Tips to Remove Skin Tags

I know skin tags are harmless, but how do I get rid of them?

A plague of skin tags

Q: My neck is slowly becoming populated with tiny brown tags of skin, mostly where I used to wear necklaces. They are not painful, but I would like to get rid of them. My GP was dismissive, saying that I should just leave them. Will they go, will more come, and how can I get rid of them?

A: They are skin tags. They aren’t serious, they aren’t cancerous and they won’t go away of their own accord. I don’t know if more will appear, but people who get them usually get quite a few. Another common place for skin tags is under the breasts and in the armpits. They become more common with age. There are several ways to remove them. A doctor will use either a scalpel, a pair of surgical scissors, or a freezing device that kills them. Another option is to tie them with thread. This cuts off their blood supply and they eventually die and drop off. Patients have told me that a simpler way of getting rid of them is to regularly rub them with a loofah or bath glove that is designed to clear away dead skin cells. If you do try this, let me know if it works.
Article from:    The Independent (London, England)  | Article date:  July 17, 2007 | Author:  Dr Fred Kavalier

Management and Treatment of Pruritus

Pruritus, or itch, is a common sensation that causes a person to want to scratch. It is a complex process that may negatively impact quality of life and commonly occurs with skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis and urticaria. It could also be a symptom related to an underlying disease process such as cholestasis or hyperthyroidism, or simply be caused by dry skin, especially in the cold, winter months. Therapy is often aimed at eliminating the underlying cause first, followed by the management of the itchy sensation. Treatment may include prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, herbal remedies, hydrotherapy, phototherapy, and ultraviolet therapy. This overview provides information regarding the various management and treatment options for pruritus.

Pathophysiology of Pruritus

Pruritus is a complex process that involves the stimulation of free nerve endings found superficially in the skin. The sensation of pruritus is transmitted through the C-fibers in the skin to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and then, via the spinothalamic tract to the cerebral cortex for processing. Many chemicals have been found to be pruritogenic, therefore causing the itch sensation, including histamine, serotonin, cytokines, and opioids. There are six categories of pruritus: dermatologic, systemic, neurogenic, psychogenic, mixed, and other. Various treatment and management options exist depending on the category or cause.¹

Treatment

Treatment of pruritus can be categorized in several ways. A common method of grouping the various options is causative vs. symptomatic treatment. Causative treatment involves finding the underlying disorder and then correcting it, thereby eliminating the itch sensation. Symptomatic treatment involves substituting another sensation for the itch, using methods such as cooling, heating, or counter irritation (e.g., scratching). Symptomatic treatment can be used in addition to treating the underlying disease process in order to provide earlier relief. Most of the available treatment options are categorized under symptomatic therapy and management.

Prescription Medications

Prescription medications include topical and systemic antihistamines, corticosteroids, local anesthetics, and topical immunomodulators, among others. Some lower concentration preparations of these medications are available OTC.

Antihistamines

Itching occurs when histamine is released, causing redness, swelling, warmth, and consequently itchiness. Antihistamines, or H1 antagonists, act by blocking the histamines, and are the most widely used medications for this condition. They take approximately 15–30 minutes to be effective and can be short- or long-acting.²

Topical antihistamines are available in prescription as well as nonprescription forms. Camphor (Caladryl^®, Pfizer) is a common diphenhydramine preparation that has both antipruritic and anesthetic properties. This traditional therapy carries with it a small risk of contact dermatitis and allergic sensitization.³

