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Acne Age Spots Athlete’s Foot Athritis Pain Bed Sores Candida Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Chafing Dandruff Diabetic Bruising Diabetic Ulcers Diaper Rash Dry Skin Eczema Fine Lines Fungal Infections Insect Bites Jock Itch Keloids Poison Ivy Poison Oak Psoriasis Razor Bumps Ringworms Scar Tissue Skin Rash Stretch Marks Tendonitis Tennis Elbow Warts Wounds Wrinkles
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What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin disorder characterized by clogged pores and pimples. Acne is not a serious health threat but, it can cause scars.
How Does Acne Develop?
The small holes in your skin (pores) connect to oil glands under the skin. These glands make an oily substance called sebum. The pores connect to the glands by a canal called a follicle. Inside the follicles, oil carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. A thin hair also grows through the follicle and out to the skin. When the follicle of a skin gland clogs up, a pimple grows.
Most pimples are found on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.
Types of Pimples
There are many types of pimples. The most common types are:
- Whiteheads.
- These are pimples that stay under the surface of the skin.
- They occur when the openings of hair follicles become clogged and blocked with oil secretions and dead skin
- Blackheads.
- These pimples rise to the skin's surface and look black.
- Papules.
- These are small pink bumps that can be tender.
- Pustules. These pimples are red at the bottom and have pus on top.
- Nodules.
- These are large, painful, solid pimples that are deep in the skin.
- Cysts.
- These deep, painful, pus-filled pimples can cause scars.
- They are formed by the buildup of secretions deep within hair follicles.
Who Gets Acne?
Acne is the most common skin disease. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have it. People of all races and ages get acne. But it is most common in teenagers and young adults.
What Causes Acne?
Acne occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.
Can Acne be Treated?
Yes. Citrelox Skin Creme Treatments are designed to:
- Heal pimples
- Stop new pimples from forming
- Prevent scarring.
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What is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis or athlete's foot is a skin infection caused by a kind of mold called a fungus. The fungus causing tinea pedis prefers moist, warm skin; this is why tinea pedis favors the folds between the toes and is often worse in hot weather. In some people tinea pedis can get so bad that blisters form. Not all foot rashes are tinea pedis, only those caused by fungus growing on the skin.
What causes Athlete’s Foot?
- Tinea pedis is caused by a fungus that is only mildly contagious. Everyone is exposed to the fungus which causes tinea pedis; why only some people get it is unknown.
- Tinea pedis may stay in the skin indefinitely. Even if the rash seems to have been cured, microscopic examination may reveal the fungus to be present. While medicines will clear up the rash, the fungus may merely be "lying low" and may cause the same rash again.
How is Athlete’s foot Treated?
- Tinea pedis is usually well controlled by application of antifungal liquids, creams, or ointments. Citrelox Skin Spray is an antifungal agent that is very effective on Attlete’s Foot.
- Severe cases of tinea pedis may require griseofulvin, an antifungal medication taken by mouth.
- Sometimes infection with bacteria complicates tinea pedis and antibiotics are needed to kill the germs.
- If you have a tendency to develop tinea pedis, you should wear socks which are at least 60% cotton.
You should change your shoes everyday. Alternate 2-3 pairs of shoes, so the shoes will dry out completely before you use them again
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What are Bed Sores?
Bed sores are ulcers that occur on areas of the skin that are under extended periods of pressure. The pressure may be a result of lying in bed, sitting in a wheelchair, and/or wearing a cast for a prolonged period of time.
Bed sores can occur when a person is bedridden, unconscious, unable to sense pain, or immobile. Bed sores are ulcers that occur on areas of the skin that are under pressure from lying in bed, sitting in a wheelchair, and/or wearing a cast for a prolonged period of time.
Bed sores are commonly found on the tail bone area, hips, back, elbows, heels and ankles. They can become deep, extending into the muscle.
Bed sores are also called Decubitus ulcers and pressure sores.
Can Bed Sores be treated?
Yes. It is important to treat bed sores as soon as they appear. If left untreated, the skin can break open and become infected. The treatment will depend on the severity of the sores and may include several methods. Treatment is more difficult if the skin is broken.
Common treatments include:
- removing pressure on the affected area
- protecting the wound with medicated gauze
- keeping the wound clean
- medication (antibiotics and pain relievers)
- antibiotic ointments like Citrelox Skin Creme.
- surgical removal of dead tissue
Can bed sores be prevented?
Yes. Some of the ways to prevent bed sores are:
- good nutrition
- clean and dry linens
- frequent turning and repositioning of immobilized individuals
- providing soft padding in wheelchairs and beds to reduce pressure
- keeping the skin clean and dry
What causes a Bed Sore?
A bed sore develops when blood supply to the skin is cut off for more than two to three hours. As the skin dies, the bed sore first starts as a red, painful area, which eventually turns purple
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What is Candida?
Candida or Monilia is a skin rash caused by yeast living on normal skin of 80% of all people. In most people, the presence of this yeast on the skin is not visible. In some people, for unknown reasons, the yeast grows more actively and causes a red, itchy, scaling rash. The yeast likes warm moist areas and usually grows in the skin folds under the breast, stomach, and arm pits.
What causes Candida?
Candida is caused by yeast called Candida albicans.
Candida infection sometimes occurs as a result of antibiotic therapy.
People with diabetes are more prone to getting the rash of Candida, but the rash can occur in anyone.
How do we treat Candida?
A good treatment regimen is Citrelox Skin Creme applied to the affected area twice a day.
Some doctors use pills to treat this condition but pills have side effects.
If you have recurrent Candida infections you should have a glucose tolerance test done to rule out diabetes mellitus.
If you are a diabetic and are frequently diagnosed with Candida infections your blood glucose levels are probably not in the normal range. You should contact your family doctor and have your treatment plan reevaluated
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What is Chafing?
Chafing is a skin irritation caused by repeated rubbing. Chafing usually occurs around the groin, underarms and nipples, but it can occur anywhere. Anybody can experience chafing. However, chafing is particular problem in overweight people and in athletes.
If chafed skin lasts more than two days after the original source of irritation is removed, you should contact your doctor.
What Causes Chafing?
