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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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All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

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

   

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Sun Damaged Skin & Related Cancers

You can prevent sunburn and related conditions

Intense, repeated sun exposure that results in sunburn increases your risk of other skin damage and certain diseases.   These include dry or wrinkled skin, dark spots, rough spots, and skin cancers, such as:  Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) or Melanoma.

You can prevent sunburn and related conditions by protecting your skin.  This is especially important when you're outdoors, even on cool or cloudy days.  If you are sunburned, home remedies and treatments can help soothe your skin as it heals.  Prevention is better than cure.

Symptoms

Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women.  But it can also form on areas that rarely see the light of day — your palms, beneath your fingernails or toenails, and your genital area.

Basil Cell Carcinoma (BCC) usually occurs in sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your neck or face.  Basal cell carcinoma may appear as:

• A pearly or waxy bump
• A flat, flesh-coloured or brown scar-like lesion

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may appear as:

• A firm, red nodule
• A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted  surface

Melanoma signs include:

• A large brownish spot with darker speckles
• A mole that changes in colour, size or feel or that bleed
• A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, white, blue or blue-black.

Skin cancers develop most commonly on sun-exposed skin including the backs of the hands and arms, upper trunk, face, nose, lips, ears, lower legs, and the hairless scalp.

Sun damaged skin isn’t just about skin cancer. Other effects are:

• Discoloured areas if skin
• Increased incidence of wrinkles
• Irregular pigmentation
• Age spots
• Keratosis (crusty patches)
• Dry cracked lips (long term)
• Cataracts

Aging Skin

Wrinkles come in two categories: fine surface lines and deep furrows that are related to muscular contraction. Some deep furrows are anatomical in nature and have little to do with aging. The secret to anti-aging is good skin care throughout life, but it is never too late to start.

In addition as we age our skin becomes thinner, less elastic, sometimes rougher and certainly dryer. Many of the changes in older skin, though not all, are due to ultra violet light exposure. Although all of our skin ages, sun exposure dramatically enhances the rate at which this occurs.

Treatment

Prevention is better than cure but if the damage is already done then a regular visit to your GP, local skin cancer clinic or Dermatologist for a skin check is essential.

All skin cancers need to be removed. This is often done surgically although some other techniques can be used.

Keratosis which are considered pre– cancerous in nature are usually freeze dried off. Quick easy and best removed at this stage.

Go for that skin check!

Natural Remedies

Treat your skin kindly, use a gentle cleanser and moisturise regularly.

Some research has been carried out in Europe showing Zeolite Clinoptilolite (natural zeolite) reduced tumours and increased health in test animals.  Zeolite can be used as a detox.

Vitamin B3

In trials research found that at 12 months non melanoma cancers were reduced by 23% and precancerous lesions were reduced by 13% when compared with those not taking Vitamin B3.

NOTE:  Natural Remedies should not replace the important skin check with your GP, local skin cancer clinic or Dermatologist.  It isn’t worth the risk.

Reference Sites: Medicine Net,

Nutrition Advance Mayo Clinic,

NSW Cancer Council,

Aussie Zeolite Health Research Studies

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.

   

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The most nutritious oil on the planet – it’s a superfood!

The most nutritious oil on the planet – it’s a superfood!

The oil extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant is one of the most nutritious oils in the plant kingdom!

The oil contains all the 20 amino acids including 9 which 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!  The oil is volatile and should not be used as a cooking oil as the key components break down with heat.  Use instead as a salad dressing or a tablespoon per day, the benefits to the skin and overall well-being is noticeable in a short time.
  

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’ 

Remember … Natural is Best!

To BUY: Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

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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.

   

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Do Creams Work?

Do Creams Work?

There are lots of claims made about different creams.  The cosmetic industry is full of promises that in many cases are not delivered.  We all dream of the magic potion that will somehow make us more attractive and more youthful than we are. 

Most creams will help make the skin appear more supple and healthy however there are no regulations to ensure cosmetic creams are safe and healthy.  The responsibility for this rests on the manufacturer.  Equally the responsibility for making realistic claims about products also rests with the manufacturer.

