Vitiligo is a skin disorder where white patches of depigmentation develop on the skin and keep enlarging. This disorder is long term and continuous in nature. The patches appear due to the death of melanocytes within the skin. Melanocytes are skin pigment producing cells, which produce melanin. Vitiligo can affect the skin of several areas, including the eyes, hair and the portion inside the mouth.

Causes
The causes of this disease are as follows:
1. Autoimmune disorders in which the immune system of a patient becomes over reactive and the melanocytes are destroyed.
2. This disease may also occur due to genetic oxidative stress imbalance.
3. Stressful events may also lead to vitiligo.
4. Harm or damage to the skin from sunburns or cuts also leads to vitiligo.
5. Exposure of the skin to several harmful chemicals may be a cause.
6. Neural disorders are also responsible for vitiligo.
7. Vitiligo may also happen from viral causes or may be hereditary and passed on from family members.

Symptoms
Vitiligo has only one major symptom. White, flat spots and patches develop on the surface of the skin. The earliest of these white patches appear on the parts of the body which are exposed to the sun continuously.
It starts off as a simple spot in the beginning and gradually, the spot starts getting pale and finally turns white. The patches have irregular shapes, and in some cases the edges get inflamed and are red in color. Itchiness is experienced in the affected areas. Symmetrical patches signify slow development of vitiligo.

The two major types of vitiligo are:
1. Non segmental vitiligo, which affects the back of the hand, the arms, knees, elbows, feet, mouth.
2. Segmental vitiligo, which is more stable than non segmental vitiligo, but spreads faster. It usually affects areas of the skin, which are attached to nerves.

Treatment
The different methods of treatment for vitiligo are:
1. Phototherapy with UVB and UVA light: Exposing the affected area of the skin to UVB lamps is a popular cure for vitiligo. This treatment can be performed easily at home. UVA treatment incorporates taking of a drug which makes the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light and then the skin is exposed to high doses of UVA light.
2. Skin Camouflage: Cosmetic creams and makeup can be used to camouflage affected areas of the skin. These topical creams are waterproof.
3. Depigmentation: Depigmentation is used to treat widespread areas affected by vitiligo. The skin color of the unaffected areas is reduced in order to match the affected areas. It is done using topical ointments.
Vitiligo is a skin disease, the major causes of which are still to be discovered. Proper care and treatment should be taken for skin areas affected by vitiligo.

Vitiligo: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic procedures undergone by women across the world. Though small or petite breasts do not affect the overall health of a woman, they can make the woman feel dissatisfied with her appearance. Surgery is not the only way for a woman to enlarge her breasts. Ayurveda has a number of remedies that can boost the development of breast tissue and make them larger. Unlike cosmetic surgery, these remedies do not need any recovery time, leave no scars and have negligible side effects. However, one must be patient and follow treatment regularly as the results may be slower to develop. 

Some effective ayurvedic remedies for breast augmentation include:

Massage: A woman s breasts are composed of adipose tissue and glandular tissue. Massaging the breasts stimulates both these tissues. It also increases lymph circulation and boosts oxytocin levels. Sesame oil is ideal for breast massages. This oil is rich in calcium, iron, proteins and phosphorus. Alternatively, you could also use an ayurvedic massage cream. Apply a little oil or cream on your hands and massage the breasts with circular strokes for 5- 10 minutes, twice a day.
Fenugreek Breast Mask: The phytoestrogen found in fenugreek increases the prolactin levels in a woman s body. Additionally, fenugreek also stimulates the mammary glands thus encouraging the breast tissue to expand. To use this herb to increase breast size, massage a paste of fenugreek powder and water into your breasts and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Alternatively, you could massage your breasts with fenugreek extract or get fenugreek supplements.
Fennel seeds and cod liver oil: The flavonoids in fennel seeds stimulate the growth of breast tissue. To benefit from this, heat cod liver oil and add fennel seeds when hot. Once the seeds turn red, strain the oil and allow it to cool. Massage this oil into the breasts and leave for half an hour. Ideally, you should massage your breasts with this oil every day.
Red Lentil Paste: Lentils are a rich source of oestrogen that can stimulate breast development. To use this home remedy to enlarge your breasts, soak red lentils in water for a few hours and grind to a fine paste. Apply this paste on the breasts and leave for an hour or until it has dried before rinsing it off. There is no need to massage this paste into the skin. Along with augmenting breasts, this also helps create firm breasts.
Breast augmentation exercises: Certain exercises can also help naturally enlarge your breasts. One of the simplest exercises for breast augmentation involves standing with your feet apart and swinging your arms clockwise and anticlockwise. Repeat this exercise ten times in the morning and evening.

