Monday, August 31, 2015

When You Should Worry For Your Skin Tags


You may be wondering about that little outgrowth of skin that popped up on your otherwise smooth skin surface. Most of the time, a skin tag or cyst is nothing more than unsightly, and usually not painful or bothersome.

But sometimes, there might be more to these common skin flaws, and it’s important to know when to have a doctor take a look.

“If it’s truly a skin tag or a cyst, then it’s of no concern,” says dermatologist Pamela Ng, MD. “But if it’s bleeding or painful, that’s a reason to come in.”



Common skin tags

A skin tag is a narrow stalk of skin that bulges at the end. They are benign flesh-colored growths that usually develop in areas of the skin that rub together, such as the neck, armpit, and groin.

Although less common in children, they can occur in any age group and any race.

“They don’t discriminate — they affect people of all ages and body types and can occur anywhere, including the face,” says Dr. Ng.

Most of the time, skin tags are just unsightly or annoying but not a health issue. “However, when skin tags are twisted, irritated, or bleeding, this might be a good reason to seek medical attention,” Dr. Ng says.

Skin cysts

Skin cysts — called epidermoid cysts — are small sacs under the skin that fill with keratin and can develop anywhere. They typically appear as flesh-colored nodules underneath the skin. They can occur in various parts of the body, including the scalp.

“If someone suddenly develops a new growth underneath the skin, I recommend getting this checked out by a doctor,” Dr. Ng says.

Chances are, it may be a benign cyst but there are various tumors and even malignant ones that can occur as lumps underneath the skin.

Dr. Ng says it is best to have it evaluated by a physician if you are not sure what it is. Dr. Ng usually only treats skin tags and cysts if they are painful, bleeding or bothersome to a patient.

Treating skin tags

To treat skin tags, Dr. Ng prefers to numb the area and snip off the tag. “I like the method of snipping best because it’s clean and the skin tags are gone by the time the patient leaves,” she says.

Another possible treatment is freezing, which will cause the tag to fall off after about 10-14 days, she says. However, freezing can cause greater inflammation to the surrounding skin.

A third option is to perform electrodessication, which is a surgical method of drying out tissue by touching it with a needle-like electrode that passes electric current into the tissue.

One thing to keep in mind, Dr. Ng says, is that skin tag removal is considered “cosmetic” by most insurance companies and usually is not covered.

Treating cysts

These are benign and often times, no treatment is necessary. But if a cyst becomes inflamed, infected, or painful, these are good reasons to see your doctor.

Cysts can be injected with steroids, which are sometimes mixed with an antibiotic.  “I prefer this because it can decrease the swelling and pain without creating a scar or wound.” Dr. Ng says.

Sometimes, cysts have to be opened up and drained. This will leave a scar and the cyst can come back. Finally, cysts can be excised but the patient will be trading a bump for a scar as well.

Don’t try this at home

It can be tempting to try squeezing a cyst or slicing off a skin tag. Over-the-counter compounds claim to remove skin tags, and YouTube videos claim to demonstrate methods to treat both at home.

But Dr. Ng warns against such do-it-yourself treatment of these skin conditions, which can cause bleeding and infection.

“Trying to take care of it on your own means you’re self-diagnosing,” she says. “You might be treating something inappropriate, like a skin cancer or a mole. Let a doctor diagnose it before you try anything at home,” she adds.

Source : http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/03/skin-tags-and-cysts-when-you-should-worry/

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Take Control Of Acne With These Tips




 


Although acne is usually a temporary condition that is not dangerous, sometimes it can be a longer lasting, more severe type which can lead to scarring and pitting. This type of acne should be treated by a doctor because the scars left by acne can be severe. This article can help you to understand why acne occurs and what to do about it.

Although acne is usually a temporary condition that is not dangerous, sometimes it can be a longer lasting, more severe type which can lead to scarring and pitting. This type of acne should be treated by a doctor because the scars left by acne can be severe. This article can help you to understand why acne occurs and what to do about it. Do not waste your money on overly expensive acne-fighting products. Start with something that is inexpensive and sold over-the-counter, at your local drug store. If your acne persists, make an appointment with your regular doctor or dermatologist. There is no point wasting your money on pricier products, before you see if the less expensive ones will work on your skin. Having a clearer face may be as simple as taking a dip in the ocean. It is known that salt water has a positive effect on acne. It drys up the oils that cause breakouts, leaving you with a smooth result. You can also make your own salt water and wash daily. If you are a girl with acne, you should get birth control pills. Birth control pills regulate the hormones in your body and for most people, they reduce your acne considerably in just a few months. Ask your doctor about what kind of birth control pills has the best result on acne. During the course of the day, try to avoid eating hot and spicy foods, which can cause flare ups and ruin the quality of your skin texture. If you receive a dish at a restaurant that is piping hot, wait a few minutes until it cools down before you start consuming. Clean your cell phone and house phones regularly to avoid acne breakouts. Gently clean the screen and number pad with a damp cotton swap and some rubbing alcohol. This will remove any left over bacteria and oils from the surface and won't reapply them to your cheek and ear, when you go to talk. To help treat acne, you can rub ice cubes on your face at night before bed. The cold water will help tighten up your pores and keep your skin clear. Use the ice cubes at the end of your skin care routine, so your skin is clean and free of dirt and oil. As previously covered in this article, acne can come in a mild, passing form or may develop into a quite severe condition that leaves skin, pitted and scarred forever. This can be treated by a doctor with prescription medications and topical ointments. It can usually be easily treated and does not have to interfere with social life, if managed properly.


