Vaseline is already widely used by people for over a hundred years, but in recent years it has become a cause safety issues. Anxiety scientists associated with substances that enter into the petrolatum in the production process, including - polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are considered to be potential carcinogens associated with the development of breast cancer.

Story

Vaseline is obtained from the crude oil and its byproducts. It is believed that he was discovered when workers discovered oil wells viscous substance that can clog the holes of machines used for the drilling. Robert Chezbro, twenty-two chemist from New York, first became interested in this substance, which he called petroleum jelly, in 1859. Already in the 1870s, he began selling petroleum jelly as a means for the treatment of chapped skin, burns, cuts and scrapes. It was created ointment for rheumatism and lipstick for hair on the basis of petroleum jelly. Women began to use petroleum jelly as the care of the skin and the eyelashes - it was thought that it accelerates their growth. (Today some dermatologists suggest women who are allergic to mascara, apply petroleum jelly on eyelashes - so they seem a little longer, thicker and darker). By the end of the 19th century Vaseline was in nearly every home.

Security

In subsequent years, it has been found that the Vaseline does not treat cuts and burns, as previously thought, but instead can create favorable conditions for bacteria. So now it is not recommended to be applied on fresh wounds, so as not to slow down the process of healing. Another problem associated with the use of petrolatum - a lipoid pneumonia that may develop if petrolatum applied to the skin around the nose. Lipodinaya pneumonia - an infection caused by the inhalation of fats.

Since petrolatum well keeps moisture in the skin, it is widely used in the manufacture of lotions and creams. However, petroleum jelly - is not ideal for skin care. Due to viscous consistency it can clog pores, so it is not recommended for oily and combination skin Combination skin - everything you need to know about it . Moreover, in the crude petroleum jelly may contain the above-mentioned PAC, which upon prolonged exposure of the body can lead to cancer. The problem is that not all manufacturers of cosmetics used in the production of purified vaseline free of potentially hazardous substances. Since the requirements for the labeling of cosmetics are not too severe, according to the label is not always possible to understand what kind of jelly is part of the cream or lotion. Although the risk of crude petroleum jelly is still quite controversial issue, many experts recommend avoiding cosmetics with Vaseline. If you want to use a substance to moisturize and soften the skin, buy pure petroleum jelly, which can be found in most pharmacies.

Useful properties of Vaseline: Myths and Reality

• Vaseline clogs the pores?

Although petroleum jelly is often used to protect certain parts of the skin (especially the cheeks and lips) from frost and cold winds, it is considered that it should not be used for moisturizing the skin of the whole face, as it clogs the pores. In fact, petrolatum is classified as nekomedogennoe substance (ie one that does not block the pores and leads to acne). At the same time, many dermatologists say that petrolatum and mineral oil (both of these materials are derived from petroleum) can sometimes lead to the development of acne. For this reason, all the Vaseline is not recommended for people with oily skin, which by nature prone to acne Acne: facial trouble . However, in people with dry and normal skin Vaseline is unlikely to cause acne.

Vaseline is also not recommended for regular care of the skin, as it forms on the surface of a dense film, due to which the skin can not breathe, remove toxins and produce sebum. However, experts say that it all depends on the individual characteristics of the skin, and some people are successfully using Vaseline for daily care.

• Dry Skin Care

Vaseline is an indispensable tool for care for very dry skin Dry skin: care and treatment As well as to prevent drying of the skin in severe weather conditions (it is used, for example, people involved in skiing). It softens and protects the skin by preventing moisture loss.

Vaseline can be used for the treatment of very dry skin on the elbows, knees and soles of the feet. If you have cracked heels, apply petroleum jelly on them before bed and wear cotton socks (you can pre-heat them on the battery). Do this daily for a few days until the cracks do not disappear. In the future, use Vaseline for preventing drying of the skin.

To soften the skin of hands, apply Vaseline before bedtime Dreams: how to understand our dreams And wear thin gloves. If you have cracked lips, it is also recommended to grease them with Vaseline before going to bed.

• Relieving symptoms of eczema

The structure of many products that are recommended for use to patients with eczema include petrolatum. Many of the other ingredients, which are composed of ordinary moisturizers, people with eczema often invoke irritation of the skin and increase discomfort. Vaseline effectively softens the skin and because it does not contain flavorings, it rarely causes allergic reactions.

Alopecia areata

Patchy hair loss, or alopecia areata, a hair loss in areas of round shape in different areas of the scalp. Its severe form - complete baldness or alopecia totalis, in which his hair falls out completely.

Approximately 1 out of 100 people suffering from patchy hair loss. Patchy hair loss puts the person in a more awkward position and makes uglier look than any other type of hair loss. That is why the non-uniform hair loss causes psychological discomfort and anxiety. It affects the social life of people suffering from Alopecia areata, causing them to avoid visiting public events, school and university activities, etc., and limiting their life stay within the four walls. People avoid sitting next to the persons with patchy hair loss, because it is often a symptom of the disease. In most cases, patchy hair loss can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Hair follicles in the infected areas do not grow hair, giving the scalp spotted appearance.

Causes

Patchy hair loss is often caused by bacterial and fungal infections, but it can also be caused by other reasons, such as an autoimmune disease in which the immune system does not recognize its own cells and tissues of the body and leads to the destruction of these cells and tissues.

Fungal and bacterial infections are the main causes patchy hair loss. Infection weakens the hair shaft and are easily break off, giving the scalp spotted appearance and texture. Bacteria and fungi significantly destroy the hair follicles. Hair follicles are tubular cavity that produce hair shafts through which hairs appear on the skin of the head. Hair follicles get nutrients from tiny blood capillaries that wrapped around them. In the case of infection, bacteria and fungi take the necessary nutrients and cause deprivation (starvation), hair follicles, because of which they will ultimately be damaged.

Another cause of focal hair loss is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disorder affects its own cells and tissues in the body. Hair follicles are more susceptible and vulnerable to damage than other tissues. The immune system produces antibodies and antigens against the hair follicles. When they touch the hair follicles, then destroy them. What happens in the end? Lack of hair follicles results in lack of hair. It's a simple formula. A sign of an autoimmune response is also loss of all body hair.

Treatment

Before treatment of focal hair loss Hair loss - the distress signal , Requires a proper diagnosis to determine its true causes. Since there are many causes patchy hair loss, as mentioned above, the need to visit a qualified dermatologist for proper diagnosis. If it is caused by a fungal or bacterial infection is treated with antifungal and antibacterial antibiotics Antibiotics - whether they will help you in the foreseeable future? . If patchy alopecia are the result of an autoimmune disorder, hair loss is usually treated with corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, it is treated with immunosuppressants (immunosuppressants). If patchy hair loss is not caused by an autoimmune disease, it can be successfully treated for all. But if it is caused by an autoimmune disease, it is cured temporarily and can be repeated in the near future.

Conclusion

Alopecia areata hair has the form of round spots on which no hair in different areas on the scalp. It is caused by a fungal infection Fungal infection: to prevent and defeat , A bacterial infection or an autoimmune disorder. In autoimmune disorders, the body's own cells are strongly damaged antigens and antibodies produced by the immune system The immune system - how it works?   organism.