Skin Issues

Subterms

    Latest story

    125 Shares

    9 Quick Health Tests You Can Do At Home Yourself

    by

    These quick health tests, which you can do at home, take minutes (in some cases, seconds) and can reveal a number of things that need attention. Hop onto it. 

    Why Your Should Be Doing Your Own Health Checks At Home

    Reality check: At your last doctor’s visit, how long did it take? 15 minutes? Maybe less? Contending with short doc appointments – problems with that notwithstanding – means you need to advocate for yourself and have info on hand. Plus, knowing your health status only benefits you more in the long run, especially when it comes to being heard by your GP.

    Added to that, self-screenings play a vital role in catching conditions early on when they’re still easier to treat. Arm yourself by doing these speedy checks below and making sure that when your app does arrive, you’ve got all your bases covered.

    READ MORE: This Is What It REALLY Feels Like To Have A Mammogram

    The 9 Quick Health Tests You Should Do Today

    Test 1: Climb The Stairs

    Time: 3 minutes 

    Do it: Try climbing four flights of stairs in less than a minute – no running required

    What It Shows

    Per study author Dr Jesús Peteiro, a cardiologist at University Hospital A Coruña, Spain, taking the stairs is a good indicator of how well your ticker is, well, ticking. “If it takes you more than one-and-a-half minutes to ascend four flights of stairs, your health is suboptimal, and it would be a good idea to consult a doctor,” he explained in a press release.

    In the study, participants ran on a treadmill and then climbed a set of stairs after a brief rest. 58 percent of patients who completed the stair climb in more than 1.5 minutes had abnormal heart function, the studies revealed.

    Out of breath or feeling a tightness in your chest? See your doc, ASAP.

    READ MORE: 5 Heart Disease Risk Factors Every Woman Needs To Know About

    Test 2: Balance On One Leg

    Time: 40 seconds 

    Do it: Take off your shoes. Now, balance on one leg for ten seconds. Easy enough? Do it with your eyes closed.

    What This Quick Health Test Shows

    Bummer alert: Balance deteriorates as you age. But according to studies, having good balance is a powerful indicator of how long – and healthily – you’ll live. In a 2014 British Medical Journal study, 53-year-old adults were tested by seeing how long they could stand on one leg. When the researchers returned to the study 13 years later, they found that the test had independently predicted the chance of participants dying over that period.

    The highest indicator of death? Lasting less than two seconds. It’s hard because when we remove our eyes from the equation, our body has to work that much harder to keep us upright. But all is not lost. Improve your balance with single-leg deadlifts that build all-over strength, or try yoga.

    READ MORE: Boost Your Morning Routine With This Easy 15-Minute Yoga Flow

    Test 3: Check Your Moles

    Time: 5 minutes 

    Do it: Examine yourself in a well-lit room, checking your back, upper arms and backs of your legs as well as everywhere else. Check for abnormal growths and misshapen moles.

    What This Shows

    Checking your skin for moles is the second line of defence against skin cancer (the first being rigorous use of sunscreen). “Melanoma is a type of skin cancer affecting melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells,” says Pretoria-based dermatologist Dr Tarryn Jacobs. “It is also the most dangerous type because of its potential spread to distant organs and tissues.”

    Even if you’re a POC, checking for moles is vital, says Dr Jacobs. “Although certain skin cancers are less prevalent in non-Caucasian racial groups, when they do occur, they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage,” she says. “The most common location for melanoma in patients of skin of colour is the lower extremities – the soles of the feet, in particular. This is a type of melanoma called acral lentiginous melanoma, which is an aggressive type.”

    READ MORE: Sunscreens For Every Skin Type And Situation

    Test 4: Check Your Breasts

    Time: 5 minutes 

    Do it: Check your breasts for lumps, bumps and abnormalities.

    What This Quick Health Test Shows

    When combined with regular screenings with your doc and mammograms, self-screening is a powerful tool in detecting breast cancer. If you’re a person of colour, check your tatas, even if you’re young. Per a 2020 study, breast cancer in Black women often manifests at a young age. But, as with anything, it can happen to anyone, so check yo’self a few days after every period ends, according to Breastcancer.org. 

    Exactly how to check your breasts

    Stand in front of the mirror, hands at your hips and have a look at your melons. Check that they’re not swollen or distorted. Check for inverted nipples, redness, soreness or rashes.

    Next, lie down with one hand above your head. With your other, press down with your fingers and move them in a small, circular motion. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side; from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Breasts should feel firm and not lumpy.

    READ MORE: 11 Symptoms Of Breast Cancer In Women That Aren’t Lumps

    Test 5: Check Your Iron Levels

    Time: 30 seconds 

    Do it: Check if the lines on your palm are pale, check for pale gums and eyelids, or cold hands and feet.

    What It Shows

    Around 50 percent of South African women are iron deficient, per an estimate by Ogilvy Health. A frightening statistic, with real implications. “Iron is used in the body to assist in the formation of red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen around the body, to our muscles and organs,” says Dr Eden Lurie, a GP in Cape Town.

