Skin – Page 2 – Hello Doctor

What your skin is telling you about your health

November 27th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Your skin reflects your health. Imagine a mirror that echoes from the inside out; chances are that if you’re generally unhealthy – the evidence shows up on your skin. As your largest organ, your skin needs (and deserves) the best care and nourishment. Your diet plays a vital role here. What you put in is what you get out. So, watch what you eat to avoid any unexpected “guests” showing up on your face and body.

Some skin issues are way beyond your control, but for the most part, there are ways you can give your skin a healthy boost.

Faulty gut

Your gut is there to absorb the nutrients from your food that your body needs for growth, repair, and normal functioning. When the body doesn’t get sufficient nutrients, it begins to prioritise which organs will get the few nutrients that are available at the time. Your hair, nails and skin are usually the first places to show the signs of deficiency. When nutrients are in short supply, your body prioritises your heart, brain and liver over your skin to receive the bulk of the good stuff.

Acne

This is the most common skin disorder. It’s marked by pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and cysts. Acne is usually caused by an excess of inflammatory foods, a deficiency of highly nutritious ones, a messed-up gut, hormonal imbalance and stress. If you’re constantly having breakouts, your first step should be to evaluate your diet.

Ageing

Ageing causes a progressive loss of your skin’s strength and elasticity. This shows up in the form of wrinkles, sagging, dark spots, and loss of luminescence, or natural glow. Skin needs proteins and fats to give it a youthful appearance. A poor diet produces too many oxidizing free radicals. Smoking can damage your skin’s tissues which will make the skin look old before its time.

Dry skin

Being dehydrated can suck the moisture out of all your body’s systems, including your skin. If you experience dry, flaky skin on a regular basis, you probably need to drink more water, and/or eat more hydrating foods.

Eczema

This is a skin condition characterised by itchy, uncomfortable, scaly skin, and sometimes a blistering rash. It’s often found on the face, hands, feet, behind the ears, and in crooks of the knees and elbows. Food sensitivities, microbial imbalances, and other gut-level irritations activate an immune response which causes the skin flare-ups In some cases, eczema can be triggered by an external irritant, like an environmental toxin. In the case of food-based triggers, aim to avoid these foods for six to eight weeks. This will be enough time for the skin to rejuvenate itself and can often eliminate the need for medication.

Red face or raised red patches

Raised, red patches on the skin may be signs of psoriasis, a condition in which your skin cells build up and form scaly and itchy, dry red patches. The main culprits seem to be an irritated gut, an overactive immune system, or metabolic syndrome. Removing inflammatory foods from your diet, like gluten, dairy, and sugar, can help relieve irritation in the gut and in turn, improve the appearance of your skin.

Rough skin

About 70% of your skin is made up of collagen, and collagen relies on Vitamin C. When you don’t get enough of this vitamin, your skin begins to sag and feels rough. Some good sources of Vitamin C include citrus, broccoli, and dark leafy greens.

Uneven complexion

If you lack vital nutrients, it’s going to show on your skin. Uneven skin is a cry for more vitamins and minerals to help you truly glow. This is because your skin gets its dynamic look from the nourishment you provide it.

Nutrient deficiency could come from not eating enough or not eating the right foods. Even those who overeat are often nutrient-deficient because they rely on processed foods that don’t have any beneficial nutrients.

As the saying goes; you are what you eat. The foods you eat provide the foundation of the structure and function of every little cell in your body. Take care of yourself from the inside out.

References:

Is it safe to use a tanning bed?

October 22nd, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

That golden, tanned skin is quite covetable, yes. But is it worth the harm to your skin, even if you get it via a sunbed?

A tan is your body’s attempt to protect itself from the damaging effects of harmful UV rays – and with good reason.

Sunbeds are tanning machines that release ultraviolet (UV) rays close to your skin. The nearness means that the UV rays can stimulate the production of melanin in your skin, which is what enables your skin to tan.

Risky skin business

Sunbeds emit bigger doses of ultraviolet rays (UV) rays than the sun does during its peak hours.

These harmful rays can age your skin prematurely, making it look uneven, wrinkled and leathery. Tanning for long stretches, and particularly on sunbeds, can damage the DNA in your skin cells. This destruction may build up to cause skin cancer. UV rays harm your skin in many ways and people who are exposed to UV rays before the age of 25 have a higher risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Research by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) found that sunbeds boost the risk of melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer) by 16-20%.

