With the great competition running (WIN a $100 Rebel Sport Gift Card) thanks to SolvEasy, we thought it was high time to talk tinea! Read on for the facts you need to know!

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What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that is also known as tinea pedis (tinea ‘of the foot’) and is not exclusive to athletes. The fungus that causes this condition — Trichophyton — thrives in areas that are moist and warm; the skin between the toes is a particularly susceptible area. If not treated, it can cause a rash and itching in other parts of the body as well, especially the groin where the infection is sometimes known as ‘jock itch’ (tinea cruris). Tinea pedis is often recurring, as the fungus can survive under the toenails and reappear when conditions are favourable.

Athlete’s foot causes
The fungus that causes athlete’s foot can be found on floors and in socks and clothing. Wearing poorly ventilated shoes and sweaty socks causes feet to become a breeding ground for the infection. Although the condition is just an uncomfortable nuisance for most people, its open sores can occasionally become more seriously infected.

Athlete’s foot symptoms

• Itching, stinging and burning of the feet.
• Cracked, scaling and peeling skin, particularly between the toes, and sometimes spreading to the soles of the feet. In severe cases bleeding may occur.
• Also in severe cases scaling or peeling of the soles can occur.
• Blisters.

Symptoms in advanced stages
In advanced stages some of the following symptoms may occur:

• White, soggy skin in the toe webs.
• Unpleasant odour.
• Oozing from the blisters.
• Thickening, crumbling and discolouration of the toenails.
• Pain in the affected areas.

Fungal infection of the nails (onychomycosis) can also occur without other signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot.

Because the fungus injures the skin in athlete’s foot, bacteria are also able to attack the skin. This type of bacterial infection causes an inflammation called cellulitis and occurs more often in the elderly, diabetic people, people with chronic leg swelling or those who have had veins removed from their legs (such as for bypass surgery), and people with weakened immune systems.

Athlete’s foot treatment

• Athlete’s foot can heal by itself if you carefully clean and dry your feet before wearing shoes and socks, and change sweaty socks often. This makes the infected areas less suitable for the athlete’s foot fungus.
• Footwear must be kept thoroughly dry. Thick cotton socks or sandals are recommended if possible. Shoes should be made of leather or breathable material; materials such as vinyl don’t breathe and cause the feet to remain moist, allowing the fungus to multiply.
• The use of special medicated foot powders to keep the feet dry is recommended.
• Antifungal creams, gels, sprays or powders may be used. It is important to continue applying these medicines for the recommended length of time to make sure the fungus is eradicated. For some of these medicines, this may be up to 1-2 weeks after symptoms have disappeared.

When should I consult my doctor?
Early treatment and health care supervision ensures correct diagnosis and prevention of complications. Specific diagnosis may be made by microscopic examination or culture of skin scrapings for the fungus. If there is any redness, increased swelling or bleeding, or if the infection does not seem to be clearing up, see your doctor. If there is a bacterial infection also occurring, you may need a course of antibiotics.

Article source: http://www.mydr.com.au/skin-hair/athlete-s-foot

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It’s easy to get complacent about sun protection. But studies like these are continuing reminders to us all that limiting exposure to the sun isn’t such a bad idea!

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THERE is new evidence that the sun’s UV rays are even more damaging than once thought.

The sun emits two kinds of UV rays to the earth’s surface: UVA and UVB.

It had been thought that those rays do not damage the deeper layers of the skin as much as they damage the top layers.

New research from Kings College London has found that is the case for UVB rays, but not for UVA rays.

The study has found UVA rays are more carcinogenic than previously realised
- a finding scientists say underscores how important it is to limit exposure to the sun and to tanning studios.

The study was led by Antony Young, Professor of experimental photobiology at King’s College.

“The damage seemed to increase as it went through the epidermis and we think that is due to a form of backscatter in other words, the damage goes through and is somehow reflected back,” he said.

That is significant because the deepest layer of the skin, the basal layer, is where cells divide.

“Dividing cells or cells that divide to produce the rest of the epidermis, if they carry mutations that has possible consequence in terms of skin cancer. We must try to protect the basal layer,” Professor Young said.

The research suggests that UVA rays are more carcinogenic than previously realised.

The problem is, they are also more prevalent.

“In sunlight, UVB represents at most 5 or 6 per cent of the UV rays so the vast majority is UVA, whereas with UVB the intensity is very dependent on the height of the sun,” Professor Young said.

“We advise people to avoid the sun at noon for example. With UVA, there is much less variation with the height of the sun so the strength of UVA is reasonably constant throughout the day and doesn’t change so much with season compared to UVB.

“So we are exposed to quite a lot of UVA.”

Lines of defence
Professor Michael Kimlin, the director for the Centre for Research Excellence
in Sun and Health, says it is also more evidence of the dangers of sunbeds.

“Depending on which brand and style of solarium, it certainly does alter what type of UV is emitted but typically, typically it’s UVA exposure and a little bit of UVB,”
he said.

