Liver Spots Cause, Symptoms, Treatment

Liver spots are flat brown-black spots that usually occur in sun-exposed areas of the body. They are also called age spots. They are unrelated to the liver or liver function.

Alternate Names : Age Spots, Lentigos, Senile Lentigines, Skin Spots - Aging, Sun-Induced Skin Changes - Liver Spots

Liver spots are flat brown-black spots that usually occur in sun-exposed areas of the body. They are also called age spots. They are unrelated to the liver or liver function.

Alternate Names : Age Spots, Lentigos, Senile Lentigines, Skin Spots - Aging, Sun-Induced Skin Changes - Liver Spots

Skin Abscess - Pictures, Cure and Prevention of Skin Abscess

A skin abscess is a collection of pus and infected material in or on the skin. Abscesses may be from one to several inches in diameter. Folliculitis, skin abscesses, and carbuncles differ in the size and depth of the pus-filled pockets. Abscess formation may also occur adjacent to the anus -- in that case abscess is known as a perianal abscess.

Causes of Skin Abscess
Skin abscesses are fairly common. They are caused when an infection causes pus and infected material to collect in the skin. Skin abscesses may follow a bacterial infection, commonly an infection with staphylococcus. They can develop after a minor wound, injury, or as a complication of folliculitis or boils. Skin abscesses may occur anywhere on the body. They affect people of all ages.

An abscess can prevent deeper tissues from functioning properly. The infection may spread locally or throughout the body. The spread of infection through the bloodstream may cause severe complications.

Symptoms of Boils Skin Abscess
Skin lesion
Open sore or closed, domed nodule
Reddened
May drain fluid
Localized swelling, induration (hardening of tissue)
Tender and warm affected area
Fever or chills, in some cases
Your doctor can diagnose the condition based on the appearance of the area. A culture or examination of any drainage from the lesion may help identify what organism is causing it. Folliculitis, skin abscesses, and carbuncles differ in the size and depth of the pus-filled pockets.
Treatment of Skin Abscess
Most skin abscesses can be cured with proper treatment. A doctor treats an abscess by cutting it open and draining the pus. After draining the abscess, a doctor makes sure all of the pus has been removed by washing out the pocket with a sterile salt solution. Sometimes the drained abscess is packed with gauze, which is removed 24 to 48 hours later. If the abscess is completely drained, antibiotics usually are not needed. However, if the infection has spread or if the abscess is on the middle or upper part of the face, antibiotics that kill staphylococci, such as dicloxacillin and cephalexin, may be used because of the high risk that the infection will spread to the brain.

Complications during Skin Abscess
Spread of infection around the same area
Prevention of the proper functioning of nearby tissues
Gangrene (tissue death)
Spread of infection through the bloodstream, causing:
Endocarditis
Osteomyelitis
Multiple new abscesses ("seeding" of infection)
Abscess formation on the joints, pleura, or other locations
Prevention of Skin Abscess
Prevent and watch for bacterial infections. Keep the skin around minor wounds clean and dry. Consult the health care provider if you develop signs of infection. Treat minor infections promptly.

Acrodermatitis Continua

Synonym: Dermatitis repens.

It is a chronic, slowly progressive and persistent pyogenic dermatitis occurring on the hands, less so, on the feet and other parts of the body. It usually complicates suppurative paronychia or an injury on a finger. It starts as a bulla or a pustule, which spreads peripherally by extension of an undermined epidermal border. New lesions arise by contiguity, or at some distance from the initial lesion. Rarely does it become disseminated or generalized. This condition differs from pustular bacteride which is characterized by bilaterally symmetrical pustular eruption on the palms and the soles accompanying an active pyogenic focus.

Causes of Acrodermatitis Continua
The course is chronic with acute exacerbations from time to time. It is regarded as being caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Underlying monilial and tinea infections must be excluded. In every case, a thorough search should be made for an active focal sepsis.

Treatment of Acrodermatitis Continua
The treatment is unsatisfactory. It consists in cleaning up and exposing the peripheral edge, potassium permanganate soaks, and painting the lesions with 5 per cent aqueous silver nitrate once only. This is followed by the local application of bacitracin and hydrocortisone ointment twice a day. The ointment should be rubbed meticulously into the edges of the lesion to obtain good results. In resistant cases, superficial X-ray therapy and autogenous vaccine may be tried.

Diagnosis of Acrodermatitis Continua
Acrodermatitis continua must be distinguished from acrodermatitis enteropathica which is characterized by persistent eczematoid skin lesions on the hands and feet, baldness, a dull, inelastic skin, a stunted growth coupled with a sallow complexion; it is accompained by chronic intestinal infection. It commonly affects infants and children. The condition responds specifically to di-idoquin (2 TDS), and zinc sulphate (100-150 mg daily).

Tenia Pedis

Tenia Pedis is very common in tropical and subtropical countries; common in the summer and the monsoon than in the winter. Men are more frequently affected than women. The incidence is directly related to the spread of civilization (Western). Heavy, closed and ill-fitting shoes worn for long hours predispose the individual to infection.

Lesions may appear as isolated vesiculo-pustules, or bullae, or as patches of erythema and oedema with a scattering of vesicles and pustules, the vesicles may develop into ulcers. Oozing is slight. It is accompanied by intense itching and burning. Secondary infection results in pain, lymphangitis and regional lymphadenitis. This variety has the appearance of an eczematoid or pompholyx eruption. Auto- sensitization produces an ide eruption (which resembles dyshidrosis from which it must be differentiated) on the palms of hands, and, may be, the, other parts of the body as well.

