Category: Health

Sunburns … well … burn.

Try as we might to lather on sunscreen and keep our fun in the sun to a minimum, most people have experienced the painful, hot sensation of a sunburn at one point or another.

It can feel like there’s no end to the itching and burning, but relief does exist — and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

You may have seen the menthol shaving cream trick trending on Facebook, but the dermatologists we reached out to said that’s probably not the best solution.

So, we consulted with the pros to find out what actually works.

Try one (or more) of these options and your skin just might find sweet relief in no time.

1. Amara Organics Aloe Vera

Amara Organics Aloe Vera

• Amara Organics Aloe Vera $17.95 at Amazon
• Amara Organics Aloe Vera $32.63 at Walmart

“This is a great product for relief of mild to moderate sunburns. It has a lightweight formulation and absorbs easily. It’s formulated without added alcohol, color or fragrances, so it’s especially helpful for those with sensitive skin,” said Dr. Bobby Y. Reddy, an instructor in dermatology at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment $13.74 at Amazon
• Aquaphor Healing Ointment $13.74 at Walmart
• Aquaphor Healing Ointment $14.49 at Rite Aid

“When someone gets a bad sunburn, I usually recommend staying out of the sun completely to let it heal,” said board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Baxt, who runs BAXT CosMedical in Bergen County, New Jersey. “If you start to blister, Aquaphor is a great option.”

3. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion

• Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion $12.96 at Amazon
• Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion $6.92 at Walmart
• Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion $8.99 at Walgreens

“The aloe in this after-sun lotion helps soothe and cool down the body. It also has shea butter to moisturize and hydrate the skin after you’ve been out in the sun for an extended period of time,” said Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified New York City dermatologist and author of the book “Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.”

4. Avène Thermal Spring Water

• Avène Thermal Spring Water $18.50 at Amazon
• Avène Thermal Spring Water $21.18 at Walmart
• Avène Thermal Spring Water $18.50 at Dermstore

“The light, cool mist of Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes sunburned skin. It helps to ease the hot sensation that results from a burn, and contains trace minerals that can decrease irritation,” said Dr. Allison Arthur, board-certified dermatologist at the Sand Lake Dermatology Center in Orlando, Florida. “It can be used as often as needed, and should be followed by application of a moisturizer.”

5. Burt’s Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother

Burt’s Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother

• Burt’s Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother $7.70 at Amazon
• Burt’s Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother $7.70 at Walmart
• Burt’s Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother $7.69 at Walgreens

“The Burt’s Bees after-sun soother is fast to absorb and very hydrating, which is ideal for parched, burned skin,” said Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist based in the Boston area.

6. Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel $19.95 at Amazon

“Aloe Vera and cucumber are great natural sunburn treatments, and this aloe gel is one of my favorites. It can be used on skin or hair, but must be refrigerated. Believe it or not, the aloe actually feels even more soothing when the gel is cool,” said Edyta Jarosz, lead esthetician at PFRANKMD Skin Salon.

7. Dr. Dan’s Hydrocortisone Hand and Body Lotion

• Dr. Dan’s Hydrocortisone Hand and Body Lotion $7.99 at Amazon
• Dr. Dan’s Hydrocortisone Hand and Body Lotion $10.27 at Walmart

“This hand and body lotion has hydrocortisone, which decreases the inflammation associated with sunburn. I like it because the urea in it is intensely hydrating and it also contains antioxidants like Vitamin A and C, which help sunburned skin return to normal,” said Dr. Maral Skelsey, director of The Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington and clinical associate professor of dermatology at Georgetown University.

8. Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil

Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil

• Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil $8.89 at Amazon
• Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil $8.92 at Walmart
• Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil $9.74 at Ulta

“Sunburned skin, if not treated properly, can lead to dry skin and pronounced lines and wrinkles. Therefore, it’s important to treat the sunburn with products that have ingredients like vitamin E, which helps the skin heal and neutralize free radicals,” said Dr. Dendy Engelman, dermatologic surgeon at MDCS: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York. “Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil is packed with vitamins A and E — which work with the skin to promote cell regeneration — and lavender oil, chamomile oil, calendula oil and rosemary oil, which invigorate and condition the skin.”

9. Weleda Calendula Body Lotion

• Weleda Calendula Body Lotion $17.24 at Amazon
• Weleda Calendula Body Lotion $11.87 at Walmart
• Weleda Calendula Body Lotion $13.99 at Dermstore

Skelsey also recommended this sensitive skin lotion. “This body lotion contains calendula, which is a healing ingredient that’s great for superficial burns,” Skelsey said.

10. Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel

• Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel $14.99 at Amazon
• Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel $4.97 at Walmart

Hirsch also recommended this soothing gel. “Aloe Vera is the OG after-sun ingredient. This inexpensive gel is a great one to keep around,” Hirsch said.

