Dealing with Blepharitis

Over the last few years I have suffered on and off with Blepharitis. Blepharitis is when the rims of the eyelids become inflamed. This can make your eyes red, irritated and itchy. Dandruff-like crusts can appear on your eyelashes. It can be caused by bacterial infection or can be a complication of skin conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis (a skin condition that can cause itchy rashes on the skin and scalp). When seborrhoeic dermatitis affects the scalp, it's called dandruff. Another associated skin condition is rosacea, which causes the face to appear red and blotchy which is wear mine comes from.

Blepharitis is a chronic condition, meaning that once it develops you'll probably have repeated episodes. There is no cure. It is estimated that blepharitis is responsible for 5% of all eye problems that are reported to GPs. It is more common in older adults, but can develop at any age.However, there are a range of treatments that can control the symptoms. It is important that you clean your eyelids every day, whether or not you are experiencing any symptoms. You should consider it part of your daily routine, like showering or brushing your teeth. Effective eye hygiene will reduce both the severity and frequency of symptoms.

You should apply a warm compress (cloths or cotton wool warmed with hot water) to your closed eyelids for five to ten minutes. Gently rub the compress over your closed eyelids for two to three minutes, and then repeat. This will help loosen any crusting. Then gently clean your eyelids with a cotton bud. Using warm water with a small amount of baby shampoo, or sodium bicarbonate (a teaspoon dissolved in a cup of water) is recommended. You should always use a mirror when cleaning your eyelids as this will prevent any possible damage to your eyes.

I know from my own experience that if I keep to an eye routine then I keep mine at bay or under control, and if I use certain eye make-up especially eye-liner or waterproof mascara that I remove it throughly and not use it everyday as my eyes start to go itchy and sore.

To find out more then have a look at our site www.pureandgentle.com where we are building a directory of skin condition what they mean and symptoms.

Skin Self Examination – why are they so important!

Skin Self Examination are so important with 200 of new cases every day of skin cancer being diagonised in the UK. My family was one of them 4 years ago. Both my husband and myself have a number of moles, I’m very fair skinned and never go brown very easily. I can remember going on holiday with girlfriends and they only had to look at the sun to go brown while I would go pink and then slightly coloured and that was it. We all do stupid things when we are young we all think we are invincible and it will never happen to me attitude (that’s normal). But as we get older we realise that we are not and things can happen when you least expect it.

That’s what happen to my husband a mole turned black, so luckily he was wise enough to go and see his GP who refered him to a dermatologist. At his appointment he was full checked and she said that the black mole was nothing to worry about but she would just remove it. But another mole she found she was not happy with and removed it straight away and it was sent off for biopsy and within a few days we got the dreaded news that it was a aggressive maligant melanoma. He was rushed back in and operated on within a week and had a large part of skin removed around where the cancer was. The next few weeks we went through hell and back, he went through so many tests MRI scans, blood test, you name it he had it. Thank god he had looked and examined his skin otherwise I might have been telling you the worst.

Checking your skin regularly for signs of any changes, anything that looks abnormal, or any new skin growth, is important to your health – and could even save your life. Doctors recommend doing a skin self-exam at least once a month, primarily looking for changes in the skin that could be signs of skin cancer. After all, who is more familiar with your body than you are – and who better to know what looks right, and what doesn’t? If there is anything that you are not happy with then go to your GP and get it checked out.

Start by finding a place that is bright enough with good lighting, and stand in front of a full-length mirror. Then start with your head and work down, looking for the following:

*New moles, growths, lesions or blemishes
*Any growth, particularly a mole, which has changed in size, texture or colour. That includes moles that are asymmetrical, have uneven edges, or have changed in appearance
*Any type of lesions that refuse to heal
*Any type of growth at all that looks different from other ones on your skin

When performing a skin self-exam, be sure to look at your entire body, including your back, arms, legs – even between your toes! If there are hard-to-see areas, ask a spouse. Some people are more at risk for skin cancer than others. If you fall into this category, you may want to keep a journal of your skin exams, writing down what you see to make it easier to keep track of changes. People who are most at risk are those who:

*Have a history of skin cancer in their family
*Are older
*Have a weakened immune system
*Have had excessive exposure from ultra-violet (UV) rays, either from the sun or tanning beds
*Have had skin cancer already in the past
*Are Caucasian, especially with fair skin, red or blonde hair, and burn easily – although people from all ethnic groups can get skin cancer

From my families experience we have all changed our attitude to the sun, the damage is most likely to happen when we are children or young adults so make them aware too of the danger of the sun. Let them play outside the sun has benefits too, but at certain times of the day and make them wear t-shirts, suncreams, hats etc. I have spent the last four years researching sun creams and what effect sunexposure has on your skin which is now all on my website www.pureandgentle.com I will over the coming months write some blogs about staying safe in the sun which I hope you will find helpful.