Chafing is usually caused by any activity that requires skin to repeatedly rub against another area of skin or article of clothing. Moisture, either from sweat or rain, can worsen chafing. Chafing can also be caused by a poorly fitted bra.
What are the symptoms of Chafing?
The most common symptom of chafing is a painful stinging or burning sensation.
Can Chafing be prevented?
Yes. Some common ways to prevent chafing are:
- Apply a lubricant like Citrelox Skin Creme to areas of your skin that are likely to chafe during physical activity.
- Wear clothing that serves as a barrier between layers of skin (athletic tights or cycling shorts).
- Avoid coarse clothing. Wear 100% cotton fabric against your skin.
- Avoid activity that is causing chafing.
- Wear clothing that is free of moisture, dried sweat, chemicals, dirt and other debris
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What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a condition that occurs when the scalp sheds its skin as flakes in hair and on clothing. Dandruff flakes grow in size with the accumulation of dirt and oil.
Dandruff does not cause hair loss.
If dandruff persists, or if very large flakes are present, with symptoms showing around your nose, ears, or chest, you should see a doctor. You may be experiencing symptoms of seborrhea, psoriasis, or eczema.
What are the symptoms of Dandruff?
The most common symptom of dandruff is itching and excessive flaking of the scalp.
Can Dandruff be Treated?
Dandruff cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.
Common treatments include:
- Shampoo daily with an over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Active ingredients in some popular products include: Zinc Pyrithione, Climbazole, Octopirox and Ketoconazole.
- Use Citrelox Spray for a more effective and thorough control.
- Use a hair conditioner to smooth out tangles.
- Anti-drandruff shampoo prescribed by your doctor.
What causes Dandruff?
The exact cause of dandruff is unknown. However, some of the conditions below may cause dandruff.
- Dry skin.
- Dry skin is the most common cause of itchy, flaking skin. Flakes from dry skin are usually smaller and less oily than those caused by dandruff.
- Seborrheic dermatitis.
- Seborrheic dermatitis is a frequent cause of dandruff. Dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.
- Psoriasis.
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Diabetic SkinCare
Many medical diseases are frequently accompanied by little known skin manifestations, and never is this more likely then when considering diabetes. After all, the skin is the largest organ of the body. So, it’s not surprising that diabetes, a disease that affects so many organ systems, can also do a number on the skin. Diabetic patients need to familiarize themselves with daily skin care necessities to help maintain overall health of the skin. This can help keep skin happy, healthy and reduce risks that can arise when small problems are left unchecked.
Diabetes is a state of uncontrolled blood sugar due either to a lack of insulin or resistance to this hormone. Insulin is essential for converting sugar and starches into energy. Over seventeen million people in the Unites States are thought to suffer from diabetes which can be broken down into three categories:
Type I: Is due to a failure of the body (pancreas) to produce insulin. Type I diabetes is often called juvenile diabetes, as this is the form most commonly seen beginning in childhood. An estimated 5-10% of the population have type I diabetes.
Type II: Is due to insulin resistance. The body is unable to properly utilize insulin. Some think that insulin resistance is tied to our diets, especially those high in sugars and carbohydrates. Insulin resistance may also be combined to some degree with relative insulin deficiency. Type II diabetes is the most common form of this disease and accounts for 90-95% of cases.
Gestational Diabetes
Affects approximately 4% of all pregnancies or 135,000 cases in the U.S. annually. Gestational diabetes is a risk factor for developing Type II diabetes later in life.
High levels of sugar cause the kidneys to draw vital water from the bloodstream, increasing urination. As a result, the skin becomes extremely dehydrated, inflamed and cracked. Broken skin also creates a portal of entry to infection-causing germs. Dehydration is further complicated, as poor nerve function (diabetic neuropathy) diminishes the production of sweat. While excessive sweating is undesirable, a normal level of of sweating helps keep skin moist.
Uncontrolled blood sugars also increase susceptibility to infection, including bacteria, fungus and yeast. Diabetic patients are far more prone to developing conditions ranging from cellulitus (bacterial skin infections), athlete’s foot (a fungal infection) and nail fungus to perleche (a yeast infection affecting the corners of the mouth) and intertrigo (a yeast infection arising within skin folds).
High blood sugar and reduced blood flow affects the cutaneous nerves and sensation becomes altered. Diabetic patients become unable to sense trauma, and injuries can go unnoticed. Daily monitoring of the skin, particularly on the hands and feet, helps quickly pick up on small nicks and sores before they get out of control.
Recommended Routine Daily Skin Care For Diabetics
- Cleanse daily with a gentle cleansing agent like.
- Apply a hydrating moisturizer with barrier action such as Citrelox Creme twice daily, particularly to lower legs, soles of feet and hands.
- Apply an antifungal cream like Citrelox Creme to feet, toes nails and toe webs daily as a preventive measure.
- Wear supportive compression socks or hosiery to reduce fluid pooling in the lower legs and feet.
- Cut toe nails straight across and not too short to help avoid ingrown toe nails.
- Avoid tight, binding shoes in favor of wearing loose fitting shoes.
- Inspect feet and hands daily for minor cuts and scrapes. Begin wound care immediately with antibiotic cream such as Citrelox Creme twice daily to help prevent bacterial infection.
- Don’t over bathe. Excessive bathing leads to dryness. Once a day bath or shower is adequate for routine grooming
- Apply a moisturizer immediately after toweling dry.
- Reduce water temperature for bathing to warm rather than steamy hot.
- Treat skin gently. Try not to scrub, rub or scratch skin as much as possible.
- Use a humidifier to help keep the air moisture content high particularly during cold, dry weather.
- While not all of these disorders affect only those with diabetes, they do tend to be far more prevalent in these patients.
Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum
Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) is considered one of the quintessential eruptions associated with diabetes, however only 0.3-0.7% of diabetics ever develop this disorder. NLD consists of slow growing yellowish shiny, waxy-looking plaques, later developing depressed (atrophic) centers. Primarily affecting the shins, NLD tends to affect three times as many women as men. The average age of onset is 30, although this condition has been reported to affect those ranging from early childhood to seniors. NLD tends to be symmetrical, affecting both lower legs. When it develops elsewhere, it is less likely to be associated with diabetes.
Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) is a disorder of collagen degeneration with accompanying granulomatous formation and thickening of blood vessel walls within the dermis with co-existing thinning of the epidermis. While the precise cause of NLD is unknown, diabetic microangiopathy (narrowing of the blood vessels due to a deposition of glycoprotein) is highly suspect. Microscopic vascular changes that affect the eyes and kidneys in diabetics resemble those seen in NLD. Other theories implicate collagen abnormalities, response to trauma or metabolic causes.
You don’t have to have diabetes to develop NLD, but odds are that one will develop it or have it already. 60% of patients affected by NLD tend to carry a diagnosis of diabetes prior to the development of the rash. Another 15% develop the rash prior to the onset of their diabetes. Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum has no correlation to diabetes, the level of DM severity or control.
NLD is typically unsightly but not routinely associated with discomfort. However, with progression, the areas may become numb (up to 75% of patients) due to dermal nerve damage. In 25% of cases they can become painful.
NLD is difficult if not impossible to control. There are random reports of oral ticlopidine, nicotinic acid, clofazimine, dipyridamole and aspirin, as well as intralesional heparin injections showing some benefit. For those cases of NLD that progress into significant atrophy, topical tretinoin has had some reported benefit.
The use of topical steroids, intralesional steroid injections and/or steroid tapes can reduce associated inflammation early on, as well as reduce the level of the raised leading border. However, steroids can contribute or hasten atrophy and should be discontinued if signs of skin atrophy are seen.
As localized trauma can cause NDL to ulcerate in up to 1/3 of cases, protection of the legs with elastic support stockings can be helpful. Citrelox Creme may be beneficial in healing open wounds. Infection prevention is critical in preventing cellulitus (a bacterial infection of the skin often requiring antibiotic treatment) from forming. Ulcerations may heal with scarring or discoloration.
Diabetic Dermopathy
Approximately 40% of diabetic patients over the age of 50 have diabetic dermopathy. These rounded, depressed (atrophic), darkened spots on the shins are commonly referred to as shin spots. Diabetic dermopathy is considered the most common skin change associated with diabetes. Swelling within the dermis and thickening of the cutaneous blood vessels is associated with red blood cells finding their way out of the vessels and into the dermis. Once these blood cells have disintegrated, they can leave behind their hemosiderin, which is responsible for the brown spots. The findings of diabetic dermopathy can also be intertwined with those of stasis dermatitis. Eczematous, dry skin patches perhaps combined with inflammation, broken skin areas and even swelling of the lower legs may be seen. Some of this can be due to underlying atherosclerosis due to the DM resulting in poor skin circulation. Some may also be a result of skin dehydration associated with diabetes.
Daily moisturizer use helps hydrate parched and broken skin. The use of Citrelox Creme can be effectively used on inflamed areas.
Pressure stockings, socks and hosiery help prevent fluid collection within the skin. Circulatory issues may need to be addressed with ultrasound evaluation. Rarely, angiography with accompanying angioplasty of the leg veins may be required. This tends to be reserved for those developing recurrent and painful leg and foot ulcerations. Oral medications to help maintain blood flow such as daily baby aspirin or Trental are common physician recommended treatments.
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Diabetic Ulcers
Nothing is more feared than the diabetic ulcer. An estimated 2 to 3 percent of Diabetics form painful often debilitating ulcerations each year. At some point an overwhelming 15 percent of all Diabetics will find themselves confronted with chronic ulceration. Typically developing on the lower legs or feet these sores form from 2 main causes: poor circulation or trauma (due to diabetic neuropathy) combined with faulty wound healing. And least you think that these are merely an annoyance, the majority of Diabetics who face lower leg amputation first deal with leg or foot ulceration (70-90%).
So understanding options in ulceration care is extremely important. It can help hasten healing, reduce discomfort and in many cases help prevent formation as well as improve prognosis.
Diabetes affects many steps in wound healing. Decreased collagen synthesis reduces both the ability of the wound to heal in and scar strength. High blood sugar also affects cellular ability to function. There is also a decrease or absence of growth factors in diabetic ulcerations, which are essential for maximum wound healing. Developing wound care technology is aimed at addressing these concerns.
New onset little leg ulcerations tend to be so common that initial treatment is aimed at localized wound care, infection control and maximizing blood flow to the skin. The use of antibiotic ointments and moist dressings is the first step. Improving fibroblast activity and collagen formation can help strengthen healing skin. GHK copper peptides were intially developed to help in wound care. Citrelox Creme is used in wound care management for this purpose in diabetic ulcerations as well as other forms of wounds.
It’s often a mistake in this setting to go the wet to dry approach. Lifting off the dry dressing can cause more harm than good. There’s a bevy of hydrophilic wound care dressings on the market. If your physician seems unfamiliar with diabetic wound care, there is often a wound care nurse or department affiliated with the local hospital.
Here again, it’s important to prevent pooling of blood in the lower legs. Compression with medical hosiery helps reduce vascular insufficiency. In essence this means swelling of tissue surrounding tiny already compromised blood vessels is minimized which helps prevent them from closing in on the blood vessels from the outside, essentially improving overall levels of oxygen reaching the skin. Toxin build-up within the skin is also reduced.
Narrowing of major blood vessels in the legs may need to be addressed as well, initially with ultrasonography. More invasive yet effective angiography accompanied with angioplasty helps look at blood vessels and pop them open.
Currently the only growth factor FDA approved for healing diabetic foot ulcerations is recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB.) Administered in a gel formulation concurrent with a standardized regimen of good wound care, Regranex (generic name becaplermin) gel increases complete wound closure and decreases the time frame for accomplishing wound healing. Regranex normalizes abnormally low levels of PDGF that are present in chronic diabetic ulcerations.
Other factors being investigated for the role they may play in diabetic ulcer formation (and their resolution) include topical bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) as well as NO (nitrous oxide).
Bullous Diabeticorum
Diabetic bullae are blisters that spring up spontaneously on the hands and feet of diabetics. They are not caused by a bacterial infection of the skin but can be the source of bacterial secondary infection. This makes it vital that wound care receive immediate attention.
Patients prone to diabetic blisters tend to already have signs of diabetic neuropathy. Circulation tends to be normal. The cause of these blisters remains unknown, and therapy is limited to infection prevention. It is recommended that if the blisters are popped (with a sterile needle) and that the skin be left in place to act as a natural bandage. Drying agents like Citrelox Creme prevents infection. Blisters tend to heal without scar formation provided infection does not occur.