Breast Enlargement - Know Its Ayurvedic Remedies!!

Are you observing red, crusty patches on the surface of your infant s skin during his/her first month after birth? This is an indication of infant eczema. It is a dry, itchy skin condition which may occur on any part of your child s body and is commonly found on the cheeks, legs and arms. This condition is sometimes confused with cradle cap, which is another skin condition.

Causes-

Eczema usually runs in families and is hereditary. If you have eczema, it is likely that your child may have it too. Several problems in the skin barrier allow germs inside and moisture to go out. This is a common cause of eczema in infants. The condition occurs when the body makes insufficient fatty cells or ceramides. When there is not enough of these, the skin loses water and becomes extremely dry.

Does Eczema In Infants Go Away By Itself?

In many cases, infant eczema goes away on its own and most infants outgrow the condition by the time they are ready for school. However, some children do get eczema during their adulthood. This may continue for years without specific symptoms. Such children also tend to have dry skin.

Treatment-

Here are some home treatment options for infant eczema:

You should use moisturisers on your child. Moisturisers containing ceramides are a good option, which are available at all over-the-counter (OTC) stores by prescription. You can also opt for good moisturisers, fragrance-free creams and ointments like petroleum jelly. This helps in keeping your baby s skin in retaining natural moisture. Apply these after a bath.

A lukewarm bath is beneficial for your child. It helps in hydrating and cooling the skin. The water should not be very hot and the bath should not exceed 10 minutes. You can also add oatmeal soaking products to your baby s scrub for soothing itchiness.

You must use mild and unscented body soaps for your baby. This is because perfumed, antibacterial and deodorant soaps are rough for your baby s skin. Scrub some soap on areas of your child s body where there is dirt, such as the genitals, feet and hand. Do not rub or pat his/her skin.

Several medicines are also used for the treatment of infant eczema. These include hydrocortisone creams and ointments, which help in easing inflammation and itching. You should not apply these medicines in excess as they can thin the skin on the affected areas.

You should consult a doctor on observing any signs or symptoms of eczema on your child s skin. This will help in proper diagnosis of the problem and an early treatment plan will prevent further deterioration of the symptoms.

Eczema in Infants: What You Should Know?

As per the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, an estimated 10 percent of individuals encounter keloid scarring every year. While women and men are equally prone to have keloid scars, people with darker skin tone are more likely to experience keloids.

What are keloids and why do they occur?
Keloid is widely recognized as keloid scar or keloid disorder. It is caused when the fibrous tissues also known as scar tissues are injured. In specific instances, the scar tissues grow in excess, and they form a hard and smooth growth, which is known as keloid, which could be bigger than the actual wound. They are customarily found in areas like the chest, cheeks, shoulder, and earlobes. Nonetheless, any part of the body could be affected by keloids. Though they do not pose a threat to health, they can be a cause of significant cosmetic concerns. Another factor why they occur is in the case of overgrowth of the scar tissue that develops over the period of weeks.

Are keloids a cause for concern?
Keloids are often itchy and discomforting. Keloids often cause a major cosmetic concern as they are large and easily spotted. Due to this, several patients encounter stress as they become conscious. Exposure to sun must be avoided in case of keloids as the tanning of the affected area may darken the keloid scar and become more prominent. The response of the treatment for keloids depends majorly upon the anatomical location of the scar. An extremely itchy keloid can be quite distracting. Many patients are skeptical of getting treatment as it may leave a permanent scar.

Common Treatment options for Keloids

Laser: The pulsed-dye laser can be helpful in flattening keloids and making them appear less red and intense. The treatment is considered as safe and is almost painless, but many treatment sessions may be required. These may be expensive, as insurance plans do not usually cover laser treatments.
Cryotherapy: This is a method in which the keloid is frozen with the help of liquid nitrogen to flatten the keloid. However, it may result in lightening or darkening of the affected area.
Radiation: Radiation is considered as a safe and effective option by several doctors for the treatment of keloids.
Silicone gel or sheeting: In this method, a sheet of silicone gel has to be worn continuously for months in order to treat the affected area. The outcomes of this treatment may vary. Some doctors claim relative success with compression dressings composed of materials that are not silicone.
Surgery: Treating keloids by surgery may prove to be risky as it may activate the development of a more prominent keloid. Some operations have been successful by applying compression or injecting steroids to the wound after the keloid has been treated. Superficial radiation treatment post-surgical procedure has also been considered to be helpful.
A condition that poses no threat to your health, and is purely of cosmetic concern, Keloids do have several treatment options providing the expected results.

