Before looking at acne treatments or acne cures, it would be informative to know what could be causing acne. Acne may be caused due to bad skin care, hormonal changes or wrong food habits.
You may try out ANY ONE of the following remedies depending on the availability of ingredients.
1. Grind nutmeg, mix it with unboiled milk and apply on affected area.
2. Mix 3 tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder to create a paste. Apply this paste to the pimples before you sleep and wash off the next morning with warm water. Do this for a period of two weeks.
3. Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder.
4. Create a paste by grinding orange peel with water and apply.
5. Rubbing fresh garlic on and around the pimples are known to help too if done regularly.
6. Use fresh lime juice mixed to a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for pimples.
7. Another suggested remedy is to apply ripe tomatoes pulp on pimples, keep up to 1 hour and then wash.
8. Grated cucumber applied over the face for 20-30 minutes has been found effective.
Additional tips
Avoid strong tea/coffee, soft drinks and processed foods and include more fruits and fruit juices in your diet.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Remedy for Head Louse
Head louse, though not a serious ailment, can cause a lot of irritation. Some common methods of head louse treatment are mentioned below. (Use ANY ONE depending on the availability of ingredients)
1. This method uses olive oil and white vinegar as ingredients. Soak the hair in olive oil at night before you sleep. The next morning wash hair as normal to remove the oil. Now use plain white vinegar to rinse the hair. Wait for a period of 5 minutes and then use warm water to wash away the vinegar. This dissolves the louse eggs. Repeat this for 4-5 days.
2. This uses mayonnaise, shampoo, and conditioner. Apply mayonnaise throughout hair and scalp, wait for about an hour. Rinse clean, comb out, and then again wash and condition the hair.
3. Use Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and conditioner for a period of 4-5 days.
4. You need Vasoline, plastic cap, peanut butter and shampoo. Put the vasoline on hair apply cap, leave on overnight. On the next morning apply peanut butter to get the vasoline out. Use Shampoo and rinse the hair with warm water.
1. This method uses olive oil and white vinegar as ingredients. Soak the hair in olive oil at night before you sleep. The next morning wash hair as normal to remove the oil. Now use plain white vinegar to rinse the hair. Wait for a period of 5 minutes and then use warm water to wash away the vinegar. This dissolves the louse eggs. Repeat this for 4-5 days.
2. This uses mayonnaise, shampoo, and conditioner. Apply mayonnaise throughout hair and scalp, wait for about an hour. Rinse clean, comb out, and then again wash and condition the hair.
3. Use Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and conditioner for a period of 4-5 days.
4. You need Vasoline, plastic cap, peanut butter and shampoo. Put the vasoline on hair apply cap, leave on overnight. On the next morning apply peanut butter to get the vasoline out. Use Shampoo and rinse the hair with warm water.
Liposuction
What is Liposuction ?
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty ("fat modeling"), liposculpture or suction lipectomy ("suction-assisted fat removal") is a cosmetic surgery operation that removes fat from many different sites on the human body. Areas affected can range from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, to the neck, backs of the arms and elsewhere. The fat is usually removed via a cannula (a hollow tube) and aspirator (a suction device).
As with any surgery, with Liposuction, there are certain risks, beyond the temporary and minor side effects. The surgeon may mention them during a consultation. Not everybody is a good candidate for liposuction. Infact, it is not a good alternative to dieting or exercising. To be a good candidate, one must be:
* Over 18
* In good general health
* Have tried a diet and exercise regime, and find that the last 10 or 15 pounds persist in certain pockets on the body.
Diabetes, any infection, or heart or circulation problems usually nullify one's eligibility for the procedure.
Facial Liposuction
Facial liposuction removes excess fatty tissue in the face. The surgeon performing the facial liposuction uses a special tube (cannula) inserted in an inconspicuous location on the face or neck. Facial liposuction procedures, like other liposuction procedures, use suction to remove fat from under the skin.
Abdominal Liposuction
During abdominal liposuction, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the skin, typically in the navel or just below the bikini line, and inserts a cannula into the fatty area. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is removed with a powerful vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels intact.
Neck Liposuction
During the Neck Liposuction procedure, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the skin, typically in the crease just under the chin or behind the ear lobes. He/she next inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the fatty area. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is removed with a high pressure vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels intact.
Thigh Liposuction
Precise areas are marked and general anaestasia or sedatives may be given.During the procedure, the doctor makes a tiny incision in the skin, typically in or near the buttock crease or at the site of a previous scar, and inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the fatty area. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is removed with a high pressure vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels intact.
Liposuction Prices
Factors that determine Liposuction Cost include:
1) The size of the patient
2) Amount of time and effort required of the surgeon
3) Cost of anesthesiologist's services
4) Operating room fees
5) Preoperative laboratory fees
6) Other related expenses, such as elastic compression garments, etc.
Here are some tentative prices listed for Liposuction:
Table of Approximate Surgical Fees in the United States of America
Body Area Approx Lower End Surgical Fee ($)Approx Upper End Surgical Fee ($)
Abdomen, upper & lower 3,000 7,500
Abdomen, lower 2,000 2,000
Arms 1,500 5,000
Back, female 1,500 4,000
Breasts, female 3,000 7,500
Breasts, male 3,000 5,000
Buttocks 1,500 4,500
Chin, Cheeks, Jowls, Neck 2,000 4,500
Flanks, male 2,000 5,000
Anterior Thighs & Knees 2,000 5,000
Inner (Thighs & Knees) 2,000 5,000
Hips/Waist 1,600 5,000
Outer Thighs 1,600 5,000
(Total fee = All Surgical Fees + Non-Surgical Fee). If an anesthesiologist is required, then an additional fee must be anticipated
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty ("fat modeling"), liposculpture or suction lipectomy ("suction-assisted fat removal") is a cosmetic surgery operation that removes fat from many different sites on the human body. Areas affected can range from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, to the neck, backs of the arms and elsewhere. The fat is usually removed via a cannula (a hollow tube) and aspirator (a suction device).
As with any surgery, with Liposuction, there are certain risks, beyond the temporary and minor side effects. The surgeon may mention them during a consultation. Not everybody is a good candidate for liposuction. Infact, it is not a good alternative to dieting or exercising. To be a good candidate, one must be:
* Over 18
* In good general health
* Have tried a diet and exercise regime, and find that the last 10 or 15 pounds persist in certain pockets on the body.
Diabetes, any infection, or heart or circulation problems usually nullify one's eligibility for the procedure.
Facial Liposuction
Facial liposuction removes excess fatty tissue in the face. The surgeon performing the facial liposuction uses a special tube (cannula) inserted in an inconspicuous location on the face or neck. Facial liposuction procedures, like other liposuction procedures, use suction to remove fat from under the skin.
Abdominal Liposuction
During abdominal liposuction, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the skin, typically in the navel or just below the bikini line, and inserts a cannula into the fatty area. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is removed with a powerful vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels intact.
Neck Liposuction
During the Neck Liposuction procedure, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the skin, typically in the crease just under the chin or behind the ear lobes. He/she next inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the fatty area. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is removed with a high pressure vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels intact.
Thigh Liposuction
Precise areas are marked and general anaestasia or sedatives may be given.During the procedure, the doctor makes a tiny incision in the skin, typically in or near the buttock crease or at the site of a previous scar, and inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the fatty area. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is removed with a high pressure vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels intact.
Liposuction Prices
Factors that determine Liposuction Cost include:
1) The size of the patient
2) Amount of time and effort required of the surgeon
3) Cost of anesthesiologist's services
4) Operating room fees
5) Preoperative laboratory fees
6) Other related expenses, such as elastic compression garments, etc.
Here are some tentative prices listed for Liposuction:
Table of Approximate Surgical Fees in the United States of America
Body Area Approx Lower End Surgical Fee ($)Approx Upper End Surgical Fee ($)
Abdomen, upper & lower 3,000 7,500
Abdomen, lower 2,000 2,000
Arms 1,500 5,000
Back, female 1,500 4,000
Breasts, female 3,000 7,500
Breasts, male 3,000 5,000
Buttocks 1,500 4,500
Chin, Cheeks, Jowls, Neck 2,000 4,500
Flanks, male 2,000 5,000
Anterior Thighs & Knees 2,000 5,000
Inner (Thighs & Knees) 2,000 5,000
Hips/Waist 1,600 5,000
Outer Thighs 1,600 5,000
(Total fee = All Surgical Fees + Non-Surgical Fee). If an anesthesiologist is required, then an additional fee must be anticipated
Remedy for Sore Throat
Sore throat treatment can be done by using ANY ONE of the following remedies depending on the ingredients available to you.
1. Gargle with saltwater. Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt in 1 pint of warm or room-temperature water. Gargle the solution once every hour.
2. Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in half a cup of cider vinegar and mix in 1 cup warm water. Gargle every 15 minutes as necessary.
3. Sip lemon juice. Add a tablespoon each of honey and lemon juice in a cup of warm water. Sip this mixture.
4. Gargle with a solution of white vinegar, water, salt and crushed vitamin C.
Additional Tips
Drink plenty of liquids. Teas and water are best. Stay away from smoking. If the sore throats keeps recurring or lasts more than 2 weeks consult a doctor immediately.
1. Gargle with saltwater. Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt in 1 pint of warm or room-temperature water. Gargle the solution once every hour.
2. Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in half a cup of cider vinegar and mix in 1 cup warm water. Gargle every 15 minutes as necessary.
3. Sip lemon juice. Add a tablespoon each of honey and lemon juice in a cup of warm water. Sip this mixture.
4. Gargle with a solution of white vinegar, water, salt and crushed vitamin C.
Additional Tips
Drink plenty of liquids. Teas and water are best. Stay away from smoking. If the sore throats keeps recurring or lasts more than 2 weeks consult a doctor immediately.
Remedy for Tooth Ache
A toothache, also known as odontalgia, is an aching pain in or around a tooth.
In most cases toothaches may be caused by problems in the tooth or jaw which include:
1. Cavities
2. Gum disease
3. The emergence of wisdom teeth
4. Cracked tooth
5. Infected dental pulp
6. Jaw disease
7. Exposed tooth root
In rare cases, a toothache may also be a symptom of diseases of the heart, such as angina or a myocardial infarction, due to referred pain. In that case the remedies given below won't help and you would need to consult a doctor. Now let's look at some of the common home remedies that you could try for the former case:
1. Chew a clove slowly with the aching teeth to release its juice and leave there for half an hour. Repeat this about 2-3 times.
2. Instead of a clove you could also use a ginger piece for the above remedy.
3. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of common salt in half a cup of boiling water. Take a mouthful of this water and move it around the aching tooth. Do this about 5 times.
4. Pour a few drops of Vanilla extract on the paining tooth.
In most cases toothaches may be caused by problems in the tooth or jaw which include:
1. Cavities
2. Gum disease
3. The emergence of wisdom teeth
4. Cracked tooth
5. Infected dental pulp
6. Jaw disease
7. Exposed tooth root
In rare cases, a toothache may also be a symptom of diseases of the heart, such as angina or a myocardial infarction, due to referred pain. In that case the remedies given below won't help and you would need to consult a doctor. Now let's look at some of the common home remedies that you could try for the former case:
1. Chew a clove slowly with the aching teeth to release its juice and leave there for half an hour. Repeat this about 2-3 times.
2. Instead of a clove you could also use a ginger piece for the above remedy.
3. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of common salt in half a cup of boiling water. Take a mouthful of this water and move it around the aching tooth. Do this about 5 times.
4. Pour a few drops of Vanilla extract on the paining tooth.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
How the Sun Harms Your Eyes - 5 Tips Your Eyes Will Appreciate
The sun contains 99.8% of the solar system's mass, is 4.5 billion
years old, and reaches surface temperatures of nearly 10,000
degrees Fahrenheit-a pretty impressive resume, not to mention it
essentially sustains life here on earth.
But did you know that light from the sun can bleach the retina's
photosensitive pigments, causing temporary blindness?
Damage to your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is
cumulative and can cause pteryguim (tissue growth on the whites
of the eyes that can diminish vision) and age-related macular
degeneration (deterioration of a part of the retina).
In addition, UV rays are the biggest culprit in the formation of
cataracts. The World Health Organization estimates there are 16
million people worldwide who are blind as the result of cataracts,
and as many as 20% of the cases may be due to UV radiation
exposure.
The best way to protect your eyes from the sun is to stay out of
it! But since that isn't likely to happen, with a little
protection and common sense, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors
to your heart's content.
=================
Essential Tip #1
=================
What to look for in a pair of sunglasses:
1) Look for a label that tells you how much UV protection the
sunglasses offer. Ideally, your shades should block 99% to 100%
of UV radiation.
2) Close-fitting sunglasses help block light more effectively:
look for wraparound shades or large lenses.
3) Dark colored sunglasses don't necessarily protect you better.
It's a special coating on the lens that makes them safe, not their
darkness.
4) Gray, green, and brown lenses usually give better protection
than other colors.
5) More expensive shades may be more fashionable, but they don't
provide more protection.
Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Besides making you look
pretty slick, a good pair of shades can provide protection from
the sun's harmful effects!
years old, and reaches surface temperatures of nearly 10,000
degrees Fahrenheit-a pretty impressive resume, not to mention it
essentially sustains life here on earth.
But did you know that light from the sun can bleach the retina's
photosensitive pigments, causing temporary blindness?
Damage to your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is
cumulative and can cause pteryguim (tissue growth on the whites
of the eyes that can diminish vision) and age-related macular
degeneration (deterioration of a part of the retina).
In addition, UV rays are the biggest culprit in the formation of
cataracts. The World Health Organization estimates there are 16
million people worldwide who are blind as the result of cataracts,
and as many as 20% of the cases may be due to UV radiation
exposure.
The best way to protect your eyes from the sun is to stay out of
it! But since that isn't likely to happen, with a little
protection and common sense, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors
to your heart's content.
=================
Essential Tip #1
=================
What to look for in a pair of sunglasses:
1) Look for a label that tells you how much UV protection the
sunglasses offer. Ideally, your shades should block 99% to 100%
of UV radiation.
2) Close-fitting sunglasses help block light more effectively:
look for wraparound shades or large lenses.
3) Dark colored sunglasses don't necessarily protect you better.
It's a special coating on the lens that makes them safe, not their
darkness.
4) Gray, green, and brown lenses usually give better protection
than other colors.
5) More expensive shades may be more fashionable, but they don't
provide more protection.
Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Besides making you look
pretty slick, a good pair of shades can provide protection from
the sun's harmful effects!
Monday, December 3, 2007
HOME REMEDIES FOR STERILITY
MALE STERLITY, or failure to fertilize female egg cells, may be due to several causes. In some cases the trouble is due to an emotional factor, such as a mental block. It may be caused by an absence or atrophy of the testes, or perhaps by some obstruction in the male genital organs. Infections involving the genital organs may result in the production of unhealthy or even dead sperm cells. In such cases special tests may locate the seat of the trouble, which may be treated surgically.
FEMALE STERLITY, or failure to have children may arise from several different causes. Sometimes the trouble is due to the husband.
In a woman, sterility may be due to some congenital malformation that has existed from birth, such as an absence of the tubes, ovary or uterus. Such conditions are rare. Pelvic infections, involving the vagina or cervix, are a more common cause of sterility. Inflammation of the tubes may prevent the sperm from reaching the ovum.
Other conditions such as endometriosis and adhesions involving the genital organs may also interfere with pregnancy. Endometriosis causes fibrosis throughout the pelvis and this fibrosis sometimes so covers the ovaries that an ovum cannot be released into the abdominal cavity. Endometriosis also occludes the fallopian tubes either at the fimbriated ends or else where along their extent. Lack of a normal menstrual cycle may also be a factor.
In some cases, the real cause of sterility arises from emotional factors. Many women who have waited for years for a family of their own have adopted a baby and then found themselves pregnant a few months later. Still another cause of infertility is secretion of abnormal mucus by the uterine cervix. Abnormalities of the cervix itself, such as low-grade infection or inflammation, or abnormal hormonal stimulation of the cervix can lead to a viscous mucus plug that will prevent fertilization.
It has been known that the administration of either estrogen or progesterone, if given in appropriate quantity during the first half of the monthly female cycle, can inhibit ovulation. The reason for this is that appropriate administration of either of these hormones can prevent the preovulatory surge of LH secretion by the pituitary gland, which is essential in causing ovulation.
The most common cause of female sterility is failure to ovulate. This can result from hypo secretion of gonadotropic hormones; in such cases the intensity of the hormonal stimuli is not sufficient to cause ovulation. For example, thick capsules occasionally exist on the outside of the ovaries that make ovulation difficult.
HOME REMEDIES FOR STERILITY
Make an infusion of jambul fruit leaves and take with honey and milk. This is very useful home remedy for sterility.
Take red clover to help gain fertility.
Take kelp and vitamins C, E, and B-complex to help with conception.
False unicorn is helpful for the health of reproductive organs.
Chickweed, damiana, ginseng, juniper, plantain, safflower, and saw palmetto also helps to normalize hormone levels and boost sexual craving.
Roots of the banyan tree are also very effective in the treatment of female sterility where there are no organic defect or congenital deformities. These roots should be dried in the shade and finely powdered. About twenty grams of this powder should be mixed with milk, which should be five times the weight of this powder, and taken at night for three consecutive nights after the monthly periods are over.
The herb winter cherry is another important remedy found helpful in sterility. The herb should be powdered and six grams of this powder should be taken with one cup of milk for five to six nights after menstruation.
Fasting is the best remedy for the treatment of disorders resulting from toxins in the system. A short fast of two or three day should be undertaken at regular intervals by women who are unable to bear children.
Diet is an important factor in the treatment of infertility. It should contain seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. These foods should be supplemented with milk, vegetable oils, and honey. Curd and cottage cheese are also recommended.
Excessive fat, spicy foods, strong tea, coffee, white sugar, white flour, refined cereals, flesh foods, greasy or fried foods should all be avoided.
In case of spermatorrhoea tender, seedless pods of Acacia should be dried in the shade and powdered before being mixed with an equal weight of raw sugar. Six grams of it should be taken with milk in the morning.
Make the powder of about Fifty grams each of kernels of the seeds of Bastard Teak ( Dhak ) and Siris tree and mix with 50 grams of raw Sugar. It should be taken in six grams doses every morning for three weeks to gain the sterility.
Make a powder of fifty grams each to dry Amla and Mango Ginger (Amba Haldi) and mix with an equal weight of raw Sugar. Take six grams with milk daily in the morning. This is also very useful home remedy for sterility.
