Itching All Over

Sunburn hurts! Sunburn usually develops as a result of over-exposure to the sun or less commonly, occupational exposure. Anyone who visits a beach, goes fishing, works in the yard, or simply is out in the sun can get sunburned. Mild and moderate sunburn results in skin irritation and redness and can be safely treated at home. Severe sunburn requires medical attention. The best treatment for sunburn is prevention!

The following chart describes the symptoms of different levels of sunburn problems and possible treatments to relief its pain:

Sunburn Relief Chart

Symptom: Deep pink, Heat and burning
Problem: Mild Sunburn
Relief: Cool compresses with equal parts of milk and water
You may also use cold compresses with Burow solution, which you can buy at a drug store

Symptom: Red, visible strap lines
Itching and stinging
Problem: Moderate Sunburn
Relief: Aspirin or ibuprofen every 4 hours, Apply Aloe Vera lotion

Symptom: Bright red, Blisters, fever, chills, and nausea

Problem: Severe Sunburn
Relief: See doctor, Aspirin or ibuprofen, Take a cool bath (not ice cold)

More Sunburn Relief Tips

Take a cool bath–not ice cold, but cool–and don’t use bath salts, oil or bubble bath.

Do not scrub your skin or shave your skin. Use an extra soft, absorbent 100% cotton towel and pat your skin dry.

Use a sunburn remedy containing Aloe Vera.

Use a light moisturizer or a dusting of power to ease chafing and irritation of the skin.

Stay out of the sun! If the sunburn is severe or you are blistering, feel faint or nauseous, see a doctor immediately.

Sunburn Prevention Tips

The best treatment for sunburn is prevention! What can you do to prevent sunburn?

Carry a waist bag that can also be worn in the water for quick and easy access to your sunscreen. Use a generous amount of sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 before going into the sun. Every 2 hours, reapply sunscreen especially if sweating a lot. Also, reapply after swimming. Pay particular attention to the more prone sunburn areas of the body such as your face, nose, ears, upper back, and shoulders.

Reapply sunscreen to exposed areas such as face, upper back, and shoulders every 2 hours when just standing in water, walking on the beach, or playing sports.

Carry a beach umbrella to shade yourself when ever you and your family are lying on the beach and not in the water. Make sure your beach umbrella that has a reflective undercoating with a SPF of at least 35 to fully block out the sun.

Wear a loose cotton shirt to protect and prevent your back and shoulders from being sun burnt if you do not use a beach umbrella.

Cover your legs with a beach blanket while sitting on your beach chair if you do not use a beach umbrella.

Wear a sun hat to protect and prevent your head, nose and face from being sun burnt if you do not use a beach umbrella.

Wear wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV light.

Use lip balm with sunscreen to protect and prevent your lips from being sun burnt.

Wear slippers to protect the soles of feet from being burnt before walking on the beach’s dry hot sand.

What can you expect from being sun burnt?

Minor and uncomplicated cases of sunburn cause discomfort and no long-lasting effects. You can expect to feel better in 4-7 days. You may see peeling. This is often associated with severe itching, especially at night, after sweating, or after showering.

Chronic sun exposure may lead to premature aging, severe wrinkling, pigmented skin lesion development (moles), and various malignant (cancerous) skin tumors. Premature cataract formation in the eye can also result.

Plan ahead to have a SAFE & FUN Summer!

Using and following the above actions and tips will proactively prevent you from being sun burnt during most outdoor activities. Also, by being aware and knowledgeable of the early signals of sunburn and acting accordingly, you can assure yourself and your family of a safe, enjoyable, and fun summer. Have a GREAT SUMMER!

