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Millions of people suffer from eczema, with cases ranging from extreme and debilitation to mild and annoying. Treatments for eczema range from simple lifestyle changes to prescription medications. Some of the most common treatments for eczema are reviewed below.

Perhaps the simplest treatments for eczema involve simple lifestyle changes. The dry, itchy skin of eczema can be greatly alleviated with several small adjustments to your skin care regime. First, take cooler baths and showers. Hot water can be very drying for the skin, so cooling down your showers will help your skin retain more moisture. Avoid harsh, drying soaps and detergents. Gentle, non-scented moisturizing soaps and mild detergents help the skin avoid dryness and eliminate some of the irritants that can aggravate eczema.

Moisturizing the areas affected by eczema is essential. Moisturize often and liberally. Treat irritated areas with 1% hydrocortisone cream to relive itching and irritation.

There are many more natural, home remedy treatments for eczema that have also had some success in relieving the itching and flaking of eczema. Placing an ice pack on the affected area can relive itching, as do oatmeal baths, like Aveeno. Another home remedy is treating an oozing patch of eczema with milk. Soak a cotton ball or piece of gauze in cold milk and apply to the itchy area. Reapply two to three times and then rinse to alleviate itching.

Humidifying your home is another great solution. By adding more moisture to the air, you’re adding more moisture to your skin. Purchasing a humidifier can help prevent the excess drying or ezcema.

Be especially careful with your laundry products. Harsh detergents and chemical fabric softeners can aggravate eczema. Switch to unscented, mild detergent and fabric softeners that work in the rinse cycle to minimize irritation.

Another popular herbal remedy for eczema is Evening Primrose oil. Taken orally, this herbal remedy seems to alleviate some of the symptoms of eczema, possibly because of its high concentration of an omega-6 essential fatty acid.

There are several simple lifestyle changes and remedies to help alleviate the symptoms of eczema. Incorporating several of these tips into your skin care regime may help guide your eczema into a state of remission.

Claire Bowes is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Eczema Causes & Cures. Claire provides more information on her site about Eczema Treatments that you can research at home.

Step One: Reduce excess oil secretion

Accutane is a derivative of vitamin A and reduces the secretion of oil by the oil glands.

Foods that supply the body with Vitamin A and beta-carotene (which is converted to vitamin A by the body) include: Liver, oily fish, whole eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.

Step Two: Encourage extreme shedding of the skin

Using a peel is the easiest method to promote shedding of the skin. Exfoliation releases the build-up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria trapped in the pores, which could lead to the formation of blemishes.

Extreme peels
Peels come in varying degrees, from mild to harsh. The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is an extreme peel that can cost from $100 to $1000 depending on the degree of the treatment. It is only performed in a doctor’s office. The TCA is not a save all however. The peel can make the skin sensitive to the sun cause hyper-pigmentation.

Home use peels
Several over-the-counter peels contain papaya enzymes or glycolic acid. These peels lightly exfoliate the skin and are safe for weekly use.

Step Three: Reduce the spread of bacterial infection

Using an astringent such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar to disinfect the skin significantly reduces the presence of bacteria on the face. This reduction limits skin inflammation and the likelihood of a pimple developing.

Step Four: Enhance Fat Metabolism

Free fatty acids can irritate the skin and provoke acne eruptions. Reducing intake of foods containing hydrolyzed fats will improve fat metabolism. However, do consume essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are found in foods such as salmon and olive oil. These essential fats aid the gastrointestinal tract eliminate pro-inflammatory substances, which reduces the possibility of experiencing acne lesions.

Step Five: Reduce inflammation

A strong immune system serves as a buffer against inflammation. Stress reducing activities such as exercising, eating a well-balanced diet and sleeping well boosts the immune system. A diet supplemented with B-Complex, zinc and vitamins C and E likewise enhances the effectiveness of the immune system.

These steps work via creating a bodily environment that is not conducive to acne. By adhering to the nutritional and aesthetic steps above, anyone can attain clear skin while simultaneously augmenting their health.

Health author and Noixia campaigner Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include “Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work “Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing” (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005.

For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com

Skin types are unique and react in different ways to weather, environment, and creams and/or lotions. In order to keep skin healthy and youthful in appearance it is essential to know your skin type and how to care for it.

Most skin care specialists will advise to apply moisturizers all over the body to nourish the skin. Top of the list in skin care is sun protection to prevent damage to the delicate skin structure. A few other simple steps will help you care for your particular skin type.

