Dry, Cracked Heels – Effective Home Remedies

dry, cracked heelsDry, cracked heels are a common complaint and can prove painful and embarrassing. This condition often gets worse during winter, and may be diagnosed as hyperkeratotic xerosis or hyperkeratosis with ichthyosis vulgaris.

While the latter condition is incurable, there are effective treatments to help manage symptoms. These include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and emollient and humectant moisturising creams to help reduce dryness and scaling for skin that looks healthier and feels happier. Continue reading

Acne in Pregnancy – How Hormonal Upheaval Affects Your Skin

acne in pregnancyMany people experience acne in pregnancy, but this occurrence of acne is not a sign of a specific skin disease. Instead, acne in pregnancy is typically caused by an overproduction of sebum prompted by hormonal changes.

In people with acne prior to pregnancy, the skin issue may get worse. In others, problem skin might actual look and feel better during pregnancy. Once hormones return to baseline after pregnancy, acne and other skin changes usually resolve without lasting effects. Continue reading

Acne – Yeast Infection

malassezia yeast infection acne
Malassezia (Pityrosporum) folliculitis

Several skin complaints, including acne, are caused by a yeast infection, meaning that to cure acne you need to first resolve the overgrowth of yeast. One type of acne caused by a yeast infection is called pityrosporum folliculitis and is particularly prevalent in teenagers and in men.

Symptoms of pityrosporum folliculitis include chronic, itchy, red pustules on the back and chest, with some people also developing pustules on the neck, shoulders, upper arms and (rarely) the face. Continue reading

Acne Products and Serious, Life-Threatening Side Effects

acne product allergic reactions clean and clearPotentially fatal side-effects of acne medication made the news this week: According to a warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), anti-acne products sold by top-name brands can cause serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.

Acne gels, lotions, cleansers, and similar products have been associated with hypersensitivity reactions that have landed some people in hospital with serious swelling and breathing difficulties. Continue reading

More Causes and Cures for Acne in Winter

hats and acne in winter

Winter Acne – Zits and Make-Up

Winter acne is sometimes related to the use of heavier make-up to mimic the bright, rosy glow of summer, especially in those with pale skin. Unfortunately, this can mean that pores become blocked with creams, powder, blush and bronzers, causing whiteheads and blackheads as sebum, melanin, and make-up all combine to increase the risk of swelling, inflammation and infection. Continue reading

Acne and Endometriosis – What does acne have to do with baby-making?

acne and endometriosis, baby conception infertility and acneIf you have or had severe acne as a teenager, you might find it more difficult to have a baby later in life, at least according to some recent research that has linked severe or ongoing acne and endometriosis.

This latest study confirms what many have known for a while in the dermatology community: acne can be an indicator of underlying hormonal disturbance that affects more than just the skin. Continue reading

What Causes Acne?

Eat to Beat Acne: how a plant-based diet can help heal your skin
Eat to Beat Acne: how a plant-based diet can help heal your skin

There’s not normally a single specific cause of acne, which means that decreasing acne symptoms and clearing the skin can take a considerable amount of time and concerted effort.

Without resolving underlying issues, acne can persist for years, and for many adults this skin condition is not simply a bad memory from their teenage years. Continue reading