Corticosteroids

Local Anesthetics

Calcineurin Inhibitors

Cholestyramine

Rifampicin

Naltrexone

Ultraviolet (UV) Light Therapy

UV phototherapy is used to treat various pruritic conditions including chronic renal failure; AD; HIV; aquagenic pruritus; solar, chronic, and idiopathic urticaria; urticaria pigmentosa; polycythemia vera; pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy; breast carcinoma skin infiltration; Hodgkin’s lymphoma; chronic liver disease; and acquired perforating dermatoses, among others. It is often undertaken after multiple attempts to treat stubborn itch, and can offer relief without many of the side-effects and risks of systemic medications. UV-based therapy utilizes UVB and UVA in both broadband and narrowband, as well as PUVA (psoralen UVA). Cost and side-effects can be a prohibitive factor for patients. Erythema is common in UVB, as is premature aging and photocarcinogenesis with both UVA and UVB. Side-effects associated with PUVA include redness, burning, headache, and nausea.^16,19

UVA, UVB, and PUVA light therapies have been especially useful in the treatment of pruritus in HIV patients, as well as in those patients with systemic mastocytosis and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It localizes the effect on the superficial nerve endings, sparing the remaining helper cells, and relieving the pruritus. Because of its more superficial penetration, UVB is believed to be safer than UVA. UVB also spares the remaining helper cells in HIV patients and may localize the effect on the superficial nerve endings, thus relieving pruritus. Systemic mastocytosis and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma also respond to UV therapy and because destruction of the proliferating CD4 clone is desirable, UVA is usually the preferred modality over UVB, although Millikan suggests that the relief of pruritus is more predictable with UVB than with UVA.3

Cutaneous Field Stimulation (CFS)

CFS, which electrically stimulates thin afferent fibers, including nocireceptive C-fibers, was reported to inhibit histamine-induced itching. The reduction in itching is accompanied by degeneration of the epidermal nerve fibers. In one open trial, localized itching responded to CFS treatment, and pruritus was reduced by 49% at the end of 5 weeks. Itch relapsed gradually after the discontinuation of CFS, which led the researchers to conclude that nerve fibers regenerated into the epidermis.20

Over-the-Counter Treatments

In addition to the nonprescription medications mentioned above, there are other OTC treatments that can be helpful for treating and managing pruritus. Moisturizing after a bath is extremely important, and emollients such as white petrolatum, or petrolatum depositing moisturizing body washes, and in-shower moisturizers (e.g., Olay^® Ribbons^®, Procter & Gamble; emulsifying ointment USP) can be helpful when applied while the skin is still wet.²¹

There is new evidence to show that moisturizers containing niacinamide and glycerin (e.g., Olay^® Quench^®, Procter & Gamble) not only hydrate the skin, but improve the skin’s resistance to external factors and improve the barrier function. Glycerin is required for moisturizers to work quickly and add moisture to the skin, but the niacinamide helps to sustain that benefit over a longer period of time.²¹

Alternative Therapies

Several alternatives to traditional treatment of pruritus have been proposed. Often these therapies can be used in conjunction with prescribed or OTC medications to relieve symptoms quickly. Compounds that have been found to be effective for pruritus by depressing cutaneous sensory receptors include menthol, camphor, and phenol.⁷ Some other alternative therapies that have been suggested include herbal remedies, nutritional therapy, reflex therapy, and hydrotherapy.³

Herbal Remedies

Several herbs have been proposed as corticosteroid-sparing agents and may provide a viable alternative to topical steroids and their side-effects. Oatmeal baths appear to be most useful because of its colloidal protein and high mucilaginous content. Other herbs have been suggested because of their high mucilage content as well, including flax, fenugreek, English plantain, hearts ease, marshmallow, mulberry, mullein, and slippery elm.3 More extensive research needs to be conducted regarding their possible use and effectiveness for the treatment of pruritus.

Tannins, also derived from herbs, may be helpful as well. The exact mechanism of action is unclear, but may perhaps be related to the coagulation of proteins in the skin. The most common tannin-containing herb is witch hazel, but others include oak bar, English walnut leaf, goldenrod, Labrador tea, lady’s mantel, lavender, and St. John’s wort.

