The question is - is shingles contagious? The answer to this question is both in the affirmative and negative. Shingles that is caused by the herpes zoster virus, the same virus that is responsible for chicken pox, cannot normally be spread from one person to another. That is because only those who have had chicken pox sometime in their lives can be affected by the herpes zoster virus. In other words, if someone has not suffered from chicken pox before, it is highly unlikely that he will get shingles - because the virus is not within his body. Actually, the same virus, having stayed dormant for years, comes back as shingles at a later stage. And since most people have suffered from chicken pox at some stage, normally shingles is not contagious.

But there can be exceptions to this. For example, what would happen if someone with shingles interacts with someone who hasn’t had chicken pox? In such a case, the virus can be transmitted, but then, the newly affected person will not get shingles - he will get chicken pox.

Consider another situation - someone has chicken pox, so can he spread the shingles disease? This issue is raised because it is the same virus that causes both these ailments. The answer to this is in the negative. This is because for the virus to become effective, it has to reside in the nervous system for a while. So if someone not having the virus comes in contact with someone with chicken pox, he cannot get shingles.

All this can become a bit confusing. So here is a list for easy understanding…

Has shingles - Meets someone who has not suffered from chicken pox before = Shingles is not contagious here.

Has shingles - Meets someone who has suffered from chicken pox before = Shingles is contagious here.

Has shingles — Meets someone who has not suffered from chicken pox before = Shingles is not contagious but the affected person can still get chicken pox.

Has chicken pox - Meets someone who does not have the virus within himself = Contagious but the person will get chicken pox and not shingles.

Has chicken pox - Meets someone who has chicken pox within himself = no one can get shingles in such a case.

So the shingles disease is not normally contagious through casual contacts, coughing, sneezing or waste materials like most other diseases are transmitted. However it is still advisable to avoid coming into contact with someone who has been affected with the shingles virus. Blame this on the rashes, particularly when the blisters are still there. However once the rashes have dried up, the risk goes down considerably. The chances of a shingles contamination are very less then. There is no reason to worry at a stage when there is just the pain and very few rashes. Shingles in not contagious at such a stage.

Medications are available to strengthen the immune system to lower the risk of a contamination from shingles.

Jen Carter is team member and writes regularily about shingles, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia and other common conditions for Amoils.com.

The use of natural or synthetic cosmetics to cover the appearance of the face and condition of the skin is common among many cultures. There are a number of excellent natural treatments to help heal your dry skin, virtually overnight.

The outermost layer of epidermis consists of 25 to 30 layers of dead cells. The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells as well as to the epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.

Forced-air furnaces may make skin even drier than it already is. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins can also contribute to dry skin or result in a chronic dry skin condition that’s not relieved by anything else. Serious skin complications, including a dry skin condition, can arise for people with type 2 diabetes.

When the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin, the skin becomes dehydrated. The symptoms most associated with dry skin are: scaling, which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching, and cracks in the skin. Dry skin can be due to a genetic condition but it’s not common.

Eating fruits that are red or orange in color will help improve you skin health and help to prevent acne. Eat at least two organic apples a day while working to clear up your skin; apples are good for skin health - organic so you can eat pesticide-free skin (most of the apple pectin is in the skin), which helps with constipation too. The next time you want to have a snack, instead of junk food, help your skin - have an apple, orange, peach, pear, banana, plum, grapes, cherries, berries, cantaloupe or any other fresh fruit.

Drink plenty of pure, filtered water or spring water every day; at least a quart or more. Use as little soap as possible, if you have to use any, limiting its use to the armpits and genital area. Apply cool compresses to any itchy areas.

When you buy coconut oil, make sure you get the kind that hasn’t been refined, processed and deodorized. Use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up, if you wear it, to moisturize and soften your skin throughout the day. If you have acne, eczema or any type of dermatitis coconut oil will treat and quickly heal these skin conditions too.