Before trying out a sunbed, know this:

You can still damage your skin, even if you don’t burn

Turning lobster red may seem like the only cause for concern when it comes to tanning, but UV rays are so strong that they penetrate deep into your skin’s layers. This means that you don’t have to roast in the sun for hours or have your skin change colour for harm to be done. In fact, the damage may be done to your cells even before your skin changes colour.

You don’t need a sunbed to get enough Vitamin D

Step away from the sunbed if you think it’s your only route to getting enough Vitamin D. You can get your daily dose by spending some time outside where the UV rays aren’t as dangerous. Just be sure to slather on the sunblock. You can also get enough Vitamin D from dairy products, fish and fortified cereal. Talk to your doctor about a supplement if you have a deficiency.

Sunbeds don’t help you build a natural defence against the sun’s rays.

The common myth that sunbeds can help make you less vulnerable to the sun’s rays isn’t true. Getting a tan from a sunbed only gives the same protective effect as using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of approximately 2-3.

Sunbeds won’t give you a better tan

Don’t hop into a sunbed to increase your tan because it’ll only do you more harm. It will just make your skin more wrinkled and coarse. Rather, enjoy the sun safely with an SPF of at least 15. Tanning gradually isn’t safe either. Short periods of intense UV ray exposure can still harm your skin.

Good to know

Soothe overexposed or sunburnt skin (caused when you haven’t applied enough sunscreen) with coconut oil to prevent itching and peeling. First apply a cool, damp towel to the affected area for at least 15 minutes. You can also take a 15-minute cold bath or shower. Once your skin has cooled, smear on the coconut oil.
Prevent sun damage by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a summer scarf, sunglasses and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 or higher. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours.
If you spend a lot of time in the sun, talk to your doctor about going for an annual screening to detect possible early signs of skin conditions like melanoma.
Drink at least eight glasses of plain water a day to keep a balance of moisture in your body and skin. Drink thrice the amount if you drink caffeinated beverages.

References:

Is your skin condition caused by parasites?

April 20th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Hear the word parasite and your first reaction is probably “Eww!’’ And with good reason. A parasite is an organism which eats, reproduces and secretes just like other organisms. They are an advanced species, which can survive and breed while remaining undetected. It makes sense, then, that these little critters can make your life very difficult, causing different health issues.

There are more than one thousand parasite species. Depending on their type, they eat different things. There are large parasites which are usually worms and small parasites which are microscopic. Some of them live off the food we eat and mainly exist in the digestive tract. Other parasites attach themselves anywhere on the body and feed on the nutrients and energy from your cells.

These parasites often eat the nutrients and energy before you can get to them, which means your organs and skin don’t get the nutrients they need.

Who’s at risk?

Anyone can get a parasite infection, but some people are more at risk than others.

Having an illness or a weak immune system.
Living or constantly travelling in tropical or subtropical regions of the world.
Lacking a clean supply of drinking water.
Through sexual contact.
Through the skin or nose.
Via a mosquito, flea or housefly.
Eating contaminated food.
Swimming in lakes, rivers or ponds where parasites are common.
Working in childcare or with soil regularly.

How parasites affect your skin

As your skin is the fastest way to get rid of an infection, parasitic infections may also cause breakouts and swelling while your body tries to get rid of it. This can cause any of the following symptoms:

Small, itchy bumps
rashes
blisters
reddening & inflammation of the skin

Tissue damage

The most common systemic effects from parasites include:

difficulty gaining or losing weight,
digestive problems,
food sensitivity,
joint and muscle pains
bacterial or viral infections.

Left untreated, health problems caused by parasites may become chronic and cause parasitic infections. Malnutrition may occur, specifically in children, as parasites rob the body of food or prevent food from being absorbed properly. This causes kids to be underweight or their growth to be stunted. Intestinal worms like the hookworm can cause anemia, a condition where there’s a lack of red blood cells.

It gets worse.

If parasites stick around for a long time, they contribute to the development of food allergies, and even death in severe cases, as they drain all the resources your body needs to survive.