So how do creams work?  Let’s talk about the face, a cream should contain ingredients that are beneficial to skin health and in applying it, the cream is absorbed into our skin making the skin more supple, healthy and hopefully resilient.  Many creams reduce the signs of aging by slightly plumping the skin. Good skin care is very important.

Sadly many Australians have dry, damaged and aged skin, the results of time spent in our harsh conditions or perhaps too much sun bathing when we were young.  It is not really possible to reverse this damage but good skin care can help transform dry and damaged skin into the best condition that can be achieved.

We all feel just a little bit immortal when we are young, getting old, damaging our skin or having skin problems as we get older is not really considered when we are young.  Yet this is the most important time to start good skin care and the use of a good moisturising cream.

Good skin care early in our life and a good daily routine with a moisturizing cream, will result in us looking years younger as time goes by, in looking healthier and in feeling more self-confident.  It can be very confusing when reading the ingredients of creams, many scientific terms are used, sometimes these relate to natural ingredients but sometimes they are describing chemicals and synthetic ingredients.

To be sure that the cream you use is safe and healthy, research your ingredients.  Our experience has shown that natural is best.

The fountain of youth can best be described as good skin care.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants and more!

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

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

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Dermatitis

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a relatively common condition that can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious.

It is a term that describes inflammation of the skin and covers a range of conditions that have many causes and many forms.  

Dermatitis typically presents itself as an itchy rash on red or swollen skin.  Examples of dermatitis include atopic dermatitis (eczema), dandruff and rashes caused by contact with any of a number of substances, such as chlorinated water, harsh soaps or frequent hand washing due to occupation e.g. nurses and hair dressers often have issues with dermatitis on their hands.  

Jewellery with nickel in it can also cause irritation, there are many possible causes and sometimes sadly it is just genetic.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects the scalp.  It causes scaly patches, red skin and dandruff.  It can also affect oily areas of the body and face.  In infants this is known as cradle cap.

While it is always sensible to seek medical advice, there are also many alternative therapies, which have helped some people manage their dermatitis.

These include:

·    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

An essential for any dermatitis sufferer is to find a very gentle soap that firstly, does not aggravate their condition, and secondly ideally will help bring the skin into normal balance. 

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

Body Moisturisers

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

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Natural is Best!

Natural is Best!

OR Natural Skin Care Solutions

We live in a world where we are continuously exposed to chemicals and pollutants.  These include car exhaust, chlorine in our water supply and fluoride in our toothpaste, just to name a few.  Our skin is porous and will absorb whatever it comes in contact with!  This is how nicotine and pain management patches work when placed on our bodies.  The substance in a patch is absorbed into the body’s blood stream through the skin!

So, when you purchase your next skin care product be it natural soaps, lotions, creams or balms, it’s always wise to review the ingredients contained within before you purchase. 

Many products contain substances that are not beneficial to the skin and for those with sensitive skins they may be harmful.  These ingredients are often included in commercial skin care products because they are cheap synthetic product stabilizers, fragrances, colors, preservatives and/or foaming agents.  Natural skin care products have ingredients designed by nature and tested by time to cleanse, moisturize and nourish the skin.  

When selecting and applying topical skin products your body it will be absorbing something that should be beneficial to your skin’s health and well-being.  

Vitamins that Benefit the Skin

There are a range of vitamins that benefit the skin and are beneficial to overall good health. These include:

Vitamin A - helps reduce the signs of aging.

Vitamin B3 - helps reduce redness and there is some early evidence it may reduce the incidence of non-melanoma cancers.

Vitamin C - helps reduce discoloration and helps reduce signs of aging.

Vitamin E - moisturizes and bolsters skin UV defense.

Vitamin K - helps to reduce dark circles and improves health.

Zinc - is a mineral that helps to regulate the immune system and improves skin function including attacking cancerous cells.

Many of these vitamins and minerals are available through our diet but for some there may be deficiencies that need to be addressed through a vitamin supplement.  Finding any of these in your natural skin care range is a bonus.

‘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" - "Natural Skin Care Solutions". Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.
  

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