Eruptive Xanthomatosis
Metabolic states associated with diabetes can include high blood fat levels. Eruptive xanthomas are the result of fat laden scavenger skin cells (histiocytes). Yellow waxy bumps form on the bony regions of the arms and legs and behind the knees and soft areas of the forearms. Strict control of blood fats and blood sugar is required for resolution. It is important to realize that not all xanthomas will resolve with nutritional and medicinal control
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Diaper Rash
Introduction
You start to change your baby's diaper, and there it is — a patchwork of bright red skin on your baby's bottom. Don't panic. What you're seeing is most likely diaper rash, a common form of inflamed skin (dermatitis).
Most infants develop a diaper rash at some time or another; some even arrive home from the hospital with a slight rash. Diaper rash may be more common after solid foods are added to your baby's diet or when your baby is taking antibiotics. Other factors that can lead to diaper rash include continuously wet or infrequently changed diapers, diarrhea and the use of plastic pants to cover a diaper. Diaper rashes can occur intermittently, anytime while your child wears diapers, but they're more common in babies during their first 15 months, especially between 8 and 10 months of age.
Diaper rash can alarm parents and annoy babies, but fortunately most cases disappear after a few days with simple home treatments.
Signs and symptoms
Diaper rash is characterized by red, puffy and perhaps slightly warmer skin in the diaper region — buttocks, thighs and genitals. You may notice your baby seems more uncomfortable than usual, especially during diaper changes. A baby with a diaper rash often fusses or cries when the diaper area is washed or touched.
Causes
Diaper rash can be traced to a number of causes, including:
- Irritation from stool and urine. Prolonged exposure to urine or feces can irritate a baby's sensitive skin. Your baby may be more prone to diaper rash if he or she is experiencing frequent bowel movements, because feces are more irritating than urine.
- Introduction of new foods. As babies start to eat solid foods, generally when they're between 4 and 12 months old, the content of their stool changes, increasing the likelihood of diaper rash. Changes in your baby's diet can also increase the frequency of stools, which can lead to diaper rash. If you're breast-feeding, your baby may develop diaper rash in response to something you've eaten, such as tomato-based foods.
- Irritation from a new product. Disposable wipes, a new brand of disposable diaper, or a detergent, bleach or fabric softener used to launder cloth diapers can all irritate your baby's delicate bottom. Other substances that can add to the problem include ingredients found in some baby lotions, powders and oils.
- Bacterial or yeast (fungi) infection. What begins as a simple skin infection may spread to the surrounding region. The area covered by a diaper — buttocks, thighs and genitals — is especially vulnerable to this tendency because it's warm and moist, making a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. These rashes generally start within the creases of the skin, and there may be red dots scattered around the creases.
- Sensitive skin. Babies with skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, may be more likely to develop diaper rashes. However, the irritated skin of atopic dermatitis and eczema commonly affects more than just the diaper area.
- Chafing or rubbing. Tightfitting diapers or clothing that rubs against the skin can lead to a rash.
- Use of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria — both bad and good. Without the right balance of good bacteria, however, yeast infections can occur. This can happen when babies take antibiotics or when mothers, who are breast-feeding their infants, are taking antibiotics.
When to seek medical advice
Diaper rash is usually easily treated and improves within several days after starting home treatment. If your baby's skin doesn't improve after a few days of home treatment with Citrelox Diaper Rash Crème and more frequent diaper changes, talk to your doctor. Sometimes, diaper rash leads to secondary infections that may require prescription medications. Have your child examined if the rash is severe, worsens despite home treatment or occurs along with any of the following:
- Fever
- Blisters or boils
- A rash that extends beyond the diaper area
- Pus or weeping discharge
- Rashes that don't respond to home treatment
Treatment
The best treatment for diaper rash is to keep your baby's skin as clean and dry as possible. If your baby's diaper rash persists during home treatment, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream or possibly a mild hydrocortisone cream. Diaper rashes usually require several days to improve and can continue for weeks. If the rash persists despite prescription treatment, your doctor may recommend that your baby see a dermatologist.
Use creams with steroids only if your baby's pediatrician or dermatologist recommends them — strong steroids or frequent use can lead to additional problems.
Prevention
A few simple strategies can help decrease the likelihood of diaper rash developing on your baby's skin:
- Change diapers often. Remove dirty diapers promptly. If your child is in child care, ask staff members to do the same.
- Rinse your baby's bottom with water as part of each diaper change. You can use a sink, tub or water bottle for this purpose. Moist washcloths and cotton balls also can aid in cleaning the skin. Don't use wipes that contain alcohol or fragrance.
- Pat your baby dry with a clean towel. Don't scrub your baby's bottom. Scrubbing can further irritate the skin.
- Don't overtighten diapers or use diapers with elastic edges. Both prevent airflow into the diaper region, setting up a moist environment favorable to diaper rashes. Tightfitting diapers can also cause chafing at the waist or thighs.
- Give your baby's bottom a little breathing room. When possible, let your baby go without a diaper. Exposing skin to air is a natural and gentle way to let it dry. To avoid messy accidents, try laying your baby on a large towel and engage in some playtime while he or she is bare-bottomed.
- Wash cloth diapers carefully. Pre-soak heavily soiled cloth diapers and use hot water to wash them. Use a mild detergent and skip the fabric softeners and dryer sheets because they can contain fragrances that may irritate your baby's skin. Double rinse your baby's diapers if your child already has a diaper rash or is prone to developing diaper rash. If you use a diaper service to clean your baby's diapers, make sure it takes these steps as well.
- Try diaper liners and breathable diaper covers. Diaper liners in cloth diapers may help keep your baby's skin drier. Choose breathable diaper covers instead of plastic or rubber pants over cloth diapers because they let air circulate.
- Consider using ointment regularly. If your baby gets rashes often, apply the all natural Citrelox Diaper Rash Crème during each diaper change to prevent skin irritation. Petroleum jelly and zinc oxide are the time-proven ingredients included in many prepared diaper ointments. Using these products on clear skin helps keep it in good condition.
