Archive for July, 2010

Sun Damage: Preventing And Treating

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Sun damage is also known as photo damage, and is refers to how the sun reacts on the skin. This sun damage is a type of early aging which is not intrinsic, caused by the surrounding. It is particularly hastened by repeated exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. These rays are harmful, and are a form of radiation from the sun. Some may penetrate deep into the skin, while others affect the surface of the skin.

Some people are at risk from sun damages, and these are those who have sustained burns. Certain medications too can place one at higher risks of the damage, and so do genetics. One should protect themselves, and avoid the afternoon sun. Treatment includes medication prescriptions, or cosmetic procedures. One should however talk to their dermatologist about the level of sun damage, so as to know the right and proper treatment for them. But prevention is always better than treatment.

Is It Safe To Tan Indoors?

Monday, July 5th, 2010

It has been proved beyond reasonable doubt that the sun’s ultraviolet can cause premature aging, and also skin cancer. Having known this, most people opt to tan their skins indoors, from parlors that claim their ultraviolet rays are safe. But the truth of the matter is that there is nothing like a safe tan, for even this rays found in indoor parlors will damage the skin with time. Teenagers are especially fond of these indoor tanning parlors, but what they fail to know is that any exposure to these ultraviolet rays will make the skin age, cause wrinkles, and may invite skin cancer. In fact, persons who have burn scars are especially at high risks for they do not have the protective pigment cells in the affected areas, found in normal humans.

In brief, while being outdoor is great for one’s health and development, exposure to artificial sources of radiation is harmful, and one may pay much money, top get their skins damaged.

Honey Dressings On Burns

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Honey has been found to work wonders on burns on human bodies. Studies that have been done over the years have found out that patients with mild or moderate burns and wounds healed faster when honey was applied, faster than most other dressings. However, researchers warn that still there are more researches to be done, before honey can be recommended as a suitable and ideal dressing for burns. For example one study showed that a honey dressing used under bandages did not necessarily increase leg burns or ulcers healing after a period of 12 weeks.

Honey has been used for ages to treat wounds and burns. Although science is yet to determine what makes honey effective as a burn dressing, researcher try to concentrate on the antibacterial activities of the various varieties of honey. Honey has been found to heal, apart from burns, ulcers and other wounds that take long to heal.

Good Hand Care

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Good well taken care of hands can tell a lot about yourself in terms of how you lead your life, and take care of your body in general. However, having hands that are soft and well taken care of is not as easy as it sounds. The following tips can be used by anyone to make their hands softer, and more attractive.

One should begin by knowing that the area around the hands is delicate and thin, so handle it with special care. One can try moisturizing their hands4 times a day, and use face exfoliator on hands at least once a week. Besides, it is always advisable for one to apply face cream before retiring to bed.

What should one do to dry hands? Well, one can try washing hands with soap, then wet than again, pour salt on them and scrub under water, before drying them and applying moisturizer. Greased hands can be cleaned with cornmeal.

Sun Care Tips And Facts

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Although the sun may be good for young children who have a deficiency in vitamin D, it can cause cancer and other health related problems if one exposes themselves to it for long. The following tips and facts can help one take good care of their selves from the sun.

One should know that the sun is different in various parts. Around the equator or high altitudes, one is likely to get sunburns. Sunscreens and protective clothings may help. Sunscreen may irritate eyes, and to minimize chances of this, one should clean their hands before and after applying sunscreen. Those who have spent much time outdoors and exposed themselves to the sun may develop actinic keratosis. This condition later leads to cancer of the skin, and one should always cover themselves when in the open. If one is going to expose themselves for long durations outdoor, they should use round hats to cover their faces, and clothings that cover their hands, forearms, and neck from direct sunlight.

Burns; Types And Treatments

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Burns are at times very painful, and knowing how tot treat them is advisable for all. These are first degree burns, second degree burns, and third degree burns.

To begin with, first degree burns are less serious, and they affect the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis. Symptoms include a red skin, pain and swelling. These are treated as minor burns, but in case they affect delicate areas like the face, groin hands, and so forth, one should seek medical treatment. Second degree burns affect both the first and second layers of the skin. They cause blisters, with reddened appearances. At times they make the skin to separate and peel like sunburns. Although they cause much pain and swelling, they are treated as minor burns if they are less than 3 inches in diameter.

Finally, third degree burns can damage several layers of the skin, and even lead to permanent skin damages, nerve damages or bone damages. These burns cause the skin to appear dry and whitish, or charred black.

Actinic Keratoses: The Most Common Skin Pre – Cancer

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Actinic keratosis which is also known as a solar keratosis is a spot that occurs on the skin due to chronic exposure to the sun. This spot is small, tough, and measures between 2 – 6 mm in diameter. Besides, the spot is usually reddish and has a rough texture with a scalp on top. The scalp may be white or yellow.

It is worth noting that an actinic keratosis occurs against a background of damages caused by the sun, which may include wrinkles, superficial blood vessels, or even sallowness. Those suffering from it experience pain and soreness when a finger or cloth rubs against the scalp. Actinic keratoses later lead to cancer, and those who develop this condition are mostly light skinned people who expose themselves to sunlight for long. Their skin becomes wrinkled and discolored as a result especially in the face, back of neck, upper chest and top of hands.