I have CIU (chronic idiopathic urticaria) – how do I treat it?

If you suffer from chronic idiopathic urticaria, there’s no doubt that it’s a demoralizing condition, and the fact that allergists and dermatologists can offer no definitive treatments can mean that those with the condition have to suffer in silence. However, recent research has meant that as we start to understand more about the condition, the options for successful treatment are increasing.
What is the definition of CIU?
You’re said to have CIU when you experience daily, or almost daily wheals and itching for a period of six weeks or more, which have no obvious or known cause. In approximately 30-50% of CIU patients, the condition is due to an autoimmune process, where histamine is released in response to unknown allergens.
How is it treated?
Treatment for patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria usually consists of avoiding known triggers, taking antihistamines and being educated about the condition. Of course, if the triggers have not been identified, this can prove very difficult to treat, and as this is the case in between 50-80% of people, it means that many CIU sufferers will get little to no respite from the condition. However, 50% of sufferers do experience remission within 12 months, meaning treatment is no longer necessary. The most frequent kind of treatment for CIU involves antihistamines which are sometimes combined with other medications to control symptoms.
Antihistamines
These are usually the first treatment prescribed, with diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine (Atarax), being the most common. These are usually taken on a regular daily basis rather than just during acute episodes.
Systematic steroids
Some sufferers may be offered oral steroids which have proved very effective in controlling the symptoms of chronic urticaria. However, as these also have many possible side effects, their use is generally limited to just a couple of weeks.
Leukotriene-receptor antagonists
When histamine is released from the mast cells, other chemicals called leukotrienes are also released. Leukotriene-receptor antagonists work in conjunction with anti-histamines to block the leukotriene receptors and are usually prescribed as an additional treatment, although they can be prescribed in isolation too.
Anti- inflammatory medication
Other options for treating CIU include anti-inflammatory medications, such as dapsone and hydroxychloroquine which are believed to suppress prostaglandin and leukotriene production.

Immunotherapy
Many patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria have been found to benefit from immunotherapy, with immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and sirolimus proving effective in inhibiting the activity of the mast cells. However this is usually the last resort for severe cases of chronic idiopathic urticaria as they have potentially serious side effects.

How to whiten your skin fast at home

Despite the fashion in recent years being for deeply tanned skin, many people are now moving away from this and embracing a much paler look. If you have been a regular user of sunbeds, have spent large amounts of time in the sun, or have naturally olive toned skin, then this may be difficult for you to achieve – or so you are probably thinking. However, you would be mistaken, as there are a large number of home remedies that you can use to achieve a lighter skin tone.

The first thing that you must do is start avoiding the sun. If you do need to spend time outside, then you should first apply sunscreen to any areas of skin that are going to be exposed. It is recommended that you use one that protects against both UVA and UVB, and is a minimum of SPF 15. The use of sunscreen will reduce the reaction that your body has to the light, which is what normally causes you to develop a suntan. Your skin, when exposed to the UV rays in sunlight, produces a pigment called melanin, which darkens the skin. Reducing the production of melanin means that any new growth of skin will be a paler colour.

When you have begun avoiding the sun, it is then necessary to promote the growth of new skin, or you will not be able to see a difference for quite some time. Regular exfoliation of the skin, using a natural substance such as sugar soap, will encourage the removal of dead skin cells and promote faster growth. This means that new, pale skin will become visible more quickly.

You can also use a number of other methods to lighten the existing skin and achieve results more rapidly. Dab fresh lemon juice carefully onto the skin (if you are using this on your face, then avoid the area around the eyes). This will sting, but if you can cope with the sensations, it will be an effective skin lightener. Leave on for fifteen minutes if you can, and then wash off. You must do this after washing off any make up or moisturisers that you have previously applied.

Tea tree cleansers have a similar effect to lemon juice, but without the stinging sensation. This is most effective if you were naturally pale, but now have tanned skin.

Skin Whitening Forever™

How do I know if I have Chronic Urticaria?