He says most sunscreens on Australian shelves are broad-spectrum, which protect against UVB and UVA rays.

“The Australian standard does acknowledge that UVA can be harmful and most of the sunscreens used in the market today are actually what they call broad-spectrum including UVB and UVA protection,” he said.

“But I guess the message is that sunscreens shouldn’t be the first line of defence.

“Really, this study shows we do need to look at limiting our exposure and trying to stay out of the sun where possible.”

The research has been published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

Article source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-07/uv-rays-more-damaging-than-thought/3335828/?site=sydney

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The statistics in this article take your breath away. It reinforces that we cannot be complacent about our skin and skin protection.
Slip, Slop, Slap people!

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Up to 50% of Australians Will Get Skin Cancer
With our enviable climate and fantastic beaches it’s little wonder that Australians have an entrenched outdoor culture.

However, our love of the great outdoors is a double-edged sword. We have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, and it’s also the most common form of cancer in Australia.

Long-term exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun damages the genetic material in our skin, leading to skin cancer. Living up to the myth of the ‘bronzed Aussie’
is a major health risk. There is no safe way to tan.

Many Hundreds of Australians Need Not Die Every Year
Over 200,000 Australians are treated for skin cancer each year. It kills more than 1,000 Australians every year, and many of these deaths are preventable. Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer if not treated early, and accounts for about
70% of these annual deaths. The remaining 30% of deaths result from the more common types of skin cancer, when they have grown too large and/or have spread throughout the body.

What Causes the Development of Skin Cancer?
Fair-skinned Australians are in the highest risk group of developing skin cancers, but Australians with olive complexions are certainly not immune to the problem.

Exposure to sunlight in childhood and adolescence is a major factor in causing skin cancers. A history of severe sunburn increases the risk of developing melanoma, and persistent moderate long-term sun exposure increases the risks of both non-melanoma skin cancers and melanoma.

Now the Good News: Skin Cancer Can be Detected Early
Because it is highly visible, skin cancer is generally detectable at an early stage. This, followed by prompt treatment, leads to a greater chance of cure. Early detection is particularly important for malignant melanoma.

But it must be diagnosed early. The first step is self-monitoring. If you have an at-risk type skin (fair-skinned, freckles, a large number of moles) or have a history of skin cancer, make sure you check your skin regularly: every three months – for example, at the beginning of every season.

Article source: http://www.dermcoll.asn.au/public/a-z_of_skin-skin_cancer_w_e_a_s_k.asp

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Most of us at some time in our lives have been sunburnt,, right?
And as this article says, it  only takes approx 15mins for sunburn to start to appear, well, we all need to be a lot more careful! I aim to be sunburn-free this summer, do you?

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SUNBURN is the skin’s reaction to the ultraviolet radiation (UV) in sunlight. You can see sunlight and feel heat (infrared radiation), but you can’t see or feel UV radiation. It can damage your skin even on cool, cloudy days.

In Victoria’s summer months, the signs of sunburn can start to appear in less than 15 minutes and can take days or weeks to heal depending on the severity. Mild sunburn can be treated at home, but severe and blistered burns require prompt medical attention.

The long-term effects of repeated bouts of sunburn include premature wrinkling and increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma (a type of skin cancer). Once skin damage occurs, it is impossible to reverse. This is why prevention
is much better than cure.

Use sun protection whenever the UV index level reaches 3 and above. In Victoria, this is from the start of September to the end of April. From May to August, when the UV Index is generally below 3,sun protection is not required unless you are near highly reflective surfaces such as snow, are outside for extended periods
or the UV reaches 3 and above.

Reducing the risk of sunburn
Use a combination of the five sun protection measures to reduce your sunburn risk.

Slip – on sun-protective clothing. Make sure it covers as much skin as possible.
Slop – on SPF (sun protection factor) 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before you go outdoors and reapply every two hours.
Slap – on a hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears.
Seek – shade.
Slide – on sunglasses. Make sure they meet Australian Standard AS1067.

Symptoms of sunburn
The symptoms of sunburn include:

• Change in skin colour, ranging from pink to red and even purple. Skin will change colour within two to six hours of being burnt and the colour change will continue to develop for up to seventy-two hours.
• Skin feels hot to the touch
• Pain and/or itching
• Swelling
• Fluid-filled blisters that may itch and eventually pop or break
• Broken blisters peel to reveal even more tender skin beneath.

Australians and sunburn
In Australia, sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes on a summer’s day.
All types of sunburn, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage. This could lay the groundwork for skin cancers to develop. Further sunburn only increases your risk of skin cancer. Every year over 1,800 Australians die from skin cancer.

According to a national sun protection survey, the number of adults reporting sunburn dropped by almost one-third between 2004 and 2007. Yet there was no change among adolescents – one in four teenagers are still getting burnt. This is not because they are deliberately trying to get a tan, but because they are forgetting to protect themselves. Boys are more likely to get sunburnt than girls,
as more boys spend time outside in peak UV times and are less likely to use sunscreen.

