HealthyLife Articles

Tag: skin

Uv Safety 2

SELF-CARE CORNER

Sitting in the warm sun can be great for your mental health and your daily dose of vitamin D. But too much sun exposure can pose a big problem. Before you get some rays, plan ahead so your fun in the sun doesn’t end with a painful sunburn.

*Find shade:You don’t want to be in direct sunlight for too long. Find a shady area or an umbrella to sit under for some respite from the sun.

*Wear clothing:The right clothes can help reduce sun damage. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover your arms, legs, chest and back. Find a wide-brimmed hat to cover your face and neck and buy sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Choose clothes with built-in UV protection, as well.

*Rub in sunscreen:Wearing sunscreen is a habit you should practice year-round. Make sure you choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 – SPF 30 is a better choice. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming.

How to soothe a sunburn

It’s fun to play in the sun. But what do you do when the sun bites back? First things first, get out of the sun! Cover up your skin if you’re outside and find a cool, dark place. Then, get to work helping your skin recover.

1.Take a cool bath or shower to cool down your skin.Avoid using harsh soaps or body washes, as these could make your skin dry out even more.

2.Apply a moisturizer or aloe vera to the burn.This helps to trap moisture in your skin, which can help with healing. Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, promotes circulation and may help stop bacteria from growing.

3.Drink water.Your body fights a sunburn by drawing water to the surface of your skin. This could lead to dehydration, so be sure to replenish your fluids often.

4.Take extra care.After a sunburn, it is very important that you stay out of the sun for the next few days so your skin can heal. Wear loose clothing and avoid any itchy fabrics.

5.See a doctor if…you get severe blistering, develop a fever and chills, or see signs of infection, such as oozing pus or red streaks.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Work-Related Skin Problems

WORK LIFE

Your skin is the largest organ on your body, and it has important functions. When it’s healthy, your skin helps:

* Regulate your body’s temperature

* Keep invaders like bacteria and fungus out

* Protect you from the elements, such as cold and sun

Your job & your skin

Your skin needs care and protection to stay healthy – at home and at work. Do you work with chemicals or harmful substances? Do you wash your hands often? People who work in these fields are more prone to work-related skin problems:

* Manufacturing

* Food production

* Construction

* Machine tool operation

* Printing

* Metal plating

* Leather processing

* Engine service

* Landscaping

* Farming

* Forestry

* Health care

Healthy skin at work

Take precautions to prevent skin irritation and injury at work. If you work with chemicals, follow these steps:

* Store all chemicals safely and label them correctly.

* Use proper waste containers.

* Have a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for every dangerous substance used at work.

* Wear protective gear like gloves, aprons, hats and masks.

* Take off oil- or chemical-soaked work clothes before you leave work.

* Know what to do if your skin comes in contact with a harmful substance.

* When possible, use tools to handle dangerous materials so they don’t touch your skin.

* If you work with radiation, wear protective clothing and gear to prevent exposure.

If you wash your hands frequently at work:

* Do not clean your skin with chemicals. Use only cleansers designed for the skin.

* Apply lotion, cream or petroleum jelly after washing hands to prevent dryness, cracking and eczema.

If you work outdoors, take sun protection seriously. Make sure you:

* Apply sunscreen at least every two hours if you’re in the sun.

* Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers your body.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis

MEDICAL NEWS

Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is an inflammatory autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Up to 1 in 3 people with the skin condition psoriasis will go on to develop PA.

Most people who experience PA have had psoriasis for ten or more years. However, it is possible to develop PA without showing symptoms of psoriasis. PA is most likely to develop in middle age, though it can occur at any age. It can even occur in children.

Signs & symptoms

The most common symptom of PA is pain and swelling of the joints. The joints most likely to be affected include the fingers, ankles, wrists, and knees.

Swelling of the fingers and toes is also common. This is called dactylitis, which causes discomfort and difficulty bending or using the fingers. In addition, the swelling can lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion, especially in the morning.

Other symptoms of PA include fatigue, redness of the eyes, and pitting of the nails.

Though PA is predominantly a joint condition, some organs of the body may be affected. For example, the digestive system, lungs, and heart can be damaged if the condition is left untreated.

Diagnosis & treatment

While there is no diagnostic test for PA, doctors make a diagnosis based on their observation, a health history, and by ruling out other possibilities. Tests that may be used include X-rays to assess the bones and joints and blood tests to look for markers of inflammation.

