Remove dark patch on skin

Remove your dark patch over skin which looks ugly.

Hyperpigmentation is the formation of dark patches on the skin. It is a common and often distressing condition that can occur irrespective of skin type and complexion.

There are multiple causes for this problem. Dark spots on the face, post-acne marks, skin damage from sunlight and pigmentation are commonly referred to as Chhaiyas.

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in the production and deposition of melanin, the colour pigment produced by special cells in the skin (melanocytes). Treatment depends on the duration of the problem. New patches are often easier and faster to get rid of than ones that have been on the skin for years.

Sun Damage: Dark skin patches often occur due to exposure to the sun. These are sometimes called age spots, lentigenes or liver spots and are often seen on the face, hands and shoulders. Most people do not realise that even on cloudy days, with only momentary bouts of sunshine, the UV index can high and sunburn can occur easily.

Scars: Post-acne scars often occur in the form of pigmented patches. Acne is a chronic disorder characterised by inflammatory papules, pustules, pimples, open and closed comedones, cysts and nodules affecting both adolescents and adults. Inflammatory acne lesions can disrupt the epidermal basal layer causing the melanocytes to increase melanin production.

Freckles: Ephelides or freckles are dark spots that are inherited and a stubborn condition that is difficult to treat.

Melasma or Chloasma: Usually called ‘the mask of pregnancy’, this is defined by brown patches on the skin as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. Usually these dark spots disappear on their own after delivery. Sometimes birth control pills can also cause pigmentation.

Other than sun exposure, other causative factors include autoimmune and thyroid disorders and photosensitising drugs

Treatment

First, the doctor has to check whether pigmentation is epidermal or dermal. Only epidermal pigmentation responds to treatment. First-line therapy includes prescription creams to lighten the skin. These contain a combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and a class V to VII topical corticosteroid but this usually takes a long time. Chemical peeling with glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid is an option for patients with severe melasma unresponsive to topical bleaching agents.

There are some simple and effective home remedies that one can try.

Lemon Juice: Lemon acts as a natural bleaching agent. Mix equal quantities of lemon juice and water and apply it on the spots. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a powerful astringent and can be directly applied to acne spots.

Potato: Potato is a common skin lightening and bleaching agent. Apply thin slices of potato to the skin and leave on for 20-30 minutes so that the juice is absorbed by the skin.

Turmeric and Milk: Apply the mixture of turmeric and milk on the affected area and leave it for 10 minutes before washing. Both milk and turmeric have bleaching properties and regular use makes the skin flawless.

Apart from these remedies, have a regular skin care routine. Keep the skin hydrated, moisturised and well nourished. Apply sunscreen before going out in sun, whether you are 16 or 60, to prevent the sun’s rays from damaging and aging your skin.
Image & info taken from Webmd

Tips to stay away from Breast Cancer~

Tips to stay away from Breast Cancer~

1) Breast self-examination

Women should begin self-examination at the early age of 20s. Self-examination helps you to identify breast cancer early. Women should do self-examination at least one time a month the week after their period finishes. The women who are no longer menstruating should examine at the starting of every month. If you feel nodes or discomfort, then visit to a doctor for further examination. Self examination process can be found on medical websites but it is best to talk to a doctor and find out the correct process.

2) Mammogram

Mammogram can also help to identify breast cancer early. Women who are older than 40, must get mammogram once a year though there is no cancer in the family. Women should begin mammography in their 30s if their sister or mother had breast cancer before menopause. Mammogram is breast’s x-ray picture. For women, who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer, screening mammograms are used to check. For women who have lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer, diagnostic mammograms are used to check.

3) Breastfeed your baby

Breastfeeding is among the most essential ways to prevent breast cancer. Now-a-days most women stay away from breast feeding as they think it will harm their figure but it is very essential to understand that avoiding breast feeding may increase the risk of breast cancer. Women who breastfeed their babies for up to 2 years decrease the breast cancer risk up to 60%. The theory is that breastfeeding decrease the complete menstrual cycle’s number of women over her life and lower the level of estrogen hormone which is related to breast cancer.

4) Maintain healthy weight

Women who are overweight or obese after menopause are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. Before menopause, most of estrogen are created by ovaries and little amount of estrogen are created by fat tissues. After menopause, ovaries discontinue making estrogen so estrogen is created by fat tissues only. After menopause, having more fat tissue means higher estrogen levels which enhance the risk of breast cancer. Women should maintain a BMI below 25.

5) Genetic tests

Only 5 to 10% breast cancers are caused by gene mutations inherited from a parent. If you have been detected with breast cancer, you can look for genetic mutations recognized as BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. The cost of this test is $3,400. Before undergoing the test, you should talk to a genetic counselor, nurse or doctor to clarify the procedure and the results of these tests. Before these tests are done, it is also very essential for you to know pros and cons as well as what these genetic testing can and can't inform you.

6) Exercise

Breast cancer risk is decreased by performing exercise 1/2 an hour 3 times a week. Exercise also helps to burn excess fat, maintain weight and enhance the immune system. Exercise manages the oestrogen levels to stay balanced. Exercise decreased the risk of breast cancer by 20 to 40%. You can do moderate aerobic activity such as brisk walking.

7) Use the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
Women can use Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool to evaluate her breast cancer risk for the next 5 years and up to age of 90 as well as compare the woman's risk calculation with the average risk for similar age woman. Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool is a computer program which is developed to help health care providers in talking about breast cancer risk with their female patients. You can found The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool at cancer.gov.

8) Consume low-fat diet

Low-fat diet prevents breast cancer as well as excellent overall health. Low-fat diet also reduces the obesity risk. Reduce the amount of trans fat and saturated fats as they increase the risk of breast cancer. Increase the consumption of monounsaturatedand fish oils. Also include yogurt, low fat milk and cottage cheese in your diet. Consume only 70g fat daily.

9) Avoid high doses of radiation

The risk of breast cancer also increases due to high exposure to radiation. Women who had undergone radiation therapy to the chest part as treatment for Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or for acne are at high risk of developing breast cancer. The risk of developing cancer differs with the age of patient when they had radiation. If the chest radiation was given during teenage years when the breasts were still developing the chances of developing breast cancer is highest. After age of 40, radiation treatment does not increase the risk of breast cancer.

10) Limit alcohol

Limit the use of alcohol as it enhances the risk of developing breast cancer. Alcohol increases the other toxins effect and directly damage DNA which cause cancer. Women who take 1 alcoholic drink increase somewhat chances of developing breast cancer than non-drinkers. Women who take 2 to 5 drinks regularly increase about 1½ times chances of developing breast cancer compared to non-drinkers. Excessive alcohol also enhances the risk of throat, mouth, liver cancer and esophagus cancer. Women should limit the alcohol consumption to 1 drink per day.

11) Consume soy

Consume soybeans and soy products like tofu, tempeh, edamame and miso as they decrease breast cancer risk. Soy contains isoflavones which binds to tissues in the body by obstructing estrogen from stimulating breast cancer cells. Avoid the consumption of sweetened and refined soy products like soymilk and soy oils.

12) Avoid too much exposure to pesticides and chemicals

Limit exposure pesticides and chemicals as they contain estrogen like properties which lets cells of breast cancer to reproduce quickly. It also lets the disease to spread faster. As per study oder women who exposed to pesticide DDT) and similar compounds had somewhat more risk of developing breast cancer compared to other women.

Info Taken From Breast Cancer Prevention Society