Take marrow from the hump of a camel, spread on a piece of linen, and rubs sexual parts with, after having been purified subsequently to her courses.
Take small amount of sesame grain and mix its juice with a bean's weight of sandarach powder; drink this mixture during three days after periods; she is then fit to receive her husband's embraces.
A mixture is made of nitre, gall from a sheep or a cow, a small quantity of the plant named el meusk, and of the grains of that plant. The woman saturates a plug of soft wool with this mixture, and rubs her vulva with it after menstruation; she then receives the caresses of her husband.
Seeds of Lajwanti and sugar taken in equal quantities should be mixed and a six gram dose taken every morning with milk.
A glass of cold water on an empty stomach in the morning is highly recommended.
Ten grams of dry coriander ground in water and sweetened with sugar should be taken in the morning.
A sufferer from nocturnal pollutions must take exercise in the evening (before dinner) so that he is too tired to dream and has a sound sleep.
Garlic is one of the most remarkable home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of sexual impotence. Two to three cloves of raw garlic should be chewed daily
Onion increases libido and strengthens the reproductory organs. The white variety of onion is, however, more useful for this purpose
Carrots are considered valuable in impotence. For better results, about 150 gm of carrots, chopped finely, should be taken with a half-boiled egg, dipped in a tablespoon of honey, once daily for a month or two. This recipe increases sexual stamina
Lady's fingers are another tonic for improving sexual vigor. Take five to ten grams of the root powder of this vegetable with a glass of milk and two teaspoons of ground mishri daily.
Boil fifteen grams dried roots of asparagus in one cup of milk. Take it twice daily The regular use of this remedy is valuable in impotency and premature ejaculation
A soup made with about fifteen grams of drumstick flowers boiled in 250 ml milk is very useful as a sexual tonic in the treatment of sexual debility. It is also useful in functional sterility in both males and females.
About 120 gm of the powder of the dry bark of drumstick should be boiled in half a litre of water for about half an hour. Thirty grams of this powder, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, should be taken three times daily for a month
Half a teaspoon of ginger juice should be taken with a half-boiled egg and honey, once daily at night, for a month. It is said to relieve impotency, premature ejaculation, and spermatorrhoea
Dried dates are a highly strengthening food. About 100 gm should be taken daily as an effective medicine for increasing sexual power
Black raisins are useful for restoration of sexual impotency. They should be boiled with milk after being washed thoroughly in water. This will make them swollen and sweet. Eating of these raisins should be followed by the intake of milk. Starting with 30 gm of raisins, followed by 200 ml of milk three times daily, the quantity of raisins should be gradually increased to 50 gm each time
FEMALE STERLITY, or failure to have children may arise from several different causes. Sometimes the trouble is due to the husband.
In a woman, sterility may be due to some congenital malformation that has existed from birth, such as an absence of the tubes, ovary or uterus. Such conditions are rare. Pelvic infections, involving the vagina or cervix, are a more common cause of sterility. Inflammation of the tubes may prevent the sperm from reaching the ovum.
Other conditions such as endometriosis and adhesions involving the genital organs may also interfere with pregnancy. Endometriosis causes fibrosis throughout the pelvis and this fibrosis sometimes so covers the ovaries that an ovum cannot be released into the abdominal cavity. Endometriosis also occludes the fallopian tubes either at the fimbriated ends or else where along their extent. Lack of a normal menstrual cycle may also be a factor.
In some cases, the real cause of sterility arises from emotional factors. Many women who have waited for years for a family of their own have adopted a baby and then found themselves pregnant a few months later. Still another cause of infertility is secretion of abnormal mucus by the uterine cervix. Abnormalities of the cervix itself, such as low-grade infection or inflammation, or abnormal hormonal stimulation of the cervix can lead to a viscous mucus plug that will prevent fertilization.
It has been known that the administration of either estrogen or progesterone, if given in appropriate quantity during the first half of the monthly female cycle, can inhibit ovulation. The reason for this is that appropriate administration of either of these hormones can prevent the preovulatory surge of LH secretion by the pituitary gland, which is essential in causing ovulation.
The most common cause of female sterility is failure to ovulate. This can result from hypo secretion of gonadotropic hormones; in such cases the intensity of the hormonal stimuli is not sufficient to cause ovulation. For example, thick capsules occasionally exist on the outside of the ovaries that make ovulation difficult.
HOME REMEDIES FOR STERILITY
Make an infusion of jambul fruit leaves and take with honey and milk. This is very useful home remedy for sterility.
Take red clover to help gain fertility.
Take kelp and vitamins C, E, and B-complex to help with conception.
False unicorn is helpful for the health of reproductive organs.
Chickweed, damiana, ginseng, juniper, plantain, safflower, and saw palmetto also helps to normalize hormone levels and boost sexual craving.
Roots of the banyan tree are also very effective in the treatment of female sterility where there are no organic defect or congenital deformities. These roots should be dried in the shade and finely powdered. About twenty grams of this powder should be mixed with milk, which should be five times the weight of this powder, and taken at night for three consecutive nights after the monthly periods are over.
The herb winter cherry is another important remedy found helpful in sterility. The herb should be powdered and six grams of this powder should be taken with one cup of milk for five to six nights after menstruation.
Fasting is the best remedy for the treatment of disorders resulting from toxins in the system. A short fast of two or three day should be undertaken at regular intervals by women who are unable to bear children.
Diet is an important factor in the treatment of infertility. It should contain seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. These foods should be supplemented with milk, vegetable oils, and honey. Curd and cottage cheese are also recommended.
Excessive fat, spicy foods, strong tea, coffee, white sugar, white flour, refined cereals, flesh foods, greasy or fried foods should all be avoided.
In case of spermatorrhoea tender, seedless pods of Acacia should be dried in the shade and powdered before being mixed with an equal weight of raw sugar. Six grams of it should be taken with milk in the morning.
Make the powder of about Fifty grams each of kernels of the seeds of Bastard Teak ( Dhak ) and Siris tree and mix with 50 grams of raw Sugar. It should be taken in six grams doses every morning for three weeks to gain the sterility.
Make a powder of fifty grams each to dry Amla and Mango Ginger (Amba Haldi) and mix with an equal weight of raw Sugar. Take six grams with milk daily in the morning. This is also very useful home remedy for sterility.
Take marrow from the hump of a camel, spread on a piece of linen, and rubs sexual parts with, after having been purified subsequently to her courses.
Take small amount of sesame grain and mix its juice with a bean's weight of sandarach powder; drink this mixture during three days after periods; she is then fit to receive her husband's embraces.
A mixture is made of nitre, gall from a sheep or a cow, a small quantity of the plant named el meusk, and of the grains of that plant. The woman saturates a plug of soft wool with this mixture, and rubs her vulva with it after menstruation; she then receives the caresses of her husband.
Seeds of Lajwanti and sugar taken in equal quantities should be mixed and a six gram dose taken every morning with milk.
A glass of cold water on an empty stomach in the morning is highly recommended.
Ten grams of dry coriander ground in water and sweetened with sugar should be taken in the morning.
A sufferer from nocturnal pollutions must take exercise in the evening (before dinner) so that he is too tired to dream and has a sound sleep.
Garlic is one of the most remarkable home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of sexual impotence. Two to three cloves of raw garlic should be chewed daily
Onion increases libido and strengthens the reproductory organs. The white variety of onion is, however, more useful for this purpose
Carrots are considered valuable in impotence. For better results, about 150 gm of carrots, chopped finely, should be taken with a half-boiled egg, dipped in a tablespoon of honey, once daily for a month or two. This recipe increases sexual stamina
Lady's fingers are another tonic for improving sexual vigor. Take five to ten grams of the root powder of this vegetable with a glass of milk and two teaspoons of ground mishri daily.
Boil fifteen grams dried roots of asparagus in one cup of milk. Take it twice daily The regular use of this remedy is valuable in impotency and premature ejaculation
A soup made with about fifteen grams of drumstick flowers boiled in 250 ml milk is very useful as a sexual tonic in the treatment of sexual debility. It is also useful in functional sterility in both males and females.
About 120 gm of the powder of the dry bark of drumstick should be boiled in half a litre of water for about half an hour. Thirty grams of this powder, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, should be taken three times daily for a month
Half a teaspoon of ginger juice should be taken with a half-boiled egg and honey, once daily at night, for a month. It is said to relieve impotency, premature ejaculation, and spermatorrhoea
Dried dates are a highly strengthening food. About 100 gm should be taken daily as an effective medicine for increasing sexual power
Black raisins are useful for restoration of sexual impotency. They should be boiled with milk after being washed thoroughly in water. This will make them swollen and sweet. Eating of these raisins should be followed by the intake of milk. Starting with 30 gm of raisins, followed by 200 ml of milk three times daily, the quantity of raisins should be gradually increased to 50 gm each time
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Guava peel can raise blood sugar
This winter, enjoy your guava without its skin, specially those suffering from diabetes.
Guava, considered a super fruit till now for its richness in Vitamin A, B and C, has been found to be bad for blood sugar if consumed along with its skin. Scientists from Allahabad, home to India's sweetest guavas, have found that blood sugar levels in rats injected with guava peel extract rose by 91% in sub-diabetic rats within two hours of administration and by 27% in normal rats after eight hours of administration.
The team of P K Rai, S K Singh, A N Kesari and Geeta Watal from the Medicinal Research Laboratory of the University of Allahabad reported this finding in the 'Indian Journal of Medical Research'.
Anoop Misra, director of the department of diabetes and metabolic diseases of Fortis Hospitals, told TOI, "This is a very interesting finding. Till now, we usually recommended fruits like guava, apple, pear and papaya to diabetics because we believed it had a neutral effect on blood sugar and, in some cases, lowered blood sugar levels."
He added, "However, this study confirms that the skin of the guava, high on simple sugars like glucose, increases blood sugar level immediately. So, the best way to consume a guava for diabetics is to peel off its skin."
The study says: "Though the guava is known to contain free sugars, the fruit extract showed hypoglycaemic effect in mice. The present study was aimed to determine the glycaemic potential of guava fruit peel extract on blood-glucose level (BGL) of normal and sub-diabetic rats during fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glucose tolerance test (GTT).
Blood glucose was measured after collecting the blood from tail veins. The rats showed hyperglycaemic effect from a single oral administration of variable doses of guava fruit peel extract."
Guavas are also an excellent source of iron, calcium and phosphorus. They also contain the highest Vitamin C content, beating out all citrus fruits, with as much as 180mg per 100g of fruit.
A guava leaf decoction is taken to relieve colds and bronchitis. The roots, bark, leaves and immature fruits, because of their astringency, are commonly used to halt gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, dysentery and vomiting in cholera patients.
For the study, semi-ripe guavas were collected from Allahabad and peeled by Satya Narayan, taxonomist, department of botany. The peel of the fruit was crushed and continuously extracted for 48 hours. The extract was filtered and injected into rats.
Guava, considered a super fruit till now for its richness in Vitamin A, B and C, has been found to be bad for blood sugar if consumed along with its skin. Scientists from Allahabad, home to India's sweetest guavas, have found that blood sugar levels in rats injected with guava peel extract rose by 91% in sub-diabetic rats within two hours of administration and by 27% in normal rats after eight hours of administration.
The team of P K Rai, S K Singh, A N Kesari and Geeta Watal from the Medicinal Research Laboratory of the University of Allahabad reported this finding in the 'Indian Journal of Medical Research'.
Anoop Misra, director of the department of diabetes and metabolic diseases of Fortis Hospitals, told TOI, "This is a very interesting finding. Till now, we usually recommended fruits like guava, apple, pear and papaya to diabetics because we believed it had a neutral effect on blood sugar and, in some cases, lowered blood sugar levels."
He added, "However, this study confirms that the skin of the guava, high on simple sugars like glucose, increases blood sugar level immediately. So, the best way to consume a guava for diabetics is to peel off its skin."
The study says: "Though the guava is known to contain free sugars, the fruit extract showed hypoglycaemic effect in mice. The present study was aimed to determine the glycaemic potential of guava fruit peel extract on blood-glucose level (BGL) of normal and sub-diabetic rats during fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glucose tolerance test (GTT).
Blood glucose was measured after collecting the blood from tail veins. The rats showed hyperglycaemic effect from a single oral administration of variable doses of guava fruit peel extract."
Guavas are also an excellent source of iron, calcium and phosphorus. They also contain the highest Vitamin C content, beating out all citrus fruits, with as much as 180mg per 100g of fruit.
A guava leaf decoction is taken to relieve colds and bronchitis. The roots, bark, leaves and immature fruits, because of their astringency, are commonly used to halt gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, dysentery and vomiting in cholera patients.
For the study, semi-ripe guavas were collected from Allahabad and peeled by Satya Narayan, taxonomist, department of botany. The peel of the fruit was crushed and continuously extracted for 48 hours. The extract was filtered and injected into rats.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Invite Happiness Into Your Daily Life
Just for today, I will let go of anger,
Just for today, I will let go of worry,
Just for today I will live an attitude of gratitude,
Just for today, I will do my work honestly,
Just for today, I will love and be kind to all living beings.
These words are inscribed in the Japanese language as an epitaph on the memorial site of Mikao Usui, founder of Reiki, at Saihoji temple in Toyotama district. They form a set of five precepts of Reiki, the art of tapping into universal life force energy for healing. Usui had adopted them from the 'Imperial Rescript on Education' of the 19th century Japanese Meiji Emperor.
The story goes that Usui worked in a leprosy home in Kyoto and healed a large number of patients through his new-found method. After some of them had been healed, they were asked to live in the cities to make a living. But Usui got the shock of his life when he noticed that they had returned to the leprosy home after a few days of stay in the cities. The healed preferred not to work for their living.
This incident prompted Usui to lay down the five precepts that he called "as the secret of inviting happiness through many blessings, the spiritual medicine for all illness". He exhorted his disciples to meditate on these principles and adopt them in their day-to-day life. The individual life principles opened up doorways - the key to spiritual healing - and have far reaching implications in transforming our lives.
Anger is directly connected to weak points in our ego and is triggered when our ego is hurt. We also tend to become angry when people or situations fall short of our expectations. Our anger hurts us much more than the other party. The emotion releases toxins in our system. It destroys our inner harmony thereby blocking us from loving unconditionally and in turn separating us from the universal consciousness.
The second doorway opens up by relinquishing worry and anxiety. Worrying separates us from universal wholeness. The adage 'Chinta chita samaan hai' signifies that 'to worry is to be laid on the pyre'; Worrying has never helped in solving problems. It also produces a rush of harmful toxins in our system, and blocks our emotions.
The third principle of living, gratitude, opens the third doorway. It implies that we count not only our pre-sent blessings but also what we trust will be provided. Such an attitude keeps all the material, emotional and spiritual doors open to us.
The fourth principle implores us to live honestly. When we are honest with ourselves it creates harmony in our lives and aligns us to our higher self. Honest living leads to the practice of truthfulness, which, according to Patanjali, empowers our words to such an extent that they become capable of fructification at will.
The affix of the word 'today' in each precept points to the importance of the present moment, which is the key to all spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Our journey using the five intertwined spiritual doorways connects us to the Supreme Healer and sources the being to come into complete harmony. This results in spiritual healing and release from karmic bondage of illness and sufferings. Irrespective of whether you are a Reiki channel or not, pursuing them is bound to fill your life with joy and blessings.
Just for today, I will let go of worry,
Just for today I will live an attitude of gratitude,
Just for today, I will do my work honestly,
Just for today, I will love and be kind to all living beings.
These words are inscribed in the Japanese language as an epitaph on the memorial site of Mikao Usui, founder of Reiki, at Saihoji temple in Toyotama district. They form a set of five precepts of Reiki, the art of tapping into universal life force energy for healing. Usui had adopted them from the 'Imperial Rescript on Education' of the 19th century Japanese Meiji Emperor.
The story goes that Usui worked in a leprosy home in Kyoto and healed a large number of patients through his new-found method. After some of them had been healed, they were asked to live in the cities to make a living. But Usui got the shock of his life when he noticed that they had returned to the leprosy home after a few days of stay in the cities. The healed preferred not to work for their living.
This incident prompted Usui to lay down the five precepts that he called "as the secret of inviting happiness through many blessings, the spiritual medicine for all illness". He exhorted his disciples to meditate on these principles and adopt them in their day-to-day life. The individual life principles opened up doorways - the key to spiritual healing - and have far reaching implications in transforming our lives.
Anger is directly connected to weak points in our ego and is triggered when our ego is hurt. We also tend to become angry when people or situations fall short of our expectations. Our anger hurts us much more than the other party. The emotion releases toxins in our system. It destroys our inner harmony thereby blocking us from loving unconditionally and in turn separating us from the universal consciousness.
The second doorway opens up by relinquishing worry and anxiety. Worrying separates us from universal wholeness. The adage 'Chinta chita samaan hai' signifies that 'to worry is to be laid on the pyre'; Worrying has never helped in solving problems. It also produces a rush of harmful toxins in our system, and blocks our emotions.
The third principle of living, gratitude, opens the third doorway. It implies that we count not only our pre-sent blessings but also what we trust will be provided. Such an attitude keeps all the material, emotional and spiritual doors open to us.
The fourth principle implores us to live honestly. When we are honest with ourselves it creates harmony in our lives and aligns us to our higher self. Honest living leads to the practice of truthfulness, which, according to Patanjali, empowers our words to such an extent that they become capable of fructification at will.
The affix of the word 'today' in each precept points to the importance of the present moment, which is the key to all spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Our journey using the five intertwined spiritual doorways connects us to the Supreme Healer and sources the being to come into complete harmony. This results in spiritual healing and release from karmic bondage of illness and sufferings. Irrespective of whether you are a Reiki channel or not, pursuing them is bound to fill your life with joy and blessings.
Pomegranate juice as good as Viagra
Men who want to boost their performance in the bedroom should drink pomegranate juice, says a new research. According to the University of California scientists, a daily glass can act like Viagra.
Lead author Dr Christopher Forest says that the juice is rich in antioxidants, which increases blood supply to the genitals. For the study, the team tested 53 men with libido problems. They found that nearly half the men who drank it for a month said they found it easier to perform.
"Pomegranate juice has great potential," the ‘Mirror’ quoted Forest, as saying.
Pomegranates have already been associated with reducing the risk of heart disease and preventing prostate cancer.
Researchers had previously asserted that a daily 0.236 litre glass of the fruit’s juice not only increases the stability period of prostate cancer four-fold, but that the effect is so marked that they believe it can also make it possible for men between the ages of 60 to 75 to live out a full life span without the need for medical treatment, rather than dying from the cancer.
