Most of the time, a minor skin rash or itch is not a major medical concern. You may find the uncomfortable irritation and urge to scratch incredibly annoying, however. See your doctor if you suspect an allergic reaction is the cause of your rash...
Sunshine -- in moderate amounts -- is good for you. Studies suggests that sunlight stimulates the body's circulation of vitamin D, which alters levels of serotonin in the brain, thereby affecting your mood. That's why seasonal depression,...
Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin" because your body requires sunlight to synthesize the nutrient. According to the September 2010 issue of "Digestive Diseases and Sciences," vitamin D deficiency is universal among patients with chronic...
According to a study of the general population in the May 2002 edition of the journal "Bone," between 25 and 55 percent of adults in the United States have a vitamin D deficiency. A low vitamin D level is associated with medical problems,...
Your skin is a living organ not immune to sun damage. The practice of tanning the skin under sunlight or artificial lighting provides the short-term benefit of darkening the skin, but over time, extensive tanning can damage skin, reducing its...
Acne occurs when excess oil, environmental pollutants and dead skin cells clog the hair follicles in the skin. Bacteria build up in the follicles and cause inflammation, which leads to cysts, whiteheads, pimples and blackheads. Although several...
Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is one of two forms of vitamin D used by humans. D3 is the form produced in the bodies of humans and animals with the help of exposure to ultraviolet (UVB) rays from the sun.
Fitness scales help you analyze aspects of your overall fitness, such as your weight and sometimes more advanced metrics like your body mass index. Scales can also be an important component of a healthy lifestyle, with the "International Journal...
Retin-A is a topical solution available by prescription that treats acne. PubMed Health, a website of the National Institutes of Health, notes that Retin-A is not a cure for acne. It simply manages it. Users of the product should limit their...
Psoriasis, a chronic skin disease that does not have a cure, is characterized by outbreaks of thick, scaly skin patches that can be inflamed, red and painful. A number of treatment options exist, but none specifically addresses the symptom of...
Psoriasis is a condition in which the immune system attacks skin cells. This causes them to grow too fast, leading to the development of raised and red skin lesions which can be treated with light exposure.
Many patients who spend time outdoors often seek glasses that are self-polarizing. Self-polarizing sunglasses reduce the glare that occurs due to natural sunlight or artificial light sources, and may also be worn inside for patients who have...
Clomipramine is a medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (a psychiatric condition characterized by repetitive actions, thoughts and feelings), states Drugs.com. It is a tricyclic antidepressant medication that works to balance...
Levaquin (levofloxacin) is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder or prostate. It may also be used for the treatment of anthrax inhalation. It is important to finish your full course of...
Scar creams help lighten or reduce the appearance of various scars. Scars can form for a number of reasons such as a burn, injury, surgery or other trauma to the skin, such as acne. While some scar creams require a prescription, over-the-counter...
Sun poisoning, or polymorphous light eruption, is the skin's reaction to excessive sunlight or UV ray exposure. Sun poisoning can occur due to prolonged exposure to natural sunlight, or artificial light, such as tanning lamp exposure. In some...
Trying to find the right skin product for you face can be confusing, especially with the myriad of different types of facial washes available. Knowing your skin type--normal, oily, dry, combination or sensitive--can help you choose which product...
Doxycycline is a medication used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections and periodontitis (gum infections). It is also used to treat such sexually-transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. In some instances,...
Taclonex is a topical ointment used to treat psoriasis vulgaris--a chronic, autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy skin cells. This condition causes an overproduction of skin cells as the body attempts to replace those that...
UV light exposure is increasing, as the ozone layer thins. While you may be safer inside when these rays peak, you are not completely protected indoors, as some rays can pass through windows, streaming through glass panes and exposed rooms. Skin...
For many individuals, tanning is more than simply lounging in the sun; it is a way to unwind while gaining a more attractive appearance. A bronzed color can give a healthy glow to the skin, and some may find it especially becoming in bikini...
Fluorouracil is a chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer of the breast, rectum, colon, stomach and pancreas. According to Drugs.com, fluorouracil is an antimetabolite that interferes with the multiplication and spread of cancer cells. A medical...
Strategic learning acronyms are groups of letters that help children remember important concepts. They remind children what to do first when solving math problems, what notes to sing or play when reading music, the names of the colors created by a...
Serotonin is a brain chemical needed for the regulation of mood, sleep patterns and appetite. While it cannot be obtained from sources outside the body, serotonin levels may be influenced by various factors like tryptophan intake and sun...
Doctors prescribe Tretinoin cream to improve a variety of skin conditions. It evens skin tone, improves acne, dark or uneven pigmentation and the appearance of wrinkles. The FDA has approved Tretinoin cream for the treatment of acne, but it is...
Rashes on the skin are often harmless, but they can be annoying and embarrassing. Dozens of external factors and medical conditions can lead to skin rashes, but most resolve themselves with time and the proper treatment. If you develop a rash...
In contrast to sunlight, artificial lighting does not provide the entire spectral curve, particularly in the infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths. If overdone, exposure to ultraviolet light can result in harm to the eyes or the human body....
Classified as antibiotics, oral contraceptives or retinoids, oral acne medications treat acne from within. Oral antibiotics kill bacteria that cause acne, reducing inflammation and preventing breakouts. Oral contraceptives treat acne caused by...
Depression is a serious condition, that requires ongoing medical care by a trained therapist. When a person is depressed there are many options for treatment, including medication and therapy. The drawback of these treatments are that they take...