the skin and can precipitate eczema flare-ups in people who suffer with this condition. If you want to have a comfortable winter season, then you can prepare now by practicing the following habits.

Stay healthy and well hydrated. Eat a well balanced diet, but do take care to avoid foods that you suspect may trigger your eczema flare-ups. Drink plenty of water, and avoid too much alcohol as this can damage the skin. This would ensure that you are hydrated from the inside out. Being hydrated from the inside out is very important for adequate moisturisation of the skin. This is a point that most people with eczema forget, and they concentrate only on putting lotions on the skin.

You want to keep warm during the winter but you do not want to irritate your skin. Now is the time to shop around for cotton underclothes. Organic cotton which is free from chemicals which can irritate the skin is preferable. You can then wear your synthetics and woollens over these.

We always hear around the winter season that it is better to dress in layers than in one layer of thick clothing. For the person who suffers with eczema, this is essential. As we go about our day we can become very hot in certain environments. The heat irritates the skin and can trigger eczema flare-ups.
For the person who suffers with eczema keeping cool can keep flare-ups at bay.

The dryness of the environment is a major headache for persons who suffer with eczema during the winter months; since you cannot escape it whether you are indoors or outdoors. When going outdoors cover as much of your body as possible to prevent drying of the skin. When indoors with the heating turned on, you want to inject some moisture into the atmosphere. You can do this by placing wet towels near your radiators, placing a bowl of water in your room, or by using a humidifier. If you prefer a humidifier you should shop around now to get a good deal.

Finally, you need to take extra precaution with the care of your skin. Use soap free cleansers for your baths, which should be short and in warm not hot water, as the hot water dries out the skin. Use a good moisturiser that does not clog the pores. Pure natural body butters such as coconut oil are best.

Shelley M Rock provides information to those suffering from eczema, in an effort to help them control this skin condition. Her approach is to tackle eczema by dealing with the root causes, rather than just treating the symptoms.

For more information visit my blog at http://allergyrock.com/

Shelley Rock

Original article

How to Fight Eczema and Rosacea

How to fight Eczema:

Eczema is a dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) that affect 1 in 5 children and 1 in 12 adults in UK and can manifest in different forms. The skin can be dry, scaly, red and itchy; but in some more severe cases can also be weeping, crusting and bleeding. There are different factors involved like certain genes, over reactive immune respond, stress, climate, alteration of the skin barrier.

Food and lifestyle play, in my experience, an important role but on the whole, what should be checked is the general health, namely the gut and liver and then thyroid and immune system: Shift to a healthy diet, cutting out junk food, meat and yeast, reducing most of the dairies and start an herbal detox /cleansing treatment to balance intestine. Supply the body of plenty of fresh organic vegetables and fresh fruits (juices, smoothes), Omega 3-6 essential fatty acids and vitamin E (organic cold pressed veg. oils and nuts) and add super foods, like sprouts, algae (spirulina, chlorella) and bee pollen. Moist the skin with an organic herbal balm, rich in EFA and Vitamin E.

How to fight Rosacea:

Rosacea is a chronic condition on the skin face (cheeks, chin, nose, forehead). It is characterized by redness, pimples, and dilation of superficial vessels called teleagiectasie; sometime small bumps (papules) and postules are characteristic. Women, aged 30-50, are more affected than men.

A real cause has not been understood, but there are different factors that can trigger a flare up: Some hot foods, and drinks; too much alcholol, or caffeine; food including hot spices, and being exposed to too much wind, sun and cold.

From a holistic point of view the symptoms must be addressed considering the whole body, particularly hormonal balance, blood circulation and intestinal disorders. The first step is to cleanse the bowel with specific herbal treatments followed by a treatment of friendly bacteria such as acidophilus. The diet should avoid trigger food and be light and fresh, plenty of fresh vegetables and berries, rich in antioxidant, anthocyanins and vitamin C that support the vessels and the immune system.

Calendula and raspberry tea or tincture will help the hormonal balance together with Evening primrose oil and flax seed oil, rich in GLA (Gamma linolenic acid) and ?-3 essential fatty acid.

On the skin apply light organic astringent and anti-inflammatory balms or floral water such as chamomile, cornflower, rose.

For further information on organic treatment of Eczema and Rosacea, visit the following website: Inlight organic skincare. Inlight specialise in an organic support for eczema treatment.

Original article

Goat Milk Soap Health Benefits Explained

Help really does come from the strangest of places, especially when it comes to your skin. When made naturally like the bars from Australian producer Goat's Own, the potential benefits to your skin are substantial. This company raises and milks their own goats and combines the milk with a few other ingredients, including palm and olive oil, to make its soap bars.

Here are a few of the components of Goat's Own natural goat milk soap:

1. Alpha hydroxy acids

This chemical compound is present in Goat's Own goat milk soap as naturally occurring lactic acid. While you may not have heard of this compound, alpha hydroxy acid (also called AHA) is used in a number of cosmetic products because of its effects on your skin. Studies have shown that AHA can help your skin build connective tissue and collagen, along with increasing skin thickness without inflammation.

