Posted in Category : Beauty | March 24, 2011

Skin Tags Home Remedies

Skin tags are a common skin abnormality that can happen to anyone. These are benign skin growths that are acquired during the course of one’s life. These appear as soft, loose skin that is simply hanging from the body. Since these are benign, they do not pose any threats or challenges to a person’s health. Some people are more prone to developing them, but actually anyone can have them. The causes of skin tags are largely unknown. These are painless, but are scoffed at for cosmetic reasons. Some skin tags may also be a little uncomfortable because of their location. For instance, skin tags on the anus, genitals, and in the groin area can be extremely uncomfortable and undesirable. Such skin tags are best removed through a small outpatient procedure.

Most small skin tags may rub off or fall out on their own. However, if these are larger, they may not be so easy to get rid of. Most tags would remain in place once they are formed. These growths are often also named barnacles or skin tabs. Though skin tags may occur anywhere on the body, there are some characteristic locations on which these can be found. The base of the neck, eyelids, folds of the skin, behind the knee and under the breasts are some of the common locations of skin tags.
The causes of skin tags on eyelids are largely unknown. Even though they are most likely to form in the folds of skin, or areas where skin rubs against each other, the eyelids are a very common place for them to form. Though a lot of people feel concerned that removing a skin tag would cause more to form, there is not much truth to this assumption. It has not been scientifically proven that removing a skin tag would cause the formation of more. Though some people may be prone to develop recurring tags on their skin, it is not caused by the removal of their existing skin tags. For such individuals, who suffer from recurring tags, periodic removal may become necessary. Annual or sometimes even quarterly removal of skin tags can help you appear much better.

Skin tags can be left untreated as they are not cancerous. Unless they are really bothering you because of the particular location they are at, they do not require any treatment. In a very rare condition, the skin tag may be precancerous and may cause any health problems. This usually happens only when the tag continues to grow bigger and also begins to bleed. Growing skin tags, which change colors and become red, brown or pink, may be cancerous and should be checked by a doctor.
Skin tag home remedies may be used to shrink the tags or shrivel them up. Most skin tag home remedies help you shrivel the tags so that they fall off naturally. In most cases, the tags that are smaller are easier to remove than those that have become large. The simplest of skin tags home remedies is to tie a piece of dental floss to the base of the tag and squeeze it till the tag is removed. Some people also prefer using liquid nitrogen to freeze the tag off and remove it naturally. Amongst other skin tag home remedies is burning of the tag with an electrical cautery. Skin tag removal at home can also be done by cutting off the tag with the help of a pair of scissors. This process can be done using an anesthetic or even without it. Natural skin tag removal methods give best results when the skin tags are small.

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Posted in Category : Beauty | March 17, 2011

Keratosis Pilaris Remedy

Keratosis Pilaris is a skin ailment and is caused by the formation of dead cells in the hair follicles. This could appear as acne on your skin but the condition has nothing to do with the oil glands on your skin. These acne-like bumps appear mostly on the back, hands and legs and signify the lack of moisture or the moisture imbalance in your skin. While the bumps are harmless, they can affect the self confidence of the person affected by it. These bumps can also be a result of excess keratin production. The bumps are formed mainly at the root of the hair on the skin. There is no specific method of treating keratosis pilaris and the condition usually clears up by the age of 30. There are however certain over-the-counter medications that are available to reduce the symptoms. The ingredient in these medications that gives relief is glycolic or lactic acid. But there are a number of home remedies for keratosis piliiaris that are more effective and beneficial.

The remedy for Keratosis pilaris consists largely of home remedies and natural cures. Home remedies for treatment of keratosis pilaris include a diet rich in vitamin A. You can take vitamin pill or vitamin supplements. However excessive vitamin intake could lead to other complications and therefore it is necessary to limit the consumption of such supplements. Ensure that your diet has lots of carrots, tomatoes, mangoes, papayas, walnuts, and a variety of green vegetables to get complete nutrition. This would be an effective keratosis pilaris remedy. Treating keratosis pilaris is easy. You need to keep your skin moisturized. The treatment for keratosis pilaris on the face and legs is largely the same. Daily exposure to the sun for about 30 minutes in the early morning sunlight is known to really help, especially for treatment of keratosis pilaris in children. Use a mild soap and make good use of a humidifier if it is very dry. This condition usually occurs in the winter and can get quite itchy. Keeping the skin moisturized is important. Include fatty oils like flax and hemp in your diet and sty well hydrated. Essential fatty acids of Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9 are required.

