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Why You Might Need Hip Surgery

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The hip is a crucially important joint in the body. Problems with it create severe difficulties with walking and can subsequently affect the back, knees, ankles, and feet. Issues with the hips are often addressed with surgical intervention, even though they can stem from a variety of conditions and injuries.

For all its vital functions in the body, the hip is a reasonably simple structure; a basic ball-and-socket joint that many people study in elementary school science. That’s why it’s so common for surgery to be used for hip repairs.

The surgery itself involves several variables, primarily focused on just how much of the ball, socket, or cartilage is damaged, and how much must be replaced. A surgical team that devises the ideal plan for repairs will help the patient’s hip surgery recovery to be shorter and less painful.

At the root of the severity of the hip’s condition is the origin of its problems. Each patient has different circumstances for the decline of his or her hip, so it’s important that the patient provides good feedback to the surgeon about the history and decline of the hip.

Most hip problems are associated with old age, specifically with osteoarthritis. The impact of years of activity, such as at manual labor, can be a sharp decline in the condition of joints, particularly the hips. Inflammation and damage to soft tissue in the joint can make movement painful, often leading to reduced physical activity that exacerbates the condition by causing weight gain.

Other problems with the hip can stem from osteoporosis. This is a condition is caused when the body consumes calcium from the bones to compensate for a lack of calcium in the diet. While we often think of the spine as the primary center of this condition, it damages bone throughout the body and can increase the chance of a fracture that either causes or results from a fall.

Younger patients can have hip problems as well. Many athletes experience hip deterioration that can require surgery at a younger age than might be expected. Almost every sport can contribute to hip damage. The rapid stops and starts of tennis can be tough on joints. Contact sports like rugby can damage cartilage. Weightlifting can force the hip to bear more weight than it was designed for. The list goes on and on, but the result is the same: a marked decline in the condition of the patient’s hips. And the treatment is often surgical.

The final factor that can contribute to hip problems is trauma. We know that we can experience an acute hip injury in a car accident or other event, but sometimes the damage is not immediately visible. Symptoms may be difficult to notice due to other, more painful injuries, or they may even be painless until years later. In time, the hip can deteriorate to a point that requires surgical intervention.

The causes of hip problems are numerous, and issues can develop at any age. Today, the surgical repairs made to our hips have almost as much variety as the underlying problems themselves. These innovative techniques are helping us have shorter recoveries, less pain, and a better chance at a life free from hip pain.

The post Why You Might Need Hip Surgery appeared first on talkhealth Blog.

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The Skincare Changes you Need to Remember in the Winter

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While many of us spend our winter dreaming of a white Christmas we often forget the impact the harsh weather can have on our skin is overlooked! The main culprits to blame for this are cold, dry air, low humidity and central heating, which, although it keeps us cosy and warm, wreak havoc with our delicate skin and hair. But cold weather also hits you harder as you get older, as the production of the skin’s natural moisturisers already dips with age alone. The result: your soft, glowing summer skin becomes dry, rough and flaking, while your hair feels parched and loses its shine.

But, never fear, we are here to help! These simple cold weather beauty tricks and tips will help keep you looking and feeling your best, no matter the type of weather you have to deal with in the coming months.

Get sipping!

Just because you’re not feeling as warm, doesn’t mean you should be easing up on the amount of water you should drink per day. Consuming enough water is important all year round, including in the winter. When your internal system is operating well, it’s going to show on the outside with glowing skin. Keep up with your daily quota by drinking a glass of water with every meal and keeping a reusable bottle on your desk at work, to ensure that your skin stays clear and moisturised.

Love your lips!

Dry, sore and cracked lips are no-ones favourite winter affliction. They can leave you dreading eating or even yawning, and they look pretty unattractive too! Keep your lips moisturised regularly throughout the day by looking for a formula containing shea butter. If you’re wearing colour on your lips, moisturise your lips overnight and wear a formulation that has a built-in moisturiser.

Time to clean up!