While in high concentrations AHA can hurt your skin, the amounts present in goat milk soap are not high enough to cause harm or irritation, even for those that have sensitive skin. On the contrary, the lactic acid also acts as a natural exfoliate for your skin that can help you better absorb the soap's vitamins.

2. Vitamin A

Considered a staple among many topical anti-aging products, vitamin A helps treat your skin after over exposure to the sun and is a must for a healthy complexion. The active form of vitamin A called retionic acid has shown in studies to help restore the elastic fibers in your skin so it appears more taut, which helps reduce the visibility of wrinkles. This acid also helps fight the plague of all teenagers (and some adults): acne.

Too much of a good thing can be harmful though - large amounts of this vitamin A acid and your skin will become irritated and redden. Luckily, the concentrations in Goat's Own goat milk soap are safe for you to use without worry.

3. Vitamin E

Another solid addition to any skin health regimen, vitamin E works to improve the speed at which your skin repairs itself. A healthy dose of vitamin E on your skin also helps protect you against skin cancer and damage from the sun. Having this in your goat milk soap will help provide that protection.

4. Balanced pH

This point is critical for those with conditions such as sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema or dermatitis. The pH of goat milk soap is very similar to human skin's natural pH, which means it is gentler than many soaps and is less likely to irritate even sensitive skin. For those who don't know, the pH level indicates whether a substance is more acidic or more of a base. The chemists at Goat's Own carefully maintain the pH level of every bar.

Original article

5 Actions That Can Help You To Get Rid of Your Eczema

Part 1

Identifying whether you have eczema

The first step to controlling eczema is being able to determine whether or not your skin condition is actually eczema.

Eczema is a chronic skin condition which is triggered when your immune system has an over reaction to something in your environment, or when there is emotional stress. The skin may become dry, inflamed, scaly and itchy. In some persons there is a wet form of eczema, where there are watery boils that may weep and leave the skin soggy.

There are several types of eczema. These are as follows:

• Atopic Eczema- Atopic eczema causes dry, itchy, irritated skin. Most people with atopic eczema develop it before age five. This skin condition tends to run in families. People who get atopic eczema usually have family members who have eczema, asthma, or hay fever. The skin can swell, crack, ooze, crust, and scale. The patches may be raised, scaly, dry and red. The skin may become thick with constant scratching.

• Contact Eczema -Contact with everyday objects causes this very common type of eczema. When the contact leads to irritated skin, the eczema is called irritant contact eczema. If an allergic reaction develops on the skin after exposure, it is called allergic contact eczema.

• Dyshidrotic Eczema-This occurs only on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet. There is burning, an itching sensation and a blistering rash.

• Seborrheic Eczema- Usually beginning on the scalp as oily, waxy patches, this common type of eczema sometimes spreads to the face and beyond. A severe case, while rare, produces widespread lesions. Like most types of eczema, seborrheic eczema tends to flare in cold, dry weather.

• Nummular Eczema- Often appearing after a skin injury, such as a burn, abrasion, or insect bite, the hallmark of this common eczema is unique, coin-shaped (nummular) or oval lesions. One or many patches can develop that may last for weeks or months.

• Neuroeczema- develops when nerve endings in the skin become irritated, triggering a severe itch-scratch-itch cycle. Common causes of nerve irritation include an insect bite and emotional stress. The itch is intense and is usually worse when the person is resting or relaxing.

Part 2

Understanding what triggers Eczema flare ups

What are Eczema triggers- these are things that cause eczema to develop or get worse.

• The triggers can be internal or external. Internal triggers are usually associated with things we ingest such as foods or inhale.

• External triggers are things that come into contact with the skin, or environmental factors.

• These ranges from Physical and chemical irritants, extremes of temperature, humidity, perfumes, to different types of fabrics, and even detergents used to wash any clothing or linen that comes in contact with the skin.

• Stressful situations can also lead to flare ups of eczema in those so predisposed.

• Our genetic make up, may make us more prone to developing eczema.

• Specific types of exposures are related to the development of the different types of eczema.

• Atopic Eczema -A complex array of factors are thought to contribute to the development of atopic eczema. These include genetics, the home environment, breakdown of the outer skin layer and a malfunctioning immune system.

• Contact eczema-occurs after frequent exposure to a mild irritant, such as dish washing liquid, and after brief exposure to a strong irritant, such as a strong acid.

• Dyshidrotic Eczema- This occurs only on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet. The cause is generally unknown. However, believe that a person's reaction to events occurring within the body (e.g., having another medical condition) and factors occurring outside the body (e.g., the weather) play a role. Excessive sweating does not cause Dyshidrotic eczema.

• Seborrheic Eczema- While the exact cause is not known, researchers believe that a number of factors interact to cause seborrhoea eczema. These factors include the genes we inherit, yeast that normally live on human skin, stress, climate, and overall general health.

