Thursday, August 16, 2018

ROSACEA

Rosacea


Rosacea (ro-zay-sha) is a common, acne-like benign inflammatory skin disease of adults, with a worldwide distribution.  Rosacea is estimated to affect approximately 45 million worldwide.

The main symptoms and signs of rosacea include red or pink facial skin, small dilated blood vessels, small red bumps sometimes containing pus, cysts, and pink or irritated eyes.  Many people who have rosacea may just assume they have very sensitive skin that blushes or flushes easily.

Rosacea is considered an incurable auto-inflammatory skin condition.  The symptoms and signs of rosacea tend to come and go.  The skin may be clear for weeks, months, or years and then erupt again.



Rosacea is not contagious or infectious!


Symptoms

Rosacea risk factors include fair skin, English, Irish, or Scottish heredity, easy blushing, and having other family members with rosacea (called "positive family history").  Additional risk factors include female gender, menopause, and being 30-50 years of age.

Typical signs and symptoms of rosacea include:

  • facial flushing
  • blushing
  • skin redness (erythema)
  • burning
  • red bumps and pustules
  • small cysts, and 
  • thickening of the facial tissue, especially the nose.

Some of the triggers:

  • dairy, including yogurt, sour cream, cheese (except cottage cheese)
  • alcohol, including red wine, beer, vodka, gin, bourbon, and champagne
  • chocolate
  • soy sauce
  • yeast extract
  • eggplants, avocados, spinach
  • some beans and pods, including lima, navy or peas
  • citrus fruits, including tomatoes, bananas, red plums, raisins, or figs; and
  • spicy and temperature hot foods. 

Treatment


There are many treatment choices for rosacea depending on the severity and extent of symptoms.  Available medical treatments include antibacterial washes, topical creams, antibiotic pills, lasers, pulsed-light therapies and photodynamic therapy.

Mild rosacea may not necessarily require treatment if the individual is not bothered by the condition.  More resistant situations may require a combination approach, using several of the treatments at the same time.  Eg.prescription sulfa facial wash twice a day, applying an antibacterial cream morning and night, and taking an oral antibiotic for flares.

Rosacea skin tends to be fairly sensitive and may easily flare with self-treatment or common acne therapies.  Any home treatment or attempts for natural remedies should be approached with some caution.  As with any rosacea therapy, some people may experience sensitivity or irritation with treatment.  Several possible natural remedies, including dilute vinegar cleansing and green tea applications, may be useful in rosacea.

Gentle daily facial massage may help reduce swelling and inflammation.  Use a circular motion with your fingers starting on the central part of the face and work toward the ears.

Many other alternative therapies — including colloidal silver, emu oil, laurelwood and oregano oil — have been touted as possible ways to treat rosacea.  But at this stage no evidence supports the idea that any of these substances are effective.

When researching natural remedies we recommend you use reputable medical sites.



Natural Remedies


Avoid triggers. Know what tends to cause flare-ups for you and avoid those triggers.  Keep a diary to help track your rosacea.

Protect your face. Apply sunscreen daily. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  Take other steps to protect your skin, such as wearing hats and avoiding midday sun. In cold, windy weather, wear a scarf or ski mask.

Treat your skin gently. Don't rub or touch your face too much.  Use a gentle cleanser and moisturize frequently.  Avoid products that contain alcohol or other skin irritants.

Apply makeup. Some makeup products and techniques may help reduce the appearance of skin redness.  For example, apply green-tinted makeup before a light liquid foundation.  Or try a light dusting of green-tinted facial powder.



Diet


A sensible diet is important.  Foods with polyphenols have been shown to help improve general health and skin health. Polyphenols improve the gut flora and fauna which impact the skin.  Foods with polyphenols can be researched on the web but some for example are:
  • Blueberries
  • Crab Apple
  • Strawberries
  • Whole grain rye breads
  • Celery seed
  • Capers
  • Note. Amino acid supplements have been suggested on some other sites.

