Category Archives: Eczema

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The extent to which hormones can wreak havoc on our physiology is almost unbelievable. And during our menstrual cycle, the hormonal balance goes for a toss with its effects best described as chaotic. Dr Sejal Saheta, Dermatologist and Venereologist, InUrSkn, says, The levels and balance between the three main hormones namely oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone keep changing through our menstrual cycle. These hormones are responsible for causing a number of physical and mental changes in our body, ranging from mood swings, bloating to body aches, and changes in skin and hair.

Hormones At Play

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Dr Sejal explains the role of hormones in the physiology of skin and hair.

What Does This Mean For Me?

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The balance between these hormones starts getting disturbed a few days before your period and can lead to a host of skin and hair issues. Dr Sejal lists some of the common ones to look out for and also shares tips on what can be done about them.

Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples flare up just before the start of your period. This is largely due to increased sebum production, which leads to blocking of pores and hence bacterial proliferation, causing acne breakouts.

Oral and topical medications are prescribed by dermatologists to control both the symptom (the bacterial growth) and also the cause (excess sebum production). If acne breakouts are recurrent during your menstrual cycle, your dermatologist can help you establish a routine around the same time which will prevent acne breakouts.

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These infections are very common on the inner side of thighs and pubic area due to use of sanitary napkins, tampons, etc. Sweating becomes a catalyst for these infections to grow further.

Here too, good hygiene practices like regular change of sanitary napkins and frequent cleansing of the area with lukewarm water helps keep the infections away. Your dermatologist can advise you on the exact oral and topical medications that can help with the specific infection. If this is a recurrent feature during menstruation, then you can ask your dermatologist for a medication that can be used prophylactically (in advance), advises Dr Sejal.

Lower oestrogen levels can decrease collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid levels in your skin, leading to dry and dull skin. Avoid use of powders or any kind of antiseptic wash. These tend to dry the skin further. Instead, select the right moisturiser based on your skin type and moisturise frequently.

A very mild procedure called ionisation can be used to infuse hydrating serums into the deeper layers of your skin. For more severe cases, treatments like hyaluronic acid injections hold good promise and give good results.

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For women who have conditions like melasma and dark circles, menstruating can be a particularly bad time as during this period, pigmented areas can get darker.

While a permanent result can be brought about only by hormonal correction, there are topical applications and procedures that can help reduce pigmentation. Your dermatologist may prescribe some creams and oral medications that will help you with overall skin pigmentation and health, and also some targeted procedures like chemical peels and laser skin toning, says Dr Sejal.

Due to constant contact with and irritation due to sanitary napkins, tampons, etc., the skin tends to become itchy and red leading to small boils and patches. Good hygiene practices along with symptomatic treatment by your doctor can go a long way to help you with this.

During menstruation, immunity is on the lower side, which can activate pre-existing herpes or other such infections in the body. Hence, it is important to pay specific attention to your health in terms of ensuring high immunity. Lifestyle choices play a big role in keeping your immunity high. Ensure good nutrition, sleep, and exercise habits along with staying away from smoking, alcohol, etc. In case of any infections like herpes, speak to your doctor for medications.

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Certain pre-existing chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis tend to flare up due to high progesterone levels during menstruation. Staying the path in terms of medications and topical applications is the correct choice. There are some procedures like excimer lasers which are also available to help with psoriasis.

Change in hormones can cause heavy hair breakage and hair loss. This condition is best treated by oral and topical medications. In addition to this, procedures like PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy or Meso Therapy can help in reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth.

In the end, remember that while your menstrual cycle is an inevitable part of your physiology, to live with the unpleasant effects of the same is avoidable. Just be sure to seek out medical help in time and choose to live a normal life even during that time of the month.

Link:
Understanding How Menstruation Affects Your Skin And Hair | Femina.in - Femina

Any idea how beneficial the usage of coconut oil can be in your daily life? Check out the benefits below.

Coconut oil is widely used in Indian households. From cooking to applying on hair, the oil has been a part of many food recipes as well as hair oils and thus is an important home remedy for hair related problems.

This becomes even more important as we take conscious food and lifestyle choices. But what are the ways to use it correctly?

Here are some of the benefits, you can definitely look into!

1. Going dandruff-free: Coconut oil can be an effective treatment for dandruff, especially for its anti-dandruff properties. It helps to deep condition your scalp.

Massage your hair with warm coconut oil and let it stay on your hair for 30 minutes before you wash it off.

