Common Types of Arthrits: Know How to Cure?

Millions of people around the world suffer from arthritis. Unfortunately, there is no pill or therapy that could make arthritis go away permanently and dealing with joint pain can have a significant impact on person’s quality of life. Joint pain affects your mobility thus preventing you from doing things you used to do easily. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but only a few of them are quite common across the globe. This article will reveal the most common arthritis types and what you (or someone you know) can do to relieve, manage, and avoid pain.

Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2005 (last year for which statistics are available), 26.9 million adults in the United States suffer from this type of arthritis. Average annual prevalence was estimated to be 3.5% of 7.7 million.

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage which cushions ends of bones in your joints deteriorates. In people with osteoarthritis, cartilage which is usually slick becomes rough. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis usually develop slowly and they worsen over time. They include:

Painful joints

• Tender joints
• Stiffness of joints (particularly in the morning)
• Impaired flexibility
• Grating sensation when using the affected joint
• Formation of bone spurs around joint.

Unfortunately, Osteoarthritis can’t be cured entirely. What you can do is to reduce the pain, maintain adequate joint movement that would keep this arthritis type at bay. Below, you can see different ways osteoarthritis is treated as well as what you can do about it in your home:

• Medications – such as Acetaminophen or NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
• Physical therapies to strengthen muscles around joints and improve flexibility
• Using shoe inserts and other devices the reduce pain when walking or standing
• Exercise is important for patients diagnosed with arthritis. Make sure you do low impact exercises and avoid vigorous workouts
• When you are overweight or obese, your weight forms bigger pressure on your joints thus causing more pain which is why you should strive to lose weight
• Use warm compresses to relieve stiffness and ice packs to relieve pain
• Use over-the-counter gels and creams to relieve pain
• Use assistive devices such as canes, splits, scooters, walkers.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis and according to report published by CDC 1.5 million or 0.6% adults in the United States have this type of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is defined as a chronic inflammatory disorder which usually affects small joints in person’s hands and feet.

RA occurs when individual’s immune system attacks the synovium (lining of membranes that surround your joints). This leads to inflammation which thickens synovium. Tendons and ligaments which hold joint together start stretching and weakening. However, doctors aren’t quite sure what causes this process. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Warm, swollen, and tender joints
• Stiffness
• Fatigue, weight loss, fever
• Rheumatoid nodules (firm bumps of tissue under the skin on the arms).

Just like with osteoarthritis, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, you can do your best to manage it, relieve the pain, and make sure your mobility or quality of life doesn’t suffer. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include:

Intake of medications such as NSAIDs, steroids, biologic agents, DMARDs or Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs
Physical therapy to learn how to keep your joints flexible
Surgery (recommended in case other treatments don’t work).

Here is what else you can do to relieve RA:

• Eat foods rich in antioxidants and include fruits and vegetables in your diet due to their anti-inflammatory properties
• Avoid inflammation-inducing foods
• Balance rest with physical activity
• Apply heat and cold therapies
• Manage and reduce stress
• Get plenty of sleep
• Drink green tea.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis (hence the name). Anyone can get psoriasis, regardless of the age, and men and women get it in equal rates. According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) about 3% of the entire world’s population has psoriasis. Only in the US, there are 150,000 new cases of psoriasis each year. CDC reports that about 20% to 30% of people with psoriasis also get arthritis as well.

This type of arthritis occurs when person’s body or immune system starts attacking healthy cells and tissues. But, scientists still don’t know what makes someone’s body turn against tissues and cells although they are convinced that underlying cause could be associated with environmental or genetic factors.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:

• Foot pain
• Swollen fingers or toes
• Lower back pain.

Just like with other types of arthritis, there is no cure that could eliminate it entirely. Treatments include intake of medications and surgical procedures. Below, you can see what you can do to tackle this arthritis type:

• Protect your joints e.g. use jar openers
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Rest before you become too tired i.e. pace yourself
• Do low impact exercises
• Apply hot and cold packs
• Connect with people who have it
• Keep food diary to identify what foods trigger the pain
• Quit smoking.