Healthy exfoliation can really help as a keratosis pilaris remedy. While we do wash ourselves daily, sometimes using a loofah can help as it vigorously exfoliates. Just exfoliating is not the answer. Remember to also moisturize well after having a bath. Mixing equal amounts of sugar and olive oil and rubbing it all over your body is considered a very good natural exfoliation. Adding salt to your bath water has also been known to help in removing dead skin and acts as a keratosis pilaris natural cure. Remember to scrub gently while exfoliating as scrubbing hard can damage the skin.

Mixing vitamin E with your bath water is a good way to trap moisture into your skin. A soak of twenty to thirty minutes every other day can quickly rid off keratosis pilaris. Sometimes a wash of apple cider vinegar can help keratosis pilaris skin especially for children. Scrubbing your skin with a pumice stone, especially the affected areas, is known to help in recovery. Remember to rub only after foaming the skin else you could cause injuries. Rubbing the skin with a mixture of granular sugar and cream also acts as a good exfoliator and moisturizer. Applying yogurt on the affected area can also reduce the appearance on these acne-like bumps. Restoring your body’s health by detoxifying and eating well also helps.

Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii is a form of keratosis pilaris which is identified with red and coarse bumps. This condition can occur from birth while keratosis pilaris occurs in largely in children and adolescents. Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii is often misdiagnosed as rosacea. Treatment for keratosis pilaris rubra faceii is similar to keratosis pilaris. Moisturizing and keeping your skin, with a good diet and effective exfoliating always works.

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Posted in Category : Beauty | February 8, 2011

Acanthosis Nigricans Treatment

Acanthosis nigricans can be described as a skin condition, which is characterized by thick and dark skin in the folds and creases of the body. The parts of the body that are most commonly affected by such darkened skin are the armpits, the groin and the neck. People who suffer from this condition are bound to be concerned about the appearance of their skin, which is why they try out different acanthosis nigricans treatment options. Health experts claim that there is no direct treatment for acanthosis nigricans, but several measures can be taken to lighten the skin. Moreover, this condition can be controlled, by addressing the underlying causes. Therefore, it is very important to identify what the possible causes of acanthosis nigricans will be.

Acanthosis Nigricans Causes

In order to adopt the appropriate acanthosis nigricans treatment, it is important to identify the exact acanthosis nigricans causes. Studies indicate that acanthosis nigricans is associated with those conditions, which raise the levels of insulin in the blood. Therefore, the most common acanthosis nigricans causes are diabetes and obesity. However, there could be other factors that lead to this condition too, such as:

  • The use of certain medicines, like oral contraceptives and large doses of niacin
  • The presence of hormonal problems, tumors or endocrine disorders
  • Genetic factors, where this condition id inherited.
  • Certain types of cancer

Acanthosis Nigricans Symptoms

There is only one symptom of acanthosis nigricans in children and adults. This single symptom is the change in the color of the skin, as certain areas turn, thicker, darker and take on a velvety texture. In addition to the other common areas, at times, the upper lips, the soles of the feet and the palms of the hand could also get affected. This change in the color and texture of the skin is a very slow process which takes several months and at times years too. In some rare instances, the areas which have been affected may feel quite itchy. In case the changes in the color and texture of the skin are sudden and rapid, then it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Acanthosis Nigricans Diagnosis

In order to confirm the presence of this condition, it is important for a patient to go through a skin exam. A small sample of skin may be removed and sent to a lab, for a biopsy. However, additional test may be required, to identify the exact causes of this condition. These tests include x rays and blood tests.