2. It helps to cleanse your skin: Coconut oil can be used to remove your makeup and gently cleanse the skin. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties make it suitable for acne-prone skin. However, one should not forget to double cleanse after using coconut oil on your face to avoid clogging. Natural coconut oil without chemicals is also safe for babies.

3. Healing wounds: If you have had a wound, rubbing coconut oil over it can make the healing process faster.

4. Treating dark circles: Under eye dark circles are common and usually occur due to several factors like stress, lack of sleep, dehydration and excess screen time, etc. Massaging coconut oil gently with your fingertips can temporarily diminish the appearance of your dark circles. It may also reduce puffiness.

5. Perfect lip balm: Coconut oil can help you with your dry lips. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and helps to replace the dead skin on your lips. It acts as a barrier that locks the moisture inside the skin to prevent dryness.

6. Relieves Eczema: Coconut oil helps to relieve the symptoms of eczema but not cure them. It reduces skin irritation and dryness. It helps to hold the skin moisture inside and also keeps it hydrated.

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Treating dark circles, healing wounds and more: Some benefits of coconut oil - Firstpost

AmLactin is a brand that sells lotions and creams. These products may help improve dry skin and some of the symptoms associated with eczema.

AmLactin offers topical creams and lotions that people may use to treat dry skin and other skin conditions. Its products may improve dry, rough, and flaky skin.

Retailers sell several different AmLactin products that are available without a prescription. These include hydrating creams and daily moisturizing lotions.

This article explains how AmLactin products work and how their ingredients may help with eczema. It also explores possible side effects and reactions. Additionally, it discusses different types of eczema and other treatments that doctors may prescribe.

According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause:

The condition affects more than 31 million Americans and can range from mild to severe. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis.

Newborn babies can experience eczema within the first weeks and months after birth, and it commonly affects people in childhood and adolescence.

The NEA notes that there are seven different types of eczema:

Additionally, the NEA advises that many people develop eczema because of an interaction between their genes and other environmental triggers. Finally, it notes that proper, consistent skin care is essential in preventing and managing the condition.

The main active ingredient in AmLactin products is ammonium lactate. This substance is an organic salt of ammonium that the company makes by neutralizing lactic acid with ammonium hydroxide. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA).

People may apply ammonium lactate in a topical cream to reduce the symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris and xerosis, which are both dry skin conditions. Ammonium lactate acts as a humectant to reduce moisture loss and break up the scales present in these skin conditions.

AmLactin states that scientists have studied lactic acid in more than 50 clinical trials. The company claims that studies showed the most significant improvements occur with lactic acid concentrations of more than 10%. All AmLactin products contain 1215% lactic acid.

Some AmLactin products also contain ceramides, glycerin, dimethicone, and mineral oils. These ingredients may help improve the appearance of dry skin and lock in moisture.

Researchers have not studied the efficacy of AmLactin products on eczema, so these skin care products are not for treating the condition specifically. Therefore, a person should consider speaking with a healthcare professional before using AmLactin products to help with eczema.

However, a 2019 clinical trial investigated the effect of AmLactin Rapid Relief lotion on dry skin in 56 healthy female study participants. After using the cream on one leg twice daily for 2 weeks, participants had no adverse effects and experienced improvements in:

However, because the study only compared this AmLactin product with no treatment, the authors noted that they could not conclude how the Rapid Relief lotion compares with other products.

Some AmLactin products contain ceramides to lock in moisture in the skin. According to a 2020 study that received funding from LOreal, ceramides may sustain skin moisturization for 24 hours in people with eczema-prone skin. The researchers concluded that ceramide lotions may help manage atopic dermatitis.

Additionally, another 2017 study found that ceramide-containing lotion or cream containing 1% pramoxine hydroxide provided long lasting itch-relief for people with atopic dermatitis. This worked as effectively as hydrocortisone cream, with daily use over 6 days giving all-night itch relief to 87.5% of people and healthier feeling skin to 81.3%.

When applying AmLactin products, people may experience a tingling or stinging sensation. These products may cause particular irritation if a person applies them to damaged skin or after shaving the legs. Individuals should also be careful when using AmLactin products on sensitive areas and avoid using them on the face.

Other less frequently reported reactions to ammonium lactate include dryness and hyperpigmentation.

Additionally, because AmLactin products contain lactic acid, an AHA, they may increase the skins sensitivity to the sun. This can increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that some research indicates that products are only safe if they contain 10% or less of the AHAs glycolic acid and lactic acid. AmLactin products contain 1215% lactic acid.

Therefore, people should use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using AmLactin products and for at least 1 week afterward.

People should also consult a doctor to determine the most suitable treatment for their eczema.