- After changing diapers, wash your hands well. Hand washing can prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast to other parts of your baby's body, to you or to other children.
- Many parents worry about what kind of diapers to use. When it comes to preventing diaper rash, there's no compelling evidence that cloth diapers are better than disposable diapers or vice versa, though disposables may keep baby's skin slightly drier. Since there's no one best diaper — use whatever works best for you and your baby. If one brand of disposable diaper irritates your baby's skin, try another.
Whether you use cloth diapers, disposables or both kinds, always change your baby as soon as possible after he or she soils the diaper to keep the bottom as clean and dry as possible.
Self-care
Various diaper rash medications are available without a prescription. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific recommendations. Some popular over-the-counter products are the all natural Citrelox Diaper Rash Crème. Zinc oxide is the active ingredient in many diaper rash creams. These products are usually applied in a thin layer to the irritated region several times throughout the day to soothe and protect your baby's skin.
Ointments or creams are often less irritating than lotions or liquid solutions, but ointments completely cover the skin and don't allow it to receive air. Creams dry on the skin and allow air through. Your doctor can tell you whether a cream or ointment would be better for your child's particular rash. As a general rule, stick with products designed specifically for babies.
To aid the healing of diaper rash, do what you can to increase airflow to the diaper region. These simple suggestions may help:
- Let your child go without a diaper for short periods of time.
- Avoid using plastic or tightfitting diaper covers.
- Use larger sized diapers until the rash goes away.
- While your baby has a diaper rash, avoid washing the affected area with soaps and disposable, scented wipes. Alcohol and perfumes in these products can irritate your baby's skin and aggravate or prolong the rash.
In the past, it was common to use talcum powder to protect a baby's skin and absorb excess moisture. However, doctors no longer recommend this. Inhaled talcum powder can irritate a baby's lungs.
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What is Dry Skin
Xerosis is the term for dry skin. We all have a natural oil coating over our skin produced by the skin oil glands. If this oil is removed, then the skin becomes dry which can lead to cracking, which can lead to inflammation. Xerosis is usually a long-term problem that recurs often, especially in the winter.
What causes Dry Skin?
- Long hot baths or showers, can remove our natural oil and lead to xerosis. One should never take more than one bath or shower a day.
- Use of harsh soaps can worsen and cause xerosis.
- Cold winter weather worsens xerosis because the amount of moisture contained in cold air is much less than the amount of moisture in warm air.
How do we treat Dry Skin?
- Treatment is intended to restore the natural oil to your skin.
- Many people have seen marked improvement with natural formulas such as Citrelox Skin Crème.
- Keep the skin lubricated. You can put bath oil on your freshly dried skin after a shower or bath or add it directly to the bath water (CAUTION: slippery tub!). If you use a bath oil in the tub, add about a teaspoon full to the bath water and soak for 10-20 minutes. Do not use soap; you will get clean by soaking in the oil-water combination. Do not take more than one bath or shower a day. Use lukewarm water, not hot. Hot water dries out the skin.
- When toweling dry don't rub. Blot the skin so there is still some water left on the skin. When applying bath oil directly to the skin, pour a small amount into your hands and then spread it onto your slightly damp skin immediately after blotting dry. A teaspoon full is enough for the average adult. If you prefer not to use bath oil, you can apply a moisturizer to all of the skin such as Vaseline, Lubriderm, or Citrelox Skin Crème.
- Citrelox Skin Crème works very well for treating and preventing dry skin especially when applied to moist skin after bathing.
- Soap irritates and dries the Skin, soap should not be used on your xerotic skin. When bathing limit the use of soap to your face, armpits, genital area, and feet. Use Cetaphil soap, Oil of Olay, Dove or Basis.
If you like to swim during the winter months, you should not use soap when getting out of the pool. When you have finished swimming, rinse off the chlorine with cool to warm water. If this will be the only shower of the day then you may use Cetaphil Lotion or a mild soap to cleanse your skin. After the shower apply bath oil or a moisturizer to all of the skin as above.
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What is Eczema?
Eczema is a group of skin conditions which can affect all age groups. The severity of the eczema can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy. In severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding.
Although eczema can sometimes look unpleasant, it is not contagious. With treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced. However, the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care.
Eczema is also called dermatitis.
What are the symptoms of Eczema?
- severe itchiness
- dry skin
- redness skin
- inflamed skin
Treatment options
Eczema can be treated but not cured. Treatments are aimed to reduce the severity of the symptoms. The treatment will depend on the type of eczema. Common treatments are emollients and steroids. Emollients help maintain skin hydration. Steroids help reduce inflammation. Citrelox Skin Creme and Citrelox Spray are very effective against all forms of Eczema.
What Causes Eczema?
There are many causes of eczema. The causes of eczema depends on the particular type of eczema that a person has.
Kinds of Eczema
The main types of eczema are:
- Atopic eczema
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Irritant contact dermatitis
- Infantile seborrhoeic eczema
- Adult seborrhoeic eczema
- Varicose eczema
- Discoid eczema
Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema. It is hereditary and commonly linked with asthma and hay fever.
Allergic contact dermatitis develops when the body’s immune system reacts against a substance in contact with the skin. The allergic reaction often develops over a period of time through repeated contact with the substance. Some common substances the skin reacts to is nickel, perfumes and rubber.
Irritant contact dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by frequent contact with everyday substances, such as detergents and chemicals, which are irritating to the skin.
Infantile seborrhoeic eczema is a common condition affecting babies under one year old, the exact cause of which is unknown. Infantile seborrhoeic eczema is also called cradle cap. It usually starts on the scalp and quickly spreads.
Adult seborrhoeic eczema usually affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40. It is usually seen on the scalp as mild dandruff, but can spread to the face, ears and chest. Adult seborrhoeic eczema is caused by a yeast growth.
Varicose eczema affects the lower legs people in their middle to late years. It is caused by poor circulation. Commonly the skin around the ankles is affected, becoming speckled, itchy and inflamed. The most common treatments are emollients and steroid creams. If varicose eczema is left untreated, the skin can break down, resulting in an ulcer.
Discoid eczema Is usually found in adults and appears suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red skin, normally on the trunk or lower legs. The skin becomes very itchy.