That study was conducted by researchers from the University of California who looked at 50 prostate cancer patients who had surgery or radiotherapy, who had experienced a post-treatment increase of PSA (prostate specific antigen), indicating that cancer was still present in their bodies.
During the study, the researchers measured the men’s PSA levels to calculate how long they took to double. They found that men suffering from prostate cancer with short doubling times are more likely to die from their illness, and that the average doubling time is 15 months.
They noted that consuming a glass of pomegranate juice everyday extended the doubling period to 54 months, and that there was also evidence that the juice was actually killing off prostate cancer cells.
Dr Allan Pantuck, who led the study, said that the improvements had been surprising, and that though it was not a cure, scientists may now be able to stump prostate cancer growth.
Lead author Dr Christopher Forest says that the juice is rich in antioxidants, which increases blood supply to the genitals. For the study, the team tested 53 men with libido problems. They found that nearly half the men who drank it for a month said they found it easier to perform.
"Pomegranate juice has great potential," the ‘Mirror’ quoted Forest, as saying.
Pomegranates have already been associated with reducing the risk of heart disease and preventing prostate cancer.
Researchers had previously asserted that a daily 0.236 litre glass of the fruit’s juice not only increases the stability period of prostate cancer four-fold, but that the effect is so marked that they believe it can also make it possible for men between the ages of 60 to 75 to live out a full life span without the need for medical treatment, rather than dying from the cancer.
That study was conducted by researchers from the University of California who looked at 50 prostate cancer patients who had surgery or radiotherapy, who had experienced a post-treatment increase of PSA (prostate specific antigen), indicating that cancer was still present in their bodies.
During the study, the researchers measured the men’s PSA levels to calculate how long they took to double. They found that men suffering from prostate cancer with short doubling times are more likely to die from their illness, and that the average doubling time is 15 months.
They noted that consuming a glass of pomegranate juice everyday extended the doubling period to 54 months, and that there was also evidence that the juice was actually killing off prostate cancer cells.
Dr Allan Pantuck, who led the study, said that the improvements had been surprising, and that though it was not a cure, scientists may now be able to stump prostate cancer growth.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
How to reverse hair loss : reviews on luftek natural hair clinic and tom's SE.
These are what users have to say about Luftek hair growth technique and tom's SE:
Mary :
Here is a technique I learned from Lou at Luftek.com. Keep your teeth seperated and your tongue loose the best you can 24/7. Just take a deep breath,seperate your teeth,and blow through your cheeks. Your forehead and scalp should feel "lite and clear". If your not sure, then do this. Clinch your teeth together and raise your eyebrows. Take note of the feeling in your scalp and forehead(tight, heavy). Now seperate your teeth and blow through your cheeks. Feel the difference? Lou at Luftek.com believes that a tight scalp is the main cause of hairloss(As do I). So his approach is all about keeping the scalp relaxed the best you can 24/7(What he calls creating a "positive scalp pressure"). Now the skin on top of your head is connected to the skin on the botton of your feet(It's all one thing). So if your lower body is tight or stiff, that is going to affect the scalp as well.(Yoga is great for keeping the lower body loose). Negative emotions(anger, stress) are also going to cause tightness(If you worry about the future, will it change?)So do the best you can to stay calm(Meditating daily will help here) and keep a smile on your face 24/7(which I know is not that easy in "todays world" but this will also put a slight upward lift to the scalp). I've used this approach for the past couple of years. And whether you believe me or not,my hairloss has completly stopped( As of now)which started in my early 20's. I'm now 44. I also have more hair than I did a couple of years ago(Gone from about a norwood 4 to a norwood 3v). I also started doing the SE(Which does help to loosen the scalp) about eight months ago which I do all through out the day(Instead of just morning or night I'll do 5-10 2 minute sessions). The SE have helped even more. I know this because since I started doing the SE,I have to cut my hair more often which has gotten a little darker. There is also some new growth along my hairline(short 1/2 inch terminal hair). The lines in my forehead are also much softer. I know this sounds like a lot to do in a day. So what I do is take advantage of normal everyday stuff. Like doing the SE while I type this. Or while I'm in the shower. Or using the bathroom. Or cooking dinner, ect. However I will always make time for what I think is important like Yoga and Meditating. But in the mean time, I do the best I can to stay as calm and relaxed(With a good diet) as I can be 24/7(Which is not always easy). If there is a will, there is a way!
Jennifer:
Thank you for kind, POSITIVE words! Toms SE and Lou's technique(in my opinion) work together very well(we are talking pancakes and syrup). I have read some negative remarks in this forum about Lou. I think that's because people just don't quit understand what he is trying to teach(his video could have been done better). To find two men who share a common goal(reversing hairloss, and loosen up a tight scalp) yet use the exact opposite approach(relaxing/excercising), is interesting to me. So for you,here is the essence of Lou's approach..
You are simply going to create two "Feelings" and do the best you can to keep them 24/7.
The first "Feeling" I'll describe as a "Calm,Peaceful,Joy". This is how you want to feel on the "Inside"(For me, I don't want to feel any other way). Meditation is a key for this. The second "Feeling" you want to create(which will be very hard to do without having the first feeling) is in the scalp which I'll describe as "Lite and Clear". Keeping your teeth seperated is a key here. Now the reason for doing this is to help keep the scalp relaxed. Lou call's this "Positive Scalp Pressure" which is recognized by the "Feeling" of "Lite and Clear". So from time to time throughout the day, Just check the "Feeling" in your scalp. If it feels "Tight,Heavy,or tingles". Then stop what you are doing(when you can), take a couple of minutes, and get it back to "Lite and Clear". The best way for me to do this is using Toms SE.
And when I'm done, I'll always take a deep breath and blow through my cheeks making sure my teeth are seperated. I Meditate as much as needed(sometime 2 minutes is all that's needed). Lou also Teaches the following: Wash and rinse your hair in cool water(A tight scalp generates heat). At least once a day, place your hands on the sides of your head and push the scalp upward The longer you hold the better. If you smoke,quit. Give your scalp or better yet your whole body a daily dose of what Ancient man called "Universal Life Energy" which is also called Prana, KI, Chi.(This is for the open minded only). If I were to wake up tomorrow with a full head of hair, I would not stop doing this or Tom's SE just because of the way it make me feel(not to mention how much better my forehead looks).
Anonymous:
I would like to say thank you for your website and this forum. I have learned a lot here. I wish
there was this much information on hairloss 20 years ago. You provide a powerful example of the benefits of taking care of yourself(one reaps what one sows) and are very giving to offer this up at no charge. Your SE have worked for me(Thanks for a better looking forehead)I also use Lou's technique at www.luftek.com. They work well together. This is just my opinion...But I believe that if some one is willing to do the SE for 20 minutes a day, they MIGHT get more out of them if they do it 7 min. morning, 7 min. noon, 7min. night. Instead of 10 min. morning, 10 min. night. I see a lot of posts that say they got no benefit after doing the SE for many months. Which makes me wonder if the're doing the SE only twice a day, how are you "carrying yourself" in between? And I agree with you...Some folks who smile a lot might be up to no good! All Lou is saying by keeping a smile on your face 24/7 is to keep a positive feeling in your inner being the best you can throughout the day. For me, I don't want to feel any other way.
From: gl
Product: Hair Loss
Remote Name: 210.50.56.80
Date: 07 Oct 2002
Time: 12:39:31
Comments
Yes, it works. My hair is growing back all over after 3 weeks. Hair loss is caused from tension that builds in the scalp due to different emotional states. In the same way that different emotions cause involuntary contraction of muscles in the face(e.g smiling). Actually tension in the scalp is normal but when is becomes excessive or prolonged it affects the hair roots and leads to hair loss. Simply by avoiding activities that cause this prolonged excessive tension the scalp will loosen up very quickly(few days) and the hair will begin to grow back after a few weeks. Generally the hair stops falling out after about 4 weeks. Growth seems to occur first.
Curing hair loss is really, really easy. And for the life of me I can't work out why the medical industry has not worked it out. Probably because there is no money in this type of cure. It can't be packaged and sold.
The activties that cause prolonged emotional states and therefore hair loss are things like watching t.v for 30minutes or more without a break or playing computer games for long periods.
Look for things that you do everyday and for periods longer than 30minutes say, without breaks. Then simply break up these activties. For example when watching t.v don't just sit there for hours like most people do, like I use to do. Get up during the adds and come back. The change in mental focus stops the tension becoming excessive. Actually what works just as well is lying down flat when watching t.v the tension doesn't build up at all and you can watch all you like.
You can follow your progress by feeling the scalp with your fingers. When the tension is excessive the scalp doens't move much it is kind of rigid. But if you check when you wake up out of deep sleep for example the scalp skin moves a lot more.This movement means the scalp is in its healthy state. There is a difference. Also check for sensations in the scalp. Like an itchness or slight burning. This is indication of excessive tension. And check for hair growth, say along the forehead where it's bald. After two weeks providing you have been avoiding excessive tension on a daily basis you will see new but very fine hair growing through, in patches at first. Gradually it will spread and gradually the hair will thickin and grow longer. Growing hair from scratch is a slow process but the cure is very quick, simply loosen up the scalp.
This is the first time I have talked about this. I will post more over the internet later on with more details etc over many sites, as much as I can. So it probably doesn't sound very clear but I thought I would just respond quickly because it works and is simple and free. I will never make any money out of this but to me that's F***ing great. I'm sick of bullshit companies making money off peoples insecurties. A number of year ago I would have payed anything to get my hair back. Now it is growing back 100% and it's entirely free and if I can help others do the same than that's way good enough for me.
A note on Luftek system. He is dead right with what causes hair loss (unnatural tension in the scalp) but I feel he missed the mark to some degree with the cure. Simply avoiding prolonged activities like watching t.v for hours or playing computer games or reading novels is suffiecent this will cure hair loss for sure. You don't have to avoid stress or emotions which would be very diffuclt for most people, especially this day and age but just avoid prolonged activites. The main thing is to investigate the things you do everyday and see what causes excessive tension and what doesn't. Some things don't and keep a check on the scalps conditions.
Hope this helps
Anonymous:
Ive been searching for scalp relaxation technique on the net and ive come upon the luftek hair system, the guy "lou" charges $299 for it, i have no luck bringing the price down since i dont have a job right now and cant afford it. Obviously Lou is not interested so he doesnt response to my plead, only replies when i criticize his business.
I found a guy in HLH who tried his system before but refunded after finding its not working. I sent the guy an email asking about the system and heres what he replied
-----------------------------------------------
The program is basically a meditation video and his method
is supposed to make the scalp more loose and flexible. This
is "supposedly" accomplished by some exercises like wiggling
your ears and moving your eyebrows. (it's been a while so I
don't remember much more) There are also some deep
breathing and chanting exercises that go along w/ the
stretching. I tried it for several months but didn't see
any change. I sent it back and got my refund, but I think
it's not the full purchase price that is refunded, so
basically the guy makes money if you keep it or not. Of
course, he makes more if you keep it
-------------------------------------------------
Does this mean SE and Luftek are just the same thing?
Basically its comes with an instruction booklet, a video and a biofeedback sensor same as what Tom recommends
Obviously someone is copying someones homework :P
Guest
Mary :
Here is a technique I learned from Lou at Luftek.com. Keep your teeth seperated and your tongue loose the best you can 24/7. Just take a deep breath,seperate your teeth,and blow through your cheeks. Your forehead and scalp should feel "lite and clear". If your not sure, then do this. Clinch your teeth together and raise your eyebrows. Take note of the feeling in your scalp and forehead(tight, heavy). Now seperate your teeth and blow through your cheeks. Feel the difference? Lou at Luftek.com believes that a tight scalp is the main cause of hairloss(As do I). So his approach is all about keeping the scalp relaxed the best you can 24/7(What he calls creating a "positive scalp pressure"). Now the skin on top of your head is connected to the skin on the botton of your feet(It's all one thing). So if your lower body is tight or stiff, that is going to affect the scalp as well.(Yoga is great for keeping the lower body loose). Negative emotions(anger, stress) are also going to cause tightness(If you worry about the future, will it change?)So do the best you can to stay calm(Meditating daily will help here) and keep a smile on your face 24/7(which I know is not that easy in "todays world" but this will also put a slight upward lift to the scalp). I've used this approach for the past couple of years. And whether you believe me or not,my hairloss has completly stopped( As of now)which started in my early 20's. I'm now 44. I also have more hair than I did a couple of years ago(Gone from about a norwood 4 to a norwood 3v). I also started doing the SE(Which does help to loosen the scalp) about eight months ago which I do all through out the day(Instead of just morning or night I'll do 5-10 2 minute sessions). The SE have helped even more. I know this because since I started doing the SE,I have to cut my hair more often which has gotten a little darker. There is also some new growth along my hairline(short 1/2 inch terminal hair). The lines in my forehead are also much softer. I know this sounds like a lot to do in a day. So what I do is take advantage of normal everyday stuff. Like doing the SE while I type this. Or while I'm in the shower. Or using the bathroom. Or cooking dinner, ect. However I will always make time for what I think is important like Yoga and Meditating. But in the mean time, I do the best I can to stay as calm and relaxed(With a good diet) as I can be 24/7(Which is not always easy). If there is a will, there is a way!
Jennifer:
Thank you for kind, POSITIVE words! Toms SE and Lou's technique(in my opinion) work together very well(we are talking pancakes and syrup). I have read some negative remarks in this forum about Lou. I think that's because people just don't quit understand what he is trying to teach(his video could have been done better). To find two men who share a common goal(reversing hairloss, and loosen up a tight scalp) yet use the exact opposite approach(relaxing/excercising), is interesting to me. So for you,here is the essence of Lou's approach..
You are simply going to create two "Feelings" and do the best you can to keep them 24/7.
The first "Feeling" I'll describe as a "Calm,Peaceful,Joy". This is how you want to feel on the "Inside"(For me, I don't want to feel any other way). Meditation is a key for this. The second "Feeling" you want to create(which will be very hard to do without having the first feeling) is in the scalp which I'll describe as "Lite and Clear". Keeping your teeth seperated is a key here. Now the reason for doing this is to help keep the scalp relaxed. Lou call's this "Positive Scalp Pressure" which is recognized by the "Feeling" of "Lite and Clear". So from time to time throughout the day, Just check the "Feeling" in your scalp. If it feels "Tight,Heavy,or tingles". Then stop what you are doing(when you can), take a couple of minutes, and get it back to "Lite and Clear". The best way for me to do this is using Toms SE.
And when I'm done, I'll always take a deep breath and blow through my cheeks making sure my teeth are seperated. I Meditate as much as needed(sometime 2 minutes is all that's needed). Lou also Teaches the following: Wash and rinse your hair in cool water(A tight scalp generates heat). At least once a day, place your hands on the sides of your head and push the scalp upward The longer you hold the better. If you smoke,quit. Give your scalp or better yet your whole body a daily dose of what Ancient man called "Universal Life Energy" which is also called Prana, KI, Chi.(This is for the open minded only). If I were to wake up tomorrow with a full head of hair, I would not stop doing this or Tom's SE just because of the way it make me feel(not to mention how much better my forehead looks).
Anonymous:
I would like to say thank you for your website and this forum. I have learned a lot here. I wish
there was this much information on hairloss 20 years ago. You provide a powerful example of the benefits of taking care of yourself(one reaps what one sows) and are very giving to offer this up at no charge. Your SE have worked for me(Thanks for a better looking forehead)I also use Lou's technique at www.luftek.com. They work well together. This is just my opinion...But I believe that if some one is willing to do the SE for 20 minutes a day, they MIGHT get more out of them if they do it 7 min. morning, 7 min. noon, 7min. night. Instead of 10 min. morning, 10 min. night. I see a lot of posts that say they got no benefit after doing the SE for many months. Which makes me wonder if the're doing the SE only twice a day, how are you "carrying yourself" in between? And I agree with you...Some folks who smile a lot might be up to no good! All Lou is saying by keeping a smile on your face 24/7 is to keep a positive feeling in your inner being the best you can throughout the day. For me, I don't want to feel any other way.
From: gl
Product: Hair Loss
Remote Name: 210.50.56.80
Date: 07 Oct 2002
Time: 12:39:31
Comments
Yes, it works. My hair is growing back all over after 3 weeks. Hair loss is caused from tension that builds in the scalp due to different emotional states. In the same way that different emotions cause involuntary contraction of muscles in the face(e.g smiling). Actually tension in the scalp is normal but when is becomes excessive or prolonged it affects the hair roots and leads to hair loss. Simply by avoiding activities that cause this prolonged excessive tension the scalp will loosen up very quickly(few days) and the hair will begin to grow back after a few weeks. Generally the hair stops falling out after about 4 weeks. Growth seems to occur first.
Curing hair loss is really, really easy. And for the life of me I can't work out why the medical industry has not worked it out. Probably because there is no money in this type of cure. It can't be packaged and sold.
The activties that cause prolonged emotional states and therefore hair loss are things like watching t.v for 30minutes or more without a break or playing computer games for long periods.
Look for things that you do everyday and for periods longer than 30minutes say, without breaks. Then simply break up these activties. For example when watching t.v don't just sit there for hours like most people do, like I use to do. Get up during the adds and come back. The change in mental focus stops the tension becoming excessive. Actually what works just as well is lying down flat when watching t.v the tension doesn't build up at all and you can watch all you like.
You can follow your progress by feeling the scalp with your fingers. When the tension is excessive the scalp doens't move much it is kind of rigid. But if you check when you wake up out of deep sleep for example the scalp skin moves a lot more.This movement means the scalp is in its healthy state. There is a difference. Also check for sensations in the scalp. Like an itchness or slight burning. This is indication of excessive tension. And check for hair growth, say along the forehead where it's bald. After two weeks providing you have been avoiding excessive tension on a daily basis you will see new but very fine hair growing through, in patches at first. Gradually it will spread and gradually the hair will thickin and grow longer. Growing hair from scratch is a slow process but the cure is very quick, simply loosen up the scalp.
This is the first time I have talked about this. I will post more over the internet later on with more details etc over many sites, as much as I can. So it probably doesn't sound very clear but I thought I would just respond quickly because it works and is simple and free. I will never make any money out of this but to me that's F***ing great. I'm sick of bullshit companies making money off peoples insecurties. A number of year ago I would have payed anything to get my hair back. Now it is growing back 100% and it's entirely free and if I can help others do the same than that's way good enough for me.
