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."

Types of Skin Disease

Skin disease comes in many forms and the severity of which can range from simply aggravating to life-threatening. Here are just a few skin concerns: Dry Skin Symptoms and signs of dry skin include itching and red, cracked, or flaky skin. Read about causes, diagnosis, treatment, home remedies, prevention, and the best moisturizers for dry skin. Ringworm (Tinea) Watch this slideshow of ringworm (tinea) pictures, and learn about causes, types, treatment, and prevention tips for this fungal skin infection. Eczema Eczema is a skin condition caused by inflammation. Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. Acne (acne vulgaris, common acne) A disease of the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back that affects almost all teenagers during puberty; the only exception being members of a few primitive Neolithic isolated tribes living in isolation. It is not caused by bacteria, although bacteria play a role in its development. It is not unusual for some women to develop acne in their mid- to late-20s. Skin cancer facts There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (the nonmelanoma skin cancers), and melanoma.Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans. Ultraviolet light, which is in sunlight, is the main cause of skin cancer.The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal. Unexplained changes in the appearance of the skin lasting longer than two weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.