• Nummular Eczema-Heightened sensitivity to some specific substances is thought to cause this type of eczema. Common triggers are nickel, mercury, rubber and formaldehyde.

• Neuroeczema- The specific cause is unknown, but certain specific things are thought to trigger neuroeczema. These in clued but are not limited to:

1. Clothing worn tightly and made of synthetic fabric or wool
2. Dry skin
3. Period of intense stress or emotional trauma
4. Poor blood flow
5. Scar, especially a keloid-type scar

Part 3

How to identify the triggers of your Eczema

• The easiest way to do this is to keep a diary of all foods you ingest each day, places that you go which are associated with specific exposure, products you use on your skin, cleaning agent used in your environment and on the clothing you wear.

• It is important to be very detailed in itemizing your exposures.

• Do not forget to record any stressful events or situations, as stress can trigger flare ups.

• You should then record the dates of any flare-ups of your eczema.

• After reviewing this over a period of time you will come to notice what exposures preceded flare-ups of your eczema condition.

• After you think you have identified the possible triggers, the next step is to use a process of elimination to see if you can identify the specific trigger.
• Remove one item from your diet/environment at a time and check to see if there is any improvement in your eczema after about 4 weeks.

• If there is no improvement in your eczema, add back in the item that you had taken out, and then remove a second item.

• Repeat the process over and over until you have identified you specific trigger.

• Sometimes this process may not identify your specific trigger.

Part 4

Remove the trigger

• If possible eliminate the trigger identified from the process you carried out in part 3 from your diet/environment.

• This can be difficult depending on the trigger.

• If the trigger is a food, eliminating this food from your diet is easier than if it is the pollen from a particular plant that grows in the area where you live.

• When the trigger is an integral part of your environment, you may need to remove yourself from the trigger.

• When you have been unable to identify your specific trigger, it is wise to try to avoid triggers known to be associated with your specific type of eczema.

Part 5

Care of your Skin.

• Dry skin contributes to eczema and can cause it to become worse.

• Cleanse the skin with gentle moisturising cleansers.

• Avoid the use of soap, and skin products with fragrances.

• Use tepid water for your baths, avoid hot water.

• Avoid frequent baths.

• Keep cool, but if possible avoid air conditioners which dry the skin.

• Drink plenty of water to moisturise the skin from the inside.

• Avoid synthetic fabrics next to the skin, use natural cotton garments instead.

• Use natural moisturisers frequently to keep the skin moist. Examples are body butters containing shea, almond, coconut, avocado and mango among others.

• Be gentle with your skin. Don't scratch it. Although eczema causes the skin to itch in the affected areas, scratching makes it worse.

• Scratching can cause the skin to become thick, darker and it can cause it to crack and bleed.

• Take precautions to try to minimize your scratching. Keep your fingernails cut short. If necessary, wear gloves at night to prevent scratching in your sleep.

• If the skin is broken or infected, or you suffer from wet eczema you should consult your doctor.

Shelley M Rock provides information to people suffering with eczema in an effort to help them control this skin condition. Her approach is to tackle eczema by dealing with the root causes rather than just treating the symptoms.

To find out more visit my blog at http://allergyrock.com/

Shelley Rock

Original article

What Are The Symptoms, Signs And Treatment Of Eczema?

There are several effective treatments for eczema for those who experience the scaly and itchy rash. The skin condition is caused by a reaction similar to that of allergies in which the skin becomes inflamed due to hypersensitivity.

Atopic eczema, the most prevalent type of the chronic skin condition, is generally more common in infants than adults. Other types include: Contact dermatitis, Nummular eczema, Dyshidrotic eczema and Seborrheic dermatitis.

Symptoms

Although symptoms vary from person to person depending on factors such as age, there are obvious physical indicators. The most common being an intense itching of the skin, often even before a rash appears. Other standard symptoms may include: crusting and oozing blisters, redness or inflammation surrounding the blisters, discoloration of the skin, raw patches of skin, and lichenification (leathery surfaces of the skin from prolonged irritation and scratching).

While the onset of symptoms among children two years old and younger are typically apparent on the face, hands, feet or scalp, children two and older as well as adults experience an initial rash on the inside of the knees, elbows, hands and feet. A relentless eczema outbreak, however, can cause rashes to appear anywhere on the body.

Signs

Once an outbreak is suspected, it's important to learn how to get rid of eczema to prevent irreversible skin damage. A primary health care physician should be able to make a professional diagnosis based on the appearance and coloration of the skin, combined with a patient's personal family medical history. In some cases, it's often necessary to perform a skin lesion biopsy or allergy skin test to rule out other possible causes of skin conditions and disorders.

Treatment

While the course of treatment depends upon the individual, there are some proactive steps and medications that prove to be effective. Cold compresses applied to inflamed areas help to relieve the itching. Moisturizers, petroleum jelly, and eczema lotion applied to the rash also offers relief. Certain foods including eggs may also make symptoms worse. Skin irritants such as wool, lanolin, harsh soaps, deodorants, detergents, and other chemical products should also be avoided.