Normal Skin: Use a rich cream or lotion to moisturise the skin. Be sure to apply the moisturizer to the neck and décolleté. Don’t forget to moisturize the elbows and knees. It’s best to apply moisturizers after bathing while the skin is still moist for better absorption.

Oily Skin: There are already plenty of natural oils in this skin type, so use a light moisturizer. A body mist spray is also good for oily skin, as it will sit gently on the skin, without stimulating the glands that product body oils. To avoid breakouts it is important to keep pores from becoming clogged.

Combination Skin: This type of skin usually refers to just the face. The neck however, should not be forgotten. The neck area tends to dry if you have this type of skin. A light moisturizer that contains sunscreen should be used in order to combat dryness. At night a richer cream will nourish the skin as you sleep, keeping it smooth, supple and youthful.

Dry Skin: A deep penetrating cream will nourish this type of skin. Try an oil-based lotion as an alternative; it will leave the skin silky and smooth. Dry skin is often aggravated by air conditioning, wind and sun. Always use
extra moisturizers to keep hydrated when exposed to these elements.

Sensitive Skin: This type of skin often needs special attention. Formulated and medicated creams can be obtained to address specific individual needs. A visit to a professional will help evaluate this type of skin and assist in designing a skin care regime that addresses each particular case.

Keep your skin protected from the sun at all times.
Drink plenty of water.
Get lots of sleep.

Do not rub the skin - always pat skin dry with a soft towel.
Consult your aesthetician or dermatologist they can advise you
on solutions to most problem skin conditions.

Spas in Canada
© Copyright 2005

Angie Kocsi is co-founder of Spas in Canada. After many years enjoying the great spas in Europe and drawing upon her experience and knowledge of the corporate world; along with a successful career in Public Relations and International Marketing Spas in Canada was created.
For more information contact the spa team by email: spas@spasincanada.ca

Natural moisturizers are used to keep your skin smooth and soft without any grease.

Avocado Day Creme: This natural product is excellent for oily skin. It is made with avocado wheat germ and jojoba oils, as well a cocoa butter. Even though these oils are known for moisturizing and humectant properties, they do not leave a greasy feeling on your skin. This natural moisturizer also contains orange blossom and lemon. This leaves your face feeling refreshed and clean.

-Rose Day Creme: This natural moisturizer is made for dry, sensitive, and mature skin. It is made with almond, olive and jojoba oils. It can provide the gentle hydration which is needed. Rose maroc and sandalwood combine to calm, nourish, and restore a smooth skin tone and texture. This moisturizer should be applied daily for the best results. It will make your skin feel soft and renewed.

Skin care can be more than just applying creams and using skin care products for better skin, it can actually mean a whole different way of life, a balanced diet and health routines and a balanced life style that will help overall health and fitness, as well as well taken care of skin, this is something everyone should try.

In today’s image conscious society an increasing number of people are following the example of Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Victoria Beckham, Nicole Kidman and a host of other celebrities and adding a bright white smile to their shopping list. But, with so many tooth whitening treatments available today, how do you go about picking the method that is best for you?

The tooth whitening industry is growing at an alarming rate and now represents a $2 billion dollar a year business in the US with companies falling over themselves to introduce new products almost on a daily basis and investing millions in advertising. Everywhere you look you see offers for the latest, fastest, most effective and cheapest new product, so how do you set about making your choice?

Before you choose any treatment at all it is important to understand that tooth whitening works - but only up to point!

If your teeth have been ravaged by years of drinking tea and coffee and smoking twenty cigarettes a day then no treatment is going to give you the smile that you see on the advertising posters or on the television commercials. In the many cases you will see an improvement with which you will be more than satisfied, but if you have your heart set on that perfect brilliant white smile you are going to be disappointed.

Additionally, tooth whitening treatments do not last forever and, whatever results are achieved, in the weeks and months following treatment your teeth will again start to discolor.

There are three main methods of whitening available today - whitening strips (and similar over-the counter products for use at home), professionally fitted custom whitening trays which are worn while you sleep and whitening carried out by your dentist. In choosing the method that best suits your needs you need to look at three things - safety, cost and effectiveness.

As far as safety is concerned, whichever method you choose, you should always visit your dentist for a checkup before you start any tooth whitening treatment. Problems with your teeth or gums could lead to a painful whitening experience or permanently damage the enamel of your teeth, so start by making sure that your teeth and gums and healthy.

