Feb
11
Scaly Scalp Conditions
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What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a common scalp condition and whilst it may seem like a minor complaint, it can often make sufferers feel embarrassed and lead to loss of confidence.
It is the build up of dead cells on the scalp and it is estimated that one in four people in the UK will suffer at some time in theeir lives. It affects both men and women and is most common in people in their 30’s and 40’s.
The skin cells are shed from the scalp at a quicker rate than normal and then clump together to form visible white flakes. It is also linked to the presence of higher levels of a fungal yeast called Malassezia furfur on the scalp. The presence of this yeast accelerates the rate of skin shedding and causes irritation and inflammation.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
This is a more severe condition that affects both the scalp and other parts of the body such as the nose, ears, eyebrows, face and forehead. It is thought that the condition may be due to a reaction to the fungus Malassezia furfur.
The symptoms are red and inflamed skin, white flakes, patches of red scaly and greasy skin and occasionally yellow brown crusts on top of these patches. It is quite common for newborn babies to the condition where it is referrred to as ‘cradle cap’.
It is important to try and relieve the itching associated with the underlying condition. There are several shampoos available containing one or more of the following ingredients.
- Ciclopirox olamine and ketoconazole are topical antifungal agents. They also have anti-inflammatory properties to sooth a sore and itchy scalp.
- Salacylic acid is often added to help remove the dead skin cells from the scalp.
- Selenium sulphide reduces the output of natural oils on the scalp
- Coal tar clears the scales and relieves the itching.
The aim of any treatment is to slow down the shedding and kill the fungus causing the condition.
Scalp psoriasis
This is a long term hereditary scalp condition most often appearing between the ages of 10 and 30. Skin cells are produced at up to six times the normal rate on the scalp (and other areas such as the elbows and knees).
Understanding What Causes Dandruff
Dandruff is such a common condition for many around the world. Most individuals experience it as a result of having hair scalp that is itchy.
Beauty Tips: Remove Dandruff with the this simple tip
Remove Dandruff with the this simple tip.
Dandruff symptoms are caused by quite a few factors – excessive oil production by means of sebaceous glands, scalp as well as skin allergies due to paraben preservatives or ruthless surfactants, product build-up, or inflammation.
Dandruff has been aggravating humans for many centuries and at different times people were coming up with different ideas to improve the conditions of their scalp.
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Feb
9
Emollients – How and Why
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How do emollients work?
Emollients are made up of water, oils, fats, waxes often containing one or more of the following active ingredients:
- Liquid paraffin
- White soft paraffin
- Emulsifying ointment
They work by providing an oily layer over the surface of the skin, trapping water underneath the oily layer thus preventing evaporation and rehydrating the skin. This leads to a reduction in the penetration of irritants and allergens, soothes irritated and itchy skin and crucially avoid the use of soap products as the emollients themselves have cleansing properties.
A number of formulations are available and where possible, they should be fragrance-free.
Creams
Emollient creams contain a mixture of oils and water and feel cool on the skin. They soften and rehydrate the skin. A pump dispenser is better to avoid the possibility of contamination.
Lotions
They contain more water than creams and are especially useful for covering large areas of the body. They keep the skin soft and supple.
Soap substitutes
People wth eczema should avoid using soap as it is very drying to the skin and can cause flare-ups. It is recommended that you use a soap substitute. They do not foam like a traditional soap product but they still clean the skin.
Bath additives
They help to soothe itching, rehydrate and cleanse the skin. If possible, you should try and bathe once or twice a day for 10 to 20 minutes each time if possible. Use lukewarm water and one to three capfuls of the additive. Afterwards, the skin should be patted dry and not rubbed, followed by an application of emollient cream or lotion. Normal bubble baths should be avoided.
Wash gels
They offer the same benefits as bath additives but, since they require a shorter contact time with the skin, they can be used in the shower.
Emollients should be stroked onto the skin in the direction of the hair growth but never rubbed and should be applied liberally (250-500g per week is not unusual). They should also be applied to all parts of the body and not just the affected areas.
- Apply emollient cream after a bath with additives
- Warm emollient cream in the hands before applying
- Apply extra amounts in severe or cold weather
- Apply frequently – ideally three or four times a day
- Continue to use emollients even when the eczema has improved
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Feb
9
The first line of treatment in managing eczema is ‘complete emollient therapy’.
