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.

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Psoriasis? …. Remedy: Lemon juice?

 

Psoriasis? …. Remedy: Lemon juice?

Use lemon juice on your skin?

Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sour whey, Swedish bitters and Kombucha are all invaluable aids to improving digestion.  Try each of them to find which works best for you.

Mix a teaspoon, or a few teaspoons of fresh lemon (or lime) juice in a glass of water, and drink it 20 minutes before a meal, or at any time.  It helps with the digestion of food (good to take before a meal) and a wide range of digestive problems, and contributes to general health and longevity.

...... You can also use lemon juice on your skin!  The acidity is beneficial, promoting acidic bacteria and inhibiting fungi.  The acidity also inhibits Demodex mites living in hair follicles and oil glands. Almost every adult has these mites, but in some people the mite population gets out of control, or their skin reacts to the mites.

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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.

   

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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.
  

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Remember … Natural is Best!

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’Reverse Ageing’ -- Discovery Made by University of NSW

’Reverse Ageing’ -- Discovery Made by University of NSW

A discovery that could lead to a revolutionary drug that actually reverses ageing?

University of New South Wales (UNSW) researchers have made a discovery that could lead to a revolutionary drug that actually reverses ageing, improves DNA repair and could even help NASA get its astronauts to Mars.

In a paper published in Science today, the team identifies a critical step in the molecular process that allows cells to repair damaged DNA.

Their experiments in mice suggest a treatment is possible for DNA damage from ageing and radiation. It is so promising it has attracted the attention of NASA, which believes the treatment can help its Mars mission.

While our cells have an innate capability to repair DNA damage—which happens every time we go out into the sun, for example - their ability to do this declines as we age.

The scientists identified that the metabolite NAD+, which is naturally present in every cell of our body, has a key role as a regulator in protein-to-protein interactions that control DNA repair.

Treating mice with a NAD+ precursor, or "booster," called NMN improved their cells' ability to repair DNA damage caused by radiation exposure or old age.

"The cells of the old mice were indistinguishable from the young mice, after just one week of treatment," said lead author Professor David Sinclair of UNSW School of Medical Sciences and Harvard Medical School Boston.

Human trials of NMN therapy will begin within six months.

"This is the closest we are to a safe and effective anti-ageing drug that's perhaps only three to five years away from being on the market if the trials go well," says Sinclair, who maintains a lab at UNSW in Sydney.

What it means for astronauts, childhood cancer survivors, and the rest of us:

The work has excited NASA, which is considering the challenge of keeping its astronauts healthy during a four-year mission to Mars.

Even on short missions, astronauts experience accelerated ageing from cosmic radiation, suffering from muscle weakness, memory loss and other symptoms when they return.  On a trip to Mars, the situation would be far worse: five per cent of the astronauts' cells would die and their chances of cancer would approach 100 per cent.

Professor Sinclair and his UNSW colleague Dr. Lindsay Wu were winners in NASA's iTech competition in December last year.

"We came in with a solution for a biological problem and it won the competition out of 300 entries," Dr. Wu says.

Professor David Sinclair and his UNSW team. Credit: Britta Campion

Cosmic radiation is not only an issue for astronauts.  We're all exposed to it aboard aircraft, with a London-Singapore-Melbourne flight roughly equivalent in radiation to a chest x-ray.

In theory, the same treatment could mitigate any effects of DNA damage for frequent flyers. The other group that could benefit from this work is survivors of childhood cancers.

Dr. Wu says 96 per cent of childhood cancer survivors suffer a chronic illness by age 45, including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cancers unrelated to the original cancer.

"All of this adds up to the fact they have accelerated ageing, which is devastating," he says.

"It would be great to do something about that, and we believe we can with this molecule."

An anti-ageing pill could be on the horizon:

For the past four years, Professor Sinclair and Dr. Wu have been working on making NMN into a drug substance with their companies MetroBiotech NSW and MetroBiotech International.

The human trials will begin this year at Brigham and Women's Hospital, in Boston.

The findings on NAD+ and NMN add momentum to the exciting work the UNSW Laboratory for Ageing Research has done over the past four years.

