How to Care for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that is characterized by inflamed lesions and silvery white scales. It may appear in only a few isolated spots, or can be widespread over the body, and most typcially appears in people between the ages of 15 to 35.

There are five types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body and is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.

Things You’ll Need:

* Vitamin A
* Zinc
* Evening primrose oil
* Aloe vera
* Flaxseed oil
* Vitamin C

1.            Get some sun. Natural sunlight has been shown to sigificantly improve, or clear, psoriasis. Get regular daily doses, but keep them short and avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the rays are strongest.

2.       Add over-the-counter tar solutions, bath oil, oatmeal, Epsom salts and Dead Sea salts to your bath. All of these will help soften the skin.

3.         Use moisturizers after bathing and periodically during the day. These may not clear the psoriasis, but will help reduce itching and retain moisture in the skin.

4.        Try using aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil or natural vegetable oils as moisturizers. They are a natural and relatively inexpensive way to moisturize the skin.

5.       Take flaxseed oil or evening primrose oil according to directions on label. They supply essential fatty acids which are important for the skin and preventing dryness.

6.       Take natural beta-carotene, 25,000 IU per day. It helps protect skin tissue.

7.    Take zinc, preferably in the form of zinc gluconate lozenges, for maximum absorption. Do not exceed 50 mg per day.

8. Try shark cartilage. Take 1 gm per 15 lbs of body weight. Divide it into 3 doses a day. Shark cartilage has been known to stop the spread of psoriasis, but you will need to give it 2 to 3 months to see results.

9.   Take vitamins A (10,000 IU daily) and E (400-1200 IU daily).

10.   Take Vitamin C (2,000 to 5,000 mg a day) in divided doses. It is necessary for immune system function and for formation of collagen and skin tissue.

11.   Brush scales lightly with a loofah, then apply an alcohol-free extract of the herb goldenseal. This will help reduce inflammation and swelling.

12.   Keep a record of your outbreaks. Psoriasis typically flares up and then improves. Write down what you were doing, eating, or what was going on in your life at the time of a flare-up. Triggers to flare-ups include stress, tension, illness, sunburn, certain drugs and alcohol.

13.   Decrease or eliminate red meat and dairy products. They contain arachidonic acid, a substance that can cause inflammation and, in turn, make your psoriasis lesions swollen and red.

By eHow Health Editor

Summertime Skincare Tips

Sun damage or photo damage produces both skin cancers as well as photo-aging. Photo-aging shows itself on the skin as wrinkling, scaling, dryness, and mottled pigmentation. Ultra-violet light is absorbed by skin, which in turn produces a photo-chemical reaction.

The UVA light is absorbed by both DNA as well as urocanic acid, the photo-chemical reaction produces oxidation of both DNA, nucleide acid, and protein, as well as lipids, this is known as oxidative damage. Anti-oxidants have been evolved to protect against, and reverse some of the damage produced by sunlight. An anti-oxidant mechanism is very advanced in plants that protect against the damage from sun exposure.

Oxidation:

Oxidation is produced by reactive oxygen molecules. The DNA absorbs ultra-violet light mostly in the UVB (290-320 manometres) range. This produces damage mainly within the epidermis. UVA (320-400 manometres) penetrates deeper into the skin and produces damage in the epidermis, the dermis as well as affecting blood vessels. The UVA has a much more oxidizing effect on cells.

The carcinogenic or cancer forming effects of ultra-violet B produce mutations within the DNA. This initiates tumors within the epidermis. The UVA promotes these tumors as it has much more oxidizing stress on the skin than UVB. It may as a result be more cytotoxic and immunosuppressive.

Sunscreens:

Sunscreens certainly protect against ultra-violet light, the sunburning spectrum is UVB and sunscreens are very effective. Ultra-violet A is the most difficult to protect against. It is important to realize that the SPF numbers are calculated with an amount of sunscreen on skin that exceeds what most of us put on our own skin.

The SPF is calculated with a quantity of 2mg. of sunscreen per centimetre2. Most people will put on about half to one quarter of this when used as sun protection. Unfortunately, low quantities of sunscreen of per centimtre2 will have minimal sun protective effects. Usually if 5mg. per cm.2 of sunscreen is applied to the skin, the sun protective factor is in the region of an SPF of 3.

