Serious Burns

Some of the worst skin conditions and definetly the most pain are burns. While they range in severity and despite how mild or severe they should be cared for properly. But how do you know when the burn is severe enough to seek medical attention? Today we'll go over types of burns and thier treatments. Burns occur when skin comes in contact with heat, radiation, electricity or other chemicals. Burns are extremely dangerous and very painful.They can cause a severe damage and create scarring. Burns are caused by any hot object or a chemical. Fire, hot liquids, electricity and chemicals ar are few of the culprits.. Burns are classified in 4 degrees of severity: A first degree burn. First degree burns are minor burns which only damage the upper most layer of the skin. They produce pinkish to red color marks on the skin and their symptoms may include swelling, tenderness of skin and discomfort pain. They are caused by the brief contact of skin with steam, any hot liquid or flame. Although the first degree burns are minor burns, they should be taken care of. They heal by themselves within a period of some days. As soon as the skin gets burned it should be put in cold water. It is better not to apply any ointment on these burns as they heal by themselves. But if they are a bit more serious and cause more swelling than a mild ointment can be applied. Second Degree Burns The second degree burns are more severe than the first degree burns and involve the damage of not only the epidermis of the skin but also the second layer of the skin. They cause listers and red marks on the skin. They also cause scars and swelling of the skin that is painful. Second degree burns are caused by skin exposure to hot liquids ot flames. They require a proper treatment. As soon as the skin is burnt it should be immediately treated with cold water then an ointment must be applied. If the burns are serious you should see a doctor immediately. A Third Degree Burn. Third degree burns, if left untreated they can become serious wounds causing a severe damage to the skin. Often the burnt wounds rot from the inside and they become fungally infected. It is very important to treat these burns at the right time. Fourth Degree Burns Fourth degree burns are the most dangerous type of burns. They destroy the epidermis and the dermis but they completely destroy and damage the entire skin also reaching into the internal parts of the body. They leave the skin blackened or white. They destroy and deform the bones. Some First Aid Tips For Burns In most cases burns are not painful because the destroy the pain receptors of the skin along with a lot of other things.These burns also leave behind permanent marks which can only be removed by plastic surgery.The person who gets injured must be immediately taken to a hospital. Chemical Burns Chemical burns are the burns that are caused by chemicals. The most important agents causing the chemical burns are hot boiling acids. Other agents involve some certain disinfectants and drain cleaners containing acids. They too require proper medication and attention. Unlike burns caused by a flame, the burns that are caused by chemicals penetrate deep into the skin and can cause more serious wounds with blisters and rashes. These wounds are deep and usually oral medications are also taken to avoid internal blisters.

Eczema

Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema. Atopic eczema mainly affects children, but it can continue into adulthood or start later in life.Eczema is a chronic skin condition in which the skin becomes itchy, reddened, cracked and dry. It affects both males and females equally, as well as people from different ethnic backgrounds. Almost 15 million Americans have Eczema. Atopy is the hereditary predisposition toward developing hypersensitivity reactions such as various types of eczema. Atopic eczema is a form of eczema characterized by atopy, which means inherited eczema. Approximately 80% of atopic eczema cases start before the age of 5, and a sizeable number develops it during their first year of life. Treatments for eczema include reducing the inflammation, loss of moisture and colonization that happens due to bacteria. Doctors typically recommend a prescription steroid, used topically in tiny amounts, used in conjunction with an over-the-counter moisturizer applied right after showering to hold water in the skin. Only mild, bath soaps should be used.