Other possible herbs that may be advantageous include chamomile, which has shown to be equivalent to low concentrations of hydrocortisone, aloe vera, and capsaicin.3 Some side-effects may include irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Some herbals can be toxic if ingested as well. Some of the oldest group of medications used to soothe and cool pruritic skin is menthol and camphor, which are both considered low risk and safe to use topically. ^3,4

Nutritional Therapy

Nutritional therapy, despite not being sufficiently researched as a monotherapy for pruritus, may be helpful in combination with other anti-itch treatments. Vitamins D and E, and linolenic acid have shown some efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis and atopic eczema.³

Reflex Therapy, Acupuncture, and Hydrotherapy

While they are not traditionally used, reflex therapy, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy are three treatments that may be beneficial as adjunctive therapy, however further research is needed. There is little research available regarding the effectiveness of reflex therapy and hydrotherapy. These options may be considered in difficult-to-treat patients where traditional approaches have been unsuccessful. Acupuncture is based on the gate theory of neurotransmission, however it is infrequently used in the Western world, and therefore has insufficient evidence to fully support its use. ³

Management

The management of symptoms is paramount in the treatment of pruritus. Patients should be educated regarding the self-care aspects of this condition. Eliminating the use of irritating or tight clothing is recommended, as well as maintaining a cool environment. Patients should avoid the frequent use of soap, topical irritants in clothing, dry environments, and vasodilators such as caffeine, alcohol, and hot water. Patients should be advised to take brief, tepid or lukewarm baths using mild cleansers with a low pH. Soap film should be rinsed off completely and skin should be patted lightly, followed by the generous application of a moisturizing lotion or cream.^4,7,22

Conclusion

Pruritus is a common complaint, but one that can often be a challenge to treat. It can be a major quality of life issue for patients, so it is important that both the underlying disease and associated symptoms are treated as quickly and effectively as possible. Health teaching regarding the prevention and management of pruritus should be included in the overall treatment of the cause and symptoms.

P. Lovell, RN, BScN1; R. B. Vender, MD, FRCPC²
1. Michael DeGroote School of Medicine McMaster University
2. Dermatrials Research, Hamilton, ON, Canada

Skin Tags and Thyroid Nodules Connected?

According to recent findings published on PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, high prevalence of thyroid nodules have been found in patients with achrocordons (skin tags) and can indicate a possible role of insulin-resistance.

Excerpts from various published articles and comments follow below. From the Centro Privado de Endocrinología, Mendoza:

“Due to the observation of a great number of patients having achrocordons, when they underwent fine needle biopsies for thyroid nodules, we decided to perform a prospective study to investigate the relationship between this finding and the presence of insulin resistance (IR), since achrocordons are commonly seen in hyperinsulinemic subjects.

A total of 120 consecutive women, aged 18-35 yrs were studied. All subjects were also evaluated by thyroid ultrasound (US) for measuring thyroid volume and the presence of non-palpable nodules. Basal and post-prandial serum insulin was measured in all of them, as well as the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA).

Subjects were divided in two groups: Group A, with achrocordons (n = 44) and Group B, without achrocordons (n = 76). Group A showed 24 patients (54.5%) with thyroid nodules, whereas Group B only 13 subjects (17.1%); p = 0.0087. When we considered, as having high normal thyroid volume, the glands weighting more than 16 grams by US, without nodules, it was found that 8/44 cases from Group A (18.6%) and 3/76 from Group B (3.9%) fitted in such category, p = 0.0076.

In patients with nodules and/or bigger thyroids, IR was observed in 36/44 (81.8%) of Group A and 14/76 (18.4%) of Group B, p = 0.0069, while the overall prevalence of IR was 0.47 in Group A and 0.05 in Group B, p = 0.00094. It is concluded that patients with achrocordons have a higher prevalence of US-detected thyroid nodules and larger thyroid glands. Then, it may be beneficial to search for thyroid abnormalities in those subjects with skin tags.”

A question followed from the Dermatology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.

“Is there any relation between serum insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I in non-diabetic patients with skin tag?”