A note on Luftek system. He is dead right with what causes hair loss (unnatural tension in the scalp) but I feel he missed the mark to some degree with the cure. Simply avoiding prolonged activities like watching t.v for hours or playing computer games or reading novels is suffiecent this will cure hair loss for sure. You don't have to avoid stress or emotions which would be very diffuclt for most people, especially this day and age but just avoid prolonged activites. The main thing is to investigate the things you do everyday and see what causes excessive tension and what doesn't. Some things don't and keep a check on the scalps conditions.
Hope this helps
Anonymous:
Ive been searching for scalp relaxation technique on the net and ive come upon the luftek hair system, the guy "lou" charges $299 for it, i have no luck bringing the price down since i dont have a job right now and cant afford it. Obviously Lou is not interested so he doesnt response to my plead, only replies when i criticize his business.
I found a guy in HLH who tried his system before but refunded after finding its not working. I sent the guy an email asking about the system and heres what he replied
-----------------------------------------------
The program is basically a meditation video and his method
is supposed to make the scalp more loose and flexible. This
is "supposedly" accomplished by some exercises like wiggling
your ears and moving your eyebrows. (it's been a while so I
don't remember much more) There are also some deep
breathing and chanting exercises that go along w/ the
stretching. I tried it for several months but didn't see
any change. I sent it back and got my refund, but I think
it's not the full purchase price that is refunded, so
basically the guy makes money if you keep it or not. Of
course, he makes more if you keep it
-------------------------------------------------
Does this mean SE and Luftek are just the same thing?
Basically its comes with an instruction booklet, a video and a biofeedback sensor same as what Tom recommends
Obviously someone is copying someones homework :P
Guest
Saturday, November 24, 2007
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic scaling disease of the skin. It may range from just a few spots anywhere on the body to large areas of involvement. It is not contagious or spread able from one part of the body to another or from one person to another.
There is no blood test for psoriasis. The diagnosis is made by observation and examination of the skin. Sometimes microscopic examination of the skin (biopsy) is helpful where the changes are not typical or characteristic.
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but hereditary and genetic factors are important. Psoriasis runs in families. This does not mean, however, that every child of a parent with psoriasis will develop psoriasis, but it is common that somewhere down the line psoriasis will appear in families. Psoriasis is not caused by allergies, infections, dietary deficiencies or excesses, or nervous tension.
How serious is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis does not affect he overall general health. If it is widespread it can certainly cause a great deal of skin discomfort and emotional embarrassment, and can affect job and leisure time activities...
How serious is Psoriasis?
Fortunately most people who have psoriasis only have a small amount and while it certainly can be a nuisance, it does not alter the lifestyle.
In about 10 percent of people with psoriasis there can develop a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It will take proper medical examination to confirm this diagnosis. Although not always, psoriatic arthritis is more often seen in people with widespread psoriasis than those who have a small amount. The psoriatic arthritis can affect people of all ages.
Is there a Cure for Psoriasis?
There is no present cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of drugs and treatments that can relieve and control psoriasis, often for long periods of time. Psoriasis on its own can come and go often with long periods of remission. In most cases, however, psoriasis is persistent. It can come and go without any obvious reason. Psoriasis does not necessarily become worse with age. Psoriasis can occur at any age from infancy to the elderly. Psoriasis will often remain in small localized areas and never spread.
Here you will find useful advise in order to cope with your Psoriasis in a responsible manner, changing your attitude and the way you fight the disease will help you in your every day life
1. Do keep a positive attitude towards your condition. It will clear up, you just have to find the treatment that's best for you. Remember your Psoriasis is uniquely your own and what works for some might not work for others. If you work with your Doctor it may take time but together you will find a treatment out there that is good for you alone.
2. Do remember that there are many remedies advertised in newspapers, pamphlets, word of mouth and door to door, but unless they can give you absolute proof that this is a "cure" don't touch it as it can make your psoriasis worse. Always consult your dermatologist before starting a cure let him monitor it for you. Sometimes those cures work for some people but sometime they do not.
3. Do avoid stress as much as possible, both mental and physical.
4. Do find out all you can about your condition from a. your physician, b. Your dermatologist, c. the library, d. a Psoriasis Foundation.
5. Do remember that Psoriasis is not a disease. You cannot catch it nor can you
give it. It is a hereditary genetic skin condition.
6. Do learn how to properly apply your external medications.
8. Do not let your skin become scratched or injured in any way even a mosquito bite can cause a flare up. When you have an itch you tend to scratch. DONT!
9. Do not expose your skin to harsh chemicals, wear rubber gloves. Harsh chemicals include dish detergents. Always wear cotton gloves under the rubber glove and only leave them on for twenty minutes at a time.
10. Do not forget Psoriasis is a genetically transmitted illness. In other words, if your grandmother had it, then for sure someone else in your family either has it or will have it. It will benefit you in the long run to find out as much information as possible about your condition.
11. Do not wash your clothes in heavy detergents, such as TIDE, unless your use very little. read the instructions on soap containers carefully, and use less soap than called for.
These do's and don’ts won't cure your Psoriasis, but will help you to cope with it. They do help and can be of assistance to you in your fight with this skin condition...
Unfortunately diet will not cure your Psoriasis but, however, the healthier the diet the better; especially a diet that includes regular exercise will be a good complement for psoriasis treatments.
GOOD DIET:
General: Rosemary, oregano, thyme, marjoram, laurel, ginger, basil, red peppers, cardamon,saffron, capers, onions, garlic, parsley, chives, tomato pulp, fruit vinegars, homemade mayonnaise.
Alcoholic Beverages: Cider, fruit wine, beer, whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, fruit brandies
Nut, oils, shortenings: Almonds, coconut, pistachios, cashews, sunflower oil, olive oil, corn oil, soybean oil, butter, sunflower margarine.
Foods: Fruits than contain grapes and grape juices, fresh vegetables, fish pastes, fish, bread, yogurt, butter and almond cakes, coconut based products. almond nougat.
Citrus fruits: Fruit pulps, fresh juices
BAD DIET:
Spices and condiments: Pepper, cloves, cumin, anise, cinnamon,paprika, mustard, pimento, nutmeg, commercial mayonnaise, ketchup, tabasco sauce, bouillon cubes and gravies, wine, vinegar, herb vinegar, candied orange, lemon peel, curry, commercial condiments, pastry aromas.
Alcoholic Beverages: All red and white wines, sparkling wines, champagnes, brandy, cognac, sherry,cinzano, vermouth, port, samos, all egg and nut based liqueurs, grand marnier,Cointreau.
Nuts: Hazelnuts, walnuts, walnut pastry aroma, peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter.
Food: Prepared meats, sausages, pre-spiced meats, most cold cuts and pates. spice cakes, pickles, pickled spices and peppers, nut-based pastries, chocolate-based products.
Citrus Fruits: Fruit peels, orange marmalade,prepared juices, grapefruit, limes, lemon, lemonade, bitter lemons
How is Psoriasis Treated?
Treatment is determined by the location, severity and history of psoriasis in each individual. There is no one way of treatment, for each person with psoriasis may respond differently.
One main objective of treatment is to slow down the more rapid than usual growth rate of the skin cells. The rapid growth rate of skin cells causes the red, scaly psoriasis patches. The underlying cause of this increased skin growth is not yet known.
For patients with minimal psoriasis, therapy is limited to topical medications that are drugs applied to the skin. For patients with moderate to widespread psoriasis, topical treatments are often combined with ultraviolet light therapy. Either sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light therapy can be used.
If topical and ultraviolet light therapy are not effective, or are not practical, systemic or oral medications can be used. These may be combined with ultraviolet light therapy, the so-called photo chemotherapy or PUVA therapy. In severe cases and unresponsive cases of psoriasis, there are oral medications that slow down the growth rate of skin which are helpful. These drugs can have significant side effects and have to be used with the proper safeguard and caution. Even these strong drugs do not cure psoriasis but only help to control the disease.
Topical Treatment
Treatments applied directly to the skin are sometimes effective in clearing psoriasis. Doctors find that some patients respond well to sunlight, corticosteroid ointments, medicines derived from vitamin D3, vitamin A (retinoid), coal tar, or anthralin. Other topical measures, such as bath solutions and moisturizers, may be soothing but are seldom strong enough to clear lesions over the long term and may need to be combined with more potent remedies.
* Sunlight - Daily, regular, short doses of sunlight that do not produce a sunburn clear psoriasis in many people.
· Corticosteroids - Available in different strengths, corticosteroids (cortisone) are usually applied twice a day. Short-term treatment is often effective in improving but not completely clearing psoriasis. If less than 10 percent of the skin is involved, some doctors will begin treatment with a high-potency corticosteroid ointment (for example, Diprolene®,* Tem ovate®, Ultravate®, or Psorcon®).
· Skin Cap products - Are considered by some people the most successful treatment for Psoriasis, the wide spectrum of positive effects of Skin Cap products is based on the specific properties of a new formulation
of Zinc Pyrithione
* Calcipotriene - This drug is a synthetic form of vitamin D3. (It is not the same as vitamin D supplements.) Applying calcipotriene ointment (for example, Dovonex®) twice a day controls excessive production of skin cells. Because calcipotriene can irritate the skin, however, it is not recommended for the face or genitals. After 4 months of treatment, about 60 percent of patients have a good to excellent response. The safety of using the drug for cases affecting more than 20 percent of the skin is unknown.
* Coal tar - Coal tar may be applied directly to the skin, used in a bath solution, or used on the scalp as a shampoo. It is available in different strengths, but the most potent form may be irritating. It is sometimes combined with ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy. Compared with steroids, coal tar has fewer side effects, but it is messy and less effective and thus is not popular with many patients. Other drawbacks include its failure to provide long-term help for most patients, its strong odor, and its tendency to stain skin or clothing.
* Anthralin - Doctors sometimes use a 15- to 30-minute application of anthralin ointment, cream, or paste to treat chronic psoriasis lesions. However, this treatment often fails to adequately clear lesions, it may irritate the skin, and it stains skin and clothing brown or purple.
* Topical retinoid - The retinoid tazarotene (Tazorac) is a fast-drying, clear gel that is applied to the surface of the skin. Although this preparation does not act as quickly as topical corticosteroids, it has fewer side effects. Because it is irritating to normal skin, it should be used with caution in skin folds. Women of childbearing age should use birth control when using tazarotene.
* Salicylic acid - Salicylic acid is used to remove scales, and is most effective when combined with topical steroids, anthralin, or coal tar.
* Bath solutions - People with psoriasis may find that bathing in water with an oil added, then applying a moisturizer, can soothe their skin. Scales can be removed and itching reduced by soaking for 15 minutes in water containing a tar solution, oiled oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts.
* Moisturizers - When applied regularly over a long period, moisturizers have a cosmetic and soothing effect. Preparations that are thick and greasy usually work best because they hold water in the skin, reducing the scales and the itching.
Phototherapy
Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun causes the activated T cells in the skin to die, a process called apoptosis. Apoptosis reduces inflammation and slows the overproduction of skin cells that causes scaling. Daily, short, no burning exposure to sunlight clears or improves psoriasis in many people. A more controlled form of artificial light treatment may be used in mild psoriasis (UVB phototherapy) or in more severe or extensive psoriasis (psoralen and ultraviolet A [PUVA] therapy).
UVB phototherapy - Some artificial sources of UVB light are similar to sunlight. Newer sources, called narrow-band UVB, emit the part of the ultraviolet spectrum band that is most helpful for psoriasis. Some physicians will start with UVB treatments instead of topical agents. UVB phototherapy is also used to treat widespread psoriasis and lesions that resist topical treatment. This type of phototherapy is normally administered in a doctor’s office by using a light panel or light box, although some patients can use UVB light boxes at home with a doctor’s guidance. Generally at least three treatments a week for 2 or 3 months are needed. UVB phototherapy may be combined with other treatments as well. One combined therapy program, referred to as the Ingram regime, involves a coal tar bath, UVB phototherapy, and application of an anthralin-salicylic acid paste, which is left on the skin for 6 to 24 hours.
PUVA - This treatment combines oral or topical administration of a medicine called psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Psoralen makes the body more sensitive to this light. PUVA is normally used when more than 10 percent of the skin is affected or when rapid clearing is required because the disease interferes with a person’s occupation (for example, when a model’s face or a carpenter’s hands are involved). Compared with UVB treatment, PUVA treatment taken two to three times a week clears psoriasis more consistently and in fewer treatments. However, it is associated with more short-term side effects, including nausea, headache, fatigue, burning, and itching. Long-term treatment is associated with an increased risk of squamous cell and melanoma skin cancers. PUVA can be combined with some oral medications (retinoids and hydroxyurea) to increase its effectiveness. Simultaneous use of drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine, have little beneficial effect and increase the risk of cancer. Patients who must travel long distances for PUVA treatments may, with a physician’s supervision, be taught to administer this treatment at home.
Systemic Treatment
For more severe forms of psoriasis, doctors sometimes prescribe medicines that
are taken internally.
* Methotrexate - This treatment, which can be taken by pill or injection, slows cell production by suppressing the immune system. Patients taking methotrexate must be closely monitored because it can cause liver damage and/or decrease the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, infection-fighting white blood cells, and clot-enhancing platelets. As a precaution, doctors do not prescribe the drug for people with long-term liver disease or anemia. Methotrexate should not be used by pregnant women, by women who are planning to get pregnant, or by their male partners.
*
* Cyclosporine - Taken orally, cyclosporine (Neoral®) acts by suppressing the immune system in a way that slows the rapid turnover of skin cells. It may provide quick relief of symptoms, but it is usually effective only during the course of treatment. The best candidates for this therapy are those with severe psoriasis who have not responded to or cannot tolerate other systemic therapies. Cyclosporine may impair kidney function or cause high blood pressure (hypertension), so patients must be carefully monitored by a doctor. Also, cyclosporine is not recommended for patients who have a weak immune system, those who have had substantial exposure to UVB or PUVA in the past, or those who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
*
* Hydroxyurea (Hydrea®) - Compared with methotrexate and cyclosporine, hydroxyurea is less toxic but also less effective. It is sometimes combined with PUVA or UVB. Possible side effects include anemia and a decrease in white blood cells and platelets. Like methotrexate and cyclosporine, hydroxyurea must be avoided by pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant.
*
* Retinoids - A retinoid, such as acitretin (Soriatane®), is a compound with vitamin A-like properties that may be prescribed for severe cases of psoriasis that do not respond to other therapies. Because this treatment also may cause birth defects, women must protect themselves from pregnancy beginning 1 month before through 3 years after treatment. Most patients experience a recurrence of psoriasis after acitretin is discontinued.
* Antibiotics - Although not indicated in routine treatment, antibiotics may be employed when an infection, such as Streptococcus, triggers the outbreak of psoriasis, as in certain cases of guttate psoriasis.
There is no blood test for psoriasis. The diagnosis is made by observation and examination of the skin. Sometimes microscopic examination of the skin (biopsy) is helpful where the changes are not typical or characteristic.
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but hereditary and genetic factors are important. Psoriasis runs in families. This does not mean, however, that every child of a parent with psoriasis will develop psoriasis, but it is common that somewhere down the line psoriasis will appear in families. Psoriasis is not caused by allergies, infections, dietary deficiencies or excesses, or nervous tension.
How serious is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis does not affect he overall general health. If it is widespread it can certainly cause a great deal of skin discomfort and emotional embarrassment, and can affect job and leisure time activities...
How serious is Psoriasis?
Fortunately most people who have psoriasis only have a small amount and while it certainly can be a nuisance, it does not alter the lifestyle.
In about 10 percent of people with psoriasis there can develop a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It will take proper medical examination to confirm this diagnosis. Although not always, psoriatic arthritis is more often seen in people with widespread psoriasis than those who have a small amount. The psoriatic arthritis can affect people of all ages.
Is there a Cure for Psoriasis?
There is no present cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of drugs and treatments that can relieve and control psoriasis, often for long periods of time. Psoriasis on its own can come and go often with long periods of remission. In most cases, however, psoriasis is persistent. It can come and go without any obvious reason. Psoriasis does not necessarily become worse with age. Psoriasis can occur at any age from infancy to the elderly. Psoriasis will often remain in small localized areas and never spread.
Here you will find useful advise in order to cope with your Psoriasis in a responsible manner, changing your attitude and the way you fight the disease will help you in your every day life
1. Do keep a positive attitude towards your condition. It will clear up, you just have to find the treatment that's best for you. Remember your Psoriasis is uniquely your own and what works for some might not work for others. If you work with your Doctor it may take time but together you will find a treatment out there that is good for you alone.
2. Do remember that there are many remedies advertised in newspapers, pamphlets, word of mouth and door to door, but unless they can give you absolute proof that this is a "cure" don't touch it as it can make your psoriasis worse. Always consult your dermatologist before starting a cure let him monitor it for you. Sometimes those cures work for some people but sometime they do not.
3. Do avoid stress as much as possible, both mental and physical.
4. Do find out all you can about your condition from a. your physician, b. Your dermatologist, c. the library, d. a Psoriasis Foundation.
5. Do remember that Psoriasis is not a disease. You cannot catch it nor can you
give it. It is a hereditary genetic skin condition.
6. Do learn how to properly apply your external medications.
8. Do not let your skin become scratched or injured in any way even a mosquito bite can cause a flare up. When you have an itch you tend to scratch. DONT!
9. Do not expose your skin to harsh chemicals, wear rubber gloves. Harsh chemicals include dish detergents. Always wear cotton gloves under the rubber glove and only leave them on for twenty minutes at a time.
10. Do not forget Psoriasis is a genetically transmitted illness. In other words, if your grandmother had it, then for sure someone else in your family either has it or will have it. It will benefit you in the long run to find out as much information as possible about your condition.
11. Do not wash your clothes in heavy detergents, such as TIDE, unless your use very little. read the instructions on soap containers carefully, and use less soap than called for.
These do's and don’ts won't cure your Psoriasis, but will help you to cope with it. They do help and can be of assistance to you in your fight with this skin condition...
Unfortunately diet will not cure your Psoriasis but, however, the healthier the diet the better; especially a diet that includes regular exercise will be a good complement for psoriasis treatments.
GOOD DIET:
General: Rosemary, oregano, thyme, marjoram, laurel, ginger, basil, red peppers, cardamon,saffron, capers, onions, garlic, parsley, chives, tomato pulp, fruit vinegars, homemade mayonnaise.
Alcoholic Beverages: Cider, fruit wine, beer, whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, fruit brandies
Nut, oils, shortenings: Almonds, coconut, pistachios, cashews, sunflower oil, olive oil, corn oil, soybean oil, butter, sunflower margarine.