The simplest, quickest and cheapest method of tooth whitening is the use of whitening strips with generic brands costing as little as $13 and branded products such as Rembrandt, Colgate and Crest running at about $35. In addition there is now a new range of products with names such as White Light and Ionic White which are claimed to be faster than the traditional strips and which run at about the same price of between $30 and $40.

These products will not produce anything like satisfactory results from just a single application and need to be used repeatedly over a period of time which raises the question of safety. Like the vast majority of tooth whitening products the active agent used to clean (or bleach) the teeth is hydrogen peroxide or a similar compound known as carbamide peroxide. Used infrequently and in small quantities these will not harm your teeth, but excessive use (all too easy with simple “at home” whitening methods) they will cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums.

The effectiveness of these products is also questionable and it is probably fair to say that the majority of users are disappointed with the results.

A much better option in terms of the results achieved is the use of a professionally fitted tray which is worn at night over a period of about two weeks. This is, however, not a popular method as most users find that it is not easy sleeping with the tray in place and often give up before the end of the treatment. The services of the dentist to make and fit the tray also make this a much more expensive option, typically running anywhere between $300 and $1,000.

The final option is to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist. A popular choice, often referred to as laser tooth whitening or zoom whitening, the procedure takes less than an hour is certainly the most effective option. You also have the peace of mind of knowing that this is being carried out under the supervision of your dentist should you run into any problems. The cost of professional tooth whitening varies widely but you can expect to pay at least $500 with most treatments running around or above $1,000.

Like most things in life tooth whitening is very much a case of “you get what you pay for”. If you opt for the lower end of the scale your pocket book will be happy but you are likely to come away feeling that even at $30 or $40 you have wasted your money. On the other hand, your pocket book may well squeal at giving up $1,000 for the professional services of your dentist, but you are much more likely to feel that it was well worth it.

For more information on tooth whitening please visit ToothWhiteningSystems.info today.

Hair loss in men is a common occurrence. Sure, it happens more so in some men than others, but every man loses hair. The most common cause of hair loss in men is genetics. If either one of your parents experienced hair loss, you are far more susceptible to hair loss over the course of your life.

Hair loss in men is far more common than it is in women. Along with hair loss being hereditary, other common causes are mental and physical stress as well as age. Yes, stress does cause your hair to fall out. Even simple everyday stress can do this but it is much more prevalent in men who have high stress occupations.

Hair loss for men usually starts to occur with the thinning of the hair. When this starts to happen, you will usually notice that your hair is falling out piece by piece or in clumps. Early hair loss in men is also accompanied by a receding hair line. As the hairline continues to recede, a man has a few options. He can begin to cut his hair shorter to cover up the recession, find a hair loss cure, or simply deal with it. To some, it is a big deal to loose their hair, but on the other hand, some men don’t worry about it at all.

Hair loss in men has never been more treatable than it is today. There are many solutions including Rogaine, which is the most popular cure available. Rogaine works in the majority of the men who use it. Hair loss in men can also be combated by topical solutions, or natural remedies, such as vitamins.

Another popular remedy for hair loss in men is hair transplantation surgery. This plan of action has become more popular in the last three years due to more professionals practicing this technique and better results from the surgery. This surgery consists of your doctor grafting areas of your scalp that are in good condition to areas that are thinning or balding. More and more men with hair loss are looking in this direction for a cure.

If you are experiencing hair loss symptoms, you can consult with your family physician or seek out help from a specialist. You can even go to your local pharmacy and shop around for a treatment. Most pharmacists will be able to recommend one hair loss treatment over another.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. For more information on Hair Loss, please visit http://www.about-hair-loss-information.info/ for a wealth of information. You may also want to visit keith’s own web site at http://keithlondrie.com/

Even after lesions have healed, they can leave behind permanent reminders. While it’s difficult to avoid acne scarring completely, understanding the inner workings of your skin can help you minimize long-term damage.

What causes acne scarring? In the simplest of terms, acne scars are visible reminders of injury and tissue repair. When tissue suffers an injury, the body rushes its “repair team” to the injury site. This specialized team includes white blood cells and an array of inflammatory molecules that work to fight infection and heal damaged tissue. Once the infection is gone, however, the tissue can’t always be restored to its former state.