Answer: Jowkar F, Fallahi A, Namazi MR.

Abstract Background Skin tags are common benign lesion occurring mainly on the neck and major flexures as a small soft pedunculated protrusion. This study evaluate insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in non-diabetic ones. Methods and materials A case-control study was conducted in non-diabetic persons. Comparing insulin and IGF-I between matched cases (n= 40) and controls (n= 40) by radioimmunoassay test.

Cases and controls were recruited from patients consecutively seen at an academic outpatient dermatology clinic. Results The insulin level in patients with skin tags was significantly higher than controls (P = 0.00) but IGF-I level was not significantly different (P = 0.43). Conclusion These results show an increased insulin level in non-diabetics ones and overall importance of insulin effect in pathogenesis of skin tags.

Conflicts of interest None declared.

Skin Infections and Blisters

Care of blisters : Home treatment may help decrease pain, prevent infection, and help the skin heal.

Small, unbroken blisters less than 1 in. across] usually heal on their own.

• Do not try to break the blisters. Just leave them alone.
• Do not cover the blisters unless something such as clothing is rubbing against them. If you do cover them, apply a loose bandage. Secure the bandage so the tape does not touch the blisters. Do not wrap tape completely around a hand, arm, foot, or leg, because it could cut off the blood supply if the limb swells. If the tape is too tight, you may develop symptoms below the level of the tape, such as numbness, tingling, pain, or cool and pale or swollen skin.
• Avoid wearing clothes or shoes or doing activities that rub or irritate the blisters until they have healed.

Large or broken blisters usually heal without problems. Most large blisters will break on their own and then heal.

• Wash your hands with soap and water before touching blisters. Blisters can easily become infected.
• If you have a large blister, you may want to drain it, depending on where it is. If you decide to drain it:
  • Clean a needle with rubbing alcohol or soap and water, then use it to gently puncture the edge of the blister.
  • Press the fluid in the blister toward the hole you made.
  • Wash the blister after you have drained it, and pat it dry with clean gauze.
• Do not remove the flap of skin covering the blister unless it tears or gets dirty or pus forms under it. If the blister has just a small puncture or break, leave the flap of skin on, and gently smooth it flat over the tender skin underneath.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as polymixin B or bacitracin, if you are not allergic to it. The ointment will prevent the bandage from sticking to the blister and may help prevent infection. Do not use alcohol or iodine on the blister, because these may delay healing. Do not use an ointment if you know you are allergic to it.
• Loosely apply a bandage or gauze. Secure the bandage so the tape does not touch the blister. Do not wrap tape completely around a hand, arm, foot, or leg, because it could cut off the blood supply if the limb swells. If the tape is too tight, you may develop numbness, tingling, pain, or cool and pale or swollen skin below the level of the tape.
• If the skin under the bandage begins to itch or develops a rash, stop using the antibiotic ointment.
• Change the bandage every day and anytime it gets wet or dirty. You can soak the bandage in cool water just before removing it to make it less painful to take off.
• Avoid wearing clothes or shoes or doing activities that rub or irritate the blisters until they have healed.

Watch for a skin infection while your blister is healing. Signs of infection include:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the blister.
• Red streaks extending away from the blister.
• Drainage of pus from the blister.
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpit, or groin.
• Fever.

What is a skin tag?

A skin tag is a common, acquired benign skin growth that looks like a small piece of hanging skin. Skin tags are often described as bits of skin- or flesh-colored tissue that projects from the surrounding skin from a small, narrow stalk. They typically occur in characteristic locations including the neck, underarms, eyelids, and under the breasts (especially where underwire bras rub directly beneath the breasts). Although skin tags may vary somewhat in appearance, they are usually smooth or slightly wrinkled and irregular, flesh-colored or slightly more brown, and hang from the skin by a small stalk. Early or beginning skin tags may be as small as a flattened pinpoint-sized bump around the neck. Some skin tags may be as large as a big grape.