In the chronic: hyperkeratotic variety, well-defined patches of hyperkeratotic, powdery scaling on erythematous-thickened bases are seen on the soles and sides of the feet and the palms of the hands. This condition is asymptomatic except for an annoying roughness.

Diagnosis of Tenia Pedis
If the, characteristics described above are borne in mind the diagnosis of tinea of the hands and the feet are not difficult. It should always be confirmed by a microscopic demonstration of the fungus.

Prognosis of Tenia Pedis
The outlook as to complete cure is fair if the disease is treated by an expert, and the patient is co-operative.

Treatment of Tenia Pedis
The acute stage must be treated like acute eczemas with potassium permanganate soaks and silver nitrate or gentian violet paint. Only when the acute inflammation has subsided should active fungicidal agents be gradually introduced on the lines recommended in the treatment of tinea corporis. Tinactin (P), econazole lotion or cream and Whitfield's ointment are effective in the hyperkeratotic variety. Castellani's paint or tincture Merthiolate (P) is often employed to treat the chronic interdigital variety. Paints containing spirit tend to harden the skin. It is better to use the paint in the morning and a fungicidal ointment like Vioform (P), Sagatrun (P), in the night. The best results have been reported with tolnaftate/econazole.

Shoes and socks must be sterilized; the former, with formalin vapours by putting cupful of commercial formaldehyde in a closed box containing the shoes, for 48 hours. The shoes must be exposed to the mild sun and fresh air for at least two days before being worn, so that the feet are not irritated by the formalin. Socks are sterilized by boiling.

How to remove Keloids? - Picture, Treatment, Cure, Symptoms and Causes of Keloids

Keloids usually occur in people with dark skin. This skin disorder can occur on any part of the body that has been injured.

What causes Keloids?
Keloids are produced when excess collagen builds up at the site of a healing scar, producing excess tissue. A keloid is a itchy, hard, red lump on the skin.

Keloids Removal
Removing a keloid by cutting usually results in a new keloid. Your physician may inject a corticosteroid drug directly into the affected areas to reduce the size of the keloid.

Acanthosis Nigricans - treatment, picture of acanthosis nigricans

Acanthosis Nigricans is an uncommon skin ailment which implies papillpmatous or verrucous hypertrophy of the skin combined with pigmentation occurring on streaks or patches in the axillae, groins, neck, sub-mammary region and antecubital fossae. Acanthosis Nigricans depending on the severity may occur either in a mild or severe form; in the later, there is accompanying dystrophy of the nails and hair, there being pigmentation of the other parts of the integument as well.

What is Acanthosis Nigricans?
This is a disorder of hyperpigmentation (an increase of the dark pigment melanin) in the skin. Acanthosis nigricans is a disorder that causes light-brown-to-black, velvety, rough areas or increased skin markings usually on the back and sides of the neck. The condition can also at times occur under the arms and in the groin. If the patient is obese, the eruption may clear with weight loss or correction of the underlying endocrine disorder. Local treatment is not effective.


What are the causes of Acanthosis Nigricans?
The exact cause of this acanthosis nigricans is unknown. It can be a genetic (inherited) condition.
When inherited, it is not considered dangerous. However it is sometimes associated with obesity, diabetes, cancer and certain drugs. All of these conditions can be considered potentially dangerous.
Acanthosis nigricans can affect otherwise healthy people, or it can be associated with medical problems. Some cases are genetically inherited.
It is most common among people of African descent. Obesity can lead to acanthosis nigricans, as can many endocrine disorders. It is frequently found in people with diabetes.
Some drugs, particularly hormones such as human growth hormone or oral contraceptives ("the pill"), can also cause acanthosis nigricans.
People with cancers of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts or with lymphoma can also develop severe cases of this acanthosis nigricans.
Types of Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is divided into 2 broad categories, Benign and Malignant.

Benign Acanthosis Nigricans: Patients with the benign form of Acanthosis nigricans experience very few, if any, complications of their skin lesions. However, many of these patients have an underlying insulin-resistant state that is the cause of their Acanthosis nigricans. The severity of the insulin resistance is highly variable and ranges from an incidental finding on routine blood studies to overt diabetes mellitus. The severity of skin findings may parallel the degree of insulin resistance, and a partial resolution may occur with treatment of the insulin-resistant state. Insulin resistance is the most common association of acanthosis nigricans in the younger age population.
Malignant Acanthosis nigricans is associated with significant complications because the underlying malignancy is often an aggressive tumor. Average survival time of patients with signs of malignant Acanthosis nigricans is 2 years, although cases in which patients have survived for up to 12 years have been reported. In older patients with new onset Acanthosis nigricans, most have an associated internal malignancy.
What are the long-term effects of acanthosis nigricans?
While acanthosis nigricans can be associated with potentially dangerous conditions such as obesity, it is not in itself a dangerous condition.
However from a psychological point of view, the development of dark patches on the skin can bother some people, especially if they are on parts of the body which cannot be easily covered.
If you develop dark patches on your skin, visit your doctor for advice.

Onychomycosis - Treatment, Picture and Symptoms of of white superficial Onychomycosis

Synonym: Tinea Unguium

Ringworm of the nails is caused by a species of trichophyton and microsporon.

Saprophytes like scopularia and aspergillus have also been incriminated. In contrast to monilial infection, tinea affects first the free edges of the nail. One or more nails may be involved but only rarely, all of them. The history usually reveals that the infection has been present for years. Tinea unguium is characterized by opaque, brittle and deformed nail or nails and hyperkeratotic debris under the free edges. There is no pain or itching. The condition is very rarely bilateral and symmetrical. The diagnosis is confirmed by the demonstration of fungus in the hyperkeratotic debris and nail cuttings.