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What is Jock Itch?
"Jock itch" refers to any itching groin rash of men. There are many causes of jock itch; when it is caused by a fungus, the rash is known as tinea cruris. The fungus causing tinea cruris prefers moist, warm skin; this is why tinea cruris favors the groin area and is often worse in hot weather. Not all groin rashes are tinea cruris, only those caused by fungus growing on the skin.
What causes Jock Itch?
- Tinea cruris is caused by a fungus.
- Tinea cruris is not contagious; direct person to person contact rarely leads to spreading of tinea cruris.
How de we treat Jock Itch?
- Tinea cruris usually clears up quickly when antifungal medicines like Citrelox Skin Crème or Spray are applied twice daily to the skin. Tinea cruris is only one cause of groin itching. If your rash does not improve, you may see a Doctor for further evaluation.
You can help prevent recurrences by drying thoroughly after bathing, wearing loose cotton underwear, and dusting a bland powder such as baby powder on your groin once or twice daily
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What is Keloid?
A keloid is an itchy, hard, raised, lump on the skin. It is the result of an overproduction of scar tissue. Keloids occur at the site of a skin injury. The injury can be a result from severe acne, a burn, an operation, a vaccination or a minor scratch.
Keloids are harmless. Sometimes they stop growing or disappear without treatment.
Keloid is also called keloid skin and hypertrophic scarring. They occur on darker skin much more often than on lighter skin.
What Causes Keloids?
The cause of keloids is unknown. Researchers believe that keloids are caused by the body's failure to turn off the healing process needed to repair skin.
What does a Keloid look like?
Keloids are shiny and is often dome-shaped. The color ranges from slightly pink to red.
What part of the body do Keloids occur?
Keloids can occur on any part of the body. They are most commonly located on the chest, upper back, and shoulders.
What are the symptoms of Keloids?
The major sign is a flesh or lighter colored nodular or ridged growths over scars on the skin.
Treatment Options?
Small keloids can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Surgical removal is not recommended because it can cause additional keloids. Injection of corticosteroid drugs directly into the keloid will reduce itching. Citrelox Skin Creme is the most effective treatment to alleviate Keloids.
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What is Poison Ivy?
Poison ivy is a poisonous plant that causes an allergic reaction when exposed to human skin. It can grow as a woody, self-supporting shrub, as a vine running along the ground, or growing on shrubs and trees.
Reactions to poison ivy exposure usually go away with 10 days.
Poison Ivy is also called Toxicodendron radicans, three-leaved ivy, and poison creeper.
How do you get Poison Ivy?
You can get a poison ivy rash from touching poison ivy, or touching something that has touched poison ivy. The most common way to get poison ivy is from touching the leaves. You can also get it by breathing smoke from firewood burning with poison ivy on it and touching the poison ivy vine or roots.
What are the symptoms of Poison Ivy?
Most people develop 24-48 hours after they come in contact with the poison ivy plant. The first symptom is a severe itching of the skin. Later, a fever, redness, inflammation and blistering of the skin occurs.
In severe cases, oozing sores develop.
Treatments Options
There is no cure for the rash of poison ivy once it begins. The treatments are aimed at relieving the symptoms. Citrelox Skin Creme and Spray are some of the most effective products for treating Poison Ivy.
Medical treatment is most effective if applied before the oozing sores appear.
Once the area affected by poison ivy is healed, it will remain supersensitive to further contact for several months.
Complications of Poison Ivy
A common complication of poison ivy rash is infection. Swelling, pain and warmth around the affected area are all signs of infection. If you feel that your poison ivy rash had developed into an infection, visit your doctor immediately.
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What causes Poison Oak?
Poison ivy and poison oak rashes are caused by an allergy to the resin of these plants, called Rhus plants. You don't have to come in direct contact with the leaves, roots, or branches of Rhus plants to get the rash. The plant resin can reach your skin indirectly when you touch clothing or a pet that carries the resin. Posion oak can spread through the air from the pollen.
Like other allergies, Rhus allergy is acquired; you're not born with it. While some lucky people never become allergic to Rhus plants, most persons become sensitized at some time and remain allergic. Unfortunately, there's no way to desensitize persons allergic to Rhus plants. These types of Allergies are forms of allergic contact dermatitis.
Is it contagious?
- Your poison ivy or poison oak rash is not contagious. The fluid in the blisters does not spread the rash.
- Rhus rash doesn't appear immediately after exposure to the plant resin, but only after a time called the latent period. This latent period between exposure to the plant and appearance of the rash may be as short as four hours or as long as 10 days, depending on individual sensitivity and the amount of plant contact. Sometimes, more rash appears after treatment has begun. These new patches are areas that had a longer latent period.
How do we treat Poison Oak?
- Rhus rashes are self-limited--sooner or later they clear up without treatment. Letting nature take its course with a mild Rhus rash is reasonable, but severe rashes need a visit to a doctor and treatment to ease the misery and disability they cause.
- The best and safest treatment for Rhus rashes is with Citrelox Skin Crème or Spray.
- Improvement of your rash should be prompt and steady if the Citrelox Crème or Spray is applied cosnsistently and at least twice a day. It depends on getting enough cortisone. If your rash doesn't improve steadily, telephone the office so we can modify your treatment.
- When the swelling has gone down, Citrelox Skin Crème will help your rash heal.
- You may bathe or shower as usual. Keep the water as cool as you can after the first shower (see below), and don't use soap on your rash since it may irritate.
How do we prevent Poison oak?
- The only way to prevent Rhus rash is to avoid contact with the plant resin. It's traditional advice to wash with strong soap and warm water after exposure. This does no harm, but is only effective if you wash within 15 minutes of exposure. You will need to wash clothing, pets, and tools or you may become re-exposed to the resin.
- Rhus plants may cause rashes throughout the year. Roots and stems can cause a rash just as much as the leaves. If you can't recognize poison ivy or poison oak plants, have someone point them out so you can avoid them.
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What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that generally appears as patches of raised red skin covered by a flaky white buildup. In some cases, psoriasis is very mild and people don't know they have it. In other cases, it is very severe and covers large areas of the body.
Psoriasis is not contagious. You can not "catch" it from another person and a person cannot "catch" it from you.