If you’re experiencing an outbreak of itchy, red and swollen welts on your skin which have lasted for six weeks or more, it’s likely that you’re suffering from chronic urticaria. These can appear anywhere on your body, including your face, lips and throat. The wheals or welts can vary in size and sometimes spread together to form larger welts. While episodes of acute urticaria generally only last for a few hours at a time, if you’re suffering from chronic urticaria, the hives are likely to come and go over a period of months, and in some cases, can last for years. The condition isn’t contagious, and although it’s not life threatening, it can cause extreme distress, pain and discomfort if you’re a sufferer.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Urticaria appears as red, itchy welts or hives on your skin. While it does occur in both men and women, chronic urticaria is more prevalent in women aged between 20 and 40. Chronic urticaria is classed as an autoimmune condition, which usually happens when your body develops an allergic reaction to particular allergens. However, for a high proportion of cases, there’s no obvious reason why it happens at all. During the allergic reaction, histamines are released by the immune system, causing the characteristic red, itchy bumps.
If you suffer from hives on a regular basis and it’s been impossible to identify the cause, then you’re likely to be diagnosed with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU), meaning that it’s extremely difficult or virtually impossible to identify the trigger for your condition.
How is Chronic Urticaria diagnosed?
To ensure that you get a correct diagnosis it’s important to visit your doctor, who will check your medical history and give you a physical examination. You’ll be questioned on the things you have come into contact with which may have caused the allergic reaction. Almost one fifth of cases are triggered by cold, heat and exercise, so these things may also be a factor. However, it’s highly likely that the exact cause of your hives will not be identified, especially if you have no previous history of allergies. On rare occasions, chronic hives can be a symptom of a more serious illness or condition such as a problem with the thyroid or liver.
So if you’ve been suffering from recurring episodes of hives, it’s probably time to make an appointment with your doctor, and let the professionals give you a definitive diagnosis.

How to whiten skin naturally at home

After many years of people, particularly women, using tanning beds and fake tan in order to achieve a sunkissed glow, the trends are now changing. Instead of trying to achieve and maintain a tan, which has long been considered to look healthy, the fashion is now for paler skin, which is sometimes a more natural look. However, if you have darker-toned skin, do not despair. While you may never look truly pale, there are a number of methods that you can use to lighten your skin, and they all use natural products. This means that they will be kinder to your skin than many of the harsh chemicals that are often advertised.

Lemon juice is one of the easiest and most popular methods of lightening the skin. Squeeze the juice from a lemon, mix with a large spoonful of honey (which helps to prevent your skin from drying out), and apply generously to the areas that you are looking to lighten. Leave the mixture on your skin for twenty minutes and then wash it off thoroughly. Use this mixture once a day, and you should soon start to see changes.

If you are then looking to make your newly lightened skin brighter and softer, one of the best things that you can do is peel a papaya and rub the inside of the skin over your body. This also has a lightening effect, and gives you a healthy glow, which itself will make you appear paler.

Another step that should be added to your routine is skin exfoliation. If you currently have a deep tan, and are now looking to lighten your skin tone, you should try to avoid exposure to the sun. This will mean that less of the pigment melanin can be found in the new growth of skin, so you will not look as dark. By exfoliating regularly, you will remove the darker skin cells on the surface much faster. Exfoliation should be carried out no more than three times a week, or you may cause skin irritation. There are many exfoliating products available to buy, or you could make your own if you want to know exactly what you are putting on and in your body. Sugar or sand, mixed with a gentle liquid soap, makes a great exfoliator and it will not be harsh on the skin.

Try several different methods of skin lightening, as it is often the case that not everybody will have the same results with natural treatments.

Skin Whitening Forever™

Vitamin C Is Great For Removing Dark Spots

When you start to head towards your 50s you may start to notice brown spots on your body

Personally I have many of these on my arms and also my legs. They do not really annoy me but if they did I am fairly certain what kind of treatment I would go for.
Nowadays there are many types of treatments which can remove the brown spots dark patches in more or less time. There are the procedures which are done in the dermatologist’s offices using different acids and bleaching substances, there are special bleaching creams, topical creams and peel creams which exfoliate the skin and there are also many home-made remedies which can treat the skin of d.ark spots in an equally effective manner as cosmetic products.