Your usual shower gel and shampoo aren’t going to cut it in the winter, we’re afraid. In the winter, our skin and hair generally need more protection, largely in the form of hydration. Choose moisturising shower gel and a hydrating shampoo to suit your individual skin and hair type. This goes for facial cleanser and moisturiser too! You may find that a creamy, hydrating cleanser with alpha hydroxy acids, which are gentle enough to remove dead skin cells on your face without causing skin irritation, is the way forward. Your regular light moisturiser may need to be switched up for a heavier formula too; your skin will be extra thirsty. Look for preparations including beeswax, petrolatum, or squalene, and warm them up in the heat of the shower as you wash for an extra moisturising treat!

Double up on hydration

Moisturising twice a day might sound like overkill, but may be necessary in the winter! Ideally, you should moisturise in the morning and before bed for the best results. The reason: there’s a slight elevation in the temperature of your body while you sleep, so products seep in better! Why not ask for some free samples at your local beauty counter to find the perfect body moisturiser for you?

Indulge those digits!

Don’t forget about your feet and hands – they do most of the work after all, but often we find ourselves washing our hands over and over again without ever replacing that lost moisture. And our feet? Well, for many of us they don’t get a look-in when we moisturise our legs! How about dampening your hands and feet, slathering on a luxurious cream, and then putting on a pair of comfy and light gloves and socks to wear overnight? Your feet and hands will look and feel great the following morning!

 

Dr Seth Rankin is Founder of London Doctor Clinic

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Have Eczema? No Need for Bleach Baths, Study Suggests – WebMD – WebMD

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Have Eczema? No Need for Bleach Baths, Study Suggests – WebMD
WebMD
THURSDAY, Dec. 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Bathing in water is just as effective for the treatment of eczema as bathing in a bleach solution, a new review of previous research indicates. Doctors sometimes recommend a bleach bath, which is a mixture of …

and more »

eczema – Google News

13 Skincare Ingredients & Eczema Irritants You NEED to Avoid Right Now

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Another great post from itchylittleworld.com – Natural remedies for eczema to soothe your itchy little world..

If you’re suffering from any skin condition, we’re sure you’ve tried countless treatments to provide some type of relief. However, you should know that there are many skincare ingredients that can make skin conditions like acne and rosacea even worse. And we know they are very often eczema irritants, so they are very important to highlight.

This week, we take a look at the top 13 skincare ingredients you should avoid in your daily regimen – this is most important for anyone with a skin condition, but its good advice for healthy skin too.

All skincare we recommend on this blog ALWAYS avoids the following 13 chemicals.

Please keep in mind I am in no way a medical professional. If you’re experiencing severe eczema or have a topical infection, it is always best to seek medical advice immediately.

Which Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

Triclosan

This active ingredient can be found in literally any type of anti-bacterial product such as deodorants, cleansers, and hand sanitizers. There have been studies that show that this ingredient can pass through skin and interfere with hormone function.

Not only is it practically poison for our bodies, but it’s also extremely toxic to the environment [1].

Parabens

You’ve probably heard this label thrown around a lot lately. Parabens are a class of preservatives that are included in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Not many people know how to recognize them in products due to the list of names they go by such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, n-propylparaben and many others that for the most part all end in “paraben.”

You can mostly find Parabens in moisturizer, lipstick, foundation, concealer, eye makeup and makeup removers.

Phthalates

Similar to parabens, there is a very long list of names these chemicals go by. Essentially they are used in plastics, but are also used in personal care products to make fragrances last longer.

Fragrance or Perfume or Parfum

Really, unless it says essential oil, you’re looking at an artificial and chemical additive. They are always seen in products that have a scent. This is a very common eczema irritant and should ALWAYS be avoided when you’re dealing with dermatitis.

Siloxanes

These silicone-based compounds are seen often in cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisten skin. They also make hair products dry quickly and deodorant creams slide on more easily. You easily find them in shampoos, and body or facial creams.

Similar to Triclosan, these compounds have been shows to be toxic for humans, as well as the environment. In fact it can possibly impair human fertility [1].

PEGS

These chemicals are actually petroleum-based and are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, softeners and moisture-carriers. Interestingly enough, they are also used in pharmaceutical laxatives.