Antihistamines are also among the best treatments for eczema. Such medications are usually available without a prescription such as Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin. For severe outbreaks, a prescribed topical steroid is often recommended. Allergy shots or an oral immunosuppressant including Cyclosporine or Methotrexate is effective among patients unresponsive to typical treatment for eczema.

Is eczema the single most irritating factor in your life which is frustrating you? Click here to know How To Get Rid of Eczema naturally now!

Original article

Eczema And Infants: An Itchy Problem

Eczema is a dermatological disorder, which means it affects the skin. It can cause redness, inflammation, red blotches plus general irritation and often creates a massive urge to scratch the afflicted area. Eczema in infants is quite common; doctors have identified children as being prone to the condition of atopic dermatitis. The condition can flare up as a result of environmental conditions such as heat and humidity, allergic reactions are also a factor in dermatitis appearing.

The most commonly affected areas of the body are the elbows, inner folds of joints and behind the knee. The symptoms can vary from being slight; to the extent that they are barely noticeable, to more severe, with massive patches of affected skin. Eczema can be very painful; fortunately there are a number of ways in which it can be treated. This article will discuss both the natural and conventional treatment methods which have been proven to be effective.

A quick internet search will provide a number of home remedies which claim to be effective in the treatment of dermatitis. The common themes however are good diet, exposure to sunlight and the use of creams containing natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Chamomile. Eczema is considered by some to be caused by the body's immune system's over reaction to a bacteria found on the skin. Exposure to sunlight can help with this for some, though others find it too drying.

Some say that sunlight helps because it helps the body produce certain vitamins that can combat the skin irritation. It is important to remember to use sunlight in proportion. You should not expose yourself to the sun between 11am - 2pm, as the sunlight will be at its strongest and you may run the risk of being burnt. You should use sunscreen when out in the sun, generally one hour is long enough for your body to start to produce the vitamins you need. Moisturizing is very important for dermatitis, whether you are in the sun or not. Moisturizing with a lotion that doesn't contain alcohol has been helpful for improvements. Omega 3 oils are another natural remedy for skin repair.

The most common medical treatments for infant eczema are hydrocortisone creams and stronger steroid creams. Steroid cream may be required for more severe symptoms and is known to provide fast acting relief. You should always consult a physician before treating any dermatitis in infants at home. Oral steroids are not generally given to very young children, though they may be prescribed for adults.

Original article

Psoriasis In Children and Helping Them Cope With This Chronic Disease

When a child suffers for any reason including being plagued with a disease such as psoriasis, parents usually suffer right along with the child and have a desire to make things better for the child and may feel powerless at times when dealing with psoriasis in children. In addition to helping the child in trying to find the best psoriasis cures that may include home remedies for psoriasis, a psoriasis diet, etc, parents also have to provide emotional support since dealing with the disease can be very difficult for children.

While the majority of those with psoriasis usually begin having psoriasis symptoms when they are much older, psoriasis can affect anyone of any age. Approximately 15% of all psoriasis cases begin before the age of ten. Psoriasis in children is that much more challenging for parents as well as doctors.

When a parent is dealing with a child who suffers from psoriasis, they usually have to spend more time in helping to find the treatment that will work for the child as well as in helping the child cope emotionally with this condition. While there isn't a cure for psoriasis, there are various treatments that can help to control the flare-ups including various drugs, uv light therapy, home remedies for psoriasis, etc.

Dealing with psoriasis in children can be difficult for doctors as well in the sense that many common psoriasis treatments may present various problems and health risks when used on children. This is why it greatly helps when alternative treatments such as home remedies for psoriasis are used to help children deal with psoriasis symptoms.

It is especially difficult for parents to watch their child suffer with this chronic skin disease. This is especially so since children have even less self control than adults and when they itch, they will just want to scratch which only worsens the psoriasis lesions which may burn and itch. Various home remedies for psoriasis such as using wraps can be great to help children keep from scratching away at these psoriasis lesions.

Psoriasis in children is usually in the form of plaque psoriasis which features oval shaped silvery/gray scales on the elbows, knees and the lower back. Scalp psoriasis is another type of psoriasis that can affect children that can be mistaken for severe dandruff which can be even more embarrassing for children. Guttate psoriasis which usually shows up in children after a bout with a certain bacterial disease such as strep throat is also a common type of psoriasis in children. But by far the most common type of psoriasis in children and adults is plaque psoriasis.

While the origins of psoriasis remain unknown, it is believed to have a genetic component but this is tricky in that while both of the parents or one of parents of a psoriasis sufferer can have the disease, neither of them can have the disease and still produce a child with psoriasis. Many other factors can also lead to the development of psoriasis such as an illness, skin injury, puberty, stress, etc. This disease is still a great mystery to doctors but this does not mean that parents and children should lose hope in finding a solution for this condition.