 

With so many things to choose from, finding the right type of treatment for your problem can seem quite a challenge.
Yet, no matter what treatment you choose, it is essential to know what that treatment presupposes and if you are ready to take the consequences (if side effects have been reported).

One of the substances which is highly beneficial for the skin and can effectively remove dark spots without affecting the cellular structure or damaging the skin is Vitamin C. This vitamin is great for removing any color imperfection as it gets actively involved in the production of melanin, inhibiting it.

The melanin is the substance which offers the skin that dark tint, thus if less melanin is produced, the new layers of skin which will be revealed in some weeks after the treatment with Vitamin C will be whiter and in most cases will have the same color as the rest of the skin.

In most severe cases, more than one session of treatment with Vitamin C will be needed so that greater effects will be seen.
In addition to that, while discoloring the skin, the Vitamin C will also increase the amount of collagen synthesized by your skin. The collagen is the substance responsible for the skin firmness. Thus, if more collagen is synthesized with the help of this vitamin, then the skin will be less wrinkled and it will look much younger than its actual age.
Vitamin C is also very good in helping the skin synthetize more vitamin E which reduced the damaging effects of the free radicals on the skin. Also, it makes the skin recover faster after wounds, rashes or skin conditions.
Thus, if you have brown spots on your skin you can safely choose a treatment based on Vitamin C. Not only will it safely remove the spots, but it will also bring more benefits to your skin, like erasing the marks that the years left on the skin, synthesizing more Vitamin E and helping the skin recover faster.

If removing dark spots from your skin is a priority in your life right now then it is worth checking out

Skin Whitening forever…… this program has helped thousands  Whiten their Skin permanently in just days the natural way.

 


What causes keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris, sometimes known as ‘chicken skin’ is a skin condition that affects many people all around the world. Although science has yet to find a complete cure, we do know what causes keratosis pilaris, and who is likely to suffer from it.
It’s estimated that keratosis pilaris affects between 40 and 50% of the adult population worldwide. However, it’s far more prevalent in adolescents, with a reported 50 to 80% of teenagers suffering from this unsightly condition.

Research has shown that it’s largely hereditary, and you’re more likely to be a sufferer if your mom or dad has, or had, the condition. It’s common in all races, although people of Celtic origin have a higher chance of being a sufferer, and females are more susceptible to the condition than males. While babies can be sufferers, it usually starts in early childhood, and gets worse in adolescence as the child enters puberty. Luckily a lot of people report that it does improve after puberty, sometimes even disappearing completely during adulthood, and although some people do continue to suffer throughout their 40’s and 50’s, it’s very uncommon in older people.

The causes of keratosis pilaris are all to do with the production of keratin, the creamy colored substance which is found in the outer layer of the skin. Mainly made of protein, keratin is a component of skin, nails and hair, however when the body produces too much keratin, it can cause the skin to thicken. The excess keratin has the effect of blocking the hair follicles with plugs of skin, and leads to raised bumps on the affected areas. Occasionally it will prevent the hairs from exiting the follicles, meaning that the hairs curl up inside the follicle and cause inflammation in the surrounding skin. When this happens the bumps can become red, inflamed and itchy.

These hard, spiky bumps often go hand in hand with other dry skin conditions, such as eczema and ichthyosis, and anyone who suffers from these will often find that it makes the rash caused by keratosis pilaris worse. On the positive side, while keratosis pilaris can be unsightly and often itchy, it is generally harmless, and there are many things you can do to improve the condition, such as using a regular program of exfoliation and moisturizing. If you are a sufferer, it may help to consult a health care professional as there are some treatments on the market which, while not specifically formulated for treating keratosis pilaris, have been found to be successful in alleviating the condition.