Anti-Oxidants:

Anti-oxidants play a significant part in the protective and repair mechanisms within animals and plants. This can be achieved by anti-oxidants that are produced within the skin itself or by those consumed or applied from plants. The anti-oxidant effects can be divided into those that have their protection through enzymes, and those that tend to reduce the quantity of hydrogen peroxide as well as lipid hydroperoxides.

Tip #1: Use A Powerful Sunscreen

Tip #2: Moisturize Your Skin

Tip #3: Exfoliate Your Skin

Tip #4: Hydrate Your Body

Tip #5: Shave Properly

Herpes Overview

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections occur worldwide and can only be transmitted between humans. There are two subtypes of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is commonly associated with oral infection (herpes labialis or cold sores), whereas HSV-2 is associated with genital infection (herpes genitalium or genital herpes). Although HSV-1 and HSV-2 are usually transmitted by different routes and involve different areas of the body, there is an overlap in their distribution, characteristics, and clinical manifestations. For example, 5%-15% of oral infections are caused by HSV-2, whereas 5%-15% of genital infections are caused by HSV-1.

Primary infection refers to the first time an individual is infected with any type of HSV. This primary event may or may not be accompanied by clinical symptoms and the individual may be unaware of the infection. The primary infection can be accompanied by blisters, ulcers, or red inflamed areas (lesions), which may occur at a variety of body sites including the eye and the internal and external areas of the mouth or genitals.

Once HSV has infected an individual it will remain in the body for life, hidden in a dormant state inside nerve cells. In the majority of infected people, the virus remains dormant for life, whereas in approximately a quarter to a thirdof infected individuals, the virus wakes up (reactivates) and replicates In the presence of an intact immune system, such reactivation may be asymptomatic (without symptoms) or it may exhibit with an eruption of blisters around the mouth or in the genital region including the buttocks. Blisters are typically grouped in a 1 cm diameter circle with some redness, crusting, and occasionally ulceration. Individuals who reactivate the virus without obvious clinical symptoms still make copies (excrete) of it in the oral or genital tract. This phenomenon is called viral shedding and viral shedders are at risk of unknowingly spreading the virus to partners through the sharing of utensils, kissing, or sexual intercourse.

Thus, just because you do not suffer from cold sores or genital herpes does not mean that you have not been infected by HSV. Only a laboratory test, looking for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies, can reliably confirm or exclude infection.

When a primary infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2 has occurred, our immune system will create specific antibodies against the viruses. This event is called seroconversion and an individual with detectable antibodies in serum is called seropositive. HSV-1 infection usually occurs earlier in life than HSV-2 and an infection with HSV-2 in an HSV-1 seropositive person or vice versa is called an initial infection as opposed to a primary infection. Individuals who are infected with both viruses will have detectable antibodies to both HSV-1 and HSV-2. Since the viruses are closely related, HSV-1 antibodies partly protect against HSV-2 infection. Thus, an HSV-2 initial infection in a HSV-1 seropositive individual may be milder than a primary HSV-2 infection.

Social and economic status (socioeconomic) and age influence the frequency of HSV-1 infection. In developing countries, seroconversion occurs early in life. In lower socioeconomic populations, approximately 1/3 of children have been infected by 5 years of age; this frequency increases to 70%-80% by early adolescence. In developed countries, approximately 20% of children are infected prior to the age of five. By the second and third decades of life, 40%-60% are infected. Infections with HSV-2 are usually acquired through sexual contact and, therefore, antibodies to this virus are rarely found before the onset of sexual activity.

Terminology

Asymptomatic infection	No apparent symptoms of infection
Axon	Nerve cell extension
Ganglion/Ganglia	These are the singular and plural for a collection of nerve cell bodies (a nerve center) just like a node in an electricity grid
Host	Infected person
Immunocompetent	Someone with normal immunity
Immunocompromised	Someone with a decreased level of immunity
Initial infection	When an individual previously infected with HSV-1 becomes infected with HSV-2, or vice versa
Latent virus	Dormant virus
Neuron	Nerve cell
Primary infection	First contact with HSV-1 or HSV-2
Reactivation	Activation of dormant virus
Recurrent infection	Reactivation of HSV, with or without symptoms
Seroconversion	Previously HSV antibody-negative patient becomes HSV antibody-positive
Subclinical infection	Asymptomatic infection
Viral shedding	Virus is present on the skin, genitals, or in the mouth, without clinical symptoms

What diseases are caused by HSV?