More Information : https://beauty.knoji.com/take-control-of-acne-with-these-tips/


Tuesday, August 25, 2015

British Skin Foundation Issues Warning Over Temporary 'Black Henna' Tattoos
 











 

The British Skin Foundation has issued a warning against the use of the black henna tattoo, which is leaving children with painful scars, blisters and burns. The foundation has strictly recommended the parents to not let their children get a black henna tattoo while holidaying.

According to the latest research carried out by the skin foundation, nearly two-thirds of the doctors have confessed to have seen a rise in the number of skin-related issues in the last one year due to the black henna tattoo. The foundation further said that severe burns are being caused by getting the black henna tattoo through illegal tattoo practices, which are flourishing within the country and abroad.

The skin specialists said that there are chances of getting an “adverse” skin reaction from the temporary black henna tattoo that are becoming increasingly popular among children and are also commonly available in many tourist resorts.

The warning has been issued after a similar case of tattoo burn surfaced when a British teenager and an aspiring model, Mary Bates, got cracks in her leg skin after getting a black henna tattoo. Bates got inked while holidaying with her friends in Turkey, however, after a week cracks started to appear on her lower leg. Soon, the tattoo left her severely burned.

The New York Daily reported that the burn specialists at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, believe that this was the worst cases of all the henna tattoo-related injuries. The skin of the 16-year-old girl has been left damaged with permanent burn scars from the chemicals in the henna.

"The message is clear: having a 'black henna' temporary tattoo presents a significant risk of a very nasty adverse reaction to the tattoo itself,” said Dr Christopher Flower of the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association. "It also increases the risk of either not being able to use most hair dyes in the future or having a bad reaction to them if the warnings are ignored."


Source : http://www.ibtimes.com/british-skin-foundation-issues-warning-over-temporary-black-henna-tattoos-2061287
                        The Ultimate Guide T0 Getting Rid Of Whiteheads

Our skin suffers when excess oil from the sebaceous glands clog up our pores. The sebum gets trapped with other environmental contaminants and bacteria that settle on the skin. This gives rise to that dreaded skin concern—whiteheads. Well, they may not be visible very clearly or will appear as tiny white spots on the face but they are sure here to damage your skin. Worried about how you can find a solution to them? We give you 5 ways in which you can banish whiteheads.














Oatmeal

Take ⅓ cup of oatmeal, ¼ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup honey. Mix these together and massage gently on your face for not more than 3 minutes.  Rinse off with warm water. Scrubbing will help open up the pores and eventually remove the whiteheads from your skin.

Raw potato slice

If you look around in your kitchen, that’s where the solution to so many skin problems lie. Potatoes act as astringents and absorb the excess sebum production—the real devil behind whiteheads. They also remove the accumulated bacteria on the skin leaving little scope for whiteheads to conquer your skin.

Garlic

You know that grandmoms always told you how garlic works like magic for the skin? Well, it’s a great solution to whiteheads. That’s because garlic contains allicin, an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound that can suck in all the grime and oil that causes whiteheads. So extract some juice from the garlic and rub on the skin for best results. It might burn a little but it’s totally worth it. Leave it on for a few minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. Apply a mild moisturiser to get rid of the strong garlic smell from your skin.

Baking soda

Baking soda works as an exfoliator and also dries up the oil that causes acne and whiteheads. Take a teaspoon of baking soda and add water to make a paste. Use a cotton ball and apply on the skin. Rinse off after 20 minutes.

Rose water

We can’t stress enough on how rose water can transform your skin. This has antimicrobial properties and thus, helps in clearing off whiteheads. So dab a cotton ball in rose water and apply to your face. Doing this on a regular basis will help reduce whiteheads considerably.

Source : https://www.bebeautiful.in/beauty/skin/the-ultimate-guide-to-getting-rid-of-whiteheads

Monday, August 24, 2015

Discover What Facial Treatment Best Suits You

Nowadays, there are so many choices when it comes to facial treatments. The sheer number can be overwhelming and we may not arrive to a decision as to which facial treatment will suit us best. In this article, we will tell you what you need to know about the most popular facial treatments so you can make the right decision.




