Definition: Freckles are flat, circular small spots of melanin on human skin in people of fair complexion. The spots develop randomly on the skin, especially after repeated exposure to sunlight. They may vary in color - they may be red, yellow, tan, light-brown, brown, or black. They are usually more often seen in the summer, especially among lighter-skinned people and people with light or red hair. Both men and women get freckles at an equal rate. There are two basic types of freckles - ephelides and lentigines. Ephelides, are flat red or light-brown spots that typically appear during the sunny months and fade in the winter. Lentigines, are small tan, brown, or black spots which tend to be darker than an ephelis-type freckle and which do not fade in the winter. Freckles are most commonly found on the face , although they may appear on any skin exposed to the sun . Freckles are rare on infants , and are very common among children aged 5 to 15 years. They are usually less common on adults. Causes of Freckle: Some Common Causes of Freckle are as:- Exposure of skin to sun is one of the main cause of developing freckles. Freckles will fade when sun exposure is reduced or eliminated. The basic cause of freckles are some special cells in the skin that produce a pigment called melanin. If you have melanin in your body, going on accumulating at one place, then it may result in freckles age spots. Freckles are influenced by genetic factor also. Hormone Abnormalities can cause freckles since estrogen over-stimulates pigment-producing cells, causing them to generate excess color when exposed to sunlight. Fair skin is another main cause for freckle. There is less overall melanin in fair skin to absorb UV light, therefore pigment cells produce melanin at an increased rate. Symptoms of Freckles: Some of the Possible Symptoms of Freckles are as:- There may be change in the skin color and shape. Diarrhea is another common symptom which is accompanied with freckles. There may be crampy abdominal pain and/or weight loss. The skin cancer may be a possible symptom of freckles. Moles are often produced at the affected area of skin. There may be blood or mucus in the stool. Treatments of Freckles: The effective treatments for freckles are as:- Bleaching Creams - The use of hydroquinone and kojic acid are one of the beneficial treatment for freckles. They may help in lightning freckles if they are applied consistently over a period of months. Cryosurgery: A light freeze with liquid nitrogen can be used to treat freckles. Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are used to remove age spots, freckles, discoloration, wrinkles and fine lines. They generally help to make the skin smooth and firm and also help in curing freckles gradually. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL): IPL is one of the newer forms of facial rejuvenation. IPL delivers energy to both the superficial (epidermis) and deep (dermis) layers of the skin, the epidermis is spared from damage. Thus, there is virtually no recovery time. Tretinoin: Tretinoin (vitamin A acid, Retin-A) also helps to make freckles lighter when applied over a period of time. Laser Treatment: Freckle removal is easily achieved with lasers. The laser light is very effective and helps in eliminating freckles safely. For more valuable information about freckles, visit http://www.thebeautytips.com. Sunday, July 27, 2008
Freckles - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Definition: Freckles are flat, circular small spots of melanin on human skin in people of fair complexion. The spots develop randomly on the skin, especially after repeated exposure to sunlight. They may vary in color - they may be red, yellow, tan, light-brown, brown, or black. They are usually more often seen in the summer, especially among lighter-skinned people and people with light or red hair. Both men and women get freckles at an equal rate. There are two basic types of freckles - ephelides and lentigines. Ephelides, are flat red or light-brown spots that typically appear during the sunny months and fade in the winter. Lentigines, are small tan, brown, or black spots which tend to be darker than an ephelis-type freckle and which do not fade in the winter. Freckles are most commonly found on the face , although they may appear on any skin exposed to the sun . Freckles are rare on infants , and are very common among children aged 5 to 15 years. They are usually less common on adults. Causes of Freckle: Some Common Causes of Freckle are as:- Exposure of skin to sun is one of the main cause of developing freckles. Freckles will fade when sun exposure is reduced or eliminated. The basic cause of freckles are some special cells in the skin that produce a pigment called melanin. If you have melanin in your body, going on accumulating at one place, then it may result in freckles age spots. Freckles are influenced by genetic factor also. Hormone Abnormalities can cause freckles since estrogen over-stimulates pigment-producing cells, causing them to generate excess color when exposed to sunlight. Fair skin is another main cause for freckle. There is less overall melanin in fair skin to absorb UV light, therefore pigment cells produce melanin at an increased rate. Symptoms of Freckles: Some of the Possible Symptoms of Freckles are as:- There may be change in the skin color and shape. Diarrhea is another common symptom which is accompanied with freckles. There may be crampy abdominal pain and/or weight loss. The skin cancer may be a possible symptom of freckles. Moles are often produced at the affected area of skin. There may be blood or mucus in the stool. Treatments of Freckles: The effective treatments for freckles are as:- Bleaching Creams - The use of hydroquinone and kojic acid are one of the beneficial treatment for freckles. They may help in lightning freckles if they are applied consistently over a period of months. Cryosurgery: A light freeze with liquid nitrogen can be used to treat freckles. Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are used to remove age spots, freckles, discoloration, wrinkles and fine lines. They generally help to make the skin smooth and firm and also help in curing freckles gradually. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL): IPL is one of the newer forms of facial rejuvenation. IPL delivers energy to both the superficial (epidermis) and deep (dermis) layers of the skin, the epidermis is spared from damage. Thus, there is virtually no recovery time. Tretinoin: Tretinoin (vitamin A acid, Retin-A) also helps to make freckles lighter when applied over a period of time. Laser Treatment: Freckle removal is easily achieved with lasers. The laser light is very effective and helps in eliminating freckles safely. For more valuable information about freckles, visit http://www.thebeautytips.com. 