Dry skin contributes to fine lines and wrinkles; coconut oil helps prevent the onset by keeping the skin soft and supple. Coconut oil is very inexpensive - a great, cheap home remedy for all skin conditions.

Many skin conditions can be converted into clear, healthy skin by using natural home remedies. Functions of the skin are disturbed when it’s not clean; it becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial compounds decreases and it’s more prone to develop infections.

Continue using coconut oil and you’ll see the benefits in good, clear skin, free of dryness and other skin conditions. Call your skin doctor if dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping. If nothing seems to work it might be more than dry skin, so you should see your doctor.

For more information on coconut oil treatment for dry skin and dry skin care treatments go to http://www.Best-Skin-Care-Tips.com Helen Hecker R.N.’s website specializing in care for skin conditions with tips, advice and resources for women, men, teens and babies, including information on the best natural products

These days everybody’s talking about infrared saunas and what they can do for your health. Traditional saunas have been around long enough for everybody to realize that their health benefits are not made up.

If you’ve ever been in a traditional or steam sauna, you already know the amazing result they have on your skin. The silky smooth feeling you have on your skin after a relaxing, rejuvenating session in a sauna leaves nothing to be desired from a skin-cleansing standpoint.

However, some people don’t like the heat in a traditional sauna. It’s true that the heat can sometimes have a claustrophobic effect.

Not so with an infrared sauna. Or portable infrared sauna. An infrared sauna produces heating infrared rays that we can feel as warmth but we cannot see them. Infrared occurs at the far end of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Sounds dangerous? Not to worry. Infrared energy is a totally natural phenomenon. The sun emits infrared energy. This has nothing to do with ultraviolet - which can give you sunburn. Infrared energy heats objects more than air. The warmth we feel coming from the sun is infrared energy.

Did you know that even your own body emits infrared energy? That’s why warm-blooded creatures can be seen with infrared night-vision equipment.

The heaters in an infrared sauna operate in the exact same wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum. That’s why they are completely safe to use.

And the health benefits of an infrared sauna or even a portable infrared sauna are even more impressive than the health effects we already know from the traditional sauna.

There are a lot of testimonials out there of people that are simply amazed by the softening effect it has on their skin. Also, even with the lower environmental temperature, you will very easily sweat in an infrared sauna. Needless to say that this is an extremely efficient way for your body and skin to get rid of toxins.

Nowadays most manufacturers even carry a portable infrared sauna in their inventory, so you can even take it with you. Sweat anywhere!

Discover more benefits of the infrared sauna

As a sufferer of eczema for over 35 years and having tried several Treatments of Eczema, it has taken me a long, long time to find any Treatments of eczema that actually work. This skin complaint can be eliminated by incorporating certain, specific Superfoods into the daily diet and for me it is my ultimate Treatments of Eczema - that works!

The nutrient basics needed for healthy skin are the same for everyone. Some sufferers need more of one particular nutrient than another. But if you experiment with these common Superfoods (so-called because they are so powerful at healing), you will soon be able to create your own Superfood list and totally eliminate your eczema forever with continual use. Adopt this nutrients in your Treatments of Eczema.

The following are three of the most powerful skin Superfoods currently available and will dramatically improve the health, look and feel of your skin:

Treatments of Eczema # 1: SPROUTS: Sprouts are full to bursting with enzymes, anti-oxidants, anti-aging and vitamins. Sprouts are raw live foods which are renowned for their life-enhancing, high-energy powers. These little gold nuggets are alkaline producing and will revitalise, strengthen and regenerate your eczematous skin.

Sprouts come in many forms and are little seedlings, nuts or grains that have been grown into sprouts. Examples of seeds include mustard, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame and buckwheat seeds.

Examples of grains include millet, rye, rice, oats, barley and kamut.

Nuts examples include almonds, cashew, hazelnut, brazil and walnuts.

And finally, pulses examples include lentils, adzuki beans, kidney beans, blackeye peas and mung beans. Sprouts are very easy to germinate and can be grown in a yogurt cup and placed in a dark, warm cupboard, or, can be purchased at any good health store.