Gardeners are failing to protect their hands

GARDENERS are putting their green fingers at risk of serious skin disease, research has revealed.

A study of the borough’s gardeners and growers found that despite more than a quarter (28%) suffering from skin conditions such as hand eczema, more than two-thirds (68%) admitted failing to protect their hands adequately in the garden.

The research revealed skin problems were so serious in 69% of those surveyed that
they had sought professional medical treatment, with more than one in 10 (15%)
being forced to stop gardening because their condition was chronic.

Only 32% of those questioned always wear gloves to safeguard their hands from potentially dangerous plants and chemicals, yet 19% admitted certain plants caused skin problems. Seemingly harmless flowers such as chrysanthemums, tulips and Alstromeria can be a trigger for hand eczema or hand dermatitis, as can the
drying effect of the soil.

The research was carried out by www.myhandeczema.co.uk to raise awareness of skin problems among the 41 million people in the UK who have access to a garden.

What is Eczema?

Eczema, or dermatitis, is a skin condition that affects all age groups. In mild forms the inflamed skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. It is not contagious.

Types of Eczema
There are a number of different types of eczema; determining which one applies to you is the key to treating it.

atopic eczema – this common eczema is linked with asthma and hayfever and usually runs in families how to spot it – itchy, dry, red and inflamed skin. If infected may crack and weep.

contact dermatitis – something that comes into contact with the skin irritates it or causes an allergic reaction how to spot it – dry, inflamed skin where the irritating substance has had contact, often on the hands how to treat it – avoid contact with irritating substance common offenders – certain metals, chemicals, toiletries, perfumes and detergents.

adult seborrhoeic eczema – characteristically affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40 how to spot it – it is usually seen on the scalp as mild dandruff, but can spread to the face, ears and chest. The skin becomes red, inflamed and starts to flake. what causes it – the condition is believed to be caused by a yeast growth.
Consult a naturopath or herbalist for an appropriate anti-fungal dietary programme; typically avoiding sugar and taking prescribed anti-fungal herbs and supplements.

varicose eczema – varicose eczema affects the lower legs of those in their middle to late years who suffer from varicose veins. Commonly the skin around the ankles is affected, becoming speckled, itchy and inflamed. what causes it – poor circulation how to treat it – prevention is preferable to cure. Make sure you get plenty of bioflavanoids in your diet (from citrus peel, peppers, blackberries and apricots) or take a supplement of bioflavanoids with vitamin C and essential fatty acids which stimulate circulation.

discoid eczema - usually found in adults how to spot it – appears suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red skin, normally on the trunk or lower legs. They can become itchy and can weep fluid. what causes it – may be triggered by an infection, bite or sting.

Can it be cured
No, but Eczema will, in most cases, clear up over time. Some sufferers will require treatment, for others it may seem to go away of their own accord or as they grow out of it. However most adult sufferers will find their skin remains sensitive and they may have a predisposition to flare ups throughout their life. Avoid caustic detergents (foaming agents) such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) found in most commercial shampoos, shower gels, face washes and bubble baths. Products containing petrochemicals (eg mineral oil, petrolatum, petroleum, propylene glycol, paraffinum liquidum) used over time can congest skin and trigger inflammation and eczema flare ups. Use skincare products and body oils made from pure plant oils instead. Artificial colour and fragrance in products are a common irritant that trigger sensitivities. Some essential oils may also trigger a reaction. Be aware that chemicals and substances in your environment can affect your skin. Use a mild washing powder, wear natural materials next to your skin and don’t let your skin come into contact with household chemicals.

Atopic eczema is often linked with asthma and hayfever so reduce exposure to dust mites, pollen and mold.
Note – It’s important that any natural approaches you choose are not seen as an alternative to consulting your doctor but as a complement to an agreed medical treatment plan.

Organic beauty products mired in myth and confusion

Leading beauty journalist Alice Hart-Davis claims organic and natural beauty products are mired in “myth and confusion”.

Writing in the Daily Mail, Hart-Davis cites a current US lawsuit in which 26 leading natural and organic brands are accused of falsely labelling products as organic — under Californian law personal care products sold as ‘organic’ must contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt).