Foods: Fruits than contain grapes and grape juices, fresh vegetables, fish pastes, fish, bread, yogurt, butter and almond cakes, coconut based products. almond nougat.
Citrus fruits: Fruit pulps, fresh juices
BAD DIET:
Spices and condiments: Pepper, cloves, cumin, anise, cinnamon,paprika, mustard, pimento, nutmeg, commercial mayonnaise, ketchup, tabasco sauce, bouillon cubes and gravies, wine, vinegar, herb vinegar, candied orange, lemon peel, curry, commercial condiments, pastry aromas.
Alcoholic Beverages: All red and white wines, sparkling wines, champagnes, brandy, cognac, sherry,cinzano, vermouth, port, samos, all egg and nut based liqueurs, grand marnier,Cointreau.
Nuts: Hazelnuts, walnuts, walnut pastry aroma, peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter.
Food: Prepared meats, sausages, pre-spiced meats, most cold cuts and pates. spice cakes, pickles, pickled spices and peppers, nut-based pastries, chocolate-based products.
Citrus Fruits: Fruit peels, orange marmalade,prepared juices, grapefruit, limes, lemon, lemonade, bitter lemons
How is Psoriasis Treated?
Treatment is determined by the location, severity and history of psoriasis in each individual. There is no one way of treatment, for each person with psoriasis may respond differently.
One main objective of treatment is to slow down the more rapid than usual growth rate of the skin cells. The rapid growth rate of skin cells causes the red, scaly psoriasis patches. The underlying cause of this increased skin growth is not yet known.
For patients with minimal psoriasis, therapy is limited to topical medications that are drugs applied to the skin. For patients with moderate to widespread psoriasis, topical treatments are often combined with ultraviolet light therapy. Either sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light therapy can be used.
If topical and ultraviolet light therapy are not effective, or are not practical, systemic or oral medications can be used. These may be combined with ultraviolet light therapy, the so-called photo chemotherapy or PUVA therapy. In severe cases and unresponsive cases of psoriasis, there are oral medications that slow down the growth rate of skin which are helpful. These drugs can have significant side effects and have to be used with the proper safeguard and caution. Even these strong drugs do not cure psoriasis but only help to control the disease.
Topical Treatment
Treatments applied directly to the skin are sometimes effective in clearing psoriasis. Doctors find that some patients respond well to sunlight, corticosteroid ointments, medicines derived from vitamin D3, vitamin A (retinoid), coal tar, or anthralin. Other topical measures, such as bath solutions and moisturizers, may be soothing but are seldom strong enough to clear lesions over the long term and may need to be combined with more potent remedies.
* Sunlight - Daily, regular, short doses of sunlight that do not produce a sunburn clear psoriasis in many people.
· Corticosteroids - Available in different strengths, corticosteroids (cortisone) are usually applied twice a day. Short-term treatment is often effective in improving but not completely clearing psoriasis. If less than 10 percent of the skin is involved, some doctors will begin treatment with a high-potency corticosteroid ointment (for example, Diprolene®,* Tem ovate®, Ultravate®, or Psorcon®).
· Skin Cap products - Are considered by some people the most successful treatment for Psoriasis, the wide spectrum of positive effects of Skin Cap products is based on the specific properties of a new formulation
of Zinc Pyrithione
* Calcipotriene - This drug is a synthetic form of vitamin D3. (It is not the same as vitamin D supplements.) Applying calcipotriene ointment (for example, Dovonex®) twice a day controls excessive production of skin cells. Because calcipotriene can irritate the skin, however, it is not recommended for the face or genitals. After 4 months of treatment, about 60 percent of patients have a good to excellent response. The safety of using the drug for cases affecting more than 20 percent of the skin is unknown.
* Coal tar - Coal tar may be applied directly to the skin, used in a bath solution, or used on the scalp as a shampoo. It is available in different strengths, but the most potent form may be irritating. It is sometimes combined with ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy. Compared with steroids, coal tar has fewer side effects, but it is messy and less effective and thus is not popular with many patients. Other drawbacks include its failure to provide long-term help for most patients, its strong odor, and its tendency to stain skin or clothing.
* Anthralin - Doctors sometimes use a 15- to 30-minute application of anthralin ointment, cream, or paste to treat chronic psoriasis lesions. However, this treatment often fails to adequately clear lesions, it may irritate the skin, and it stains skin and clothing brown or purple.
* Topical retinoid - The retinoid tazarotene (Tazorac) is a fast-drying, clear gel that is applied to the surface of the skin. Although this preparation does not act as quickly as topical corticosteroids, it has fewer side effects. Because it is irritating to normal skin, it should be used with caution in skin folds. Women of childbearing age should use birth control when using tazarotene.
* Salicylic acid - Salicylic acid is used to remove scales, and is most effective when combined with topical steroids, anthralin, or coal tar.
* Bath solutions - People with psoriasis may find that bathing in water with an oil added, then applying a moisturizer, can soothe their skin. Scales can be removed and itching reduced by soaking for 15 minutes in water containing a tar solution, oiled oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts.
* Moisturizers - When applied regularly over a long period, moisturizers have a cosmetic and soothing effect. Preparations that are thick and greasy usually work best because they hold water in the skin, reducing the scales and the itching.
Phototherapy
Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun causes the activated T cells in the skin to die, a process called apoptosis. Apoptosis reduces inflammation and slows the overproduction of skin cells that causes scaling. Daily, short, no burning exposure to sunlight clears or improves psoriasis in many people. A more controlled form of artificial light treatment may be used in mild psoriasis (UVB phototherapy) or in more severe or extensive psoriasis (psoralen and ultraviolet A [PUVA] therapy).
UVB phototherapy - Some artificial sources of UVB light are similar to sunlight. Newer sources, called narrow-band UVB, emit the part of the ultraviolet spectrum band that is most helpful for psoriasis. Some physicians will start with UVB treatments instead of topical agents. UVB phototherapy is also used to treat widespread psoriasis and lesions that resist topical treatment. This type of phototherapy is normally administered in a doctor’s office by using a light panel or light box, although some patients can use UVB light boxes at home with a doctor’s guidance. Generally at least three treatments a week for 2 or 3 months are needed. UVB phototherapy may be combined with other treatments as well. One combined therapy program, referred to as the Ingram regime, involves a coal tar bath, UVB phototherapy, and application of an anthralin-salicylic acid paste, which is left on the skin for 6 to 24 hours.
PUVA - This treatment combines oral or topical administration of a medicine called psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Psoralen makes the body more sensitive to this light. PUVA is normally used when more than 10 percent of the skin is affected or when rapid clearing is required because the disease interferes with a person’s occupation (for example, when a model’s face or a carpenter’s hands are involved). Compared with UVB treatment, PUVA treatment taken two to three times a week clears psoriasis more consistently and in fewer treatments. However, it is associated with more short-term side effects, including nausea, headache, fatigue, burning, and itching. Long-term treatment is associated with an increased risk of squamous cell and melanoma skin cancers. PUVA can be combined with some oral medications (retinoids and hydroxyurea) to increase its effectiveness. Simultaneous use of drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine, have little beneficial effect and increase the risk of cancer. Patients who must travel long distances for PUVA treatments may, with a physician’s supervision, be taught to administer this treatment at home.
Systemic Treatment
For more severe forms of psoriasis, doctors sometimes prescribe medicines that
are taken internally.
* Methotrexate - This treatment, which can be taken by pill or injection, slows cell production by suppressing the immune system. Patients taking methotrexate must be closely monitored because it can cause liver damage and/or decrease the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, infection-fighting white blood cells, and clot-enhancing platelets. As a precaution, doctors do not prescribe the drug for people with long-term liver disease or anemia. Methotrexate should not be used by pregnant women, by women who are planning to get pregnant, or by their male partners.
*
* Cyclosporine - Taken orally, cyclosporine (Neoral®) acts by suppressing the immune system in a way that slows the rapid turnover of skin cells. It may provide quick relief of symptoms, but it is usually effective only during the course of treatment. The best candidates for this therapy are those with severe psoriasis who have not responded to or cannot tolerate other systemic therapies. Cyclosporine may impair kidney function or cause high blood pressure (hypertension), so patients must be carefully monitored by a doctor. Also, cyclosporine is not recommended for patients who have a weak immune system, those who have had substantial exposure to UVB or PUVA in the past, or those who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
*
* Hydroxyurea (Hydrea®) - Compared with methotrexate and cyclosporine, hydroxyurea is less toxic but also less effective. It is sometimes combined with PUVA or UVB. Possible side effects include anemia and a decrease in white blood cells and platelets. Like methotrexate and cyclosporine, hydroxyurea must be avoided by pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant.
*
* Retinoids - A retinoid, such as acitretin (Soriatane®), is a compound with vitamin A-like properties that may be prescribed for severe cases of psoriasis that do not respond to other therapies. Because this treatment also may cause birth defects, women must protect themselves from pregnancy beginning 1 month before through 3 years after treatment. Most patients experience a recurrence of psoriasis after acitretin is discontinued.
* Antibiotics - Although not indicated in routine treatment, antibiotics may be employed when an infection, such as Streptococcus, triggers the outbreak of psoriasis, as in certain cases of guttate psoriasis.
Worried about acne? Cut down milk
Teenagers with acne - a common skin disease that causes pimples - may get a clear skin if they cut down their milk intake, a new study says.
Many a spotty teenager has been told to lay off chips and chocolate if they want clear skin but a research carried out at Harvard School of Public Health showed that teenagers who drink a pint or more of milk a day are almost 50 percent more likely to develop spots and pimples than those who rarely or never drink milk.
The researchers looked at the teenage diet of more than 47,000 women and then compared dairy product intake with cases of acne. Analysis of the results revealed a clear link between milk and skin problems, reported the online edition of Daily Mail.
Worst off were those who regularly drank skimmed milk, with two half-pint glasses a day raising the risk of the condition by 44 percent. Those who drank a pint of whole milk a day were 12 percent more likely to develop acne, while semi-skimmed milk increased the risk by 16 percent.
Overall, those who regularly drank milk were 22 percent more likely to have suffered from acne than those who rarely or never drank it.
Cream and cottage cheeses also raised the risk of the condition; however, chips, chocolate and pizza did not, the scientists said.
Writing in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the researchers said that sex and growth hormones naturally found in cow's milk might trigger off spots.
However, Britain's milk producers said that milk has many health benefits. "Unnecessary exclusion of dairy from the diet can compromise nutrient intakes," said Judith Bryans of the Dairy Council.
Many a spotty teenager has been told to lay off chips and chocolate if they want clear skin but a research carried out at Harvard School of Public Health showed that teenagers who drink a pint or more of milk a day are almost 50 percent more likely to develop spots and pimples than those who rarely or never drink milk.
The researchers looked at the teenage diet of more than 47,000 women and then compared dairy product intake with cases of acne. Analysis of the results revealed a clear link between milk and skin problems, reported the online edition of Daily Mail.
Worst off were those who regularly drank skimmed milk, with two half-pint glasses a day raising the risk of the condition by 44 percent. Those who drank a pint of whole milk a day were 12 percent more likely to develop acne, while semi-skimmed milk increased the risk by 16 percent.
Overall, those who regularly drank milk were 22 percent more likely to have suffered from acne than those who rarely or never drank it.
Cream and cottage cheeses also raised the risk of the condition; however, chips, chocolate and pizza did not, the scientists said.
Writing in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the researchers said that sex and growth hormones naturally found in cow's milk might trigger off spots.
However, Britain's milk producers said that milk has many health benefits. "Unnecessary exclusion of dairy from the diet can compromise nutrient intakes," said Judith Bryans of the Dairy Council.
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. Women with PCOS have these characteristics:
* high levels of male hormones, also called androgens
* an irregular or no menstrual cycle
* may or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.
PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age.
How many women have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
An estimated five to 10 percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS.
What causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
No one knows the exact cause of PCOS. Women with PCOS frequently have a mother or sister with PCOS. But there is not yet enough evidence to say there is a genetic link to this disorder. Many women with PCOS have a weight problem. So researchers are looking at the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body’s use or for storage. Since some women with PCOS make too much insulin, it’s possible that the ovaries react by making too many male hormones, called androgens. This can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation problems.
Why do women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have trouble with their menstrual cycle?
Normal Ovary and Polycystic OvaryThe ovaries are two small organs, one on each side of a woman's uterus. A woman's ovaries have follicles, which are tiny sacs filled with liquid that hold the eggs. These sacs are also called cysts. Each month about 20 eggs start to mature, but usually only one becomes dominant. As the one egg grows, the follicle accumulates fluid in it. When that egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release the egg so it can travel through the fallopian tube for fertilization. When the single egg leaves the follicle, ovulation takes place.
In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. They may start to grow and accumulate fluid. But no one egg becomes large enough. Instead, some may remain as cysts. Since no egg matures or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Also, the cysts produce male hormones, which continue to prevent ovulation.
What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:
* infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding
* infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating
* increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
* acne, oily skin, or dandruff
* pelvic pain
* weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
* type 2 diabetes
* high cholesterol
* high blood pressure
* male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
* patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
* skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
* sleep apnea¯excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep
What tests are used to diagnose Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam—possibly including an ultrasound, check your hormone levels, and measure glucose, or sugar levels, in the blood. If you are producing too many male hormones, the doctor will make sure it’s from PCOS. At the physical exam the doctor will want to evaluate the areas of increased hair growth, so try to allow the natural hair growth for a few days before the visit. During a pelvic exam, the ovaries may be enlarged or swollen by the increased number of small cysts. This can be seen more easily by vaginal ultrasound, or screening, to examine the ovaries for cysts and the endometrium. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. The uterine lining may become thicker if there has not been a regular period.
How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) treated?
Because there is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent problems. Treatments are based on the symptoms each patient is having and whether she wants to conceive or needs contraception. Below are descriptions of treatments used for PCOS.
Birth control pills. For women who don’t want to become pregnant, birth control pills can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone levels, and help to clear acne. However, the birth control pill does not cure PCOS. The menstrual cycle will become abnormal again if the pill is stopped. Women may also think about taking a pill that only has progesterone, like Provera, to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent endometrial problems. But progesterone alone does not help reduce acne and hair growth.
Diabetes Medications. The medicine, Metformin, also called Glucophage, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, also helps with PCOS symptoms. Metformin affects the way insulin regulates glucose and decreases the testosterone production. Abnormal hair growth will slow down and ovulation may return after a few months of use. These medications will not cause a person to become diabetic.
Fertility Medications. The main fertility problem for women with PCOS is the lack of ovulation. Even so, her husband’s sperm count should be checked and her tubes checked to make sure they are open before fertility medications are used. Clomiphene (pills) and Gonadotropins (shots) can be used to stimulate the ovary to ovulate. PCOS patients are at increased risk for multiple births when using these medications. In vitro Fertilization (IVF) is sometimes recommended to control the chance of having triplets or more. Metformin can be taken with fertility medications and helps to make PCOS women ovulate on lower doses of medication.
Medicine for increased hair growth or extra male hormones. If a woman is not trying to get pregnant there are some other medicines that may reduce hair growth. Spironolactone is a blood pressure medicine that has been shown to decrease the male hormone’s effect on hair. Propecia, a medicine taken by men for hair loss, is another medication that blocks this effect. Both of these medicines can affect the development of a male fetus and should not be taken if pregnancy is possible. Other non-medical treatments such as electrolysis or laser hair removal are effective at getting rid of hair. A woman with PCOS can also take hormonal treatment to keep new hair from growing.
Surgery. Although it is not recommended as the first course of treatment, surgery called ovarian drilling is available to induce ovulation. The doctor makes a very small incision above or below the navel, and inserts a small instrument that acts like a telescope into the abdomen. This is called laparoscopy. The doctor then punctures the ovary with a small needle carrying an electric current to destroy a small portion of the ovary. This procedure carries a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovary. This surgery can lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation. But these effects may only last a few months. This treatment doesn't help with increased hair growth and loss of scalp hair.
A healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is another way women can help manage PCOS. Since obesity is common with PCOS, a healthy diet and physical activity help maintain a healthy weight, which will help the body lower glucose levels, use insulin more efficiently, and may help restore a normal period. Even loss of 10% of her body weight can help make a woman's cycle more regular.
How does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affect a woman while pregnant?
There appears to be a higher rate of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and premature delivery in women with PCOS. Researchers are studying how the medicine, metformin, prevents or reduces the chances of having these problems while pregnant, in addition to looking at how the drug lowers male hormone levels and limits weight gain in women who are obese when they get pregnant.
No one yet knows if metformin is safe for pregnant women. Because the drug crosses the placenta, doctors are concerned that the baby could be affected by the drug. Research is ongoing.
Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) put women at risk for other conditions?
Women with PCOS can be at an increased risk for developing several other conditions. Irregular menstrual periods and the absence of ovulation cause women to produce the hormone estrogen, but not the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, which causes the endometrium to shed each month as a menstrual period, the endometrium becomes thick, which can cause heavy bleeding or irregular bleeding. Eventually, this can lead to endometrial hyperplasia or cancer. Women with PCOS are also at higher risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Getting the symptoms under control at an earlier age may help to reduce this risk.
Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) change at menopause?
Researchers are looking at how male hormone levels change as women with PCOS grow older. They think that as women reach menopause, ovarian function changes and the menstrual cycle may become more normal. But even with falling male hormone levels, excessive hair growth continues, and male pattern baldness or thinning hair gets worse after menopause.
PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. Women with PCOS have these characteristics:
* high levels of male hormones, also called androgens
* an irregular or no menstrual cycle
* may or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.
PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age.
How many women have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
An estimated five to 10 percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS.
What causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
No one knows the exact cause of PCOS. Women with PCOS frequently have a mother or sister with PCOS. But there is not yet enough evidence to say there is a genetic link to this disorder. Many women with PCOS have a weight problem. So researchers are looking at the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body’s use or for storage. Since some women with PCOS make too much insulin, it’s possible that the ovaries react by making too many male hormones, called androgens. This can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation problems.
Why do women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have trouble with their menstrual cycle?
Normal Ovary and Polycystic OvaryThe ovaries are two small organs, one on each side of a woman's uterus. A woman's ovaries have follicles, which are tiny sacs filled with liquid that hold the eggs. These sacs are also called cysts. Each month about 20 eggs start to mature, but usually only one becomes dominant. As the one egg grows, the follicle accumulates fluid in it. When that egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release the egg so it can travel through the fallopian tube for fertilization. When the single egg leaves the follicle, ovulation takes place.