Research suggests that the effects of ammonium lactate on people who are pregnant and breastfeeding are unknown, so people should check with a healthcare professional before using AmLactin. Additionally, a person should check that AmLactin is suitable to use on a child with eczema.

Doctors may prescribe topical treatments for eczema depending on the type and the severity of symptoms. The NEA advises that treatments may include:

If topical treatments are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe a monoclonal antibody treatment, such as Dupixent, for eczema.

Additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology Association advises that sometimes dermatologists recommend coal tar for eczema to reduce inflammation, thickened skin, and itching. However, a person may experience side effects from this treatment, so they should discuss this with their doctor first.

There is currently no research on the efficacy of AmLactin products for eczema. Furthermore, the companys products cannot treat this condition specifically, and they may irritate eczema-prone skin. Therefore, a person should discuss suitable eczema treatments with their doctor before using them.

However, some research suggests that the active ingredients in AmLactin products may help relieve some eczema symptoms. Ammonium lactate and ceramides may help retain moisture, relieve dryness, and improve the appearance of a persons skin.

It is important to note that because AmLactin products contain lactic acid, a person should protect themselves from the sun while using the products and for 1 week afterward. They can do this by using sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure as much as possible.

Additionally, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before using AmLactin products. Individuals should also check with their doctor before applying these skin care products to a childs skin or if they have severe skin symptoms.

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Is AmLactin good for eczema? Efficacy, safety and alternatives - Medical News Today

A woman has been teased for having grandma hands despite being 28 years old.

But there is a reason why Lauren Bellsskinlooks aged and many others have ended up with the same issue.

The business owner, from Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales, said: When I was in school, I was called grandma hands.

Ive always been a feisty person, Ive never been bullied, it was water off a ducks back, it didnt make me feel too bad.

But you do get the comments from people why do your hands look so old?

Im a designer and I work a lot with my hands. I would be in workshops or doing group projects, and people would always comment Why do your hands look like that?

Laurens skin has become wethered due toeczemaand years of using steroid creams to ease its symptoms.

One of the side effects of topical steroid creams listed by the NHS is thinning of the skin.

Lauren said: I had eczema as a child so I used steroid creams for a very long time. I would use it on my hands and my arms.

I used the steroid creams mildly as a child, but then over the last three to four years I was using them every few weeks or so.

If I stopped using them, my hands would flare up and Id be prescribed a stronger cream, which is the cycle most people get trapped in.

Over the past few years, I noticed my skin changing.

Steroid creams had caused a whole host of things aged skin, sensitivity to sun and worsening eczema symptoms.

Lauren decided to stop using topical steroid creams which she said she was addictedto.

Some eczema sufferers turn their back on their steroid creams after years of use, finding that they do not work as well anymore.

Topical steroid withdrawal(TSW) may set in when a persons skin worsens significantly after ditching the creams they have relied on for so long.

It is only slowly being recognised by public health bodies including the MHRA and NHS, and is more common in people who have used the products for a long time.

Lauren said she has noticed a huge difference since cutting out the steroid creams and using a more natural approach to her eczema.

She even set up a company,Cosi Care, to help others with her chronic condition and TSW.

It sells scratching tools that are designed to relieve itching without breaking the skin like fingernails do therefore preventing bleeding and infections.

Lauren said: I stopped using steroid cream about sixteen months ago and Ive noticed a huge difference.

Sixteen months without using it, my skin is pretty much back to normal other than my hands that have been affected by the thinning nature of the steroid creams.

You see the effect of premature ageing but that should reverse in time now that Im not using the creams anymore.

Lauren used to cover her hands with long sleeved tops in a bid to hide them from.

But she has now embraced her aged skin and no longer feels like a freak for openly talking about it onTikTok.

Lauren said: I did thevideo on TikTok, I didnt realise how many people suffer with the exact same insecurity.

Ive had so many comments from people, especially young women, saying I never realised thats why my hands look old.

It was really empowering to do that and it was great that there were other people who shared the same insecurity because I always felt very alone in that.

After starting Cosi Care, Ive spoken to so many people who have gone through topical steroid withdrawal and it made me realise that thousands of people experience the same thing.

Im definitely embracing my hands now as I feel more accepted online.

Its like everybody has been hiding this really specific insecurity.

Nobody really talks about aged hands.

Putting it out there and having people respond the way they have has been really encouraging. It made me feel like Im not a freak.

Theres been a lot of movement with people accepting what their real skin looks like whether its eczema or acne.

