Hair Removal Laser

Hair Removal Laser


Requests for removal of unwanted body hair are common in dermatologic and surgical practices. Technology continues to improve the achievement of a more permanent reduction through the use of lasers. Despite the increased use of lasers, to date, few guidelines exist in terms of how to approach laser hair removal. Specifically, one must understand the mechanism of hair growth and how lasers work to target the hair follicle. There is significant variation among practitioners in pre-and post-laser recommendations to patients as well as intervals between treatment sessions. We performed a thorough review of the literature in order to determine evidence for the ideal interval between treatment sessions and the ideal number of sessions. We also sought to establish, based on published reports, the recommendations for shaving, plucking, waxing or other hair removal methods prior to laser hair removal and the guidelines for sun exposure before and after laser treatments. Finally, we searched the literature to find out whether there are areas that should not be treated with laser hair removal. The evidence and recommendations in this article aim to help guide practitioners in their approach to laser hair removal

Anti aging skin care treatment

Current anti-aging strategies and issues

Diets and supplements
Much of life extension has been concerned with the use of nutrition, in the form of diets or supplements, to extend lifespan. The many diets promoted by anti-aging advocates are often contradictory. One of the few areas of consensus among nutritionists is the importance of keeping stable blood sugar levels, achieved in part by managing the glycemic indices of food choices.[citation needed] Two diets with different approaches and some support from scientific research are the Paleolithic diet and Caloric restriction.
The restriction of energy intake, or calories, in an otherwise healthy diet (a practice generally called Calorie restriction or simply CR) has been shown to extend the maximum life span of laboratory organisms from several species, including rats, yeast, fruit flies, and nematodes. In rodents, a roughly 50% maximum lifespan extension is seen with a roughly 50% restriction of calories from what would be consumed by freely-feeding animals.[citation needed] The results of calorie restriction experiments on laboratory rats may not be generalizable because years of inbreeding have made these animals different from those found in the wild, and because these results are applicable specifically to short-lived species that have evolved to respond to feast and famine with alterations in longevity.[citation needed] Proving that calorie restriction could extend human life is difficult because experiments with long-lived species necessarily take a long time to perform. Scientists propose that the results of calorie restriction experiments on animals also depend on the habitat, genetics, other aspects of nutrition and frequencies of feeding.
The idea that antioxidant supplements, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, lipoic acid and N-acetylcysteine, might extend human life stems from the free radical theory of aging. Other substances proposed to extend lifespan include oxytocin, insulin, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and erythropoietin (EPO). Resveratrol is a sirtuin stimulant that appears to extend lifespan in simple model organisms such as nematodes and short-lived fish.
Some supplements, including the minerals selenium or zinc have been reported to extend the lifespan of rats and mice, though none has been proven to do so in humans, and significant toxic effects were observed. Metformin may also extend life span in mice.
Cosmetics
Cosmetic interventions such as skin treatments (e.g., skin resurfacing, Botox treatments, Argireline products) and plastic surgery are widely used to mask the effects of aging, although they do not actually affect lifespan.
Hormone treatments
The anti-aging industry offers several hormone therapies. Some of these products have been criticized, for example by the American Medical Association, for possible dangers to the patient and a lack of proven effect.
The evidence for use of growth hormone is mixed and based on animal studies. An early study suggested that supplementation of mice with growth hormone increased average life expectancy.Additional animal experiments have suggested that growth hormone may generally act to shorten maximum lifespan; knockout mice lacking the receptor for growth hormone live especially long. Furthermore, mouse models lacking the insulin-like growth factor also live especially long and have low levels of growth hormone.
The synthetic estrogen Premarin (made from mare’s urine), has been proposed to reduce the impact of menopause. In 1991, the Women’s Health Initiative studied 161,808 postmenopausal women with randomized trials of hormone supplements or placebo. It discontinued the study in 2002 because it concluded that, on the whole, the supplements were doing more harm than good (primarily due to an increased risk of breast cancer). Testosterone supplements in the form of creams or patches have been proposed for men. Regular Human Growth Hormone (HGH) injections cost about $10–12,000 a year. On the internet, many websites promote less expensive secretagogues that claim to prompt the body to produce HGH. There is little independent research on HGH secretagogues
copy right by fawad (all right reserved)

Pimple care

How to Care for Pimple Prone Skin

If you eat pizza, your face will look like a pizza. Popping those pimples will make them dry up and go away faster. Wash your face and keep your hair off your forehead to keep from getting pimples. Eating chocolate will make your acne worse.

When you consider the number of acne myths circulating, it's sometimes hard to know what the best acne skin care regimen is. Knowledge of which factors actually cause acne can help you separate acne myths from practices that really help to keep your skin acne free. When it comes to what can really clear your complexion, here are some tips.

First, eating pizza in itself is not enough to give your acne. Although eating a high fat, greasy diet is not good for your health or your skin, your eating habits are not the sole cause of your acne.

For good skin health it is advisable to eat a healthy balanced diet and drink lots of water. When you do eat greasy foods, especially those eaten with the fingers - such as pizza or French fries - but careful not to touch your face with your greasy fingers. In fact, greasy fingers on your face may be more responsible for breakouts than eating the greasy food. Acne skin care tip number one - try to eat a healthy diet and keep greasy fingers off your face.

Popping your pimples does not necessarily make them go away faster. In fact, the squeezing and pinching that goes along with popping pimples can actually damage the skin. These actions can push the bacteria in the pimple further into the pore causing infection and possibly even scarring. Acne skin care tip number two - popping pimples can damage the skin and make acne worse. The best advice is not to pop your pimples.

Washing your face at least twice daily is one thing you can do that will help to improve your acne. Your doctor or dermatologist can suggest an over-the-counter cleaning product or prescribe a prescription cleanser if necessary. Cleaning your face helps to wash away excess oil, dirt, old skin cells and bacteria. Some experts even suggest exfoliating acne prone skin regularly. This is because dead skin cells left on the face can block the pores, causing pimples. Acne skin care tip number three - wash your face at least twice daily to keep dead skin cells, oil, dirt and bacteria from building up.

When planning out your acne skin care regimen, there are things you can do to help prevent breakouts. While what you eat does not entirely decide whether or not you will get acne, it is always best to eat a healthy diet. Don't make popping your pimples a practice. Popping can actually damage the skin and make acne worse. Washing your face at least twice daily, however, is something you can do that will truly help your skin stay clearer. So, when weighing the myths about acne skin care, remember, keep it clean.