Treatments of Eczema # 2: ALOE VERA: This magic plant is a great healer and strengthener and is especially rich in plant sterols and amino acids. The Aloe Vera plant will repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation - a common complaint with eczema. Aloe vera can be used both internally and externally. When applied to the skin the bradykininase in Aloe diminishes inflammation and reduces pain. The Aloe is also an excellent healer of skin. It moisturises and heals at an accelerated rate.

Treatments of Eczema # 3: GREEN BARLEY GRASS: Is the only food on earth that can nourish you from birth to old age. Green Barley Grass contains Chlorophyll, the pigment which gives it its colour. Chlorophyll is a great detoxifier, deodoriser and wound healer. It mimics the haemoglobal in our blood and is therefore great for eczema skin.

The above three treatments of Eczema Superfoods are great medicines for problem skin. By introducing these Superfoods in your daily diet, you can create dramatic changes in your condition. Any one of the above Superfoods can be a cure for eczema. It’s just a question of experimenting with each food individually and adopting the ones that make a dramatic effect.

Janet Simpson is a writer and health reporter. Get FREE “how to” tips to cure your eczema, and create beautiful smooth skin at: http://www.CureYourEczema.com

Discover the 8 steps to transform your skin with raw foods at: http://www.CureYourEczema.com/Articles/index.htm

Start the healing process with a detox at: http://www.CureYourEczema.com/Articles/Treatments-of-Eczema.htm

Psoriasis is a chronic, non contagious but believed to be non curable skin condition which over four million Americans suffer from. This chronic condition can flare up or go into remission at almost any time, and while remissions can last for months or years, the actual cause of the problem is not yet fully known. Most psoriasis sufferers have flare ups most often when their body is subjected to certain triggers. Common triggers which can cause a psoriasis flare up include excess stress, injury or severe trauma of some sort, and severe sicknesses or other diseases.

The skin plaques caused by psoriasis are thought to be a result of an over reactive immune system. Instead of producing new skin cells about once each month like a healthy body does, psoriasis sufferers get new skin generated every three to five days. This creates a pile up on the surface, because the existing skin cells do not have enough time to die off and shed before the new skin cells arrive.

Modern medical science and research approaches psoriasis treatments with the idea of controlling or reducing the external symptoms created by the disease. You see, when psoriasis flares up, extra skin piles up on the surface of the body in the form of thick scaley, flaky patches known as psoriasis plaques. These plaques are most often found on the elbows, knees or scalp, but they can occur anywhere on the body including the hands, feet, face and genitals.

Sometimes psoriasis plaques are just thick and scaley, but often they are reddened and can be itchy as well. So most psoriasis treatments prescribed by doctors are designed to try and reduce redness, relieve itching, and thin or soften the psoriasis skin plaques.

The first psoriasis treatments tried are known as topical treatments, and these are creams, ointments and salves which are rubbed onto the plaques directly. Prescription creams often contain coal tar, retinoic acid, and Vitamin D derrivatives. Some prescription psoriasis topical treatments also contain steroids or other medications which are designed to try and supress the rate of new skin growth too.

Herbal psoriasis treatments also include topical creams, ointments, salves or bath soaks which can help relieve some of the more problematic symptoms of psoriasis. These often include aloe vera to help soften the skin plaques, oatmeal baths which can also soften the skin and help it flake off more, and herbs which are known to be excellent skin healers such as chickweed and comfrey.

Herbal specialists also feel that proper psoriasis treatments must also include internal treatments as well as external. Since psoriasis is caused by an imbalance or problem with the body’s immune system, natural psoriasis treatments often include a regime of correcting vitamin deficiencies, improving dietary habits, and doing a colon cleanse or body detox too.