Three years ago, you would have never caught me doing a video about my hands, thatd be my idea of a nightmare, but I just felt so much more comfortable and ready to do it.

Now, Lauren tries to help others manage their eczema with the Cosi Care Scratch Star and Scratch Attack Roller, which can be stored in the freezer.

Lauren said: My dad would use ice and cool flannels to cool my eczema down as a kid.

So through Cosi Care, I put all this into one product which looks like a toy so children can use it for itch relief.

It has a cooling texture and doesnt have the damaging effects that scratching would have.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced here with permission.

Original post:
Im only 28 but my hands look like they belong to a grandma - New York Post

A MUM who thought she just had a patch of eczema on her face was devastated to learn the truth months later.

Honoure Stark, 53, was diagnosed with skin cancer and has used chemotherapy cream on her face for 10 years.

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The potent cream kills cancer cells but causes agonising side effects including inflammation, itching, weeping and scabbing.

Honoure has felt like an acid attack victim and says people run away from her thinking she has a contagious disease.

The mum, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, first noticed an unusual spot on her forehead that was scaly in texture back in 2008.

She said: "In the first few months that I saw it, I thought it was dry skin or eczema.

It didn't have a colour. It was an abnormally shaped round spot but it was flaky and if I exfoliated it bled.

"So I knew at that point after six or eight months that it wasn't just dry skin, it was something that I should have looked at by the doctor.

Honoure admits she didn't give it the attention it deserved, as with four small children running around, her focus was on caring for them.

But when her forehead became indented from where her flesh was slowly rotting away, she decided it was time to see a doctor.

The mum said: It was eating my skin and tissue and getting extremely close to the bone on my forehead and that scared me into seeing my doctor.

"I went into her office, I was quite nervous and didn't know anything about skin cancer.

"She immediately looked at my forehead and said, 'You have cancer. We need to set up a date for surgery to remove that'.

I was very put off by her lack of empathy and was quite upset. I started to cry.

"To be quite honest, I was so shocked by the diagnosis I really had a difficult time retaining anything past her pointing at my forehead saying I had cancer."

Honoure was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, in 2009.

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She had seven surgeries to remove the enormous lesion on her forehead.

But her ordeal didnt stop there, as over the past 12 years, Honoure has had around 30 surgeries to remove countless lesions.

She said the cancer has appeared all over her body - including her neck, arm and chest.

One of the most agonising parts of her treatment is a topical chemotherapy cream, which she has been using since 2012.

Honoure says it's akin to pouring acid on her skin, and she must leave the cream on for a minimum of six hours a day.

Photos show her fair skin "bubbling up" before it's covered in red scabs as a result of using the chemotherapy cream.

She said: "It looks like I've had an acid attack. It makes my skin look like I've had a very bad accident.

"It makes the skin very hot and incredibly itchy. It's like you have red, burning ants running on your skin and you mustn't touch or scratch it.

"I have had people walk away from me. People would point at me and just not understand if I had a disease that was contagious.

"People would stare and make comments like, 'Oh my God, what happened to her face?'

Honoure has had to come to terms with the fact her life will never be the same since her diagnosis.

She said she can never again be exposed to direct sunlight, and has to stay indoors between 10am and 4pm.

"I have the skin of a 70 or 80-year-old woman," Honoure said.

"I'm highly susceptible to melanoma, all of the other skin cancers, not just because I'm a redhead - that's one factor - but also because I never protected my skin.

"I put sunscreen on my children. However, I didn't wear sunscreen at all. It wasn't something that I thought about every morning before I went outside.

"I didn't wear a hat or stand under an umbrella, and that's exactly why I have this much cancer.

"I will have this for the rest of my life and I find that very daunting."

Honoure regularly shares informative TikTok videos about skin cancer and has amassed more than 240,000 likes and followers by doing so.

She said: "I want people to understand that small behaviours that they can incorporate into their routine can stop this from happening.

"So you wear a hat, I see babies outside in the bright sun without a hat on and I think to myself, 'That frightens me', because of what their future may look like.

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I thought I had eczema on my face but the truth was much worse I look like an acid attack victim... - The US Sun

Winter and its blistering-cold conditions is known for wreaking havoc on those with eczema-prone skin. However, those with eczema know that summer poses its own challenges as well. Dermatologist, National Ezcema Association member and advisor to Bodewell Peter Lio, MD says, The extreme heat and humidity, the frequent sweating and the jarring temperature changes from ice-cold air conditioning to the sweltering outdoors can all contribute to eczema flare-ups. Additionally, summer typically means fewer clothes and thus can lead to more anxiety around how the skin looks, he notes.