By Chrissy Callahan for TODAY ©

Natural ceramides deplete as we age, but there are easy ways to increase them in skin.

Anyone who suffers from dry skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis has probably seen the word “ceramides” on some of their skincare products — but what actually are they? We asked top dermatologists to break it down for us.

What exactly are ceramides and how do they work?

“Ceramides are a type of fat, or lipid, that contribute to the ‘mortar’ that holds skin cells in the epidermis together,” says Brendan Camp, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City. “Ceramides, along with cholesterol and free fatty acids, make up the lipids in the top layer of skin, the stratum corneum.” Translation: Your body makes ’em naturally to keep your skin healthy. “Ceramides help to keep skin hydrated by sealing in moisture [which] can help the skin appear smooth and plump and even out fine lines,” says Dr. Camp.

“Think of them like grout between your skin cell tiles,” illustrates Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Like grout keeps tiles in place and structured, ceramides “help form a waterproof seal on the surface of the skin, preventing loss of hydration, maintaining a healthy skin barrier, and preventing environmental irritation.”

What’s the deal with ceramide depletion?

Without a proper amount of ceramides, skin suffers. “If you have diminished ceramides in the skin, the barrier won’t be able to work properly,” says Danusia Wnek, chemist at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab. “You will have an increase in transepidermal water loss and the potential for irritants and allergens to enter skin increases.”

To complete the tile metaphor, think of what happens when grout begins to crumble: Your tiled surface suffers from leaks and damage, maybe even deterioration. In the case of skincare, “too few ceramides can lead to dry skin that loses water too easily and becomes rough, red, and irritated,” says Dr. Camp. This translates to breaks and tears in the skin that lead to angry, dehydrated skin and the uncomfortable feeling that comes along with a compromised barrier, vulnerable to pollution, harsh weather, or infection.

So how can you prevent ceramide loss?

Wrong behavior will actually expedite the loss of ceramides and leave you with noticeably uncomfortable-feeling skin well before nature may intend. “Over-scrubbing, use of the wrong type of soap, or even extremes in weather (e.g. cold, dry air) can lead to depletion of ceramides in the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner.

Here’s how to avoid stripping the skin of ceramides:

• “Keep showers on the short side (no more than 10 minutes), use lukewarm to warm water, gentle soap or cleanser,” says Dr. Camp.
• Post-shower, pat skin dry instead of rubbing to avoid physically irritating the skin.
• “Apply moisturizer right after showering when your skin is still a little damp as the lotion will help seal in some of this moisture,” says Dr. Camp.
• Keep a humidifier or two in your house to combat dry air if you notice your skin gets dry and itchy in the winter.
• Incorporate a ceramide-rich moisturizer to your skincare regimen, especially if you have sensitive or compromised skin. “Ceramide-containing products help prevent too much water from evaporating from our skin,” says Dr. Camp. “They are especially useful in eczema-prone patients, since ceramides can help repair a poorly functioning skin barrier which is common among eczema-sufferers.

NONIRRITATING CLEANSER

CERAMIDE FORMULA

Skin Relief Intense Moisture Repair Cream

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PEPTIDE COMPLEX & CERAMIDES DeliKate Recovery Serum

Are there different types of ceramides?

Yep! “There are several types of ceramides and they are identified by numbers 1-9,” confirms Wnek. What’s the difference between them all? “Ceramides differ in the lengths of their fatty acid chains, the nature of their sphingoid bases, and the ways in which these two entities are attached,” says Craig A. Kraffert, board certified dermatologist and president of Amarte Skin Care.

“While there may be differences from one to another in terms of adaptogenic properties, they appear to serve in similar fashion.” That means that the presence of any ceramides in your skincare means the same thing as far as payoff.

What’s the difference between natural ceramides and those formulated for skincare?

“Ceramides are oily waxes synthesized by both plants and animals,” explains Dr. Kraffert, but the ceramides that are most commonly found in skincare are synthetic (a.k.a. man-made) and don’t come from animal sources, explains Paul Jarrod Frank, cosmetic dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer and founder of PFRANKMD.

As far as the difference between naturally-occurring ceramides and the synthetic ones, “there really is no major difference structurally,” says Dr. Frank. In fact, these formulas are “bio-identical,” says Dr. Kraffert. 

These are our experts’ recommendations for rich food sources of natural ceramides:

• Soy beans
• Eggs
• Dairy
• Brown rice
• Sweet potatoes
• Wheat germ
• Spinach

BY JESSICA TEICH for Good Housekeeping

Article by Deborah Ng

One out of every four deaths in America is attributed to heart disease, making it the number one cause of death in this country. However, heart disease may be avoidable. Heart health may be maintained with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and eliminating risk factors such as excessive drinking, smoking, and obesity.  For many people, having a healthy heart means undergoing a lifestyle change.