Diagnosis of Onychomycosis
The differential diagnosis is arrived at from conditions like psoriasis, moniliasis, eczema, syphilis and dystrophy of the nails.

According to Bendek and Sagher, there is a strong feeling that primary tinea unguium is a rare condition and what we usually take for tinea unguium is pompholyx of the nail due to an internal septic focus,. metabolic upset, a run-down condition or emotional stress causing dystrophy of the nail, which acts as suitable debris for the growth of fungus, which according to them, is a secondary contaminant.

Prognosis of Onychomycosis
Because of primary pompholyx, and because the fungus grows inside the hard nail plate which cannot be penetrated by fungicidal agents, the outlook is poor. It has, however, improved.

Treatment of Onychomycosis
It consists in:

Griseofulvin F.P. 1 gm weekly for 6-9 months.
Filing the affected nail regularly with broken glass, a nail file or a dentist's burr till the healthy nail begins to grow.
Local application of fungicidal agents like tincture iodine, betadine or econazole liquid/cream or glutaraldehyde.
Correcting the internal, physical, metabolic and emotional factors and building up the general health.
Persistent treatment on these lines gives good results. The occult focus of ringworm in the toes and groins must be treated at the same time.

Freckle: Freckle removal, get rid of freckles

What are Feckles?
Freckles (Ephelides) are a very common anomaly. They either discrete, grouped or confluent pigmented macules caused by excessive, localized formation of melanin; the size of a freckle, however, varies. It can be anywhere between the size of a pin-head and a split pea (sometimes larger). Freckles occur symmetrically on the exposed parts of the body like the face, neck and forearms; if other parts of the body are exposed, as for instance in sunbathing or when sleeveless cloths are worn, they may also be affected. White people, blondes, red-heads and people with delicate, fair skins are prone to freckles. Hence dark-skinned people like Indians and Africans rarely develop freckles.

Freckles are tanned macules found on the skin. They are usually multiple in number. With sun exposure, they become more apparent; therefore, in the winter months, they are often imperceptible. Although freckles are predominantly benign, they may be seen in association with systemic disease.

Freckles considered cute by some, they are a real problem for others. Freckles, also known as, ephelides, are small brown or tan patches common in individuals with lighter skin, blond or red hair. They appear early in life, increase in number during summer months and fade in winter.

Individuals who are genetically susceptible may have somatic mutations in epidermal melanocytes that promote increased melanogenesis. Melanocytes are not increased in number, and they may even be decreased in number. With UV-A and UV-B exposure, the dopa reaction is increased, leading to the production of larger melanosomes, which produce the clinical picture.

Freckles removal - Treatment of Freckles is not necessary.
If a patient wishes to alter the cosmetic appearance, then sun avoidance and makeup can be used.
Sunscreens may be used to prevent enhancement of the freckling caused by sun exposure.
If desired, chemical peels, cryotherapy, and laser treatment have all been attempted to make ephelides less pronounced.
What are the Causes of Freckles?
Environmental: In individuals who are susceptible, sunlight exposure to both UV-A and UV-B radiation induces freckles by stimulating melanocytes to produce melanin.
Genetic: Freckles tend to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Ephelides are most common in individuals with fair skin and/or with blond or red hair.
Xeroderma pigmentosum: Freckles are prominent and even dark in heterozygous carriers with this autosomal recessive disease. Excessive freckling in dark-haired individuals suggests the possibility of this disease.
Complications associated with Freckles
Freckles may be cosmetically unappealing, but they are not associated with any complications. However, recent studies have shown that individuals with skin types susceptible to freckles are at greater risk for developing skin cancers. This association is simply because freckles and skin cancers are more common in people who are regularly exposed to the sun and have skin types I and II than in other people.

Wart - planter wart, wart removal, genital wart picture, symptoms and treatments

Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin caused by a virus. They are generally harmless. However, warts can be disfiguring and embarrassing, and occasionally they itch or hurt (particularly on the feet). Warts are noncancerous skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which stimulates the rapid growth of cells of the outer layer of your skin. More than 60 types of HPV occur. Warts are usually skin colored and feel rough to the touch, but can be dark, flat or smooth.

Warts

Warts can be treated with a herbal remedy consisting of lymphatic cleansers and tonics. The traditional herbs for the treatment of warts are cleavers, garlic, prickly ash or wormwood. External treatment for the quick removal of warts involves the herbs dandelion, used by expressing the white juice from fresh stems and applying directly, and Thuja, made into a tincture or lotion and then applied.

Warts are simply areas of skin that grow faster than normal due to the presence of the wart virus. Warts are skin-colored and feel rough to the touch. The technical name is verruca vulgaris. They are most common on the hands, feet and face but they can grow almost anywhere in the body. They are infectious and some people, especially children, are more susceptible than others.

Verruca Vulgaris. These can occur on any part of the body, but the areas usually affected are the exposed parts. The sites of choice are the hands and feet, around and under the nails, the arms, legs and less so, the face and scalp. Paronychial warts frequently occur in nail biters and cuticle pickers. These warts may occur singly or in groups. The lesions are flesh colored or somewhat darker, rounded or oval papules or nodules. The size of these varies from that of lentil seeds to split peas (sometimes bigger). Their verrucous surface is very typical; once seen, it is seldom missed. On the scalp, the wart may have a cauliflower-like appearance. The warts do not itch but subungual warts may be painful.