Where do skin tags occur?

Skin tags can occur almost anywhere there is skin. However, favorite areas for tags are the eyelids, neck, armpits, upper chest (particularly under the female breasts), and groin folds. Tags are typically thought to occur in characteristic locations where skin rubs against skin or clothing.

Who tends to get skin tags?

Nearly half of the population is reported to have skin tags at some time. Although tags are generally acquired (not present at birth) and may occur in anyone, more often they arise in adulthood. They are much more common in middle age and they tend to increase in prevalence up to age 60. Children and toddlers may also develop skin tags in the underarm and neck areas. Since they are thought to arise more readily in areas of skin friction or rubbing, tags are also more common in overweight people.

Picture of skin tags

Hormone elevations, such as those seen during pregnancy, may cause an increase in the formation of skin tags, as skin tags are more frequent in pregnant women. Tags may be easily removed during or after pregnancy.

Skin tags are a benign condition and not directly associated with any other major medical conditions, since tags are commonly found on healthy people.

Is a skin tag a tumor?

Skin tags are a type of growth or tumor, albeit a completely benign and harmless one. Tags are not cancerous (malignant) and not found to have potential to become cancerous if left untreated.

What does a skin tag look like under a microscope?

The outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) shows overgrowth (hyperplasia), and it encloses an underlying layer of skin (the dermis) in which the normally-present collagen fibers appear abnormally loose and swollen. Usually there are no hairs, moles, or other skin structures present in skin tags.

What problems do skin tags cause?

These tiny skin growths generally cause no symptoms unless they are repeatedly irritated as, for example, by the collar or in the groin. Cosmetic removal for unsightly appearance is perhaps the most common reason they are removed. Occasionally, a tag may require removal because it has become irritated and red from bleeding (hemorrhage) or black from twisting and dying of the skin tissue (necrosis). Sometimes they may become snagged by clothing, jewelry, pets, or seatbelts, causing pain or discomfort. Overall these are very benign growths that have no cancer (malignant) potential.

Occasionally a tag may spontaneously fall off without any pain or discomfort. This may occur after the tag has twisted on itself at the stalk base, interrupting the blood flow to the tag.

Combination Skin Causes and Care

It can be utterly frustrating to deal with combination skin; one day it is dry and tight, the next it is oily and blotchy. Seasonal weather changes only serve to make matters worse. Your skin can wrinkle in some areas and flake in others. If that’s the case, then you may have combination skin - varying skin conditions in different zones of the face. But not to worry; combination skin is quite common. In fact, more people have this skin type than any other.

Combination skin is characterized by a mixture of oiliness and dryness. Typically, the oily areas tend to be the T-zone, consisting of the forehead, nose and chin. The cheeks are normal to dry. The degrees of oiliness and dryness can vary. Pores may be larger in the oily areas - with pimples, blackheads and breakouts sometimes occurring - and dry areas may feel rough and irritated.

The “tissue test” can help you determine if you have combination skin. Take a tissue and hold/press it against your face. If there’s oil on the tissue where it touched your T-zone, but no oil where the tissue touched your cheeks, you most likely have combination skin.

Causes

Many factors can cause combination skin, including hormones, age, genetics, the way in which lipids are organized in our skin and even the weather. Hormonal changes can lead to changes in skin’s oiliness or dryness. Teens and young adults tend to have oilier skin, especially in the T-zone, but with age, hormones change and the oil production may decrease (but unfortunately, acne is still an issue for many adults). Also, hormones change due to menstruation and the birth control pill, which can make skin oilier in certain areas. Lipids also play a role in combination skin: These proteins affect skin’s softness and feel. When lipids aren’t evenly spread throughout the skin, certain areas will feel drier and rougher, while other areas may feel soft but oily or greasy. The organization of lipids in skin is due to genetics and hormones. Finally, weather can exacerbate combination skin. Dry cold weather can cause skin to dry out and become irritated. Conversely, hot humid weather can increase oil production. This can affect your T-zone as well as your cheeks.