Since there isn't one treatment that can work for all psoriasis sufferers, it is important to be proactive and try various therapies until you find the one that works which may include changing the diet, home remedies for psoriasis, drug therapies, various alternative medicine therapies, etc. While the child may get despondent after trying various therapies without success, it is important for the parent to help the child maintain a positive attitude that a solution will be found no matter how long it will take.

One of the best home remedies for psoriasis that a parent can do when dealing with psoriasis in children is to ensure that the child keeps his or her skin moisturized. Ensuring that the child lotions up frequently is one of the easiest ways to combat this disease. The more moisturized the skin is, the less itchy it will be and the less prone to flare-ups the skin will be.

When dealing with psoriasis in children, it is important to educate the child on the disease and what they need to do to prevent psoriasis flare-ups or how to treat lesions for them to heal quickly. The child needs to be taught that though they may want to scratch or rub at the lesions, this will only make the condition worse. The more educated the child is, the closer he or she will be to properly managing this chronic skin disease.

In addition to prescription medications, there are many other home remedies for children that may be even safer than using prescription medications which involve using various oils such as olive oil, mineral oil, coconut oil, etc, in various recipes to treat skin lesions.

While psoriasis in children can be difficult, it is important to not lose hope and to help your child maintain a positive attitude as you both try to find an effective treatment for the condition. There are various treatments that can work effectively including using various home remedies for psoriasis. For more information on psoriasis as well as treating and coping with this condition, visit http://www.squidoo.com/home-remedies-for-psoriasis-411.

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Early Signs of Eczema

Early signs of eczema when correctly identified can make a huge difference in quality care for those would be sufferers. Eczema is one of the most common skin issues and can affect people from any age group. Since it is so common, it is important to recognize the early signs of eczema.

Although eczema can occur in any age group, race or gender, it most commonly affects children under the age of five. Those that have eczema have a higher chance of it returning than those who have never had it. Eczema is thought to be hereditary, so it is important to know if one's family has a history of this skin condition.

One of the first signs of eczema is intense itching of the affected area. Although people will develop different early signs of eczema, intense itching is the most common eczema trait. Some other early signs of eczema include dry, red skin that burns and/or itches. Eczema can cause blisters, lesions, and dry scaly skin. Each person who gets eczema can react differently to it.

Eczema can affect the face, neck, arms, legs, scalp and the inside of the elbows, knees and ankles. These areas are important to keep track of in determining the early traits of eczema. Eczema may affect the person for a few days, or longer, depending on the type of eczema they have.

If an individual believes they have found some early signs of eczema, they should visit their doctor to confirm. Their doctor will ask them how long they have been having these symptoms, if they have been in contact with anything new on their skin, and if they have allergies. Some of the early signs of eczema are similar to rashes and allergic reactions, so doctors will try to rule these things out first. If there is a family history of eczema, this will be taken into account as well.

Although there is no cure for eczema, if one develops early traits of eczema, there are ways to prevent it from spreading, and it will certainly help with the itching, red, dry skin. It is important to use a moisturizer immediately after bathing, especially one that does not contain any scents that may irritate the skin further. Also, avoiding extreme temperatures, wearing loose clothing, and using a humidifier can help prevent eczema and control those who have early signs of the unwanted condition. If the eczema is caused by stress, it is important to avoid stressful activities, have a healthy diet and exercise to control outbreaks.

Eczema is not a life threatening condition, but it can be painful and irritating to have. Learning about the early signs of eczema, as well as ways to avoid getting it, are important for the health of any individual. Learning about one's family history of eczema and making annual trips to their doctor's office can also help individuals learn more about eczema and the early signs of this condition.

Infants and toddlers need help controlling this condition to keep to a minimum if they are showing any particular early signs of eczema.

Infant Eczema HQ is the very successful and popular blog about the skin condition of Eczema. It has helped hundreds of people learn the particulars with regard to What Is Infant Eczema, and much more. Visit this site right now for more information and/or help on Baby Eczema, and a whole lot more.

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Using Climatotherapy For The Treatment Of Psoriasis

There are many alternative treatment therapies for psoriasis and one of those used is climatotherapy which refers to moving or visiting a certain place because of the favorable climate that it believed to positively impact an illness or disease. For psoriasis, an excursion to the Dead Sea region for climatotherapy is quite popular. For those who cannot afford the trip, using products exported from this region is a great alternative.

Climatotherapy is based upon the understanding that many natural resources contain many healing properties. The Dead Sea located in Israel has been known to contain many healing properties and been used for many centuries by those seeking heeling for various diseases and illnesses. This has caused this area to become a booming health resort and very popular with psoriasis sufferers.

Why The Dead Sea For Psoriasis?

The Dead Sea is 1,300 feet below sea level which makes it the lowest point on earth. Due to being at such a low level, the harmful rays from the sun that burn are filtered out by the atmosphere in this area that contains a multitude of aerosols as well as the evaporating sea water leaving only the beneficial rays of the sun. Ultra violet (UV) light therapy for psoriasis is popular with many sufferers as it has been recognized that the sun contains many healing properties.