It is important to remember tanning without burning can still cause skin damage, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. Both sunburn and tanning are signs of your skin cells in trauma. A tan is not a sign of good health but rather a sign that your skin is trying to protect itself from the sun’s UV rays.

UV radiation and its effects
In addition to light and heat, the sun gives out invisible ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation can pass through sparse cloud. It can also be scattered in the air and reflected by surfaces such as buildings, concrete, sand and snow. The three types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, based on their wavelength, are UVA, UVB and UVC. The earth’s atmosphere absorbs nearly all of the most dangerous type – UVC – before it reaches the ground.

UVA and UVB radiation are both involved in sunburn, but skin reacts differently to each one:

UVA – penetrates into the deeper skin layers and damages the site where new skin cells are generated. Too much UVA radiation leads to roughening, dryness, blotchiness, wrinkling and sagging of the skin. High doses of UVA radiation can also cause sunburn, DNA damage in the skin and skin cancer.
UVB – is even more dangerous than UVA radiation and also causes skin damage and skin cancer. It affects the surface skin layer. The skin responds by releasing chemicals that dilate blood vessels. This causes fluid leakage and inflammation – better known as sunburn.

UV and vitamin D
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major cause of skin cancer and the best natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a hormone that controls calcium levels in the blood. It is needed for healthy bones and muscles and for general health. Vitamin D is made in our bodies through a series of processes that start when our skin is exposed to UV. It is important to take a balanced UV approach to help with vitamin D levels while minimising the risk of skin cancer with appropriate sun protection measures.

In Victoria, sun protection is required from September to April when the UV index level is 3 and above. During these months, most Victorians need a few minutes a day of sun exposure, (to face, arms and hands or equivalent area) outside of peak UV times, to help with vitamin D levels.People with naturally very dark skin may need three to six times this exposure.

Using sunscreen when the UV is above three will not prevent vitamin D production. When sunscreen is tested in lab conditions it blocks vitamin D production. However, regular use of sunscreen by people has been shown to have little effect on vitamin D levels. People who use more sunscreen spend more time in the sun, so naturally they will have higher vitamin D levels.

From May to August, when Victoria’s UV level drops below 3, most people need about two to three hours of sunlight to the face, arms, hands (or equivalent area), spread over each week. Seeking out the midday winter sun is the best way to achieve this. People with naturally very dark skin may need three to six times this exposure and supplements may be required. Sun protection is not required unless you are near highly reflective surfaces such as snow, are outside for extended periods or the UV level reaches 3 and above.

SunSmart daily UV alert
UV radiation levels vary depending on location, time of year, time of day, cloud coverage and the environment. Sun protection is recommended whenever the UV index level reaches 3 and above. At that level, UV radiation can damage skin and eyes. It may also cause skin cancer, including dangerous malignant melanoma.

To check the UV levels for the day, go to the SunSmart UV Alert, which is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). UV levels for the day are also reported in newspapers, weather forecasts and the SunSmart website.

Self-help sunburn remedies
There is no cure for sunburn except time and patience. Treatment aims to help manage the symptoms while the body heals. Suggestions include:

• Drink plenty of water, because you’re probably dehydrated as well as sunburnt.
• Gently apply cool or cold compresses. Alternatively, bathe the area in cool water.
• Avoid using soap, as this may irritate your skin.
• Do not apply butter to sunburnt skin.
• Talk to your local pharmacist about products that help soothe sunburn. Choose spray-on solutions rather than creams you apply by hand.
• Don’t pop blisters. Consider covering itchy blisters with a wound dressing to reduce the risk of infection.
• Pain permitting, moisturise the skin. This won’t stop the burnt skin from peeling off, but it will help boost the moisture content of the skin beneath.
• Take over-the-counter painkillers, if necessary.
• Keep out of the sun until every last sign of sunburn has gone.

Peeling sunburnt skin
There’s no cream or lotion that will stop burnt skin from peeling off. This is part of the natural healing process. Suggestions include:

• Resist the temptation and don’t pick at the skin. Allow the dead skin sheets to detach on their own.
• Remove detached skin carefully and slowly. Don’t rip skin sheets off or you risk removing more skin than you intended.
• Apply antiseptic cream to the newly revealed skin to reduce the risk of infection.

Professional treatment for sunburn
You should see your doctor or seek treatment from your nearest hospital emergency department if you experience symptoms including:

• Severe sunburn with extensive blistering and pain
• Sunburn over a large area
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Dizziness or altered states of consciousness.

Sunburn prevention is best
Always check the SunSmart UV Alert and use a combination of sun protection measures whenever the UV Index level is 3 and above. Cover up with clothing, apply SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen, wear a broad-brimmed hat that covers the face, ears and neck, slide on some wrap around sunglasses and seek shade wherever possible.