Although all these skincare ingredients should be avoided, it looks like PEGS are actually unsafe for damaged skin. It can actually cause irritation and systemic toxicity [2].

PEGS commonly go by the name Oxynol, Ammonium laureth sulfate, as well as all ingredients that have “eth” in the name.

Oxybenzone

This is the #1 chemical that is used in sunscreens. It actually is probably one of the most toxic ingredients in skin care products and according to The Environmental Working Group it is what skin allergies react to most [3].

To avoid this one, chose a zinc based sunblock instead of a sunscreen. Read more about that in our Summer Eczema Care Guide.

Diethanolamine, Monoethanolamine, Triethanolamine (DEAs)

Most products that are either creamy or sudsy like soaps, cleaners, and shampoos will contain these harmful ingredients.

Ever wondered how your eyes get irritated by shampoo or certain soaps, often times its due to DEAs! The European Union has actually classified DEA as harmful and can cause serious damage to one’s health from prolonged exposure [1].

P-Phenylenediamine (PPD)

This chemical is often found in hair dyes. In fact, it’s very difficult to find conventional hair dyes that don’t contain this ingredient. This chemical can cause allergic reactions to those with already sensitive skin or with skin conditions.

But how bad is it for you? Well let’s put it this way. It’s used in rubber chemicals, and textile dyes and pigments. Gross!

DMDM Formaldehyde

This ingredient is used extensively in a wide range of cosmetics such as nail polish, hair products, deodorants and so much more.

If you didn’t already know, formaldehyde is already classified as a human carcinogen that can cause cancer. And it’s an embalming fluid, need I say more?

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hdroxytoluene (BHT)

These chemicals are synthetic antioxidants that are used in preservatives for lipsticks, moisturizers and many other cosmetics. They are actually used in food as well.

Similarly to other harmful ingredients listed, it mimics estrogen and creates hormonal disruptors.

Citronella

This substance is also known as methyleugenol.

Studies have shown that when this substance has been administered internally to mice, it has cause tumors to appear in multiple sites. In fact, it is so toxic, Health Canada has made sure to ban it from cosmetics.

Petrolatum

You already know what petroleum jelly is! It’s been used by many over the years as a barrier to lock in moisture, as well as added to hair products to make hair shine.

However, this substance can actually be contaminated with another chemical know as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Exposure to both these harmful chemicals combined is associated with cancer. The European Union actually classifies petrolatum as a carcinogen and restricts its use in cosmetics [1].

So…What Now? 

If you’re feeling somewhat depressed after reading this article or thinking you might have to clean out your entire cosmetic cabinet, don’t fear. It’s extremely difficult to avoid all these chemicals in our daily lives, but small steps are always better than none at all!

You can start by just replacing one thing like a moisturizer. And don’t believe the hype – you can use a good natural moisturizer on every part of your body, even your face and around the eyes. A balm like Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream would be our suggestion for all over moisture.

If you’re ready to find a good source for non-toxic, chemical free, gentle skincare, free of eczema irritants, then we recommend The Eczema Company where you can find natural treatments for eczema as well as eczema clothing.

Do you try to avoid these skincare ingredients and eczema irritants?

How did you first learn about these chemicals?

How did you transition to all natural products?

Let us know in the comments below!

Bio: Laura Dolgy is a contributor and content developer for It’s An Itchy Little World. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see It’s An Itchy Little World’s disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.

Sources

  1. European Commission. Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 , Annex VI, Table 3.2. Sep 2009. http://ecb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/classification-labelling
  2. Lanigan, RS (CIR Expert Panel). “Final report on the safety assessment of PPG-11 and PPG-15 stearyl ethers.” Int J Toxicol.20 Suppl 4 (2001):13-26
  3. The Trouble with Ingredients in Sunscreens. The Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/#.WfvHVBNSxTY

13 Skincare Ingredients & Eczema Irritants You NEED to Avoid Right Now appeared first on itchylittleworld.com. Come read more about natural remedies for eczema!

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