Psoriasis means "itch" in Greek
What causes Psoriasis?
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. However, researchers believe psoriasis is related to faulty signals sent by the body's immune system. The faulty signals accelerate the growth cycle in skin cells, which pile up on the surface when the body can't shed them fast enough.
Types of Psoriasis.
There are different forms of psoriasis: inverse psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. Each form of psoriasis differs in severity, location, duration and the shape and pattern of the scales.
Inverse psoriasis occurs in the armpit, under the breast and in the skin folds around the groin, buttocks, and genitals.
Guttate psoriasis often affects children and young adults. It usually occurs after a sore throat.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form. About 80 percent of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis can appear anywhere on the skin surface. The knees, elbows, scalp, trunk and nails are the most common locations.
Statistics
In the United States two out of every hundred people have psoriasis (four to five million people). Approximately 150,000 new cases occur each year.
Can Psoriasis be Treated?
Yes. Treatment varies between patients. It is based on the patient's health, age, lifestyle, and the severity of the psoriasis. Some types of treatment are: topical skin medication, limited sunlight exposure, steroids, exposure to ultraviolet light and oral medication. One of the most effective treatments for Psoriasis is Citrelox Skin Creme or Citrelox Spray.
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What is Ringworm?
Ringworm, also called Tinea is a fungus infection of the scalp or skin. The fungal infection is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes live on the dead tissues on the skin and any structures that grow from the skin, such as hair or nails. Ringworm is not a "worm" infection.
Ringworm can affect skin, fingers and toe nails or foot.
Ringworm Infection does not create lasting immunity. A person can be repeatedly infected by the same type of fungus.
Ringworm Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of skin ringworm are: an itchy, burning and flaky rash that is circular in shape. The skin may also be dry and scaly. Some symptoms of scalp ringworm are: flaky, circular patch of baldness. Ringworm of the scalp usually begins as a small pimple which becomes larger in size and leaves scaly patches of temporary baldness.
As the ringworm spreads, the center area clears and appears normal.
How are Ringworms Transmitted?
Ringworms can be transmitted from animals (dogs and cats) to humans and from humans to humans by direct contact with an infected person or animal. Ringworm can also be spread through contact with articles (such as combs or clothing) or surfaces which have been contaminated with the fungus.
How long do Ringworms Last?
If untreated, these infections can linger on and become chronic.
How long will I be Infectious?
You will be infectious (able to transmit it to another person) as long as the fungus remains present in the skin lesion. The fungus is no longer present when the lesion starts to shrink.
How to Prevent developing Ringworms?
It is difficult to take specific measures to prevent contact with the fungi that causes ringworms because the fungi are common. However, if you know someone has ringworm, do not have physical contact with them or share their clothes.
How are Ringworms treated?
Your doctor may treat ringworm by prescribing a fungicidal material to swallow as tablets or powders that can be applied directly to the affected areas. Citrelox Skin Creme and Citrelox Spray are extremely effective against ringworms.
When to Call Your Doctor?
If you have redness and itching of the skin and you can see a patchy lesion, call your doctor
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What is Scar Tissue?
Scar tissue is a mark left on damaged tissue after it has healed. Scar tissue can form on the skin or on internal wounds. People with conditions like liver cirrhosis, heart disease, and pancreatitis often have scar tissue on their liver, heart or pancreas.
Scar tissue forms as skin heals after an injury or surgery. The amount of scar tissue may be determined by the size, depth, and location of the wound; the age of the person; heredity; and skin characteristics.
The color of a scar may be pale pink, brown, or silvery. Some people tend to get scars more easily, and scars are more likely to form after wounds on certain parts of the body.
Can the Appearance of Scar Tissue be Reduced?
Yes. Usually, scars shrink and become less noticeable as the person ages. Surgical procedures and medications can also be used to reduce the appearance of scars.
Surgical procedures can be used to improve or minimize the appearance of scars, restore function, and correct disfigurement resulting from an injury, lesion, or previous surgery. Surgical revision is usually delayed until the scar lightens in color. It takes several months or even a year after a wound has healed for the scar to lighten in color. Surgery to revise scars can be done while the patient is awake or sleeping.
Citrelox Skin Creme can reduce the symptoms of itching and tenderness, and help restore raised and discolored scars to a more natural color and texture, using the same technology trusted by burn centers and plastic surgeons.
Abnormal Scars
A keloid is an abnormal scar. It is thicker, has a tendency to reoccur, has a different color and texture, and extends beyond the edge of the wound. It often creates a thick, puckered effect simulating a tumor. Keloids are removed at the point where it meets normal tissue.
Hypertropic scars are caused by massive injuries (burns). They often cover a large area of skin. A hypertrophic scar can cause restricted movement of muscles, joints, and tendons.
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What are Razor Bumps?
Pseudofolliculitis barbae, the medical name for razor bumps, is an inflammatory reaction surrounding ingrown hairs that results from shaving. This problem occurs more frequently in people who have curly hair.
What causes Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps are created when the growing beard hairs exit the skin, curl over, and grow into the adjacent skin. This creates a foreign-body reaction resulting in an unsightly bump. These bumps are very difficult to treat in one day, and therefore it is really easy to aggravate the situation by shaving again the next day.
Obviously, the problem can be dealt with by just allowing the hair to grow. As the hair grows longer, it will grow out of the follicular opening itself. This option is not always feasible, especially for professionals who need to keep groomed for their job. The best way to deal with razor bumps and ingrown hairs is prevention.
Here are some tips to minimize ingrown hairs and the unsightly razor bumps they create:
- Use a facial scrub before shaving. This helps raise the hairs from under the skin and prevents them from growing back into the skin.
- Do not pull the skin tight when shaving.
- Always allow your skin to expand under hot water for at least 2 minutes before shaving. A good move is to save your shave for the end of your shower.
- Always shave with downward strokes in the direction of beard growth.
- Avoid repeating strokes. If you must, reapply a shaving lubricant.
- Avoid disposable razors and change razor blades at the very least every five shaves.
- Shave every other day, if your employer or partner will allow you.
There are several products on the market that will help in the fight against razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
In the facial scrub category, Citrelox Skin Crème is one of the best. For those prone to acne as well razor bumps, Citrelox Skin Crème is the answer for you.