Other suggestions on how to avoid getting sunburnt include:

• Don’t assume that sunshine is ‘safe’ when it doesn’t sting your skin – that sting or ‘bite’ you can feel is infrared radiation (heat), not UV radiation.
• UV radiation levels aren’t linked to temperature. Don’t rely on the temperature to gauge when you need sun protection. Check the UV level each day and when it’s 3 and above, Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! and Slide! .
• Many Australians get sunburnt around water, at the beach or pool. If there is no shade, you’ll need to protect yourself in other ways.
• You can get sunburnt when you’re relaxing and taking it easy, such as watching outdoor sports or picnicking at the park, as well as while playing sports.
• Winter activities, such as snow skiing and snow boarding, pose a high risk of sunburn because UV radiation is more severe in alpine regions than at sea level. Snow is also very efficient at reflecting UV radiation.
• What many people assume is windburn is actually sunburn. The wind doesn’t burn the skin, UV radiation does.
• A tan offers a small amount of sunburn protection (around SPF 3), but doesn’t protect against skin and eye damage or the risk of skin cancer.
• Babies under 12 months should not be exposed to direct UV and should be well protected from the sun. Always try to keep babies and children in the shade and use clothing to cover most of their body. Use small amounts of child-friendly sunscreen on uncovered areas such as the face and hands whenever your child is exposed to the sun.

Where to get help
Your doctor
Your local pharmacist
Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 60 60 24 (24 hours, 7 days)
Cancer Council Helpline Tel. 13 11 20
SunSmart
BOM website provides the SunSmart UV Alert for over 200 locations across Australia
Multilingual Cancer Information Line, Victoria Tel. (03) 9209 0169
Live UV levels for capital cities are available from the ARPANSA and SunSmart websites.

Things to remember

• Sunburn can occur in less than 11 minutes and depending on the severity can take a few days or weeks to heal.
• There is no cure for sunburn except time and patience.
• Mild sunburn can be treated at home, but severe and blistered burns need prompt medical attention.
• Excessive exposure to UV damages the skin permanently and may cause skin cancer, including dangerous malignant melanoma.

Article source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/sunburn_explained

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It’s a scary thing to have ticked a few of the boxes in this article.
If articles like this can help us all revise and review our skin protection routines, then that’s a good thing! How do you rate? Are you at risk of skin cancer?

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Skin cancer is mainly caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun and other sources such as solaria and sunlamps.

Anyone in Australia can develop skin cancer but risk is increased for people who:

• are exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) during childhood and adolescence
• have repeated exposure to UVR over their lifetime
• have episodes of severe sunburn
• have a light complexion (red or fair hair; blue or green eyes; skin that burns easily, freckles and doesn’t tan)
• are older
• have had a previous non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)
• have a personal or family history of melanoma
• have a large number of moles
• have unusual types of moles (eg dysplastic naevus)
• are immunosuppressed (including organ transplant recipients)

At risk groups include:

Children and adolescents
The more children are exposed to UVR the greater their risk of developing skin cancer later in life ¹. Sun exposure, particularly during the first 15 years of life,
has a significant contribution towards lifetime risk of developing skin cancer².

Outdoor workers
It is estimated that 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers and 200 melanomas are caused by sun exposure in the workplace each year. ³ Spending large amounts of time outside during peak ultraviolet radiation periods, over a long length of time, increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

To reduce your risk of skin cancer, protect yourself in 5 ways:

1. Seek shade
2. Put on a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears
3. Wear sun protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. Long sleeved shirts with a collar, and longer style pants or skirts are good for sun protection. Fabric of clothing needs to have a tight weave and be darker in colour to increase your protection from ultraviolet radiation
4. Wear wrap-around sunglasses
5. Apply SPF30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen liberally to clean dry skin, at least twenty minutes before being exposed to the sun, and reapply at least every two hours when outdoors

Also, avoid going outdoors unprotected between 10am-2pm (11am – 3pm during daylight saving), as this is when ultraviolet radiation is the strongest.

For further information about skin cancer and outdoor work see the Cancer Council Australia website.

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1. World Health Organisation, UV Radiation and Health, 2003
2. Armstrong, B. K. (1997) Melanoma: childhood or lifelong sunexposure. InEpidemiology, Causes and Prevention ofSkin Diseases. Blackwell Science Ltd.
3. Cancer Council Australia media release, 20 November 2007

Article souce: http://www.skincancer.gov.au/internet/skincancer/publishing.nsf/Content/fact-riskfactors

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There are still some old wives tales out there regarding what to do when someone is suffers a burn or scald. To sort the myths from the facts, read on.

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CHILDREN are curious and like to explore their surroundings. They don’t know that hot water and hot drinks can cause burns. A child’s sensitive skin burns far more easily than adult skin. Burns and scalds are a major cause of serious injury in children from newborn to 14 years old. Children under four years, especially those aged between one and two years are most at risk due to their increased mobility and natural curiosity.

A severe scald can inflict a serious injury and may mean a long stay in hospital.
It may also require painful skin grafts and years of treatment, and can result in permanent scarring. A severe scald over a large skin area can cause death.