In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. They may start to grow and accumulate fluid. But no one egg becomes large enough. Instead, some may remain as cysts. Since no egg matures or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Also, the cysts produce male hormones, which continue to prevent ovulation.
What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:
* infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding
* infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating
* increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
* acne, oily skin, or dandruff
* pelvic pain
* weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
* type 2 diabetes
* high cholesterol
* high blood pressure
* male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
* patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
* skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
* sleep apnea¯excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep
What tests are used to diagnose Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam—possibly including an ultrasound, check your hormone levels, and measure glucose, or sugar levels, in the blood. If you are producing too many male hormones, the doctor will make sure it’s from PCOS. At the physical exam the doctor will want to evaluate the areas of increased hair growth, so try to allow the natural hair growth for a few days before the visit. During a pelvic exam, the ovaries may be enlarged or swollen by the increased number of small cysts. This can be seen more easily by vaginal ultrasound, or screening, to examine the ovaries for cysts and the endometrium. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. The uterine lining may become thicker if there has not been a regular period.
How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) treated?
Because there is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent problems. Treatments are based on the symptoms each patient is having and whether she wants to conceive or needs contraception. Below are descriptions of treatments used for PCOS.
Birth control pills. For women who don’t want to become pregnant, birth control pills can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone levels, and help to clear acne. However, the birth control pill does not cure PCOS. The menstrual cycle will become abnormal again if the pill is stopped. Women may also think about taking a pill that only has progesterone, like Provera, to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent endometrial problems. But progesterone alone does not help reduce acne and hair growth.
Diabetes Medications. The medicine, Metformin, also called Glucophage, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, also helps with PCOS symptoms. Metformin affects the way insulin regulates glucose and decreases the testosterone production. Abnormal hair growth will slow down and ovulation may return after a few months of use. These medications will not cause a person to become diabetic.
Fertility Medications. The main fertility problem for women with PCOS is the lack of ovulation. Even so, her husband’s sperm count should be checked and her tubes checked to make sure they are open before fertility medications are used. Clomiphene (pills) and Gonadotropins (shots) can be used to stimulate the ovary to ovulate. PCOS patients are at increased risk for multiple births when using these medications. In vitro Fertilization (IVF) is sometimes recommended to control the chance of having triplets or more. Metformin can be taken with fertility medications and helps to make PCOS women ovulate on lower doses of medication.
Medicine for increased hair growth or extra male hormones. If a woman is not trying to get pregnant there are some other medicines that may reduce hair growth. Spironolactone is a blood pressure medicine that has been shown to decrease the male hormone’s effect on hair. Propecia, a medicine taken by men for hair loss, is another medication that blocks this effect. Both of these medicines can affect the development of a male fetus and should not be taken if pregnancy is possible. Other non-medical treatments such as electrolysis or laser hair removal are effective at getting rid of hair. A woman with PCOS can also take hormonal treatment to keep new hair from growing.
Surgery. Although it is not recommended as the first course of treatment, surgery called ovarian drilling is available to induce ovulation. The doctor makes a very small incision above or below the navel, and inserts a small instrument that acts like a telescope into the abdomen. This is called laparoscopy. The doctor then punctures the ovary with a small needle carrying an electric current to destroy a small portion of the ovary. This procedure carries a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovary. This surgery can lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation. But these effects may only last a few months. This treatment doesn't help with increased hair growth and loss of scalp hair.
A healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is another way women can help manage PCOS. Since obesity is common with PCOS, a healthy diet and physical activity help maintain a healthy weight, which will help the body lower glucose levels, use insulin more efficiently, and may help restore a normal period. Even loss of 10% of her body weight can help make a woman's cycle more regular.
How does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affect a woman while pregnant?
There appears to be a higher rate of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and premature delivery in women with PCOS. Researchers are studying how the medicine, metformin, prevents or reduces the chances of having these problems while pregnant, in addition to looking at how the drug lowers male hormone levels and limits weight gain in women who are obese when they get pregnant.
No one yet knows if metformin is safe for pregnant women. Because the drug crosses the placenta, doctors are concerned that the baby could be affected by the drug. Research is ongoing.
Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) put women at risk for other conditions?
Women with PCOS can be at an increased risk for developing several other conditions. Irregular menstrual periods and the absence of ovulation cause women to produce the hormone estrogen, but not the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, which causes the endometrium to shed each month as a menstrual period, the endometrium becomes thick, which can cause heavy bleeding or irregular bleeding. Eventually, this can lead to endometrial hyperplasia or cancer. Women with PCOS are also at higher risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Getting the symptoms under control at an earlier age may help to reduce this risk.
Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) change at menopause?
Researchers are looking at how male hormone levels change as women with PCOS grow older. They think that as women reach menopause, ovarian function changes and the menstrual cycle may become more normal. But even with falling male hormone levels, excessive hair growth continues, and male pattern baldness or thinning hair gets worse after menopause.
10 pregnancy myths busted
Pregnancy is that special time in a woman's life, when she gets special attention from everyone. Even strangers on the road sometimes stop to enquire, "Which month?"
To add to that, we Indians have a special penchant for both speculation and superstition. "Hmmm, your tummy has not gotten that large, so...", "Your face is glowing, you will definitely have a..." -- the list of myths is endless.
We spoke with Dr Leena Patankar of Patankar Nursing Home, Pune, about some of these myths. Here, in random order, are some popular pregnancy beliefs:
Myth no 1: The shape and size of your belly can indicate your baby's gender.
Expert opinion: It is believed that a woman carrying a boy has a low belly, while a woman carrying a girl has a high belly. Some also say that women with small, round bellies are carrying a boy, while those with large bellies are carrying a girl. Gynaecologists like Dr Patankar on the other hand, say that the shape of your belly is determined by the original shape of your abdomen, the amount and distribution of the fat, the strength of the abdominal muscles, the number of babies conceived, the presentation and the position of the baby. In India, it is not legal to determine the sex of your baby beforehand. Hence, myths like these get a lot of attention
Myth no 2: The glow on your face indicates the sex of your baby.
Expert opinion: "Some believe a glow on the face indicates you will deliver a baby girl, while a lack of any glow indicates you will deliver a boy. Most pregnant women start sporting a glowing face during the second trimester. That's when the morning sickness ends, the mother-to-be eats well, blood circulation improves and there is a general feeling of well being. It has nothing to do with the sex of the baby," says Dr Patankar.
Myth no 3: Heartburn indicates that your baby will have lots of hair.
Expert opinion: Dr Patankar says that heartburn is a common pregnancy complaint. It is mainly because of reflux oesophagitis, during which the contents (food particles) of the stomach come back up the food-pipe. Due to the acidic nature of the content, it causes burning, which is commonly known as heartburn. A lot of women who deliver babies with thick hair experience practically no heartburn.
Myth no 4: When you're pregnant, you have to double your food intake, because you're eating for two.
Expert opinion: Dr Patankar pooh-poohs this idea. She says, "During pregnancy dietary demands definitely increase. The nutritional status of the mother is most important, however, as the baby is dependent on her for its supply of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This does not mean that a pregnant woman should eat for two."
She suggests that a pregnant woman maintain a well-balanced, nutritious diet throughout her pregnancy. "She should eat small meals every two hours rather than two or three bulky portions a day. Eating in excess will only lead to increases in fat deposits," she says.
Myth no 5: Food cravings indicate that you are deficient in the nutrients that the specific food offers.
Expert opinion: "Food cravings are food cravings. They do not indicate anything," says Dr Patankar. "Do not take cravings as an indicator that you are deficient in any nutrient. Your doctor will have more solid methods of finding nutritional deficiencies."
Myth no 6: Sex during pregnancy induces labour.
Expert opinion: Many women swear by this theory. Check any pregnancy website, and there are women who openly advocate it. Of course, there are those who say it didn't work for them also. This is not to say do not have sex. If you are physically fit throughout your pregnancy, there is no reason why you should stop. Doctors merely ask couples to be careful about the position they adopt so that it does not cause discomfort to the mother.
Myth no 7: Methods of delivery are hereditary.
Expert opinion: People believe that if a pregnant woman's mother had a Caesarian section, she is likely to have the same. So, if your family has a history of normal deliveries, you are lucky. Dr Patankar says, "Mode of delivery has nothing to do with heredity. It depends on the number of babies conceived, presentation, as well as the position of the baby, the mother's pelvic bone structure and conditions, if any, complicating the pregnancy. Doctors make every effort possible for a normal delivery. Cesarean sections are only performed when absolutely necessary."
Myth no 8: You can't get pregnant as long as you are regularly breastfeeding your baby.
Expert opinion: Tell this to thousands of women who are now with their second child, while the older one is hardly a year of age, or less! Dr Patankar advises, "Always use some contraception to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Breastfeeding is reliable only upto a certain period, about one-and-a-half months after the delivery. However, a woman can get pregnant even without getting the first menstrual cycle post-delivery, ie in lactational amenorrhea. There are many simple methods available for contraception. Choose the right one for yourself."
Myth no 9: Eating lots of ghee ensures you will have a normal and safe delivery.
Expert opinion: Your mother or mother-in-law probably says, "Ghee provides lubrication, therefore you must have lots of ghee to ensure a normal delivery."
While the medicinal value of ghee cannot be discounted, it is definitely not the elixir it is touted to be in this case. Says Dr Patankar, "No one can a predict normal delivery, not even doctors. Eating a lot of ghee does not ensure normal delivery. A pregnant woman should eat a normal healthy diet, do some form of exercise to keep herself fit and healthy, and should have a positive mindset while going in for the delivery. Even relatives should boost her confidence, and not pressurise her with regard to a normal delivery."
She also adds that Cesarean sections are not something to shy away from. They are only performed to save the life of the baby, and avoid health complications in the mother.
Myth no 10: Avoid using a computer while pregnant; it can harm your baby's development.
Expert opinion: "There is no evidence indicating that computers harm your baby's development. Of course, if you are working and are likely to use the computer for eight to 10 hours a day, you may face problems like backache. But that has no effect on your pregnancy!" says Dr Patankar.
To add to that, we Indians have a special penchant for both speculation and superstition. "Hmmm, your tummy has not gotten that large, so...", "Your face is glowing, you will definitely have a..." -- the list of myths is endless.
We spoke with Dr Leena Patankar of Patankar Nursing Home, Pune, about some of these myths. Here, in random order, are some popular pregnancy beliefs:
Myth no 1: The shape and size of your belly can indicate your baby's gender.
Expert opinion: It is believed that a woman carrying a boy has a low belly, while a woman carrying a girl has a high belly. Some also say that women with small, round bellies are carrying a boy, while those with large bellies are carrying a girl. Gynaecologists like Dr Patankar on the other hand, say that the shape of your belly is determined by the original shape of your abdomen, the amount and distribution of the fat, the strength of the abdominal muscles, the number of babies conceived, the presentation and the position of the baby. In India, it is not legal to determine the sex of your baby beforehand. Hence, myths like these get a lot of attention
Myth no 2: The glow on your face indicates the sex of your baby.
Expert opinion: "Some believe a glow on the face indicates you will deliver a baby girl, while a lack of any glow indicates you will deliver a boy. Most pregnant women start sporting a glowing face during the second trimester. That's when the morning sickness ends, the mother-to-be eats well, blood circulation improves and there is a general feeling of well being. It has nothing to do with the sex of the baby," says Dr Patankar.
Myth no 3: Heartburn indicates that your baby will have lots of hair.
Expert opinion: Dr Patankar says that heartburn is a common pregnancy complaint. It is mainly because of reflux oesophagitis, during which the contents (food particles) of the stomach come back up the food-pipe. Due to the acidic nature of the content, it causes burning, which is commonly known as heartburn. A lot of women who deliver babies with thick hair experience practically no heartburn.
Myth no 4: When you're pregnant, you have to double your food intake, because you're eating for two.
Expert opinion: Dr Patankar pooh-poohs this idea. She says, "During pregnancy dietary demands definitely increase. The nutritional status of the mother is most important, however, as the baby is dependent on her for its supply of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This does not mean that a pregnant woman should eat for two."
She suggests that a pregnant woman maintain a well-balanced, nutritious diet throughout her pregnancy. "She should eat small meals every two hours rather than two or three bulky portions a day. Eating in excess will only lead to increases in fat deposits," she says.
Myth no 5: Food cravings indicate that you are deficient in the nutrients that the specific food offers.
Expert opinion: "Food cravings are food cravings. They do not indicate anything," says Dr Patankar. "Do not take cravings as an indicator that you are deficient in any nutrient. Your doctor will have more solid methods of finding nutritional deficiencies."
Myth no 6: Sex during pregnancy induces labour.
Expert opinion: Many women swear by this theory. Check any pregnancy website, and there are women who openly advocate it. Of course, there are those who say it didn't work for them also. This is not to say do not have sex. If you are physically fit throughout your pregnancy, there is no reason why you should stop. Doctors merely ask couples to be careful about the position they adopt so that it does not cause discomfort to the mother.
Myth no 7: Methods of delivery are hereditary.
Expert opinion: People believe that if a pregnant woman's mother had a Caesarian section, she is likely to have the same. So, if your family has a history of normal deliveries, you are lucky. Dr Patankar says, "Mode of delivery has nothing to do with heredity. It depends on the number of babies conceived, presentation, as well as the position of the baby, the mother's pelvic bone structure and conditions, if any, complicating the pregnancy. Doctors make every effort possible for a normal delivery. Cesarean sections are only performed when absolutely necessary."
Myth no 8: You can't get pregnant as long as you are regularly breastfeeding your baby.
Expert opinion: Tell this to thousands of women who are now with their second child, while the older one is hardly a year of age, or less! Dr Patankar advises, "Always use some contraception to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Breastfeeding is reliable only upto a certain period, about one-and-a-half months after the delivery. However, a woman can get pregnant even without getting the first menstrual cycle post-delivery, ie in lactational amenorrhea. There are many simple methods available for contraception. Choose the right one for yourself."
Myth no 9: Eating lots of ghee ensures you will have a normal and safe delivery.
Expert opinion: Your mother or mother-in-law probably says, "Ghee provides lubrication, therefore you must have lots of ghee to ensure a normal delivery."
While the medicinal value of ghee cannot be discounted, it is definitely not the elixir it is touted to be in this case. Says Dr Patankar, "No one can a predict normal delivery, not even doctors. Eating a lot of ghee does not ensure normal delivery. A pregnant woman should eat a normal healthy diet, do some form of exercise to keep herself fit and healthy, and should have a positive mindset while going in for the delivery. Even relatives should boost her confidence, and not pressurise her with regard to a normal delivery."
She also adds that Cesarean sections are not something to shy away from. They are only performed to save the life of the baby, and avoid health complications in the mother.
Myth no 10: Avoid using a computer while pregnant; it can harm your baby's development.
Expert opinion: "There is no evidence indicating that computers harm your baby's development. Of course, if you are working and are likely to use the computer for eight to 10 hours a day, you may face problems like backache. But that has no effect on your pregnancy!" says Dr Patankar.
Some breastfeeding FAQs & its benefits
Holding your baby for the first time, they all say, is a very special moment. But, as a first-time mother, you might find yourself facing some anxious questions about your ability to nurture another human being.
Since the first week of August has been declared as Breastfeeding Awareness Week, we though we'd ask Dr Arun Gupta, from the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India, some commonly asked questions:
When should I start breastfeeding my child?
Breastfeeding should be started immediately after the baby is born. The naked baby (after he is gently mopped and dried) should be held by the mother, close to her breast, for skin-to-skin contact. It stimulates the smooth flow of milk and keeps the baby warm. It also helps create an emotional bond between the mother and the child.
Why should I start breastfeeding early?
There are four primary reasons:
1. The baby is most active in first 30 to 60 minutes.
2. The sucking reflex is most active at that time.
3. An early start ensures a greater chance of success at breastfeeding. Colostrum, which is the first yellowish secretion from the breast, is full of substances that protect the baby from getting an infection; it's almost like a vaccine.
4. It helps prevent breast swelling and pain and reduces post-delivery bleeding.
Can I breastfeed my baby successfully if I have a Caesarean section?
Yes. This operation does not affect your ability to successfully breastfeed your baby.
You can start breastfeeding four hours after the operation or when you are out of the effect of the anaesthesia.
You can tilt your body to one side in the lying-down position and start feeding, or you can put your baby on your abdomen and feed your child.
All mothers who have Caesarean section deliveries are successful in breastfeeding their babies with assistance for the first few days.
Can I feed my baby in lying down position?
Yes. You can feed your baby in any position comfortable to you and your baby. It may be lying down, sitting or reclining.
Does my baby need additional vitamins?
Usually not. A baby who is exclusively breastfed for first six months does not need tonics or vitamins. If the baby is not exclusively breastfed, then the answer is yes.
My milk looks thin and watery. Is that okay?
Yes. Milk at the start of breastfeed (fore milk) is thin and contains less fat.
Hind milk (which comes near the end of feed) is thicker and full of fats. A baby needs both. Feed the baby in an unrestricted fashion to ensure he receives both fore milk and hind milk.
Should I breastfeed from both the breasts each time I feed my baby?
One breast must be emptied out fully before the second is offered, so that the baby receives both fore milk and hind milk.
When the baby releases one breast, offer the other. If the baby is still hungry, he will feed from the other breast.
The alternate breast should be offered first at each feed.
How long can I continue to breastfeed?
You should breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months and continue breastfeeding well upto two years or beyond.
My milk leaks from the breast after feeding the baby. What should I do?
It is a temporary problem and quite normal.
If you notice the milk is leaking, press your elbows firmly against the outer margins of your breasts. This will slow down the flow.
Can I breastfeed my baby even when I am sick?
Yes. You can continue breastfeeding even if you are not well.
Most of the diseases do not affect the baby. Even typhoid, malaria, tuberculosis, jaundice or leprosy don't call for stopping breastfeeding. It is, however, important to speak to your doctor if you have HIV.
Why you should breastfeed your baby
Since World Breastfeeding Week officially commenced yesterday, presented here are a few benefits of breastfeeding your child. As you will soon find out, breast milk is far more than jusy a source of nutrition -- it promotes the health and well-being of both mother and baby:
~ It is best to keep your infant on a strict diet of only breast milk for the first six months of his/ her life, because it protects against gastrointestinal problems -- it is easier to digest and will not cause constipation. It is also known to boost a baby's gastrointestinal immunity.
