washing too much!
Of course we should all bath every day, which will
get rid of most of the bugs on the skin, but most of us wash our hair
too much, which leads to a drier scalp and even more problems. Simple
scalp problems, such as dandruff, can often be easily treated with mild
shampoos like Vosene, but for more serious problems you may need a stronger
anti-fungal shampoo. For most of us, it may be better not to shampoo every
day, but to alternate and use a good general hair conditioner instead.
For men, it may be worth not shaving every day - to give the skin time
to rest. You can always say you're cultivating designer stubble.
If you get prescribed a steroid cream, as happens sometimes for really
bad complaints, there will be a warning on the tube not to use it excessively.
Don't ignore this, as prolonged use can make skin eruptions worse, not
better.
Diluted tea-tree oil is very effective against many simple fungal infections
and it is worth having a handy tube of Canesten HC for most fungal rashes
and a simple anti-fungal spray to prevent athlete's foot. Similarly, it's
worth keeping a tube of Acylovir cream (Zovirax) for bouts of herpes,
which seem to attack when the immune system is depleted.
People with HIV often develop skin-related side effects to antiretrovirals,
such as rashes. Most are mild and disappear over time. But if a sudden
severe rash appears after you start a new medication (especially abacavir),
always consult your doctor, as it may be a symptom of a severe life-threatening
allergic reaction.
Be wary of herbal remedies and always check with your clinic doctor or
pharmacist,
page 3 of 4
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