Koebner's phenomenon represented by linear groups of warts following inoculation of virus into scratch marks may be seen. In the beard region, they may take the form of finger-like processes; hence are called filiform warts. These spread by shaving by way of implantation.

A single common wart should be distinguished from Butcher's or postmortem wart (tuberculosis cutis verrucosus) which is marked by indurations around the periphery of the lesion. Verruca vulgaris should be distinguished from seborrhoeic warts which are multiple circumscribed, flat elevations, covered with dark, greasy scales. They occur mainly on the trunk, forehead and temples.

What are the causes of Warts?
As warts are caused by a virus infection, the body will build up resistance over a period of time and eventually the body will cause the warts to disappear. This may take months or sometimes years but is the natural way the body deals with warts. If they are allowed to disappear in this way it is less likely that a person will get any further ones as one will then be immune to that virus.

What are the symptoms of Wart?
The symptoms of warts are as follows:

Small, hard, flat or raised skin lesion or lump
Abnormally dark or light skin surrounding the lesion
Numerous small, smooth, flat (pinhead sized) lesions on forehead, cheeks, arms, or legs
Rough, round, or oval lesions on soles of feet; flat to slightly raised; painful to pressure
Rough growths around or under fingernails or toenails
What are the Types of wart?
There are differents types of Wart. Some of them are as follows:

Common Warts
Plantar warts
Genital warts
Flat warts
Subungual and periungual warts
Genital warts
Like anywhere else on the body, surface warts can also occur on the genitalia. Genital warts are usually transmitted by sexual contact. This can occur in both sexes and are usually located on the moist surface of genitalia. They start as minute reddish swellings and grow into grouped pedunculated lesions. The genital warts usually respond to local application of ointment (20% podophyllin in tincture benzoinco) but the treatment should be strictly according to consultation with a doctor. Remember, genital warts may be related to the development of cervical cancer.

Symptoms and Treatment of genital warts
Small, fleshy condyloma growths in genital or anal area: soft and reddish inside the body, darker growths outside. Large growths may be removed surgically or burned off. genital Warts can also return after treatment.

Vaginal Warts
What are the treatments for Warts?
Warts often disappear without treatment over a period of several months to years. However, since warts can be spread to others or new areas of the body, it is reasonable to treat most people, especially if the warts are bothersome or painful.

Over-the-counter medications can remove warts. These are applied to the wart every day for several weeks. Do not use these medications on your face or genitals. It helps to file the wart down when damp (for example, after a bath or shower) before applying these medications.

Special cushions are available at drugstores for plantar warts. These pads help relieve any pressure and pain from the warts.

Stronger (prescription) medications may be required for removal of persistent warts. Surgical removal or removal by freezing, burning , or laser treatment may be needed.

Immunotherapy, done by injecting a substance that causes an allergic reaction, may also be considered by your doctor.

DO NOT attempt to remove a wart yourself by burning, cutting, tearing, picking, or any other method.

Interestingly, placing duct tape over a wart may help it disappear. A small study had people wear duct tape for six straight days, remove it, wet and scrape the wart down using a file, and then reapply the tape the next morning. This was done until the wart disappeared, but no longer than two months. The people wearing the duct tape had as much luck getting rid of their warts as those who had their warts frozen off by a doctor. This method might be worth a try if you have a painless, yet unsightly wart.

Some Important Tips for Warts:
Avoid self treatment with over-the-counter preparations.
Seek professional podiatric evaluation and assistance with the treament of your warts.
Diabetics and other patients with circulatory, immunological or neurological problems should be especially careful with the treament of their warts.
Warts may spread and are catching. Make sure you have your warts evaluated to protect yourself and those close to you.
Avoid direct skin contact with a wart on someone else.
After filing your wart, wash the file carefully since you can spread the virus to other parts of your body.
After touching any of your warts, wash your hands carefully.

Comedo -comedo extractor

Comedo are the small plug like secretion which stops the secretion from the pores in case of acne. These plugs acts as the prominent source for the infection which acne brings along with it. The whole process of its formation is explained below.

Acne is a skin disorder most often seen in adolescents. However, adult acne is not uncommon. The most common cause of acne is oily skin. Acne occurs in the sebaceous glands (oil glands) and the hair folicles to which they are attached. The oil from the sebaceous glands, along with dead skin cells, plug up the opening of the sebaceous glands and the hair follicles.

This plug is called a comedo. When bacteraia settle in thes plugs, they can cause a severe inflammatory reaction, resulting in more severe acne. The folicle becomes inflammed, forming pimples and pus-filled nodules. The milder forms of acne cane be treated with over-the counter drugs like benzoyl peroxide. However, severe cases of acne must be treated by a dermatologist.

Mastocytosis - systemeic and diffuse

What is Mastocytosis?
Mastocytosis is a disorder characterized by mast cell proliferation and accumulation within various organs, most commonly the skin. Types of cutaneous mastocytosis include solitary mastocytoma (M), diffuse erythrodermic mastocytosis, paucicellular mastocytosis, and urticaria pigmentosa.

Most patients with mastocytosis are children (75% of cases occur during infancy or early childhood). Incidence peaks again in patients aged 30-49 years.

What are Mast Cells?