Natural psoriasis treatments include correcting vitamin deficiencies, because psoriasis sufferers often have problems using certain vitamins in their body such as D and A. Changing the dietary habits is also quite useful, because this psoriasis treatment focuses on getting more fiber and healthy vegetables and fruit into the body regularly. The third psoriasis treatment involves cleaning the colon or doing a body detox, because these treatments help rid the body of excess toxins, poisons, and wastes that have accumulated over the years and could be contributing to the psoriasis condition.

For the best psoriasis treatment available today, go to http://www.fastpsoriasisrelief.com

The types of psoriasis medications used for treatment depends on how severe the case of psoriasis is, and how the person has responded to previous medications and treatment. Most of the time, psoriasis medication starts with topical creams, ointments and salves, then moves on to Ultraviolet (UV) light treatment. Sometimes the UV light treatment is combined with topical creams and ointments to enhance their effects too. With severe cases of psoriasis however, and those cases which haven’t responded to other treatments, injection drug medications are used.

Now, psoriasis is a skin condition or disease which is not contagious. It’s actually caused by an over reaction of the body’s own immune system, and often that reaction is caused by triggers of some kind. Common triggers include severe stress, trauma or injury, and severe illnesses such as strep throat.

When the body is subjected to a trigger, the immune system starts generating new skin cells rapidly, and pushing them to the surface in just a few days time. Normally skin cells take thirty days or so to rise to the surface though, and this gives the existing surface skin time to die off and shed. Since psoriasis sufferers have new skin rising rapidly though, that skin piles up in the form of thick skin plaques which can be red, itchy and flaky.

Since psoriasis is considered incurable, and in fact doctors are not entirely sure what causes the disease yet, treatment and medicine is focused on reducing or controlling the symptoms of psoriasis. Not all psoriasis medications work the same for everyone though, so sometimes multiple types of treatment are needed.

The first step in treating psoriasis is to use topical psoriasis medications. Topical medications are creams, salves and ointments which have ingredients in them designed to soften the psoriasis plaques, thin them out, and in some cases slow down the skin growth response.

Many non-prescription psoriasis medications have herbs in them, or they use natural and herbal ingredients which are known to help soften and heal skin problems. Examples can include aloe vera, oatmeal, and jojoba. Other psoriasis creams and ointments contain coal tar or retinoic acid. Prescription based creams often contain Vitamin D derrivatives, and steriods which can help slow down the rate of skin growth.

When topical psoriasis medications don’t work by themselves, doctors often introduce UV light therapy as well. Sunlight can clear up mild cases of psoriasis, because the sun helps kill surface skin cells more quickly and this helps them shed faster. Doctors and dermatologists however, use a more targeted, focused form of light therapy to treat the psoriasis plaques themselves. Often this is used in combination with the topical psoriasis medications.

When neither of those psoriasis treatments work though, doctors sometimes use special immune supressing drugs which are given by IV in the hospital, or through injection with a needle. These psoriasis medications are very powerful and work to supress the body’s immune system, but they can have dangerous side effects too so they’re often only used for the most severe cases of psoriasis.

For one of the best psoriasis medications available today go to http://www.fastpsoriasisrelief.com

If you or someone you know or love has psoriasis, you’ve probably been looking for a natural treatment or two to relieve the symptoms caused by this skin condition. And while yes, there are several natural treatments for psoriasis, they often work towards controlling or reducing the symptoms of the disease. There are also natural treatments which try to reduce or eliminate the disease from your body too, and we’ll cover those briefly. First though, let’s review what psoriasis actually is.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition suffered by over four million Americans. It isn’t contagious though, but it looks like it can be when it’s really bad. It is also a source of frustration, embarrassment, and uncomfortable for anyone who has it.

With psoriasis, the body is producing skin cells much faster than normal. New skin usually generates and rises to the surface in about thirty days, but for people who have psoriasis, that skin gets pushed to the surface in just three or four days instead. This causes a build up of skin cells which are referred to as plaques or patches of psoriasis, and they’re most often seen on the elbows, knees and scalp. Psoriasis plaques can appear anywhere on the body though, including the feet, face and genitals.