Davie, FL dermatologist Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD notes that its common for people to be triggered by temperature changes such as heat or humidity in the summer. To help you avoid flare-ups this summer, we have tips from dermatologists on how to stave off any irritation.

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Keep your skin barrier intact and strong

The best way to fend off eczema flares during the summer months is to keep your skin barrier intact, says West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD. An intact skin barrier will help to keep infections from starting and also help to minimize allergic or irritant molecules from causing a flare.

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Avoid irritating chemicals and fragrances

Dr. Beer advises avoiding any possible eczema irritants. The most common culprits of eczema are irritating skin-care ingredients such as certain chemicals (such as mineral oils, formaldehydes) and fragrances (including lemongrass and sandalwood), says Dr. Blyumin-Karasik.

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Avoid exfoliation

Although exfoliation can be beneficial for most skin types, it can be an irritant for those with eczema. Dr. Blyumin-Karasik suggests avoiding ingredients that are exfoliants like beta hydroxy acids, alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids.

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Be careful with tactile triggers

Dr. Blyumin-Karasik warns that certain people react to tactile triggers such as rough wool clothing or rubbing/scratching of the skin or significant sweating after exertion. If you have eczema, monitor how your skin reacts to these triggers so you know which to avoid.

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Use lightweight products

Dermatologist and advisor to Bodewell, Tiffany Mayo, MD, says patients often want to skip moisturizer in hot weather, but she advises to resist the urge to skip applying lotion as its an important step in decrease eczema flare ups.

If you dont like using thick products in the summer, swap them for lighter moisturizers. During the hot and sweaty days of summer, many patients find lighter-weight preparations to be more tolerable on the skin instead of the heavier, greasier ointment preparations, says Dr. Lio.

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Shower more frequently and in colder water

More frequent brief, cool showers can be helpful, so long as a gentle cleanser is used and moisturizer is applied right after, says Dr. Lio. This helps wash off allergens and irritants (including sweat) that can make the skin worse, but also physically cools the skin. He adds that moisturizing right after the shower to help strengthen the skin barrier.

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Use a mineral water spray

Keeping a mineral water spray on hand can allow for a quick cool down of the skin that can be very soothing, particularly when overheated, says Dr. Lio. The mineral water can also help dilute the irritating nature of sweat, even when you cant get to a shower.

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Get some sun, but not too much

Getting a little bit of sun exposure can be helpful for many skin conditions, especially psoriasis and eczema, says Dr. Lio. However, he adds that too much sun is not good as it can increase the risk of skin cancer. He suggests keeping sun exposure brief and in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense.

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Choose the right sunscreen

Some sunscreens, particularly chemical sunscreens, may cause flares due to certain ingredients, says Dr. Mayo. However, you cant simply skip sunscreen altogether. Dr. Mayo suggests choosing sunscreens recommended by the National Eczema Association.

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9 Ways to Fend Off Eczema Flare-Ups in the Summer - NewBeauty Magazine

Many entrepreneurs start a business out of a hobby or boiling passion for a specific thing. But the same doesnt necessarily have to apply to others.

Honestly, we were just a couple of individuals who were keen to start a brand with the intention to showcase that Malaysian made products are just as valuable and effective compared to some of the bigger brands in the market, shared the team from Koolit.

Their goals were clear: break false perceptions that local products are inferior, and push themselves to grow within a competitive space. More specifically, within the sensitive skincare space.

Shop Koolits products on VP Label at an exclusive price now:

Itchy and inflamed skin is a nuisance, whether or not chronic or acute skin problems are involved.

Building their brand on grit, perseverance, and genuine passion, Koolits team began realising that there was a big link between Malaysians having sensitive skin due to our tropical weather.

Koolit was thus launched with a set of products meant to calm such issues, namely its Gentle Body Wash (RM45), Calming Cream (RM48), and Soothing Lotion (RM38).

Liquorice root extract is the star ingredient of Koolits products. The plant is said to bring healing properties to reduce itching, irritation, and redness of the skin. It is a prominent component in skincare products that focus on the sensitive skin range, according to Koolits team.

Glycyrrhizin is also present in Koolits products. Its an anti-inflammatory ingredient, which can lessen skin redness and irritation. As an antioxidant, it protects our skin against free radicals, the team added. Meanwhile, galfridian helps diminish dark spots from scarring or sun damage.

The most memorable moment for the team in starting Koolit happened during the initial stages of the business. They finally had their first batch of products after six to nine months of R&D and gave out samples for a focus group test to gather customer feedback. One particular event has stuck with them to this day.