Moisturizer for dry skin

Treatment of Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common problem, especially in older age groups. Some people have a lifelong tendency towards dry skin which may be familial. More commonly, it tends to be a seasonal problem with worsening in the winter.
Dry skin results from excessive water loss through the top layer of skin. The skin has an outer lipid barrier which normally holds in moisture. This barrier may be damaged by repeated exposure to solvents, harsh soaps, and excessive bathing or hand washing. Environmental factors, such as cold air, low humidity, and central heat also tend to pull moisture from the skin, which is why dry skin is so much more common in the winter.
Dry skin, when severe, can become itchy and inflamed, leading to rashes. It can also exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema, as the damaged lipid barrier allows irritants and infectious agents to penetrate the skin more easily.

Treatment of dry skin is aimed at restoring the lipid barrier and preventing further moisture loss. There are thousands of moisturizing products on the market, but there are basically two kinds of formulations: oil-in-water preparations and water-in-oil preparations. Oil-in-water formulations are lotions, and are useful for mildly dry skin or for daytime facial moisturizing. Water-in-oil formulations are thicker and creamier and will generally be more helpful for severely dry or chapped skin, and for patients with eczema. Urea and lactic acid can enhance water uptake by the skin and can be found in some therapeutic moisturizers.
General Tips for Moisturizing Skin
Bathing with hot water can be very drying, even though it may feel good. We recommend bathing with warm but not overly hot water. Mild synthetic cleansers such as Dove Unscented, Oil of Olay Unscented, or Cetaphil Non-Soap Cleanser are preferable to soaps, which tend to be more drying. After leaving the bath or shower, gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel, then apply moisturizing cream while the skin is still damp. This helps to lock the moisture in the skin. If you have been prescribed a cream for eczema, it is helpful to apply it first, followed by your moisturizer.

The following is a list of some of our favorite moisturizers:
Note: Some of these items are not on the shelf, and may be “behind the counter”. Ask your pharmacist.
Facial
Neutrogena Healthy Defense
DML Facial Moisturizer
MD Forte Replenish Hydrating Cream (sold in this office)
Oil of Olay Complete UV Protective Moisture Lotion
Kinerase cream, lotion
Hand
SBR Lipocream
Theraseal
Gloves-in-a-Bottle
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Body
Cetaphil Cream
Aveeno Cream
Eucerin Cream
Vanicream
DML Forte
Aveeno Lotion
U-lactin lotion (contains lactic acid)
Lac-hydrin 5 lotion (contains lactic acid)
Carmol 10, Carmol 20 cream (contains urea)
Betamide Lotion (contains urea and lactic acid)

Bio skin care

BIO SKIN CARE
How do topical medicines reach their intended site? This article will explore the basic pharmaceutical aspect of skin absorption. Why should we as estheticians be concerned about topical medications our clients are using? Medications can alter the skins sensitivity, cause slight irritation as well as increase the likelihood of sunburns. This is particularly important when our clients come in for monthly facials or other skin care procedures. We must have some understanding of topical preparations our clients are using. Not having some knowledge can enhance or hinder skin care procedures.
The skin is a large organ, weighing approximately 4 kg and covering an area of 2 square meters. The skin acts as a barrier to absorption of chemicals and invasion by microorganisms. It prevents water loss as well as ----keeping us within and the world without. In order for dermatologists to treat skin disease effectively, medications must be able to penetrate the barrier properties of skin. Caution must be exercised whereby, if too much medication is absorbed, toxicity may result.


Percutaneous Absorption (performed through the skin)
Per-cutaneous absorption is the process by which a substance moves from the skin surface to its intended site of action or to the circulation system. For a topical agent to be effective, it must first be absorbed. The drug must enter in adequate concentration to its proposed site of action to produce the desired response of the skin. Another consideration a physician must acknowledge is the skin acts as a barrier in that it prevents chemicals and other materials from entering the body. This barrier is effective and useful, but it may hinder the treatment because the barrier also prevents absorption of medicines.
Skin Absorption Factors
There are many that affect skin absorption.
Absorption occurs by distribution around and through the cells that make up the skin. Some absorption takes place along hair follicles or through sweat ducts. Placing a drug on the skin does not mean that the drug will reach the intended site.
Organic solvents (containing carbon, which dissolve) can damage the stratum corneum and allow easier penetration by these chemicals.
Skin thickness and barrier accessibility are different in various areas. For example, hydro cortisone (a synthetic preparation used in the treatment of inflammations, allergies and itching) is absorbed through the skin 6 times better on the forehead than on the arm, and 44 times better on the scrotum.
Applying more of a substance increases the amount absorbed. Penetration will stop when the skin is saturated. Absorption into the bloodstream is also increased if the concentration of a substance is higher and if more body is is covered.
The skin of infants is more prone to absorption than those of adults.
Diseased skin is not necessarily easier to penetrate than normal skin.
Occluded (skin that has been covered) or well-hydrated skin is easier to penetrate than nonoccluded or dry skin.
The vehicle may affect penetration of a drug.
How Absorption Occurs
The drug is applied to the skin’s surface and then diffuses out of its vehicle into the stratum corneum. In the stratum corneum it builds a reservoir and defuses through the stratum spinosum. At this point, it can metabolize and drug binds to receptors and exerts its effect. The drug than passes into the basement membrane zone and dermis, drug metabolizes and binds to receptors. Drug is delivered into subcutaneous fat, the circulatory system and achieved systemic absorption.
Determining The Dose and Regimen
The dose is the quantity of medicine to be administered at one time and the regimen is a strictly regulated program. The concentration of the applied dose, the surface area of the body, and the elapsed time the chemical is on the skin are the main considerations affecting absorption. As the concentration of a drug is increased, the total amount absorbed into the skin and body also increases. Increasing the surface area of the applied dose also increases penetration. Penetration occurs over time. The longer the substance is on the skin, the greater the chance for continued penetration. Chances for toxicity may occur when high concentrations of a drug are spread over a large area of skin.
The total amount of a drug absorbed during a 24-hour period may be different for a single application as opposed to the same amount applied in divided doses. In other words,
applying a medicine once a day in the morning delivers a different concentration as opposed to applying a medicine 3 times a day 8 hours apart. What this implies is that the skin becomes saturated with the first topical application, so that absorption from repeated applications may need to be altered.
Not Everyone’s The Same
Individuals vary in the amount of medication they absorb through the skin. Physicians take this into account when they evaluate the results of topical therapy. The location of the body where the drug or chemical is applied varies in absorption as well.
High absorption is found on the: Head Neck Scrotum Arm pits These are areas with greater exposure to cosmetics and the environment.

