Itching All Over

by zen

Dandruff (Pityriasis capitis) is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Dandruff is sometimes caused by frequent exposure to extreme heat and cold. It is marked by itching and flaking of the skin on our scalp.

Dandruff causes irritation and itching

The main reason for this condition is due to more sweating in the hair follicles and also infection same time. Best way to prevent is to have good hygiene for the hair that can be achieved by regular bathing of hair and also using anti dandruff shampoo.

Excess of use of some medicines may also cause the irritation and thereby causing the dandruff.

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF:

Not enough hair brushing – slightly higher risk of having dandruff – this is because they are not aiding the shedding of skin that combing/brushing provides.

A yeast-like fungus (malassezia): Malassezia is a fungus that lives on everyones’s scalp without causing problems. But sometimes it grows out of control, feeding on the oils secreted by your hair follicles. This can irritate the skin on your scalp and cause more skin cells to grow. The extra skin cells die and fall off, clumping together with oil from our hair and scalp, making them appear white & flaky

Dry skin – people with dry skin tend to get dandruff more often. Winter cold air, combined with overheated rooms is a common cause of itchy, flaking skin. dry skin tend to have small flakes of dandruff; which are not oily.

Seborrheic dermatitis (irritated, oily skin) – The patient will have red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. this affects not only our scalp but also other areas rich in oil glands

Not enough shampooing – If you don’t regularly wash your hair, oils and skin cells from your scalp can build up, causing dandruff.-

Certain skin conditions – People with psoriasis(silvery scales), eczema and some other skin disorders tend to get dandruff much more frequently than other people.

Some illnesses – Adults with Parkinson’s disease and some other neurological illnesses are more prone to having dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Patients recovering from heart attacks and strokes, and some people with weak immune systems may have dandruff more often than other people.

Reaction to hair/skin care products – Some people react to some hair care products with a red, itchy, scaling scalp.

Diet – lack of zinc, B vitamins, and some types of fats are more prone to dandruf

Mental stress – stress and many skin problems are inter related.

HIV – these persons are prone to many skin conditions

SYMPTOMS:

1. There are white/grey flakes of skin on the scalp, and in the person’s hair
2.Flakes may be oily looking
3. Head may feel tight and itchy
4. Head may feel tingly
5. Head may feel sore
6.Red, flaky, greasy patches of skin in adults
7.Crusting and scaling rash on scalp in babies

Scaling can occur anywhere on the scalp, in the hair, on the eyebrows, the beard and can spread to the neck and shoulders.

MANAGEMENT:

1.Proper shampooing
2.Proper diet
3. Avoid stress factors
4. Follow the physcians guide

more posts of interest:

• Complete Details About Fucidin Cream
• Causes Scalp Eczema
• All About Eczema
• Eczema Remedy For Unexpurgated People
• Rubbing The Itchy Truth About Dermatitis

by eagle.dawg

Dog hot spots are inflamed areas of skin that cause a dog a great deal of discomfort, resulting in them licking and biting at the area. The more the dog licks and bites at the area, the more inflamed it becomes, and without treatment can lead to unsightly lesions, which are very painful for the dog. Also known as moist dermatitis, these skin conditions can flare up within minutes, and can spread quite rapidly, resulting in chronic skin irritation and hair loss in the affected area.

Symptoms: Moist dermatitis can be recognized as a hot patch of moist, reddened skin, which is very obviously causing the dog much discomfort and distress. In extreme cases where the skin is broken, the area may be bleeding, and if left untreated can develop into pussy secretions as infection sets in.

Causes: Allergic skin reactions are often triggered by an environmental stimulus such as grass seeds, pollen, house dust, or fleas, and allergies to certain foods or food additives. Ectoparasites, anal gland disorders, and sensitivity to clipping and grooming may also cause skin inflammations in dogs. Breeds which seem to be most susceptible to hot spots include the long haired varieties such as retrievers, collies and shepherds, but it is also common in short haired breeds.

Treatment: To treat these types of skin allergies it is necessary to first treat the symptoms, and then to isolate and treat the cause of problem in order to prevent recurrence. When treating a dog at home, it may be necessary to restrain or even sedate the dog, as the skin my be painful to touch, causing him to show aggression when handled. After treatment an Elizabethan collar may need to be temporarily fitted to allow the area to heal without the dog interfering with the wound.