Herpes lesions can present on many parts of the body other than the mouth and genitalia, including the eye, fingers (herpetic whitlow), and torso or arms in athletes such as wrestlers (herpes gladiatorum). Eczema herpeticum is a particularly severe form of skin herpes in patients with eczema. Herpes can also infect the central nervous system and may cause disease in pregnant women and their newborns (neonatal herpes). Children who had neonatal herpes may experience frequent skin recurrences at many body sites during childhood. People who have a decrease in their immunity (immunocompromised), such as those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or who receive chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs after transplantation, are particularly susceptible to herpes disease. These individuals may have chronic herpes lesions or more wide-spread disease as a result of virus reactivation.

Diet and Supplements for Dry Skin

To combat dry skin, your body needs fats to build fat-rich cells that hold on to moisture. Saturated, monounsaturated and omega-3 fats are key components in the cell membranes . Vegetarians (who eat eggs and dairy products but not meat) eat about one-third less saturated fat than the average meat eater. Vegans (who eat no animal products of any kind) only receive about one half as much saturated fat as the average meat-eating American. As a result, they obtain from their diet much less cholesterol than omnivores.

Although cholesterol has received a bad name due to concerns about its connection with cardiovascular illness, recent studies show that it does have benefits, particularly for some post menopausal women. Cholesterol is needed for key body functions within the cellular membranes that impact the skin. For example, studies show that cholesterol-lowering drugs can lead to dry skin, while decreased levels of essential fatty acids have been associated with dry skin, dry hair, and brittle nails. If you have these symptoms and you are a vegetarian you may want to speak to your doctor to see if you may suffer from an essential fatty acid deficiency.

The best way to assure you get a healthy diet of skin-enhancing fats is by eating a wide variety of whole plant foods. You can get fats from nuts, seeds, olives and avocados Use olive oil, replete with monosaturated fat, for cooking and salad dressings. Coconut oil is also an excellent alternative for it retains its stability at high temperatures. Try to avoid processed foods and deep-fried foods that are rich in trans fats and omega-6 polyrrnsaturated fats. These fats contribute to the production of free radicals, the by-products of oxidation, which is a skin aging process that antioxidant vegetables help tame. Although for many years polyunsaturated vegetable oils, like canola, corn, safflower, and soy were recommended, c anola oil is actually unstable when heated and the processed used to stabilize it turns a certain percentage of the oil into a trans fat.

Eating the undesirable fats found in these oils (as well in trans-fat containing foods such as margarine, most baked goods, fried foods, processed foods and sweets )may increase both wrinkling and the risk of developing skin and other cancers including melanoma. Vegetarians can eat eggs and dairy to obtain saturated fats while vegans can obtain them from coconut oil.

Fish oils are good sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which can increase the lipid content of your cells. They can be obtained from fish like salmon, as well as supplements with Omega-3 or Cod Liver Oil capsules. Omega-3s help your skin by providing essential fats needed for cellular integrity while they also prevent inflammation which can lead to the formation of dark spots in pigmented skin types.
Antioxidants are helpful in fighting free radicals - renegade oxygen molecules that cause cellular aging and wrinkles.

Also look for products that contain ingredients that help your skin retain moisture, such as essential fatty acids along with ingredients like lecithin to strengthens kin cell membranes. Look for products that are also third party tested to ensure they are free of environmental toxins. It is important in purchasing essential fats to ensure that you find a pure, well-tested source, free of environmental contaminants.

Several studies have suggested that it is better to get antioxidants through natural food sources instead of supplements, but if this is not possible or additional vitamin intake is needed, supplements can be a valuable help.

