Eczema & Dermatitis

Eczema & Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy.  It's common in children but can occur at any age.  Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically.  It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.

No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis.  But treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks.

Other forms of dermatitis include:

Contact dermatitis:  This rash occurs on areas of the body that have come into contact with substances that either irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction,

Seborrheic dermatitis:  This condition causes scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face, upper chest and back.  In infants this is known as cradle cap.

Symptoms

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) signs and symptoms vary widely from person to person and include:

Dry Skin

• Itching, which may be severe, especially at night
• Red to brownish-gray patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in infants, the face and scalp
• Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
• Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
• Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching

Atopic dermatitis most often begins before age 5 and may persist into adolescence and adulthood.

For some people, it flares periodically and then clears up for a time, even for several years.

Some of the causes of eczema or dermatitis include:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). This form of dermatitis is likely related to a mix of factors, including dry skin, a gene variation, an immune system dysfunction, bacteria on the skin and environmental conditions.
• Contact dermatitis. This condition results from direct contact with one of many irritants or allergens — jewellery containing nickel, cleaning products, perfumes, cosmetics, and even the preservatives in many creams and lotions.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. This condition may be caused by a yeast (fungus) that is in the oil secretion on the skin. People with seborrheic dermatitis may notice their condition tends to come and go depending on the season.

Treatment

The treatment for dermatitis varies, depending on the cause and each person's experience of the condition. 

      These can include:

• Applying corticosteroid creams
• Applying certain creams or lotions that affect your immune system (calcineurin inhibitors)
• Exposing the affected area to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light (phototherapy)

      
Home remedies can include:

• Use non-prescription anti-inflammation and anti-itch products 
• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can temporarily relieve inflammation and itching. 
• Oral antihistamines, may be helpful if itching is severe. 
• Apply cool, wet compresses. This helps soothe your skin. 
• Wear cotton clothing. Smooth cotton clothing can help. 
• Take a comfortably warm bath. Sprinkle your bath water with uncooked oatmeal.
• Take a bleach bath. This may help people with severe atopic dermatitis by decreasing the bacteria on the skin. Add 1/2 cup to a bathtub filled with warm water.
• Avoid rubbing and scratching. Cover the itchy area with a dressing if you can't keep from scratching it.
• Choose mild laundry detergent. Choose mild, unscented laundry products.
• Moisturize your skin. For mild forms of the condition, moisturizer may be the main form of treatment. Avoid irritants. For contact dermatitis especially, try to minimize contact with the substance that caused your rash. 
• Use stress management techniques.
• Techniques such as relaxation or biofeedback may help.

Natural Remedies

Many alternative therapies, including those listed below, have helped some people manage their dermatitis. But evidence for their effectiveness isn't conclusive.

• Dietary supplements, such as vitamin D and probiotics, for atopic dermatitis.
• Rice bran broth (applied to the skin) for atopic dermatitis.
• Tea tree oil, either alone or added to your shampoo, for seborrheic dermatitis.
• Fish oil supplements for seborrheic dermatitis.
• Aloe Vera for seborrheic dermatitis.
• Avoid harsh soaps, be sure to gently pat dry your skin after a bath and moisturize your skin regularly.

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

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!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

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

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

   

Find us on G+

  

Find Us On Facebook

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

Why ‘OR Natural’ writes about skin health?

Why ‘OR Natural’ writes about skin health?

‘The Best Natural Skin Care Company’!

At ‘OR Natural’ we are constantly researching issues about the skin.  Our objective has been to increase our own knowledge regarding olive oil soap benefits for sensitive skin conditions, babies’ skin, acne, psoriasis and eczema and more and to find information that may help our customers.  We realised that many people would be interested in our research and we will summarise these results in articles to be published in our 'Newsletters' posted on Facebook, Google+ and 'OR Natural's blog.

We get many inquiries from customers who are dealing with long term skin problems and are eager to find a better way to manage them.  When they come to us they are seeking a natural solution as our products are natural, gentle and kind on the skin, using organic olive oil soaps (‘castile’), for example, helping to create skin well-being that may lead to an improved outcome.

The Best Natural Skin Care Company!

We are always honest and upfront with people about what our products can and can’t do.  We have certainly had extensive anecdotal feedback from customers that they find our products wonderful on their skin and those people kind enough to review our handmade natural skin care and handmade olive oil soap products, have in every case rated us with 5 stars.  You can find out more about our products on www.ornatural.com.au – ‘The Best Natural Skin Care Company’!  ‘OR Natural won the ‘Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’ award in the Hunter Valley, NSW Australia. 

For many, long term skin problems require medical treatment when the problem becomes acute.  It is important that people seek out what is in their best interest and best for their health.