Care Plan

Combination skin requires special care to balance the oily and dry areas of the face. Proper cleansing, treatment, moisturizing and sun protection are all necessary.

• Cleansing: People with combination skin often have difficulty finding a cleanser that works for their unique skin needs. Formulas designed for oily skin may leave combination skin too dry, especially in the cheeks, while formulas designed for dry skin may leave combination skin greasy, especially in the T-zone. It’s best to avoid products that are either too drying or too rich. Instead, use a foaming or gel cleanser to get rid of dirt and oil without causing irritation or dryness. A cleanser to try is one that removes excess oil and impurities while still being gentle and not drying out skin.

You should also exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dry, dead, rough skin cells. These cells may be particularly prominent on your cheeks. They can flake off and block pores, causing blemishes and blackheads. Try a product that might include papaya and pineapple juice, olive derivatives and Ginkgo Bilbao.

• Treatments: Treatment products are another important skincare component, helping to balance your skin. One treatment to try is one which moisturizes dry areas but prevents excess oil, especially in the T-zone. This product also contains antioxidants to prevent aging. Another type of treatment is a mask, and you’ll find an array of products for every skin type. Some experts advise using a hydrating/moisturizing mask on dry areas (cheeks) and a deep-cleaning clay mask on oily areas (T-zone). While using two different masks is certainly an option, you can also use a mask specifically designed for combination skin. If you suffer from breakouts, which may occur around the T-zone, use acne treatment products with salicylic acid. For problem skin, try a blemish serum or a spot treatment.
  
  
• Moisturize: Combination skin needs balance, and part of that balance means moisturizing your skin. Moisturizing is especially important for drier areas of the face, but your entire face needs moisture. Some experts suggest using separate moisturizers - a lightweight one for the T-zone and a deeper one for cheeks. You may choose to use separate moisturizers, but you can also use a single moisturizer designed for combination skin. Try a lotion which balances skin with witch hazel and aloe extract to help skin stay soft. Pay careful attention to dry areas, as they may require more frequent moisturizing than oily areas. Generally, experts recommend moisturizing dry areas twice a day and moisturizing oily areas once a day. Keep in mind that your individual skin has unique needs, so you might want to adjust your moisturizer - how often you use it, where you need it and how much you need.
• Sun Protection: Like all other skin types, combination skin needs protection from the sun. UVA and UVB rays can damage skin, so use oil-free sunblock all over your face daily (and on any other exposed areas). Try an oil-free sunlotion or sunblock because it protects your skin from UV rays and won’t make skin greasy.

Natural Treatments

Natural treatments such as aromatherapy oils, home-made exfoliants and masks may help treat your combination skin. For example, try mixing essential oils like chamomile, lavender and ylang ylang (just a few drops) together with your oil-free moisturizer. These ingredients have antibacterial properties and may help to rid skin of dirt or bacteria. However, if your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, or if you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t use these essential oils.

Exfoliating treatments can be made at home by mixing and grinding nuts, seeds or oatmeal along with water. These will slough off dead, dry skin cells - especially common around the cheeks. You can add citrus peels from fruit - like orange or grapefruit - to the mix and apply it to the oily T-zone.

To make a mask for dry areas, use ingredients like yogurt, mashed bananas or avocados to moisturize. On oilier areas, try pureed strawberries and apples.

Understanding Skin Care

Skin Care is the first step towards achieving a healthy body. Skin care is an essential part of most people’s daily routine.

Skin care specialists say any imbalance in the protective barrier that envelops the human body provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in many types of skin irritations and accelerating the aging process.

Natural skin care is the care of the skin (the largest organ of the body) using naturally-derived ingredients (such as herbs, roots, essential oils and flowers) combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers (everything from natural soap to oils to pure water).