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Mastitis
Description Mastitis is a common breast infection among lactating women. It is caused when bacteria enters a breast through a cracked or abraded nipple. The bacteria causes a localized infection and an abscess of pus develops. Signs and Symptoms Red, tender, painful lump or swollen area in the breast Swelling of the nearby gland in the armpit Fever Pus discharge from the nipple of the affected breast Conventional Medical Treatment If you suspect you have mastitis, visit your physician, who will physically examine the breast. A needle biopsy of the lump may be necessary to confirm diagnosis. Most cases of mastitis can be treated with oral antibiotics and analgesics (painkillers). If the abscess is serve, it may need to be drained. Talk to your physician about alternative feeding options for your baby while you are being treated for mastitis. Complementary and Alternative Treatments Nutrition and Supplementation Other than drinking plenty of fluids, there isn't much in the way of diet that can be done to treat mastitis. Do not stop nursing or the ducts will remain full. Over-filled ducts can exacerbate the problem. These daily supplements help the nursing mother and baby: free-form amino acid complex (as directed on label)-supplies necessary protein calcium (1000 to 1500 mg)-needed by both mother and baby magnesium (500 to 750 mg)-balances with calcium vitamin B complex (50 mg 2 times daily)-necessary for milk production; relieves stress prenatal vitamins (continue prescribed regimen) (Consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.) Herbal Therapy Echinacea, with its antibiotic compounds, is very helpful in treating mastitis and healing nipple fissures. Add a dropperful of tincture and 1 or 2 cloves of garlic to 1/2 cup carrot juice. Blend well in a blender. Drink several times a day. To aid healing and ease pain, gently massage aloe vera gel into cracked nipples. Homeopathy A homeopathic practitioner may advise one of the following treatments for mastitis, depending on your symptoms: Belladonna-for breasts that are inflamed, red, hot tender; throb; and have red streaks radiating from the nipples Bryonia-for breasts that are hot hard, and painful, especially when you move Silicea-if your nipples are cracked and infected Phytolacca-for breasts that are very firm, sensitive, and have a purple hue; this remedy is also helpful if you feel pain throughout your body when you breastfeed your baby Hydrotherapy Apply warm, moist compresses to the affected breast before feedings to ease discomfort and help ensure that ducts drain. Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture To lessen the inflammation caused by mastitis, the practitioner uses acupuncture to target the following points: Stomach 18 and 44, Gallbladder 41, Large Intestine 4, Small Intestine 1, and Conception Vessel I? In addition, ear points that correspond to the mammary gland, internal secretion, back of head, and adrenal gland also may be included. Acupressure To treat mastitis, the practitioner may focus on Stomach 18, Conception Vessell 17, and Bladder 18, 20, and 21. Chinese Herbal Therapy Leonurus may be used to quell the swelling associated with mastitis. Dandelion also may reduce breast pain and inflammation. The dosage varies, depending upon the severity of the condition and the form in which the herb is taken-check with your TCM practitioner. Read out for Home remedies Check out green tea and body mass index calculator
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