In our research, in addition to getting a better understanding about skin problems, we look for information about things to avoid putting on your skin, i.e. triggers that may make the condition worse, and for natural remedies that may be tried safely at home.  We hope the information we post benefits our readers.

Our best regards to all our readers.

Julie Brown & Stephen Balogh

With special thanks to our friend Stephen Cheetham who works tirelessly to help us with our social media presence.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

Remember … Natural is Best!

To BUY: Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

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

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

Find us on G+

  

Find Us On Facebook

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

Caring for your skin!

Caring for your skin!

Our skin reflects our general health and well-being.  

It’s not only the largest organ in our body but it is also porous.  To demonstrate this rub a clove of garlic on your sole and within minutes you will taste garlic in your mouth.  Skin absorbs whatever it comes in contact with for both good and bad.

The following is information designed to assist you in making informed decisions when next you purchase skin care products and ultimately in the care of your skin. 

Cleansing your skin! (Step 1) - Whether you use a liquid or hard bar, all soaps are made from fats/oils.  These can range from petroleum, animal or vegetable oils and they all have a different effect on the skin.  Synthetic surfactants, foaming agents, colours and synthetic fragrances are widely used in skincare products and can cause conditions ranging from mild skin irritations to cancer.  Non soap products are made of synthetic material.  The first step in skin care is to know what the ingredients are that make up your cleansing material.  

If you suffer from eczema, psoriasis or are just concerned about what you use on your skin choose a soap that is made from olive oil.  Olive oil soap, known as castile soap, has been around for over 1000 years.  Originally the preserve of Royalty and those that could afford it, is the mildest soap suitable for the most sensitive skin.  Olive oil soap has a unique property in that it cleans and moisturizes without aggravating the skin.  Soaps made of other oils and fats can be drying, irritating and if synthetic additives are used can be damaging. 

Most people like their cleansing agent to have a scent, unfortunately most scents are just synthetic fragrances.  Materials used in the formulation of fragrances are a closely held secret by skin care manufacturers.  What is known is that a number of commonly used fragrances cause conditions ranging from migraine to cancer.  If you like a scent in your skin care products choose one with a 'natural essential oil' that is also known to be beneficial for the skin.

A very important step in skin care, is to 'read the ingredient list', remember what your skin comes in contact with is absorbed into your body!

Moisturise Your Skin (Step 2) - The skin needs to be both moisturised and nourished.  The best moisturising benefits or hydration come from a combination of emollients - ingredients that help prevent water loss, that soften and soothe the skin; and humectants - ingredients that attract water molecules to help keep the skin soft and supple.

Many people suffer from dry skin, the causes may be varied, for example air pollution, climatic conditions, salt and chlorinated waters, and also those with dry skin from birth.  As we age our skin tends to be dryer due to the loss of oil glands that help keep the skin soft.  

The winter months are notorious for causing dry skin problems.  All skins are different and those with problem skin will benefit from a good regime of moisturising their skin each day.

There are many commercial moisturises on the market, even if you choose one that is all natural it may not be suitable for you.  For example, aloe vera is renowned for its healing properties, yet there are those who have an allergy to it.  Finding the best moisturiser for you is like manna from heaven, remember to read the ingredients, ensure they are natural and if they work for you, stay with it.

Body Vitaliy Moisturising Cream

Nourishing your skin (Step 3) - Step three in skin care is to keep the skin nourished and moist.  Whether it is due to external factors such as air pollution, climatic conditions, exposure to salt/chlorinated water or we just have dry skin from birth we need to moisturize and nourish our skin.  The wellbeing of our skin depends on diet but a lot also depends on what we apply to it directly.

Many people with sensitive skin suffer from very dry skin during the winter months.  The skin irritant during this time can be very painful.  Finding the right moisturizer during winter is vital to feeling comfortable and to skin health.

There are many commercial skin treatments available but with a little trial and error, finding the best treatment for dry winter skin is like manna from heaven.  The best approach is to review ingredients, ensure they are natural, and if they work for you, stay with it.  A mature skin will need extra care, especially those who have grown up in the drying, damaging Australian climate.  

Day Cream - Vital Replenishing Hydration

To take care of your face, use a very moisturizing and nourishing natural cream that penetrates your skin.  Applied at night to allow the natural cream to penetrate.  For day use a light natural cream can be applied to the face which allows make up to be applied on top.

A light lotion can be used for hands arms legs whenever dryness sets in.  However you choose to moisturize and nourish your skin ensure that the ingredients are natural.

Diet Step (Step 4) - For those who have grown up in the Sydney area, may remember the painted sign on a building that said “We are what we eat”.  This is step four in skin care - your diet.  Drinking, smoking and eating too much acidic foods have a detrimental effect on the skin.  The choices you make in relation to your diet determine the health of your skin. 