Mast cells seem to have other roles as well. Because they gather together around wounds, mast cells may play a part in wound healing. For example, the typical itching you feel around a healing scab may be caused by histamine released by mast cells. Researchers also think mast cells may have a role in the growth of blood vessels. No one with too few or no mast cells has been found, which indicates to some scientists that we may not be able to survive with too few mast cells. The presence of too many mast cells, or mastocytosis, can occur in two forms - cutaneous (skin) and systemic (involves internal body organs). Cutaneous mastocytosis (CM), the most common form, occurs when mast cells increase in the skin. It is also called urticaria pigmentosa. CM mostly affects children.

What are the causes of mastocytosis?
Mastocytosis probably is a hyperplastic response to an abnormal stimulus. We don't know why some people have too many mast cells. We do know some things that trigger the release of histamine from mast cells and cause the symptoms of mastocytosis. Symptoms may be triggered by cold or heat, certain medicines, emotional stress and insect bites. The triggers aren't the same in every person.

Systemic mastocytosis is caused when mast cells collect in the tissues and can affect organs such as the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.

What are the symptoms of mastocytosis?
Chemicals released by mast cells cause changes in the immune system leading to typical allergy symptoms such as itching, abdominal cramping, and even anaphylaxis (dangerously low blood pressure).
The symptoms are different, depending on where the extra mast cells are. When too many mast cells exist in a person's body, the additional chemicals can cause

Bone or muscle pain
Abdominal discomfort
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach ulcers
Diarrhea
Skin lesions
Episodes of very low blood pressure and faintness
Shock
How is mastocytosis diagnosed?
Doctors can diagnose urticaria pigmentosa by seeing the characteristic lesions which are dark-brown and fixed. A small skin sample may help confirm the diagnosis.

By taking a tiny piece of tissue from a different organ, such as the bone marrow, the doctor can diagnose systemic mastocytosis. Using special techniques on a bone marrow sample, the doctor looks for an increase in mast cells. Another sign of this disorder is high levels of certain mast-cell chemicals and proteins in a person's blood and sometimes in the urine.

How is mastocytosis treated?
Therapy is conservative and aimed at symptom relief because the prognosis for most patients with mastocytosis is excellent. None of the currently available therapeutic measures induces permanent involution of cutaneous or visceral lesions. Advise patients to avoid agents that precipitate mediator release, such as aspirin, NSAIDs, codeine, morphine, alcohol, thiamine, quinine, opiates, gallamine, decamethonium, procaine, radiographic dyes, dextran, polymyxin B, scopolamine, and D-tubocurarine.

Several medicines help treat the symptoms of mastocytosis.
Antihistamines to work against mast cell chemicals
Medicines to relieve cramping in the intestines
Medicines help treat other signs and symptoms of mastocytosis, including

Itching and other skin reactions
Ulcer-like symptoms
Low blood pressure
Inability to take up nutrients from food
In rare cases in which mastocytosis is cancerous or associated with a blood disorder, the patient may have to use steroids and/or chemotherapy.

Puffy Eyes Bags- How to get rid of puffy eyes - reduce puffy swollen eyes

Skin around and under your eyes are the thinnest and most sensitive of your body. Puffiness or fullness of the skin under the eyes can be due to a number of causes.
Puffy eyes can also be a heredity problem. Late nights, allergies, high salt intake or general stress can cause the unsightly phenomenon of puffy eyes.

Be sure to take your makeup off meticulously at night, do not rub your eyes, and take an antihistamine if you have allergies. If you are sensitive to skin-care or makeup products, avoid them. Preventing dryness around the eyes can also be very helpful in reducing swelling.

If dryness is your problem, a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer will help. Be certain the moisturizer does not contain any irritating ingredients that could make matters worse. If you have time in the morning, place cool compresses on the eyes; if you don't have time, leave your moisturizer in the refrigerator to apply when you wake up.

Sleeping with your head slightly elevated and making sure that your neck has the support it needs can help prevent fluid retention. Alcohol consumption and a diet high in salt can cause water retention and increase puffiness around the eyes.

Contact lenses can cause irritation and swelling, so be sure that you are wearing the most comfortable type for your vision correction. Many of the same things that cause bloodshot eyes can also make the area around your eyes puffy.

Reducing Puffy Eye Syndrome
When your eyes are puffy, put cucumbers or wet tea leaves on them for fifteen minutes and then the puff is gone!
Exercise will help your overall circulation including your renal circulation and will aid in elimination of water which results in reducing the puffy eyes.
Treating Puffy Eye Syndrome
Try some eye cream.
Tap your skin gently where puffy, sometimes this can help encourage the built up fluid to drain more easily.
Apply a cool pack to your eyes, which can help reduce puffiness.
Try placing cucumbers or grated potato slices on your eyes, which can help reduce swelling.
Try soaking a cloth in cold milk and placing pads over your eyes for 10 minutes. This can help brighten dark circles under the eye and also help reduce puffiness.
Keep drinking water until you simply can't stand it anymore. Avoid beverages with artificial sweeteners that can make puffiness and bloating worse.
Be sure you are getting plenty of sleep during the evening, as too little sleep may contribute to puffiness.
Try a little hemorrhoid cream right under your eyes if you need to go out in public, as this may help reduce temporary swelling quickly.
Try an ice pack. Usually cold conditions help reduce swelling.
Be sure you wear UV sunglasses during the day. Sometimes excessive exposure to the sun or an unexpected sunburn can contribute to puffiness and leave you feeling bloated and dehydrated the next day.
Swollen Eyes and puffy eyes causes and treatments
This may be caused by many reasons: lack of sleep. undernourishment, allergy etc., making the eyes appear quite swollen. First of all such persons must drink a lot of water. Apart from it, munch a big potato and put the frozen pulp on each eye for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Also, if you want. you can also put the pieces of cold and frozen potato pieces on your eyes.