~ Breastfeeding protects against asthma and ear infections -- this is because it creates a protective layer upon the membranes of a baby's nose and throat.
~ Cows' milk can cause some babies to react with severe allergies. Breastmilk, in contrast, is 100 percent safe.
~ Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from obesity in later age -- this is probably because they can feed for as long as their appetites demand and are less likely to gain excess weight right from the start.
~ Breastfeeding has been linked to the prevention of childhood leukemia, Type 1 diabetes and high blood pressure later in life.
~ Breastfeeding is believed to boost a child's intelligence, in part because of the emotional bonding that takes place between mother and baby, and in part because it contains several fatty acids that contribute to the development of an infant's brain.
~ New mothers who breastfeed are known to shed weight quicker post-pregnancy, than those who do not. It also helps reduce stress and postpartum bleeding.
~ The risk of breast and ovarian cancer is believed to reduce if breastfeeding takes place post-pregnancy -- the longer the period of nursing, the lesser the risk.
~ Breastfeeding is convenient, cost-free (as compared to expensive formula, feeding bottles and other baby paraphernalia required for top feeds) and best of all, helps a mother bond with her child emotionally -- the physical contact is also a source of comfort to infants.
Since the first week of August has been declared as Breastfeeding Awareness Week, we though we'd ask Dr Arun Gupta, from the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India, some commonly asked questions:
When should I start breastfeeding my child?
Breastfeeding should be started immediately after the baby is born. The naked baby (after he is gently mopped and dried) should be held by the mother, close to her breast, for skin-to-skin contact. It stimulates the smooth flow of milk and keeps the baby warm. It also helps create an emotional bond between the mother and the child.
Why should I start breastfeeding early?
There are four primary reasons:
1. The baby is most active in first 30 to 60 minutes.
2. The sucking reflex is most active at that time.
3. An early start ensures a greater chance of success at breastfeeding. Colostrum, which is the first yellowish secretion from the breast, is full of substances that protect the baby from getting an infection; it's almost like a vaccine.
4. It helps prevent breast swelling and pain and reduces post-delivery bleeding.
Can I breastfeed my baby successfully if I have a Caesarean section?
Yes. This operation does not affect your ability to successfully breastfeed your baby.
You can start breastfeeding four hours after the operation or when you are out of the effect of the anaesthesia.
You can tilt your body to one side in the lying-down position and start feeding, or you can put your baby on your abdomen and feed your child.
All mothers who have Caesarean section deliveries are successful in breastfeeding their babies with assistance for the first few days.
Can I feed my baby in lying down position?
Yes. You can feed your baby in any position comfortable to you and your baby. It may be lying down, sitting or reclining.
Does my baby need additional vitamins?
Usually not. A baby who is exclusively breastfed for first six months does not need tonics or vitamins. If the baby is not exclusively breastfed, then the answer is yes.
My milk looks thin and watery. Is that okay?
Yes. Milk at the start of breastfeed (fore milk) is thin and contains less fat.
Hind milk (which comes near the end of feed) is thicker and full of fats. A baby needs both. Feed the baby in an unrestricted fashion to ensure he receives both fore milk and hind milk.
Should I breastfeed from both the breasts each time I feed my baby?
One breast must be emptied out fully before the second is offered, so that the baby receives both fore milk and hind milk.
When the baby releases one breast, offer the other. If the baby is still hungry, he will feed from the other breast.
The alternate breast should be offered first at each feed.
How long can I continue to breastfeed?
You should breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months and continue breastfeeding well upto two years or beyond.
My milk leaks from the breast after feeding the baby. What should I do?
It is a temporary problem and quite normal.
If you notice the milk is leaking, press your elbows firmly against the outer margins of your breasts. This will slow down the flow.
Can I breastfeed my baby even when I am sick?
Yes. You can continue breastfeeding even if you are not well.
Most of the diseases do not affect the baby. Even typhoid, malaria, tuberculosis, jaundice or leprosy don't call for stopping breastfeeding. It is, however, important to speak to your doctor if you have HIV.
Why you should breastfeed your baby
Since World Breastfeeding Week officially commenced yesterday, presented here are a few benefits of breastfeeding your child. As you will soon find out, breast milk is far more than jusy a source of nutrition -- it promotes the health and well-being of both mother and baby:
~ It is best to keep your infant on a strict diet of only breast milk for the first six months of his/ her life, because it protects against gastrointestinal problems -- it is easier to digest and will not cause constipation. It is also known to boost a baby's gastrointestinal immunity.
~ Breastfeeding protects against asthma and ear infections -- this is because it creates a protective layer upon the membranes of a baby's nose and throat.
~ Cows' milk can cause some babies to react with severe allergies. Breastmilk, in contrast, is 100 percent safe.
~ Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from obesity in later age -- this is probably because they can feed for as long as their appetites demand and are less likely to gain excess weight right from the start.
~ Breastfeeding has been linked to the prevention of childhood leukemia, Type 1 diabetes and high blood pressure later in life.
~ Breastfeeding is believed to boost a child's intelligence, in part because of the emotional bonding that takes place between mother and baby, and in part because it contains several fatty acids that contribute to the development of an infant's brain.
~ New mothers who breastfeed are known to shed weight quicker post-pregnancy, than those who do not. It also helps reduce stress and postpartum bleeding.
~ The risk of breast and ovarian cancer is believed to reduce if breastfeeding takes place post-pregnancy -- the longer the period of nursing, the lesser the risk.
~ Breastfeeding is convenient, cost-free (as compared to expensive formula, feeding bottles and other baby paraphernalia required for top feeds) and best of all, helps a mother bond with her child emotionally -- the physical contact is also a source of comfort to infants.
Summer hay fever
Summer hay fever
Summer hay fever, also called seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, occurs in the spring and summer, and affects the eyes and nose.
What causes it?
Hay fever is caused by breathing in pollen particles and by pollen getting into the eyes. You can get hay fever at any time from early spring to late summer, depending on which pollen or pollens you're allergic to.
The pollens most likely to cause problems in early spring are those from trees such as the silver birch, ash, oak and London plane.
The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue
Grasses pollinate during mid-summer from May to August. The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue.
Occasionally, in late summer and autumn, weeds such as nettles and dock as well as mugwort and plantain can trigger hay fever.
The condition tends to occur in atopic allergy-prone families and usually starts in the early teens, with symptoms peaking in the 20s.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of hay fever are:
* Repeated sneezing attacks
* Runny or itchy nose
* Itchy or watery eyes
* Itchy throat, palate and ears
* Loss of concentration
* General feeling of being unwell (hence 'fever')
* If the pollen count is very high, many will also wheeze (so-called hay 'asthma').
What's the treatment?
The most useful treatments for hay fever are:
* Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays, which if taken regularly help to relieve a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy throat and itchy, watery eyes
* Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays and nose drops, which reduce inflammation in the delicate lining of the nose. These should be taken daily for the best results
* Anti-allergy nasal sprays and eye drops, such as cromoglycate, which act on the linings of the nose and eyes to stop the allergen triggering a reaction
* Decongestant tablets and sprays can help if the nose is blocked and stuffy, but can lead to rebound blocking
Most of these medicines are available over-the-counter, but some are only available on prescription. You may need to try different treatments or find a combination that works best for you.
Steroid nose sprays are very safe and should be used continuously throughout the pollen season
Steroid injections, although effective for symptom control, are discouraged owing to unwanted side effects such as osteoporosis, cataracts and skin thinning. However, steroid nose sprays are very safe and should be used continuously throughout the pollen season for the best results.
Homeopathic and herbal treatments are less effective than conventional therapies. Some experts advocate taking local honey every day for a few months before the pollen season starts to improve symptoms, but no studies have been performed to prove this.
If symptoms remain severe despite medication, you may benefit from desensitisation immunotherapy to grass pollen. This involves being given tablet or injections containing minute amounts of pollen, with the dose being increased gradually over a three-year period to induce immune tolerance and cure the allergy.
Sublingual grass pollen immunotherapy for timothy grass allergy is available in the UK - ask your GP for details. No silver birch or tree pollen immunotherapy is currently available.
Can it be prevented?
If you have hay fever, there are steps you can take to avoid exposing yourself to pollen:
* Keep an eye on the pollen count (often included in weather reports) and stay inside as much as possible when it's high
* Wear wrap-around sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes
* Saline douches or a little Vaseline applied inside the nose will reduce symptoms
* Keep car windows closed and switch on the air conditioning to prevent pollen entering the car
* Keep bedroom doors and windows closed in mid-morning and early evening when pollen levels peak
* Avoid areas such as parks or fields, particularly in the early evening when there's a lot of pollen floating at nose level
* Get someone else to mow the lawn and don't lie on freshly cut grass
You may be able to find out what you're allergic to by having allergy tests. You can then take practical steps to avoid that particular pollen.
Oral allergy syndrome
Some people with hay fever develop oral allergies to certain fruits, vegetables and nuts. This is also called pollen-food or oral allergy syndrome (OAS).
People with OAS typically develop hay fever in early spring and notice itching and swelling of the mouth and throat when they eat fresh fruit and vegetables. This is due to the food containing a protein similar to the allergy-provoking protein in the pollen.
The hay fever usually first appears in the teens, with oral allergies developing in the 20s. It doesn't usually progress beyond oral irritation.
Those who are allergic to silver birch pollen develop oral allergies to apples, peaches, cherries, carrots, celery, hazelnuts, peanuts and walnuts. People allergic to grass pollen may develop oral allergies to tomato, melon and watermelon.
Mugwort pollen allergy cross-reacts with apple, celery and carrot. Ragweed pollen allergy cross-reacts with bananas, melon and honey.
People don't react to cooked or canned foods because this alters the allergen, rendering it less able to provoke an allergy.
Summer hay fever, also called seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, occurs in the spring and summer, and affects the eyes and nose.
What causes it?
Hay fever is caused by breathing in pollen particles and by pollen getting into the eyes. You can get hay fever at any time from early spring to late summer, depending on which pollen or pollens you're allergic to.
The pollens most likely to cause problems in early spring are those from trees such as the silver birch, ash, oak and London plane.
The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue
Grasses pollinate during mid-summer from May to August. The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue.
Occasionally, in late summer and autumn, weeds such as nettles and dock as well as mugwort and plantain can trigger hay fever.
The condition tends to occur in atopic allergy-prone families and usually starts in the early teens, with symptoms peaking in the 20s.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of hay fever are:
* Repeated sneezing attacks
* Runny or itchy nose
* Itchy or watery eyes
* Itchy throat, palate and ears
* Loss of concentration
* General feeling of being unwell (hence 'fever')
* If the pollen count is very high, many will also wheeze (so-called hay 'asthma').
What's the treatment?
The most useful treatments for hay fever are:
* Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays, which if taken regularly help to relieve a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy throat and itchy, watery eyes
* Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays and nose drops, which reduce inflammation in the delicate lining of the nose. These should be taken daily for the best results
* Anti-allergy nasal sprays and eye drops, such as cromoglycate, which act on the linings of the nose and eyes to stop the allergen triggering a reaction
* Decongestant tablets and sprays can help if the nose is blocked and stuffy, but can lead to rebound blocking
Most of these medicines are available over-the-counter, but some are only available on prescription. You may need to try different treatments or find a combination that works best for you.
Steroid nose sprays are very safe and should be used continuously throughout the pollen season
Steroid injections, although effective for symptom control, are discouraged owing to unwanted side effects such as osteoporosis, cataracts and skin thinning. However, steroid nose sprays are very safe and should be used continuously throughout the pollen season for the best results.
Homeopathic and herbal treatments are less effective than conventional therapies. Some experts advocate taking local honey every day for a few months before the pollen season starts to improve symptoms, but no studies have been performed to prove this.
If symptoms remain severe despite medication, you may benefit from desensitisation immunotherapy to grass pollen. This involves being given tablet or injections containing minute amounts of pollen, with the dose being increased gradually over a three-year period to induce immune tolerance and cure the allergy.
Sublingual grass pollen immunotherapy for timothy grass allergy is available in the UK - ask your GP for details. No silver birch or tree pollen immunotherapy is currently available.
Can it be prevented?
If you have hay fever, there are steps you can take to avoid exposing yourself to pollen:
* Keep an eye on the pollen count (often included in weather reports) and stay inside as much as possible when it's high
* Wear wrap-around sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes
* Saline douches or a little Vaseline applied inside the nose will reduce symptoms
* Keep car windows closed and switch on the air conditioning to prevent pollen entering the car
* Keep bedroom doors and windows closed in mid-morning and early evening when pollen levels peak
* Avoid areas such as parks or fields, particularly in the early evening when there's a lot of pollen floating at nose level
* Get someone else to mow the lawn and don't lie on freshly cut grass
You may be able to find out what you're allergic to by having allergy tests. You can then take practical steps to avoid that particular pollen.
Oral allergy syndrome
Some people with hay fever develop oral allergies to certain fruits, vegetables and nuts. This is also called pollen-food or oral allergy syndrome (OAS).
People with OAS typically develop hay fever in early spring and notice itching and swelling of the mouth and throat when they eat fresh fruit and vegetables. This is due to the food containing a protein similar to the allergy-provoking protein in the pollen.
The hay fever usually first appears in the teens, with oral allergies developing in the 20s. It doesn't usually progress beyond oral irritation.
Those who are allergic to silver birch pollen develop oral allergies to apples, peaches, cherries, carrots, celery, hazelnuts, peanuts and walnuts. People allergic to grass pollen may develop oral allergies to tomato, melon and watermelon.
Mugwort pollen allergy cross-reacts with apple, celery and carrot. Ragweed pollen allergy cross-reacts with bananas, melon and honey.
People don't react to cooked or canned foods because this alters the allergen, rendering it less able to provoke an allergy.
Lecucoderma - ‘ white skin’
Vitiligo or Leucoderma is an acquired depigmentation of the skin, which is extremely common with a worldwide prevalence. Both sexes are affected equally. Lecucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word Lecucoderma means ‘ white skin’. There is a gradual loss of pigment melanin from the skin layers which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with dark complexions. Lecucoderma can occur at any age in either sex in normal skin.
Leucoderma / Vitiligo conditions has considerable psycho-social importance. Genetic redisposition is present. No age is exempt. The disease frequently startsin children and young adults. Leucoderma is a fairly common disorder and it affects one per cent or more of the world’s population. The incidence is a little higher in India. Lecucoderma is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order.
Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means white skin. There is a gradual loss of pigment melanin from the skin layer which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion.
The attraction in colour is the reason for huge sales of fairness creams. But the whiteness offered by skin disease - leucoderma - is often depressing for all the sufferers. As such it is hardly a disease of medical significance but more of a social stigma attached to it because of cosmetic reasons. The condition does not cause any organic harm. It , however, brings about great psychological tension to the patient who is more embarassed than the victim of any pain or discomfort. Patches can be caused because of a number of reasons, the most common among them being worms and calcium deficiency. These patches gradually increase in size & cause lot of psychological stress in the patient. It is an auto-immune condition and may have a genetic predisposition.
This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious. It is present in the basal layer of the epidermis and the first layer of the dermis, i.e. melanin is present in two layers. The disorder can occur at any age in either sex in normal skin. It is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order. Leucoderma does not cause any health problems - it is not contagious or dangerous at all. It is only a cosmetic problem. Moreover, it is just as important to remember that every white patch is not leucoderma. Patches can be caused because of a number of reasons, the most common among them being worms and calcium deficiency. In majority of the cases, medical therapy only achieves stabilization of the vitiligo patch but fails to cause repigmentation. If a patient of leucoderma is found to be suffering from digestive disorders, they should be treated first. When leucoderma occurs without any preceding disease it is called vitiligo . Sometimes it follows burns and injuries.
Causes of Leucoderma
The comman causes of Leucoderma include the following:
* The main causes of leucoderma are excessive mental worry.
* Chronic or acute gastric disorder.
* Impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal.
* Other precipitating factors have been identified as due to pressure of tight clothes or certain occupational hazards such as wearing certain rubber hand gloves Use of Bindi etc.
* It is neurogenic in origin, a humeral substance originating from the nerve endings destroying the melanocytes.
* Ayurveda maintains that leucoderma is caused by some morbidity of the liver which results in a deficiency of pitta.
* Heredity is also a well-recognized causative factor.
Symptoms of Leucoderma
Some sign and symptoms related to Leucoderma are as follows:
* The problems usually start with a small white spot, which later develops into patches.
* Alopecia (Loss of hair).
* Premature graying of hair.
* The whiteness usually starts as a small discoloured white or pale or brown spot which spreads and becomes whiter day by day and becomes milky white in the course of time.
* General weakness and lassitude.
* Sensitivity to cold.
* Hair on the spot will also become white.
* In some cases, most of the skin of the body may be covered with white patches.
Treatment of Leucoderma
Here is list of the methods for treating Leucoderma:
* In nature cure, the treatment of leudoderma consists of adoption of constitutional measures to cleanse the system of accumulated toxins.
* Psoralen Photochemotherapy.
* As far as possible avoid consuming citrus fruits, tamarind, fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns.
* Applying Coloured Dyes, Silver Nitrate etc . Latest being permanent Colouring.
* Topical Psoralen Photochemotherapy.
* Autologous Melanocyte Transplants.
* Allopathy - Commonest drug used is Psoralen , Melanocyl etc to be use locally followed by sun exposure.
* In few cases oral Antioxidants are also being used.
Leucoderma / Vitiligo conditions has considerable psycho-social importance. Genetic redisposition is present. No age is exempt. The disease frequently startsin children and young adults. Leucoderma is a fairly common disorder and it affects one per cent or more of the world’s population. The incidence is a little higher in India. Lecucoderma is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order.
Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means white skin. There is a gradual loss of pigment melanin from the skin layer which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion.
The attraction in colour is the reason for huge sales of fairness creams. But the whiteness offered by skin disease - leucoderma - is often depressing for all the sufferers. As such it is hardly a disease of medical significance but more of a social stigma attached to it because of cosmetic reasons. The condition does not cause any organic harm. It , however, brings about great psychological tension to the patient who is more embarassed than the victim of any pain or discomfort. Patches can be caused because of a number of reasons, the most common among them being worms and calcium deficiency. These patches gradually increase in size & cause lot of psychological stress in the patient. It is an auto-immune condition and may have a genetic predisposition.