Vitamin supplements are helpful but a natural supplement is the best.  Hemp seed oil contains all the 20 amino acids including 9 that the body is unable to produce but necessary for health.  In terms of vitamins it has A, B1, B2, B3, B6, D, E as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and zinc. Truly, a remarkable oil. Taken internally, the benefits to the skin are noticeable in a short time.

What to avoid in skin care ingredients (Step 5) - The fifth step in skin care is knowing what to avoid.  A lot of skin care products contain harmful ingredients which cause a wide range of conditions ranging from skin irritation to cancer.  

The top nine ingredients to avoid in skin care products are:

Parabens

Synthetic colours

Fragrance

Phthalates

Triclosen

Sodium Laurel Sulphate

Sodium Laureth Sulphate

Formaldehyde

Propylene

Step five in skincare is up to you, making informed choices when next you choose your skin care products.

OR Natural

We are dedicated to create a range of handmade skin care products that contain natural ingredients that clean, moisturise and nourish as nature has intended.  Check us out at www.ornatural.com.au, it could be your first step in your skin care.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

To BUY: Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

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

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

   

Find us on G+

  

Find Us On Facebook

Skin Type?

Skin Type?

What type of skin do I have?

If you know your skin type then you can make the right choices on how to care for it!

Your skin has been determined for you by your parents.  It’s in your DNA!  So knowing your skin type will help determine the way in which you should care for it.

Different skin types are genetically determined but choosing the best skin care for your face and body is most important to care for your skin's health, slow down the ageing process and look after skin and body!

What type of skin do I have?

There are four basic skin types: normal, oily, dry and sensitive.  Blotting a clean tissue on your face in the morning is an easy way to find out your skin type. 

A normal skin type has good circulation and there will not be any trace of sebum (or oil) on the tissue.  Normal skin is soft, smooth and has an even skin tone.

An oily skin type: the tissue will have oily blotches on the tissue, particularly from the cheeks, nose and forehead.  This type of skin is characterized by overactive sebaceous glands, producing more oil than you need.  Oily skin can be caused by a number of influences including hereditary factors, diet, hormone levels, pregnancy, unsuitable cosmetics and stress, leading to acne irruptions and enlarged pores.  It is important to thoroughly clean your skin on a regular basis with soap-free cleansers.

A dry skin type has a low level of sebum and does not hold oil easily.  Dry skin is often flaky and feels tight after being wiped.  Gentle cleansing and a rich protective moisturizer for dry skin is essential to control that stretched, uncomfortable feeling.  It may be necessary to select various dry skin moisturizers for the changing conditions of the year.

A sensitive skin type means different things to different people.  It can be caused by skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, eczema or allergies.  Sensitive skin can become exacerbated and irritated easily.  It is important to choose the right natural skin care regimes for sensitive skin.  Many cleansers and moisturizers may contain ingredients that can cause adverse reactions. 

And then there is a combination skin type oil, which is produced around the nose and forehead but not on the cheeks, mouth or eye areas.  The best natural skin care will involve a varied treatment in each region.
  

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’  

Remember … Natural is Best!

To BUY: Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

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

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

   

Find us on G+

  

Find Us On Facebook

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

Swimming in a chlorinated pool!

Swimming in a chlorinated pool!

Summer is well and truly upon us 'down-under' and a time to laze by the backyard pool or swim in the local council pool.  Most backyard pools along with public swimming centers have clear waters to enjoy.  The waters in these pools are kept algae and bacteria free through the use of chlorine.  This is great but it also has a down side in that we are splashing around in diluted bleach.  Chlorine is not kind to the skin in fact it is an irritant causing dry flaky skin, rashes and in some cases a flare up of eczema.  It is important that after a swim in chlorinated water the skin is thoroughly washed, ideally with a mild goat’s milk soap and moisturized.

Summer is also a time to be vigilant in keeping our bodies hydrated.  Our bodies are composed of about 70% water it is therefore vital for good health that this balance is maintained.  If we do not drink enough water it disappears from our blood supply which leads to narrowing of vessels, high blood pressure, fatigue due to lack of oxygen and risk of strokes.  It also disappears from the intercellular space which leads to raised acidity levels, gout, kidney stones and lower immunity and finally it disappears from the cells themselves leading to higher cholesterol, reduced metabolism and accelerated aging.

We assume that we know when our body requires water, when we get thirsty, but it is not that simple. The older we get the less we feel thirsty, dehydration is a major problem in aging.  There are other signs that indicate we do not drink enough water.

• Dry mouth, sugary drinks and alcohol are not the solution
• Dry skin and premature aging
• Dry eyes
• Joint pains
• Decrease in muscle mass
• Fatigue due to lack of oxygen in the blood supply
• Hunger pains
• Digestive problems
• Stay sick longer, toxins are not flushed out of the body
• Dark urine

Maintaining the water balance in our bodies is vital for our health and wellbeing. Loss of water leads to a chain reaction of health issues and premature aging.  If you have read this far it’s probably a good idea that you drink a glass of water.  But first check the type of waster you are drinking.

