Body Care Kits

Aloe vera gel can heal burns.

Aloe vera's soothing qualities

The claim: Aloe vera gel can heal burns.

The facts: Aloe vera has been a common skin-care remedy since Greek physician Dioscorides advocated using it for burns in the first century AD.

It's only in recent years that scientists have conducted research to determine whether it lives up to its reputation. Some have found that aloe contains certain anti-inflammatory compounds and may act as an antibacterial agent. However, studies on its effects on minor and moderate burns have been mixed.

In 2007, for example, a study in the journal Burns analysed data from four controlled clinical trials involving 371 patients. Some were treated with topical aloe vera and others with placebo.

Patients in the aloe vera group appeared to have slightly shorter healing times, but the evidence was not convincing and the authors recommended further research.

In another study, scientists applied aloe vera to second-degree burns and compared it with other types of treatment. They found that it 'hindered the healing process' when compared with a common antibacterial cream.

Then in 2008, still another study looked at aloe vera applied to burns for six weeks and found that it decreased 'subdermal temperature within the skin' but did not reduce bacteria or speed the regeneration of skin.

The bottom line: Inconclusive. Studies of aloe vera's effect on burns have produced conflicting findings.

The New York Times

Labels: aloe vera, burns, heal burns

# posted by Leo @ 8:26 AM 1 comments

POOR EYESIGHT

Question:
What is the difference between long-sightedness, astigmatism and macular degeneration?
I have difficulty reading newspapers, books, contents on the computer screen and bus service numbers. I wear bifocal/progressive lenses - my power is between 900 and 1,000 plus degrees - but I can't see things at a distance clearly even with them on.
Am I suffering from one or more of the above?
It takes some time for me to adapt to new glasses (so I dread having to change to new ones).

Answer:
Refractive errors include myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia.

Myopia is short-sightedness. People with myopia have difficulty seeing far without glasses or contact lenses and they will require minus power lenses.

Hyperopia is long-sightedness. People with hyperopia have difficulty seeing far and near without glasses or contact lenses and they will require plus lenses.

Astigmatism is when the eye surface is not round but resembles a rugby ball - more curved on one side and flatter on the other side. It can occur in both myopic and hyperopic patients and will require astigmatic lenses.

Presbyopia affects individuals from age 40 onwards where they have difficulty reading. It occurs in both short-sighted and long-sighted patients but its onset is sooner in the latter group. Patients require reading glasses with powers ranging from +0.50 to +3.00D.

Age-related macular degeneration - where the fine vision centre is affected by ageing changes - is a disease which affects elderly patients. There are two types - dry and wet.

The problem you describe seems more like a refractive condition. You should consult an optometrist to check the power of the eye and whether your current spectacles are of the correct power.

If your vision does not improve with new glasses or contact lenses, then you should see an ophthalmologist to check the eye to exclude other diseases such as cataract, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

Dr Lennard Thean

Compliment to Mind Your Body

Labels: astigmatism, eyesight, long-sightendness, macular degeneration

# posted by Leo @ 9:27 AM 0 comments