Parasite-proof yourself

The best way to protect yourself from parasites is to make your body a bad host. Do this by creating an environment a parasite wouldn’t want to live in. Your gut is filled with bacteria and a healthy gut has about 85% good bacteria that keep your gut in check. The good bacteria protect you from the bad guys (viruses, parasites and harmful bacteria). To keep your gut in top condition, fill up on probiotics. Probiotics help produce good bacteria that support your body, by closing gaps in your gut’s barrier cells.

Good gut tips:

Include probiotics like yoghurt, kefir and sauerkraut in your diet. Ask your doctor about a probiotic supplement.
Balance your diet with enough fibre, vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and nuts. Fibre helps empty parasites from your intestines and a healthy diet improves your immune system.
Limit dairy, sugar and fat as parasites thrive on these.
Cook fish, beef, chicken and other meats thoroughly.
Wash your hands before and after using the toilet.
Wear gloves when gardening or working with soil.
Wash fresh vegetables carefully.
Deworm your pets regularly and handle kitty litter with gloves.

Treatment options

Your doctor will prescribe medication depending on the type of parasitic infection. If you experience any symptoms of an infection and have reason to believe you were exposed to parasites, talk to your doctor immediately.

References

Treat your dry and scaly skin

April 20th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Does your skin feel dry and scaly? Are you ashy all over even after you’ve rubbed on body lotion?

Dry skin is an uncomfortable condition, leading to itchiness, scaliness and cracked parts on your body. This can happen for many reasons. Dry skin can start on any part of the body too. Even if your skin tends to be oily, you can develop dry skin from time to time.

Why is your skin scaly?

The outer layer of your skin is a mixture of dead skin cells and natural oils, which help it hold on to water. If this layer gets damaged and moisture escapes, or if your skin struggles to renew itself, it will become flaky and scaly. Exposure to sunlight, the natural process of ageing, harsh chemicals and certain diseases could also be to blame.

Your skin usually sheds about 40 000 skin cells every day and replaces them with new ones. You don’t feel the skin cells growing and shouldn’t see any falling or flaking either.

Different types of dry skin

Dry skin

loss of moisture.
tight
rough

Very dry skin

If the dryness isn’t treated, and your skin loses more moisture, it will become:

Very tight.

itchy
chapped
scaly

Rough and cracked skin

Your hands, feet, elbows and knees are likely to experience:

Extreme tightness.
Extreme roughness.
Skin cracks.
Intense itching.

Common dry skin conditions

Eczema

This condition is also known as the “itch that rashes”. When you have eczema, your body is saying that it’s working too hard. Eczema is linked to an overactive response by the body’s immune system to an irritation. This is thanks to smoke and pollen, or foods that cause an allergy, like nuts and dairy products. You will notice rashes, dryness, flakiness, bumps, peeling, and redness.

Psoriasis

This condition is when your skin cells build up and form scales and itchy-dry patches. You then end up with dryness, flakiness, peeling, small bumps, thickness, redness and rashes.

Dandruff

This is white, oily flakes of dead skin in your hair and sometimes an itchy scalp.

Ditch the itch

Limit your time in the shower or bath to five or 10 minutes.
Use warm rather than hot water.
Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
Apply enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil, but avoid using a lot of product to prevent stripping away the natural oils of the skin.
Pat your skin dry with a towel.
Use a moisturiser immediately after drying your skin.

Treat your skin

Stay away from deodorant, soaps and products that contain alcohol and fragrance to help your skin hold its natural moisture. Some skincare products will be too harsh for dry and sensitive skin.

Dry skin responds well to ointments and creams rather than lotion. They are more effective and less irritating on the skin. Look for oil-infused creams or ointments with olive oil, jojoba oil or shea butter. These will help soothe your skin and provide a long-lasting shield of moisture.

Good to know

Your hands are often the first place to show signs of dry skin. Wear gloves when you wash dishes, work outdoors and whenever you handle harmful substances.

When your skin is dry and raw, even clothes and soaps can irritate the skin.

Wash your clothes, sheets and pillowcases regularly to get rid of skin-irritating substances.
Use a fragrance-free washing powder.
Go for clothes made of 100% cotton material to help your skin breathe.
Stay warm and avoid the fireplace and heaters. Sitting in front of an open flame or heat can dry your skin.