Reference Sites: Medicine Net,
Mayo Clinic, Nutrition Advance

Disclaimer: OR Natural researches reputable sites to source information on skin conditions. The material is prepared to assist our customers understanding of the condition and we encourage people to seek medical advice where a condition persists and to research for themselves information about their condition. While OR Natural strives to maintain current and relevant information to the best of our ability, this should not be construed as medical advice as the relevance and accuracy of medical information changes significantly over time as new treatments become available.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

Remember … Natural is Best!

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.
   

Find us on G+

Find Us On G+
  

Find Us On Facebook




---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


PSORIASIS

Psoriasis


Psoriasis is considered to be genetically linked and is an inflammatory disease.  It is characterised by skin cells that multiply much faster than normal cells.  When these cells reach the surface and die, raised, red plaques often covered with white scales form.

It is also considered an auto-immune condition caused by an overactive immune system that launches an inflammatory response within the body.  Psoriasis is a chronic (long term) condition that comes and goes in severity.  

Hereditary predisposition is necessary before the disease can be triggered by environmental factors.


Psoriasis is definitely not contagious.


Symptoms:

  • Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
  • Small scaling spots
  • Dry, cracked skin
  • Itchy, burning or soreness
  • Itchy plaques
  • Small bleeding points when scale is peeled away
  • Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
  • Swollen and stiff joints

Some of the triggers that cause psoriasis to flare up include:
  • Sore throat (streptococci)
  • Trauma to the skin including a cut, scrape, insect bite, infection or sunburn
  • Certain drugs can also have an effect
  • HIV
  • Stress
  • Obesity

Treatment


Psoriasis often requires medical treatment and there are a range of treatments available.  You can also find more about psoriasis on the medical based websites.

There are a number of things you can do to ensure the best management of your psoriasis which will hopefully help to minimise the condition.  While there may be some trial and error to determine what works best for you, some of the actions you can take include:

  • Keep the skin moist at all times, avoid allowing your skin to dry out
  • Manage your diet, increased body mass is associated with psoriasis, and for these individuals the treatment may be more difficult
  • Tar based shampoos may be of assistance
  • When bathing add oil, salts or fine ground oatmeal which may be of assistance. Ensure water is warm rather than hot, restrict baths to around 10 minutes and gently pat dry afterwards Moisturise immediately afterwards
  • Avoid very cold weather; if possible however during cold weather consider moisturising several times per day
  • Use a thick moisturiser 
  • Use a humidifier
  • Never pick at patches or scales
  • Get some sun but not too much; don’t stay in the sun for too long. Use a sunscreen, check with your pharmacist which is best for psoriasis
  • Manage stress levels if required through meditation, yoga or light exercise and maintain a healthy diet
  • Reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking
  • Keep a psoriasis diary to track your triggers; these are often unique to the individual. Understanding your condition will help you to manage it more effectively.


Natural Remedies


Some of the natural remedies that may assist psoriasis symptoms include:
  • Aloe Vera gel or cream that is rich in Aloe Vera
  • Apple cider vinegar to relieve itch from scalp psoriasis
  • Acupuncture or Reiki for stress reduction
  • Use of gentle cleansers that do not strip the oils from the skin.

Psoriasis is a frustrating and difficult condition.  It is best managed at home through a disciplined approach in your lifestyle while accepting that medical intervention will be of assistance when required.

For some a gluten-free diet can result in a significant improvement in psoriasis.



Diet


A sensible diet is important. Foods with polyphenols have been shown to help improve general health and skin health. Polyphenols improve the gut flora and fauna which impact the skin. Foods with polyphenols can be researched on the web but some for example are:
  • Blueberries
  • Crab Apple
  • Strawberries
  • Whole grain rye breads
  • Celery seed
  • Capers
  • Star Anise & Cloves

Reference Sites: Medicine Net,
Nutrition Advance, Mayo Clinic,
National Psoriasis Foundation.

Disclaimer: OR Natural researches reputable sites to source information on skin conditions. The material is prepared to assist our customers understanding of the condition and we encourage people to seek medical advice where a condition persists and to research for themselves information about their condition. While OR Natural strives to maintain current and relevant information to the best of our ability, this should not be construed as medical advice as the relevance and accuracy of medical information changes significantly over time as new treatments become available.


‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.


   

Find us on G+

Find Us On G+
  

Find Us On Facebook




---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------