skin

After getting a henna tattoo to celebrate my growing belly bump a few years ago, one person commented, "Oh, how beautiful, but isn't that bad for your baby?" I felt like being snippy and saying, "Yes, of course, it's bad for my baby. I like to do harmful things to my unborn child." But instead of being snarky, I explained that henna tattoos are completely safe for your skin, your body, and, yes, even if you're pregnant.

Also known as Mehndi, these tattoos are not permanent and only last between one and two weeks — depending on your skin, the quality of the henna, and how often you wash the area. The tattoo is applied in the form of a paste that looks like greenish chocolate frosting. It's made by grinding up dried leaves from the henna plant and is mixed with water, lemon, and essential oils. After the paste dries, it's peeled or picked off after about 24 hours, and you're left with an orangey-brown tattoo that stains the first few layers of your skin.

There is a trend among some henna artists to apply something called black henna, which will stain your skin black instead of brown. This type of henna is dangerous because it contains paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a hair dye. When applied to your skin, it may look like a real tattoo, but allergic reactions to PPD can cause blisters, open sores, and scarring.

It's easy to tell traditional natural henna apart from black henna. Traditional henna paste will look dark green, khaki, or greenish brown, not black, so if a henna artist is applying a slick black paste, then do not get a tattoo from her. You can also ask the artist how long you're supposed to leave the paste on. If she says less than one hour, then she's using PPD — traditional henna doesn't stain your skin that quickly. Also ask the artist what color the stain will be once the paste comes off. Henna will leave an orange stain that will darken to red brown or dark brown (like the photo above), but it's never black. If you're just not sure, then it's best to skip out on the henna tattoo or apply it yourself with a home henna kit.

Experts are always raving about the benefits of exercise, and rightfully so, since the list is a long one. But no one ever discusses the drawbacks to your skin you have to put up with when working out regularly. I'm talking about chafing, pimples on your back, chest, and face, and blisters on your feet. Of course the benefits of exercise exceed these unwanted skin issues, but it doesn't make them any less annoying. Here are ways to prevent them:

1. Chafing:
   • Moisture and friction are a deadly combo for us exercisers. If you wear loose clothing made of cotton, the fabric will stay wet and the constant rubbing is sure to irritate your skin and cause chafing in your sensitive areas. To avoid this issue, invest in some fitted exercise clothes that are made of wicking material such as merino wool or a polyester blend.
   • Look for bras, tops, and shorts that are seamless and have no tags.

Keep on reading to learn how to prevent bacne and blisters.

It's an itchy situation, but moms have to deal with it! Approximately one in five babies are diagnosed with eczema before their first birthday. And, the red skin patches become more inflamed when tots rub them so we asked our Facebook fans how they cope with their children's irritations. Here's what the moms said:

• "Aquaphor works great." — Nicole B.
• "Alba un-petroleum jelly or California Baby Calendula cream." — Luz S.
• "1% hydrocortisone cream." — Audrey O.
• "Elomet cream." — Fari T.
• "Aquaphor healing ointment is wonderful!" — Rachel W.
• "Triderma intensive hydrating cream is great!" — Shannon C.

If using a cell phone leaves you with a rash along your jaw, cheek, or ear, chances are that you're probably allergic to nickel. While nickel allergies are nothing new, doctors are just beginning to see a trend that they're calling "cell phone rash." And thanks to unlimited data plans and less use of landlines, both the rash and cell phone usage are on the rise.

Symptoms of "cell phone rash" include red, bumpy, irritated areas of the skin where it has come in contact with the nickel parts of a cell phone. And because nickel allergies are higher in women, it's a good idea for all of us to be aware of the rash in case symptoms start to develop.

Try an OTC corticosteroid, protective case on your phone, and use a hands-free set. And if you can, keep cell phone calls to a minimum and check with your doctor if the rash persists.