Another treatment is using the frozon concocton of the calomile flowers and soaking it in a cotton pad put them on your eyes for about half-an hour. This also reduces the poped up eyes syndrome.

Follicular Impetigo

Synonym: Bockhart's Impetigo

It is characterized by staphylococcal infection of the superficial part of the hair follicles and the perifollicular area giving rise to the formation of follicular pustules covered by tiny yellowish crusts.

Infection spreads from one hair follicle to another, producing multiple but discrete lesions which are usually found on the legs, thighs, forearms and the pubic area. There is no scarring, and the hair is not shed after the lesions have healed, unless the infection has descended into the hair follicles and produced furunculoses.

Occasionally, follicular impetigo follows the local application of irritant me (curial and tar preparations or croton oil on hairy regions.

Treatment of Follicular Impetigo
Treatment is similar to that employed for impetigo contagiosa.

Psoriasis Scalp Treatment and cure at home info and articles

Psoriasis is a chronic recurring skin disease. The scope of the disease can vary considerably, from mild outbreaks where the person may not even be aware they have psoriasis, to severe cases which can be socially disabling and, in rare instances, life-threatening.

In principle, people of all ages can get psoriasis, but the early onset form of the disease is mostly seen in 16 to 22 year-olds and the late onset form strikes those between the ages of 50 and 60.
Psoriasis is derived from the Greek word 'psora', which means itch. Around two per cent of the population have psoriasis to a greater or lesser degree.

It generally appears as patches of raised red skin covered by a flaky white buildup. In certain kinds of psoriasis, it also has a pimple-ish (pustular psoriasis) or burned (erythrodermic) appearance.

Psoriasis can also cause intense itching and burning.

It is thought that the underlying problem is that new skin cells are produced too quickly and rise to the surface before the old skin cells have had time to die off and be scrubbed away.
The result of this overproduction of skin cells is red and raised patches on the skin.

Psoriasis is not contagious.

What are the Causes of Psoriasis?
Researchers believe the immune system sends faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle in skin cells. Certain genes have been identified as being linked to psoriasis.
It appears, however, that a genetic tendency needs to be triggered off by such things as injury, throat infection, certain drugs and physical and emotional stress.
Research is beginning to unravel the genetic aspects and in time it should be possible to identify those who have a tendency to psoriasis before they actually develop signs.
If one parent has psoriasis the chances of a child developing it is around 15%. However if both parents have psoriasis the chances increase to around 75%.

What are the different types of psoriasis?
There are five different types of psoriasis. They are as follows:

Plaque psoriasis - most common type.
Guttate psoriasis
Inverse
Erythrodermic
Pustular psoriasis
Diagnosis of psoriasis
It is based upon:

The family history of psoriasis
The typical distribution of the lesions on the csalp, elbows, knees, the front of the legs, back and nails.
Typical histopathology
Little or no itching
Well-defined, non-indurated, dry, erythematous areas with silvery, layer-upon-layer sealing.
History of previous attacks and seasonal variations of the disease.
The candle-grease sign, Koebner's phenomenon and pin-point bleeding upon removal of the scale (Auspitz sign)
What are the treatments available for Psoriasis?
A doctor-particularly a dermatologist-can provide guidance in selecting the right treatment. The traditional approach is to start with the least potent treatments (topicals, phototherapy) and move to stronger ones (such as methotrexate or biologics) until a satisfactory combination of results and risks is found.
The goal is to find a treatment that has the best results and the fewest side effects.

Prescription creams, ointments, lotions and gels (also called topical medicines) that you put on the affected areas are often used to treat psoriasis.
Your doctor may tell you to put your medicine on the areas of psoriasis before you go to bed and then cover the areas with plastic wrap (such as Saran Wrap).
If you don't respond to any of these treatments, your doctor may prescribe a new medicine that is given as an injection. This new medication is used for moderate to severe cases of psoriasis.

Special shampoos are used for psoriasis on the scalp. In more severe cases, medicines are taken in pill form. Other treatments include a special type of ultraviolet light therapy.

Sunlight can help psoriasis, but be careful not to stay in the sun too long. A sunburn can make your psoriasis worse. You should use a sunscreen on the parts of your skin that aren't affected by psoriasis. It's especially important to put sunscreen on your face.

Barnacles of Aging Pictures, Skin Disease

Barnacles of Aging is known as Seborrheic keratoses. These are the spots or skin growth which typically appears during the adult phase of life and are generally not harmful.

The term aging appears in the name since it is related to aging. Because of the ugly appreance, many a women hate this and are concerned a lot about them. It is characterised by varied levels and degree of pigmentation.

Causes of Barnacles of Aging ( Seborrheic keratoses )
The cause of the Barnacles of Aging is unknown. We do not know the exact cause of seborrheic keratoses. However, almost everybody will eventually develop at least a few of these growths. They are sometimes referred to as "barnacles of old age." These become more common and more numerous with advancing age.

Diagnosis
The doctor will diagnose the growths by inspecting each with a magnifying glass and a bright light. A biopsy is done when it is difficult to distinguish between the seborrheic keratoses and skin cancer because of the color.

Even though the Barnacles of Aging is unattractive, they pose no real threat to your health. There is no reason to be alarmed unless they itch or become very large. You may consider removing them when they grow on the facial area. The procedure is simple and local anesthetic can be used to reduce pain. The healing process takes a while and you will have some scars left.