Please Note: This information is provided as a guideline and not intended as medical advice. If complications arise due to sunburn or sun exposure, contact your doctor immediately.

more posts of interest:

• Sunburn Remedy: Feel The Burn
• Sunburn treatment – Part 5
• Aromatherapy For Sunburns
• Sunburns Can Be Treated With Online Skin Care Tips
• Sunburn Relief – Part 1

A sunburn is a radiation burn to the skin produced by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, commonly from the sun”s rays. A similar burn can be produced by overexposure to other sources of UV, such as tanning lamps and welding arcs. Exposure of the skin to lesser amounts of UV will often produce a suntan. Sunburn. Image courtesy of John L. Bezzant, M.D. and the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library. Enlarge Sunburn. Image courtesy of John L. Bezzant, M.D. and the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library.

Most sunburns can be treated at home. If you notice yourself, friend, or family member beginning to burn, immediately get out of the sun. If this is not possible, move to a shady spot and apply sunscreen. Also, cover exposed areas to keep from further irritation.

Relief can also come from anti-inflammatories and pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen. Placing cool compresses on skin can relieve pain. Taking a cool, but not cold, bath can also help sunburned skin. Avoid bath salts, perfumes, or oils because they can further irritate your skin. Using an aloe vera gel or lotion, or other drugstore treatment can help relieve skin. Do not apply butter or oil to sunburns.

Until the sunburn has healed, stay out of the sun and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration is frequently a by-product of a sunburn. Avoid drinking alcohol because it can dehydrate skin further.

Use a sunburn Over-The-Counter remedy containing aloe vera. Use a light moisturizer or a dusting of powder to relieve chafing. Avoid perfumes or scented items. * Use Over-the-counter analgesics to relieve the pain and headache and reduce the fever.

Use an OTC topical steroid cream such as Cortaid if the pain persists. Don’t use local anesthetic creams or sprays that numb pain such as Benzocaine. They can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Rest in a comfortable position, in a cool, quiet room. Stay out of the sun.

Chemical sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens absorb the harmful ultraviolet light to protect the skin against sunburn. Because different chemicals have varying effects on UVA and UVB protection, a combination of chemicals is usually used in sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, to make the chemicals cinnamates, octocrylene and the less commonly used para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and derivatives more active on the skin.

Physical sunscreens

Physical sunscreens deflect UV radiation from the skin rather than absorb it. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are particularly effective, especially for the nose and ears. The spectrum of titanium dioxide protection extends into the UVA range and so it is often included in combinations with chemical sunscreens.

Drink plenty of fluids to replace the water lost through sweating in the sun, and to cool down. Do not drink alcohol because it will dehydrate you further.

For mild sunburn, apply a moisturising lotion or a special aftersun cream from a pharmacy. Aftersun helps to cool the skin as well as moisturising and relieving the feeling of tightness. Calamine lotion can also be used to relieve itching and soreness.

For adults, painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.

more posts of interest:

• Best Sunburn Homemade Cure
• Sunburn Causes, Symptoms and Home Remedies
• Sunburn Relief – Effective Sunburn Treatment
• Home and Natural Remedies for Sunburn Treatment
• Sunburn Treatment Few Effective Herbal Remedies

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes scaling and inflammation and is believed to be a disorder of the immune system. This non-contagious skin disorder is extremely uncomfortable and highly unattractive, causing the individual possible embarrassment. Psoriasis affects about 2 to 2.6 percent of the population and doesn’t seem to discriminate against age, race or gender.

What causes psoriasis?

Though we aren’t positive of the exact cause, research has shown that psoriasis is most likely to be an overabundance of T cells. T cells are a type of white blood cell that helps protect the body against infection or disease. The T cells cause the inflammation and excessive skin cell reproduction, which leads to skin inflammation and flaking.

Symptoms

This is a rather complex subject. Though in all forms of psoriasis, there is a rash present, different types of psoriasis exhibit a different type of rash.

- Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis, which displays red-based legions that are covered by silvery scales.

- Guttate psoriasis appears on the trunk of the body, arms, legs and scalp and produces drop-like legions. Viral respiratory infections or certain bacterial infections may initiate this type of psoriasis.