In Britain, points out Hart-Davis, no such laws for personal care and beauty products exist, leaving consumers struggling to understand a raft of claims, standards and logos. This legal grey area allows “companies to describe a product as organic even if it contains only tiny amounts of organic ingredients”.

Those customers who look for evidence of organic certification are likely to find themselves even more confused, claims Hart-Davis. With such a wide variance of requirements — the Soil Association organic health and beauty standard requires a minimum of 70% organic ingredients while Ecocert sets a 10% organic ingredients requirement — and five different certifiers, making informed choices is made unnecessarily difficult, she says.

Hart-Davis writes: “As a beauty writer, I think this situation is ridiculous. It is madness that a product can be decreed ‘organic’ by one organisation yet not meet another certification body’s standards. It is confusing for buyers and makes the whole organic arena an easy target for cynics.

From an article in Natural Products newsletter Aug 9th

As cool winds blow, psoriasis flares

As the days of summer give way to cool autumn breezes, most folks many skin suffers breathe a sigh of relief. But this may not be the case if you suffer from psoriasis a chronic condition affecting the skin and joints of upwards of 4.5 million adults in Amercia and 2% of the population in the UK, as well as many children.

Indeed, as autumn rushers in colder air and we start to put the heating on and cover our bodies with warmer clothes, psoriasis can worsen -sometimes inviting more of the dry, scaly, itchy red patches associated with this condition to develop.

Psoriasis most commonly appears on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso but can develop more readily in areas where skin is traumatized or ‘broken’ anything that causes that to happen -like cool, dry air can also exacerbate the disease. We live in homes with double glazing so that our houses are well insulated and our air is dry and warm which can effect our skin leaving it dry and dehydrated.

According to the National psoriasis Foundation, this irritating skin condition comes in several different forms with varying levels of severity. In nearly all
cases, however, it begins when the normal system of cell turnover goes awry.

Normally the top layer of skin makes itself over every 28 to 30 days, the old cells are microscopically shed, while the new ones take their place. In psoriasis, however,
this natural process is sped up dramatically, cells can turn over as quickly as every two to three days. The old cells don’t shed off normally and new cells multiply so quickly they stick together and form lesions called patches or plaques. In the most common form of this condition, the end result can be dry, scaly, red, and sometimes
itchy patches of skin. And the drier your skin gets, the worse the patches can look and feel.
Continued use of a good penetrating moisturizer, as well a bath oil, is absolutely vital to controlling psoriasis in any weather, but particularly during cold weather.
Always apply a moisturiser as often as possible, particularly after bathing.

Have a look at our website www.pureandgentle.com for moisturisers and bath oil that are kind to your skin.

Star sufferers put Psoriasis in the spotlight

The recent news that Kim Kardashian suffers from psoriasis, has drawn attention to the common skin condition. It is estimated that in the UK suffer from this skin irritation that can cause painful red marks and blothes to appear on the skin. This visible appearance of psoriasis has meant a degree of stigma has been attached to the condition in recent years, despite the large number of people who are affected by it. The media went crazy when Kim announced on her show she had psoriasis and we all saw how this affected her. The media spotlight has highlighted the fact that the incurable disease can be greatly soothed by products with intense moisturising properties after Kim revealed she had concerns about the impact the diagonsis may have on her public image. She emphasised the ways in which millions of people who are affected by psoriasis worldwide can find a degree of relief in skin sensitive and moisturising products. As the skin is inflamed and sore the most calming treatments must have a mild formulation with no harsh ingredients that could cause the skin to react further.

At pureandgentle.com we have a selection of natural and active products for all many skin conditions including psoriasis. We have loads of information on the site too!

Eczema and Pregnancy

Eczema may get better or worse during pregnancy, or you may develop it for the first time. Treatment for you is essentially the same as for anyone else, with regular moisturising as a daily routine, plus topical steriods prescribed by your GP when you need them.

Therapy for eczema in pregnancy

1. Emollients
This is the most important treatment for your skin. Using a moisturiser regularly and liberally should help to minimise the need to look to other treatments. Choose an emollient (moisturiser) which suits the changes in your skin caused by pregnancy. Try to find one that has not got any parabens, sls etc.
2. Topical Steroids
You may want to use as little medicines as possible during pregnancy, including steroid creams. But if your eczema is troublesome you should consult your doctor for treatment.
3. Narrowband Ultraviolet B
This is sometimes used during pregnancy when topical steroids fail to manage the condition. Ultraviolet B is also safe while breast-feeding.
4. Antihistamines
Some people with eczema seem to benefit from using antihistamines, especially if they have hay fever as well. Consult your GP about this.