Impetigo Information - Bullous Impetigo in adult and child

Impetigo is a highly infectious skin disease most common in children. It presents as weeping, exudative areas with a typical honey-coloured crust on the surface. It is spread by direct contact. The term 'scrum pox' is impetigo spread between rugby players. Occasionally this infection can cause blistering ('bullous impetigo') due to bacterial toxins. Staphylococcus aureus is implicated in over 90% of cases but rarely group A Streptococcus can be responsible. Therefore skin swabs should always be taken. Also check out the Impetigo Symptoms

Impetigo is dealt with through the use of antimicrobials, supported by alternatives and tonics with external applications of a lotion of echinacea, marigold, myrrh and wild indigo, which can be used to combat the infection and help to rebuild ecological barriers. Scrupulous hygiene and a wholesome diet are essential.

Treatment of Impetigo
Localized disease is treated with topical fusidic acid (three times daily) and the antiseptic povidone iodine for 1 week. Extensive disease is treated with oral antibiotics for 7-10 days (flucloxacillin 500 mg four times daily for Staphylococcus; penicillin V 500 mg four times daily for Streptococcus ). Other close contacts should be examined and children should avoid school for 1 week after starting therapy. If impetigo appears resistant to treatment or recurrent, take nasal swabs and check other family members. Nasal mupirocin (three times daily for 1 week) is useful to eradicate nasal carriage. Its use in hospitals should be avoided if possible.

In adults, local measures are usually enough, except in extensive cases and ecthyma. Septran (P) or broad-spectrum antibiotics by mouth should be given in such cases.

In infants, penicillin injections or broad-spectrum antibiotics by mouth are given as a routine. This procedure has reduced the mortality rate considerably. As for local measures, blisters are aspirated aseptically, the flaccid roofs clipped away and the raw surface by soframycin (P) cream.

The treatment must be continued until all the lesions have healed up completely and have stayed so, for at least a week.

Home Remedies for Eye Stye Treatment and Prevention- How To treat a Stye?

What is eye stye?
A stye is a small boil on the eyelid. It may look quite alarming if the eye closes up, but homeopathic treatment usually brings a response. A Stye is a common infection of the hair follicle of an eyelash, resembling a sore similar to a boil or a pimple in the gland at the edge of the eyelid which leads to blockage of the hair follicles that may become swollen, nuisance and painful to the touch.

Styes may be treated by making a decoction (prepared from the roots, seeds, stems and other parts of the plants that are boiled in water) of eyebright and chamomile, to help reduce the inflammation. Marigold can be taken internally to stimulate the lymphatic system.

What are causes of eye stye
This disease appears due to debilitated condition of the system. A diagnosis by a physician is not required but advisable because a chalazion can be mistaken for a stye. Chalazion is a non-bacterial lump on the eyelid caused by a blocked mucous gland under the eye. Your physician may examine your eyelid to determine the cause of the infection. This condition may also appear as result from blocking of the gland by dirt or due to error of refraction.

Symptoms of eye stye
Sometimes, the infection disappears quickly, without forming into a red swelling. But other styes worsen rapidly until the eyelid swells up. In the final stages, the stye will burst and discharge pus, causing the eyelid to stick together during the night in severe cases.

-pain in the eye or eyelid, especially when blinking or to the touch

-redness of the eyelid itself

-blurred vision of the affected eye

-swelling of the eyelid

Stye Treatment - How to get rid of a stye?
Treatment is usually either medical or surgical. Particularly for small ones, medical treatment may be advisable. Oral antibiotics are rarely helpful in most cases since this is an inflammation of the gland, not an infection. However, antibiotic/cortisone drops or ointment can be helpful to keep the bacteria count of the eyelid down and decrease the swelling of the eyelid. The BEST treatment for this is HOT compresses to the eyelid. Wrap a hot washcloth in Saran Wrap to keep the heat in the washcloth and place it over your eyelid as often as you possibly can. The lesion often will "come to a head" and drain out. If this doesn't happen, you should consider surgical drainage by a simple office procedure. Sometimes, the chalazion is so large that medical treatment is not advised and immediate drainage is required. You should be evaluated by your eye care specialist before starting any treatment. Also, recurrent chalazia/styes can be a sign of a very rare eyelid tumor and should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

Home Remedies To Treat A Eye Stye.
Boil 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds with a cupful of water like an herbal tea preparation to wash the eyes 3-4 times a day.
Boil a handful of acacia leaves in two cups of water. Make a decoction and use as a compress on the eyelids. It reduces swelling and pain. Helps to get rid of a stye.
1 teaspoon of turmeric in 2 cups of water until it reduces in half. Cool and strain 4-5 times through a fine muslin. Apply as eye drops 3-4 times a day.
Guava leaves, warmed and placed on a warm damp cloth, and then used as a compress, reduce the redness, pain and swelling.
Slit an aloe leaf lengthwise and place the pulpy side on the sore eye.

Furunculosis - Furuncles (Boils) Treatment, Cause and picture of boil

Furunculosis is a condition familiar to every one. A furuncle or boil is a deep-seated septic affection of the hair follicle in which the hair rootis completely destroyed and comes out as the core of the boil. Multiple boils are given the anme of furunculoses. A carbuncle is a big conglomeration of boils, the inflammation spreading from one follicle to another under the epidermis. The intervening corium is destroyed and pus is discharged through multiple holes.

Boils are a rather more deep-seated infection of the skin, often caused by Staphylococcus. They can cause painful red swellings. They are commoner in teenagers and often recurrent. Recurrent boils may rarely occur in diabetes mellitus or in immunosuppression. Large boils are sometimes called 'carbuncles'.