Clarifying Facial Treatments

Accumulation of dead skin cells, dirt particles in the air and makeup in pores are the reasons for your dull and lacklustre complexion. Clarifying facial treatment helps you effectively cleanse and remove dead cells, dirt and makeup from pores without stripping off your skin’s essential oils, resulting in radiant complexion.

Sebum Control Facial Treatments

Sebum Control Facials help manage skin breakout by clearing up congestion and blackheads. Its bio-organic mask comprising of vitamins, trace minerals and plant hormones gently detoxifies the skin, unclogs pores and eliminates dead skin cells. In addition, it regulates oil secretion, maintains moisture balance and tightens pores resulting in healthy and flawless skin.

Hydrating Facial Treatments

Hydration is the key to a young and healthy looking skin. Hydrating facials are able to retain high levels of water in skin up to 1000 units of its water weight. With sufficient hydration, skin becomes dewy, soft, supple and radiant.

Whitening Facial Treatments

Unhealthy diet and lifestyle, harmful UV rays, pregnancy and medication are some of the factors causing uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, dull and lacklustre complexion. Whitening care aims to revive and enhance skin’s clarity and radiance.

Renewal Facial Treatments

Excess dead skin cells causes the skin to look dull and lacklustre. It slows down the metabolism and regeneration of new skin cells. It also weakens the collagen and elastin structures which accelerates skin aging. Skin renewal facial treatment removes excess dead skin cells either through organic or mechanical peel.

Sensitive Skin Care Facial Treatments

Sensitive, blotchy and redness in skin are some of the skin problems arising from unbalanced skin. Our balancing and repair care removes dirt and excess oil while maintaining the hydration and pH level of skin which is the key to radiant and healthy looking complexion.

Learn More : https://www.bellaskin.com.my/articles/what-facial-treatment-suits-you/

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Ladies: Is the ‘Little Pink Pill’ for You? Know the Facts



The first prescription drug aimed at restoring a woman’s sexual desire has cleared regulatory approval. But is the little pink pill for you? If you’re merely looking for something to put you in the mood, the answer is no.

The drug, which is called flibanserin and will be sold under the brand name Addyi®, is to be used only to treat a specific condition in premenopausal women called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Women with this diagnosis have experienced a loss or decrease in sexual desire.

The loss causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty and is not due to another medical or psychiatric condition, problems within the relationship, or the effects of a medication or other drug.

People should not confuse the drug with an aphrodisiac, says Holly L. Thacker, MD, director of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Specialized Women’s Health

“It’s not a drug to increase libido,” Dr. Thacker says. “Flibanserin treats hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. The drug restores sexual desire back to the woman’s previous baseline, so it’s not an aphrodisiac.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday gave its approval to the drug. The drug is thought to work by changing the balance of certain brain neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, although the exact mechanisms are unknown, the FDA says.

A new option

“The FDA approval provides an additional, helpful option for women across the country who experience sexual dysfunction,” Dr. Thacker says.

In clinical trials of flibanserin, women experienced two to three “satisfying sexual events” per month before joining the study. Those who took flibanserin reported an average of 0.5 to 1.0 additional satisfying sexual events per month, compared to women given a placebo, according to an FDA analysis.

“The medication has been studied in 11,000 women and it does improve sexual function in women who have certain sexual problems,” Dr. Thacker says. “It doesn’t treat all sexual dysfunction, it won’t help all women with sexual problems, but it will have a role in the therapy.”

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4 Simple Ways To Remove Dark Circles Completely

Dark circles can develop at any age but are mainly visible during adolescence, early 20’s and especially in the old age. You can minimize the appearance of dark circles and in some cases completely get rid of them. The most efficient way to prevent dark circles is by following a nutritious diet, which includes fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, yogurt, sprouts, dairy products, unprocessed milk, lentils and beans. Daily exercises along with deep breathing helps blood circulation, oxygenation and controlling stress.



Causes Of Dark Circles:

There are numerous causes of dark circles. Relevant information about the different causes of dark circles will help you choose a better treatment plan. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Hereditary:

One of the major causes of dark circle is heredity. You are most likely to develop dark circles if your parents also suffer from the same. It happens because your family might have a tendency of having thin skin layer around the eyes or having more blood vessels than the average lot. Or, both the cases can be present. This leads to awfully bad dark circles.

2. Broken Blood Vessels:

If the blood vessels which supply blood underneath the eyes ruptures, it leads to limited blood supply. When the haemoglobin level, oxygen carrying molecule, within the blood is reduced, the result is skin darkening.

3. Anaemia:

Iron deficiency often lead to shortage of oxygenated blood which further aggravates dark circles. Anemia results in improper blood supply.  Therefore, the capillaries under the eyes supply insufficient oxygen. Yet dark circles alone do not signify that a person is suffering from anemia. There might be other reasons involved as well.

4. Hyperpigmentation:

Perorbital hyperpigmentation is a condition in which the production of melanin around the eyes is more active than average, thus resulting in dark circles.