Toasted Skin Syndrome

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Have you ever worked on your laptop computer with it sitting on your lap, heating up your legs? If so, you might want to rethink that habit.

Doing it a lot can lead to "toasted skin syndrome", an unusual-looking mottled skin condition caused by long-term heat exposure, according to medical reports.

In one recent case, a 12-year-old boy developed a sponge-patterned skin discolouration on his left thigh after playing computer games a few hours every day for several months.

"He recognised that the laptop got hot on the left side; however, regardless of that, he did not change its position," Swiss researchers reported in an article published today in the journal Pediatrics.

Another case involved a Virginia law student who sought treatment for the mottled discolouration on her leg.

Dr Kimberley Salkey, who treated the young woman, was stumped until she learnt the student spent about six hours a day working with her computer propped on her lap. The temperature underneath registered 51 degrees.

That case, from 2007, is one of 10 laptop-related cases reported in medical journals in the past six years.

The condition also can be caused by overuse of heating pads and other heat sources that usually aren't hot enough to cause burns.

It's generally harmless but can cause permanent skin darkening. In very rare cases, it can cause damage leading to skin cancers, said the Swiss researchers, Drs Andreas Arnold and Peter Itin from University Hospital Basel.

They do not cite any skin cancer cases linked to laptop use, but suggest, to be safe, placing a carrying case or other heat shield under the laptop if you have to hold it in your lap.

Salkey, an assistant dermatology professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School, said that under the microscope, the affected skin resembles skin damaged by long-term sun exposure.

Major manufacturers including Apple, Hewlett Packard and Dell warn in user manuals against placing laptops on laps or exposed skin for extended periods of time because of the risk of burns.

A medical report several years ago found that men who used laptops on their laps had elevated scrotum temperatures. If prolonged, that kind of heat can decrease sperm production, which can potentially lead to infertility. Whether laptop use itself can cause that kind of harm has not been confirmed.

In the past, "toasted skin syndrome" has occurred in workers whose jobs require being close to a heat source, including bakers and glass blowers, and, before central heating, in people who huddled near potbellied stoves to stay warm.

Dr Anthony Mancini, dermatology chief at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, said he had treated a boy who developed the condition from using a heating pad "hours at a time" to soothe a thigh injured in soccer.

He said he had also seen a case caused by a hot water bottle.

He noted that chronic, prolonged skin inflammation could potentially increase the chances of squamous cell skin cancer, which is more aggressive than the most common skin cancer.

But he said it was unlikely that computer use would lead to cancer since it was so easy to avoid prolonged close skin contact with laptops.

p/s i used to put my laptop on my lap for severaal hours but after reading this articles i will always remind myself not to do it anymore. the word cancer really scare me off. thanks to the doctor who has made this valuable research.

source : http:www.watoday.com/

How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin

When looking for the right kind of moisturizer for your skin you should consider many things before just going and buying any product off the shelves. These things should be skin type, time of year, as well as cost of the product you are looking at.


Skin Types
Oily skin is described as shiny with a dull color to it. Chronically oily skin has large pores and often has blackheads or pimples that can be either large or small. There are many causes to this type of skin a few of which are hormone levels, heredity, diet, and the weather. Natural oils such as Olive oil are actually good for oily skin types, they help break down the body’s oil and replace it with good oil.
Dry skin can be described by a dull flat tight look. This skin type often suffers from a tight itchy feeling and the skin can flake or chap and crack easily. This skin type can be caused by a lot of the same things as oily skin such as heredity, diet, and hormones.
Combination skin is skin that has both oily patches as well as dry patches and is a very typical skin type for the face. Often the T zone is where the oily patches are; the T zone is the forehead, nose, and chin. Often this area is affected by acne or can be more greasy feeling then the rest of your skin. The dry patches are often the cheeks where they can become so dry some people may experience flaking or chapping.

Sensitive skin is skin that is thin or fine in texture. If you have sensitive skin you probably have allergic reactions to many products including detergents, cosmetics and alcohol that is used in many skin care products. Sensitive skin burns easily as well as can get windburned more easily.

Products
Dermatologists recommend that you always use a moisturizer that contains a sun screen. SPF is important to give you the sun protection you need. During the summer months you can even find moisturizers that contain tint for a nice tanned look.
Some products like Aveno have clearly labeled bottles that tell you what the skin type each different product is best for. Aveno is best for sensitive skin as well as to be used during winter months when dry skin can be at its worst.

Neutrogena is one of the top recommended products for skin care by dermatologists and can be found in just about any drug store, chain store, or super market. Neutrogena is a product that is especially good for people who suffer from oily skin types or acne that is often caused by oily skin.

