Recent findings published in the Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource suggest that individuals who suffer from psoriasis are also at an increased risk for heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. Researchers say the link may be underlying inflammation, which is known to play a role in both the skin condition and heart disease.

In addition, about one in four people who suffer from psoriasis develop a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that affects as many as 7.5 million Americans. It causes skin cells to rapidly build-up on the surface of the skin and form thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful.

Taking care of the skin may help to manage psoriasis. Daily baths with oils, oatmeal or Epsom salts can help to remove scales and calm inflamed skin. Applying a thick moisturizing cream or ointment can also be helpful. Exposure to sunlight and avoiding known triggers can also improve the symptoms.

Alternative treatments include aloe vera, capsaicin cream and nutritional supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids.

Reuters reports that researchers in Japan evaluated the diets of 763 pregnant women and then followed up with them when their babies were between 16- and 24-months old to see if they suffered from eczema or an allergic wheeze.

They found that mothers who ate greater amounts of green and yellow vegetables, citrus fruits, or beta carotene while pregnant were less likely to have an infant with the skin condition. In addition, researchers said that higher intake of vitamin E during pregnancy was associated with a reduced likelihood of having a wheezy infant.

Researchers say the findings deserve further investigation before pregnant women are encouraged to boost change their diets to include more green and yellow vegetables, citrus fruits and antioxidants in order to avoid certain allergies in their offspring.

Eczema is a common skin condition among infants. Its causes vary and may include heredity, contact with chemicals or other irritating substances as well as allergens. It is identified by itchy, dry, red skin patches.

Reuters reports that researchers in Germany tested whether or not acupuncture could help ease the inflammation and itch associated with atopic eczema. They exposed the skin of 30 study participants to common eczema-causing allergens like dust mites or pollen. Then, they administered traditional acupuncture using known pressure points associated with itch, a placebo acupuncture where needles were not placed in itch-specific locations or no treatment at all.

They found that the itchiness was soothed when traditional acupuncture was administered minutes after exposure to the allergens. In addition, when they were re-exposed to the allergen after the therapy, their reaction was not as serious.

Researchers say more studies are needed to gauge whether acupuncture treatments are truly beneficial for individuals with eczema.

According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, the treatments are helpful in treating a number of conditions, including digestive problems, respiratory disorders, neurological and muscular disorders and urinary, menstrual and reproductive problems.

Acupuncture is also believed to be particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.

Cold-pressed from the pulp of the avocado—also known as the “fruit of the kings”—the oil is loaded with vitamins and other essential nutrients. Avocado oil can provide welcome relief for dry, sun-damaged or mature skin since it contains moisturizing, anti-wrinkling and anti-aging properties. It is easily absorbed into the deep tissues of your skin, and may also aid in the regeneration of skin cells.

Rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, D and E, as well as potassium, lecithin, chlorophyll, protein, pantothenic acid and fatty acids, avocado oil is a smart choice if you have sensitive or problematic skin that needs vitamin-rich oil. And it can even help relieve the tormenting itching and dryness of eczema and psoriasis.

Reuters reports that an International Journal of Cancer study has linked a diet high in saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma.

Scientists followed 457 men and 600 women in a sub-tropical area of Australia with high exposure to ultraviolet sunlight for 11 years. They found that in the subjects with a prior history of skin cancer, higher total fat intake was associated with about a twofold increased risk of squamous cell cancer of the skin.

Subjects who did not have a previous history of skin cancer did not have an increased risk of skin cancer based on their diets, however.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It is considered treatable if it’s caught early.

Nutritional supplements containing vitamins C and E as well as selenium are also believed to help the skin fight cancer.

According to Reuters, a recent Australian study found that having an identical twin with melanoma increases risk for the disease nearly 10-fold. Individuals with non-identical twins with the cancer were twice as likely to get it.

Researchers say the increased risk has to do with genes and, particularly, the interactions between genes.

Another study out of the University of California Los Angeles found that people with a sibling or parent diagnosed with some types of skin cancer were more likely to develop skin cancers of various types, not just the ones their relatives had.

The study’s authors tell Reuters that their findings support the thinking that a person’s family history can be used to gauge their own skin cancer risk. In addition, genetic studies may be a useful way to identify potential targets for treating or preventing the disease.

The skin cancer foundation says that having one bad sunburn as a child more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life.

Preventing skin cancer by avoiding sun damage is key, according to the Mayo Clinic. Healthcare providers recommend wearing sunscreen year-round, using protective clothing, staying out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and having your skin checked by a doctor annually.

One of the main causes of aging is free radical damage. These rogue molecules can lead to dozens of health problems. By controlling free radical damage, you can help slow down aging… help prevent illness… and protect your body’s energy storehouse.

