Advice & Answers to your Qs
A. The discoloration is caused by a condition known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and is caused by an excessive amount of melanin. Melanin is a pigment caused by cells known as melanocytes and when there is irritation or injury, it produces too much. Too much waxing or repeated nicks from shaving can cause this problematic condition. Those with darker skin are more prone because they have a greater amount of melanin. To terminate the discoloration, make sure your skin is wet before shaving so you don't cut yourself, and try to plan waxing a day before you will be outside in the sun because the sun will help to tone down the darkness. Never attempt to wax skin that is irritated, including from a sunburn. There are skin-lightening products on the market that are helpful for getting rid of the discoloration, including Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Treatment SPF 15 ($14) or Neutrogena Visibly Even Exfoliating Body Wash ($9).
A. That itch can be caused by dry skin, sweat or by wearing clothing that is too tight. If the itch is more inside, it may be a yeast infection. A yeast infection is the result of an excessive growth of a family of bacteria that normally inhabits the vagina, known as Candida albicans. Going on the Pill can also make a woman more prone to yeast infections. Symptoms include redness outside and itchiness inside your vagina and a somewhat thick, white discharge (that looks similar to cottage cheese). Thankfully, there are some ways you can avoid the itch. Avoid wet or tight clothing, shower and/or change out of exercise clothing as soon as possible. Also, avoid eating foods high in sugar, starch and yeast, and always wipe front to back. Eating yogurt with active cultures helps to keep yeast infections at bay. If you think you may have a yeast infection (and to rule out any possibility of an STD), visit your doctor. She can prescribe a convenient one day pill (cost: $15) instead of dealing with messy creams. Good luck!
A. Yes, you should always eat carbs before working out because they are an excellent source of energy, but how far in advance is your choice. Some people cannot eat after an hour before, others can eat fifteen minutes prior to their work out. Experiment and see what works best for your body. Try eating cereal with a banana, oatmeal, whole-grain toast, crackers or pretzels. Energy bars, such as PowerBar, are also great sources of energy. Just eat a PB 45-30 minutes prior to your activity. After your work out, have yogurt with granola or cereal with milk because protein (paired with carbs) is important to relieve muscle soreness. Athletes should never follow a strict Atkins diet!
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