Prompt treatment of PA is essential to prevent damage to the joints or organs. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PA, but many treatment options are available to manage pain and decrease inflammation.

A primary care doctor, rheumatologist, and dermatologist may all be part of the care team for treating PA.

Living with PA

Thanks to the many effective treatments available, people with PA can reduce the side effects of the condition and lead active, healthy lives.

In addition to medical resources, lifestyle habits such as exercise and eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms.

If you have PA, always talk to your doctor to find out what activities or lifestyle choices are right for you.

Sources: Arthritis Foundation, National Psoriasis Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How To Care For Mature Skin

Mature Health: Over Age 50

As your skin ages, the sebaceous glands produce less oil, and the skin loses elasticity. The result is dry, wrinkled skin-unless you take steps to prevent (or minimize) those effects. Here’s what to do to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature.

* Shower or bathe with a mild soap or transparent glycerin soaps to prevent dry, flaky skin. Don’t use deodorant soaps on your face-they’re too harsh for sensitive facial skin.

* Avoid alcohol-based astringents, toners, or after-shave lotions, which dry the skin.

* Apply a moisturizing lotion immediately after showering or bathing. (Dry skin makes wrinkles more noticeable, so using a moisturizer makes wrinkles less noticeable.)

* Use a room or furnace humidifier during the winter months, to further prevent dry skin.

* When washing dishes or working with strong detergents, protect your hands with rubber gloves.

* Apply sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher whenever you go outdoors.

If you’re thinking about having a face lift, chemical peel, or collagen injection for wrinkles, contact your local medical society for the names of board-certified surgeons or dermatologists with experience in the procedure you’re considering.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cellulitis

Skin Conditions

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and tissues below it. Most often, cellulitis occurs on the arms and legs or on the face.

Signs & Symptoms

* Red, swollen, painful, tender, and warm skin.

* Red lines that spread from the wound.

* Swollen lymph nodes near the wound.

* Chills and fever.

Causes

Cellulitis is caused by several types of bacteria. These usually enter the body through minor skin breaks (cuts, burns, other wounds). One cause for cellulitis that recurs is community-acquired MRSA (Methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus.)

Treatment

Oral, topical, and/or IV antibiotics are given. The type(s) used depend on how serious the infection is. Medicine to relieve pain may be needed.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Prevent Cellulitis

* Keep your skin clean and protect it from injury.

* Clean cuts, scrapes, and other skin wounds and injuries, thoroughly, with soap and water. Keep wounds and sores clean, dry, and covered until healed.

* To help prevent community-acquired MRSA, avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages in schools, health care settings and sports. Do not share towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms that may have had contact with an infected wound or bandage. Shower right after sporting events, workouts, etc.

To Treat Cellulitis

* Follow your treatment plan. Take all of your prescribed antibiotic(s).

* Take pain relievers as directed.

* Rest the affected area. Elevate it to reduce swelling.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Uv Safety

Skin Conditions

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays causes most skin cancers. Even a few serious sunburns can raise the risk.

Limit exposure to the sun. When in the sun, wear sun screen and lip balm with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes in three forms: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA and UVB rays cause skin and eye damage. UVC rays don’t reach the earth.

UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, sand, and snow.

Use sun screens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose eyewear that absorbs 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.

High doses of UVA radiation comes from tanning beds.

For the look of a tan, use sunless tanning lotions, sprays, and bronzers, instead of sun bathing, tanning beds, and sun lamps.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
6 Benefits Of Drinking Water

WELL-BEING

Your body needs water for nearly every function. But, many people aren’t getting enough. While fluids from other drinks and even some foods can help hydrate you, drinking plain water has some advantages. It’s calorie-free, doesn’t cause cavities and doesn’t cost anything. Start filling up a reusable water bottle today and take advantage of these water perks:

Headache prevention:Dehydration can cause a severe headache. If you drink water throughout the day, you can avoid this.

Better workout:Water is needed for proper energy levels and muscle function. Drink enough before and after workouts to avoid dehydration and sluggishness.

Joint pain relief:Dehydration can cause achy bones and joints. Water is needed to keep joints lubricated and healthy.

Healthier skin:Staying hydrated helps your skin stay hydrated, too. This can make skin feel healthier.

Healthy weight:Drinking water instead of soda or sugary drinks can save you hundreds of extra calories and help get to, or stay at, a healthy weight.