SUPPLEMENTS
The following oral supplements that contain the below nutrients can all be helpful to your skin:

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant mineral. Selenium. Some scientific evidence suggests that consumption of selenium may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. However, FDA has determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive. Vitamins A, C, E, B5, alpha lipoic acid, and grape seed extract, Ester-C , CoQro, lutein, as well as zinc, selenium, copper, and lycopene. Take these supplements according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Taking glucosamine supplements increases hyaluronic acid production. Hyaluronic acid (also called Hyaluronan) is a component of connective tissue whose function is to cushion and lubricate. Vitamin C can be especially beneficial, although it is tough to get ample quantities from supplements, every little bit helps. Be cautious of a laxative effect from vitamin C. take small doses at first then build gradually to endure to reaction has occurred. Buffered vitamin C is also available for those with sensitive digestive tracks. Complementing your daily skin care regimen with skin supportive supplements can boost the benefits to your skin.

Plastic Surgery and Skin Care

Twenty years ago, plastics surgeons and dermatologists performed very different roles. The surgeon would take care of nose jobs, liposuction and the very radical, face lift, while the dermatologist would handle skin care, checking moles and taking care of things like rashes. My, how the times have changed!

Today, our society has increasingly become youth-obsessed. More Westerners than ever are flocking to day spas, dermatology clinics and plastic surgeons for everything from Botox injections, to chemical peels to seaweed facials. Somewhere along this line the two once-separate fields merged and now we have a never-ending supply of choices from radical procedures to minor topical ones. Read more

Skin Care Industry Editorial

Many consumers are frustrated by skin care products that don’t do what they claim to. Worse still is investing in an expensive yet ineffective cream or treatment only to discover the cheapest drug-store brand would work just as well. In a world of hyper-consumerism, false advertising and a plethora of products from which to choose, how do you choose the good from the bad?

There are some great products on the market that can genuinely improve your skin’s appearance and help your skin look smoother, more radiant, and youthful. But, there are literally thousands of products to choose from and unless you spend hours a day researching beauty products, it’s difficult to find the one of the few that actually produces real results and eliminates years of aging from your face and body.

In a marketing-rich world of super models and glamorous actors, many will understandably spend any amount of money to make themselves look better or younger. Cosmetic surgery and skin care is a multi-billion dollar industry.

As the law of supply and demand proves, the higher the demand for youth and beauty, the more manufacturers will rush to provide the solution. Many times this rush results in the creation of an inferior product with little to no research and development to back it.

All of the money goes into the marketing of the product. On the surface, everything looks great. The bottles and jars that the creams come in look appealing. The magazine advertisements are glossy, complete with a youthful looking model or a well known celebrity who doesn’t even really use the products.

You can’t really blame these companies. When you are spending a fortune paying for marketing, whether it be on the product containers, magazine, radio, and TV ads, royalties paid to celebrities and models, you have to charge a lot of money for your products or you’re going to lose money.

On the other hand, this doesn’t mean you and I have to fall for these types of marketing schemes. After all, these companies aren’t going to encounter any shortage of people who will open their wallets and purses to purchase their products anytime soon. The reality is most people simply won’t take any time to research products and understand what ingredients work and what ingredients are actually bad for your skin.

So, here is a challenge to you as a cosmetic consumer. Do your homework. Know where you are “voting” your hard-earned money. If it is important to you, make sure you are investing in a quality skin care ingredient with study-based or proven results. If the environment and being ‘green’ is important to you, then be aware of the manufacturing practices of the company and product you support with your purchase.

You have the power to make the change. If you continue to accept inferior cosmetic products, they will continue to be provided to you.

Medical Treatments for Age Spots, Rosacea and Wrinkles

There are many skin care products out there today. But what if you have tried them all with little result? Then you may want to consider more advanced options such as botox, dermal fillers or lasers. Following are some basic explanations of products and procedures currently on the market and how the treatments work.

RETINOIDS

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A but contain a different chemical structure; retinoids may limit oil production, reduce skin oiliness, and prevent acne and pigmentation. In addition, retinoids improve visible wrinkles and dark spots for pigmented skin types, and can even act to prevent further acne outbreaks in oily skin. Dermatologists recommend you start retinoid use slowly, beginning with the lowest strength available, sparingly, especially if you have rosacea, acne or skin redness. Expect two weeks of use before your skin can tolerate the treatment without redness or flaking. Despite the initial reactions, many find the end results to be well worth it. Read more