Skin care treatment is going green, but you still have to make sure you read the labels. Skin care treatment may be the least of your problems if you’re a middle-aged male, but many dry skin remedies will also raise testosterone levels. The latest craze in skin care is also the oldest: herbal products.

Natural skin care has its roots in the 4th millennium BC in China and the Middle East. Natural body lotion has become a big business in recent years as more and more consumers seek a gentler, healthier alternative for their skin care needs.

The best skin care beauty tips are not only the right products but also healthy diet. People who use natural skin care products are less concerned with artificial beauty enhancements, as they feel that natural beauty is healthy beauty.

Healthy skin care for skin problems is part of overall good health. Healthy Skincare store sells skin care products that are effective anti-aging treatments for aging skin.

Acne is a common skin care problem for many individuals of all ages and all skin types. Acne Skin Care, no matter what kind of acne treatment you select, an outbreak can still emerge even after all blemishes have vanished.

The skin on your face needs more attention than the rest of your body because it has more oil glands. It is important to not just put sunscreen on your face, but also on your body as well.

Some women are seen with bangs but these bangs look very natural with the face, not a blunt cut style look. Most skin is a combination of skin types, with different areas of the face having different conditions that fluctuate with factors such as weather, diet, stress, health, and travel.

Organic and natural ingredients are healthier and more effective then the harmful chemically based products on the market today. Skin care is becoming increasingly more high tech but at the same time there is growing popularity in natural and organic products.

The single most important breakthrough in skin care is understanding that the only Way to truly moisturize your skin is to get water into it. Proper skin care is important to maintaining health, and is an integral part of overall wound management.

While skin care products in the 1990s were almost exclusively focused on wellness and simple body care lotions, today, skin care is one of the most dynamic and technologically advanced segments of the beauty market.

FAQ on Sunscreens and Sunburns

1. “How Much Sunscreen Should I Apply?”

The average user of sunscreen tends to use significantly less sunscreen than the amount required to achieve the SPF listed on the container.

2. “How Often Should I Apply Sunscreen When I’m Out In The Sun?’”

Many experts recommend that frequent application during sun exposure is required. However, a group of children were tested by spreading on 1 application of sunscreen to one side of their bodies, and four applications to the other.

They then spent 6 hours in the sun. One application provided the same level of protection as four applications, confirming the adequacy of a single daily application of a sunscreen in that situation.

3. “How Long Before Sun Exposure Should I Apply Sunscreen To My Skin?”

As molecules of sunscreen are present in their active state in the sunscreen, sunscreens work immediately upon application. The only reason for application early is to allow absorption into the skin so that the sunscreen is less likely to be washed off, should the person be entering the water. Even so, modern sunscreens are quite resistant to removal from the skin.

4. “Sun Protection Factor (SPF) - What Is It?”

SPF is the ratio of the minimal ultraviolet dose required to produce redness with and without a sunscreen. For example, if it took ½ hour for your skin to become sunburned without any sunscreen, then for a sunscreen that has a 15 SPF rating, you could stay in the sun for 15 times longer (or 7.5 hours) before you get sunburned. This is provided, of course, that you’ve applied the sunscreen properly so that you’re getting the prescribed protection.

5. “Reactions To Sunscreens?”

Sunscreens can be both an irritant and an allergen, though allergic reactions are rare. Irritant reactions, however, abound. One classic error in sunscreen application is to put a large amount of sunscreen on the forehead. Perspiration and gravity can cause the sunscreen to migrate down your forehead into your eyes, causing a stinging sensation. Some people attribute this to an allergic reaction and discontinue use. It’s also important to wash your hands after applying sunscreen, since rubbing your sunscreen covered finger near your eyes can induce an irritant reaction.

6. “Why Is It Important To Use Sunscreens During Childhood?”

It appears that a great deal of time can elapse between actual sun damage and the development of skin cancer or other skin problems like photoaging. Therefore, it is important to protect your skin from an early age when you are out in the sun.