While UV light therapy for psoriasis can be administered anywhere including in a doctor's office as well as in a home using the appropriate equipment, visiting the Dead Sea area is believed to provide the most benefit for this type of therapy because there is a lack of harmful sun rays in this region.

The Dead Sea area is virtually cloudless for most of the year which allows visitors seeking healing from the UV rays in this area to spend a longer time sunbathing during the day. Prolonged sunbathing is also prolonged due to the lack of rainfall during the year.

It is advisable when implementing UV light therapy for psoriasis in the Dead Sea area to start with a few minutes a day and gradually build up to about three to six hours per day.

For those who cannot visit the Dead Sea to experience this UV light therapy for psoriasis, they can be comforted by the fact that it is not just the UV rays in this area that are healing for psoriasis lesions. The Dead Sea itself contains various healing properties that have proved beneficial for many psoriasis sufferers.

The salt contained in the sea is more than ten times that contained in other bodies of water. It also contains bromine, magnesium, calcium and many other properties that help with healing. When used in combination with the sunlight in this area, the results are even better for many psoriasis sufferers.

The mud in this area has also been shown to provide relief for psoriasis sufferers. It is thought that the natural tar (bitumen) contained in the mud as well as the sea water is what helps with healing. It is still not clearly understood why the sea salt and the mud have been beneficial for may people seeking healing but this has not stopped the yearly excursions to the Dead Sea. The sea salt and mud from the Dead Sea is exported and commonly available all over the world which is great for those that cannot visit this region but would like to try this therapy.

While a visit to the Dead Sea for psoriasis treatment has been beneficial for many sufferers who have reported remissions that lasted for several months, it is important to remember that when treating a chronic skin disease such as psoriasis, results will vary and not every one will benefit.

Before scheduling a visit to the Dead Sea for psoriasis treatment, it is important to discuss this first with your doctor. Controlling psoriasis is possible and may take various therapies in order to experience relief and climatotherapy is definitely an alternative therapy to consider for the treatment of psoriasis. For more discussion on climatotherapy as well as UV light therapy for psoriasis, visit http://www.squidoo.com/light-therapy-for-psoriasis.

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Eczema Vs Psoriasis: Knowing The Similarities

Skin disorders can be bothersome for some people while debilitating for others. Often times one skin condition can mimic another, so it is important to know which type you have and how to treat it. When it comes to eczema vs psoriasis, the symptoms are similar, but each is a totally different ailment.

Occasionally skin cells can grow too quickly, and this is what causes the most common type of psoriasis known as plaque psoriasis. The body contains T-cells, and their job is to defend the body against disease and infection. It is not known how this occurs but at times these T-cells can treat skin cells as if they are an infection, and this results in dead skin cell building up. This will cause itchy red patches that are covered in silver scales. The resulting rash is extremely itchy and can be very painful at times.

Psoriasis has many types. Scalp psoriasis is one type, along with plaque, guttate, and arthritic psoriasis. Guttate happens most often in children and results in tiny bumps covering the body. These bumps most likely will appear on the trunk, legs, and arms and are scaly. Unfortunately this condition is long term and can happen at anytime.

Although it is not known what causes it, psoriasis can be triggered or worsened by certain lifestyle choices. Triggers include a recent infection such as strep throat, cold weather, stress, or certain medications. It is treated with corticosteroids that reduce the swelling and itching. It can also be treated with Vitamin D based ointments that decrease the growth of skin cells.

Atopic dermatitis is also known as eczema. Eczema occurs when the skin becomes itchy and swollen. This can cause red or brownish spots that are covered in a raised rash. When this rash is scratched or irritated it can ooze a fluid and crust over. This is also a chronic condition that can reoccur at anytime. The most common affected areas are the arms and back of the knees.

Both adults and kids can be stricken with this problem. Infantile eczema is common and can continue into childhood. Often times this condition will go into hibernation, only to reoccur later in life. The skin should be properly moisturized to reduce occurrence. Avoid hot water as it can dry out the skin. Also, certain soaps and detergents should not come in contact with the skin as this could trigger eczema.

To relieve the symptoms of either eczema or psoriasis, over the counter products can be used. Moisturizers and cortisone can be tried, but if these fail a doctor should be consulted who can prescribe stronger medications. Antihistamines are given to reduce itchiness. Other medications that can reduce the rate of flare ups are available as well. For infants, since certain medications are not acceptable, moisturizers are necessary. The skin should be free of dryness as to control itching and pain.

Psoriasis vs eczema are two different skin ailments that can mimic each other in symptoms. Each can be treated with medication once it is determined which type of skin disorder you have. Often times these ailments can be debilitating and result in missed social functions and time from work or school. The patches and rashes are an embarrassment for some, but with proper treatment this does not have to interrupt your life. Knowing how to control the symptoms and reduce occurrences can lead to relief and improved lifestyle.