You may also find that some organic ingredients work best for your skin. A natural deep moisturizer is olive oil and is often used even in luxury salons. This is one of the best moisturizers for a deep penetrating facial or all over body moisturizer. Choosing a product that is right for your skin will allow you to save money as well as find the right product for your skin type.

Healthier Skin Naturally in 7 Days or Less

Many people think that drastic measures are required in order to have flawless, youthful skin. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s possible to have better looking skin starting with things you already have in your home; no cosmetic surgery or expensive makeup required!


Healthy skin is moist and produces adequate amounts of oil from the sebaceous glands, producing a natural “glow.” Plump skin cells fit together like a carefully constructed mosaic, where each one has its own place. When skin cells dry out, however, they begin to lift and separate at an angle, giving skin a dull, flaky look that makes the skin appear older.


The two main causes for dry skin are :
1. environmental factors (weather, chemicals, the use of the wrong personal care products) and

2. poor diet.

In order to look great on the outside, you must first treat yourself right from within. A regular balanced diet is the number one defense against wrinkles, outbreaks and dry skin conditions. However, certain foods have properties that are most important for that glow that we crave. Here we’ll talk a bit about some of these foods, and you’ll see how quickly you can achieve radiant skin without breaking the bank.


Most moisture for your skin is provided through your bloodstream. The bloodstream is responsible for pumping nutrients and minerals into your system which are carried through that moisture. Without being properly hydrated, nutrients and minerals in your bloodstream may never reach your skin, making them useless in keeping your skin youthful. The oil that your skin produces is not directly responsible for moisturizing, but instead helps to keep moisture in. An inadequate amount of oil will allow excessive evaporation or the moisture in your skin, allowing it to dry out quickly.


1. Foods rich in protein are essential for skin regeneration and repair. Not just any protein will do. The Atkins diet, which boasts of it low carb dieting results, allows for many types of protein that can cause damage to your skin. Any kind of processed meat, such as bacon, hot dogs or deli meats are loaded with preservatives and salt that will do nothing but pull moisture from your skin. Better sources of protein would include seafood (salmon in particular is a very good choice), lean fowl (turkey, chicken) and vegetable protein. Veggie protein is often overlooked, as American society is accustomed to “meat with every meal.” Try tofu or beans as a high quality protein source. Morningstar Farms makes an excellent veggie burger that even meat lovers would crave if given a try!


2. Another healthy practice is to eat lots of raw foods every day. Canned and frozen vegetables may provide some nutrients, but only raw veggies and fruits will contain the enzymes necessary to prevent free radical damage. If you absolutely must cook vegetables, steam them lightly and eat al dente.


3. Certain vitamins and minerals are crucial to youthful skin, including sulfur. In its natural form from foods such as garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus, sulfur with help to keep skin smooth and youthful. You can also take an L-systeine supplement which will also provide adequate amounts of sulfur for healthy skin. A lack of either Vitamin A or B can make your skin chapped or cracked. Beta-carotene is as good for your skin as it is for your eyes. Don’t limit yourself to carrots; any type of yellow or orange vegetable is loaded with them. Good examples are squashes and peppers.


4. Alpha-hydroxy acids are responsible for keeping your skin pH balanced. You can get them from foods such as apples, grapes, blackberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes and milk. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in fish (especially salmon), dark leafy vegetables (kale, collards, dandelions) and flax seeds are also extremely important for your skin. Lactic acid helps to improve your skin’s moisture content, while glycolic acid removes dead skin cells that make your skin look dry and flaky. Eating foods containing these two EFAs will assist in healthy, glowing skin.


5. If you’re willing to spend a little (just a little), there are a couple of supplements that will powerboost your healthy eating habits. If you find that you can only take one supplement, let it be Vitamin E. It prevents the formation of free radicals and helps repair skin cells damaged from scrapes, burns and bruises. Aloe Vera is another skin healer as well as moisturizer, and can be used topically from the aloe plant, or consumed as a juice found in supermarkets and health food stores. Kelp is an excellent source of nutrients due to its absorption from sea water and is available in several forms.


6. Junk foods should especially be avoided when trying to maintain healthy skin. Eliminating soda, sugar and other empty-calorie foods will not only improve your skin’s appearance, but will help take off the extra pounds. Fried foods are especially bad, because hot-processed oils (such as those found in the supermarket) actually create free radicals and can destroy that look you’ve been working so hard for. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided, as these and other types of diuretics make the body lose fluids and essential minerals, which dries out your skin.


7. Each of these foods and supplements are easy to find in your local supermarket or health store, and will cost you much less than the myriad of skin care products which promise unrealistic results. In just a few days, you’ll notice that your skin will begin to produce adequate amounts of oil naturally, and will no longer show signs of being dull, scaly, flaky or tight. Chapping and cracking during the winter will be much less likely to occur as well. Most importantly, these tips will help you to slow down the effects of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, enlarged pores and sagging skin.