- Pustular psoriasis displays itself as blisters filled with puss. Medications, sunlight, infections, pregnancy, perspiration, stress or exposure to certain chemicals may trigger pustular psoriasis.

- Inverse psoriasis produces large dry, smooth, very red area that occur in the folds of the skin in places such as under breasts, in armpits, or in areas near genitals. This form of psoriasis is associated with sensitivity to friction and perspiration.

- Erythrodermic psoriasis produces widespread areas of reddening and scaly skin. Severe sunburn or the use of steroids may cause this form of psoriasis.

At times, diagnosis can be difficult because it can resemble other skin disorders. In some cases, a doctor may opt to remove a small piece of skin from the affected area and have a biopsy performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

All forms of treatment for this disorder should be under advisement of a doctor. Due to the different types of psoriasis and the possibility of misdiagnosing the disorder, it could be harmful for an individual to take it upon themselves to treat psoriasis without consulting a physician. Treatment is usually done in steps according to the severity of the psoriasis.

more posts of interest:

• Psoriasis Explained – Causes and Psoriasis Treatment
• Psoriasis And Its Possible Treatments
• Introduction To Psoriasis
• Psoriasis: Symptoms and treatment – Part 4
• Psoriasis: Symptoms and treatment

When your skin comes in contact with an allergen that your skin is sensitive or allergic to you will develop what is called a skin allergy.

Skin allergies also occur:

When you eat food or even proteins you breathe in may cause symptoms to appear on your skin. These reactions are commonly called hives or rashes, and usually appears within 48 hours after the initial exposure to the allergen.

Symptoms commonly seen in skin allergies are:

Redness

Swelling

Blistering

Itching

Hives and rashes.

You can even develop a skin allergy to a substance in a product that you have used for many years. The product does not have to be a new one. The most common types of allergic contact dermatitis are allergies to:

Poison ivy

Oak

Sumac

Another fairly common type of skin allergy is:

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Atopic Dermatitis is especially common in infants and children. Atopic dermatitis is the most difficult to treat. Atopic dermatitis usually goes away during childhood, or by the age of 25. However, for some people it is a lifelong skin disease. Adults can also develop atopic dermatitis.

Researchers have found that atopic dermatitis can be triggered by:

Allergy

Emotional stress

Involves high levels of immunoglobulin E (lgE), which is the major allergy antibody.

It is also related to the development of other allergies, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma, in most children.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis are:

Itchy rash that appears first as small white pimples with red centers over the infants cheeks, neck and scalp. When the infant begins to scratch the rash, the area can become infected, produce fluid and spread over a wider area.

The rash can also appear on the outside surfaces of the arms and legs. It often does not appear in the diapered area.

In older children the rash appears on the:

Inner forearm;

Behind the knees and

Opposite the elbows.

Over time if the skin is chronically affected by the rash, it will become dry, thick and browner in color. Some children develop the rash on the eyelids, palms of the hand and soles of the feet.

Teenagers and young adults get the rash most often in:

The bend of the elbow;

Back of the knees, ankles and wrists;

On the face

Neck

Chest

And palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Atopic dermatitis is not contagious. However, if the scratching leads to a bacterial infection such as Staphylococcus aureus of an area covered by eczema, this can cause impetigo. Impetigo is a skin infection that is contagious.

A doctor will take a careful medical history, looking for allergy in other family members. Skin testing helps confirm food allergies. A food challenge can also confirm that atopic dermatitis is triggered by food.

A food challenge is when suspected foods are removed from the diet, and then they are added back in, first in small amounts then in increasing quantities. The patient is watched to see if symptoms recur.

Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis begins with efforts to reduce the itching and inflammation. A person affected with Atopic Dermatitis can:

Bathe in warm water not hot water for no more than 3-5 minutes.

Use super fatted, unscented soap or soap substitute.

Pat the skin dry.

Promptly apply moisturizer to help keep the skin hydrated.