This has been adapted from a paper from the Nottingham University Hospital but we advise that you should speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Dealing with Rosacea

Rosacea is a common rash, found on the central part of the face, a tendency to flush
easily is followed by persistent redness on the cheeks, chin, forehead and nose, and by crops of small inflamed red bumps and pus spots. The face becomes flushed and red and typically feels itchy and burning. In some cases the rash becomes permanent, leaving the skin red. When the nose is affected, particularly in older men, the skin becomes thickened, swollen and purple, a condition called rhinophyma.

The skin of the face feels sensitive, and can burn or sting. Flushing (the face becomes bright red) adds to the embarrassment caused by the rash. Up to one in ten people may have rosacea. Although it can appear for the first time at any age, it more commonly appears between the ages of 30 and 55, with women more often affected than men. It can run in families.

The cause of rosacea is not fully understood, but many think that the defect lies in the blood vessels in the skin of the face, which dilate too easily. Rosacea is more common in women than in men, and in those with a fair skin who flush easily (this is definitely me as I have always flushed easily and still do!). Many things seem to make rosacea worse, but probably do not cause it in the first place, they include alcohol, too much exercise, both high and low temperatures, hot spicy foods, stress, and sunlight. Things that stir up one person’s rosacea may well have no effect at all on the rosacea of someone else.

I got diagonosed 4 years ago with Rosacea and I know all to well how it effects me when I have a flare up and how it doesn't just affect my skin with how it looks but how it effects my self-confidence and self-esteem. You get funny looks or people say have you got a cold or think you must be a drinker as your cheeks are flushed and your nose is red and mockled looking. I especially hate this time of year as you are constantly going from cold temperature to hot temperatures whether its Christmas shopping in those hot shops or running in and out of your house or work. My cheeks tingle and feel irritated and itchy. My nose I want to scratch and rub but it is too sore soemtimes to touch. I apply non-irritating skin-care products, and protect my skin from sun exposure using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. At leasty being a woman I can hide some of the redness with cosmetics, Green makeup or green-tinted foundations can be used to counter redness and followed by a skin-tone foundation with natural yellow tones, avoiding those with pink or orange hues.

Here are a few tips that might help as unfortunately there is no cure for rosacea, but it can usually be effectively controlled if you are aware of several external influences that may aggravate the skin.

• Protect your skin from the sun by using a sun block on your face every day (at least SPF15) even on shady days.
• Do not rub or scrub your face as this can make rosacea worse.
• Consider the lifestyle factors that can stir up rosacea. Learn which worsen your rosacea and avoid them. A written record of your flare-ups may help here.
• Cosmetics can often cover up rosacea effectively. Certain skin care products - Avoid using wrinkle creams, cleansers containing alcohol, exfoliating/abrasive cleansers.
• If your eyes are giving problems, do not ignore these - consult your doctor.
• Temperature extremes - Heat is a major cause of flare ups, so avoid hot baths and showers, dress in cool, lightweight clothing (avoid woollens completely).
• Hot drinks - Tea and coffee particularly, but any hot drink bring on flushing.
• Spicy foods - Avoid Chillies, curries, pickles, mustard and horseradish.
• Alcohol - Even a few sips can affect some people.

Over the coming weeks I will write some more tips about dealing with this skin condition and how my skin reacts which hopefully will help other suffers. Also have a look at our website www.pureandgentle.com for some ideas and products that may help with Rosacea.

10 Little Fun Facts About Your Skin

* 1. Your skin is made up of 3 main layers.
* 2. Your skin is considered the largest organ in the human body.
* 3. Your skin is made up of three major layers - epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (also called the subcutaneous tissue).
* 4. Your skin protects your inside organs while keeping infections out and prevents you from getting sick.
* 5. Your skin loses about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells from the surface almost every minute, even though you do not see it happening.
* 6. Your skin sheds a layer of these dead cells every 24 hours and renews itself about every 28 days.
* 7. Your skin swells when it absorbs water.
* 8. Your skin contains a protein called keratin which is also found in hair and nails
* 9. Your skin is the thinnest on the eyelid.
* 10. Goose bumps are actually little pimples that help retain a layer of warm air over our body.

Looking after your skin in pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, your skin, hair and body all change. Your skin can also be more sensitive than normal and eczema can be triggered as your hormone levels increase, so this may mean a new skincare regime is often needed.

