Archive

Archive for December, 2009

Dec
21
skin allergies


Allergies in general are defined as hypersensitivity to some foreign particle or the other. Different people have different kinds of tolerances for foreign bodies. When some people cannot adjust with certain elements in their surroundings, they may suffer from certain skin problems that are commonly referred to as skin allergies.

There is a sure way of determining whether your skin affliction is an allergy or not. If you have got a skin problem due to a cause that has affected no one else, then it is an allergic reaction. For example, several people may be exposed to dust. But if it affects you in a strong way, then you are allergic to dust.

Skin allergies could be in the form of itching, dry and scaly skin, eruptions, rashes, boils, etc. There are three main types of problems that are associated with skin allergies. These types are as follows:-

(i) Dermatitis – This is the skin allergy which is caused due to contact with some substances. It is shown as an inflammation.

(ii) Hives – Hives is a fluid accumulation in the skin which shows up as a swelling. This is a temporary condition and heals with treatment. Hives are also known as urticaria.

(iii) Prickly Heat – This is a red rash which occurs on the body. Prickly heat is generally caused due to excessive perspiration due to hot and humid climates.

All skin problems are vata dosha disorders. Vata dosha controls the air element of the human body. Hence, when the vata dosha is vitiated, there are skin reactions. In different people, there are different degrees of the vata dosha. In some people, the vata may be weak and get easily vitiated due to external factors. Such people are more specific to skin allergies than others.

In this article, we see how to treat various skin allergies with an Ayurvedic point of view.

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Skin Allergies

- Cassia (Cassia fistula)

Cassia is used effectively in the treatment of several irritations on the skin caused due to allergies. A paste of the cassia leaves can be applied on the skin in case of inflammation of the hands and feet caused due to extreme cold, and also swellings caused due to accumulation of fluids under the skin, as in hives.

- Henna (Lawsonia inermis)

Henna is an excellent remedy for several skin allergies. It can be used in case of hives, swellings, boils and other kinds of inflammation. Applying henna on the skin cools the skin and removes the symptom of the allergy.

- Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

The holy basil is venerated in Indian tradition as the tulsi. It has an almost maternal status for the Hindus. This plant is venerated for its many medicinal properties. Among the other advantages, tulsi is also used for healing skin problems. In case of itches and rashes, the juice of the tulsi leaves is applied on the skin. This is a very quick treatment for allergic skin problems.

- Madhuca (Madhuca indica)

Madhuca is used as a treatment for skin itch problems. The leaves are made into a paste and applied onto the skin in skin infections due to allergy.

- Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)

Rauwolfia is known as sarpagandha in Ayurveda. It is a very good remedy for skin problems. In case of hives, the juice of its leaves is applied on the swollen parts to reduce itching. Relief is almost immediate.

- Sandalwood (Santalum alba)

Sandalwood is a traditional remedy for all kinds of itch problems on the skin. It is made into a paste and applied on the skin. It smoothes the skin and prevents it from allergies. Itches are immediately resolved by applying sandalwood paste on the skin. Permanent relief can be obtained by keeping the paste smeared on the skin for half an hour before washing it off. Sandalwood oil is also used in the treatment of diseases such as erysipelas (an eruptive allergic skin disease) and prurigo (an itchy skin eruption).

Dietary Guidelines for Treatment of Skin Allergies

You must take a lot of water to prevent all kinds of skin allergies. These include fresh fruits and vegetables that have high water content in them. In the summer season, take cooling drinks such as lemon juices and sherbets.

Do not consume sour foods if you have skin allergy problems often. This can vitiate the vata dosha further.

Home Remedies for Treatment of Skin Allergies



- Take about 30 milliliters of the juice of the leaves of wood apple (Feronia limonida) and mix some cumin powder in it. Take this twice daily. This is a very good treatment for urticaria or hives.

- Extract the juice of the jambula (Indian Plum) and mix some soda in it. Apply this in case of prickly heat.

- In hot seasons, drink a glass of lemon juice twice everyday. This will supplement the vitamin C content of the body lost due to perspiration and will prevent the outburst of prickly heat.

- Chomping on sugarcane several times in the hot season is also a good method of preventing prickly heat.

- If the area on the skin is exceptionally itchy, then mash a papaya and spread the paste of the papaya on it. This will reduce the itch and also make the skin healthier.



, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dec
09
skin allergies


Hives are red welts of small or sometimes larger size that appear in the skin surface. Hives are a form of skin allergy and occurs when the skin is exposed or is subjected to chemicals or substances that trigger allergic reactions.

Hives are characterized by the feeling of itchiness. You know hot it feels when something is really itchy. There is a feeling of uneasiness and discomfort and sometimes wounds and scratches occur as products or results of scratching itchy skin surfaces.

Hives often manifest or appear in people who have already experienced or reported other allergic reactions that may include angioedema and hay fever.

The welts that often indicate or herald the onset of hives appear on the skin surface in clusters or batches.

The affected part feels itch because of releases of histamines and other body chemicals which are the body’s immune system’s reactions against allergens causing hives.

Causes that result to the onset or appearance of symptoms for hive vary. These sources or cause also are ver much broad and generalized, sometimes making the identification of the skin disease hard and inaccurate.

Hives often are body reflex reactions to harsh medications or drugs that are rejected by the body’s immune system.

Hives is not a disease. You should be advised that the skin condition is merely a skin reaction to allergens or substances that are rejected by the body upon entrance.

Occurrence of hives indicate that the body is very active in throwing out impurities and foreign and unlikely substances, indicating that the immune system is really working.

There are also several foods that may induce the appearance of hives in the skin. Common examples of these food are milk, eggs, nuts, fish, shellfish and of course, berries.

On set of hives upon eating or taking in such foods can be avoided by totally eliminating these food in the diet. There are alternatives available in the market for such foods so cravings would be somehow satisfied and quenched.

Pollen, which normally are spread though the air during summer and spring seasons, also can contribute to the onset of hives.

Other causes include animal or insect bites and animal danders, especially those from cats.

Recent findings of hives studies also reveal and suggests that hives are sometimes hereditary. It must be noted, however, that hives can also develop or become full blown after illness or infections like leukemia and autoimmune diseases.

Other ailments that result in hives include hepatitis, angioedema, dog tapeworm, lupus erythematosus, mastocytosis and colds.

Symptoms of hives, treatments and prevention

The most prevalent and common symptoms of hives include appearance of red welts on certain skin portions and characterized itching.

It is very uncommon for the person with hives to develop a fever, but if that happens, immediate help and advice from the doctor is imperative.

Fevers indicate the attack of viral and bacterial elements and heralds the onset or looming danger of a more serious disease. In the case of hives, fever can pin point or indicate the presence or development of complications.

Antihistamines, epinephrine, coticosteroids and sedatives are the sure medications to curtail hives, but their administration and in take should be guided accordingly by physicians and doctors.

Prevention is achieved by avoiding exposure to allergens identified as causes for hives.



, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dec
06
supplements for acne


If you want your skin to be clean and safe, then you should provide your body with all the necessary natural acne supplements which are nutritional minerals and vitamins.

More and more people all around the world suffer from acne despite the wide range of treatments and medication available on the market. This article teaches you all how to get rid of acne using only natural supplements.

Years ago, the common belief was that only adolescents and teenagers suffer from acne but that’s simply not true. Nowadays, the age limit of those affected by this condition has grown considerably and it even includes women at menopause.

Studies have shown that acne is caused mainly by the hormonal changes but there are other factors involved such as: external influences (pollution, toxins), food and stress.

If you combine a healthy and well-organized diet with natural capsules or supplements then all this should help you keep your skin clear and eliminate the pimples.

Anyway, keep in mind that a good nutrition won’t be able to fight the condition by itself because nowadays the nutrient-rich soils are very rare. This means that natural food is not as natural as it was a few decades ago and that’s why a modern healthy diet is not that powerful as it once was.

Usually the conventional treatments for acne provide only temporary results and in some cases unpleasant allergic reactions or side effects can appear. That’s just one more reason for you to include the dietary supplements in your everyday routine.

Any teenager or adult can get rid of acne very easily using natural acne supplements. Some sufferers complain about other skin disorders that appear simultaneously with acne but that’s not considered a symptom.

Experts say that this is the way your body warns you about a problem that needs immediate attention. If you don’t pay attention you risk ending up with permanent scars on your skin.

Your diet is very important because it helps you eliminate the acne and develop a beautiful and clear skin all over your body.



, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dec
05
supplements for acne


Introduction

The sudden onset of a ‘zit’ before a date is every teenager’s nightmare. Most teenagers – and a large percentage of adults – suffer from Acne Vulgaris, which can shows up as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples on the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. A recent study conducted in the USA revealed that 17 million people suffer from acne, spawning a large market for anti-acne products.