For an example, hydro-cortisone is absorbed: 4 times better on the scalp 6 times better on the forehead 13 times better on the jaw 1 times better on the forearm 4 times better on the armpits 2 times better on the abdomen 42 times better on the scrotum 0.4 times better on the leg 0.1 times better on the soles of the feet. Compromised and Diseased Skin Most drug testing to determine the efficacy of a drugs absorption ability are studied on normal skin, but drugs are usually applied to diseased skin. The assumption is that skin’s ability to act as a barrier is compromised when the skin is diseased thereby allowing greater penetration. Skin that has abnormal redness over widespread areas of the body and which is shedding in scales or layers is easier to penetrate with topical. In Conclusion
Having a basic comprehension of topical absorption will aid you in understanding what your clients are experiencing when a skin disorder requiring a doctor’s visit is required. We all have at some point in our lives applied topical medications for a variety of conditions. Whether it was contact dermatitis while hiking from a poisonous plant, sunburn from a vacation or more severe and perhaps disfiguring conditions. The skin is a fascinating organ, which keeps us within, and the world without.
copy right by fawad (all right reserved)

Skin wrinkles

What are Wrinkles? Wrinkle are ridges or crease in the skin.

Tips to Avoid Wrinkles
1. Establish a skin care routine A good skin care routine will help your skin to retain moisture and elasticity.
2. Wear sunscreen
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are harmful to the skin. Too much sun will increase the wrinkle process. Also, wear a hat.
3. Avoid tanning salons
Don’t assume the tanning salon is safer than exposure to direct sunlight. You are still being exposed to UV rays, and at a higher concentration than direct sunlight.
4. Stop smoking
Toxins in smoking agents cause skin damage. Research shows that smokers wrinkle at a younger age.
5. Avoid weight fluctuations
Weight fluctuations causes your skin to stretch and contract. Skin loses its elasticity as you age and can’t bounce back after each fluctuation.
6. Drink water
Keep your body hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out toxins.
7. Eat right
Good nutrition affects the skin and can have a positive effect on preventing wrinkles.
8. Wear sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses will help you squint less. Squinting creates folds around the eyes that can become permanent.
9. Relax your face muscles
Grimacing, furrowing their brows, jaw clenching all contribute to facial wrinkles.
10. Get a facial massage
A facial massage will help to keep elasticity in the skin and keep wrinkles and fine lines at bay. A facial massage will stimulate blood flow and circulation in the facial area. Increased blood flow stimulates the skin and helps to keep it renewed and rejuvenated.

Tips to Reduce the Appearance of Wrinkles
1. Use an Anti-Wrinkle Cream or Lotion Wrinkle creams increase the volume of tissue cells and smoothes out the wrinkle or line. But, wrinkle creams cannot eliminate deep wrinkles.
2. Get a Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is a technique designed to remove the dead skin cells from the skin's surface layer and re-stimulate the regenerative process.

Natural acne treatment

Easy and natural ways to get rid of acne

Acne refers to a skin condition where pores on the skin contain blackheads, whiteheads and/or pimples. In severe cases, plugged pores can result in lumps, cysts or nodules.
Acne can range in severity from a relatively small number of whiteheads,to a proliferation of cysts and nodules, which can be as physically painful as they are psychologically upsetting. Severe cystic acne needing cystic acne treatment can be resistant to mosttreatments, and in fact cystic acne treatment can produce side effects that are upsetting as the condition itself.
Acne, which affects the majority of teenagers, and a very large number of adults as well, can be treated using various different methods, with prices ranging from relatively inexpensive to incredibly expensive. However, the best acne treatments are those that treat acne from inside the body, as well as on the surface of the skin - since acne starts inside the skin structure.Apart from physician's medications, Acne can also be treated very effectively by using natural methods. Conventional treatments for acne have been proved usually quite successful.
Natural Acne Treatment
Follow these steps
1. Don’t ever pinch, squeeze or pick at a pimple.
This only causes it to become more red and inflamed, and will spread the bacteria and oils that caused it in the first place, to other parts of your face! It can also lead to scars.
2. Every 30 minutes, apply an ice pack to the pimple and hold it there for about 2 minutes.
This will decrease the swelling and redness and help shrink the inflammation and pain that sometimes comes along with it.
3. They don’t call it concealer for nothing
Covering the pimple with a light dose of flesh-tinted concealer can help mask it when you’re in a hurry. It also helps cover up that oily shine. With true natural acne treatment you can get rid of acne in 3 days
4. Cleanse your skin 2-3 times a day
Use mild, unscented soap or a specialized acne cleanser that has no harsh chemicals (such as lye). Scrub skin gently with an exfoliating pad or washcloth, but don’t rub too hard, otherwise you’ll sap your skin of its own natural oils, which help to repel buildup naturally.
5. Apply a cream or ointment
This cream contains benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid (many over-the-counter acne medicines contain these ingredients) to the blemish or around the entire facial area. Note that these ingredients both have a tendency to dry out skin if used too much and are not recommended if you have sensitive skin.
6. Wear oil-free makeup whenever possible
These types have less of a tendency to cause the pore buildup that results in blemishes. Remove your makeup nightly and cleanse with an acne-fighting medicine to remove dirt, oil and makeup from deep within the skin.
7. If you’re in need of a quick fix
Apply a dab of toothpaste on the affected area right before bed can help soothe irritation and reduce redness. Pressing and holding a wet tea bag or a cotton ball with a dab of lemon juice against the blemish for five minutes can also reduce swelling and redness.
If you follow these natural acne treatment tips, chances are you’ll notice a significant difference rather quickly – often within a day or two. If pimples become a recurring problem or worsen, your doctor or dermatologist can suggest a daily skin cleansing routine that will suit your skin type. Other long-term remedies, such as facial masks, diet adjustments and increasing the amount of water you drink can also help combat outbreaks.

Solutions acne

Dear Acne Sufferer
Please throw away your chemical loaded, ineffective acne products. You're only 1 day away from acne free skin, I GUARANTEE it!
Have you ever noticed that many Japanese people have refined, acne free skin? Over 900 years ago, the beautiful Japanese Geisha Girls developed numerous techniques to maintain healthy, acne free skin. Unfortunately over time these skin clearing methods were lost and replaced with expensive, chemical loaded creams and lotions. Well enough is enough!