Chris Borg is a practicing pharmacist who writes on all aspects of health care. You can check out Chris's latest website on health care at eczema vs psoriasis, where Chris provides unbiased reviews and health care information for a wide range of health care products. To see the difference between eczema & psoriasis, just visit Eczema Pictures

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Signs and Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

Acute eruptions of allergic contact dermatitis are characterized by redness, swelling, & blistering of the exposed areas. As the eruption evolves, crusts & scales may form. In chronic conditions, the skin darkens, thickens, & often cracks. The eruption may not be characteristic, however, & the diagnosis may not be immediately obvious. The shapes & locations of allergic contact dermatitis treatment provide the most helpful diagnostic clues. Lesions can present in linear or square patches or create at telling sites such as underneath a watch, on the earlobes, or under a waistband.

Allergic contact dermatitis of the face can lead to swollen, red, & blistered skin. The responsible allergen is sometimes difficult to select because there is been exposure to multiple reaction-inducing agents. For example, somebody may react to a cosmetic applied to the face, a chemical on the hands, or an airborne allergen, all of which may appear as similar reactions.

Irritant contact dermatitis can produce a range of signs from mild redness to extreme chapping to blisters & ulcerations on exposed areas. Most cases create slowly, after repeated exposure to mild irritants. Harsh, irritating chemicals in high concentrations may cause dermatitis on anyone's skin.

A cautious medical history is the best device for diagnosing contact dermatitis. Attention to recent & new as well as long-term exposures is important.

Patch testing may be performed when allergic contact dermatitis is suspected. In the coursework of this procedure, various suspected & common allergy-inducing substances are taped to the patient's back for 48 hours. After removal, the individual areas are examined & any localized reactions are identified.

One time offending chemicals or substances are identified, either by history or by patch testing, they can be eliminated. Afterward, the skin finally heals by itself.

In addition to avoiding irritating or allergy-producing chemicals, contact dermatitis treatment is directed toward symptom relief. Drying agents applied to blistered & weeping areas & moisturizers applied to chronic lesions that are thick & scaly often have an ameliorating effect.

One time the allergen that is causing allergic contact dermatitis is identified, it can be more basically avoided. When preservatives or fragrances are the culprits, the individual must learn to read the labels of creams & lotions to keep away from exposure.

Strong, irritating chemicals can get replaced by less harsh equivalents. When exposure cannot be avoided in the workplace, contact with those chemicals can be minimized by wearing protective gloves & clothing. When there is no alternative, an affected individual may must change his or her occupation or change job obligations in order to keep away from exposure.

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Natural Eczema Treatments Can Be a Good Alternative

Natural eczema treatments are becoming a viable alternative to traditional medicine. You or a friend could be affected by this very common skin condition. If prescribed medication is not working, you may want to think about trying these natural and safe alternatives

There are various skin conditions which fall under this general name. All of these share common symptoms. One of these is dryness and redness of the skin.

Constant scratching can cause infection and this could lead to permanent scarring. There are some environmental factors that can also make this condition worse. The area may also become swollen and red.

Nettles and poison ivy are some of the factors that can be found in nature and give rise to contact dermatitis. When the affected area is exposed to the sun, it can make the itching worse. But there are other factors that can cause this, even some detergents used in the home.

But winter can also trigger off an allergic reaction to the skin. This happens particularly to asthma sufferers, and can be hereditary. The rashes appear around the elbows, back of knees, neck and head.

Cradle cap is a condition related to dandruff which sometimes affects newborn babies. Adults can get a variant of this condition too. As well as the head, the torso could also develop yellowish scabs and crusts.

Less common types of eczema are for example, dishydrosis. This was once thought to affect women, especially after doing their chores around the house. Thus it became known as housewife's eczema. This condition gets worse in summer and the rashes usually appear around the feet and hands.

Stressful situations may also cause skin irritation. This is because some people may choose to relieve nervous tension through scratching. This gives rise to neurodermatitis. People who are suffering from this type of nervous condition would also benefit from therapy that could teach them to change this kind of behaviour. Relaxation techniques can also be very helpful.

Doctors generally prescribe steroid tablets or creams to treat skin irritation. But prolonged steroid treatment can have dangerous side effects. Long term use of the creams can make the skin thinner.

Natural eczema treatments are a much safer option. For example, you may want to change your diet, as there are certain foods which seem to trigger the symptoms or make them worse. There are various herbal creams available that you can buy online.

When you are tortured by painful burning skin eruptions, using natural eczema treatments is a welcome alternative therapy. You can find natural skin care products for eczema psoriasis and other skin complaints.

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Get Eczema Treatment - Starting With A Proper Diagnosis

Eczema treatment can be a real difficult process that's long and protracted. It all begins with a proper diagnosis from your physician. Don't rely on what you've read alone to diagnose and treat it on your own, get a professional's opinion and guidance. This guide was written to help you understand what to expect with seeking treatment.