Conclusion

Arthritis can have a significant impact on person’s life. Due to the fact there is no cure, frequent joint pain can limit person’s mobility and impair flexibility of joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and this article revealed the most frequent ones. Good thing is that even though there’s no cure that could eliminate arthritis, there are many things you can do to manage it and relieve the pain you experience. Remember, positive attitude matters as well.

References

http://arthritispainguide.blogspot.com/2016/02/tmj-tmd-know-complete-details.html

https://www.glozine.com/lifestyle/health/natural-joint-pain-relief-supplements.html

Different Steps to Choose Moisturizer for Dry Skin

As we go shopping for beauty products, most people are often confused since there are a variety of them displayed on the shelves. Therefore, most people end up choosing a product because it is what their friend has picked. This is a very bad mistake, especially when choosing a moisturizer, because we have different types of skins that react differently to different products. If you want to maintain your natural beauty, the best moisturizer is recommended. Below are steps to choose a moisturizer;

1. Find out your skin type
Discovering your skin type is one great step towards choosing the right moisturizing product for your skin. There are 3 major skin types; dry, normal and oily.  Oil-based moisturizer is suitable for those people with dry skin type.  Those with normal should use light moisturizers with minimal amounts of oil.  Another category of skins includes the sensitive that can easily react negatively to products and the non-sensitive which is okay with many products. Substances containing chamomile or Aloe Vera are suitable for sensitive skin which is prone to skin rashes. The last group includes the young and older skin. Older skin requires moisturizers containing larger amounts of oils because it is more prone to drying.

2. Consider your skin health state
The health state of your skin is a great determinant of the suitable moisturizer. Sometimes drying may not be natural like those people who have dry skin. It might be due to an infection on the skin that destroyed the oily glands. Diseases like psoriasis can make you skin drier than you can imagine. The sun or too much cold can also cause the skin to dry. In this case, seeing a dermatologist recommend you the suitable moisturizing cream is the best option. The dermatologists are able to establish the exact cause of drying hence, can recommend the right healing moisturizer.

3. Check the ingredients of the moisturizer
Reading the labels on the packing containers of the moisturizers is a basic step in choosing any product. You should not only check the name but also the ingredients used to make the moisturizers. That way you will be able to select the right moisturizer according to your skin type. Most of the water-based are meant for dry skins while the oil-based for oily skin. Important substances such as Vitamin C and other nutrients good for the skin should also be put into consideration. Most substances that contain acidic ingredients are not good for the skin.

4. Test the moisturizers
In most cases, you may not be very accurate in choosing the moisturizer for your skin. Therefore, you may have to test few well-selected products on your skin. Consider the product that brings out the best results with no negative effects on your skin. It should also not be the miracle products that surprise you with instant good looks and later negative effects. A good moisturizer is the one that keeps your skin hydrated and younger.

5. Check the price
This factor may look like less important especially when choosing a moisturizer but before buying any good, price is basic. We do not want cases where you buy a moisturizer that will make you miss the money to buy the food substances necessary for the skin. Extremely cheap moisturizers can be less effective. Therefore, choose an affordable moisturizer that will not have any negative effect on your skin. Your skin beauty is worth sacrificing some money for it. Avoid extreme ends because some moisturizers especially the expensive ones require consistent use.

6. Consider availability
As mentioned before, some beauty products require consistency. Most products’ effectiveness depends on how consistent you use the product. If you use one product today and tomorrow another, the desirable results may not be achieved. Every product requires continuous use in order to be more effective. There is no way you will be able to achieve consistency with a product that comes and disappears from the market. Most of the skin care products that come and go out of the market are in most cases experiencing manufacturing problem. Choose a product that you are sure of its stay in the market.

Conclusion
Apart from washing your face, moisturizing is very essential. It prevents drying that could result to the aging of the skin. The above tips are a basic guideline on how you should choose a moisturizer. Never pick a product from the shop shelve just because your friend has picked. Consider the above guideline for a better value for your money. The beauty of our skins is our responsibility. The maximum can be achieved by ensuring you choose the right products for skin care routine. Select wisely.