The following steps need to be taken to treat the affected area:

First of all clip the hair away from the infected area before commencing treatment, so that the wound is visible and can be cleaned and treated effectively.

The infected area then needs to be washed with a medicated shampoo or soap, and then gently patted dry.

Then try to bring some relief and reduce heat by applying a cold compress using cold tea bags to draw away inflammation and dry out the lesion.

There are a few different options in terms of medical treatment that you can apply to treat the symptoms of moist dermatitis, and your choice will be determined by how severe the case is. If the wound is secreting puss, this indicates bacterial infection, and requires treatment by applying an anti-bacterial cream and/or antibiotics administered orally. To reduce inflammation and relieve itching antihistamine tablets can be given, or hydro-cortisone ointment applied to the area.

Finally, prevention is better than cure, and you will save time, money, and poor Fido will be a lot happier if you get to the root of what is causing the skin problem in the first place, and take precautions to prevent recurrence. For example, if it is an allergy to fleas, then this needs to be addressed, if it is a food related allergy, then Fido may need a change of diet.

Jennifer is a dog and cat health professional specializing in dog skin problems. She highly suggests all-natural treatments for cat allergy treatment.

*UPDATE*: Unfortunately Jasmine (The Retic featured) never made it and died on May 1st 2009. RIP —– a short video shot at my friends, Jen & Andy’s, they run a rescue based here in Scotland and asked me to video them treating a very severe case of Scale-Rot to show you guys, the following was written by Jen to go alongside the video: Scale rot – Kayuadi Retic – Jasmine Blister disease is a common condition in reptiles due to poor environmental management that is, housing the reptile in overly-moist or dirty surroundings. It is also known as vesicular dermatitis, necrotizing dermatitis or scale rot. This is because the animal is forced to lie on a damp substrate, often saturated with urine, faeces or rotting food and not surprisingly, the skin becomes infected and effectively rots. The first signs are usually watery blisters on the reptiles skin. These blisters then burst and transfer the infection into the reptiles body, leading to septicemia, an infection of the blood which is potentially fatal, as well as infection in the internal organs. In addition, the skin around the initial blister may rot away leaving the body exposed and even more vulnerable to other bacterial and fungal invasions as well as injuries, abrasions and burns. Mites can also spread bacteria to the blisters and in some cases, bacteria can cause abscesses at the site of the blisters which recur as ulcers following the next shed. This cycle continues until the snake eventualy dies. source for above …

more posts of interest:

• Finally, Manual Reveals octor’s Major New Break-through- How To Send Whole Body Psoriasis, Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms nd Eczema Into Remission With Proven Treatment in Just ays!
• The Big Book of Home Remedies Volume 1
• The Natural Psoriasis Remedy – Home
• Sentinel For Dogs Prevents Fleas And Heartworm
• Symptoms And Treatment For Eczema.

by Kerry Buckley

Did you know that many, perhaps 75%, of all conventional medications are refinements of herbal medicines? One example of this is the isolation of morphine from opium in 1806. This was the first time that chemical methods were used to extract the active chemical constituents of an herb. The chemical processes used to isolate morphine led to the production of codeine, the widely used cough suppressant. There are countless examples of commonly used medications which come from various plant materials, some of which can often be found right in your own backyard.

Although you should always consult your physician for medical conditions before using any treatment, natural or synthetic, the purpose of this article is to inform you of the various botanically-derived remedies that may be considered for treating some of the most common skin problems. There are many advantages to using herbs rather than the drugs derived from them. A standard medication consists of one, or occasionally two, medically active chemical compounds, plus carrier compounds and a buffer. Herbs and herbal formulas usually contain at least dozens, and in many cases, hundreds, of active ingredients. The many active ingredients act on the body, and on one another, simultaneously. This serves to make the primary active ingredients of the herb more effective. It also serves to prevent the toxic reactions that can lead to side effects. Herbal remedies are more likely to correct conditions without creating additional problems.

Although there are many techniques for making herbal remedies, for the purpose of skin and hair treatments and to simplify the process for home remedy use, I recommend purchasing the herb in the form of its essential oil. Essential Oils are highly concentrated extracts of the herb and can be purchased in small dropper bottles at your local nutrition store or online. Just one drop of essential oil is often equal to 1 full ounce of the plant.