It is researched that these powerful techniques and combined them with modern day theories to create Overnight Acne Cures, an easy to follow guide that will eradicate any skin problem you may have.

I've successfully treated over 1,000,000 people for:

* Severe Acne * Cysts * Blackheads * Whiteheads * Large pores * Facial & Body Acne * Oily Skin * Acne Scarring Within 24 hours of using Overnight Acne Cures you will experience radiant, acne free skin. If not, I offer a 100% money back guarantee.

Overnight Acne Cures uses no chemicals, only natural, low cost techniques that are easily performed in the comfort of your own home. With a 96% success rate, you're only 1 day away from beautiful clear skin.

Laser acne treatment

A Look at Laser Acne Treatment
Laser acne treatment has been around for a few years now, and it is quickly replacing more traditional forms of acne removal and prevention. As antibiotics become increasingly ineffective due to overuse, more and more people are opting for this new technique. During laser resurfacing, a doctor holds a laser pen just above the acne or acne scar tissue and waves the concentrated beam of light back and forth, vaporizing only the unwanted tissue and creating a new surface for skin cell growth. Thus the term “laser resurfacing”. New collagen actually forms after laser treatment. (Collagen is a protein in the skin's connective tissue that helps give the skin its texture.)
Although laser resurfacing is safe and painless in almost all cases, some post-procedural bruising and swelling are normal. In most cases, these side effects persist for seven to ten days. Wait until this passes before applying make-up.
Currently there are no federal restrictions on who can perform laser resurfacing; regulations only affect the laser manufacturers themselves. There are many types of lasers for many different purposes, so be sure to use a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Be sure to ask where your doctor was trained to use the laser equipment and whether your doctor rents or owns his or her laser equipment. Ask to see before and after pictures of the doctor's cases, and find out how many different types of lasers the doctor owns and how often each piece of equipment is used.
Many doctors feel that laser resurfacing isn’t meant for dark skin because it alters the color of skin too dramatically and unpredictably. Others believe that in the hands of a very experienced surgeon, people with darker skin tones can benefit.
Lasers acne treatment is much more invasive than non-ablative lasers. They remove by erosion, melting, evaporation, or vaporization. Ablative lasers are not recommended for use on darker skin colors.
Laser resurfacing costs upwards of $2,500 for a full face, versus $1,000 for other types of scar and acne removal. Consult with an experienced aesthetic dermatologist and laser surgeon to determine what it best for you.

Skin health care

Top 5 habits for healthy skin
Proactive skin care, from skin protection to proper shaving technique, will help you keep your skin youthful and healthy.
Your busy lifestyle leaves little time for pampering skin care. The result: Your skin isn't the baby-soft body glove you were born with. As you age, your skin gradually becomes thinner and finely wrinkled. Oil-producing (sebaceous) glands grow less active, leaving your skin drier. The number of blood vessels in your skin decreases, your skin becomes more fragile, and you lose your youthful color and glow.
1. Protect yourself from the sun The most important way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. Ultraviolet light — the invisible but intense rays from the sun — damages your skin, causing deep wrinkles, dry, rough skin, liver spots, and more serious disorders, such as noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) skin tumors. In fact, most of the changes seen in aging skin are actually caused by a lifetime of sun exposure.
For the most complete sun protection, use all three of these methods:
* Avoid the sun during high-intensity hours. The sun's rays are most damaging from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reduce the time you spend outdoors during these hours.
* Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also, keep in mind that certain clothing styles and fabrics offer better protection from the sun than do others. For example, long-sleeved shirts offer better protection than short-sleeved shirts do. And tightly woven fabrics such as denim are better than are loosely woven fabrics such as knits. Several companies now make sun protective clothing (SPF clothing), which is specifically designed to block out ultraviolet rays while keeping you cool and comfortable.
* Use sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 15. Apply liberally 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water.
2. Don't smoke
Smoking accelerates aging of your skin and increases wrinkles. Skin changes from smoking can appear in young adults after 10 years of smoking.
Smoking causes narrowing of the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin. This decreases blood flow, depleting the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health. All of these factors increase damage to the elastic fibers (elastin) and collagen, which give your skin strength and elasticity.
In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles. It's also possible that repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes may damage your facial skin over time.
3. Wash your skin gently
Cleansing is an essential part of caring for your skin. The key is to treat your skin gently.
* Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time to about 15 minutes or less, and use warm, rather than hot, water.
* Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps — those most capable of stripping oil from your skin — can leave your skin dry. Instead, choose mild soaps or detergent substitutes with added oils and fats. Good choices include Dove, Vanicream, Cetaphil and Purpose.
* Avoid irritating additives. If your skin is sensitive, avoid products containing perfumes or dyes. These can irritate your skin and may trigger an allergic response.
* Remove eye makeup carefully. Use a soft sponge, cotton cloth or cotton balls when removing eye makeup to avoid damaging the delicate tissue around your eyes. If you wear heavy, waterproof makeup, you may need to use an oil-based product, such as Eucerin, Aquaphor or petroleum jelly, to remove makeup.
* Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream.
4. Moisturize regularly
Moisturizers help maintain your skin's natural moisture levels. They work by providing a seal over your skin — to keep water from escaping — or by slowly releasing water into your skin.
The moisturizer that's best for you and the frequency with which you need to moisturize depend on many factors, including your skin type, your age and whether you have specific conditions such as acne. A good way to test if you need a moisturizer is to wait 20 minutes after bathing. If your skin feels tight, you should apply a moisturizer.
Select a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 to help protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays. If you have sensitive skin, look for products free of heavy dyes, perfumes or other additives. If your skin is very dry, you may want to apply an oil, such as baby oil, while your skin is still moist. Oil has more staying power than moisturizers do and prevents the evaporation of water from the surface of your skin. If your skin is oily, you may want to skip moisturizing.
5. Shave carefully
Shaving is a common and inexpensive way to remove unwanted hair. But shaving can cause skin irritations, especially if your skin is thin, dry or very sensitive. For a smooth shave:
* Press a warm wash cloth on your skin before shaving to soften the hair. Or shave after a warm bath or shower.
* Don't shave dry skin, which can cause razor burn. Apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving to protect and lubricate your skin.
* Use a clean, sharp razor. If using an electric razor, don't use the closest setting, which can aggravate the skin.
* Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
* Rinse your skin afterward with warm water.
If irritation does occur, apply a lotion that doesn't contain ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. Though alcohol and alcohol-based products may feel cooling, they don't really soothe irritated skin because the alcohol evaporates rapidly from the skin.