Keloid - 5 Ways It Can Be Treated!

If you are in the process of considering a breast augmentation procedure, here is an insight into what you can expect. In general, or in the majority of the cases, the surgery encompasses three phases consultation, operation, and then the most important part, recovery. In most cases, the breast augmentation is completed under general anesthesia where the patient remains asleep through the procedure.

How is the surgery performed?
The surgeon makes an incision in the crease under the breast or under an arm or around the nipple to separate the breast tissues from the connective tissues and the muscles of the chest. This enables the creation of a pocket-like structure behind or before the pectoral muscle. Then the implants are inserted in this pocket and centered behind the nipple.

What may happen after the breast augmentation procedure?

Soreness and scars: After the surgery, some patients may suffer from soreness accompanied by swelling and bruising for around three weeks after the surgery. The scars tend to fade gradually with the passage of time even though a faint scar remains all through one s life.
Discomfort: Some may experience a slight or tolerable pain in the nipple after the surgery. In rare instances, patients undergo sharper, and burning pain with touch. A light massage can help ease the discomfort.
Swelling: Some people report that their breasts feel firm after the surgery though this is a passing phenomenon. As the swelling subsides, the patients feel natural tenderness in the breasts within a short span of time.
Things to take care during recovery: Sometimes, surgeons recommend wearing a compression bandage or sports bra for proffering extra support to the breasts and the implants. If there is a pain, then the patient is prescribed pain-relieving medications, as well. Though healing takes a long span of time, however, one can easily resume back to their daily activities within a week. It is advised not follow a strenuous job or continue with any strenuous workout for a few months or till complete recovery.
Avoid strenuous activities: It is advised to sleep in a recliner for the first 2 days after the surgery, as this reduces the pain and swelling. Also, one should refrain or minimize the number of times one raises the hands above the head. It is advised to refrain from exercising or strenuous workouts for at least 3 to 4 weeks after the surgery.
The week following the surgery will be most difficult, and therefore, it is advised to complete all the important jobs before the surgery so that the body gets the required rest and recovers quickly.

As you can see, it is important to know and learn about the whole process before undergoing the surgery or deciding to undergo surgery so that you can make an informed decision and go about it systematically.

Breast Augmentation - What to expect from the procedure?

Stretch marks, as the name suggest; appears when the skin is over stretched. These marks can also appear when the body loses its ability to stretch (use of certain steroids). Both the conditions affect the skin elasticity. As a result, white, red (turn pale over a period of time) or purple streaks appear on the buttocks, armpits, stomach, thighs and chest.

Many factors influence the appearance of stretch marks, also known as striae distensae
1. Elevated levels of cortisone hormone (produced by the adrenal gland) play a pivotal role in the appearance of stretch marks.

2. Stretch marks are common during pregnancy. As the foetus grows in size, the skin tends to stretch more and more. This stretching provides sufficient space to the developing foetus. A hormonal imbalance can also mark the appearance of stretch marks during this period. In some, the stretch marks appear after pregnancy.

3. Stretch marks are sure to appear when a person experiences a sudden change in the body weight (weight gain or loss). These marks can also be seen in children who are in their growing phase (teenagers).

4. Use of corticosteroids (steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex) can leave your body with the unwanted stretch marks. It is advisable to use corticosteroids (pills or cream) under medical supervision.

5. Stretch marks may be an outcome of some genetic disorders such as ehlers-danlos syndrome and marfan's syndrome. Striae distensae can appear in people with cushing's syndrome (the adrenal gland produces the hormone, glucocorticoids in excess)

Stretch marks often affect person's confidence. Most people find stretch marks extremely annoying and embarrassing. They try every possible trick under the sun to camouflage and get rid of the unwanted marks. The stretch marks are generally harmless and can be treated.

1. Drink plenty of water. It is important to keep the skin hydrated. Bio oils, vitamin e enriched oils, certain creams, can effectively fades the appearance of stretch marks. Use of moisturisers containing cocoa butter and shea butter will speed up the fading process.

2. Loss or breakdown of collagen protein (fibrous protein) can result in stretch marks. For stretch marks that are not very old, tretinoin cream comes across as a huge relief. Application of tretinoin cream helps in the restoration of collagen protein. For pregnant women, it is best to avoid this cream.

3. In case the stretch marks are a little older, a person can go for microdermabrasion.

4. Another great technique is the pulsed dye laser therapy. This therapy works by enhancing the growth of elastin and collagen protein.

All the preventive measures and treatments can help to fade the stretch marks. However, none can guarantee complete disappearance of the marks.

Stretch Marks - Causes and Prevention Tips

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