FitSugar

Irritated About Bumps on Your Arms?

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:00:00 -0700

As long as I've known my best friend, she's been complaining about these tiny red bumps on the backs of her arms. She thought they were some kind of acne, like what you get on your back when you workout, so she went to her dermatologist to find out.

It turns out that it was a common condition called keratosis pilaris - a complicated name meaning bumpy skin. Actually 50% of people have it, so if you don't have it yourself, you probably know someone who does. It can be on the backs of your arms, your tush, and your thighs. The dead skin cells that are supposed to just flake off, get plugged up in the hair follicles. They look like tiny red or white pimples that have a dry, sandpaper feel. They don't hurt or itch, but they can make you feel self-conscious about baring your skin.

What can you do about these bumps? Use a good moisturizer twice a day - one containing salicylic acid, urea, or alphahydroxy might be your best bet. You can also take hot showers, let the skin soak a little, and then gently exfoliate using loofah gloves. A dermatologist can also prescribe a topical retinoid cream (made from vitamin A), which may help promote cell turnover and prevent the hair follicles from getting plugged in the first place. Whatever you do, I'm sorry to say that it takes constant maintenance - if you stop, the bumps will come back. Since they're harmless, I wouldn't worry about them too much.

Source

Sty In My Eye

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:15:00 -0800

"Oh my - I'll try not to cry but there's a sty in my eye."

I used to say that all the time when I was in junior high; my hey day of sharing eye liner and mascara. One too many styes made me wise up and use my own make-up.

What exactly is a sty, anyway?

A sty is an acute infection or inflammation of the secretory glands of your eyelid. The gland gets blocked, the oil produced by the gland backs up and forces itself out through the wall of the gland. This forms a little annoying and unexpectedly painful bump on your eyelid.

Bacteria can infect the blocked gland, causing it to become even more irritated and inflamed. If it gets really bad, the infection can cause the white part of your eye to get red, and sometimes the outside of the eye and cheek can become red as well.

The actual bump appears with a whitish or yellowish spot (kind of like a pimple). Multiple styes can form on one lid and they will disappear as soon as the blocked gland is relieved.

Want to know how to prevent the evil sty in the first place? Then read more

Don't share make-up (including eyelash curlers and eye make-up brushes). It's a great reason to get rid of your old make-up and buy new stuff.
Remove eye make-up completely every night before going to bed.
The obvious - Try not to touch or rub your eye unless you've just washed your hands.

If you do get that frustrating little sty:

Apply warm compresses (with your eye closed) to the infected area for about 15 minutes to help with the drainage.
Very gently wash your eyelid with warm water and nonirritating soap like baby shampoo (again - keep your eye closed).
Very important - Do NOT squeeze or puncture your sty - it may get even more infected.
Ditch the eye make-up and eye creams you were using because they may also be infected.
If you're a contact lens wearer, you may want to switch to your glasses until it goes away.

Fight Underarm Bumps

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 13:00:00 -0800

Shaving your armpits isn't just for summertime, and you probably shave them as much as your legs. But your underarm skin is really sensitive, and because you sweat, it's a breeding ground for bacteria.

You've probably been a victim of little red spots, but here's some tips to battle those bumps.

Wash your armpits (and the rest of your body while you're at it) after exercising.
Toss your dull razors - they can cause major irritation.
Try not to keep your razor in the shower - it ups the chance for bacteria to grow on your blade, which leads to those annoying bumps.
Clean your razor after each use with a quick dip in some rubbing alcohol.
Toss your disposable razor or blade after 3 uses.

Hope these tips help you look fabulous in your strapless New Year's Eve gown.

You Asked: Should I Worry About These Bumps on My Arm?

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

You're asking and I'm answering.

Dear Fit,
I've noticed these tiny reddish bumps on the backs of my arms. They don't hurt or anything, but I'm embarrassed because they look and feel so gross. Any idea what it is? I don't think it's acne because my face has always been pretty clear. Whatever it is, how can I get rid of it? Please help since I want to wear tank tops without worry about these darn bumps.
- Bumpy Barbara

It sounds like those bumps are making you self conscious, and when it comes to conditions of the skin, I do always think it best to visit a dermatologist. However, your bumps look like a common skin condition known keratosis pilaris, sometimes referred to as "chicken skin." This condition is quite common; about 50 percent of the entire population have this type of bumpy skin.

If those bumps are indeed keratosis pilaris, I have some suggestions and an explanation of the causes so just read more.

Normally as you go about your day, your dead skin cells are supposed to just flake off. With this condition though, those dead skin cells plug up your hair follicles. The bumps look like tiny red or white pimples, and they have a dry, sandpaper feel. Even though they shouldn't hurt or itch, they can understandably make you feel self-conscious about baring your skin.