Who is most susceptible to acne scars? How and why people end up with acne scars is not completely understood. There is considerable variation between individuals, suggesting that some people are simply more prone to acne scarring than others. Acne Scar-susceptible people often find a genetic connection, as well both the degree to which you scar and the kind of scar you get can “run in the family.” There is also considerable variation in the “life history” of individual scars; some people bear acne scars for a lifetime with little change, while others watch their scars diminish with time. We do know that scarring occurs most frequently in patients with the most severe forms of inflammatory acne, involving deep nodular lesions.

How can I avoid acne scarring? Because we know so little about what causes one person to scar more easily than the next, the best way to avoid scarring is to prevent acne. It’s important to treat the condition early in its course, and for as long as necessary. The more inflammation you can prevent, the less likely you are to scar. In the event that you do get acne lesions, it’s important to treat them with the proper medication rather than squeeze or pick at them. Handling the skin squeezing with your fingernails, poking pimples with a pin, or whatever significantly increases damage to surrounding tissue, and thereby increases the chance that the lesion will leave a permanent scar and acne scar treatment will be necessary.

Remember: A pimple that’s bothering you today will go away soon if you let it be; if you pick at it, it could stick around forever. If you have a particularly troublesome lesion, see your dermatologist or aesthetician for safe, professional scar treatment or extraction.

Another thing to remember: A healthy body heals faster and more completely, so never underestimate the power of a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. If your work or play takes you out in the sun, protect yourself against harmful UVA and UVB rays with oil-free sunscreen; too much sun exposure can make scars stick around longer. Another habit that you know is bad smoking depletes your skin’s valuable oxygen collagen reserves, causes free radical damage and deposits toxins, making it more vulnerable to aging and acne scarring.

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Types of acne scars

First, some good news about the healing process. As an acne blemish heals, the inflamed area flattens, leaving behind a reddish spot. Though it may look like an acne scar, it’s actually a macule the final stage of an acne lesion. Macules may last for up to six months, but leave no permanent acne scar.

The same holds true for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a darkening of the skin at the site of a healing acne lesion. Most prevalent in African-American, Asian and Latino populations, these spots can last up to 18 months but may disappear more quickly if you stay out of the sun. Both macules and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are considered “pseudo-scarring” because they eventually disappear completely.

There are two kinds of true scars left behind by acne: acne scars caused by increased tissue formation, and acne scars caused by tissue loss. The former, called keloid or hypertropic scars, are less common and appear to be hereditary. These are found primarily in African-American, Asian and Latino patients. Keloid scarring occurs when the skin cells respond to injury by producing an excess of collagen, which forms into lumpy fibrous masses most frequently along the jaw line and on the back or chest. These acne scars appear firm and shiny, and may persist for years.

Acne scars caused by tissue loss are much more common, and may take many forms:

Soft acne scars have gentle sloping rolled edges that merge with the surrounding skin. They are usually small, circular or linear in shape, and soft to the touch.

Ice-pick acne scars. Most often found on the cheek, ice-pick scars are usually small but deep, with a jagged edge and steep sides. If they are soft to the touch, they may be improved by stretching the skin; hard ice-pick scars are difficult to treat.

Depressed fibrotic acne scars. Over time, ice-pick scars may evolve into depressed fibrotic scars. These also have sharp edges and steep sides, but are larger and firm at the base.

Atrophic macules, a form of acne scarring most common in Caucasians, are soft with a slightly wrinkled base. Blood vessels just below the surface of the scar may make them appear purplish when they are recent, but this discoloration may fade over time to a pale ivory. Atrophic macules are usually small when they occur on the face, but may be a centimeter or larger elsewhere on the body.

Follicular macular atrophy is more likely to occur on the chest or back of a person with acne. These small, soft white lesions resemble whiteheads that didn’t fully develop; they may persist for months or years.

Can my acne scars be treated?

The short answer is yes - acne scar treatment is available. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and macules can be improved with bleaching agents. Some superficial acne scarring can be treated with topical resurfacing agents, like Retinol, which is available in many over-the-counter forms, as well as in prescription medications such as Retin-A and Renova. Other forms of scarring can be improved with microdermabrasion (a minimum of 6-8 treatments are typically required) or dermatologic surgery. It may not be possible to restore your skin to its pre-acne appearance but if your scars have a significant effect on your emotional well-being, it’s worth considering. There are a number of different scar treatments available; consult your dermatologist to find out if your particular situation may be improved, and how.

Kerwin Chang writes for www.acnestuff.net where you can find out more about acne and other skin care topics.