Causes

Skin pores contain oil glands which keep the skin and hair lubricated. Sometimes, these sebaceous pores become clogged with excess oil and bacteria, resulting in acne. Broadly, the causes of acne may be the following:

Bacteria, which easily infects oil glands and pores Wrong diet, irregular meals, excessive intake of starches, sugar, and fatty foods Chronic constipation Hormonal activity, particularly in teenagers Incorrect use of cosmetics that clog the pores Genes

Types of acne

Whiteheads: Whiteheads are caused when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface. Blackheads: Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is caused by a reaction of the skin’s own pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air. Papules: Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head. Pustules: A pustule is similar to a whitehead, but is inflamed, and appears as a red circle with a white or yellow center. Severe acne vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts. Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin’s surface, and are prone to leaving behind scars. An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but is pus-filled and painful. Acne Rosacea can look similar to the acne vulgaris and is visible in patches. Severe forms of acne include acne conglobata (large lesions) and pyoderma faciale (severe facial acne afflicting only females.

Prevention

Eat healthy. Include fresh fruits and vegetables and anti-oxidants such as tomatoes in your diet. Stay clean. Use a natural antibacterial, non-oily face wash/body wash. Those containing tea tree oil are a good option. Do not scrub your face, which can irritate the skin. The aim of washing is to remove dirt and oil from the pores. If you have constipation, treat it immediately. Drink lots of water. Avoid chocolate, fried food, and refined sugar. Take B-complex and zinc supplements daily to strengthen the skin’s resistance to acne. Watch where you put your face: don’t place your cheek against things and surfaces that may carry infection, such as telephone receivers, window panes, used pillow cases etc.

Remedies

Do NOT squeeze or pop a pimple. Squeezing can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, leaving permanent scars. Wash your face with warm salt water. This will get rid of the oil and dirt without irritating the acne. Apply cucumber paste on your face. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water. Aloe vera gel is an effective natural cure for acne. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. If you get a bad case of acne, see a dermatologist.

Herbal Remedies and Herbs Supplements for Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

Skinelle Cream – natural treatment for Acne and Pimples

Skinelle cream is an effective and safe natural treatment for Acne and pimples. Its main ingredients Manjishtha, Haridra and Sariva have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which eradicate infection in acne. Skinelle has no side effects and is safe for long term application.

Purim

Purim from Himalaya Herbals is a herbal, ayurvedic formulation. Purim also known as Hemocare is a blood purifier. The various constituents of Purim have antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatic stimulant, wound healing and anti-allergic properties. Most of the constituents of Purim are used in the treatment of skin disease and promote wound healing. Purim with its anti-allergic property is beneficial in the control of pruritus associated with skin infections

more at http://www.anytimeherbal.com



, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dec
04
skin allergies


Common causes for skin allergies are : Jewelry metals such as Nickel (found in belts, coins), gold, various substances used in cosmetic products (fragrance mix, Quaternium 15, Formaldehyde, Ethylene diamine, etc), rubber (gloves, shoes), some plants, etc. Skin allergies can also be caused by food intolerance or food allergy – symptoms may include rashes or hives and may last from one minute to hours or days. Finally, Skin allergy may be due to dust mites, various air borne particles such as pollen, house dust, etc

Allergy skin testing is a safe and simple procedure that can provide useful information about your allergic sensitivities.

Term Eczema is broadly used in many persistent skin conditions which cause dryness and recurring skin rashes (The term eczema is sometimes interchanged with another skin allergy condition called dermatitis. Eczema is acute dermatitis)

Rosacea is a common skin disorder and can affect people of any age (usually starts in the 30s and 40s), It begins as erythema (flushing and redness) on the central face and across the cheeks, nose, or forehead but can also less commonly affect the neck and chest.

Urticaria (or hives) is a skin condition, commonly caused by an allergic reaction, that is characterized by raised red skin welts.

Urticaria symptoms : red, itchy, swollen area of skin that often appers in circular, raised welts in clusters (Hives can vary in size and usually affects the throat, arms and legs). Hives are usually caused by adverse reaction to medication, foods (e.g. peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish) insect bites or other irritants. When the rash lasts less than 6 weeks it’s called acute urticaria. When the rash lasts more than 6 weeks it’s referred to as chronic urticaria.



, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,