FUNGAL SKIN CONDITIONS

Microflora, both on the skin and internally are essential for good health and like it or not, it is present on all of us.  Unfortunately, fungal or yeast overgrowth can sometimes result in skin problems.  These include Tinea (or Athletes Foot), Candida, Ringworm and Intertrigo which refers to skin problems in the folds of the skin.

Tinea

Candida

Ringworm

Intertrigo

Seborrheic Dermatitis on the scalp and face can also be a reaction to a type of yeast on the skin but all these problems can be easily fixed.

Seborrheic Dermatitis on the face and scalp

MooGoo’s Eczema and Psoriasis Balm is a natural cream that is also anti-fungal and because it’s made using edible oils, it can be used to treat Candida and it’s also safe for use on babies.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a very common mild condition in which the backs of the upper arms look rather dried out with small, hard pimples. Some studies estimate that keratosis pilaris affects 50-80% of all adolescents and is more common in females. The disorder is partly hereditary.

The characteristic rash is caused by firm little plugs forming in the hair follicles. The plugs themselves are made of bits of keratin, the main protein found in the outermost protective layer of skin (thus the name keratosis). These plugged follicles give the skin a raised, spotted appearance like goosebumps. The bumps are usually skin color or slightly pinker, and do not itch. The rash is often not noticeable to others, except on close inspection. Try and resist the urge to pick at the bumps as this can cause more irritation.

Classically the condition appears in early childhood, often around the age of two or three. Since the rash is associated with, and worsened by dryness of the skin, most people experience a clear-cut seasonal variation - generally worse in the winter. Although the rash changes in intensity from time to time, the baseline usually stays the same until middle adolescence, when it begins to improve. Adults who still have keratosis pilaris often experience further improvement during the middle decades. The average age when spontaneous improvement is first noted is sixteen.(British Medical Journal, June 1994).

Although keratosis pilaris is hereditary, the rash is more common in those with eczema, dry skin, or vitamin A deficiency (or a number of more esoteric skin conditions). The most common spot on the body for keratosis pilaris is the backs of the upper arms (92% of affected people have it there). Next most common is the thighs (59%) (British Medical Journal, June 1994). It can also occur on the face, buttocks, and eyebrows.

The simplest treatment is to keep the skin moist with the frequent use of moisturizers. Increasing the humidity in the sleeping quarters has also been shown to improve the rash (Clinical Pediatric Dermatology, Saunders 1993). Gentle exfoliation with a loofah sponge, a pumice sponge, or even a washcloth, can help loosen the plugs.

MooGoo has had many emails from customers who have reported an improvement in the condition. This is likely due to the general improvement in the moistness of the skin preventing the plugs forming then any cure per se. The main thing is it seems to help make the skin on the arms smooth again. It was a pleasant surprise to start receiving emails from customers regarding a skin problem that seems to be remarkably common.

We recommend applying Full Cream or MSM Soothing Cream to the area after each bath or shower.

....Now I've discovered your moo goo things are 100% better. the small dry patches on my shoulders/back are nearly gone and the dry areas of my face are better. the backs of my arms are rid of their small bumps and my skin in general is so noticeably softer - and all of this was just after a week.

Consequently my bathroom cupboard is clear of all but moo goo, including all my clinique. My boyfriend had to use the men's Clinique cleansing bar the other day since he wasn't at my house and he said how harsh it was!

Kelly, Perth

...I did not really expect the bumps on my arms to go as I have had them for as long as I remember. It was a surprising side-effect of using the milk soap ( or udder cream, I am not 100% sure!!)

Nicole, Perth