Before applying essential oil to skin or hair, you must ALWAYS dilute the oil first. A carrier (or base) is used for this purpose. The carrier can be a natural oil like olive, jojoba, apricot kernel or similar oil. You could also use your favorite unscented lotion or shampoo or conditioner as a carrier base. I often use organic aloe vera gel as a base for treating skin conditions because of the extraordinary healing benefits of the aloe vera plant. I also prefer the use of aloe vera gel because it is not oily or greasy on the skin.

A good rule of thumb for diluting the essential oil into the carrier base for the purpose of treating a skin ailment is to use about 8 to10 drops of essential oil to 1 full ounce of the carrier base. If you are using more than one type of essential oil, then divide the drops evenly to equal 8 to10 drops total of the various essential oils to 1 full ounce of the carrier base.

Below is a list of 40 herbs, each with its summary of healing benefits. Simply choose between 1 to 3 herbs to use for the particular ailment you are treating and add the appropriate number of drops to your carrier base as explained above. Stir it or shake it to blend the ingredients well and store in a tightly sealed container. Apply it to the affected area 2 to 3 times per day.

Aloe Vera:
Greatest natural source of alpha hydroxy acid. Hydrating, soothing, moisturizing and healing for all skin types. Aloe Vera has extraordinary healing properties, is anti-inflammatory and can soothe the skin and help heal cuts, grazes, burns, radiation burns and insect bites.

Angelica:
Good for dull, irritated, inflamed skin, psoriasis, and fungal infections.

Basil:
Conditions the hair and stimulates hair growth, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-infectious, antibiotic, very good insect repellent and also good for acne.

Bergamot:
Good for eczema, herpes, acne, psoriasis, skin infections, cold sores, blisters, shingles, and chicken pox. Antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory.

Burdock:
Excellent for boils, eczema and chronic skin and hair problems. Prevents body’s own immune system from attacking the skin, kills streptococcus bacteria and many disease-causing fungi that infect cracked skin. Add to shampoo or conditioner as a scalp treatment to improve hair strength, shine, body, and to combat hair loss, itching and/or dandruff.

Calendula:
Anti-hemorrhage, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, fungicidal. Excellent for burns, cuts, eczema, oily greasy skin, bruises, soothes skin, inflammations, insect bites, rashes, wounds, cracked dry skin, stretch marks and diaper rash.

Cedarwood:
Cleansing properties, antiseptic, anti-fungal, good for oily or blemished skin, natural astringent used in acne treatments. Relieves eczema, psoriasis, skin inflammation, dandruff, insect bites, hair loss, dry or oily hair, softens the skin.

Chamomile:
Chamomile is excellent for many types of skin conditions as well as severely infected skin. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, good for hypersensitive skin, eczema, skin rashes, acne, rosacea and allergic skin reactions. Brings out natural brightness and highlights in hair when used in a shampoo.

Chickweed:
Chickweed is excellent for sores, abscesses, skin irritations and rashes. Chickweed has an anti-inflammatory action similar to cortisone.

Cinnamon:
Good for infections, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-fungal, warts, anti-viral

Citronella:
Insect repellent, keeps away mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and other insects.

Clary Sage:
Regenerates skin cells. Good for oily skin and hair, blemishes, mature, wrinkled or inflamed skin, acne, boils and puffy skin.

Cypress:
Natural astringent and antibiotic. Good for mature skin, oily skin and acne. Stimulates cell regeneration.

Comfrey Root:
One of the most valuable plants in both cosmetics and medicine. Regenerates aging tissues.

Eucalyptus:
Antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-infectious and anti-parasitic. Regenerates skin cells. Good for insect bites and rashes.

Everlasting:
Excellent for acne, scar tissue, mature skin, stretch marks, spots, warts, old scars, dermatitis, broken veins and burns. Antibacterial properties.

Frankincense:
Good for dry, mature, aging skin, acne, scars, reduces wrinkles, balances out oily skin, healing for all skin types. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, natural astringent.

Goldenseal:
Excellent anti-fungal with antibiotic properties that fights secondary bacterial infections.

Gotu Kola:
Good for wounds, scarring and psoriasis. Stimulates the regeneration of skin cells and underling connective tissue, beneficial effect on collagen and inhibits its excessive production in scar formation, accelerates the healing of burns and skin grafts and minimizes scarring.