When you do see your physician, what you will expect to happen is that he or she will examine the affected skin. After that, he or she will ask you about the particular case at hand - when symptoms first appeared, if you were exposed to anything out of the ordinary (or if you made any changes to your common things such as soaps), and about your family history.

Because the symptoms of eczema appear similar to other ailments, you may also need to have a biopsy done on the area affected. This is to ensure a proper diagnosis, and is more common than you may think.

When you have been diagnosed, then you can start your eczema treatment. The purpose of the treatment will be to alleviate the symptoms while genuine healing occurs. Whatever your doctor prescribes, it will depend on your individual history and age, as well as your health or lack thereof.

You must also make a concerted effort to keep yourself well hydrated: apply moisturizers and creams as needed to keep the skin supple and moist. If you know what brought on the condition, or if your doctor can point it out, then you may also expect to change some things about your lifestyle, such as diet.

In more serious cases, the doctor may give you a corticosteroid ointment in order to reduce inflammation. If you are bad off with serious itchiness - so much so that you cannot function - then you may also receive antihistamines in an inhaler.

Your eczema treatment may also involve the use of tacrolimus and pimecrolimus - two popular choices amongst physicians in the case of patients with abnormal immune systems. These are medical ointments that are classified under the moniker "immuno-suppressants," and are used only for brief periods and in difficult cases.

You don't want to chance it with eczema, as the simple can often become very complex if left ignored. Get to a doctor when you first notice anything that can be eczema, so you can start your eczema treatment right away and avoid all the discomfort.

Maria A Lopez has written a couple of different articles on Eczema Remedy and they can be found at How To Cure Eczema. If you want to learn more on knowing about Eczema and its Treatment, visit Curing Eczema and claim your Free Special Report.

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Using Light Therapy For Psoriasis Treatment

While finding the most effective treatment for psoriasis can be a challenge including finding effective home remedies for psoriasis, light therapy for psoriasis is another treatment method that has been found to be effective for many psoriasis sufferers. The use of natural sunlight or artificial light for the treatment of psoriasis has been known to be beneficial for those with psoriasis.

Light Therapy For Psoriasis

Usually finding the treatment that works to prevent psoriasis flare-ups will involve a lot of trial and error especially if you are searching for natural psoriasis treatments that will help you reduce or eliminate the various symptoms of psoriasis. This is certainly true when experimenting with various home remedies for psoriasis and what is more natural than using sunlight to treat psoriasis.

While sunlight is natural, it can also be deadly if care is not used when using light therapy for psoriasis. There are three types of radiation that are associated with sunlight - ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared radiation and the visible light spectrum.

1. Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet light waves are the most effective light therapy for psoriasis treatment.

2. Infrared Radiation

This light cannot be seen but can be felt in the form of heat in some cases (longer infrared light waves). Shorter infrared light waves on the other hand cannot be felt.

3. Visible Light Spectrum

These are the only light waves that can be seen and they are seen in the form of colors of the rainbow.

UV Light Waves and Psoriasis

As mentioned previously, UV light waves are the most beneficial part of sunlight that are generally used during light therapy for psoriasis. The three types of UV rays in sunlight are;

Light therapy for psoriasis uses mainly UVA and/or UVB light waves. UVC rays cannot penetrate the earth's protective ozone layer.

UVB rays are the main part of sunlight that cause a change in skin color or a tan and these rays are also responsible for sunburn. UVB can be used on their own or in combination with various other treatments including home remedies for psoriasis in order to treat psoriasis and prevent flare-ups.

In the case of the use of UVA rays during light therapy for psoriasis, the treatment is only effective when the UVA rays are combined with psoralen which is a chemical that reacts with someone's DNA when in the presence of light and is mainly used in light therapy for severe acne and psoriasis. Using UVA rays without combining with psoralen will usually be ineffective in the treatment of psoriasis.

Precautions to Take

While light therapy for psoriasis is an effective treatment, many dangers still persist and it is important to consult with your doctor before beginning this therapy. It is very important to gain an understanding of how your skin will react when light therapy is administered. You will need to let your doctor know first if you are taking any medications that may increase your sensitivity to UV rays, if you have other health problems that may also increase your sensitivity to UV rays as well as if you have a history of skin cancer.

If you have a history of skin cancer, light therapy for psoriasis should be avoided to prevent you from increasing your risk of developing new skin cancers. Using artificial light sources such as those used in phototherapy can increase your risk of developing melanoma (the most severe type of skin cancer) especially if the therapy is for an extended period. When using this type of therapy over an extended period, it is advisable to have your skin regularly checked to ensure that you do not develop melanoma or other skin cancers.

There are many therapies that are effective for treating psoriasis such as drugs, following a psoriasis diet, home remedies for psoriasis, etc, and light therapy for psoriasis is another beneficial treatment for patients with psoriasis. Before beginning this therapy, it is important to talk to your doctor because of the various damaging effects of sunlight and artificial light including skin cancers and premature aging. For more information on psoriasis, visit http://www.squidoo.com/light-therapy-for-psoriasis.

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