For shaving agents, go with Medicated Shaving Cream with BP 2.5%. Benzoyl Peroxide and tea tree oil enter the follicle and serve as an active antibacterial and keratolytic agent, respectively
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What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for most people. Stretch marks are also a common side effect of obesity and pregnancy. During pregnancy, they may be present on the breasts, abdomen, legs, and buttock.
Stretch marks are a characteristic of Cushing's syndrome.
Stretch marks are also called striae gravidarum, striae distensae, striae atrophicans, striae rubra (which are red) and striae alba (white).
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are caused by rapid growth or weight gain. Stretch marks happen when the tissue under the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching. The skin is usually fairly elastic, however, when it is overstretched the normal production of collagen is disrupted. As a result, scars called stretch marks may form. Collagen is the major protein that makes up the connective tissue in your skin.
Stretch marks can be a side effect of dieting. If you lose too much weight too fast, stretch marks may occur. If you are trying to loose weight, don't aim to lose more than one pound a week.
What do Stretch Marks Look Like?
The appearance of stretch marks will depend on the color of your skin. Stretch marks start out as pink, reddish brown, brown, or very dark brown streaks. After time the color of stretch marks can fade to a more silvery color that’s lighter than your other skin.
Can the Appearance of Stretch Marks be Reduced?
Citrelox Skin Creme and Citrelox Spray are very effective against Fine Lines and Stretch Marks.
Laser therapy also helps improve the appearance of stretch marks. During laser surgery, lasers are used to reduce the color of dark stretch marks and stimulate the production of pigment-making cells in already faded stretch marks.
Laser therapy can also be used help the body produce collagen to help restore the elasticity of the skin in depressed stretch marks
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What are Warts?
Warts are benign tumors of the epidermis. They can occur in people of all ages. They usually occur in children and young adults.
What does a Wart look like?
The appearance of a wart depends on where it is growing. Warts are usually the same color of the skin. They feel rough to the touch, but can be dark, flat or smooth.
What Causes Warts?
Warts are caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. There are at least 60 types of HPV viruses.
Where Do Warts Appear?
Warts can grow on many different parts of your body. They can grow on your skin, on the inside of your mouth, on your genitals (genital warts) and on your rectal area (anal warts). Some types of HPV cause warts on the skin, while other types of HPV cause warts on the genitals and rectal area. Some people are more naturally resistant to the HPV viruses and don't seem to get warts as easily as other people.
Can warts be passed from one person to another person?
Yes. Warts on the skin can be transmitted from person to person by direct physical contact. It is also possible to transmit warts by using towels or other objects that were used by a person who has warts.
Warts on the genitals can be passed to another person during sexual contact. Sometimes, a woman may not know she has warts and may transmit warts to her sexual partner without even knowing it.
The time between the first contact with warts and the time that the new warts will appear is often several months.
Can Warts be Treated?
Yes. Sometimes treatment is unnecessary and the warts will go away on their own. When treatment is necessary, the most common treatment are:
- Citrelox Creme and Citrelox Spray
- medications (for small warts)
- Must be conducted by a doctor to prevent injury to the normal skin surrounding the warts.
- surgical removal (for large warts)
- laser surgery
- cauterization
If the warts are not removed through medicine or surgical removal, they will increase in size and number.
Will the Warts Reappear?
In some cases, the warts will reappear. They may reappear because the viruses that cause the warts are still present in the body. Continuous use of the Citrelox Creme or Citrelox Spray will prevent the recurrence.
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Your Wounds consist of Cuts, Lacerations, Scrapes, Stitches and Sores
How should I clean a wound?
The best way to clean a cut, scrape or puncture wound (such as from a nail) is with cool water. You can hold the wound under running water or fill a tub with cool water and pour it from a cup over the wound.
Use soap and a soft washcloth to clean the skin around the wound. Try to keep soap out of the wound itself because soap can cause irritation. Use tweezers that have been cleaned in isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt that remains in the wound after washing.
Even though it may seem that you should use a stronger cleansing solution (such as hydrogen peroxide or an antiseptic), these things may irritate wounds. Ask your family doctor if you feel you must use something other than water.
What about bleeding?
Bleeding helps clean out wounds. Most small cuts or scrapes will stop bleeding in a short time. Wounds on the face, head or mouth will sometimes bleed a lot because these areas are rich in blood vessels.
To stop the bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure on the cut with a clean cloth, tissue or piece of gauze. If the blood soaks through the gauze or cloth you're holding over the cut, don't take it off. Just put more gauze or another cloth on top of what you already have in place and apply more pressure.
If your wound is on an arm or leg, raising it above your heart will also help slow the bleeding.
Should I use a bandage?
Leaving a wound uncovered helps it stay dry and helps it heal. If the wound isn't in an area that will get dirty or be rubbed by clothing, you don't have to cover it.
If it's in an area that will get dirty (such as your hand) or be irritated by clothing (such as your knee), cover it with an adhesive strip (Band-Aid) or with sterile gauze and adhesive tape. Change the bandage each day to keep the wound clean and dry.
Certain wounds, such as scrapes that cover a large area of the body, should be kept moist and clean to help reduce scarring and speed healing. Bandages used for this purpose are called occlusive or semiocclusive bandages. You can buy them in drug stores without a prescription. Your family doctor will tell you if he or she thinks this type of bandage is best for you.
What types of ointment should I use?
An antibiotic ointment like Citrelox Wound Cream helps healing by keeping out infection and by keeping the wound clean and moist. A bandage does pretty much the same thing. If you have stitches, your doctor will tell you whether he or she wants you to use an antibiotic ointment. Most minor cuts and scrapes will heal just fine without antibiotic ointment, but it can speed healing and help reduce scarring.
What should I do about scabs?
Nothing. Scabs are the body's way of bandaging itself. They form to protect wounds from dirt. It's best to leave them alone and not pick at them. They will fall off by themselves when the time is right.
When should I call my doctor?
You can close small cuts yourself with special tape, called butterfly tape, or special adhesive strips, such as Steri-Strips.
Call your doctor if your wound is deep, if you can't get the edges to stay together or if the edges are jagged. Your doctor may want to close your wound with stitches or skin adhesive. These things can help reduce the amount of scarring
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