When to see a dermatologist

Very dry skin needs special attention. You doctor may advise an ointment or cream. Dry skin can also be a sign of a skin condition that needs treatment. A dermatologist can examine your skin and advise on what can help to reduce your discomfort. If you’re uncertain, why not chat to one of our doctors? They’re here to help!

References:

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/scaly-skin#1
https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/dry-skin
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353891
https://www.eucerin.co.za/skin-concerns/dry-skin/general-dry-skin

Clean your diet, clear your skin

February 20th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

It is huge! In fact, it doesn’t matter what size it really is – when you spot a pimple on your face, it always feels like it is massive. It would be understandable if you were a teenager, but why do some of us still suffer with this as adults?

Thanks to human biology, hormones and the complex nature of your skin, acne is a global challenge. It is most common among male teenagers as their testosterone levels are usually high, but it can affect men and women of all ages. This pesky skin condition can be persistent, but there are ways to treat it. You can start by changing up your diet.

Skin wreckers

Researchers have found that certain foods spike your blood sugar more quickly than others and cause your body to release insulin. Too much insulin in your blood may cause your oil glands to produce more oil and increases the risk of acne. These are called “high glycaemic” carbohydrates. These foods include pasta, white rice, white bread and sugar.

It was also found that a diet based heavily on dairy, saturated fats and trans fats, are linked to the production of acne. According to research from the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, food like these stimulates hormones which can cause excess oil to be released from your oil glands, and inflammation; leading to acne problems.

A plate of health

Just like hyperglycaemic foods can make acne worse or help cause acne, low glycaemic foods may reduce the risk of developing acne. Complex carbohydrates are great acne helpers. These are found in wholegrains, legumes and unprocessed fruit and vegetables.

Foods with zinc (beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds and spinach), Vitamin A (carrots, sweet potato, broccoli), Vitamin E (almonds, avocado and butternut) and antioxidants (cranberries, pecans and kidney beans), helps reduce skin inflammation.

Good to know

Other skin-friendly foods include spinach and other dark green and leafy vegetables, tomatoes, blueberries, wholewheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, beans, peas, and lentils, salmon, and other kinds of fatty fish and nuts.
You don’t have to give up chocolate to have clear skin, just switch to dark chocolate and watch your portions, and stick to chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa. It contains zinc; an acne fighter, so eat up!
Drink your way to better skin by swapping your coffee for green tea. It’s rich in polyphenols which helps increase blood flow and oxygen to your skin, improving its look, health and feel.
Back away from the processed foods as they contain more sugars and fats than you need, which may wreak havoc on your skin. Stock your kitchen with basic cooking ingredients and you’ll find that avoiding processed items will be much easier, healthier and cheaper.
Let’s not forget the foundation of good skin; water. Aim for eight glasses a day to keep your skin hydrated and help flush out toxins.

References:

Why do I have dark rings under my eyes?

January 5th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Eek! You have a date tonight and there are dark circles under your eyes… again. You’ve tried sleeping for eight hours every night, but this doesn’t seem to make any difference. What now?

A lot of people suffer from these dark rings. The dark rings are basically just the blood vessels underneath the eyes that are visible through the skin. The skin around the eyes are naturally very thin, so depending on hydration, blood flow and the colour and thickness of the skin, these dark rings may be more or less visible.

Lack sleep and too much alcohol are the two most common causes for these pesky rings. But if you’ve been getting enough shut-eye and keeping your drinks to a decent limit, there may be other causes to consider.

Panda-eye culprits

Genetics: If you’ve had dark circles under your eyes since you were a child, it’s possible you’ve inherited it.
Allergies: Your stuffy nose could be causing more harm than you think. Nasal congestion can affect the skin under your eyes when it dilates the blood vessels that drain that area.
Too much sleep: It’s not just a lack of sleep that’s an issue. Oversleeping can cause the blood vessels in the eye area dilate, making the dark colour noticeable.
Iron deficiency: A lack of iron can prevent blood from carrying enough oxygen to your eye tissues.
Stress: If you’re often stressed, your dark circles appear more visible. This is because more blood is directed to your main organs, leaving your face looking pasty and drained.
Rubbing your eyes: The most sensitive part of your face is under your eyes. Rubbing may cause the capillaries around your eyes to break or leak, leaving you with bruise-like shadows.