They've been looking at the interplay of a number of proteins and molecules and their roles in the ageing process.

They had already established that NAD+ could be useful for treating various diseases of ageing, female infertility and also treating side effects of chemotherapy.

In 2003, Professor Sinclair made a link between the anti-ageing enzyme SIRT1 and resveratrol, a naturally occurring molecule found in tiny quantities in red wine.

"While resveratrol activates SIRT1 alone, NAD+ boosters activate all seven sirtuins, SIRT1-7, and should have an even greater impact on health and longevity," he says.

Source: University of New South Wales -- Professor David Sinclair.

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All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

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Which diet is best for healthy hair, skin and nails?

Which diet is best for healthy hair, skin and nails?

Eczema and dermatitis are skin conditions that are accompanied by redness and inflammation and fatty acids are essential for addressing and reducing these symptoms but are also useful for moisturizing your skin.  You can also take evening primrose oil or fish oil as a supplement.

Colder weather, air conditioning and lack of exercise will no doubt impact our hair, skin and nails!

It’s a given!  There are some simple modifications you can make to your eating patterns to improve your wellbeing and appearance.  Not eating even a few nutrients every day can have a major effect on your appearance.  Nutritional experts say that eating certain foods that contain the right vitamins and minerals, will feed your skin, hair and nails in the right way!  Essential fatty acids - found in oily fish, hemp seed oil and nuts - are vital for healthy hair!  A lack of zinc - found in red meat - can lead to weak nails and dry skin.  Vitamin A - found in many dried fruits, such as, apricots is essential for replenishing skin cells.

So what do you need to eat for a super fresh and clear complexion and fashion model hair? Dry skin: Dry skin can most likely be attributed to a lack of vitamins A and E, and a deficiency of essential fatty acids.  Experts recommend you eat vegetables that contain a large amount of beta carotene that the body turns into vitamin A by your liver. Skin: You can battle a range of skin problems by increasing your daily consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables!

Antioxidants track down and destroy free radicals in the body and beta carotene is one of these important antioxidants vital for protecting us from harmful chemicals that are absorbed from our environment in many different ways.  Beta carotene-rich vegetables include green leafy varieties like spinach, mustard greens; and sweet potatoes, cantaloupe melon and dried apricots!

Natural is Best!

Wrinkles and age lines – Inevitably wrinkles will result over time and the lack of vitamins A, C and E, also selenium and zinc is a major contributor to the aging process.

Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that fights damage already done to your skin.  Vitamin C helps body build collagen in your body. It is a protein that is the main connective tissue in skin.  More collagen means less sagging.  Citrus fruits, such as, kiwi fruit, blackcurrants are great but red peppers, chili peppers, papaya and kale have more vitamin C than oranges!

Vital for eliminating wrinkles and removing acne scars is Vitamin E! It is a powerful antioxidant used to help the body heal and prevent scarring. It also keeps the red blood cells healthy so more oxygen and nutrients can be carried to the skin's surface.  Vitamin E can be found in sunflower seeds, olive oil and green leafy vegetables like spinach.

Foods containing selenium include; eggs, Brazil nuts and wholegrain bread and pastas, tuna and turkey.  Selenium works in combination with vitamin E as an antioxidant.  It also helps regulate your metabolism.  It assists your body process food properly so the right amount of nutrients can navigate their way to your skin.

Evidence has emerged that indicates the importance of eating foods high in zinc to help combat adult acne.  Zinc helps your body repair itself and is vital for skin renewal. Foods rich in zinc include garlic, pumpkin seeds, oysters and nuts.  Alternatively, you can take a recommended dose of a zinc supplement every day.

Fruits and Vegetables contain the Vitamins You Need!

You also need to include oily fish such as sardines or mackerel into your diet to get enough fatty acids.

If you eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables every day, you will also be absorbing a range of other beneficial vitamins.  

Sulphur and biotin are two that are vital for skin health.  Also Vitamins A and B5 help maintain healthy skin, vitamin B2 is essential for promoting cell growth.

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Remember … Natural is Best!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

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