Dry skin cannot be ignored. Dry skin leads to cracking of the upper layer of skin and gives it a real bad appearance. The main causes of dry skin include: dry climate, hormonal changes, too much exfoliation and treatment of other skin disorders. Moreover, dryness could be the inherent nature of one’s skin. Whatever be the cause, ‘dry skin care’ is very important (but not very difficult).

‘Dry skin care’ starts with moisturisers, the most effective remedy for dry skin. Generally moisturisers are classified under 2 categories based on the way they provide ‘dry skin care’.

The first category includes moisturisers that provide ‘dry skin care’ just by preserving the moisture within the skin e.g. Vaseline. These moisturisers are relatively inexpensive and are readily available (even at grocery shops).

The second category includes moisturisers that work by drawing moisture from the environment and supplying it to the skin. This is a very effective way of ‘dry skin care’ in humid conditions. The moisturisers that provide ‘dry skin care’ in this way are also called humectants. For proper dry skin care, you must use a non-greasy type of moisturiser, as far as possible. Humectants fall in this category. The ingredients of humectants include propylene glycol, urea, glycerine, hyaluronic acid etc

‘Dry skin care’ is not about just using moisturisers but also using them properly. The best ‘dry skin care procedure’ is to cleanse the skin before the application of moisturiser. You can make your ‘dry skin care’ even more effective by applying the moisturiser while the skin is still damp (after cleansing). Also, make sure that you use soap-free products (especially on your face, neck and arms). Exfoliation does help in dry skin care, by removing the dead skin cells. However, don’t exfoliate too hard. Your dry skin care procedures/products should also take care of sun protection. Avoid too much and too direct exposure to sun (simply by using an umbrella/hat etc). Use a good sunscreen lotion before going out. A lot of moisturisers provide sun protection too, along with dry skin care.

You also have natural products for ‘dry skin care’ i.e. products that provide ‘dry skin care’ in a natural way (without the use of synthetic chemicals). These dry skin care products supply lipid enhancements to the skin, hence enabling moisture retention within the skin. Another, important thing for ‘dry skin care’ is the temperature of water you use for shower or for washing your face – Use warm water; too hot or too cold water can cause dryness too.

‘Dry skin care’ is also about being gentle with your skin. You should avoid harsh detergents and alcohol based cleansers. Also, after a face wash, do not rub your towel on your face, just pat gently to soak the water off.

On the whole, dry skin care is really simple for anyone who takes that seriously.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a yeast infection will vary depending on the location of the body that’s affected. Oral candidiasis (oral? Yuck!), also known as thrush, causes white patches to appear over a bright red base that forms within the mouth on the tongue and palate or inside of the cheeks. Attempts to remove these white patches with a tissue, or cotton applicator, or some type of medical instrument, may cause the area to bleed and become more painful.

Vaginal yeast infections may cause a discharge, itching, irritation and discomfort, while infections on the skin, as in the case of diaper rash, may cause the area to appear bright red, peel, and be very painful to the touch.  In extreme cases when the infection has spread through the bloodstream and into the brain, fever may be present as well as changes in mental behavior or functioning.

Causes

Yeast infections in women are most often caused by the use of antibiotics or steroids, or may be due to conditions such as menstruation and pregnancy, as well as diabetes. Birth control pills and a reaction to sperm may also contribute toward the growth of a yeast infection. The clothing that women wear also has an affect. Tight fitting and/or dirty clothes that collect heat and moisture will many times result in an infection (So stay away from hookers in Hawaii). It is best to wear cotton underwear. Give yourself room to breathe and keep them clean. Change and wash your underwear regularly.

Yeast infections, either oral, vaginal or skin, may also be more common in people with weakened immune systems caused by cancer treatments, steroid use, or diseases such as AIDS or HIV. The fungus may spread throughout the entire body, a possibly life-threatening condition, and most often affects the blood, heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes. Candida may also cause an inflammation in the throat known as esophagitis in people whose immune systems are compromised.

Dirty hypodermic needles or poorly implanted devices such as urinary catheters or intravenous ports may also allow yeast to enter the body causing an infection.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a vaginal yeast infection, a complete gynecological exam is necessary. In the case of infections that are persistent or involve other areas of the body, more extensive laboratory tests may be needed such as blood and imaging tests including a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan. To detect the presence other types of yeast infections, usually a quick examination of the skin or mouth are all that’s needed to confirm the diagnosis. If there is any doubt, a scraping of the area may be done to collect cells for examination under a microscope.

Treatment and Prevention

Yeast infections on the skin can usually be treated with an over-the-counter remedy, such as one of the many anti-fungal lotions and creams available.  For vaginal yeast infections, medications containing miconazole, tioconazole, butoconazole, or clotrimazole, which are also in over-thecounter products, should be effective at clearing up the infection without the need for medical treatment.

For the treatment and prevention of thrush, swishing the mouth with the antifungal agent nystatin may help to clear the infection, as well as maintaining good oral hygiene practices to prevent a reoccurrence. For more serious infections that are throughout the system, antibiotics may need to be administered intravenously.

Cure your yeast infections

Yes! I made it. It was a lil touch and go for awhile there. Almost threw up a few times. Yeast infections are certainly no laughing matter, but I’m a guy.