Lighten up

Place a cold washcloth or a bag of frozen vegetables underneath your eyes to constrict blood vessels and help with the dark circles.
Elevate your head with an extra pillow in bed. This helps stop too much blood from collecting in the blood vessels under the skin around your eyes.
Up your intake of Vitamin C and other antioxidants. These nutrients and vitamins help fight off free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells) which cause your skin to become thinner and see-through.
Don’t neglect the under eye skin during your beauty routine. Gently, cleanse, tone and moisturise that area regularly.
If all else fails, try beauty products (like a good concealer) to mask the problem area.

Good to know

Wear sunglasses when you’re outside. The sun can also cause dark circles underneath your eyes.
Beauty products which contain alpha hydroxy acids help to thicken the skin around your eyes, making dark circles less visible.
Too much salt in your diet cause water to accumulate throughout your body, including your eyes, which could potentially cause dark circles.

References

Keep your skin tone even this summer

November 13th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

You’re ready for lazy days at the beach, hikes with the gang and all the fun in the sun you can stand. Spare a thought for your skin, though. Don’t let the sun leave you with nasty side-effects.

Skin colour and tone

Your skin colour comes from a substance called melanin. People with more melanin than others have darker skin. Pale skin has less melanin. It’s interesting to note that we all have the same number of cells that manufacture melanin, but how much your body makes depends on genetics.

The sun has an effect on melanin. When you’re out in the sun, your body starts the melanin-making process. It’s your body’s way of trying to protect you from the rays – but melanin is not all-round protector like sunblock. So, at the end of a day at the beach when you notice your skin’s turned darker or you’ve burned, that’s your body telling you the melanin wasn’t enough. This is why you always need sunblock!

Research shows that the lucky ones with more melanin tend to wrinkle less as they get older, and have a lower incidence of skin cancer.

Skin tones:

Fair skin
Type 1 skin always burns, never tans, often accompanied by pale complexions, red hair and freckles. Type 2 skin burns easily, tans minimally, with fair skin and blue, green or grey eyes.
Medium skin
This is people with olive and darker skins, who don’t see or feel the effect of UVB rays. People with medium-coloured skin should keep their exposure within the end ranges – before 10pm and after 3pm.
Dark skin
This is brown skin that rarely burns and tans profusely to dark.

Protecting your skin

Sunscreens come in cream, lotion, milk or gel form. Fragrance- and alcohol-free products are good if you have allergies, sensitive skin or have had a reaction to sunscreen. Gels are good as there’s no leftover product residue and it’s easy to apply. Ask your dermatologist to recommend a sunscreen that best suits your skin type and activity.

And because it can’t be said enough: hydrate, hydrate and hydrate! Water does wonders for clear, clean and even skin.

How sunblock works:

Physical sunscreen filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin and block or reflect ultraviolet (UV) rays away from the skin.
Chemical ingredients absorb UV radiation through their chemical molecule bonds. As these bonds absorb the UV rays, components of the sunscreen slowly break down and release heat, transferring the UV away from the skin to prevent them from damaging skin cells.
Some sunscreens contain Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate). This enhances the body’s ability to repair UV-induced damage, soothes the skin and acts as an antioxidant.

Keep your tone even and clear

Always cleanse. Cleansing your skin is non-negotiable. A good cleanser removes dirt and bacteria, and clears away make-up, other fat-soluble particles and excess oils. It also ensures that your other skin products can do their job properly. Cleanse your face and neck in the morning and before you go to bed in the evening. Always use mild or natural soaps suited to your skin type – harsh soaps can cause breakouts and, in some people, acne. Also never over-wash – it will strip your skin of its natural, protective oils. And use lukewarm water.

Moisturise twice a day. A good moisturiser smooths and hydrates the skin by locking in moisture and providing a barrier between the skin and the environment. Your skin needs to be moisturised in the morning and before bedtime. A good moisturiser should contain glycerine, hyaluronic acid and dimethicone. Choose a light moisturiser if you don’t have dry skin, and consider using a day and night cream. It might be worth using a heavier formula in winter, when your skin might be drier, and a lighter, oil-free moisturiser during summer. Over-moisturising can create clogged pores and lead to blackheads and breakouts so don’t overdo things.