Common causes of scalds
Scalds are burns from hot liquids or steam. Any hot substances can scald a child. Treat all hot things as if they are as dangerous as fire. In fact, everyday items used in and around the house cause the most scald injuries. These include:

• Hot drinks such as cups of tea and coffee
• Running hot tap water
• Bath water
• Hot cooking oil
• Hot food
• Saucepans of hot liquid
• Steam and vapour.

Times when injuries are likely to happen
Children are most at risk when you are:

• In a hurry, under a lot of pressure, busy or have too many things going on at the same time
• Entertaining
• Not feeling well
• Distracted
• Tired, or when your child is tired
• Away from home, visiting friends or family, or on holiday and out of routine.

A change of routine can help
Perhaps this is the time to skip unnecessary jobs or to change your routine. Suggestions include:

• Avoid the high demands of families between 4pm and 7pm by feeding a hungry toddler their main meal at midday and serving something light that you don’t need to cook in the early evening.
• Arrange for the rest of the family to eat a later meal, once your toddler is safely in bed.
• Prepare the evening meal earlier in the day when you are less likely to be distracted by competing family demands.
• Occasionally, give your baby a wipe instead of a bath if you don’t have the time to stay beside them. Alternatively, bath your baby earlier in the day.

Bathroom safety
The bathroom is one of the most hazardous rooms in the house for a baby or child. Scalds and burns can occur here, as well as falls and drowning. Most hot tap water scalds occur in the bathroom.

There are a number of ways to protect your child against serious injury in the bathroom. Some suggestions include:

• Use a bath thermometer to ensure the bath’s water is always a safe and comfortable temperature. The recommended maximum water temperature for bathing young children is between 37ºC and 38ºC.
• A soft bath spout cover and non-slip suction mini bath mats can help prevent falls in the bath.
• Keep the bathroom door closed when not in use. You may wish to put a lock or restraint on the outside of the bathroom door (out of reach of children, but accessible to adults in case of emergency).
• Always remain within arm’s reach of children in the bath.
• Take the child with you if you have to answer the door or telephone.

When hot water is too hot
The average temperature of domestic hot water is 70ºC. A much safer temperature for domestic hot water is 50ºC. This is because water at a lower temperature takes longer to cause injury:

• At 60ºC, it takes one second for hot water to cause third-degree burns.
• At 55ºC, it takes 10 seconds for hot water to cause third-degree burns.
• At 50ºC, it takes five minutes for hot water to cause third-degree burns.

Turn your hot water down
To reduce the risk of injury to your child from hot water scalds, install a recommended device to control bathroom hot water to a maximum of 50°C. Options include:

• Tempering valves – these are fitted to the water pipeline and mix hot and cold water to a specific temperature, adjustable between 35ºC and 50ºC.

• Hot water shutdown devices – these are fitted to the end of a tap and automatically cut off water flow once the water reaches the pre-set temperature.

By law, all new hot water systems are now required to comply with the Victorian plumbing regulations, which limit hot tap water to no more than 50°C in bathrooms at the basin, bath and shower in new houses and new renovations. The only exceptions to this are premises intended for children and the elderly, such as early childhood centres, schools and nursing homes. These have a temperature limit
of 45ºC.

Remember that the maximum bathing temperature recommended for young children is between 37ºC and 38ºC, so cold water still needs to be mixed with water from the hot tap.

Kitchen safety
Some simple steps you can take to prevent scalds in the kitchen include:

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Always supervise your children in the kitchen.
• Keep hot drinks and handles out of reach.
• Put a baby down when drinking something hot.
• Use non-slip place mats instead of tablecloths.
• Turn handles of saucepans in towards the back of the stove, out of reach of small children.
• Keep hot drinks away from the edge of the table or bench. You never know when the baby will be able to reach or when a crawling infant will start to toddle. Make it a habit from the moment they are born to keep hot drinks out of their reach.
• Never carry hot drinks while children are playing underfoot. Make sure your care extends outside your home, when visiting relatives and friends or attending playgroups.
• Use a cordless kettle to prevent a child pulling over the kettle, or make sure cords are well away from the edge. Empty any unused water out of the kettle after boiling.
• Use the back hotplates on the stove before using the front ones.
• Give toddlers their own special mug so they don’t drink from an adult mug or cup, which may contain liquid that is too hot.
• Carry plates to pots, not pots to plates.
• It is safer to serve cold drinks when children are present and to have a tea break when toddlers are sleeping.
• Your toddler may be safer in the playpen or in the highchair for a short time when you are very busy in the kitchen, or you could use a child safety gate.

First aid advice for burns
Stop the burning process, while considering your own safety by:

If on fire – stop-drop-roll.
If electrical – turn off current.
If chemical – remove the burning agent and irrigate with water.

