April 14th, 2010 by admin

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays are the most common cause of the disease. In fact over 1,000,000 people are affected each year.

Skin cancer can be dvided into three different types of cancer.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

These carcinomas are found usually in places on the body that have been exposed to the sun, like ears, the face and the mouth.

Symptoms include a bump that turns in to an open sore (ulceration, reddish, flat spot that is sometimes crusty, a bump that gets larger and a sore that won’t heal.

Left untreated, it can spread quickly to other parts of the body, like the lymphatic system, bloodstream, and nerve routes.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Accounting for more than 75% of skin cancers diagnosed, basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly developed skin cancer.

These carcinomas are most commonly found on the face, neck, and hands. It is considered highly treatable and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.

Symptoms include a sore that oozes or bleeds, a redness area that is irritated, a yellow or white area that resembles a scar, and a pink pearly bump.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous and deadly type of skin cancer.It can develop on any part of the body, however the arms, legs and trunk are the most common area of the body. When detected early, it is considered highly treatable.

Symptoms include a mole, freckle, or new/existing spot that changes color in size, shape, and color. It may have an irregular outline and possible be more than one color.

Your best defense in preventing skin cancer is to avoid excessive exposure to the sun. When you are outdoors, be sure to always wear a sunscreen, and stay in a shady area if possible!

April 14th, 2010 by admin

Skin disease, also known as dermatosis, is defined as any disease of the skin.  To be more specific, the skin is the largest organ of the body, and one of the most vulnerable.  It acts as a protecting shield for the body for harmful pathogens, but is not immune to disease on its own.  Disease is defined as an abnormal condition of an organism that negatively affects bodily functions.  Skin disease, then is the abnormal condition of the skin organ that impairs the function of the skin.

There are many skin diseases that are common, including acne, warts, and eczema.  The psychological effect of these diseases is not to be underestimated.  Since the skin is the most visible organ of the body, skin disease can cause significant psychological stress, especially amongst peers.  For example, a child struggling with acne may be ridiculed by his or her classmates in grade school, though it is often not their fault and uncontrollable.  Disease can be a life-changing thing, and skin disease is no different.  While most skin diseases do not require a visit to the doctor, there is a number of skin diseases that can be extremely severe and even fatal.

Some of the more common skin diseases plague people around the world on a daily basis.  The rest of this article will focus on highlighting some of the more common skin diseases:

1.  Acne

The bane of adolescents going through puberty, acne is a disease of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands.  The clogging of these glands leads to pimples, which almost 17 million people in the United States suffer from.  The clogged glands may be a result of rising hormone levels causing additional oil.  The pimples and lesions develop from the spilling of oil, skin cells, and bacteria onto the skin.

2.  Calluses and Corns

Golfers and guitar players are good examples of people suffering from calluses.  Corns are smaller calluses developed on top of toes from repeated rubbing and pressure from shoes.  While calluses are usually painless, corns can be very painful.  There are many treatments for this type of skin disease available in stores everywhere, including rubbing the callus with a pumice stone.

3.  Psoriasis

A common chronic skin disease, psoriasis causes red, raised areas that develop as scales on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.  It affects 5 to 7 million people in the United States.  The cause of the disease is unknown, but is theorized to be caused by abnormally fast-growing skin cells.  Treatment for psoriasis usually is in the form of a cream or other medications.

4.  Eczema

Eczema is a disease that causes an inflammation of the epidermis.  It causes a persistent skin condition that is usually characterized by redness, swelling, itching and dryness, blistering, or bleeding.  Eczema can cause extreme irritation, usually due to the itchiness of the skin.  It is usually treated through anti-inflammation drugs or oilments and creams that reduce itching.

April 14th, 2010 by admin

Skin Whitening Tips # 1
Sunscreen is a skin whitening secret. No kidding. The suns UV rays affect our skin causing sunburn, even when we are indoors. More so, there are several constituents in our surroundings that cause the melanin rate to increase. Sunscreen creams, help reduce the effect of the UV rays, and stop the increasing melanin rate. After regular use over a period of time, it starts reducing the melanin as well. Melanin are the skin darkening cells. As such it is clear, reduction on melanin leads to fairer skin. Read more on skin care.

Skin Whitening Tips # 2
Moisturizing is also a very important method for skin whitening. Drying of the skin often results in skin darkening. More so, dry skin tends to get tanned faster. As such, keeping your skin moisturized at all times is a sure fire way to making it fairer. Make sure that all your exposed skin is kept moisturized. This also helps in keeping your skin supple and smooth. I would call it, touchable!

Skin Whitening Tips # 3
Tomato has bleaching effects. It is a natural skin lightener. Rubbing tomato on the skin is one of the best way to bleach the skin without any harmful chemicals. It has best effects when the tomato is cold. Cut it in half and rub the internal part of the tomato on your skin. Rub it for around 10 minutes and then leave it on for around 20 to 25 minutes. Then wash it off with cold water. The skin might seem dry after this skin whitening treatment, so best is to put on moisturizer after that. It is one of the natural skin whitening tips.

Skin Whitening Tips # 4
Wheat flour is a great secret to fair soft skin. Mix wheat flour with water, making it a thin paste. Rub it on to the skin. Make sure that you have applied it evenly on the skin. Leave it on for around 15 to 20 minutes. While washing it off, rub it on the skin like a scrub. Dab dry your face to avoid too much friction on the skin. Regular wheat flour treatment, like once a week, is a great way to have soft, supple and fair skin. Basiclly, it is a sure fire answer to the question, how to look hot.

Skin Whitening Tips # 5
Papaya extract is great for the skin and hair. While eating it is great for the eyes, skin, hair and the digestive system. Applying it as a pack on the skin works well for skin whitening. Mash the papaya, cool it, and apply it on your skin. Leave it on for around 20 minutes. Lounge around while you wait. Wash it off after the stipulated time. Dry your face lightly. You will not only notice your skin tone to be fairer, but a soft glow as well.

Skin Whitening Tips – Bonus Note
There are many lifestyle changes that can help you make your skin a shade fairer, if not more. Reduce coffee intake. Coffee is responsible for increasing the body toxin level as well as the heat. This leads to increase melanin count, hence, making the skin darker. Reducing coffee intake will lead to a slow and steady whitening process of the skin. To increase the speed, ensure that you drink 4 to 5 liters of water on a daily basis. This will help flush out the toxins from the body faster. More so, the glow on the skin will be more prominent.

April 14th, 2010 by admin