Psoriasis plaques consist of thick white skin build up that can be red and itchy. There’s usually white or silver skin flakes on top, and sometimes the area is very dry. In fact, sometimes psoriasis skin patches can crack and bleed from being too dry.

And this is where the psoriasis natural treatments come in. Most psoriasis treatments are designed to lesson the symptoms caused by the condition, by making the plaques thinner or softer, and relieving the itching.

Aloe Vera and Jojoba based shampoos are considered excellent psoriasis natural treatments for the scalp area, because they help soften the skin and psoriasis plaques.

Oatmeal is another psoriasis natural treatment that can help the entire body, because it can simply be shaken into bathwater and used as a soak. This softens the skin naturally, and helps thin out and soften the psoriasis plaques too.

Chickweed is an herb which is also an excellent psoriasis natural treatment. This herb works wonderfully well on all types of skin conditions, and you can either rub it into the psoriasis plaques or put it into bathwater to use as a soak.

Other psoriasis natural treatments involve fixing the problems deeper within the body which may be causing the psoriasis. If your body is unhealthy or weakened due to severe illness, vitamin deficiencies and lack of proper nutrition, this could be contributing to the psoriasis problems. By using a psoriasis natural treatment which is focused on making your whole body healthier, it could help reduce the flare ups tremendously.

Most whole body psoriasis natural treatments are based on the concept of making your entire body healthier. Taking herbal vitamin supplements for instance, can help balance the nutrition and wellness from within. Also taking a natural treatment herb for your liver and colon can do wonders too. A psoriasis natural treatment herb such as Dandelion, Kelp, or Garlic would be some of the first to try.

For a fast natural treatment of psoriasis go to Psoriasis Natural Treatment and try our Aloe Vera based product.

As Chinese medicine becomes more popular in the U.S., we gain the benefit of their ancient skin care secrets: While Westerners run to the stores looking for the latest dry skin or anti-aging products, many of which contain harsh chemicals that actually exacerbate the situation, the Chinese generally use the same medicine they’ve been using for hundreds or thousands of years - medicines that address the internal problems so the skin can heal itself. Shielding lotion, a breakthrough in topical dry skin care treatment now recommended by thousands of dermatologists, follows along the same line in that it also allows the skin to heal itself, but knowing some of the Chinese remedies will also provide the internal boost you need.

A doctor who specializes in Chinese medicine heals skin problems by observing the skin’s specific characteristics, relating them to the health of the fluids - known as the ‘yin’ - and functions - known as the ‘yang’ - within the body. If the skin is dry and has fine lines, the yin is treated, if the skin is sallow, sagging and pale, the yang is treated.

One of the staples of Chinese medicine for dry skin care is the wolfberry - the fruit of two species of boxthorn. Wolfberries nourish and tone the fluids of the liver, kidneys and blood and although the name might not be familiar to us, the ingredients are: anti-oxidants, Vitamin C, linoleic acid, thiamine, beta-carotene, riboflavin and trace minerals. Wolfberry comes under several names: Chinese Wolfberry, Duke of Argyll’s Tea Tree, Matrimony Vine and Goji Berry. The latter is the most common and is available in many health food stores in both liquid and dried forms.

Interestingly enough, other recommendations would include some of the same products considered beneficial by natural skin care aficionados in the West: plain yogurt, walnuts, cherries and aloe juice.

However, no matter how healthy you are on the inside, you also need a topical dry skin care treatment to protect you from the harsh, irritating chemicals and environmental conditions that cause most dry skin - which is where a shielding lotion comes in. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that keeps moisture in and chemicals out. As with Chinese medicine, the skin can then heal itself.

I can’t guarantee that the Chinese approach to skin care explains why many Chinese look almost the same at 65 as they did at 25 but along with the shielding lotion for dry skin care and prevention, it will definitely help give us a more beautiful complexion.