Immediate first aid will reduce the severity of a burn. If someone has received a burn, you should:

• Apply cool running water (not ice or ice water) to the burn for at least 20 to 30 minutes (useful for up to three hours after the burn).
• Carefully remove wet clothing only if the skin is not blistered or stuck to the clothing.
• Remove all jewellery and watches. Burns cause swelling and it may hinder circulation.
• Cover the burn using a clean dressing, a clean sheet, non-fluffy towel/tea towel or gladwrap.
• If the burn is severe or spread over a large area, keep the child warm and calm, and dial triple zero (000) to call an ambulance.

Burns that involve the face, hands, feet, genitals or bottom, or if the burnt area is larger than a twenty-cent piece, should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.

What not to do
If a child is burned, there are a few things you should not do:

• Never use butter, oils or ointments to cover the burn, as they may retain the heat.
• Never use ice. Children can be dangerously chilled in ice water.

Home safety and first aid advice
The Royal Children’s Hospital Safety Centre in Melbourne facilitates first aid courses for the public. The six-hour paediatric emergency care course is particularly helpful for parents, grandparents, nannies and childcare providers. You can also contact the Safety Centre Telephone Advisory Line on (03) 9345 5085 for advice plans and safety products to reduce the risk of burn injuries in your home.

Where to get help

• The Safety Centre Telephone Advisory Line, The Royal Children’s Hospital Tel. (03) 9345 5085
• Child Health and Safety Resource Centre, The Royal Children’s Hospital Tel. (03) 9345 6429 to buy safety products.
• Hardware and bathroom suppliers
• A qualified plumber or gasfitter

Things to remember

• Keep hot drinks and pot handles out of reach.
• Never leave children alone in the bathroom or kitchen.
• If a child is burned, apply immediate first aid. Dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance if the injury is severe.
• Do not use butter, oils or ice to treat burns.
• The best way to prevent scalds in the bathroom is to reduce the temperature of the hot tap water to 50ºC.
• The maximum bathing temperature recommended for young children
  is 37 to 38ºC.

Article source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Burns_and_scalds_children?open

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Is your child/teenager suffering from acne? Here’s an article with some useful tips for parents.

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PARENTS play a pivotal role in helping their child separate fact from fiction when
it comes to acne.

Any support and guidance you can offer a child in the holistic management of acne, including diet, lifestyle, skin care and the optimal use of any prescribed therapies, is very helpful.

Even though you may have set ideas in relation to treating your child’s acne, the best thing you can do to help your child with their acne is to encourage him or her to seek professional medical help. This provides your child (and possibly you, if attending) the opportunity to discuss any concerns with the GP or dermatologist.

It’s a good idea to ask your child exactly what is troubling them about their acne. The psychological impact of acne does not always reflect its ‘medical severity’.

Offering your child as much emotional and practical support as possible during
this emotional time may be difficult but it is important.

During the teen years especially, physical appearance is a sensitive topic and often more important than other qualities. Acne can make peer approval and the whole concept of fitting in far more difficult to achieve.

As such, acne can severely affect a child’s self esteem, so it is important to take your child to see your GP and have your child’s acne treated if over the counter treatments haven’t worked.

If your child is prescribed an acne topical medication (one put on the skin), it may take up to eight weeks for the medication to have a noticeable effect, so remind your child to use the medication exactly as directed. If your child’s acne doesn’t improve within six to eight weeks, talk to your child’s doctor about getting
a referral to a dermatologist.

Article source: http://www.acne.org.au/content_common/pg-parents.seo

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That’s right, acne is not always just confined to our faces.
Read on for 6 tips on how to treat said body acne!

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ACNE on your back and other parts of your body can be painful and embarrassing. It can also wreak havoc on one’s wardrobes choices, especially when the spot’s in the middle of your back.

Here are six fast tips and tricks to help to come out of hiding and clear body acne for good.

1. Use a medicated body wash in the shower to clean those hard-to-reach spots. Avoid anything with benzoyl peroxide in it (unless you have severe acne) as it will strip the colour from your clothes, bath towels and sheets.

2. Diet and lack of water is most people’s worst skin vice, so up the ante of fruit and vegetables and increase your water intake and the results will speak for themselves — clearer skin in no time.

3. Change your bed sheets and pillows cases every second day. It’s annoying,
we know, but eliminating any dirt and oil coming in contact with the skin is key to clearing up spots.

4. Try not to wear skin-tight clothing. Opt for loose-fitting items and breathable cotton fabrics.

5. Acne on your body can be aggravated by exercise and sweating. After your work-outs, make sure you head for the showers immediately to wash away any nasties that may fester in your pores.

6. Avoid fake tanning on acne-prone areas until your skin is clear. Fake tan can cause blockages in your pores and aggravate the problem.

Start now and your skin will be beachalicious just in time for the warmer months.

Acne in the know: Acne can develop anywhere on the body except for the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. That is because these are the only two areas which do not have sebaceous follicles where acne is formed. True.