It is a simple effective treatment and is known to be effective in improving symptoms and minimising the risk of flare-ups. The fragrance-free products are usually better and less likely to cause irritation.
Emollients are therapeutic moisturisers that help to keep skin moist and allow it to feel more comfortable and less itchy. However, they are not often used appropriately leading to a greater use of topical steroids.
NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) have issued guidelines on using a stepped approach to eczema treatment.
Mild atopic eczema – Emollients + Mild Potency Topical Corticosteroids
Moderate atopic eczema – Emollients + Moderate Potency Topical Corticosteroids + Wet or Paste Bandages
Severe atopic eczema – Emollients + Potent Topical Corticosteroids + Other Topical Treatments + Wet or Paste Bandages + Phototherapy + Systemic Therapy
Stepped-care plan
The basis of complete emollient therapy is the use of a combination of emollient creams, ointments, bath oils and soap substitutes to manage the symptoms. It is important that the correct quantity of emollient is applied throughout the day by using a combination of products applied at the appropriate time and in adequate quantities.
Topical corticosteroids are useful in speeding up healing and reducing inflammation. They are usually applied twice a day and should be used in conjunction with the emollient therapy. At least 15 minutes should be left between each treatment type.
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Feb
6
Treatment for Painful Joints
Filed Under Arthritis | 3 Comments
The charity Arthritis Care say that there are more than nine million people in the UK with arthritis. Joint pain has a significant impact on the everyday life of sufferers as pain and stiffness tends to persist for some or all of the time. It can stop people pursuing such activities as gardening, walking or sporting activities.
Arthritis Care have also reported that severe arthritis pain also has a significant impact on a person’s ability to work and many people are not getting the support they need from employees and their local NHS services.
It is not just older people that are affected. It has been found during a recent survey for an over-the-counter topical pain remedy survey that 15 per cent of 40 to 49 year olds suffer pain everyday with joint and back pain being the most common complaints. Somewhat more surprisingly, nearly one third of 18 to 29 year olds suffer some form of chronic pain.
Effective pain relief can make a huge difference to the quality of life of the sufferer. However, many people with chronic pain fail to manage their pain effectively. Many arthritis patients tend to start by looking for an over-the-counter analgesic to supplement any prescribed medicines.
However, there would appear to be wide-ranging confusion amongst consumers about the most appropriate over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers for joint pain. Consequently, many consumers are probably taking inappropriate products or incorrect doses of OTC medications.
Can Gentle Exercise Help?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and usually develops over a period of time. Exercise should be a core treatment for the disease whatever the age of the patient, level of disability or severity of pain. This should be low-impact to help the joints move, strengthen the muscles and improve overall fitness levels. Many sufferers will tend to choose medication over exercise or weight-loss attempts. Yes, regular exercise is essential but many people find it hard to stick with it.
This is unfortunate since the person with osteoarthritis (after the initial pain and lack of mobility) will gain increased mobility and independence and quite crucially, counteract depression when embarking upon an appropriate exercise regime. Physiotherapist assessment may be needed in more severe cases. This area of treatment is sadly underused in the community.
Pain Management
People with mild joint pain will probably try ibuprofen peceiving it to be the most effective OTC remedy. However, for this group of patients, paracetamol should be the first-line choice of analgesic before using a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID). This is because although the NSAID would have a greater anti-inflammatory reponse, the side-effect profile is worse with potential for gastric irritation a major potential problem.
Recently, there have been a number of major OTC product launches in the joint pain market such as Voltarol Joint Pain (diclofenac) and Anadin Joint Pain (long acting formula). NICE have recommended that the use of topical NSAIDs should be encouraged particularly for joint pain in the hand and knee. The local application to the joint tends to reduce the traditional side-effects of the oral NSAIDs.
This area of joint pain relief using topical treatments is showing rapid growth in the UK market and looks to continue through 2009 with the introduction of fast-acting gels such as Ibuleve Speed Relief. You might consider one of these products next time before you reach for the ibuprofen tablet bottle.
oint pain has a significant impact on the everyday life of sufferers as pain and stiffness tends to persist for some or all of the time. It can stop people pursuing such activities as gardening, walking or sporting activities.
ROM is the degree of joint mobility, which if ROM is interrupted, the joints swell, ache, and cause pain. The pain often affects various parts of the body, including the back.
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