Acanthosis Nigricans Treatment

While there is no specific form of acanthosis nigricans treatment, it is possible to manage this condition. Health experts state that losing excess weight and cutting down on the intake of starch and sugar can help treat this condition to a great extent. Options used to lighten the skin that has turned dark in color are also an integral part of acanthosis nigricans treatment and management. Given below are some of the most effective ways to get rid of acanthosis nigricans darkened skin:

  • Oral medication, like isotretinoin
  • Prescription creams and lotions that need to be applied topically on the affected area
  • Fish oil supplements
  • Laser therapy or dermabrasion to reduce the thickness in the affected areas

In case this condition leads to thick lesions on the skin, it could also result in bad body odor. This problem can be controlled with the help of antibacterial soaps or other topical antibiotics.

Acanthosis nigricans can be quite a serious problem, if it is not checked and controlled in time. Therefore, all patients should consult a doctor, as soon as they notice any symptoms of this condition.

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Posted in Category : Beauty | February 7, 2011

Bikini Line Hair Removal

Many women all across the globe make it a regular practice to get rid of excess body hair and the bikini line is no exception. This practice is not only common among those women who want to look good in a swimsuit, but by other women too, because they feel that it is a hygienic practice. However, because of the intimate nature of this practice, bikini line hair removal is less talked about, as compared to other types of body treatment. Moreover, whereas women would not think twice about visiting a parlor for getting their legs waxed, most of them prefer opting for bikini line hair removal at home. There are two fairly common methods of bikini line hair removal; the first practice is shaving the bikini line and the other is waxing bikini line. There are other options that people can use too, like bikini line hair removal cream, depilatory lotions, epilators and electrolysis. However, if the correct hair removal technique is not used, it is quite possible that the hair may break, or return sooner than is normal. Therefore, it is important for women to use the right bikini line hair removal technique.

Bikini Line Hair Removal Tips for Waxing

Although this technique removes the hair on a temporary basis, it takes a longer period of time for the hair to return, as compared to several other methods. However, this is not the best technique of bikini line hair removal for sensitive skin, as it can be very painful and can leave a rash, if the waxing is not done properly. Therefore, it is best for women to visit a well reputed salon, which has professionals that are well experienced in the art of waxing. All the equipment, including the waxing strips used while waxing should be clean and sterilized.

In order to reduce the risks of any infections, it is usually recommended that women use hard wax for the bikini area, as waxing strips are not required in this procedure. With the help of an applicator, the wax should be applied first in the direction that is opposite to the hair grown and then, with the hair growth direction. The application of the wax should not stop at the edge of the hair, but should go past that point. The extra wax is used as the tab, with which the hair can be pulled out. Once a majority of the hair is out, the stubborn strands can be pulled out with a pair of tweezers. Once the process is complete, it is important to apply some soothing lotion to the area, to prevent a rash.

Bikini Line Shaving Tips

Shaving the bikini area is not the same as other parts of the body, since the skin is a lot more sensitive in this area. Unfortunately, while shaving is a lot easier, it does not last very long; it is possible for women to see the hair grow back within a day or two, after shaving. Moreover, incorrect shaving procedures can lead to razor bumps, ingrowths and irritation. Given below are a few tips on shaving the bikini area:

  • Make sure that the hair is no longer than half an inch in length. Use a pair of scissors to trim it if it is too long
  • Start the procedure with a hot shower and wait for a while, so that the skin softens and warms up
  • Begin with the mons pubis, by applying some shaving gel over it
  • Wet a new (unused) razor and start shaving. The blade should be allowed to do the work, so that the razor is not pressed down on to the skin
  • Long strokes, in the direction of the hair should be used while shaving
  • It is fine to rinse of the area, as well as the razor and apply some more shaving gel
  • Just before ending, it is best to shave in the opposite direction of the growth of hair
  • Rinse off the excess shaving gel and pat the area dry

Though rare, it is also possible for women to go through laser treatment for removal of hair in the bikini area. However, before using any bikini line hair removal options, it is best to consult a skin specialist.

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