    People low on iron feel lethargic, short of breath and can even have itchy skin. “If untreated, you can be at increased risk of infection as your immunity is lowered, and in severe cases, it can lead to heart failure,” notes Dr Lurie.

    READ MORE: Um, A Scary 50% Of SA Women Are Iron Deficient

    Test 6: Do The Paper Test

    Time: 3 seconds 

    Do it: Place a small piece of paper on your hands and check if it shakes. It’s better to see it this way than examining your hand by itself. 

    What it shows

    Shaking hands can reveal a few things. It can be hereditary, so see if your folks have shaky hands, too. Had too much caffeine? Stressed? These could cause a case of the trembles. On the other, erm, hand, it could also be a sign of neurological disease or a simple vitamin B12 deficiency.

    If you’re also struggling with rapid weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat, shaking hands could be a sign of hyperthyroidism, a condition when your thyroid gland makes too much of the thyroid hormone. “If your hands are shaking it is best to visit your doctor for a full check-up,” advises Dr Lurie.

    READ MORE: 10 Best Essential Oils To Help Relieve Anxiety and Stress

    Test 7: Ask Yourself These Questions

    Time: 15 minutes 

    Do it: Ask yourself these questions, suggests psychologist Sanam Naran, founder of Conscious Psychology in Johannesburg. 

    What are the three most frequent emotions I’ve been feeling in the last two weeks to a month? 

    Can I easily name my emotions or do I struggle to put a name to them?

    Do I notice changes in my sleeping patterns or eating habits? 

    How often do I do things that I enjoy or put my needs first? 

    What do I do to take care of my mental health?

    On a scale of 1-10 (1 being low, 10 being good) how would I describe my emotional health?

    What it shows

    “These questions are important because they gauge whether an individual’s mental health is good or needs to be taken care of,” elaborates Naran. “It also allows them to reflect a bit deeper on themselves and ask questions that they may have been ignoring.” If your answers to these questions turn out less than satisfactory, it might be time to chat with a therapist, who can help sort through what’s really behind your low feelings. 

    READ MORE: 18 Mental Health Books For Anxiety, People-Pleasing And More

    Test 8: Complete The Sitting To Rising Test

    Time: 2 minutes 

    Do it: Simply stand up, then lower yourself into a cross-legged position, without using your hands or knees. Now, stand back up again – without using your hands or knees. It’s easier said than done.

    What this quick health test shows

    While it might make for great TikTok content, this challenge does so much more than that. A group of Brazilian researchers linked this test to mortality, with those able to perform it being more likely to live longer. “It is well known that aerobic fitness is strongly related to survival, but our study also shows that maintaining high levels of body flexibility, muscle strength, power-to-body weight ratio, and coordination are not only good for performing daily activities but have a favourable influence on life expectancy,” says Dr Claudio Gil Araújo of the Clinimex Exercise Medicine Clinic in Rio de Janeiro in a press release.

    READ MORE: 9 Bodyweight Exercises That Will Improve Your Mobility

    Test 9: Measure Your Waist

    Time: 2 minutes 

    Do it: Use a tape measure and see how large your waist circumference is, measuring right above your belly button.

    What it shows

    “Waist circumference is a good indicator of your visceral fat – namely fat surrounding your abdominal organs that shows on your torso,” says Dr Lurie. When it exists in excess, this kind of fat can be dangerous to your health. “Having an increased waist circumference puts you at higher risk for developing high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary heart disease,” warns Dr Lurie.

    If yours is larger than 80cm, it’s time to make some changes. Incorporate more veg into your diet, reduce stress (cortisol plays a role in fat stores), nix the fast food and pick up more exercise to reduce this kind of fat around your abdomen. 

    This story was published in the March/April 2024 edition of Women’s Health South Africa by Michelle October. More

    More stories

    • 163 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      Everything You Need To Know About Heat Rash (And How To Prevent It)

      by

      Got itchiness, prickling sensations or red bumps on your body? You might have this skin condition. But don’t fret. We’ve got the low-down on this particularly prickly problem and how you can prevent it this summer.

      What Exactly Is A Heat Rash?

      There are many types of skin rashes, which can be concerning, uncomfortable, or downright painful. One of the common types of rash is heat rash, otherwise known as miliaria.

      In simple terms, a heat rash is a skin condition that affects children and adults in hot, humid weather conditions (hello summer), and it usually develops when your pores become blocked and the sweat can’t escape. Most often, you’ll develop a heat rash on the parts of your body that rub together — think inner thighs or under your arms. Yeah, friction…

      READ MORE: 10 Tips To Keep Your Vagina Happy And Healthy

      What Does It Look Like?

      There are three types of heat rash, which can vary in severity and tend to look a little different:

      1. Miliaria Crysallina

      This is the most common and mildest form of heat rash. You’ll notice small clear or white bumps filled with fluid on the surface of your skin. These bumps are bubbles of sweat and will often burst. This type of heat rash doesn’t itch and shouldn’t be painful, and is more common in young babies than in adults.