Tone, but only if it really works for you. Toning isn’t strictly necessary, but a good toner can remove last bits of make-up and excess oil. Choose a toner that’s free of alcohol and see how your skin reacts to it. Stop using the toner if it seems to dry out your skin. And, if your budget is tight, rather spend your money on a good cleanser and moisturiser. For an instant lift, use products that contain antioxidants and dimethylethanolamine (DMAE). For red or irritated skin, use a product that contains Vitamin C.

References:

Painful blisters – is it sunburn or shingles?

November 13th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

It sounds so innocent, but people who’ve suffered from shingles say it can be incredibly painful. And with almost 90% of people at risk, be prepared if it ever comes your way! Shingles can easily be mistaken for sunburn. But it’s a lot more painful than that. Here’s how you know if the rash could be shingles:

How it is caused

The condition is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and it usually attacks people with weak immune systems from injury, stress, illness, certain medication or other reasons. Shingles usually appear in a band, a strip, or a small area on one side of the face or body.

Symptoms

The first symptoms usually include tiredness and headache, followed by itching or tingling in one area of the skin. A few days later, you might notice a chickenpox-like rash, starting with red patches that form clusters of small blisters. In most cases, shingles can last for up to five weeks, and may leave scarring.

Am I at risk

Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing who will develop shingles and what could trigger the virus. Some research shows that the risk of shingles increases as you get older. The good news is that it’s not contagious so you can’t catch it or spread it through touch, but you could spread the virus to a child or pregnant woman and cause chickenpox.

Stages of shingles

Chickenpox: The virus that causes chickenpox causes shingles. Even after the chickenpox infection is over, the virus stays in your nervous system.
Reactivation shingles: When your body’s defense is down the virus can reactivate and trigger the development of shingles.
Rash: Patches of red bump blisters on your skin.
Crusting: After about a week or 10 days the blisters will start to crust and scabs will fall off.
Postherpetic neuralgia: This is the complication of shingles. It affects nerve fibres and skin. The painful burn lasts long after the rash and blisters caused by shingles.

Shingles pain difficult to treat

According to Dr Milton Raff, a specialist in treating chronic pain at the Christian Barnard Memorial Hospital Pain Clinic in Cape Town, shingles-related pain is difficult to treat and the pain is a result of affected nerves that function abnormally.

“Regular pain medications are not effective. We only have a few specialised medications we can try. If these prove to be ineffective, then the pain can be incapacitating. In a small proportion of patients, the pain never goes away. Not only does the patient suffer severe pain, they can often not perform routine everyday tasks”, says Dr Raff.

Commonly used medicines to treat shingles include antivirals and medicines for neuropathic pain. These cost about R800 a month.

Shingles can be prevented

There is good news, though. Studies show that a vaccine can prevent the development of shingles in up to seven out of 10 people who would have got it had they not been vaccinated. The vaccine also significantly reduces the development or severity of the pain.

The vaccine stimulates the body’s immune response to the virus, without actually causing disease.

In South Africa, children can be vaccinated against chickenpox as part of their routine vaccination schedule. A new vaccine is now available, and it’s just as important for adults over 50 to be vaccinated against shingles. “I would recommend that everyone over the age of 50 should speak to their doctor about getting vaccinated,” says Dr Raff.

References:

The different types of eczema

October 27th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Eczema is a skin condition which affects adults and children, and it often gets worse when you start scratching the affected area. The term eczema is a general term which applies to symptoms of a recurring skin rash, which are often accompanied by: redness, swelling, dryness, itching, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding.

The 3 main types of eczema

Atopic Dermatitis

This is the most common form of eczema, and triggers include environmental factors, food or skin irritants like soaps and lotions. General symptoms include dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Atopic dermatitis is a hereditary condition.

Contact Eczema

Contact eczema is a rash that’s caused as a result of coming into contact with an allergen. The most common allergens/irritants are laundry detergents, but it can also be caused by stinging nettles or poison ivy. The rash is usually localised to the area in contact with the irritant. Contact eczema is not hereditary.

Seborrhoeic Eczema

Although the exact causes of seborrhoeic eczema are unknown, this type of eczema is common in people who have HIV/Aids. Signs of seborrhoeic eczema include yellow, oily and scaly patches on the scalp, and it doesn’t always cause itching.