7. “Sunscreens And The Elderly?”

Many elderly people can become quite obsessed by sun avoidance, and their quality of life can suffer. Sometimes, if they are diagnosed with an actinic keratosis or basal cell carcinoma, they can become anxious and almost leap from shadow to shadow. However, few of them are likely to develop new skin cancers from present sun exposure. As long as they are prudent about avoiding excessive sun exposure and protecting their skin to prevent sunburn, they can continue to enjoy time outdoors.

8. “Can Sunscreens Prevent Cancer?”

There is clear evidence that sunscreens are helpful in preventing actinic keratoses, which are warty lesions that can occur on sun-exposed skin of the face or hands. Research has shown that these lesions can develop into a cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, and that this is linked to a cumulative exposure to the sun.

However, there is surprisingly little evidence that sunscreens have much effect in preventing another kind of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma, or for malignant melanoma. For malignant melanoma and for basal cell carcinoma, the character and timing, that is, the type of sunlight and your age at the time of the exposure to the sun appears to be more important than the cumulative dose.

Adapted from an article by David I. McLean, MD, and Richard Gallagher, MA.

Understanding Acne and Hormone Levels

Most of us have at one stage or other sought an acne remedy when suffering from that troublesome and common acne problem that first appeared in our early teen years. Many more have continued to suffer into our adult life. A rare few have avoided the embarrassment of pimples appearing at the worst possible time – knocking self-esteem to its lowest - usually when we are trying to make a good impression. A fast and effective remedy is what we want if acne is a problem.

Acne is caused by hormonal changes that occur during adolescence when oil glands in the skin become hyperactive. This additional oil combined with dead skin cells that block hair follicles and skin bacteria infect the hair follicles producing a breakout of the skin. Result? Clear skin is marred and embarrassment can follow.

There are many acne remedies available from natural home varieties to potent pharmaceutical drugs. Modern preferences are to avoid drugs because of their side effects and rather find a natural acne remedy. One acne remedy is to cut a raw potato in half and rub the flat section over the affected areas in an attempt to neutralize the bacteria that is causing the trouble in the pores. If it works for you, great.

The truth is acne comes second only to premature aging in the charts for skin disease. If you are a sufferer you will likely be aware that flare ups will always occur before a special event. You can put all the blame on testosterone produced by the adrenal glands which are trying to help you deal with the stress of that interview, wedding or important presentation.

Another acne remedy is to go on a fast for several days and to change the diet to healthier eating of mainly raw food. No doubt there is an element of truth in following this acne remedy but it does require some discipline as fasting and a strict diet regime is often too much like hard work for the majority.
High in iodine foods, shellfish, leafy vegetables including spinach and cabbage, and peanuts are other potential problem foods. If you have an acne problem, experiment with your diet. If you crave certain foods that may aggravate this problem curtail consumption to see it there really is a difference in acne activity
If you have a special sensitivity to a food, small amounts of anything - even soft drinks, chocolates will not make a major difference.

One of the more widely spread (and often believed) myths about acne is that it is caused by dirt or grime. It’s more likely to be because of oily skin, in which case simply washing regularly with either a mild soap, special acne skin cleanser or even antiseptic soap and warm water can make a big difference to controlling and managing oily skin. And don’t forget to keep your hair clean - again, depending on your skin type, your hair can also become extreme oily if not cared for properly.

The bad news is that acne cannot be cured, but the good news is that it can be treated. If you’re suffering with only mild acne, then some form of non prescription (over the counter) acne medication will no doubt have a positive impact for you. If you have bad or severe acne you will definitely need to see a doctor to get some professional advice.

A vitamin A deficiency can lead to skin problems. Not all cases of acne call for professional attention. An occasional blemish or pimple could be called “drugstore acne”. Topical antibiotics prevent about fifty per cent of blemishes, and are a significant breakthrough for treating average acne.