Home mold

Toxic Molds in Homes

Molds in Your Home Can Cause Health Problems and Structural Damage

The home buying and selling community is abuzz with talk about insurance and liability issues involving stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mold or toxic mold. Some homeowners have even burned down their homes, and everything in them, because they felt it was the only way to eradicate toxic mold from their surroundings.

What is Mold?

Molds are fungi that reproduce by releasing tiny spores into the air. Spores that land on moist objects may begin to grow. There are thousands of different types of mold and we encounter many of them every day, in our homes and outdoors.

What is Toxic Mold?

Toxic mold is a type of mold that produces hazardous byproducts, called mycotoxins. While individuals with asthma and other respiratory problems may have reactions to many types of mold, it's thought that mycotoxins are more likely to trigger health problems in even healthy individuals. These toxins are believed to be linked to memory loss and to severe lung problems in infants and the elderly.

Mold thrives in damp, humid conditions:

Bathrooms with poor ventilation. Install an exhaust fan if possible.

Leaky water pipes. Repair them immediately.

Roof leaks. Repair them right away.

Flood aftermath. Repair as soon as possible. See: EPA's Flood Info

Clothes dryers and exhaust fans that vent under the house or back into the room. Vent them to the outside.

Flood Damage

Houses that have been flooded are at serious risk for molds, especially in areas when are high humidity and temperatures provide the mold with the perfect place to reproduce before cleanup begins. The houses flooded by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina--some still sitting in water--are the perfect example of homes that will likely suffer extreme damage from mold.

Help Discourage Mold Growth:

Install a dehumidifier in chronically moist rooms.

Don't carpet rooms that stay damp.

Insulate pipes and other cold surfaces to discourage condensation.

Install storm windows to eliminate condensation on glass.

Cover crawlspace dirt with plastic and ensure that the area is well ventilated.

Cleaning Mold

Make sure the room is well ventilated before you begin. If the mold covers a small surface area it isn't too hard to clean it with detergent and water. Allow the space to dry, then apply a solution of 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water to help kill the remaining spores. Never combine bleach and ammonia because the mixture produces a toxic gas. There are products available that are designed specifically for mold. The Centers for Disease Control offers many tips for mold cleanup. Remember that the mold will very likely return unless you elminate the underlying problems that caused it.

Professional Mold Removal

If your mold problem is severe you will likely need the help of a mold remediation company, someone who specializes in mold removal.

Before You Buy a Home

In the past, air quality testing was ordered primarily to detect radon gas, but mold spore tests are becoming more common. Your home inspector might not perform mold tests, but can probably help you find someone who does. In my area mold testing costs between $300-$500 dollars.

If mold is in the air, find out where it's coming from. Mold should be removed and repairs should be made to ensure it won't come back. Talk to your real estate agent or to an attorney to determine if a special contingency should be inserted in the contract that will allow you to back out of the deal if toxic mold or other molds are detected and cannot be thoroughly eliminated. Many standard forms used by real estate agents include the option of a mold contingency.

Mold allergy relief

Treatments and drugs

The best treatment for any allergy is to take steps to avoid exposure to your triggers. However, molds are common and you can't completely avoid them. While there's no sure way to cure a mold allergy, a number of medications can ease your symptoms. These include:

Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat the inflammation caused by an upper respiratory mold allergy. For many people they're the most effective allergy medications, and they're often the first medication prescribed. Examples include fluticasone propionate (Flonase Veramyst), mometasone (Nasonex) and beclomethasone (Beconase). Although these medications can start to work after a few days of treatment, you may not notice any improvement until after you've used them for a week or so. These medications are generally safe for long-term use.

Antihistamines. These medications can help with itching, sneezing and runny nose. They work by blocking histamine, an inflammatory chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines include loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and clemastine (Tavist) work as well, but can make you drowsy. Fexofenadine (Allegra) and the nasal spray azelastine (Astelin) are available by prescription.

Decongestants. These medications are available in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription liquids, tablets and nasal sprays. OTC oral decongestants include Sudafed, Actifed and Drixoral. Nasal sprays include phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) and oxymetazoline (Afrin). Because oral decongestants can raise blood pressure, avoid them if you have high blood pressure (hypertension). Don't use a decongestant nasal spray for more than two or three days at a time because it can cause rebound congestion when used over longer periods.

Cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom). This medication is available as an over-the-counter nasal spray that must be used several times a day. It helps relieve mold allergy symptoms by preventing the release of histamine. Cromolyn sodium is most effective when you start taking it before signs and symptoms develop.

Montelukast. Montelukast (Singulair) is a prescription tablet taken to block the action of leukotrienes — immune system chemicals that cause allergy symptoms such as excess mucus. It has proved effective in treating allergic asthma, and it's also effective in treating mold allergy. Like antihistamines, this medication is not as effective as inhaled corticosteroids. It's often used when nasal sprays cannot be tolerated, or when mild asthma is present.

Other treatments for mold allergy include:

Immunotherapy. This treatment — a series of allergy shots — virtually eliminates some allergies, such as hay fever. Unfortunately, however, allergy shots are only moderately effective against mold allergy.

Nasal lavage. To help with irritating nasal symptoms, your doctor may recommend that you rinse your nose with salt water. Use an over-the-counter nasal saline spray or prepare your own saltwater solution using 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) of salt mixed with 2 cups (474 ml) of warm water. Nasal lavage can be quite effective at relieving congestion.

Spring allergy

Spring allergy season soon will bring sneezing

Spring allergy season hit the East Coast hard last year. With the amount of pollen floating in the air four times greater than what observers consider to be high, East Coast allergy sufferers were left wondering what hit them.

People who normally wouldn't even notice the change of season experienced watery eyes and sneezing. Allergy sufferers all too familiar with the perils of high pollen counts were forced indoors, giving up visits to the park or a pick-up game of basketball because the sneezing, stuffiness and general misery of allergy symptoms were overwhelming.

Whether pollen counts will be high again this year or settle back into what is considered to be a normal range remains to be seen. Seasonally, and daily, weather conditions impact pollen counts, making it difficult to predict pollen counts more than a few days in advance.

"On windy days, or for days after high winds, pollen counts are high because the pollen has been spread throughout the air," said Gillian Shepherd chair of the Education Sub-Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "After it rains, counts drop as the rain washes the pollen away."