Healthier kidneys and bladder:Drinking enough water helps prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

Talk with your doctor about how much water you should drink each day. People with end stage kidney disease, heart failure or certain other conditions may need to limit their fluids.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Breast Cancer And Rashes

MEDICAL NEWS

When you spot a rash on your skin, you probably don’t worry too much about it. After all, most rashes are simply due to minor problems like a mosquito bite, chafing, or an irritating skin care product. Though most rashes are not dangerous, it’s important to pay attention to your skin. A rare, dangerous form of breast cancer known as inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) often starts with a rash or skin changes on the breast. IBC doesn’t cause a telltale “lump” that many people expect from breast cancer. It may not show up on a mammogram either.

What rashes should be checked?

Many things can cause rashes on the breast, but some signs should be checked by a doctor. Call your doctor if you notice any of these changes on the breast:

* Pain, tenderness or itching on the breast

* Skin that looks or feels thicker

* An area that feels hard

* Skin that has pits or ridges or looks like an orange peel

* A nipple that turns inward or changes shape

* Swelling that makes one breast look larger than the other

* Skin that is swollen

* A breast that feels warm or heavy

Don’t panic – but get checked

It’s important to know that IBC is very rare. It makes up about 1 to 3 percent of all breast cancer cases.

Some less serious problems like mastitis (an infection of the milk ducts) can have some of the same symptoms as IBC. If you notice any changes in your breasts, be sure to contact your health care provider.

The many types of breast cancer

There are several different kinds of breast cancer. Some start in the milk ducts, glands or other tissue, such as muscle or fat.

The most common type of cancer is invasive (or infiltrating) ductal carcinoma. This type of cancer makes up about 80 percent of all breast cancer cases. It starts in a milk duct and spreads into the fatty tissue in the breast.

Be aware of these other breast cancer signs and call your doctor if you notice them:

* A lump or mass in the breast

* Nipple discharge (not breast milk for nursing mothers)

* Pain or swelling in the breast or nipple

* Any unusual changes to the breast or nipple, including new moles

Seeing your doctor for regular visits and getting mammograms as recommended is the best way to detect breast cancer early.

Source: American Cancer Society

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Caring For Minor Burns

SELF-CARE CORNER

Many people have experienced the pain that even a minor burn can cause. The home can have many burn hazards, such as touching a hot stove, getting splashed with hot water, or even biting into food with hot spots. Children, especially, can be prone to burns when they accidentally touch something hot. Adults need to be careful too: burns are painful – and possibly dangerous – at any age.

What to do after a burn

If you do get a minor (first-degree) burn, know how to care for it at home so it heals as quickly as possible. If the skin isn’t broken, you should:

* Run cool water over the burn or soak it in cool water. Do not use ice: it’s too harsh. Keep the area under water for at least 5 minutes. You may also use a clean towel or cloth soaked in cold water.

* After soaking or rinsing the burn, cover it with a clean, dry bandage or gauze pad.

* Pain relievers like ibuprofen (e.g., Advil®) or acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®) can help if advised by a doctor.

What not to do

Treat burns with care. Do NOT:

* Use oil, ointment, butter or other greasy substances on the burn.

* Breathe or blow on the burn.

* Touch or pop blistered or dead skin.

When it’s an emergency

Always call 911 or seek emergency medical care if:

* You’re not sure how bad the burn is.

* A child gets burned.

* Burn is caused by chemicals or electricity.

* You think it might be a second or third-degree burn.

* It covers a large area of skin, bigger than 2 to 3 inches wide.

* The burn is on a hand, foot, face or genitals.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Face Facts About Acne

SELF-CARE CORNER

Acne. It’s embarrassing. It’s annoying. And it’s the most common skin condition in the U.S. Fortunately, acne can often be reduced with simple changes to your skin care routine, say experts from the American Academy of Dermatology.

For clearer skin, follow these tips:

* Wash twice a day and after sweating. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.

* Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge, or anything else can irritate the skin. Do not use skin care products that irritate the skin, which may include astringents, toners, and exfoliants. Dry, red skin makes acne appear worse.

* Rinse with lukewarm water.

* Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.

* Let your skin heal naturally. If you pick, pop or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear and you increase your risk of getting acne scars.

* Keep your hands off your face. Touching your skin throughout the day can cause flare-ups.

* Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. Tanning damages your skin. In addition, some acne medications make the skin very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which you get from both the sun and indoor tanning devices.

* See a skin specialist for the most current treatments.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026