Met with a single mother on a relentless search to solve her youngest childs acute sensitive skin condition, the founders took it upon themselves to guide the family through the process.

Through supervision and guidance, Koolits team shared that the mother saw gradual improvements in her daughters skin condition after about six weeks.

Moreover, the emotional state of the family improved too. We could finally see their smiles and feel the anxiety dissipate, they told Vulcan Post.

We managed to unearth a gem. We knew that we didnt just have a winning formulationwe had real validation.

The impact this validation had on the team was immeasurable, especially considering the stiff competition for sensitive skincare products in stores.

The Koolit team knew that it was going to be challenging being a newcomer. And the brand was faced with yet another challenge upon launching, when their products officially hit the shelves in the same week the first MCO began in 2020.

At the time, they were put in a mentally difficult situation. Jumping into fifth gear through many sleepless nights, they described the process as nerve-wracking.

People can also be sceptical about the effectiveness of skin and body care products, especially if they already have sensitive skin.

To increase customer confidence in Koolit, the team uses a methodology of continuous refinement. Upon receiving customer queries, the team would validate their skin conditions and look into their past product usage, therapies, or treatments.

They would then detail the process to analyse what did and didnt work. In fact, earning someones trust and confidence takes more than just data. It takes heart and it was a long journey as we choose to journey with them and witness the process of recovery, they expressed.

Based on the care shown by Koolits team, it certainly indicates that more than just selling a product, they are offering customers genuine service and support through their skin issues as well.

Being on the shelves of Watsons has helped Koolit elevate its visibility to a larger crowd, while giving them a platform to instil credibility.

Besides, consumers can easily compare Koolits products against competitors of the same category as they will be placed on the same shelf.

It pushes us to improve to better serve the nations and solve their skin problems, Koolits team noted, and theyre already looking for opportunities to expand to neighbouring SEA countries.

Specifically, in retail, we will continue to expand into new channels but with the entire shift to digital, were exploring other digital avenues to reach people in need of sensitive skincare solutions. For now, they are already available in Brunei and Malaysia.

Shop Koolits products on VP Label at an exclusive price now:

Also Read: We explain how the Zero Trust Network can be one of the solutions for improved cybersecurity

See more here:
Believing liquorice root calms eczema, this Msian skincare line made it the key ingredient - Vulcan Post

Bowens disease is an early form of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer.

The disease is also known as SCC in situ. The term in situ means that it develops on the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis, and remains in the place that it originally developed.

Bowens disease typically involves a red, scaly, crusty lesion. The lesion might look like other skin conditions, such as eczema (a condition that makes your skin red and itchy) or psoriasis.

Since Bowens disease is an SCC, its important you get medical attention right away. Read on to learn about the causes of Bowens disease, plus how its diagnosed and treated.

For most people, Bowens disease is characterized by a single lesion. About 10 to 20 percent of people with Bowens disease develop multiple lesions.

The lesion most commonly develops on your head or neck. It typically looks like a red, scaly patch, or a plaque. Symptoms include:

It can take 2 to 40 years for your lesion to reach its full size, so its important for you to get it identified and treated early.

For some people, their lesions might be asymptomatic and cause no symptoms at all.

The specific cause of Bowens disease is currently unknown. But there are certain factors associated with the disease.

These include:

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Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major contributor to Bowens disease.

Over time, UV radiation damages the DNA in your skin. This can lead to cancerous conditions like Bowens disease.

Sources of UV radiation include:

The p53 gene is a gene that suppresses tumors. A mutation of this gene can lead to various forms of tumors, including those involved in skin cancer.

A weakened immune system can increase the expression of a p53 mutation. This may cause Bowens disease.

Causes of a compromised immune system include:

A human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is another potential cause of Bowens disease. Several types of HPV may be associated with the disease.

Arsenic is a metal element thats toxic to humans. Its tasteless and odorless.

Chronic arsenic exposure can lead to Bowens disease. It takes about 10 years to develop after your first exposure.

Exposure to arsenic can happen due to:

You may be more likely to develop Bowens disease if you:

The following images show Bowens disease on different parts of the body, including Bowens disease of the nail.

Bowens disease is a type of SCC, a type of cancer. It can be successfully treated using various methods, but it should be treated early or else it can become invasive.

The best treatment for Bowens disease depends on several factors:

Treatment options include:

The most common option is surgical removal. Its usually used for smaller lesions.

During the procedure, a surgeon will cut out your lesion, along with a thin margin of normal tissue around it.

This treatment is highly effective. But it will leave a scar.