Article source: http://yourbeautyspot.ninemsn.com.au/bodycare/1052449/how-to-treat-bacne

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What is it, well most of us know (from first hand experience!), but to really understand it, here’s an article we found all about acne and other types of skin conditions most of us have faced at some time
in our lives.

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ACNE is a skin condition seen as blackheads, whiteheads, pustules and inflamed and infected nodules found on the face, neck, chest and back. People with Acne often feel self-conscious about the blemishes on their complexion.

Acne is a skin condition which affects as many as 80% of teenagers. There are many different causes and factors which aggravate Acne, however, in most cases hormonal changes are largely responsible. Acne usually clears during the mid-twenties when hormonal levels have stabilised. To best treat the condition, it is important to understand what effect Acne is having on the skin. Pimples, for example, often start as blackheads which progress into pustules. By keeping the skin clear of blackheads through regular skin cleansing, the incidence and severity of pimples may be reduced.

PIMPLES: When a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, this debris is irritating to the skin and can cause inflammation. Pus is then created by white blood cells which rush to the site of inflammation to help fight off any infection. When the follicle becomes overloaded it usually bursts on the skin’s surface and then heals quickly leaving no permanent scar. Follicles can break underneath the skin and these will take longer to heal.

BLIND PIMPLES: These are the type of lesions which can have flat or rounded surfaces. Blind pimples can cause pain but are usually not deep seated and scarring does not usually result. The pimple should not be squeezed even if pus does develop as it may be very painful and increases the risk of scarring.

BLACKHEADS: These appear on the skin as a result of dead skin cells and hardened sebum (natural oil and fluid released by glands) blocking the opening of a hair follicle. The blockage prevents the flow of sebum to the skin surface causing it to become slightly less oily. The blackheads, however, are often unsightly, and, if not treated, can become infected and progress into pimples.

CLOSED BLACKHEADS: Deeper down, in the underlying layers of the skin, closed blackheads occur. Closed blackheads are completely enclosed by the skin with no opening to the exterior or skin surface. Closed blackheads are barely visible and are difficult to remove. These blackheads usually develop into Acne. The skin has to be stretched between the fingers to see small white spots, the size of a pin head, which are called closed blackheads.

MILIA: This is a disorder of the oil producing glands which is caused by a build-up of dead skin cells and oily matter trapped beneath the skin. A milia looks like a small pearly grain of sand under the skin. The outer layer of skin grows over the hair follicle and does not allow the matter to escape.

CYSTS: When a hair follicle bursts deep under the skin, the irritating matter and dead cells seep into the surrounding areas and form cysts. The cysts appear as large, hard and painful lumps under the surface of the skin. The cyst will usually work its way to the surface which may take some time and can cause damage to skin tissue. This may result in scarring which is known as ‘pitting’. Often a thickened membrane will form around the debris and medical treatment may be required.

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted. Your Doctor will diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest advice on this ailment. Sometimes your Doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. If the case is severe there are other treatments available from your Doctor.

Though not scientifically proven, diet may be a factor in Acne control. Acne may be the result of too many acid producing foods such as meat and sugar. Fruits (even citrus fruits) and vegetables help to alkalise the body. Improve the diet by reducing fats, oils and meats, eliminating sugar and chocolate and increasing the intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

• Drink 6 to 10 glasses of water a day to help purify the cells and tissues in the body. Water helps the natural process of elimination of waste matter from the body.
• The diet should be rich in food sources of vitamin A, beta-carotene, zinc, fibre and fish oil. These nutrients may promote healing of the skin.
• Minimise inflammation in the body by taking essential fatty acids
  e.g., fish oil.
• Assist in eliminating waste products by promoting regular bowel function and eating plenty of soluble fibre e.g., fresh fruits, vegetables and garlic. Drinking plenty of clean, filtered water and raw vegetable juices may help to keep the bowels clean and regular.

Vitamins may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.

• Vitamin A and zinc may help in the improvement of acne. Foods such as carrots and yellow vegetables (high in vitamin A) and pumpkin seeds (high in zinc) may be included in the diet.
• Vitamin B6 and folic acid may aid in acne related to menstrual dysfunction.
• An antioxidant or multivitamin may help if the diet is high in refined foods.
• Vitamin B2 supplementation may aid in acne rosacea.
• It is important to eliminate lymphatic congestion. Echinacea can be taken as a lymphatic herb or fresh lemon juice in water will also help clear lymphatic congestion.

Article source: http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/health/family/article/-/8651363/acne-development/

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Babies’ skin isn’t always soft and lovely as this article will attest to! They can suffer a range of skin conditions, most that clear up with
a bit of help (thankfully)! What do you use on your baby’s skin?

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YOUR baby’s skin is buttery smooth, kissably soft and utterly flawless – most of the time. Thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, baby skin can suddenly go from clear and healthy to red, bumpy, flaky, or itchy.