Poison Plants

While poison plants are not a skin disease, they are more of a skin condition. However, the consequences from these pesky plants are annoying at the least and at best could become dangerous (an infection, for instance). Today we will look at some of these poisonous plants. Poison toxins are found in the sap of the plants. Smoke from burning the plant may carry toxins as well, and contact with any of these plants can cause severe skin inflammation. Contact means touching the plant or touching animals, clothes, or other things that have touched against the plant. Symptoms may appear within a few hours or a few days. These include itching and burning of the skin, rash, redness, swelling, and watery blistering. Infection of the blisters can cause complications.Individuals vary in their sensitivity to these plants. I for one am VERY sensitive but others, not so much. Here are the most comon culprits: Poison ivy is one of the most comon poison plants. All parts of poison ivy, including roots, are poisonous at all times of the year. Poison Ivy is a woody shrub or vine with hairy-looking aerial roots. It grows to 10 feet or more, often climbing on trees, walls and fences, or trails along the ground.In the case of Poison Ivy, remember the old adage, "Leaves of three, let it be." Next, lets look at poison oak, sometimes known as "oakleaf poison ivy," is more distinctive than other types of poison ivy.It grows as a low shrub with upright stems.It has lobed leaves, similar to some types of oak leaves. Occurs in sets of three leaflets like poison ivy. Poison sumac is also known as swamp sumac, poison elder, poison ash, poison dogwood, and thunderwood. It does not have variable forms like those of poison ivy.It is a oarse woody shrub or small tree with branched stems -- unlike Poison Ivy, it never grows in a vine-like form. Associated with swamps and bogs. Grows along the edges of areas with wet acid soil. If you come in contact with one of these plants the bet course of action is to remove all clothing that may have touched the affected area, and wash seperaaatley from other clothes. Wash the affected areas and for itching use calamine lotion or other similar anti-itch remedies. Sometimes Benydryl will help, taken internally. If the poison plant gets directly into the bloodstream via a cut or abrasion, you may have what is known in laymans terms as "infected poison ivy." I unfortunately have eperience with thhis and this situation warrants a visit to the doctor and a course of Prednisone. As previiously mentioned, while these maladies are not Skin Disease that is chronic or life threatening, it still should be taken seriously and treated properly.

Shingles

Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, comes from the same virus as Chicken Pox. Shingles is a painful skin rash that is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Shingles usually appears in a band, a strip, or a small area on one side of the face or body. While most common in older adults, anyone is suseptable, particularly people with weakened immune systems. Shingles happens when the virus that causes chickenpox starts up again in your body. the viruis lays dormant in your nerve roots, sometimes peranently. In others, the virus emerges when disease, stress, or aging weakens the immune system. And by the way, shingles is not contageous. When you firsst get shingles, you may have a headache or be sensitive to light. You may also feel like you have the flu. Later, itching, tingling, or pain will occur in a certain area. The rash turns into blisters that fill with fluid and then crust over. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for them blisters to heal. and they may leave scars. Some people also feel dizzy or weak or have long-term pain or a rash on the face, changes in vision, or cognitive changes. Shingles is treated with medicines, including antiviral medicines and pain medication.

Vitamins (and supplements) for the Skin (Internal)

Last time we discussed some of the topical methods of keeping your skin healthy. These vitamins are of great help but just as important are vitamins taken internally. Dermatologists agree that there are certain nutrients that help to keep a youthful complexion. the end of the blog if you wish to purchase from the same store. 2. Co-Q 10 CoQ10 was described as “The Single Most Crucial Nutrient to Energise Every Cell in the Body” by Dr Joseph Mercola, re-known educator and physician in preventative natural health. The first supplement we'll investigate today is an enzyme naturally produced in the human body called CoQ10. It diminishes due to age and stress. It also neutralizes free radicals so the cells are able to regenerate and withstand stress decline. It also has a role in producing cllagen and elastin, which helps stop wrinkles and sagging. Second on the list today are EFA's, alsso known as Essential Fatty Acids.Research have shown that a capsule of EFA Omega 3 a day will improve your skin’s protection to the sun by nearly 50%. Subseuently, less DNA damage means less wrinkles and pigmentation.Research proves that EFA’s play a crucial role in prevention of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, depression and cancer. It also helps treat many disorders e.g. diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Raynauds disease – all of which have an effect on the skin. The3's are found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, and walnut oil. Omega 6's are found in corn and soybean oil. Out of the two Omega's, however, doctors advise to concentrate on the Omega 3's. The third are greens. Eating greens is a great way to cleanse the system and this is ultimately reflected in the skin. There are also many "supergreen" drink products out on the market that contain ingredients such as wheat grass and spirulina. Beyond these supplements is a good multivitamin that contains the very vitamins mentioned in the last post: vitamin C, E, and A. What's good for the skin externally is also good for the skin internally.

Vitamins for the Skin (External )

This is the first of two posts about the role of vitamins in helping skin -- whether diseased or not. This first post will focus on topical vitamin treatments, and the next will focus on vitamins that can be taken initernally that are said to help the skin. Firstly, and arguably the most important is vitamin A(retinoid). Vitamin A fades brown spots and smooths roughness and it can be found in lotions, treatment creams, and night creams. Also, there are prescription products available. The best way to use Vitamin A is to apply only at night because sunlight inactivates most forms of vitamin A. As with any new skin regimen, it takes time to work, so it needs to be given 2-3 months to see results. Next on the list is Vitamin B3. This vitamin also helps fade dark spots but also helps with skin hydration.It can also help with skin irritation. It comes in lotion form as well as cremes and serums. Vitamin C can also help with general skin conditions, it smooths skin, fades spots and stops free radicals on the skin. These are the same free radicals that cause age-related skin conditions. Vitamin C comes in serums, lotions and cremes. It is recommended to apply in the morning under sunscreen. The next vitamin up for study is Vitamin E. It prevents dryness by helping skin retain its natural moisture, neutralizes damaging free radicals, and boosts the skins’s UV defenses.It comes in serums, moisturizers and sunscreens and after-sun products. The best anti-aging products contain at least 1% vitamin E. Follow instructions carefully, and be sure to apply before sun exposure. The final vitamin up for study today is Vitain K, which is most often found in eye creams because it reduces the bags and darkness under the eyes.