Grapefruit:
Used for acne, athletes foot, tones and tightens skin, antiseptic, disinfectant, detoxifier and anti-infectious. Good astringent for oily skin and hair, aids in hair growth.

Green Tea:
Natural anti-oxidant used in cosmetics expecially to reduce the puffiness around the eyes. Also has astringent properties.

Hibiscus:
Natural source of Vitamin C and malic acid. Used by the to treat wounds, dandruff and stimulate hair growth. Has antibacterial properties.

Hyssop:
Good for acne, bruises, cuts, wounds, dermatitis, eczema, inflammations, scars, and cell regeneration.

Jasmine:
Used for sensitive, mature, aging skin and stretch marks. Beneficial for dry, greasy, irritated skin.

Lavender:
One of the most popular herbs, lavender is excellent for many skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, sunburn, insect bites, infections, rashes, infected hair follicles, pimples, black heads and light forms of acne. Antiseptic, analgesic, antispasmodic, tonic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti-infectious, antitoxin and anti-parasitic

Lemon Balm:
Good for infections, acne, boils, warts; increases shine and growth of hair and nails, antibiotic, astringent, and antiseptic. Beneficial for oily complexions, hair and skin blemishes.

Lemongrass:
Good for infections and acne. Natural astringent, antiseptic, anti-infectious, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal. Also good for enlarged pores.

Myrrh:
Beneficial for inflamed skin, boils, athlete’s foot, chapped skin, mature skin, wrinkles and ringworm.

Neroli:
Scar tissue, improves elasticity and reduces stretch marks. Good facial softener, great for overall skin care, regenerates skin cells and tones mature, dry, sensitive skin.

St. John’s Wort:
Excellent antibacterial and antiviral properties for the treatment of burns, cuts, scrapes, and minor skin irritations. Also may be helpful herpes breakouts.

Palmarosa:
Good for acne, scarring, blackheads, athlete’s foot, eczema and other fungal infections. Antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-infectious, antiseptic, moisturizing, regenerates skin cells, aids in regulating oil production of the skin.

Patchouli:
Natural antiseptic, anti-fungal and antibacterial. Used for dermatitis, athlete’s foot, ringworm, parasites, rejuvenates skin cells, mature and dry skin, scars, eczema, inflamed, cracked skin, acne, eliminates dandruff, repels bugs, and relieves insect bites.

Ravensara:
Natural antiseptic, antiviral, antitoxin, antibiotic and anti-infectious. Beneficial for cold sores, herpes, and shingles.

Rose:
Natural astringent, anti-infectious, antiseptic, astringent, antiviral and emollient. Regenerates cells, heals radiation burns more quickly, good for scarring and for use on all skin types especially mature, dry and sensitive

more posts of interest:

• How to pevent dry skin?
• Dry Skin in Dogs
• What Are The Common Forms Of Dermatitis Skin Problems?
• Natural Home Remedies for Ringworm – Practical Guide to Get Rid of Ringworm
• Finally, Manual Reveals octor’s Major New Break-through- How To Send Whole Body Psoriasis, Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms nd Eczema Into Remission With Proven Treatment in Just ays!

When people are diagnosed with psoriasis, it changes them physically because of the lesions that appear on the skin. But, just as importantly, it may influence how they work, play, view themselves and interact with others.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis may be one of the oldest recorded skin conditions. It was probably first described around 35 AD. Some evidence indicates an even earlier date. Yet, until recently, little was known about psoriasis.

While scientists still do not fully know what causes psoriasis, research has significantly advanced our understanding. One important breakthrough began with the discovery that kidney-transplant recipients who had psoriasis experienced clearing when taking cyclosporine. Since cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive medication, this indicates that the immune system is involved.

Can Genetics Cause Psoriasis?

Family History. Some people who have a family history of psoriasis never develop this condition. Research indicates that a trigger is needed. Stress, skin injuries, a strep infection, certain medications, and sunburn are some of the known potential triggers. Medications that can trigger psoriasis are anti-malarial drugs, beta-blockers (medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions), and lithium. Dermatologists have seen psoriasis suddenly appear after a person takes one of these medications, gets a strep infection, or experiences another trigger.