Pollen is measured in grains per cubic meter. For trees, 1,500 grains per cubic meter is considered very high. Last spring, areas of the East Coast measured 6,000 grains per cubic meter.

Though high pollen counts can affect numerous types of allergies, from eye allergies (conjunctivitis) to skin reactions (dermatitis), the most common spring allergy is allergic rhinitis.

Frequently called hay fever, seasonal allergic rhinitis affects 35 million people in the United States. It is triggered by "allergens," substances that initiate an allergic response, such as pollens or molds.

When people who have allergic rhinitis inhale these allergens, they combine with an allergic antibody called immunolgolbulin E (IgE). Normally present at very low levels in the body, IgE is found in larger quantities in people who have allergies.

"When the allergen and the IgE combine in the lining of the nose or eyes, the result is the release of chemicals, including histamine. These chemicals cause the allergic symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, nasal congestion or headaches as the body tries to fight off the foreign allergen," Shepherd said.

Seasonal allergies have a large impact on not just quality of life, but the economy. Missed work days because of allergies cost U.S. companies more than $250 million a year.

"Allergies, particularly in the spring have a huge impact across the country. Fortunately, medical treatment is usually very effective," Shepherd said.

Seafood allergy

What are the allergens?

Very few allergens of seafoods have been characterised, according to the medical and scientific literature. The best known allergens in seafood are the Allergen M from cod fish, and the major allergen found in crustacea. In the group of molluscs, very recently a new allergen from South African, Abalone (Perlemoen) has been found. All of these allergens are very stable and are not destroyed by cooking. As yet it has not been ascertained if some or all of these allergens are responsible for the fact that some patients are allergic to different seafood species in the different groups at the same time (possibly due to cross-allergenicity).

What are the symptoms of seafood allergy?

Reactions are reported to be mostly within 2 hours after ingestion or handling of seafood, or even inhaling cooking vapours. Reactions can also be delayed for up to 6 hours, as has been frequently reported for species of the Mollusc groups such as Abalone and squid. The more common symptoms include skin-, stomach- and respiratory problems. Respiratory problems are very common in sensitive subjects following inhalation of fish or crustacean vapours, such as from cooking.

How is seafood allergy diagnosed?

A precise and detailed patient history and food history is very important in the diagnosis of allergy to seafood to indicate if a reaction is really an allergy or rather caused by a toxin in the food. Information regarding the suspected offending seafood species is very important, but it often fails to provide adequate information. This is often because of the confusion about the common name used for different seafood species in South Africa (e.g. "Rock Lobster" versus "Crayfish") or deceptive marketing practices (seven different tuna species have been labelled as "Tuna"). The clinical evaluation should be supported by the CAP RAST test performed at a laboratory on a small blood sample. In the case of a negative CAP RAST test result, a skin test with extracts of the suspected seafood species can give additional information. In Southern Africa we have many seafood species which are not found in Europe or the United States. This can mean that commercial tests are not available. Therefore, we at UCT Allergology Unit have improved the diagnostic process by developing and using in-house RAST tests and Western Blot tests and skin tests with locally important seafood allergens.

What is to be done?

Patients have to know that seafood allergies tend to persist for several or more years.

It is recommended that patients with a confirmed allergy to a certain seafood are also tested for other species (e.g. con-current crustacean and mollusc allergy is common).

Avoid any possible direct or indirect exposure to the offending seafood species including handling or inhaling cooking vapours.

Take care if eating out as some foods could have been in contact with the offending seafood species (e.g. french fries and fish may be prepared in the same oil), or the seafood species is improperly named (e.g. freshwater Crayfish versus Rock lobster "Kreef").

Wear a Medic Alert badge and very sensitised patients should also carry an injectable adrenaline syringe.

Hayfever allergies

Natural Remedies for Hay Fever and Allergy Relief

Butterbur

The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Extracts made from the herb have been used in folk medicine for migraines, stomach cramps, coughs, allergies, and asthma.

Butterbur is being studied as a natural allergy treatment. Although how butterbur works is still not known, it is thought to work in a similar way to allergy medications by blocking the action of histamine and leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic reactions.

In a study involving 186 people with hay fever, participants took a higher dose of butterbur (one tablet three times a day), a lower dose (one tablet two times a day) or placebo. After two weeks, both the higher and lower dose relieved allergy symptoms compared to the placebo, but there were significantly greater benefits seen with the higher dose.

In another study, 330 people with hay fever were given a butterbur extract (one tablet three times a day), the antihistamine drug fexofenadine (Allegra), or a placebo. Butterbur was as effective as fexofenadine at relieving sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and other hay fever symptoms, and both were more effective than the placebo.

Side effects of butterbur may include indigestion, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrha, or constipation. Pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease should not take butterbur.

Butterbur is in the ragweed plant family, so people who are allergic to ragweed, marigold, daisy, or chrysanthemum should not use butterbur.

The raw herb as well as teas, extracts, and capsules made from the raw herb should not be used because they contain substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver and kidneys and may cause cancer.

It is possible to remove the pyrrolizidine alkaloids from butterbur products. For example, in Germany, there is a safety limit to the level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids allowed in butterbur products. The daily recommended dose cannot exceed 1 microgram per day.

Quercetin

Quercetin is an antioxidant that belongs to a class of water-soluble plant substances called flavonoids. Although there is still isn't enough research to conclude that it is effective for hay fever, quercetin is thought to prevent the release of the inflammatory chemical histamine from immune cells called mast cells. Histamine is involved in allergic symptoms such as sneezing and itching.

Quercetin is found naturally in certain foods, such as apples (with the skin on), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea.

Quercetin is also available in supplement form. A typical dose for hay fever is between 200 and 400 milligrams three times a day.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments, the most popular being beta-carotene. Although no randomized controlled trials show that carotenoids are effective treatments for hay fever, a lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote inflammation in your airways.

There are no guidelines or research that suggests a certain target intake for hay fever. Many people don't even get one serving of carotenoid-rich foods a day. If this is you, consider striving for one to two servings a day.

Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash, and collard greens.

Identifying Food Sensitivities

Just like we can have allergies to substances in the air, some people with hay fever may react to certain foods. Our diet tends to follow the seasons, so if there are foods you eat more if in the spring, you may wish to note if your symptoms get worse after you eat them and bring them to your doctor's attention.