Your first line of defence is making the most of bath-time. While it’s fine to bathe your baby every day, limit baths to three minutes if bub shows signs of sensitive or dry skin. Wash her body and face with lukewarm water and a dollop of a mild non-soap cleanser (soap can be irritating and it strips natural moisturisers from the skin, causing dryness). After you take your little one out of the water, gently towel her off and rub lotion on any dry or red patches while her skin is still damp. This will help lock in the moisture. Keep reading to find out about typical issues to watch for and steps that you can take to help your child’s skin stay baby-soft.

The problem: ECZEMA
THE SIGNS: Dry, red, blotchy areas, which usually show up on an infant’s face, neck and arms.
THE CULPRIT: Up to 20 per cent of children suffer from this itchy skin condition, making it one of the most common among babies. Eczema often sets in within a few days of birth. Allergens could be to blame – your baby’s immune system may react to irritants by producing a rash. However, research has also linked eczema to insufficient levels of a protein in the skin called filaggrin.
SKIN SAVER: Keep dry areas coated with a suitable lotion, reapplying throughout the day as necessary. There are a slew of over-the-counter and prescription medications for eczema (such as topical corticosteroids), so work with your GP to find those that best keep your baby’s symptoms at bay. It may take a little trial and error at first before you find the best solution. Your doctor may also monitor your infant for other health issues, as young ones with eczema are more likely to develop asthma and allergies down the road. The good news? Eczema often decreases or disappears by the time your child is two or three, and it may go away completely by adulthood.

The problem: BABY ACNE
THE SIGNS: Little red bumps on the cheeks, chin or forehead.
THE CULPRIT: Pimples aren’t reserved for the humiliating teenage years!
They affect infants, too – about 20 per cent of them, in fact.
Like cradle cap, infant acne may be caused by exposure to your hormones during pregnancy, which can stimulate excess oil production in your baby’s skin and clog her pores. Some babies are born with the condition, but it may also show up when your infant is two to four weeks old. And acne is more common in infant boys than girls, although doctors don’t know why.
SKIN SAVER: Most of the time the acne will fade away on its own within a few weeks. If it doesn’t, ask your GP to check it out. And relax! It’s not as if your little one is going to start dating any time soon.

The problem: HEAT RASH
THE SIGNS: Tiny red bumps (and blisters in some cases) on the head, neck, upper body, groin or armpits.
THE CULPRIT: There’s a good possibility that you will be seeing this sneaky skin villain during the summer, especially if you’ve got a newborn as lots of infants develop this itchy rash during their first month of life. Also known as prickly heat,
it occurs when bub’s sweat ducts become blocked, trapping sweat under the skin. The irritated skin can be further agitated by clothing rubbing against affected areas.
SKIN SAVER: Cooling your baby down with a bath or going indoors where it’s air-conditioned should make the rash disappear. If the rash is accompanied by a fever, contact your GP to rule out heat exhaustion. To prevent the condition, follow the same steps you would take to ward off sunburn: set up play areas in the shade, plan outdoor activities in the morning or evening to avoid peak sun hours (10am to 4pm) and keep skin covered in light, cool and breathable clothing
(100 per cent cotton is best).

The problem: CRADLE CAP
THE SIGNS: Greasy, flaky skin that looks like a bad case of dandruff on your baby’s scalp, which usually progresses to a yellowy crust.
THE CULPRIT: Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, this funny-looking condition may be due to hormones that pass from mum to bub in utero. The hormones act on the scalp’s sebaceous glands, causing them to make too much oil, which traps shed flakes of skin.
SKIN SAVER: Left alone, cradle cap will often clear up within several weeks or months. However, it isn’t pretty. Thankfully there are things you can do to speed the recovery. Try gently massaging baby or vegetable oil into your baby’s scalp and letting it sit to soften the flakes, then use a baby hairbrush or soft toothbrush to carefully exfoliate any loose bits of skin. If the condition doesn’t improve or your child seems uncomfortable, have your GP take a look to determine whether the cradle cap is an early sign of eczema.

The problem: NAPPY RASH
THE SIGNS: A bright red rash on your child’s bottom.
THE CULPRIT: The most common cause of nappy rashis too much time spent
in a wet nappy. It is most likely to crop up when your baby is eight to 10 months old, and can be accompanied by a yeast infection. Poor baby!
SKIN SAVER: Cover the rash with a zinc-oxide based cream to form a barrier between her skin and the nappy and to soothe any irritation. Always replace her nappy as soon as you notice it’s wet, even if that means lots of trips to the change table. Whenever possible, allow your baby to go without a nappy for a few minutes between changes so that the area completely air-dries.

The problem: MILIA
THE SIGNS: Tiny white bumps across your baby’s cheeks, nose or chin.
THE CULPRIT: The exact cause is unknown, but these little cysts may show up when dead skin cells become trapped near the skin’s surface. It’s a harmless condition that occurs in about half of newborns and usually clears on its own within several weeks.
SKIN SAVER: Simply leave the bumps alone and resist the urge to squeeze them, as this can cause scarring.

Article source: http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/practical-parenting/baby/article/-/9110646/baby-skin-conditions-problems-and-treatments/

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