Causes of Furunculosis
The causative organism in these conditions is Staphylococcus aureus, less frequent other staphylococci. Furunculosis is a common skin problem, very prevalent in the tropics. It is more common in the summer, especially the monsoon season. Maceration of the skin, dusty and dirty environments, and the ingestion of too many carbohydrates, predispose to furunculoses. The eating of too many mangoes has a similar effects (mango boil). A stye is a boil around an eyelash.

Treatment of Furunculosis (Furuncles)
Treatment is with oral antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin 500 mg four times daily for 10-14 days) and occasionally incision and drainage. Antiseptics such as povidone iodine, chlorhexidine (as soap) and a bath oil (e.g. Oilatum plusT) can be useful in prophylaxis.

In acute cases, the treatment consists of:

Surgical incision only when the boil is ripe.
Course of Septran (P) or penicillin or broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Removal or correction of the predisposing cause.
Applying an atiseptic locally and dressing the affected part. Kaolin poultice helps to ripen the boil.
In chronic cases the treatment of furunculosis consists of:

Chemotherapy is unnecessary. Locally, gentian violet or brilliant green 1% in 75% spirit, or lotio acid tannici may be used.
Tannic acid -- 5 gms
Spt. methylated indust. -- 60 cc.
Liquor hydrarg perchlor 1 in 1000 to 100 cc.
They tend to harden the skin. Magnesium sulphate pastes and hot fomentation are strongly contra-indicated.
Diet - Carbohydrates and fats should be cut down and extra proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables added.
Autogenous or stock vaccines or staphylococcal toxoid.
Improvement of general health - A holiday by the seashore has cleared up many an intractable case. Sunbathing, tonics, UVR exposures and sulphur spring baths are also beneficial.
Course of Stannoxyl (P) or Collosal manganese (P). These tend to increase the resistance against infections by increasing the phagocytic co-efficient. Septilin (P) has similar effect.
Course of fractional X-ray therapy in case of localized chronic furunculoses.

Acne Rosacea skin care - Rosacea cure and treatment

Rosacea is a common inflammatory rash predominantly affecting the face. The onset is usually in middle age and it is commoner in women. It often causes significant psychological distress.

Cause of Rosacea
The cause is unknown. Theories have suggested an underlying problem in vasomotor stability of blood vessels or a role for the skin mite Demodex but there is little evidence to confirm these speculations.

Rosacea Symptoms - Clinical features and trigger of Rosacea
The cardinal features are of facial flushing, inflammatory papules and pustules affecting the nose, forehead and cheeks. The flushing may precede the other signs by some years. There are no comedones. Additional features may include dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia), inflammation of the eyelid margins (blepharitis), keratitis and sebaceous gland hypertrophy especially of the nose. The latter is commoner in men and can cause a disfiguring enlargement of the nose called rhinophyma. The flushing may be exacerbated by alcohol, hot drinks, sunlight and changes in ambient temperature. Prolonged use of topical steroids can exacerbate or trigger the condition. As the disease progresses, the flushing may be replaced by a permanent erythema.

Treatment of Rosacea - Laser and Vitamins and Diet care
This is suppressive rather than curative. Long-term use of topical 0.075% metronidazole may help. Avoid topical steroids. A 3-month course of oral tetracycline (500 mg twice daily) is also helpful. Oral metronidazole (400 mg twice daily) or oral isotretinoin (0.5-1 mg/kg/day) is occasionally given in resistant cases. The papules and pustules tend to respond best to therapy but repeat courses may be necessary. The flushing and erythema are often resistant to treatment; cosmetic camouflage can be helpful. Rhinophyma can be treated with plastic surgery or by carbon dioxide laser.

Blackheads Removal - treatment, cause and cure for blackhead

Blackheads are formed when oil collects and hardens in the pores of the skin. Oily skin not only attracts the dirt but also continually sheds the dead cells. Dirt, oil, sweat and stale makeup tend to clog and block the pores. These pores are exposed to the dirt and air, hence, they turn black and are called blackheads.

Treating Blackhead - How to clear Blackheads?
Blackheads are small, dark spots (about the size of a pinhead) caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore).

Blackheads are so common, yet many of us do know what they are. We know even less about dealing with them. However, they can be controlled and even prevented by taking regular care of the skin.

Blackheads not only appear on the face, but on the back, chest and other areas that are rich in sebaceous glands.

Causes of Blackheads
Blackhead are caused by the overactivity of the oil producing glands of skin. The excess oil collects in the pores of the skin and hardens into plug. Since the pores are open, the tip of the clogged oil is exposed to the air. It oxidises and turns black. Hence, the name blackheads.

It is essential to keep the skin free of blackheads. Not only does it look unsightly, but can also lead to acne. The control of blackheads is one way of preventing acne.

Daily cleansing of the skin, with products that reduces surface oil and also keeps the pores free of blackheads, is absolutely essential. The use of specialized masks would also help. After cleansing and toning the skin, use a good quality moisturizer according to skin type. This protects the skin from the effects of pollutants.

Blackhead extraction is a professional job. Never pick at them or try to remove them yourself. Not only will you damage skin tissue, but cause the skin to get infected, resulting in an acne condition.

Herbal Home Tips for getting rid of blackhead
When you have blackheads wash the face quite often, say 4-5 times in a day, with water.

Home remedy for blackhead remover- natural blackhead remedy

Best way to remove blackhead and pimples

Oily Skin blackhead and acne

Blackhead whiteheads

Facial Skin care for blackhead