Sun Can Kill (literally)

According to the World Health Organization, the sun kills approximately 60,000 people a year worldwide. The bulk of the deaths are from skin cancers caused by excess exposure to the sun's harmful rays, ultraviolet radiation. Ultra-Violet Rays also causes sunburn, triggers cold sores and ages the skin, according to its report, the first to outline the global health burden of sun exposure.Simple measures like covering up when in the sun, could cut the deaths. Dr Maria Neira, Director for Public Health and the Environment at WHO, said: "We all need some sun, but too much sun can be dangerous - and even deadly. Neira states:"Fortunately, diseases from UV such as malignant melanomas, other skin cancers and cataracts are almost entirely preventable through simple protective measures." Of the 60,000 deaths, 48,000 are caused by malignant melanomas and 12,000 by other skin cancers, the report Global Burden of Disease of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation estimates. WHO and the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations are urging people to be extra-vigilant when out in the sun to protect themselves from UVR Everyone is exposed to UVR from the sun and very small amounts are beneficial, playing a role in the production of vitamin D by the skin. But overexposure to UVR is associated with a variety of serious and deadly health problems. Last Updated: Thursday, 27 July 2006, 08:56 GMT 09:56 UK E-mail this to a friend Printable version Sun kills 60,000 a year, says WHO Sun damage can lead to deadly skin cancer As many as 60,000 people a year die from too much sun, warns the World Health Organization. The bulk of the deaths are from skin cancers caused by excess exposure to the sun's harmful rays, ultraviolet radiation, says WHO. UVR also causes sunburn, triggers cold sores and ages the skin, according to its report, the first to outline the global health burden of sun exposure. Simple measures, such as covering up when in the sun, could cut the deaths. Death toll Dr Maria Neira, Director for Public Health and the Environment at WHO, said: "We all need some sun, but too much sun can be dangerous - and even deadly. "Fortunately, diseases from UV such as malignant melanomas, other skin cancers and cataracts are almost entirely preventable through simple protective measures." WAYS TO AVOID TOO MUCH SUN Limit time in the midday sun Wear protective clothing including hats and sunglasses Use sunscreen of sun protection factor 15+ Avoid sunlamps and tanning parlours Source: World Health Organization Of the 60,000 deaths, 48,000 are caused by malignant melanomas and 12,000 by other skin cancers, the report Global Burden of Disease of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation estimates. More than 1.5 million "disability-adjusted life years" or DALYS - a measure of the loss of full functioning due to disease and death - are lost every year due to sun exposure, WHO believes. WHO and the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations are urging people to be extra-vigilant when out in the sun to protect themselves from UVR Everyone is exposed to UVR from the sun. Small amounts are beneficial to health, and play an essential role in the production of vitamin D by the skin. However, overexposure to UVR is associated with a variety of serious and deadly health problems. Harmful rays UVR levels vary with the time of day and year. Levels are highest when the sun is higher in the sky, typically between 10am and 2pm. Latitude and altitude also alter exposure. The closer to equatorial regions and the higher the altitude, the higher the UVR exposure. Similarly, the ground you walk on can be important. Grass, soil and water reflect less than 10% of UVR, fresh snow reflects as much as 80%, dry beach sand about 15% and sea foam about 25%. UVR can neither be seen nor felt, therefore, UVR measurements, such as the global solar UV index, are necessary to determine precisely the extent of ground level UVR. These add up all the solar UVR, taking account of its ability to cause skin damage. The higher the UV index, the higher the risk of skin and eye damage. When the UV Index predicts radiation levels of 3 (moderate) or above, sun safety practices should be taken, WHO recommends. Laura-Jane Armstrong, cancer information officer at Cancer Research (UK), said: "This report provides clear evidence of the dangers of over-exposure to the sun, highlighting the number of global deaths from skin cancer and other risks the sun can pose to our health. "Our key message is not to burn. To help protect yourself in the sun you should spend time in the shade during the middle of the day, cover up with a shirt and hat, and use factor 15+ sunscreen."