Why is a heart-healthy diet important?

Proper nutrition and exercise may help  combat heart disease. Foods that are high in sodium, added sugars, and unhealthy fats may lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and clogged arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke. People who smoke, suffer from obesity, and lead a sedentary lifestyle, may further increase that risk.

What is a heart-healthy diet?

Eating for heart health includes adding lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, low fat or fat-free dairy products, and whole grains while cutting out, or at least limiting, foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and the unhealthy trans and saturated fats.

People who are interested in heart-healthy eating should discuss making a lifestyle change with their healthcare practitioner, who can make dietary recommendations based on individual needs.

Recommended heart-healthy foods include:

• Lean proteins such as chicken and fish: Up to 6 ounces depending on recommended daily calorie intake.
• Fruits and Vegetables: At least 3 to 5 servings per day. Vegetables should take up at least half the dinner plate.
• Whole grains: 6 – 8 servings per day depending on recommended calorie intake. This includes whole grain cereals, pasta, brown rice, and oatmeal.
• Healthy fats: 2 – 3 servings per day. Choose foods with monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats such as olive oil, avocados, almonds, walnuts, and salmon.
• Fat-free or low-fat dairy: 2 – 3 servings per day.
• Added sugars or sweets: As little as possible. Fewer than 5 servings per week.

Foods to avoid in a heart-healthy diet:

• High sodium foods: High sodium, especially when it’s found in processed foods, can lead to high blood pressure.
• Processed grains and carbohydrates: Not only are rice, potatoes, and processed foods high in fats and low in nutrients, but they also cause blood sugar to spike.
• Sugary drinks such as juices and sodas: People who drink sweets add more calories to their diet. Those who consume sugary beverages on a regular basis have a higher risk of obesity.
• Foods high in trans and saturated fats and cholesterol: Avoid foods that are high in fats such as butter, mayonnaise, full-fat dairy, and processed foods that contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil. These foods may lead to obesity and can clog the arteries, putting one at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

Making a lifestyle change

A heart healthy lifestyle change should start sooner rather than later. The first step is to visit a doctor or healthcare practitioner who can make recommendations and give guidance based on an individual’s health history. After an examination, the doctor will discuss foods to eat and avoid, how many calories to consume, and how to get started with an exercise routine.

A heart healthy diet doesn’t have to be a bland diet. Rather than seasoning food with salt, try using fresh herbs and spices, aromatic vegetables, and unsalted broth to give food more flavor. Instead of sweet drinks, try adding fresh fruit or berries to water for flavor and health benefits. 

A lifestyle change also means making time for regular exercise. The American Heart Association recommends getting in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise at least five days per week. As the body gets stronger and leaner, adding more vigorous cardio and strength training is recommended. 

The key to a healthy lifestyle change is establishing a routine. Heart-healthy habits include:

• Eating healthy and keeping portion size under control
• No smoking and alcohol in moderation
• Staying active and exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night
• Keeping blood pressure under control
• Keeping cholesterol levels under control
• Visiting the doctor regularly

A heart-healthy lifestyle could lead to a longer life. When it comes to eating for heart health, it’s better to establish good habits sooner rather than later.

Photo credit: answersforelders.com

https://www.pfizer.com/news/featured_stories/featured_stories_detail/what_is_a_heart_healthy_diet

You can’t go outside without sneezing, your nose won’t stop running, and you have this urge to keep itching your eyes. 

These are the symptoms of seasonal allergies, otherwise known as hay fever. Most likely, yours are caused by pollen from certain types of trees, grasses, or weeds. 

Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to avoid pollen triggers. But there are a wide range of home remedies, medications, and long-term treatments that can help relieve your symptoms. 

Here’s what you need to know to get your seasonal allergies under control. 

Seasonal allergies treatment 

It’s not always possible to fully get rid of your allergies — but there are many ways you can relieve or manage your symptoms. 

If you’re looking to relieve your symptoms fast, Insider Reviews has a buying guide for the best allergy medicine and home remedies, including: 

• Antihistamines, like Claritin or Zyrtec 
• Nasal sprays, like Flonase
• Sinus rinse kits 
• Home air purifiers 
• Facial tissues with lotion 

The type of medicine or remedies you’ll need will depend on your symptoms. Here’s how to know when you should use each type of treatment.

Types of allergy medicine

Over-the-counter allergy medicine is one of the most common and effective treatments for seasonal allergies. 

These are the main differences between each type of allergy medicine: 

Antihistamine

Antihistamines are the first-line defense for seasonal allergies. When you have an allergic reaction, your body releases histamines, which cause the main allergy symptoms. 

Antihistamines counteract these histamines — hence the name antihistamine — and can help you stop sneezing, or get rid of a runny nose. These oral antihistamine medications are widely available over-the-counter.