People with lactose intolerance may notice that they feel more congested after consuming dairy products. Preliminary studies suggest that some people with allergies to grass pollens may also react to tomatoes, peanuts, wheat, apple, carrot, celery, peach, melon, eggs and pork, and that people with ragweed allergies may also react to foods in the Cucurbitaceae family, such as cucumber and melon.

An elimination-and-challenge diet is usually conducted to identify any food sensitivities. It involves the removal of suspected foods from the diet for at least a week, followed by the systematic re-introduction of these foods to isolate any foods that may be aggravating hay fever symptoms. Known food allergies and sensitivities are not tested. It should be done under the guidance of a health professional.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of essential fatty acid that we must obtain through our diet. Research suggests that may they reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body (prostaglandin E2 and inflammatory cytokines).

Although there are no randomized controlled trials showing that omega-3 fatty acids are effective treatments for hay fever, there are associations. For example, one German study involving 568 people found that a high content of omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells or in the diet was associated with a decreased risk of hay fever.

Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are:

Fish oil capsules: providing 1 to 1.2 grams of EPA and DHA per day. Side effects of fish oil may include indigestion and a fishy aftertaste. Fish oil has a mild "blood-thinning" effect. If taking warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin or are at risk of bleeding complications, do not take fish oil without consulting a doctor. Fish oil should not be taken two weeks before or after surgery.

Flaxseed oil: 1 tablespoon two to three times a day.

Walnuts, 1 ounce (14 halves) a day.....

Allergy asthma treatment

Asthma Treatment

Since asthma is a chronic disease, treatment goes on for a very long time. Some people have to stay on treatment for the rest of their lives. The best way to improve your condition and live your life on your terms is to learn all you can about your asthma and what you can do to make it better.

Become a partner with your health-care provider and his or her support staff. Use the resources they can offer -- information, education, and expertise -- to help yourself.

Become aware of your asthma triggers and do what you can to avoid them.

Follow the treatment recommendations of your health-care provider. Understand your treatment. Know what each drug does and how it is used.

See your health-care provider as scheduled.

Report any changes or worsening of your symptoms promptly.

Report any side effects you are having with your medications.

These are the goals of treatment:

prevent ongoing and bothersome symptoms;

prevent asthma attacks;

prevent attacks severe enough to require a visit to your provider or an emergency department or hospitalization;

carry on with normal activities;

maintain normal or near-normal lung function; and

have as few side effects of medication as possible.

Drug allergy

Drug Allergies

Causes

Adverse reactions to drugs are common, and almost any drug can cause an adverse reaction. Reactions range from irritating or mild side effects such as nausea and vomiting to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

A true drug allergy results from a series of chemical steps within the body that produce the allergic reaction to a medication. One time (often the first time you take the drug), your immune system launches an incorrect response that is not noticeable. The next time you take the drug, an immune response occurs, and your body produces antibodies and histamine.

Most drug allergies cause minor skin rashes and hives. Serum sickness is a delayed type of drug allergy that occurs a week or more after exposure to a medication or vaccine.

Penicillin and related antibiotics are the most common cause of drug allergies. Other common allergy-causing drugs include:

1-Sulfa drugs

2-Anticonvulsants

3-Insulin preparations (particularly animal sources of insulin)

4-Iodinated (containing iodine) x-ray contrast dyes (these can cause allergy-like anaphylactoid reactions)

Most side effects of drugs are not due to an allergic reaction. For example, aspirin can cause nonallergic hives or trigger asthma. Some drug reactions are considered "idiosyncratic." This means the reaction is an unusual effect of the medication, not due to a predictable chemical effect of the drug. Many people confuse an uncomfortable, but not serious, side effect of a medicine (such as nausea) with a true drug allergy, which can be life threatening.

Symptoms

Anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reaction (see below)

-Hives (a less common type of rash)

-Itching of the skin or eyes (common)

-Skin rash (common)

-Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face

-Wheezing

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

-Abdominal pain or cramping

-Confusion

-Diarrhea

-Difficulty breathing with wheeze or hoarse voice

-Dizziness

-Fainting, light-headedness

-Hives over different parts of the body

-Nausea, vomiting

-Rapid pulse

-Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)

Treatment

The treatment goal is to relieve symptoms and prevent a severe reaction.

Treatment may include:

-Antihistamines to relieve mild symptoms such as rash, hives, and itching

-Bronchodilators such as albuterol to reduce asthma-like symptoms (moderate wheezing or cough)

-Corticosteroids applied to the skin, given by mouth, or given intravenously (directly into a vein)

-Epinephrine by injection to treat anaphylaxis

The offending medication and similar drugs should be avoided. Make sure all your health care providers -- including dentists and hospital personnel -- know about any drug allergies that you or your children have.

Identifying jewelry or cards (such as Medic-Alert or others) may be recommended.

Occasionally, a penicillin (or other drug) allergy responds to desensitization, where increasing doses of a medicine are given to improve a person's tolerance of the drug. This should only be done by an allergist.

Nasal allergy

Nasal Allergy:

What happens in the body during a nasal allergy?

During a nasal allergy, allergens (dust, mold, pollen, bacteria) enter through the nose. The allergens interact with cells inside the nose. The interaction in the nose causes discharge of a substance called histamine. Histamine causes sneezing, swelling, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge of mucus.

What are the signs and symptoms of a nasal allergy?

The most common symptoms of a nasal allergy are: clear, watery nasal discharge, coughing, itching deep within the ear, itching, watering, and redness of the eyes, nasal itching, nasal stuffiness with subsequent difficulty breathing and sneezing.

Long Term effects of Nasal Allergies?

If an individual has nasal allergies, they are more likely to develop sinus infections and asthma.

What are the treatments for Nasal Allergies?

1-The most important step in allergy treatment is avoiding the allergen. This may be possible for people with pet allergies. This technique is less practical for those who are sensitive to pollens and molds. However, if you are sensitive to pollen, you can reduce the number of pollen producing flowers and trees in or near your home.

2-Other methods of treatment are: oral antihistamines, antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, air filters, allergy shots, and Vitamin C

3-Oral antihistamines are used for short-term allergic disease. They are very effective in controlling symptoms such as sneezing and nasal discharge.

4-Antihistamines generally don't reduce nasal stuffiness. It is common to add a decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine, to an antihistamine.

5-Nasal steroid sprays, such as beclomethasone and mometasone, are used for prolonged allergies. They control acute symptoms more effectively than antihistamines.