      2. Miliaria Rubra

      Also known as “prickly heat”, this one’s more common in adults than in children and babies and causes more discomfort than miliaria crysallina because it occurs deeper in the outer layer of the skin or epidermis.

      It may cause: Itchy or prickly sensations, red bumps on the skin, and a lack of sweat in the affected area. Because your body can’t release sweat through the skin’s surface, you’ll also experience inflammation and soreness. But wait, there’s more: The bumps can progress and fill with pus, which is known as miliaria pustulosa.

      3. Miliaria Profunda

      This one is the least common form of heat rash, but it’s one that can recur often and become chronic. It occurs in the dermis, which is the deeper layer of skin. This type of heat rash typically occurs in adults after a physical activity that produces sweat. You’ll notice larger, tough, flesh-coloured bumps.

      As the heat rash stops sweat from leaving your skin, it may lead to nausea and dizziness.

      READ MORE: How To Use Genetic Testing To Improve Your Health

      The Cause

      A heat-related rash occurs when pores become blocked and can’t expel sweat. This is more likely to happen in warmer months, warmer climates and after intense exercise. Also, wearing certain clothing can trap sweat — boom: itchiness, prickling sensations and red bumps. Beware of using thick lotions and creams too.

      Take note: It is possible to get a heat-related rash in cooler weather if you wear clothes or sleep under covers that lead to overheating. Call a doctor if you begin to experience a fever, chills, increased pain or pus draining from the bumps, but the rash is rarely serious and it often goes away without treatment in a few days.

      READ MORE: Skin Cycling: Here’s How To Do The Viral TikTok Skincare Regime

      Follow these tips to prevent heat rash:

      Avoid wearing tight clothing that doesn’t allow your skin to breathe. Moisture-wicking fabrics help prevent sweat build-up on the skin.

      Don’t use thick lotions or creams that can clog your pores.

      Try not to become overheated, especially in warmer months. Seek out air-conditioning.

      Use a soap that won’t dry your skin and doesn’t contain fragrances or dyes. More

    • 150 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      Face Mapping: 9 Things Your Pimples Can Tell You About Your Health

      by

      Face mapping pimples on your skin is a useful technique that can shed light on the different zones in your face, since each zone develops zits reacting to different health events.
      We’re not just talking beauty here – face mapping can provide a deeper view of your skin concerns. The state of your skin can reflect your whole being. If you’ve been indulging in too much rich food and wine, the face mapping technique will show you the error of your ways.
      So, what exactly is face mapping?
      Face mapping or Chinese face mapping is a great tool to determine where skin symptoms such as blemishes, redness and pimples, connect deeper in the body. It’s a technique that reaches back thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine.
      READ MORE: 8 Skin-Smoothing DIY Face Scrubs You Can Make In Your Kitchen
      This unique skin analysis divides the face into fourteen zones. Each zone is thoroughly examined centimetre-by-centimetre by analyzing conditions like congestion, breakouts, dehydration, pigmentation etc. Below, a breakdown of each zone.

      Zones 1 & 3
      The left and right side of forehead is regarded as the “sister” to the bladder and digestive system. If you breakout frequently in this area, it might mean that you need to improve your elimination by drinking more water and eating more “whole” foods.
      Zone 2
      The middle of the forehead, between the eyebrows, is related to the liver. Congestion in this zone can indicate over consumption of alcohol, rich foods, and possibly a food allergy (such as lactose intolerance).
      READ MORE: “I Tried My Mom’s Beauty Routine And Learnt 4 Important Lessons”
      Zones 4 & 10
      The ears are a highly sensitive area related to the kidneys. If you notice that your ears are very hot, you might be stressing them out – drink plenty of plain water and cut down on caffeine and alcohol.
      Zones 5 & 9
      The cheeks often give an accurate glimpse into any respiratory distress. Smokers or people suffering from allergies generally experience fine, broken capillaries or congestion in this area.
      Zones 6 & 8
      The eyes are truly a window to the body’s health because they’re related to the kidneys. Dark circles, while often hereditary, are made worse by dehydration and poor elimination of toxins.
      READ MORE: 7 Face Mists To Keep Your Skin Cool And Hydrated During The Hot Summer Days
      Zone 7
      A reddened nose can indicate heightened blood pressure, or the early stages of rosacea. Congestion around the upper lip can occur if you use comedogenic lipsticks or liners.
      Zones 11 & 13
      Look and feel for undersurface congestion and breakouts. Undersurface congestion can be due to insufficient cleansing all the way down to the jaw-line, leaving make-up and cleanser residue. If there are breakouts along the jawbone near the ear, check if you’re having problems with your back teeth (wisdom), or have had recent dental surgery or x-rays.
      Zone 12
      Breakouts or unusual hair growth can indicate hormonal imbalance, possibly caused by extreme stress. Premenstrual breakouts are also very common on the chin.
      Zone 14
      Don’t forget to include your neck in your treatment regimen – the skin on your neck is just as fragile as that on your face, so it definitely needs the benefits of moisturisation and sun protection. More