Decongestant

If you want to clear a stuffy nose with allergies, you might want to try a decongestant. 

Decongestants can help clear nasal congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in your nose, allowing you to breathe more easily. They are widely available over-the-counter, and common examples include Mucinex or Sudafed. 

In fact, some allergy medications offer both antihistamine and decongestant, all-in-one. These combination medicines often have a ‘D’ at the end — like Claritin-D or Allegra-D. 

Other home remedies, like a neti pot, can also clear your sinuses and reduce nasal congestion. 

Nasal spray 

Nasal sprays can reduce nasal congestion, and may be used to relieve a stuffy nose, runny nose, or sneezing. 

There are many different types of nasal sprays. For allergies, you should consider: 

• Nasal saline rinses, made of water and salt, are available over the counter and can be used to immediately clear stuffiness. 
• Corticosteroids, like Flonase, are available over the counter or as a prescription, and need to be used for 10 to 14 days to effectively resolve congestion. 
• Antihistamine nasal sprays, like Astepro, are available over the counter and will start working in about 30 minutes, but doctors sometimes recommend daily use.

Eye drops

Eye drops may be necessary if your allergies especially affect your eyes. This is called allergic conjunctivitis, and its symptoms include: 

• Itchiness in the white of the eye, the inner corner of the eyes, or along the eyelids
• Redness in the white of the eye
• Watery discharge from the eyes
• Itchiness and swelling on the skin around the eyes

If you suffer from allergic conjunctivitis, you should talk with your doctor about choosing the right eye drops for your allergies.

Choosing the right allergy medicine 

Sometimes, you may need a combination of these medications to resolve all your allergy symptoms, but you should check in with your doctor first. 

If over-the-counter medication doesn’t resolve your allergy symptoms, your doctor may also recommend a stronger version of these drugs, which may require a prescription. 

Allergy shots 

If none of these treatment methods work, you may want to consider allergy shots. 

Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, are a series of low-dose allergen injections that can decrease your sensitivity to allergies and reduce your symptoms over time.  

Immunotherapy is a long-term commitment — you’ll typically receive shots over a period of three to five years — but they can be very effective at managing seasonal allergy symptoms when they flare up. 

If your allergy symptoms are severely impacting your life, and you can’t control them with home remedies or medication, allergy shots may be worth it. Talk to your doctor to see if immunotherapy is right for you. 

 

Fingernails seem like a pretty uneventful body part. They grow. You cut them. Maybe paint them. And that’s about it. But in reality, your nails can give you a glimpse into your overall health. If something is going on in your body, your nails could start to change, sometimes developing ridges. Depending on what the ridges in fingernails look like, you might want to schedule a visit to the doctor.

What do vertical nail ridges mean?

Lines running from the bottom of the nail to the tip are the most common form of ridges in fingernails, affecting about 20 percent of adults. In the vast majority of cases, it’s just a sign of aging, says Ivy Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pasadena, California. Fingernails are made mostly of keratin, a protein also found in the hair and outer layer of skin. In the same ways that the skin gets drier and the hair feels rougher, the nails also change with age because the body has a harder time retaining moisture.

Other nail changes

But if you see other changes in the nails, like splitting or a color change, you might want to consult a doctor, says Dr. Lee. In rare cases, ridges in fingernails could be a sign of anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, or cardiovascular problems, according to research in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal. A single ridge in the middle of the nail, for instance, could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency like protein or folic acid. Keep an eye out for these other 11 health secrets your hands are trying to tell you.

What do horizontal nail ridges mean?

Ridges in fingernails that run side to side are less common and might give you more pause. Also known as Beau’s lines, they could signal disease or just be a remnant of an old injury, says Dr. Lee. “They arise because there is a temporary stop in nail growth in the proximal nail matrix, where the fingernail is made,” she says. “They are most often benign and due to mechanical trauma: manicures, jamming your finger in the door, etc.”

Sometimes, though, they point to a skin disease like eczema, psoriasis, or chronic paronychia (an infection of the nail folds that makes the skin swollen and red), so inspect your skin and fingertips for signs of redness and rash. Your dermatologist might be able to offer a treatment option. 

A symptom of bigger health issues

Ridges in nails aren’t all about the skin—they can also be a sign of other systemic problems. For instance, an over or underactive thyroid can affect the hormones in charge of nail, skin, and hair growth, resulting in ridged nails in some cases. If all 20 finger- and toenails develop Beau’s lines at the same time, it could even be an infection like pneumonia, mumps, or syphilis, or even a problem with the heart, liver, or kidneys, per the research in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal. Particularly if your ridged nails have also become thinner, split, discolored, or misshapen, schedule a visit with your dermatologist pronto to get to the bottom of the problem.

Article written by Marissa Laliberte for The Healthy