If your arm bumps are in fact keratosis pilaris, using a good moisturizer on the area twice a day that contains salicylic acid, urea, or alphahydroxy can be an effective treatment. Taking hot showers, allowing your skin soak up the water a little, and then gently exfoliate using loofah gloves is also a great trick for keeping the bumps at bay. A dermatologist can also prescribe a topical retinoid cream (made from vitamin A), which may help promote cell turnover and prevent the hair follicles from getting plugged in the first place. Whatever you do, I'm sorry to say that it takes continuous effort and maintenance in order to keep your skin free of these bumps.

Buh-Bump HRM Electrode Cream

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 03:00:00 -0800

Many people get frustrated with their heart rate monitors (HRM) because if they have dry skin, don't sweat a lot, or any other reason (hairy chest), the HRM ends up not functioning the way it should.

HRM technology is based on reading the body's electric current, which varies from person to person. To ensure a proper heart rate display, heart rate monitor manufacturers stress the importance of wet electrodes, which is why most HRM users lick or spit on their transmitters. While saliva does work for some people, others find it gross, unsanitary, and ineffective. If you've found that your HRM does not seem to be working the way it should be all the time then you may want to consider getting an electrode cream to help the issue. Buh-Bump HRM Electrode Cream is one that a few of my pals use and swear by it. My HRM seems to work fine without it, but if you're having problems it's worth a shot at $5.95. Just two little dabs on the transmitter is all it takes, so one bottle should last you a while.

For Minor Bumps and Bruises Use R.I.C.E.

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Accidents happen, they just do. If something serious has happened to you, then you should definitely see a doctor. For minor injuries (bumps, sprains, etc), say you rolled your ankle while getting off the treadmill (don't laugh, it's been done), use the RICE program to whip yourself back into shape:

Rest: Take a break for a day or two to let the injured area rest and recover. Your body needs time to heal the injury. Once you can go about your usual daily routine without pain, you can ease yourself back into a full slate of activities.
Ice: Apply an icepack (or a bag of frozen vegetables, wrapped in a towel) to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every few hours. Ice helps to cut down on swelling and inflammation by slowing blood flow to the injury, as well as lessening the pain by numbing it a bit.
Compression: Between ice treatments, wrap an elastic bandage around the affected part to apply pressure and reduce swelling. Compression can also help provide support to a weak joint. It should be fairly tight, but make sure it doesn't press on nerves or cut off blood circulation - if the end of the limb turns blue, that's too tight! It's also too tight if you feel throbbing in the bandaged area. For the same reason, don't wear the bandage at night.
Elevation: Let gravity do the work - try to keep the injured limb raised above the level of the heart to prevent fluids from pooling in the inflamed tissues. For an injured leg, prop it up above the hips when lying down. Injured arms can be held up in a sling.

Fit's Tip: Try using RICE but keep in mind that you are not a doctor (well, maybe you are but most of us aren't), so if the injury doesn't seem to be getting any better within 48 hours, it's best to see a doctor.

Safety Steps: Running in the Dark

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:30:53 -0800

The end of daylight saving time means that many of us will be running in the dark. For safety reasons, try going on a morning run instead. Wake up at the same time you did during DST and use that "extra" hour for an outdoor run.

If running at night is unavoidable, make sure to follow these tips to protect yourself in the dark:

Make sure others can see you. Make yourself visible to drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and other runners by wearing bright colors and reflective gear. For extra caution, wear a headlamp or attach blinking bike lights to your clothing.
Run in familiar, well-lit areas. Running a familiar route may protect you from unseen bumps or potholes. To ensure a clear running path, find an area that is lit by streetlamps or hit up an outdoor track.
Be aware. Because running at night cuts down on your line of sight, you want to make sure you can hear clearly - run without an iPod, MP3 player, or Walkman. Make eye contact to alert those around you of your presence. This is especially important to do with drivers when you're crossing the street.

For more safety tips, read more.

Carry a cell phone and ID. Keep a cell phone with you in the event of an emergency, and always carry identification in case you sustain an injury.
Run with a buddy. There's safety in numbers, so always try and run with a buddy. You'll be more visible and can rely on one another if something goes wrong. If you do run alone, make sure to tell someone the route you're running and around what time you'll be back.
Run against traffic. You have a better chance of seeing cars and drivers have a better chance of seeing you.
Change up your routine. Run a few different routes and at different times through the week. Potential attackers may catch on to routines.

Do you have any running tips to share? Join our RunningSugar community and be part of the conversation.

