Saturday, April 02, 2011

Health Tips for April 2

Health Tip: Why You May Need Scar Repair

If a scar becomes too unsightly or interferes with normal movement, you may be a candidate for scar repair surgery, sometimes called scar revision.

The ADAM Encyclopedia says conditions that may warrant scar revision include:

  • A thick, abnormal scar called a keloid that looks different from the skin in color and texture. A keloid's thick, puckered look may resemble a tumor.
  • Scar tissue that forms at an angle against the normal tension lines of the skin.
  • Scar tissue that appears very thick.
  • A scar that affects movement or function.
  • A scar that distorts a bodily feature.

Health Tip: Keep Skin Smooth

Aging skin often means wrinkled skin. But there are steps you can take to minimize blemished, wrinkled skin.

If you want to help keep skin smoother, more supple and less wrinkled as you age, the University of Maryland Medical Center offers these suggestions:

  • Eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
  • Include healthy oils, such as olive oil, in your diet.
  • Get plenty of regular exercise.
  • Don't smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • Don't drink alcohol within three hours of going to bed.
  • Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, and use a moisturizer daily.
  • On the other hand, don't wash with tap water too often, which can wind up drying out your skin. Once a day should be enough.
  • Wear sunscreen daily. Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's ultraviolet rays are strongest.

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