References
https://www.thebeautyinsiders.com/easy-and-quick-relievers-for-dry-skin.html

https://www.glozine.com/lifestyle/health/importance-of-sunscreen.html

All You Need to Know About Sunscreen SPF

The type of sunscreen you require depends on the kind of outdoor exposure you are about to have. It can be incidental or intense where in incidental the period is shorter requiring a sunscreen of SPF 15 but for severe exposure you need a sunscreen of SPF 30+. If you are planning to go swimming, you need a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30+.

For how long can you stay in the sun without getting sunburn wrinkles? It is the influence of Sun protector factor (SPF). Sunscreen provides the degree to which a sunscreen protects the skin from the direct rays of the sun. SPF is tailored specifically to ensure maximum exposure to sunlight for very long time. Here are some facts you should know about sunscreen protector factor -SPF:

1. Use a sunscreen with SPF of 15+ to increase the time by a factor, meaning that it increases protection when the exposure to sunlight goes on for long periods.

2. A sunscreen with high SPF blocks out more UVB rays. Therefore, it cuts down the absorption of free radicals in the body through the skin.

3. When you apply sunscreen wrongly or unevenly, its effectiveness reduces. When sweat or rain is in contact with the skin, the sunscreen washes away, and its SPF greatly diminishes.

4. SPF only blocks UVB rays but not UVA rays hence solar radiation is absorbed into the skin causing rapid growth of cells leading to the development of cancerous tissues. Also chemical substances used in sunscreens are used to block UVA rays radiation such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide but also pose health risks such as cancer.

5. Sunscreen SPF is not an option of staying longer in the sun. You can boost your SPF by wearing covered cloth. Exposure to UV rays can lead to unforeseen medical conditions. In similar people with gene makeup related to skin cancer in the family tree are greatly at risk when they are get exposed to the sun for too long.

Sunscreen for your skin type

Sunscreens for babies and children
Children have sensitive skin, therefore, react to sunscreens with PABA and oxybenzone but react less to physical sunscreens with ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It is not easy to get kids and babies to use sunscreen lotion, but misting sprays in your hand would do or tubes with colorful packaging.

Allergy, acne, and rosacea-prone skins
Allergy-prone users should not apply sunscreens with alcohol ingredients nor preservatives and fragrances. Those sunscreens with ingredient PABA and Oxybenzone are not any better option. Acne-prone people should avoid oily sunscreens as this would aggravate their situation.

Sunscreen for dry skin
People with oily skin require sunscreens with moisturizing ingredients such as lanolin, oils, silicone such as dimethicone.

For individuals with fair skin, melasma, or a history of skin cancer 
A person with fair skin, melasma or history of skin cancer needs to take care of themselves when under the sun. They need sunscreens with SPF of 30+ rating apart from that they should apply enough sunscreen to achieve what the label indicates to get full protection. They need to reapply the sunscreen every 2 two hours if the exposure is longer. If you have blotchy brown discoloration skin called melisma, you need extra protection too.

Darker skin tones
Dark-skinned people should be weary of physical sunscreen such as titanium-based that looks chalky and white on the skin on another hand they may find a broad spectrum option with SPF 15+ sunscreen.

For older people sunscreen 
Older people too need protection as much as they already have exposure to UV light unprotecting their skin exposes them more to skin cancer. UV light accelerates aging and appearances of aging spots, sagging skin and wrinkles.

Conclusion
Safe sunscreen for your skin requires one to select the right sunscreen SPF. To have a healthy skin and boost your sun protector factor (SPF), wear sun-protective clothing. Try other ways by lotion up regularly and wearing sunglasses. Above all, you should check your skin regularly to detect any change in your skin color and presence of dark spots to determine the factor sunscreen SPF to use and apply on the skin.

Sunscreen is an important sun regimen but should go hand in hand with educating yourself about sunscreen options available in the market. Wear clothes that protect the skin from harmful UV light when going out in the sun, seek shade, avoid UV tanning and wear UV-blocking sunglasses.
Protect your lips from sunscreens by applying a lip balm before using a sunscreen Apply the sunscreen as instructed on the product label to avoid under application because you should coat all the areas that get exposed to the UV light. A broad spectrum sunscreen offers better protection against UVA and UVB rays, therefore, check before purchasing. Seek advice from dermatologists if you realize a problem with your skin after using a sunscreen.