Phototherapy Treatment for Psoriasis

Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under medical supervision. Treatments usually take place in a doctor’s office or psoriasis clinic. However, it is possible to follow a treatment regimen at home with a unit prescribed by your doctor. The key to success with phototherapy is consistency.

Is psoriasis contagious?

No. You can’t catch psoriasis from another person or give it to someone by touching them, and you can’t spread it to other parts of your body.

For years people with psoriasis had options that were either time consuming or had difficult side effects. However the new science of biologics is offering treatments that may help people not only manage their disease but also clear psoriasis for months and sometimes years.

more posts of interest:

• Living With Psoriasis Skin Disease
• Psoriasis – What is it and how to treat it
• Psoriasis Treatment: Understanding Your Options
• Psoriasis: Symptoms and treatment – Part 4
• Psoriasis

Skin Rash is a type of red bump that forms on your body. There are many reasons for the cause of skin rash. This word is freely used in normal language to denote a number of skin conditions.

Skin Rash Types

Most commonly occurring skin rash types are:

* Non-infected scaly patches on the skin.

* Red, itchy patches or bumps all over the skin.

* Scaly patches on skin caused by fungal or bacterial infection.

Skin rashes are rarely categorized as dangerous, but still warrant medical attention. Self-diagnosis for skin rashes should not be done. Proper evaluation of the skin rash type requires a doctor visit. The following list of skin rash types may help you to categorize the condition.

Non infected scaly patches on the skin:

Scaly and itchy skin rash type usually stands for a condition known as eczema.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. “Dermatitis” means skin inflammation. “Atopic” refers to hereditary diseases. This skin rash type is normally hereditary which often starts in childhood with symptoms like scaly patches on the arms, legs, scalp and torso.

Atopic dermatitis may spread to inner elbows and knees during the teenage. Adults are affected by atopic dermatitis on the genitals, around the eyelids, on the hand and all over the body as well. These diseases may include hay fever, asthma and atopic dermatitis.

During atopic dermatitis, the skin turns extremely itchy and inflamed which may result in redness, swelling and cracking. Atopic dermatitis affects off and on for no apparent reason. It is at its worst in winter months, when the air becomes cold and dry.

Contact Dermatitis

The skin rash type caused due to contact with a specific material, which may cause allergy to the skin is know as contact dermatitis. For example poison ivy and jewelry containing nickel causes reactions. Only the touched part is affected by contact dermatitis.

Other Non-infected Scaly Patches

The other kinds of skin rash types are scaly rashes. Psoriasis is also a hereditary condition. Psoriasis affects the knees, elbows and pityriasis rosea, which forms scaly rashes on the chest and back and generally disappears in a month. Xerosis or very dry skin, may appear as rash during the cold, dry months of the year.

Red, itchy patches or bumps all over the skin:

Virus or allergy causes this form of skin rash type.

Allergic drug rash

Allergic drug skin rashes are the skin rashes, which are caused due to drug allergy. They start in about two weeks of a new medication. It is very doubtful that a medicine which has been prescribed for a few months or years to cause a reaction. There is no specific test to prove whether a skin rash is allergic as a result of which doctors recommend stopping a suspected drug to see the results.

Viral Skin Rash

Viral infections of the skin like herpes mostly occur on one part of the body, viral rashes also occur all over the body and are symmetrical. These viral rashes usually last about a week and vanish on their own.

Other Red, Itchy Patches Or Bumps

Urticaria or Hives are red welts that are itchy. They appear and disappear on different body parts. Most people use the term “skin rash” to describe the conditions of pimples or rosacea on the facial skin, because of the vagueness of the term. They certainly do not fall into any skin rash types.

Scaly patches on skin caused by fungal or bacterial infection:

Bacterial infections

The most common skin rash type caused by bacterial infection is impetigo. Impetigo is caused by strep germs and is more common in children. This again is not due to poor hygiene.

Fungal infections

Fungal infections are common but not as frequent as rashes in the eczema category. Hygiene is not the cause for fungal infections as clean people are also prone to them. Fungal infections are not contagious. The fungal infection skin rash type is not caught from animals, nor is it transmitted in gyms, showers or pools.

more posts of interest:

• Skin Rash – Part 1
• Eczema – Simplified Guide To Eczema
• What You Should Know About Eczema
• Atopic Dermatitis, and Other Types of Eczema
• A Short Classification of Eczema