Author, Gloria MacTaggart, is a freelance writer who contributes articles on skin care for 21st Century Formulations. For more information, visit http://www.SkinMDNatural.com

Natural acne treatments are helping millions of acne sufferers get clear skin. Acne, the most common skin disease in the world, is ruining lives all over the world. It is embarrassing and could demolish anyones self esteem. This horrible skin disease victimizes mainly teens and young adults; however, 75% of adults are actually still suffering from this disease as well. New studies are showing that natural acne treatments are sending relief to acne sufferers all over the world.

Prior to treating your acne, you should first ask yourself where acne comes from. Instead of believing in all of the garbage myths you have heard, erase those from your memory. No matter what you have heard, it is probably false. Acne is caused by changes in hormones, heredity, plugged up oil glands, greasy make up, or birth control pills. Any time your skin has a breakout, you will see one of six different types of acne: Whitehead, blackhead, cyst, nodule, papule, or pustule. Natural acne treatments will provide safe, fast acting cures to any of these six nasty acne types.

Natural cures are simply the best way to go. Unnatural cures, like medications, harsh chemicals, and food additives, can actually make acne worse in the long run. Natural acne treatments are cheap, healthy, and extremely safe. Plus, they work fast. Do not waste another penny on products that may actually damage your skin. Natural acne treatments heal the skin inside as well as the outside. Before you know it, your skin will be glowing and radiant. Everyone will be asking you what your secret it.

Natural acne treatments are extremely effective and will clear up even the most severe cases of acne. Why waste another minute dealing with skin blemishes? There is a treatment out there for you. For more information on natural acne treatments, please visit www.mynaturalacnetreatments.com.

FACT: Statics show that 17 million people are suffering from acne worldwide. Do NOT be another statistic! Visit MyNaturalAcneTreatment.com to Find a CURE for your acne now. You deserve a new you!

Thanks to Mother Nature and a few innovative thinkers, we now have clothing and linens made with bamboo. Although not yet available in every store in town, and the clothing styles are still limited, bamboo clothing and linens are well worth the search: They surpass organic cotton and silk in every way that matters to those with dry skin or eczema. Although they won’t take the place of an effective dry skin care lotion, bamboo clothing and linens actually address some of the factors that cause and exacerbate skin problems.

What are the unique qualities of bamboo?

* The fabrics are three to four times more absorbent than cotton: bamboo absorbs and evaporates sweat so quickly you’ll stay dry and cool in the hot summer and dry and warm on the slopes. Retaining natural moisture is vital for those with dry skin and eczema, but sweat sitting on the skin actually worsens the condition.

* Bamboo clothing and linens are soft, smooth and silky. On a microscopic level, bamboo fibers are round and smooth. Consequently, the clothing feels and hangs like silk, doesn’t cling to the body and doesn’t snag on rough patches of skin.

* Bamboo breathes: the same porous qualities that enable absorption also make bamboo fabrics cooler than others. They are cool to the touch and, if you could take their temperature, you would see they are two or three degrees cooler than other clothing.

* The fabrics, like the plants, are naturally antibacterial and antifungal. Although skin is designed to fight bacteria and fungus, this function in damaged or dry skin is greatly inhibited. Tests done on bamboo fabric exposed to bacteria found that, when new, it kills 99.8 percent of the bacteria and still eliminates 70 percent after being washed 50 times. As the unpleasant odors associated with sweat are caused by bacteria, bamboo will also help you smell fresh.

* As the bamboo plant is not prone to bugs and other pests, it is grown without the usual chemicals that can also irritate the skin.

No fabric will actually heal dry skin: for that you need adequate exercise, a nourishing junk-free diet free of chemicals, cleansing and other skin care products that don’t exacerbate the conditions, and a dry skin care solution that locks in natural moisture while protecting against damage from chemicals and other irritants. However, bamboo will certainly make you more comfortable and at least you’ll know that your skin problems are not caused by your clothes.

Author, Gloria MacTaggart, is a freelance writer who contributes articles on skin care for Gloves In A Bottle, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.glovesinabottle.com