What are normal skin changes during pregnancy?
The most common skin changes in pregnancy are:
•melasma: brown, clearly defined patches on the face, typically on the cheekbones and forehead.
•darkening of the nipples and external genitals (pubic area).
•darkening of existing moles.
•linea nigra: a dark line that appears on the abdomen, running straight down from the umbilicus (belly button).
•striae gravidarum (stretch marks of pregnancy): red lines or bands that can appear on the abdomen during pregnancy, or the breasts after breastfeeding, which later become white, smooth, shiny and flattened.
•veins on the skin can become more obvious.
•varicose (swollen) veins can appear on the legs.
•an increase in the number of skin tags (small, harmless skin outgrowths that occur especially on the neck, but can be found on any part of body).
•acne can worsen

What is good for your skin?
•Like the transfer of food nutrients, chemicals and nutrients from skin care products are absorbed by the mum’s skin and then transferred on to the yet unborn baby in the womb. And 60% of what we apply to our skin can be absorbed into our blood stream. That is why experts advise mums to choose healthy skin care products during pregnancy.
•Don’t forget your belly! As your stomach grows with your baby, you may find the skin gets itchy so be sure to keep it well moisturised. This will also help with the stretch marks. The best ones contain ingredients such as cocoa butter and shea butter.
•Any cosmetic product which contains essential oils should usually be avoided and is often labelled with a warning for pregnant woman.
•Pimples in the first part of your pregnancy are very common so avoid heavy creams and lotions and keep the skin fresh and clean.
•Drinking plenty of water and eating a sensible diet is good but it is of equal importance to our skin. Water keeps our skin hydrated and flushes out all those nasty toxins.
•Foot care – keep your feet smooth and well moisturised as you grow bigger your feet really bear the bunt and start to crack and ache.
•Exercise regularly and moderately during pregnancy will keep your blood flowing and endorphins, you will not only feel better but you will look better. It will help with water retention, weight gain and keep skin clear.
•Wearing make-up can be a great way to help you look your best when pregnant. A little foundation can cover blemishes, mascara can lift tired eyes and a hint of colour on your lips can stop you looking washed out. Your skin can become sensitive so a mineral based make-up range may suit you better at this time.
•During pregnancy your body becomes more sensitive to UVA so it is recommended not to sun bath as you can burn much easier.

Age spots and the Sun

Age spots are caused by increase in skin pigment, also known as melanin, being manufactured when the skin is damaged by UV light, they are found on areas that are exposed to the sun like our hands, chest and faces. Long term sun exposure leads to irregular pigment production and can result in age spots. You should be using a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF15 on any areas that are uncovered - all year round - not just in summer. Look for moisturisers that shield against both UVA and UVB rays and remember to reapply if out in direct sunlight for more than 90 minutes.

The key to covering facial age spots is to use a liquid foundation that exactly matches your skin tone. Illuminating foundations work best as they reflect light to give a soft focus and radiance to the skin. Avoid thick foundations that look caked on as they will emphasis any spots. Apply concealer over the top of your foundation - (use a brush to apply concealer over your age spots) then gently pay your skin using your ring finger. Keep applying thin layers until they are hidden, blending well for a natural finish. Dust a light reflective translucent powder.

Aqueous Creams make Eczema Worse

For many years people with eczema have been advised by doctors to use a cheap emollient cream to soothe their irritated skin, Researchers have now discovered that aqueous cream BP can make the condition worse.

Although aqueous cream has been prescribed fro millions of suffers from childhood, it is the first time research had been carried out on an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Previously it was thought the 'stinging' sensation affecting half of users was due to a preservative or antiseptic in the cream.

In a study by Bath University researchers, aqueous cream reduced the thickness of healthy skin in volunteers by more than 10 per cent in just four weeks and water loss was increased. Professor Richard Guy, Professor of Pharmaceutial Sciences at Bath University, said the remedy was likely to aggravate the dry, itchy rashes that plague eczema suffers.

He said: "The skin has a protective barrier layer of lipids, around one eighth the thickness of a sheet of paper, that stops chemicals from getting into the body and keeps moisture in.

SLS is a detergent used to mix oils into water-based moisturisation creams to give a nice creamy texture. It's also used widely in shower gels and other cosmetics. So to use this cream on eczemous skin, which is already thin and vulnerable to irritation, is likely to make the condition even worse,' The study was published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

The principal ingredients in Aqueous Cream are liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin and purified water. Other ingredients may vary but some have irritant effects including the preservative chlorocresol and the antimicrobial phenoxyethanol. Margaret Cox, of the National Eczema Society said the charity did not recommend aqueous cream as a moisturiser. Almost four million Britons have eczema, which is mainly treated with steriod creams.

So have a look at our site for more information and products that could be of help to you.