In topical chemotherapy, a medicated cream is applied to your lesion. These creams work by destroying the cancerous skin cells.

The creams used for this purpose include 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod 5 percent. They may be used in combination with other Bowens disease treatments.

Cryosurgery, or cryotherapy, uses extreme cold to kill your abnormal skin cells. It typically uses liquid nitrogen or argon gas.

Generally, this treatment is recommended if you have one lesion at a location on your body that heals well.

Curettage is a surgical procedure. It involves scraping the lesions off of your skin.

After curettage, your lesion might be burned with an electrical current. This is called cauterization.

Radiotherapy uses high doses of radiation to destroy the lesion. Types of radiotherapy used for Bowens disease include:

Radiotherapy is often used for lesions on areas that are hard to treat, such as your scalp, penis if you have one, and around your anus. Radiotherapy is one of the more expensive treatment options.

In photodynamic therapy, a light-sensitizing agent is applied to your lesion for 3 hours. A light is then projected onto the targeted area, which selectively destroys the damage.

The following methods are used to diagnose Bowens disease:

See a doctor if you have new, unexplained skin lesions or growths. Symptoms that might mean you have skin cancer include:

There are multiple options for effective Bowens disease treatments. So, for most people, the recovery rate is high.

The key is to treat Bowens disease as early as possible. Thats because its more difficult to treat in its later stages.

Since Bowens disease is a type of skin cancer, youll need to take certain precautions after treatment. This includes:

Its possible to lower your risk of developing Bowens disease. This includes:

Getting regular skin checkups can also help catch Bowens disease early, when treatment is most effective.

Bowens disease is a cancerous condition. It involves scaly patches that can turn into skin cancer over time. The most common cause is prolonged sun exposure, but HPV infections, arsenic exposure, and a compromised immune system can also play a role.

Its possible to treat Bowens disease. Your abnormal skin cells can be destroyed using treatments such as surgical removal, radiotherapy, topical chemotherapy, and cryosurgery.

When treated early, Bowens disease has a high recovery rate. The best way to lower your risk is to avoid or limit excess sun exposure.

Link:
Bowen's Disease Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment - Healthline

If youve noticed rough bumps on your arms, legs, or cheeks, these could be a sign of Keratosis Pilaris. Dr. Shainhouse says this is caused by the retention of keratin in the openings of hair follicles and can be exacerbated by dry weather.

These bumps essentially act as a dry skin marker, which can also be associated with eczema, according to New York-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, explains. A lack of moisturization, decreased exfoliation, and buildup of dead skin in pores also leads to the condition. She says certain unsuspecting irritants found in everyday items like harsh soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners, can also be linked to these red bumps.

Youll want to avoid any of these products, as well as hot showers. Dont try to scrub off the bumps or use a rough loofah doing so will only exacerbate the condition, Dr. Hartman says. Though he assures us you can exfoliate the skin, youll want to mostly focus on adding moisture back to it to combat the bumps.

While it does tend to improve with age, it can be managed with moisturizers and topical exfoliants, including alpha and beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic, lactic or glycolic acids, Dr. Shainhouse says. If these dont help, ask your dermatologist about trying a prescription retinoid. We recommend the Best of Beauty-winning and $10 E.L.F. Gentle Peeling Exfoliant or LOrals Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum.

It could be: Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Mostly commonly known as eczema, atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Atopic dermatitis appears as red patches or spots of inflamed skin, though in deeper skin tones, the affected areas may have more of a purple to gray hue, Dr. Suarez says. Flares can be triggered by stress, poor sleep, drying soaps and body washes, dry weather, and exposure to allergens.

Dr. King notes that those with eczema usually have been dealing with the skin-care condition since childhood. There is usually a history of eczema since childhood, as well as a family history, she says. And it is often accompanied by a personal and/or family history of asthma and/or allergies.

Though eczema might taper off with age, Dr. Suarez says that it can flare well into adulthood. Basically the immune system is overactive in the skin and this leads to inflammation that triggers skin barrier dysfunction, dryness, and insufferable itch, she explains.

The rest is here:
7 Causes of Red Spots and Bumps on Skin, With Pictures - Verve Times

Senior David Oliver hopes to use his biomedical engineering degree to improve the health care arena for all patients.

David Oliver can still recall the presentation at a medical conference he attended during his last year of high school.

There was a man named Larry Hester giving a talk on the innovative bionic eye, a computer-based device that was surgically implanted in his retina to help improve his sight, which he had lost 30 years before. Today, the invention is able to help many people with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition which robs people of their sight. But it meant the world to Hester, who had been in the dark for three decades.