A Week In Review: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Don't forget to eat your calcium and to opt for organic tomatoes whenever you can since they are higher in antioxidants than conventional tomatoes.

Check out these beautiful celeb moms and learn how they lost their baby weight already.

Try this yoga pose and you can be a Hero!!! Yep the pose is named "hero" and it is great for the knees.

Take it from me and Jennifer Garner - use the weight machines. Strength training is important.

I am curious which kind of fit man attracts you? Cast your vote in the "Matthews" poll.

Health food fanatics might want to read this - Kombucha Tea: Fact or Fiction.

Are you irritated by the bumps on your arms? If yes, you are not alone.

What hot topic is dividing France on Bastille Day? Read and see.

Tell me if you think cellulite reducing shorts are cool or not.

Wii Fit will rival Wii Sports and it comes with a groovy balance board.

Do you think a sandwich or a bag of chips contains more sodium? Take the Quiz and see.

Here are a few tips on how to avoid gaining weight.

Flynet

Don't Wait Until You're Starving to Eat

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:30:18 -0700

I am just here to remind you that hunger pains, dizziness, lack of energy, and irritability are the body's way of letting us know it's time to refuel. Busy schedules can bump eating to the last item on the to-do list. If you ignore these symptoms chances are that when you can eat, you're beyond starving. This is a recipe for disaster because hunger makes you reach for anything quick (which is usually not the healthiest thing), and you end up devouring way more calories faster than you would if you were just slightly hungry.

No matter how busy you are, you want to eat before getting to that famished point, so you can prevent overeating or feasting on unhealthy foods. Plan ahead and pack healthy meals, or schedule times of the day to eat. Also keep snacks at work, in your purse, in your gym bag, and in your car, so if you're on the road or know it'll be a while till mealtime, you can have a little something in your stomach to tide you over.

Eyelid bump

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:53:44 -0700

Illustrations

Eye

Stye

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Most bumps on the eyelid are styes. A stye is an inflamed oil gland on the edge of your eyelid, where the lash meets the lid. It appears as a red, swollen bump that looks like a pimple. It is tender, especially to the touch.

Alternative Names

Bump on the eyelid; Stye

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A stye is caused by bacteria from the skin that get into the oil glands in the eyelids that provide lubrication to the tear film. Styes are similar to common acne pimples that occur elsewhere on the skin. You may have more than one stye at the same time.

Styes usually develop over a few days and may drain and heal on their own. A stye can become a chalazion -- this is when an inflamed oil gland becomes fully blocked. If a chalazion gets large enough, it can cause trouble with your vision.

If you have blepharitis (see eye redness), you are more likely to get styes.

Other possible eyelid bumps include:

Xanthelasma -- raised yellow patches on your eyelids that can happen with age. These are harmless, although they are occasionally a sign of high cholesterol.
Papillomas -- pink or skin-colored bumps. They are harmless, but can slowly grow, affect your vision, or bother you for cosmetic reasons. If so, they can be surgically removed.
Cysts -- small fluid-filled sacs that can affect your vision.

Symptoms

In addition to the red, swollen bump, other possible symptoms include:

Tearing of your eye
A gritty, scratchy sensation as if there is a foreign body
Sensitivity to light
Tenderness of the eyelid

Signs and tests

A doctor can diagnose a stye just by looking at it. Special tests are usually not necessary.

Treatment

Styes and chalazions can be treated by applying warm compresses. Apply for 10 minutes. Do this four times a day.
Do NOT attempt to squeeze a stye or any other type of eyelid bump. Let it drain on its own.
Antibiotic creams may help recurrent or persistent styes. Some large styes need to be lanced to drain the infection.

Expectations (prognosis)

Styes often get better on their own. However, they may recur. The outcome is generally excellent with simple treatment.

Complications

Recurrence of a stye
Spread of infection to other eyelash follicles
Spread of infection to the tissue of the eyelid (eyelid cellulitis)

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if:

You have problems with your vision.
The eyelid bump worsens or does not improve within a week or two of self-care.
The eyelid bump or bumps become very large or painful.
You have a blister on your eyelid.
You have crusting or scaling of your eyelids.
Your whole eyelid is red, or the eye itself is red.
You are very sensitive to light or have excessive tears.
A stye comes back soon after successful treatment of another one.
Your eyelid bump bleeds.

Prevention

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the skin around your eye. If you are susceptible to styes, it may help to carefully clean off excess oils from the edges of your lids.

References

Pasternak A, Irish B. Opthalmologic infections in primary care. Clin Fam Pract. 2004; 6(1):19.

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3^rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.

Review Date: 12/13/2007

Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, M.D., Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

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