For thickened skin area, moisturizing ointments are used.

Trim the patients fingernails to reduce problems from scratching.

At night, patients can wear cotton socks on their feet or gloves on their hands to prevent scratching while asleep.

If the rash is oozing, doctors may prescribe a lotion to dry the rash and an antibiotic to treat infection. Do not use corticosteroid products on the face if a rash is present.

Other ways you can help control and treat Atopic Dermatitis are:

Stay indoors in air conditioning when the weather is hot to avoid sweating and itchiness.

Use a humidifier in the winter to keep skin from drying out.

Avoid wool, polyester, wrinkle-resistant, flame-retardant or scratchy fabrics in clothes and bedding.

Reduce indoor allergens by washing bedding in hot water, removing rugs, stuffed furniture, stuffed toys and curtains where possible.

If symptoms resist normal treatment remember that the disease can be controlled. It may take awhile to find out the cause and what the best treatment for it is. The condition also nearly always improves over time.

A new drug called tacgolimus has shown good results in both adults and children with atopic dermatitis.

more posts of interest:

• Common Skin Allergies – Part 1
• Eczema – Simplified Guide To Eczema
• Causes and cures of eczema
• Diseases of Hands-skin Disorders
• What is Irritant Contact Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the things to consider with hair loss and variations on the scalp. Aging, diseases or other disorders are some reasons for occurring of hair loss. To ensure that it is not a more severe complication when one begins to develop the hair loss, they will want to make research. It should be treated continuously and as soon as possible when one leads to hair loss since it is a common inherited disorder affecting so many people.

Change in skin texture

Seborrheic dermatitis is also known as dandruff, eczema or cradle cap. The change in skin texture on you scalp is result of this. This will comprise either greasy or oily areas over the scalp or white flakes that are impending on your scalp. There is also itching and redness that will the affect in variety of areas of the scalp many times. It will also result in hair loss based on the condition of this specific scalp.

Medicated shampoo

It is vital to find a treatment for it, if you have found any of these symptoms that are connected to seborrheic dermatitis. Usually, you can discover a medicated shampoo that is applied directly onto the scalp area and will vary the balance of the skin on your scalp. Depending on the shampoo you are using, it will contain a diverse of ingredients that will help. In order to avoid seborrheic dermatitis you can get a prescribed medication from a health care provider if this doesnt alter the symptoms. These shampoos will comprise medications such as salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin and selenium. The approved medications will have stronger amounts of these ingredients in them, as well as added ketoconazole and corticosteroids. To get your scalp back to the usual condition you can also massage your head. For children who are dealing with seborrheic dermatitis this is especially effective.

Prevention of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Though seborrheic dermatitis cannot easily be prevented, it can easily be treated with the right shampoos and care for the hair. It may possible to experience the symptoms again if you once developed the symptoms. To prevent the problem you will need to continue to make use of the shampoos that are having medication in them and take the necessary measures. Seborrheic dermatitis is known as an inherited problem with the scalp. This is one of the reasons why it cant be prevented. Many treatment options are available.

Scalp disorder

If you are dealing with a discrepancy in your scalp area, it could be linked with the scalp disorder of seborrheic dermatitis. You can able to treat your hair and get you scalp back and help it look healthy by understanding what seborrheic dermatitis is, as well as finding the right treatment. Continuous occurring of hair loss can be prevented by treating this disorder. You can consult a health care provider about possible treatments, if you are having a difficult time from preventing this problem. Approaching seborrheic dermatitis and knowing how to treat the difficulty will help you in maintaining a healthy scalp and hair.

more posts of interest:

• Self-care Tips on Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment
• Capillus Scalp Serum containing Hemp oil Treatment for Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Atopic Eczema and Itchiness 8x5ml/0,2Floz
• Eczema Treatment – Part 1
• Understanding seborrheic dermatitis
• Loma Lux Homeopathic Medicine, Psoriasis, 8 fl oz (237 ml)