This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious. It is present in the basal layer of the epidermis and the first layer of the dermis, i.e. melanin is present in two layers. The disorder can occur at any age in either sex in normal skin. It is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order. Leucoderma does not cause any health problems - it is not contagious or dangerous at all. It is only a cosmetic problem. Moreover, it is just as important to remember that every white patch is not leucoderma. Patches can be caused because of a number of reasons, the most common among them being worms and calcium deficiency. In majority of the cases, medical therapy only achieves stabilization of the vitiligo patch but fails to cause repigmentation. If a patient of leucoderma is found to be suffering from digestive disorders, they should be treated first. When leucoderma occurs without any preceding disease it is called vitiligo . Sometimes it follows burns and injuries.
Causes of Leucoderma
The comman causes of Leucoderma include the following:
* The main causes of leucoderma are excessive mental worry.
* Chronic or acute gastric disorder.
* Impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal.
* Other precipitating factors have been identified as due to pressure of tight clothes or certain occupational hazards such as wearing certain rubber hand gloves Use of Bindi etc.
* It is neurogenic in origin, a humeral substance originating from the nerve endings destroying the melanocytes.
* Ayurveda maintains that leucoderma is caused by some morbidity of the liver which results in a deficiency of pitta.
* Heredity is also a well-recognized causative factor.
Symptoms of Leucoderma
Some sign and symptoms related to Leucoderma are as follows:
* The problems usually start with a small white spot, which later develops into patches.
* Alopecia (Loss of hair).
* Premature graying of hair.
* The whiteness usually starts as a small discoloured white or pale or brown spot which spreads and becomes whiter day by day and becomes milky white in the course of time.
* General weakness and lassitude.
* Sensitivity to cold.
* Hair on the spot will also become white.
* In some cases, most of the skin of the body may be covered with white patches.
Treatment of Leucoderma
Here is list of the methods for treating Leucoderma:
* In nature cure, the treatment of leudoderma consists of adoption of constitutional measures to cleanse the system of accumulated toxins.
* Psoralen Photochemotherapy.
* As far as possible avoid consuming citrus fruits, tamarind, fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns.
* Applying Coloured Dyes, Silver Nitrate etc . Latest being permanent Colouring.
* Topical Psoralen Photochemotherapy.
* Autologous Melanocyte Transplants.
* Allopathy - Commonest drug used is Psoralen , Melanocyl etc to be use locally followed by sun exposure.
* In few cases oral Antioxidants are also being used.
Venom allergies
Venom allergies
Allergic reactions to stinging insects are becoming more common. The number of hospitalisations and deaths from wasp, bee and hornet stings is rising.
What causes them?
An initial sting by a wasp or honeybee causes a person to become sensitised. It may take up to six weeks for someone to become fully reactive. This means their first sting may have no ill effects, but subsequent stings are likely to cause an allergic reaction.
An enzyme in sting venom provokes the allergic reaction. Wasps can inflict multiple stings, while a bee leaves its stinger in the skin and dies immediately.
What are the symptoms?
Most stings induce localised pain and swelling due to a toxic non-allergic reaction from the venom. The victim then recovers with no special treatment.
Mild allergic sting reactions present with redness and pain over a large area of skin. More generalised reactions with swelling, urticaria (hives) and redness spanning two joints may also occur.
In more severe reactions, there may be whole-body hives and swelling, with breathing difficulties, a 'feeling of dread' and generalised anaphylaxis with low blood pressure and shock.
Venom allergic reactions usually occur within ten minutes of the sting
Venom allergic reactions usually occur within ten minutes of the sting. Life-threatening reactions may occur in highly allergic individuals, older people and those with heart and respiratory diseases, especially if someone experiences multiple stings.
Stings on the face and neck may react worse than stings on a finger or toe. Bee keepers and gardeners are high-risk groups for bee sting anaphylaxis.
The longer the time between stings, the less likely it is a severe reaction will occur. Young children are more likely than adults to outgrow insect sting allergies.
What's the treatment?
Mild reactions require no more than antihistamine medication. More severe reactions and anaphylaxis require resuscitation with adrenaline by injection, antihistamines, steroids and intravenous fluids.
All wasp and bee allergic people should wear a MedicAlert bracelet and carry an adrenaline auto-injector.
Never exercise or take a hot bath after a sting as this may accentuate the reaction.
If someone you're with is stung and has an anaphylactic reaction, immediately call for help. If trained in resuscitation, maintain their airway and circulation and inject adrenaline, if available, into the thigh muscle.
How are they diagnosed?
Skin-prick testing using venom extracts, and specific venom RAST blood tests can be used to diagnose allergy to wasp and bee venom.
Unfortunately, these tests aren't as accurate as those for inhalant allergies. About ten per cent of people with a history of venom anaphylaxis have negative blood and skin tests.
Can venom allergies be prevented?
In summer, avoid areas frequented by wasps, particularly picnic sites, bins and areas where food is consumed outdoors. Don't drink sugary drinks outdoors and beware of wasps crawling into soft drink cans.
Never walk barefoot on grass in summer and don't wear bright clothes, which attract wasps.
If a bee or wasp approaches, don't panic or swat at the insect. Wait quietly for it to go away or walk away slowly.
Insect allergic people release a pheromone chemical odour from their skin, which seems to attract wasps and bees, so they tend to get stung repeatedly.
Wasp and bee venom desensitisation immunotherapy by injection is available and highly effective.
The injections are given over a five-year period and usually lead to complete resolution of the allergy with long-term protection. It should only be undertaken in specialist allergy clinics, as severe reactions are possible.
Allergic reactions to stinging insects are becoming more common. The number of hospitalisations and deaths from wasp, bee and hornet stings is rising.
What causes them?
An initial sting by a wasp or honeybee causes a person to become sensitised. It may take up to six weeks for someone to become fully reactive. This means their first sting may have no ill effects, but subsequent stings are likely to cause an allergic reaction.
An enzyme in sting venom provokes the allergic reaction. Wasps can inflict multiple stings, while a bee leaves its stinger in the skin and dies immediately.
What are the symptoms?
Most stings induce localised pain and swelling due to a toxic non-allergic reaction from the venom. The victim then recovers with no special treatment.
Mild allergic sting reactions present with redness and pain over a large area of skin. More generalised reactions with swelling, urticaria (hives) and redness spanning two joints may also occur.
In more severe reactions, there may be whole-body hives and swelling, with breathing difficulties, a 'feeling of dread' and generalised anaphylaxis with low blood pressure and shock.
Venom allergic reactions usually occur within ten minutes of the sting
Venom allergic reactions usually occur within ten minutes of the sting. Life-threatening reactions may occur in highly allergic individuals, older people and those with heart and respiratory diseases, especially if someone experiences multiple stings.
Stings on the face and neck may react worse than stings on a finger or toe. Bee keepers and gardeners are high-risk groups for bee sting anaphylaxis.
The longer the time between stings, the less likely it is a severe reaction will occur. Young children are more likely than adults to outgrow insect sting allergies.
What's the treatment?
Mild reactions require no more than antihistamine medication. More severe reactions and anaphylaxis require resuscitation with adrenaline by injection, antihistamines, steroids and intravenous fluids.
All wasp and bee allergic people should wear a MedicAlert bracelet and carry an adrenaline auto-injector.
Never exercise or take a hot bath after a sting as this may accentuate the reaction.
If someone you're with is stung and has an anaphylactic reaction, immediately call for help. If trained in resuscitation, maintain their airway and circulation and inject adrenaline, if available, into the thigh muscle.
How are they diagnosed?
Skin-prick testing using venom extracts, and specific venom RAST blood tests can be used to diagnose allergy to wasp and bee venom.
Unfortunately, these tests aren't as accurate as those for inhalant allergies. About ten per cent of people with a history of venom anaphylaxis have negative blood and skin tests.
Can venom allergies be prevented?
In summer, avoid areas frequented by wasps, particularly picnic sites, bins and areas where food is consumed outdoors. Don't drink sugary drinks outdoors and beware of wasps crawling into soft drink cans.
Never walk barefoot on grass in summer and don't wear bright clothes, which attract wasps.
If a bee or wasp approaches, don't panic or swat at the insect. Wait quietly for it to go away or walk away slowly.
Insect allergic people release a pheromone chemical odour from their skin, which seems to attract wasps and bees, so they tend to get stung repeatedly.
Wasp and bee venom desensitisation immunotherapy by injection is available and highly effective.
The injections are given over a five-year period and usually lead to complete resolution of the allergy with long-term protection. It should only be undertaken in specialist allergy clinics, as severe reactions are possible.
Dandruf - Causes & symptoms
DANDRUF is a very common problem indeed, that of flakes falling from the scalp every time a person combshis/her hair or rubs the head. Dandruf is caused by a commonyeast cell pityresporen ovale which causes an inflammation of the scalp, making it shed flakes. Dandruff is a very common sclap problem. A morbid condition of the sclap is the emergene of dandruf which is caused by the excessive secretion of the sebaceous glands. Dandruf is infectious and personal articles like comb, towel, etc. of the patient should not be used by others.
Dandruff is a bothersome problem sometimes thought to be associated with inefficient hair care. It is a mysterious ailment. It occurs when the scalp sheds dead epidermal (skin) cells in large clumps. Everyone loses skin cells in this way, but with dandruff the whole process is faster, so a greater number of cells are shed. It usually gets worse during the fall and winter and improves in the summer. While it is caused by build up of dead skin, in many more severe cases a yeast-like germ aggravates it. It is very common.
It is an itchy, annoying and persistent skin disorder of the scalp. Dandruff scales appear dry, white or grayish, appearing as small, unsightly patches, especially on top of the head. It is a form of skin inflammation (dermatitis) which has no known cause. This condition can appear at any time from infancy to old age, and can come and go more or less at random. It is a natural and harmless scalp condition in which the shedding of dead skin cells occurs at an unusually fast rate.
In a normal scalp, the process of sloughing off old cells and manufacturing of their replacements is very orderly and complete. Seborrheic dermatitis is different than dandruff. If you have dandruff, the process of skin renewal (or skin turnover) speeds up to twice the normal rate, so a greater number of dead cells are shed. Dandruff is usually due to the overworking of the sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil and help shed dead skin. Dandruff usually limits itself to the scalp and is characterized by scaling without redness, while seborrheic dermatitis has both redness and scaling. With dandruff, this whole process of skin renewal (or skin turnover) speeds up, so a greater number of dead cells are being shed. It can occur at any age, but is most likely in the early 20s. Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. And stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos. Most cases of dandruff can be treated with specialized shampoos or common household remedies.
Symptoms of Dandruff
Some sign and symptoms related to Dandruff are as follows:
* Skin affected by seborrhoeic dermatitis is usually red and greasy with a white or yellowish flaky scale.
* Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp).
* There is sometimes itching or soreness and the scalp can feel tight.
* Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): This highly contagious fungal infection occurs primarily in children younger than age 10.
* Psoriasis. This skin disorder causes an accumulation of dead skin cells that form thick silvery scales.
* A yellow or red scaly rash along the hairline, behind the ears, in the ear canal, on the eyebrows, around the nose, and/or on the chest
* Your scalp can be either excessively dry or oily.
Treatment of Dandruff
Here is list of the methods for treating Dandruff:
* Anti-dandruff shampoos containing the antimicrobials selenium sulphide (eg Selsun ) or zinc pyrithione are helpful for mild dandruff.
* Shampoos with coal tar (some brand names: DHS Tar, Neutrogena T/Gel, Polytar) may be used 3 times a week.
* Corticosteroid cream or lotion.
* Mix 8 tbsp. peanut oil with the juice of half a lemon. Rub the mixture into your hair, leave on for 10 minutes and then wash as usual.
* Antifungal shampoo containing ketoconazole (eg Nizoral dandruff shampoo ) provides a mild, yet effective treatment for dandruff.
* If the shampoo alone doesn't help, your doctor might want you to use a prescription steroid lotion once or twice daily, in addition to the shampoo.
* Tar shampoos such as Tarsum will help to control dandruff.
What causes dandruf ?
Dandruf is caused by micro-organism called pityrosporum-ovle which are present in every body's scalp. Symptoms of dandruf get aggravated when exposed to dust, UV light, harsh chemical based shampoo, hair dyes etc., this results in increase in number of microbes which causes unhealthy residue over the scalp which leads to dandruff, which is the cause of unhealthy, lifeless hair and may result in excessive loss of hair too. Followings are also responsible for dandruf:-
1. Heredity
2. Lack of proper Diet
3. Environment
4. Dry or Greasy Scalp is etc.
5. Stress, anxiety and tension.
6. Infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing.
7. Improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of electric hair curlers.
Can Dandruf Lead to Baldness?
Dandruf can lead to other problems, like acne or a rashy skin, and can even trigger off hair loss. In severe cases of dandruf, for which the medical term is seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea, some hair follicles could be damaged or destroyed. But there is no evidence in the medical journals that baldness is caused by ordinary dandruff. Dandruf and baldness often occur together though. Many people assume from this that one is caused by the other. It's a false assumption.
Home remedies for Dandruf Cure and Treatment:
1. Oil your hair with pure warm coconut oil and apply juice of half a lemon onto the scalp.
2. Massage the scalp with almond oil and steam bathe your hair. Steam bath is taken by dipping the towel in boiling water and wrapping it around the hair, like a turban. Do not let the corners of your towel be wet, so that you can hold them. When your towel gets cold, repeat it thrice or four times. Steaming opens the scalp pores and increases the capacity of the hair to absorb oil at its roots.
3. You can also take a spoonful lemon juice, mix it with two spoonfuls vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo.
4. Take on part almond oil, and pure sulphur in same quantity, mix and add 'surgical spirit' in the quantity equal to the above two. Put four parts distilled water or rose water and rub on the scalp. An Effective home remedy for dandruf.
5. Mix a spoonful of lemon juice with two spoonfuls of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo after this. Your hair will be dandruf free.
Dandruff is a bothersome problem sometimes thought to be associated with inefficient hair care. It is a mysterious ailment. It occurs when the scalp sheds dead epidermal (skin) cells in large clumps. Everyone loses skin cells in this way, but with dandruff the whole process is faster, so a greater number of cells are shed. It usually gets worse during the fall and winter and improves in the summer. While it is caused by build up of dead skin, in many more severe cases a yeast-like germ aggravates it. It is very common.
It is an itchy, annoying and persistent skin disorder of the scalp. Dandruff scales appear dry, white or grayish, appearing as small, unsightly patches, especially on top of the head. It is a form of skin inflammation (dermatitis) which has no known cause. This condition can appear at any time from infancy to old age, and can come and go more or less at random. It is a natural and harmless scalp condition in which the shedding of dead skin cells occurs at an unusually fast rate.
In a normal scalp, the process of sloughing off old cells and manufacturing of their replacements is very orderly and complete. Seborrheic dermatitis is different than dandruff. If you have dandruff, the process of skin renewal (or skin turnover) speeds up to twice the normal rate, so a greater number of dead cells are shed. Dandruff is usually due to the overworking of the sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil and help shed dead skin. Dandruff usually limits itself to the scalp and is characterized by scaling without redness, while seborrheic dermatitis has both redness and scaling. With dandruff, this whole process of skin renewal (or skin turnover) speeds up, so a greater number of dead cells are being shed. It can occur at any age, but is most likely in the early 20s. Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. And stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos. Most cases of dandruff can be treated with specialized shampoos or common household remedies.
Symptoms of Dandruff
Some sign and symptoms related to Dandruff are as follows:
* Skin affected by seborrhoeic dermatitis is usually red and greasy with a white or yellowish flaky scale.
* Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp).
* There is sometimes itching or soreness and the scalp can feel tight.
* Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): This highly contagious fungal infection occurs primarily in children younger than age 10.
* Psoriasis. This skin disorder causes an accumulation of dead skin cells that form thick silvery scales.
* A yellow or red scaly rash along the hairline, behind the ears, in the ear canal, on the eyebrows, around the nose, and/or on the chest
* Your scalp can be either excessively dry or oily.
Treatment of Dandruff
Here is list of the methods for treating Dandruff:
* Anti-dandruff shampoos containing the antimicrobials selenium sulphide (eg Selsun ) or zinc pyrithione are helpful for mild dandruff.
* Shampoos with coal tar (some brand names: DHS Tar, Neutrogena T/Gel, Polytar) may be used 3 times a week.
* Corticosteroid cream or lotion.
* Mix 8 tbsp. peanut oil with the juice of half a lemon. Rub the mixture into your hair, leave on for 10 minutes and then wash as usual.
* Antifungal shampoo containing ketoconazole (eg Nizoral dandruff shampoo ) provides a mild, yet effective treatment for dandruff.
* If the shampoo alone doesn't help, your doctor might want you to use a prescription steroid lotion once or twice daily, in addition to the shampoo.
* Tar shampoos such as Tarsum will help to control dandruff.
What causes dandruf ?
Dandruf is caused by micro-organism called pityrosporum-ovle which are present in every body's scalp. Symptoms of dandruf get aggravated when exposed to dust, UV light, harsh chemical based shampoo, hair dyes etc., this results in increase in number of microbes which causes unhealthy residue over the scalp which leads to dandruff, which is the cause of unhealthy, lifeless hair and may result in excessive loss of hair too. Followings are also responsible for dandruf:-
1. Heredity
2. Lack of proper Diet
3. Environment
4. Dry or Greasy Scalp is etc.
5. Stress, anxiety and tension.
6. Infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing.
7. Improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of electric hair curlers.
Can Dandruf Lead to Baldness?
Dandruf can lead to other problems, like acne or a rashy skin, and can even trigger off hair loss. In severe cases of dandruf, for which the medical term is seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea, some hair follicles could be damaged or destroyed. But there is no evidence in the medical journals that baldness is caused by ordinary dandruff. Dandruf and baldness often occur together though. Many people assume from this that one is caused by the other. It's a false assumption.
Home remedies for Dandruf Cure and Treatment:
1. Oil your hair with pure warm coconut oil and apply juice of half a lemon onto the scalp.
2. Massage the scalp with almond oil and steam bathe your hair. Steam bath is taken by dipping the towel in boiling water and wrapping it around the hair, like a turban. Do not let the corners of your towel be wet, so that you can hold them. When your towel gets cold, repeat it thrice or four times. Steaming opens the scalp pores and increases the capacity of the hair to absorb oil at its roots.
3. You can also take a spoonful lemon juice, mix it with two spoonfuls vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo.
4. Take on part almond oil, and pure sulphur in same quantity, mix and add 'surgical spirit' in the quantity equal to the above two. Put four parts distilled water or rose water and rub on the scalp. An Effective home remedy for dandruf.
5. Mix a spoonful of lemon juice with two spoonfuls of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo after this. Your hair will be dandruf free.
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