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

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

Prebiotics and Probiotics Protect Against Childhood Eczema

prebiotics infant preventing eczemaInfant eczema is a common skin condition, affecting around 1 in 5 young children. Eczema is linked to childhood asthma and food allergies and many theories have been proposed to explain the development of atopic eczema.

One of these theories suggests that the microflora in the gastrointestinal system of infants influences immune system activity, thereby triggering or contributing to skin reactions and allergy symptoms. A significant amount of research backs up this theory, including a recent review that adds weight to the idea that prebiotic supplementation of infant formula or breast milk can help in preventing eczema in infants up to 2 years old. Continue reading

Childhood Eczema – Why Man’s Best Friend May Reduce Your Child’s Risk of Eczema (While Cats Increase The Risk)

dogs and childhood eczema in infancyCan growing up with a dog or cat affect your baby’s risk of developing eczema? According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, living the first four years of life in a dog-free zone can make a big difference to childhood eczema risk! Man’s best friend could help protect your baby in ways you’d never even imagined.

Cats, it seems, couldn’t care less about your kids’ health.(Just kidding!) Continue reading

Treating Angular Cheilitis

treating cracks at the corners of the mouth angular cheilitis remedies
Palliative treatments can help ease the pain of cracks at the corners of the mouth while resolving underlying causes.

Treating angular cheilitis (cracks at the corners of the mouth) usually involves treating a bacterial infection with a topical antibiotic, as well as an antifungal if there is evidence of oral thrush. Over-the-counter antifungal creams such as clotrimazole are also available. However, without restoring bacterial balance in the body it is common for cracks to appear at the corners of the mouth days or weeks after the end of treatment. Continue reading

Cracks at the Corners of Mouth – What do they mean?

cracks at the corners of the mouth angular cheilitis
Oral symptoms are often a sign of B vitamin deficiency but there are many causes of angular cheilitis.

The arrival of the fall weather means that many are suffering from dry and cracked lips, but what causes cracks at the corners of the mouth? The medical terms for this include angular cheilitis, perlèche, cheilosis or angular stomatitis, and there are a variety of causes.

In some cases the inflammatory lesions and cracks can become severe and painful, even leading to malnutrition as it becomes painful to open the mouth to eat or drink. As always, achieving naturally healthy skin means taking a look at the underlying causes and restoring balance, rather than simply relying on palliative measures with a short-term effect. Continue reading

Rosacea May Have a Bacterial Cause

rosacea bacteria cause demodex miteA paper published last week adds weight to the theory that bacteria may cause rosacea. The review, published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, identifies mites as the possible culprits behind bacterial disease that could explain the occurrence of this irritating skin disorder.

Rosacea sufferers often note a connection between their symptoms, gastrointestinal health and general immune function, which would tie in with such a theory regarding bacteria and immunosuppression. It could also mean that those with rosacea could restore naturally healthy skin by improving immune system health and becoming free of the bacteria. Continue reading