A Step-By-Step System to Eliminating Your Keratosis Pilaris For Good

Asian skin whitening – why is it important

It has been almost impossible to miss the growing fashion for pale skin in recent months. This isn’t too much of a problem for those who have naturally pale skin and have simply used tanning products or a lot of sun exposure to achieve their present skin tone, as avoiding exposure to sunlight will cause the tan to fade. However, for those who have naturally darker skin, it can be difficult to achieve a pale colour, although not impossible.
Both natural and chemical methods of lightening the skin are quickly growing in popularity, most noticeably among those with an Asian background or heritage. This is happening all across the world – the trend is not simply limited to a few countries. Why, though, is skin whitening so popular among this particular part of the population?
Across Asia, pale skin is considered to be particularly beautiful, and is the ideal that many women (and an increasing number of men) are aiming to achieve. With so much global travel now occurring, this opinion has not changed, and may in fact have been further reinforced. As a result of this, skin whitening products have grown in popularity by an enormous amount, but the majority of these that can be bought over the counter contain harsh chemicals to bleach the pigments, and may in fact cause considerable harm to the skin. Not enough research has been done to know the severity of these effects, as yet.

This means that, if you are looking to lighten your skin in a safe and effective manner, it is far more advisable to use a range of natural remedies instead. These are made from products that have been available, and widely used, for many years, so we know that they are safe to apply to the skin. However, you must be prepared to be patient, as these methods can take some time before you begin to see results.

If you develop a routine so that you get into the habit of using the substances every day, this will be extremely helpful, as you are less likely to forget. You may also need to try a number of remedies before you find either one or a combination that is effective.

Unless you develop skin irritation, try using each method for a minimum of three weeks before you make a decision about whether it is effective or not. This should enable you to start seeing results.

Skin Whitening Forever™

Keratosis pilaris home remedy

If you’re suffering from keratosis pilaris, those unsightly red, raised bumps which seem to appear on the tops of your arms whenever your skin’s dry, you’ll probably want to know if there’s any home remedies for improving its appearance. While you can seek treatment from a doctor or your pharmacist, luckily there are several home remedies for keratosis pilaris, all of which cost very little, and which are very easy to administer.

As one of the most common skin conditions in the world, surprisingly dermatologists have failed to find a cure. Caused by an over production of keratin, a creamy, white protein based substance, it’s characterised by red , white or flesh coloured spiky bumps, usually on the upper arms or legs, although it can appear virtually anywhere on the body. Dry conditions, and skin conditions such as eczema, can make it worse. Although the condition usually improves on its own accord, especially with age, there are several things you can do at home to improve its appearance.

The best methods to try are those which help to reduce the dryness of the skin. If you use soap, change it for a non-soap cleanser, as the alkalines in the soap tend to dry out the skin even more. When washing, incorporate some form of exfoliation into your routine, either by rubbing the affected areas with a rough wash cloth, or using a pumice stone to exfoliate the skin. If you do use this method, always be very careful not to rub too hard and remove too much skin.

Once the skin is clean you should apply moisturizing creams, especially those which contain exfoliating ingredients such as lactic acid, urea or salicylic acid. These will not only moisturize the skin, but also help to loosen the keratin plugs. Some sufferers swear by the use of organic oils, such as coconut oil, as a home remedy for keratosis pilaris. Coconut oil, in particular, not only has moisturizing properties but also contains anti-bacterial ingredients to fight any bacteria which may be present on the skin.
Dermatologists may also prescribe creams which contain retinol, a substance derived from vitamin A, which is known to be extremely effective in removing the top layers of skin, and thus loosening the keratin plugs.

However, if you wish to stick to purely home remedies to treat your keratosis pilaris, then you need to establish a regular routine of exfoliation and moisturization. It might also be a good idea to apply a little fake tanning lotion too, as all skin seems to look better with a tan.

How to get whiter skin – homemade tips

Lightening the skin can give you a whole new appearance, which is why an increasing number of people are looking into this as a way of making changes to their body. This does not have to involve trips to a doctor or a cosmetic surgeon, as there are numerous ways you can start to lighten your skin at home.

