Skin Care Tips

In our article on chronic itch, we discussed just how serious of an issue itchy skin can be. Many people suffer greatly from this problem and are looking for things they can do at home to help. Here is a list of 5 simple, natural, and affordable DIY treatments for itchy skin. A few of these things are already in your cupboard, and if not, can easily be purchased at your local grocery store or health food store.

Aloe Vera Itchy SkinAloe Vera

Aloe vera is a good treatment option for chronic itch as it's convenient for daily use. It has a soothing effect on skin, so it's effective in treating itchy skin that is caused by irritation or rashes. You can buy a natural, unscented aloe vera gel, or you can get the gel directly from the actual plant, and then you can apply it to your skin just after you shower and dry off. It's light enough to wear throughout the day, and it's a great moisturizer so it treats dry skin as well as skin itch.

What’s the Nit-Picking Problem?

Another child and distraught mother materialized right at closing time this week. “He cannot go back to school until it is treated!" the tired working mother bemoaned. Head lice are the scourge of grade schools everywhere, from the ritziest private schools on down. And they are not going anywhere anytime soon. While harmless to the kid, adults go berserk—casting glances of judgment upon the family and banning the child from school and social events. Parents take it particularly hard and are start harboring deep feelings of guilt and question how hygienic their homes and housekeeping skills really are.

[caption id="attachment_974" align="alignright" width="300"]Nail Fungus Treatments Toenail fungus plagues about 12% of Americans. Some are genetically prone to getting it; and therefore will probably get it again despite the best of treatments.[/caption]

Nail Fungus

In medicine, just as in life, things are not always what they appear to be. Chances are that if you have a funky looking or off-color toenail, someone has helpfully informed you it is fungus. If they are very helpful, they even mentioned that your doctor has a pill for it. The cause of distorted nails is myriad. We see frustrated patients who have been shelling out co pays for medications but just “can’t seem to get rid of this fungus!”

Toenail fungus plagues about 12% of Americans. Some are genetically prone to getting it; and therefore will probably get it again despite the best of treatments. Going barefoot, being an athlete, and having a weak immune system are other risk factors. Fungi love warm dark moist places, be it old rotting logs in the forest or your earthy smelling sneakers.

[caption id="attachment_965" align="alignright" width="300"]The Bleach Cure The New York Times published an article on a medical breakthrough for a type of fatal skin infection called necrotizing fasciitis, aka, "Flesh-eating bacteria". The secret ingredient? Purified diluted bleach.[/caption]

The "Miracle" Bleach Cure

Sometimes the stars align and the universe continually puts things in front of you until you take notice. Over the past few months patients have been raving about a new product they’ve bought from veterinarians and equestrian outlets. This miracle product "kills everything" they say. Marketed for uncomplicated skin infections, this product promotes a cure for well…just about everything. Got ringworm? Sores? Abscesses? Skin Rot? Then this $35 a bottle product is for you! (It is not hard to imagine the old Patent Medicine Salesman circa 1900 barking out the same promises to a local rubes). What is this miracle product you ask? I actually chuckled out loud when I read it: Diluted bleach.