References

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/5-best-sunscreens-that-we-are-still-not-using

http://www.examiner.com/article/can-sunscreen-avoid-aging-your-skin-1

Different Ways to Treat Sun Damage

In as much as the sun is a major source of vitamin D necessary for our bones, the UV rays have negative effects on the skin. This adds to the cost of preparing for summer.  You must be ready with all the protection to shield yourself from damage by the sun. However, the shield may not be as perfect as you expect. Therefore, there could be some destruction of your beauty by the sun. The following are the sure ways of treating sun damage on both your hair and skin;

1. Exfoliation
Exfoliation is a universal solution to most skin problems. It is the removal of the outer layer of the skin which majorly consists of dead cells. The sun results to occurrence of sunspots on the skin; therefore, exfoliation totally erases the spots. Consider the exfoliating substances such as alpha-hydroxy acid which triggers faster regeneration of the new cells after the removal of the dead ones. However, you should avoid over-exfoliation which causes further the destruction of the skin.  Mechanical exfoliation and using complex chemicals to exfoliate can result to over exfoliation. Exfoliation generally heals sun effects by removing the older affected skin and allowing growth of a new skin.

2. Consider Aloe Vera
This is an herbal plant that is well known for its great job in the beauty industry. It helps in treating the sun effects by calming down the burning sensation, hence preventing further damage. Several scientific research have confirmed Aloe Vera to have wound healing abilities hence, great for erasing sun burns.  Apply this herb on your skin immediately after feeling the burning sensation or once you witness the negative effects of the sun on your skin. Aloe Vera also acts as a hair loss cure. You can consider either the substances made from the herb or the natural Aloe plant itself.

3. Apply the antioxidants and vitamin C
Vitamin C is well known as a skin brightener. There are several beauty products that are made from Vitamin C that are meant for skin brightening. This vitamin has the abilities to remove the sunspots and any dark spots from the skin. Lotion creams made from this substance can be applied on the skin or consume the vitamin through food substances. The major foods that can never miss this Vitamin are fruits and green vegetables. The antioxidants provide healing to any mechanical injury on the skin such as cracking due to lack of moisture.

4. Use natural organic oils
As mentioned earlier, the sun not only affects the skin but also the hair. Organic oils are the most suitable products in hair sun damage treatment. For instance, argan oil is great in enhancing the elasticity and giving the hair the softer texture. This prevents excessive loss of hair resulting from lack of elasticity.  Jojoba oil moisturizes the hair hence provides the necessary lubrication.  This will enable curl formation simpler and faster. Other organic oils that are great for the hair are olive oil, and coconut oil

5. Horse silica
When our skin is exposed to the sun, collagen is destroyed resulting in the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Collagen is responsible for maintaining the elasticity hence, tightening the skin preventing appearance of fine lines. Horsetail is a major source of silica which triggers the formation of collagen and is also responsible for nourishing it. Horsetail is therefore, the perfect substance to treat wrinkles and fine line resulting from the UV rays. Another way of also preventing wrinkles is through keeping our skins ever moisturized. Try the horsetail to ensure you remain with a younger skin for quite some time.

6. Allantoin
Exposure of our skins to the sun could lead to some irritations leading to the formation of sun burns. Allantoin is a substance obtained from plantain which has the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. This makes it perfect for reducing the irritation and the burning sensation which results to sunburn marks. Mixing this substance with the green tea or Aloe Vera can enhance its functionality. Juice is extracted from plantain leaves and is then applied to the affected area. This substance is purposely meant for treating sun burns and relieving the burning sensation.

Conclusion
The sun causes a lot of damage to the skin and the hair by destroying their elasticity. It leads to the formation of the dark spots on the skin that gives it a non-uniform color complexion. The above-elaborated remedies are what you need to treat the damages caused by the sun. Sunscreens are always a great way of preventing damage, but they are not as perfect. Its major function is to minimize the damage that the sun can cause. However, there are sunscreens that are perfect in prevention.

References

http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/winterwear-sunscreen-is-it-necessary-7385258.html

http://www.examiner.com/article/how-can-sun-continue-to-damage-your-skin-even-after-you-are-indoors