Oct

7

Prevent Skin Cancer

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Today’s post is not strictly on eczema but one that is fatal – Skin Cancer! While findings indicate that skin cancer tends to happen to Caucasians, this does not mean others are not at risk. Risk factors increase if you work outdoors, smoke or have a family history of skin cancer. Recent statistics look alarming: skin cancer cases have doubled every 10 years over the last 40 years. It is imperative that we take action to prevent it from happening to us.

The best form of protection is always one of prevention. Once you have been burnt, it is quite difficult to repair damage done. Make sure that you cover your whole body up especially if you know that you are going to be under direct sunlight. Do not forget to also cover your legs and arms. Avoid heat stroke by loose fitting clothes and drink lots and lots of water to replace what you lose.

Remember that tightly woven fabrics will provide the best protection from the sun. It is best to avoid mid day sun from 11am to 3pm as this is when the sun is at its strongest. Put on a hat and sunglasses as well as apply plenty of sunscreen on any exposed area of your body.

Always use a sun protection lotion with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, although very fair-skinned people, children and people living in exposed areas of the world need to use lotions with an SPF of up to 40.

Put on the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Reapply if necessary. If swimming, re-application is necessary. Also make sure that your lotion is of a waterproof variety.

If you have got eczema skin, then my suggestion is to avoid the sun as much as you can. Sweating over affected areas can increase irritation. And that is the last thing you want. You may also want to be careful about the type of sunscreen that you use; so make sure that you choose one that is meant for sensitive skin.

Oct

2

Impetigo On Your Child

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Do you find your child always developing some kind of rash, scrape or skin irritation? It may be on the face, around the mouth or nose. Beware some of it may be contagious, like impetigo. Bacteria is the main culprit. It typically enters the skin through a cut or bite. Howver, impetigo has been known to occur on unblemished skin as well.

Symptoms of impetigo include red sores which break open quickly, ooze for a whiel and then forms a brownish crust. Because it is contagious, your child finds that the infection spreads very fast when he or she touches or scratches the affected parts. Other kids who play with your child may also get infected.

Usually, the sores can clear up on their own but this may take some time. You are best adviced to keep him or her at home. If your child needs to go to school, then you may have to consider the option of using antibiotics as treatment. The best defense when it comes to impetigo is to practise good hygience. Hence, always emphasize on washing hands with soap and water and keeping fingernails short.

There are three types of impetigo. The most common type is known as impetigo contagiosa which is the typical red sore on the facial area that oozes and then crusts over. The good news is that once the crust is gone, there is a red mark left that eventually fades away with no scarring. These sores are itchy but rarely painful and do not cause fever.

Bullous impetigo are blisters filled with infected fluid over the arms, legs and trunk of the body. Typically children under two are most affected. As with the sores, these blisters will rupture and form a scab. The only difference is that these crusty scabs will last longer than the red sores.

The most serious form of impetigo called ecthyma. It goes deep into the dermis or second layer of the skin. Scarring often occurs. The fluid filled sores are often found on the feet or legs. Your child may develop ulcers as a result, accompanied by swollen lymph nodes and a mild fever. These sores form a grayish-yellow scab that takes a long time to heal.

As always prevention helps. Teach your child to be careful when he or she plays outdoors. Put on footwear. Always wash hands before eating and refrain from scratching any infected part of the body.

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