Firstly, you must stay out of the sun. This just cannot be stressed enough if you want to achieve pale skin. Exposure to sunlight increases the body’s production of melanin, which is the pigment found in your hair and skin. The more melanin you have, the darker your skin will appear, which is what happens when you get a suntan. Staying out of the sun, or at least wearing a high factor sunscreen if exposure is unavoidable, will help to reduce the production of this pigment.

Don’t forget to protect your face. This is one of the areas that will constantly be exposed to the outside environment, so as well as applying sunscreen (which should be a minimum of SPF 15), try wearing a hat and sunglasses. Not only does this protect your skin, it can also be extremely fashionable.

However, if just avoiding the sun is not having the results that you are looking for, then a number of natural remedies can also help. Lemon juice is widely known as a method of lightening the hair, and it can also be used on the skin. Mix lemon juice (which needs to be freshly squeezed, not the preservative-laden version you can buy in a bottle) with honey and apply it to your skin. This should be left in place for twenty minutes, and then wash it off. You should not do this more than once a day, and you may find even then that it can dry out your skin. Regular application of a moisturiser can help to prevent this, or for a natural remedy, mix cucumber juice with honey and use this instead.

There are many possible methods of skin lightening that you can use at home, but by following these basic steps you should soon start to see some changes. It is very important that you develop a routine that includes your skin lightening, as then you will be much more likely to stick with it and achieve the results you want.

Skin Whitening Forever™

Proven Truth about Cant Lose Weight Myth

Hey if you’re reading this it means you and I both have run up against that “cant lose weight myth”, but we both chose to believe it. It wasn’t our fault though, because our parents, friends, loved ones, co-workers and even people who didn’t like us, were quick to tell us to give it up, you will never lose weight. Chances are if you were like me you started believing them at an early age, perhaps as early as 4 or 5.

On top of that if it was your child hood friends, they taunted you with sayings like “Fatty, Fatty, 2 By 4 you can’t fit through the bathroom door. All of this because you were overweight and it didn’t matter what you did, it seemed you couldn’t get it off.

Stop believing right now that you cant lose weight. I’m here to tell you that it’s a myth and you can lose weight I did.

A short while ago I weighed well over 220 pounds (I was small boned and only 5’6”, had high blood pressure, borderline diabetic and my personal life was in a total melt down. I couldn’t hold a job because of my health problems and the people I tried to work with were worse than children about me being overweight. I was the joke of the work place, so as soon as I couldn’t take it anymore, I did my best to get laid off so I could collect unemployment or I just quit.

I did that one too many times and my family left me. Obviously I hit rock bottom then. I made up my mind I had to win them back and that’s when I found out “you cant lose weight” was a myth.

Shortly thereafter I was watching the Dr. Phil show and he was talking to people just like you and me. You know the “fat ones”. He told those folks they had to stop believing they couldn’t lose weight. Right then is when I realized that was precisely what was stopping me. I believed I can’t lose weight.

As I continued to listen to Dr Phil what he said made more and more sense. To make a long story short what he said was I had to believe I could lose weight and that I would have to change my lifestyle to accomplish my weight loss goals. The fact is I started that very day.

My first step was to go to my doctor and have him check me out to make sure I could start an exercise program without killing myself. Then I contacted a friend from my church and we became accountable to each other for each reprogramming our mind and reaching our weight loss goals.

Now here’s the fun part, we began to challenge each other in our goals, changing our lifestyle (eating habits) and progressing from a slow walk to a faster walk. Today we are up to 3 miles in just under 36 minutes.

Was this easy? Heck No! But I have lost 53 pounds and my friend has lost 47 pounds. The important thing is we have gotten it off and kept it off for more than a year. I’m now working and my family has allowed me back into their life. Is everything rosy, no but it’s a whole lot better than it was.

I’m living proof you cant lose weight is a myth. You need to search your mind, dig deep into your gut, get a plan together and stick to it.

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