Other types of eczema

Nummular Eczema

This type of eczema results in a coin-shaped rash which develops on the arms, back, buttocks and legs. Nummular eczema is incredibly itchy, and the skin may become scaly and crusted. It’s fairly uncommon but when it does present it’s usually a chronic condition.

Neuro-Dermatitis

is a chronic condition that starts with a small itch that gets worse when it’s scratched. Something as small and insignificant as an insect bite can trigger the rash, which develops on the head, wrist, legs and arms. With this type of eczema, stress can make symptoms worse.

All these different types of eczema can be confusing. Why not chat to one of our doctors, to get to the bottom of your skin condition? If you’re not a member yet, sign up here.

What you need to know about treating cellulite

October 27th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

You don’t have to be overweight to have cellulite, and it happens to men too, which makes it the bane of most people’s existence! But what causes the dreaded ‘orange peel’ effect, and is there a way to fix it?

Let’s start at the beginning. Basically, cellulite is fat. Everyone has fat cells under their skin, and cellulite occurs as these fat cells swell and the surrounding fibrous tissue changes in texture. This causes a pulling effect and gives the skin a dimpled look. Dr. Albert Viljoen from Hello Doctor recommends pinching the skin around your upper thigh to check if you have cellulite. If it looks lumpy, you probably have it. Don’t stress though, remember MOST people also have it – yes – even models.

What Causes Cellulite?

Several things influence how much cellulite you have and how visible it is, including:

Fad/detox/crash dieting
Poor diet and nutrition
Slow metabolism
Lack of exercise
Hormonal changes
Dehydration
The thickness and colour of your skin, and
Total body fat

How Do I Treat Cellulite?

There are many treatments and products that promise to get rid of cellulite, but there isn’t much evidence to show that they work in the long term. Treatments include spa and massage treatments, cellulite creams, liposuction, mesotherapy and laser treatment.

The safest and most sustainable treatment option is to combine exercise (which tones your body) with weight loss (if it’s necessary.) Experts agree that the most effective exercise routine for cellulite is a blend of aerobic exercise and strength training along with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, water and fibre.

If you would like to talk to a doctor about cellulite and how to treat or prevent it, simply download the free Hello Doctor app, and talk to one of our doctors.

The best home remedies to cure boils

September 6th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Could it be a bad pimple or a boil? Well both start out similarly. The difference is that a pimple may appear as a raised reddish spot and a boil grows bigger and may become more painful. You can blame a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureusis also known as “staph” for this irksome condition.

Red, painful, swollen, pus-filled and tender; a boil is certainly not what you want. The good thing is you can get rid of it naturally.

The ew factor

A boil is an infection of the skin caused by bacteria. It begins in the oil gland or hair follicle and results in an irritation that’s red and filled with pus in the middle. Bacteria enter the body through cuts and nicks. It’s highly contagious, and may be accompanied by a fever too. Normally, boils appear where there’s sweat and friction and any other place on the body with hair follicles, like the armpits and buttocks. This also includes the face, shoulders and the neck.

Applying topical creams, taking antibiotics or draining out the pus, is normally how people get rid of boils. As tempting as it may be to want to “pop” it, fight the urge as this just spreads the infection even more.

Home remedies can often be the best solutions for the treatment of boils. If it lasts for more than two weeks, you have a fever with swollen lymph nodes, it’s on the spine or face, or you’re in severe pain; it’s time to see a doctor.

How risky is it?

Anyone is at risk of developing a boil more especially those who have a weakened or compromised immune system that can’t fight off infections.

Boils, be gone!

Clean and treat minor wounds properly, as they’re likely to get infected.
Wash the clothes, bedding and towels of anyone you’re frequently in contact with who’s infected with boils.
Practise good hygiene. Shower or bath regularly and use an antibacterial soap or gel.
Wash your hands often or use a hand sanitiser.
Stick to a diet that has foods that can help fight off bacteria. Bone up on more Vitamin C and protein.

5 ways to relieve a boil at home

#1 Warm compressor

A warm and wet compressor is helpful to decrease the pain and increase blood flow to the area. It also promotes circulation and will help draw the pus to the surface, to eventually burst. Do this daily to help speed up the process and help the boil pop and drain on its own.