If you live in Australia, the water supply has both chlorine and fluoride added. Both of which are detrimental to health.  Chlorine has been associated with bowl cancer, not surprising as it is diluted bleach.  Fluoride on the other hand is a poison, a bi product of the aluminium smelting industry.  We are told it is good for our teeth but we can get the same benefit just from toothpaste.  Fluoride has been banned from most countries for good reason; only Australia, UK, USA and Israel persist in adding this poison to the water supply.  Do yourself and your family a favour and invest in a water filter that removes both these toxic substances.  The investment will pay off with good health.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

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

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

   

Find us on G+

  

Find Us On Facebook

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

Skin Picking Disorder: What is it and how to stop it?

Skin Picking Disorder:  What is it and how to stop it?

So, you pick your skin.  We’ve all done it — picked at an unsightly scab or tugged at an annoying hangnail, only to regret it later.  But if you find yourself picking at your skin frequently and find it difficult to resist the urge to pick at it even when it’s painful, it will leave your skin damaged, cut or swollen; then you may have Skin Picking Disorder (SPD) or Excoriation Disorder. 

According to Eliza Burroughs, a registered psychotherapist at CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Associates in Toronto, SPD is pathological skin picking characterized by the recurrent picking of the skin that results in damage to the skin and leads to lesions.  It affects one to five per cent of the general population.

Those diagnosed with SPD will have made repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or decrease the picking as well as experience significant distress or impairment in functioning as a result of the picking, and typically spend more than one hour per day picking, thinking about picking, and resisting urges to pick.

“Commonly picked sites include face, arms and hands, although it can be anywhere on the body,” Burroughs says.  This can include healthy skin, minor irregularities, lesions, or scabs.  Picking can occur with just fingers or tools such as tweezers or pins, and can get so bad that the person might be embarrassed to show their skin in public.

Among those diagnosed with SPD, the gender balance is dramatically skewed towards females.  Approximately 75 per cent of people with SPD are women, according to Burroughs.

“It is unclear as to why this may be, however it may reflect treatment seeking behaviours based on gender or cultural attitudes as opposed to underlying biological differences between the genders,” she says.  “For instance, it is possible that men feel more embarrassment or shame in seeking treatment for a mental health condition or an appearance-related concern.”

Why do people pick at their skin?

Like most mental health conditions, the causes of SPD are not entirely clear and probably multifactorial.  Genetics, mental functioning, emotional regulation and environmental factors all come into play.

”[SPD] may be related to certain emotional states.  For example, stress, boredom, anxiety, fatigue, anger,“ she says.  "Similarly, picking can occur when people are under or over stimulated.” 

Burroughs says for some individuals the picking may be what she terms "automatic,” essentially done without full awareness.  Alternatively, the reverse — "focused" picking — may occur.

“There may be a particular skin irregularity that is targeted and the person may experience a sense of tension if they try to resist or delay the picking and then experience relief once they can fulfill the urge,” she says.

What do you do if you have SPD?

First, it’s important to understand that there are options. There are many physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and dermatologists who specialize in SPD treatment, like Burroughs herself. She provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to her patients dealing with the disorder.

“This includes habit reversal training, and psychoeducation and strategies that target the thoughts and behaviours associated with SPD,” she says. 

There are currently no medications approved specifically for use in the treatment of SPD, however, some SPD pharmacological studies have looked at the same kind of medications used for OCD or other body-focused repetitive behaviours like Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), says Burroughs.  However, she recommends talking to a physician or psychiatrist before making any decisions.

If therapy or medication is, in fact, not the right course of action for you, Burroughs has provided some helpful ways to lessen the urge to pick:

1.)    Target the sensation another way. For example, if your skin is itchy, use a brush to rub lightly against the skin

2.)   Make it difficult for the fingers to automatically start picking. For example, tape fingers or wear gloves in high risk situations (e.g. while watching T.V.)

3.)   Do a competing response (a behaviour that makes it virtually impossible to do the picking behaviour). For example, clench fists, take-up knitting, doodle.

4.)   Mindfulness and meditation can help overcome urges by increasing awareness of the urge, physical sensations, and related thoughts.

5.)   Relaxation training, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation

6.)   Regular exercise

7.)   Maintaining a balanced lifestyle with healthy sleep habits and diet

8.)   Ask a friend or loved one to help but make sure you set the rules.  For example, they are allowed to gently tap you if they notice you picking but they’re not allowed to grab your hand.  Everyone is comfortable with different styles.  One person may want a gentle approach; another may prefer having their hand pulled away.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

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

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

   

Find us on G+

  

Find Us On Facebook

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