Monday, February 02, 2009

Health Tips for February 2

Health Tip: Take Care of a Blister

Blisters are fluid-filled sacs on the skin that can be caused by friction from clothing or shoes, burns, or certain disorders and conditions.

The University of Virginia Health System offers these suggestions for how to take care of a blister and prevent infection:

  • Gently wash the blister with soap and water.
  • Apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Never burst or puncture the blister.
  • If the blister bursts on its own, cover it with a bandage or dressing to keep it clean and dry.
  • Check the blister frequently for signs of infection, which could include warmth, redness, swelling, drainage, pus or pain. If you have any of these signs, contact your doctor without delay.

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Age Spots

Age spots, sometimes called liver spots, are darker patches of skin that can appear on the back of the hands, the face, shoulders and arms. Caused by an increase in skin pigmentation, they are most common in people aged 40 or older.

Here are some common risk factors for age spots, courtesy of Epigee Women's Health:

  • Getting older.
  • Too much exposure to the sun.
  • Using a tanning bed or sun lamp.
  • A family history of age spots.
  • A side effect of diuretics and certain antibiotics, including tetracycline.
  • Chemicals found in certain foods, including parsnips, parsley and limes.

No comments: