The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. It has three layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone. The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.
The skin’s colour is created by special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. Melanocytes are located in the epidermis.
The skin is the largest organ of detoxification in the body. The presence of virus, bacteria and fungus on the skin which normally produce an accumulation of pus is called an infection.
The symptoms are:
-irritation
-inflammation
-rash
-spots or blisters with pus.
The main causes are:
By contagion, by a neglected wound, or by scratching an insect bite. They are also produced by fungus or bacteria, such as staphylococcus or a virus. Consult your physician.
Common skin infections caused by bacteria include staph infections, cellulitis, boils, carbuncles, and impetigo. Common viral skin infections include warts and herpes simplex. Athlete’s foot and ringworm are skin infections caused by fungi. Symptoms depend on the type of infection. Common symptoms of skin infections include redness, blisters, rashes, irritation, fever, and pus or fluid draining from the infected skin.
Conditions that create breaks in the skin and allow germs to enter, such as eczema and acne, can increase a person’s risk of skin infection. Other causes include chickenpox, scratched insect bites, animal bites, and puncture wounds.
Treatment depends on the type of infection and often includes antibiotic pills or liquid (for bacterial infections) or creams or lotions applied directly to the skin.
Skin infection prevention
Wash your hands often and properly.
Wash scrapes, cuts, wounds, or insect bites right away.
Do not share items, such as towels, razors, bar soap, clothes, or toys.
Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a skin infection.
Suggested natural remedy
Take propolis or another natural antibiotic like GarlicThyme. In addition to this, rub a propolis-based ointment and/or aloe vera gelly, Aloe lips or Aloe first spray on the area.
The following is the daily suggested adult use:
Wash the affected area with an aloe vera soap.
Rub propolis cream or aloe vera gelly
You may spray Aloe first several times daily which is a natural antibiotic, kills bacteria and anti- inflammatory.
Take bee propolis, 3 tablets daily. 1 tablet with each meal. Natural antibiotic kills bacteria and viruses.
Drink aloe vera gel (any of the 4 variants) – 30-60ml before each meal. Preferably first thing in the morning and last at night. This is anti- inflammatory, pain inhibitor, natural antibiotic and cell regenerator.
References:
Guide to Natural Remedies for Health and Well-Being by Enrique Garza Gutierrez BSC. C.Ht.
About the Author:
Mrs Chima Ejimofor is the Lead Partner of Infinite Health Consult, and is available for the purchase of these Nutritional Supplements, Health Talks and Wellness Seminars. She is based in Lagos, Nigeria. Telephone/WhatsApp: 07033179632, email: infinitehealthconsult@gmail.com