#2 Apply an antibacterial ointment

Different types of ointments can help kill off the germs around the boil. It will ripen the boil and stimulate drainage.

#3 Epsom salt bath

Run a hot bath, and make sure the water isn’t too hot to harm your skin. Epsom salt has antiseptic properties that bring out toxins and dry the boil with minimal pain. Epsom salt also increases perspiration that will help rid your body of metabolic wastes. Do this two to three times a week.

#4 Baking soda paste

Mix baking soda and water until it forms a thick paste. Baking soda helps drain an abscess naturally. Apply to the boil and affected skin area.

#5 Thick slices of onion

Onions have active compounds and anti-inflammatory properties that can ease the pain of a boil. It also has antifungal and antiseptic properties to fight boils and prevent them from developing again. Apply a slice of onion over the boil and cover with a gauze overnight. This should generate heat and draw blood. Continue the process until the boil comes to the head and drains.

When to see the doctor

If your home remedies don’t work, you may need to visit your doctor. Don’t wait any longer if you have any of these symptoms:

Red streaks around the skin of the boil
The pain gets worse
The boil does not drain
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes

If in doubt, chat to one of our doctors on the Hello Doctor App, so we can help you get back your beautiful skin!

References

https://www.symptomfind.com/symptoms/getting-to-the-bottom-of-skin-boils/
https://draxe.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-boil/
http://www.dermishealth.com/treatment-for-skin-boils.html
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/boils#2
http://www.naturalremedies.org/boils/
http://homeremediesforlife.com/onion-for-boils/
http://www.diyhealthremedy.com/7-home-remedies-to-treat-abscess/

What to do to prevent the worst kind of scars

September 1st, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

If you were a normal kid, you probably have scars and scrapes from your times running around outside with your friends; falling off trees, slipping off skateboards. Think of these as friendly childhood stripes, marks of your adventures! Scars in fact, are a necessary formation of the process your skin goes through to heal after an injury.

How scars are formed

Scars form from injuries, accidents, surgical procedures or skin conditions. The appearance of a scar depends on the type of the wound, where on your body you were injured, and other genetic factors. Scarring is an important part of healing.

The toughest kind of scar

Then there’s a keloid scar. These are the toughies. With keloids, the skin goes into an overdrive situation and “heals too much”. This forms an overgrowth of scar tissue over the wound: a hard, smooth and raised lump. This lump is often bigger than the wound itself. The scar is not harmful to your health, but it is quite visible.

The rubbery scar may become itchy, tender, and painful or create a burning sensation. It can develop anywhere on the body but most commonly on the earlobes, chest, shoulders and cheeks. They rarely develop on the face, except the jawline. They can also develop with minor injuries and body piercings.

What puts you at risk for Keloids?

Being under the age of 30.
Having someone with keloids in your family.
Being pregnant.
Having dark pigmentation.
Being of African, Latino or Asian descent.

Time to see a doctor?

Keloids are benign, meaning they’re not harmful; you don’t necessarily need to check in with your doctor. If you develop other symptoms though, and there’s an increase in overgrowth, it’s time to visit your doctor!

How to prevent it from forming:

Avoid shaving. Use hair removal creams instead.
Avoid body piercings and tattoos.
If you have acne, don’t pop your pimples!
Fresh wounds should be covered and kept moist. If you allow a fresh cut to breathe, you’re slowing down the healing process.
Stay away from the sun as it can be harmful to scar tissue and the production of collagen.
Avoid cosmetic surgery.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet that will help with healing from within.
Drink plenty of fluids to flush out toxins and help build new tissue.

Other kinds of scars

Stretchmarks are long narrow lines or stripes that form on the surface of the skin as result of stretching of the skin. They’re very common in both men and women.
Scar contractures are commonly caused by burns. The scar develops when the skin “shrinks”, resulting in tightness and restriction of movement.
Pitted or sunken scars (atrophic or “ice-pick” scars) are indentions; related to collagen and muscle loss. Acne and chicken pox are also related causes. The scars are hard to treat as they appear from the abnormal collagen production.
Hypertrophic scars are caused by injury to the deep layer of the skin tissues. The elevated appearance of the scar is caused by excess amounts of collagen produced by the body to repair the injury on the skin.