It was the first time that Oliver considered melding his lifelong interest in becoming a physician, with the field of engineering.

It caught my attention, and I realized this is what biomedical engineering is about, he said. And I saw how it could complement medicine.

The invention piqued his interested in the field, and soon, Oliver applied to the University of Miami. He graduated with a degree in biomedical engineering. And while Oliver had never visited campus before, he said coming to the University was a great choice.

When I applied to UM, I never even took a campus tour, said Oliver, a native of Orland Park, Illinois, just southwest of Chicago. I did my research and was attracted to the program and the pre-med curriculum it offered, so I took my chances, and it was the best decision I have made.

Although he still plans to go on to medical school, through his degree, Oliver learned about things as detailed as the innerworkings of medical imaging devices and programming applications. And he even got experience working with biomedical engineering associate professor Ashutosh Agarwal on an innovative technology called organ on a chip, where small, 3-D printed chips combined with human or animal cells are helping researchers to test treatments for illnesses like diabetes and cancer.

From a young age, being a doctor was one of those things I always wanted to do, Oliver said. Getting my BME degree has prepared me well for the rigors of medical school, so I now have an idea of what it takes to excel.

He also gained experience in offering new solutions to problems in health care. For his senior design project, Oliver worked with a team of students to create a computer code that recognizes eczema in a variety of skin types.

One of the students in my group was Black, and she went to a doctor a few years ago who could not identify the eczema because the lesions are harder to visualize on darker skin, he said, adding that the group may try to turn the code into an iOS and Android app. Our code helps to get better detection and visualization.

Oliver will also spend the next year working in Agarwals Physiomimetic Microsystems Lab at the Miller School of Medicine. In the lab, he will continue his research using the chips and patient cells to investigate individualized treatments for pancreatic and prostate cancer. He also wants to work as a medical scribe and shadow other physicians in a clinical setting.

Soon after his arrival in Coral Gables, Oliver decided to get involved in Phi Delta Epsilon, the Universitys coed international medical fraternity. Last year, he served as its president, leading 130 members in events and fundraisers like the Anatomy Fashion Showwhere students paint their bodies with different biological systemsall to raise funds for the Childrens Miracle Network. The previous year, as vice president of programming, Oliver matched members with UHealth physicians for in-person and virtual shadowing opportunities. He also formed a strong study group through the fraternity, which helped him excel through the rigorous biomedical engineering curriculum.

Phi Delta Epsilon has given me great opportunities for leadership at UM, and having those experiences encouraged me to go further, he said.

For example, Oliver got involved in Student Government and served as student liaison for the College of Engineering and the School of Architecture last year. As part of that role, Oliver was able to host a fireside chat during the College of Engineerings Talis Day with Dean Pratim Biswas and Jeffrey Duerk, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. He also gave campus tours to prospective students as an ambassador for the Presidents 100. Through those roles and others, Oliver has also gained the respect of his mentors.

David is very reliable, very driven, and always willing to learn, said Agarwal, who has also followed Olivers growth at the College of Engineering as his academic advisor. He will be a real asset to the lab this year, and Im confident he will get into a good medical school and will make a great physician one day. He is determined to create a positive impact on human health care.

At his familys church, Oliver also gained a love for music, which led him to join the Universitys Hammond Butler Gospel Choir, where he served as its accompanying pianist. And last summer, Oliver got a chance to work as a wellness program assistant at the Universitys Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center. He used the Bod Pod machine to take clients body fat composition to relay their metabolic rate, which gave him some patient interaction experience, but Oliver also worked with the Mini Canes camp and taught kids about health and nutrition. The experience made him realize how much he enjoys teaching, but also helped him recognize the importance of physicians as educators for their patients.

As a physician, Oliver hopes to specialize in surgery because it aligns with his interest in hands-on solutions, which he honed as an engineering student. He also got interested in orthopedic medicine after spending time with a hand and wrist surgeon in Chicago and admired how patiently she explained the details of each procedure option to her patients. By fully educating his patients, Oliver hopes he can help break down some of the systemic health care disparities that exist in minority communities today, which were highlighted during the peak of the pandemic.

I want to be a doctor that other African Americans can look up to and feel comfortable coming to, so I can relay the best health practices possible and insert my voice more to set the example when it comes to things like COVID-19 vaccines or other treatments, he said. Id also like to bridge the gap between the faith-based African American community and medicine, and in doing so, help prevent unnecessary losses of life.

Read more:
Student looks forward to making inroads in health care - University of Miami: News@theU