6-Air filters and frequent vacuuming are helpful.

7-Allergy shots can be used in people who have chronic or prolonged periods of allergic disease. The shots desensitize the person to the trigger.

8-Large amounts of Vitamin C are helpful. Vitamin C is a natural anti-histamine.

Home health care nurse

Home Health Care Basics

Nurses practice in a number of venues: Hospital settings, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and home health care. Home health care nursing is a growing phenomenon as more patients and their families desire to receive care in their homes.

The history of home health care stems from Public Health Nursing where public health nurses made home visits to promote health education and provide treatment as part of community outreach programs. Today academic programs train nurses in home care and agencies place home health care nurses with ailing individuals and their families depending on the nurse's experience and qualifications. In many cases there is a shared relationship between the agency and the academic institution.

Many changes have taken place in the area of home health care. These include Medicare and Medicaid, and Long Term Care insurance reimbursement and documentation. It is important for the nurse and nursing agency to be aware of the many factors involved for these rules and regulations resulting from these organizations. Population and demographic changes are taking place as well. Baby boomers approaching retirement and will present new challenges for the home health care industry. Technology and medical care in hospitals has lead to shorter inpatient stay and more at-home rehabilitation. Increases in medical outpatient procedures are also taking place with follow-up home care. This has resulted in the decrease of mortality rate from these technologies and medical care has lead to increases in morbidity and chronic illness that makes the need for home health care nursing a greater priority.

Toenail fungus home remedy

What is Nail Fungus?
Also known as Onychomycosis , nail fungus is very common worldwide. Nail fungus is caused by tiny organisms that infect the fingernails and toenails.
Nail fungus happens below the fingernails or toenails, making it difficult to reach and cure at times. The fungus thrives in places that are warm, moist and dark. This is the reason why many who wear shoes constantly in warmer climates have toenail fungus infections.
Common Causes of Toenail Fungus
Toenails are affected more by the nail fungus than fingernails. This is because of the ideal conditions present in the toenails for the breeding of the fungus. Toenail fungus occurs when the fungus gets under the toenails.
Common causes of toenail fungus may include:
-- A break in the nail, helping the fungus to enter.
-- Toenails that are weak due to wearing very tight-fitting shoes.
-- Wearing the same shoes daily without allowing them to dry thoroughly in between wearing them.
-- Most people cut toenails extremely close to the skin, causing multiple small cuts in the skin. These cuts allow the fungus to enter and spread.
-- Whenever your feet are damp for extended periods of time, the chances of getting the fungus increases.
Signs That Indicate Toenail Fungus
There are certain signs and symptoms that will warn you of toenail fungus.
-- Toenails get flaky
-- Toenails get brittle
-- Toenails keep getting chipped
-- Toenails get a yellow, black, or brown tinge or spots
-- Toenails get thick and pain while wearing shoes
-- A bad smell emanates under the toenails
-- While walking, the skin under your toenails feel a stinging pain due to the fungal infection.
Home Remedies to Treat Toenail Fungus
The moment you notice any symptoms of toenail fungus you can follow certain home remedies that will prove very effective in eliminating the spread of the fungus before it spreads. Toenail fungus is contagious, so the sooner you eliminate the fungus, the better.
Following are some home remedies that use commonly available ingredients to stop the growth of the fungus and eventually eliminate it.
Vinegar
Fill a basin with warm water and vinegar in equal proportion (any vinegar will do, but apple cider vinegar has proven more effective). Soak your toenails in this solution for about 20 minutes. Wipe your toes and toenails thoroughly with a dry towel and then with super absorbent paper. This should be done twice daily till symptoms disappear.
Tea Tree Oil
The uses of tea tree oil are many. Tea tree oil is a natural and powerful fungicide and antiseptic. Rub the affected toenail/s with a cotton ball dipped in tea tree oil. Do this twice daily, morning and just before going to bed (three times if possible) for maximum effect, until the fungus is gone.
Listerine
Almost all homes will have this mouthwash. Soak the affected toenail/s in Listerine for about 20 minutes twice daily. The antiseptic will help eradicate the fungus.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is easily available at any pharmacy. Soak the affected toenail/s in rubbing alcohol for about 20 minutes twice daily (morning and just before going to bed). Dry thoroughly using super absorbent paper towels.
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) is easily available at any pharmacy. Soak the affected toenail/s in pure hydrogen peroxide (3%) for 20 minutes twice daily (morning and just before going to bed). Some may feel the pure undiluted solution a bit harsh. Mix half water and half hydrogen peroxide and soak feet. Dry with super absorbent paper towel.
Vicks Voporub
The efficacy of using Vicks for treatment of toenail fungus is not very clear. Many have found that using Vicks on the affected toenail/s has helped, and many have found no benefit. Vicks is known to stop the growth of the fungus, not eliminate it. You will have to use Vicks until the infected toenail grows out and a new one replaces it. Generally, it is advisable to try the other options instead of this one.
Conclusion
Try and avoid public shower stalls and bathrooms because these are places where the fungus thrive and you can be infected by the fungus left behind by someone else. Never use nail clippers belonging to someone else for the same reason. Whenever you are getting your nails clipped in a salon, make sure that the nail clipper has been disinfected. Nail fungus spreads, so the moment you know that you have nail fungus get it cured.
If you have not worn those sandals of yours for long because of toenail fungus, try out the home remedies. In most cases than not, they work very effectively. Get out those unused sandals; you will need them to flaunt your wonderful toenails in a very short while from now.

Treatment for toenail fungus

Try this treatment you can do in your own home:
1. First cut your nails - First thing you need to do is cut your nails down as low as you can get them without injuring your finger. This processes helps get rid of the fungus on the surface of your nail, as well as open up the skin under your nail for the next treatment.
2. 30 minute vinegar foot baths - Before I talk about this remedy, I want to say that this treatment does not work for everybody - some strands of fungus are immune to it and vinegar really isn't powerful enough to cure heavier fungus infections. Anyway, what you need to do is fill up a container big enough for both your feet with vinegar(about 2-3 inches deep, or enough to cover your nails entirely). Then for 2-3 weeks, each day soak your feet in the bath for 30 minutes. You will want to change the vinegar every 4-5 days.
3. Some people say Listerine works too - I have read a lot of comments that people say to soak your feet in Listerine instead of vinegar for best results. That said, I still say Listerine foot baths are only good for minor infections. Like the vinegar, it lacks in penetrative power to get to the root of your infection.