Plus, free radical damage can also:

• Block DNA and RNA function—DNA is the "blueprint" that tells your cells how to act… duplicate… and even how to repair itself. RNA transmits the information in the DNA to your cells. Free radicals can damage both DNA and RNA communication—causing your cells to malfunction and even self-destruct.
• Release dangerous cholesterol in your bloodstream—When fat molecules such as cholesterol get oxidized, they become sticky. That means they can clog up your arteries and set the stage for future heart and brain problems.
• Quickly drain your energy—Free radicals release a toxic waste matter called lipofuscins. This yellowish-brown cell debris can interfere with your body’s ability to metabolize protein—your #1 source of energy.
• Trigger joint pain and muscle aches—An overproduction of free radicals in a specific area can cause inflammation.
• Prematurely age your skin—Free radicals destroy delicate collagen that keeps your skin soft, smooth and flexible. If you’ve got age spots on your hands or face, that’s a tell-tale sign you’ve got free radical damage.

The truth is you can’t get away from free radicals. The very process of breathing creates these destructive molecules. What’s more, foods… environmental pollutants… toxins… and even stress can trigger "hits" from free radicals.

Fortunately, Mother Nature gives us remarkably safe and effective solutions to help clobber pesky free radicals. They’re called antioxidants:

• Phosphatidylserine (PS for short)—proven incredibly effective for age-related memory loss in 60 human studies and over 2,800 scientific papers… PS helps restore a more youthful memory and helps sharpen thinking and reasoning ability…
• Vinpocetine is natures powerful memory enhancer that works by expanding your blood vessels to allow healthy blood flow to the brain and gingko biloba helps to boost memory, improve concentration and fight off mental fatigue…
• Omega-3 is the powerful anti-inflammatory oil that helps lubricate your brain cells to keep them working at peak capacity and DMAE can help scrape away and remove harmful lipofuscins that cause brain “rust”…
• Folic acid—helps protect your veins, arteries and capillaries supplying blood to your brain and your entire body…
• CDP choline—is one of the basic building blocks for brain function…
• Acetyl-L-carnitine—helps boost energy levels to your entire body…
• Alpha lipoic acid, L-glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E—these antioxidants help “switch off” faulty DNA before it can trigger health problems…
• Plus, quercetin, selenium, hesperidin and RNA—boost memory recall and brain function… reduce damage from stress… allow your brain cells to "talk" to one another more effectively… and slow your total body aging to a crawl.

By adding these and other powerful antioxidants to your daily regimen, you can expect to feel and look younger for decades to come! And, I’m here to tell you, the fountain of youth is made of antioxidants, not water.

It’s been called a natural way to reverse the signs of aging with fewer complications and potential side effects than synthetic therapies like Botox or Restylane.

There haven’t been any studies on the effectiveness of facial acupuncture, but U.S. News and World Report says some who have received treatments report they’ve noticed noticed fewer lines, tighter skin and better skin tone.

According to MSNBC.com most facial acupuncturists recommend a series of 10 successive sessions – about once a week – with monthly follow-up sessions for maintenance.

And, while it’s not considered pain-free, acupuncturist Beth Hooper tells MSNBC.com that it is considered a low-pain treatment.

Other natural ways to improve your skin include vitamin and mineral-enriched creams and lotions as well as a healthy diet and nutritional supplements. According to WebMD, vitamins A, C, E, K and B as well as selenium, copper, zinc and fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 all contribute to a better complexion.

HemCon says that it is using chitosan, a component of crustacean shells that speeds clotting and also has antimicrobial properties, in its new line of products for military use. (del extra space below)

"As a physician, there’s a great deal to consider when treating a wound, whether you are on the battlefield or in the ER. Having an antibacterial, protective layer provides an element of defense I want my patients to have," says Dr Sudip Bose, a former army major.

Along with the chitosan-based treatment, the new products will be produced in z-fold patters that resemble venetian blinds, allowing medics to quickly treat wounded soldiers without having to unroll the gauze.

Scientists in Poland found that using the shell-based compound allowed surgical patients to quickly flush out blood thinners like Heparin that can cause excessive bleeding during surgery.

Cochrane researchers looked at the role of herbal supplements after laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive surgical technique used by doctors to treat certain gynecological disorders.

They say that compared to two hormone therapies generally given as part of post-operative care, women were more likely to report improvement of symptoms with fewer side effects, according to the report.

"These findings suggest that Chinese herbs may be just as effective as certain conventional drug treatments for women suffering from endometriosis," says lead author Dr Andrew Flower.

More benefits are likely to be found from Eastern remedies, adds Flower, but says that the research methodologies used by scientists in China have limited their clinical viability in other countries.

At least 50 studies had to be eliminated from the review because of their methodologies, which "could undermine research in Chinese herbal medicine," he says.