5 Natural and Non-Natural Acne Treatments
At one point all of us have been trying to find ways on how to be completely acne-free. Here are some natural and not so natural acne treatments that are proven to be effective.
1. Witch Hazel Astringent
This astringent comes from the plant with the same name. It is widely spread from Nova Scotia in Canada down to Texas and Florida. Simply steam the twigs of this plant and voila! The extract you get from it serves as your astringent. Remember to cool it though. What’s good about this is that it occurs naturally and even the process it has undergone is all natural. You can be assured it is less harsh compared with commercially-produced astringents.
2. Commercially Produced Astringents
There is no doubt that astringents we can buy over-the-counter are also effective. There are lots of variants to choose from with additional ingredients that promote better skin. The only downside is it can be a little harsh because of the chemicals added to produce this formula. Use them with extra care as they can dry the skin.
3. All-Natural Treatments
Kitchen and acne are two enemies we may not be aware of. Scout your kitchen for stuff like oranges and lemons, fresh garlic and raw potatoes.
- Oranges and lemons just need to be squeezed on cotton balls. Apply the extract on affected areas and wash it after about 20 minutes.
- Fresh garlic is used much easier. Just remove its peeling and rub it on your face.
- As for raw potatoes, peel them and rub its flat surface on your face.
The natural extracts from these fruits and vegetables can help minimize the redness at the same time can clean the skin.
4. Oral Antibiotics
For severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed. These medications are orally taken to reduce the amount of bacteria inside and around skin follicles. They also decrease the exasperating chemicals that the white blood cells produce. Lastly, antibiotics diminish the concentration of the free fatty acids found in sebum, also creating an anti-inflammatory action. Consult your dermatologist for the right antibiotic and dosage.
Tetracycline is still the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for acne treatment. Most of this antibiotic should be taken on an empty stomach. Also, this shouldn’t be used by pregnant women and children under 9. Usually, the starting dose is initially 500 milligrams twice daily and is continuously taken until prescribed, or until a considerable dropping off of lesions is visible.
Erythromycin comes close second and can be prescribed to pregnant women. However, it can cause nausea and even upset stomach. Compared to tetracycline, which can only kill bacteria, Erythromycin has both anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing properties. Also, this antibiotic needs to be taken in a food-filled tummy. You may discuss other possible antibiotics with your doctors regarding the effects and side-effects of each.
5. Topical Treatments
Externally applied creams are also proven effective for acne treatment. However, it results to drying and flaking but it is said to be the most effective treatment for severe acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one very common and effective topical acne treatment.
Showing posts with label Acne Treatment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Acne Treatment. Show all posts
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Acne Control: The Top Things You Can Do To Heal
Acne Control: The Top Things You Can Do To Heal
Acne control is all about education and effective products.
Acne control can happen when individuals strive to find the best possible skin care regimen as well as the best skin care products to use. From there, there are several ways in which individuals can find a way to control their acne successfully including through using products such as natural acne treatments and laser treatments. But, before you get that far, there are several acne treatments that you can do now to begin getting acne control for your body.
Natural Acne Treatments
The first thing to do is to use natural acne treatments. These will include a wide range of vitamins and minerals for your skin. You’ll find a good assortment of natural skin care products to help you right on the web. You should supplement any of these natural products with a good, well balanced diet and exercise. Because the actual acne on your face is infections of the skin, giving your body what it needs to fight them off is essential to actually getting rid of them.
Control Acne With A Good Skin Regimen
One of the most beneficial things that you can do when it comes to acne skin care is to use a good, solid cleansing regimen for your face. This will include antibacterial products and exfoliating products that will work to improve your face and your body’s look. These will help to kill off the bacteria that are causing your acne as well as get rid of the dead skin cells that the bacteria are feeding off of. Together, this can completely wipe your face and body clean of acne. Something to consider is Proactiv Acne Control which is an acne skin care line that has shown to be very good at acne control.
Finding the acne control for your needs is not easy. You may find that the best thing to do is to seek out alternative treatments such as laser treatments and chemical peels. Yet, for many, it can be more beneficial to work with a natural product for their skin care. If you visit your dermatologist, he too may have a different approach and one that may include acne medication. Many of these things can be effective at controlling acne.
Acne control is all about education and effective products.
Acne control can happen when individuals strive to find the best possible skin care regimen as well as the best skin care products to use. From there, there are several ways in which individuals can find a way to control their acne successfully including through using products such as natural acne treatments and laser treatments. But, before you get that far, there are several acne treatments that you can do now to begin getting acne control for your body.
Natural Acne Treatments
The first thing to do is to use natural acne treatments. These will include a wide range of vitamins and minerals for your skin. You’ll find a good assortment of natural skin care products to help you right on the web. You should supplement any of these natural products with a good, well balanced diet and exercise. Because the actual acne on your face is infections of the skin, giving your body what it needs to fight them off is essential to actually getting rid of them.
Control Acne With A Good Skin Regimen
One of the most beneficial things that you can do when it comes to acne skin care is to use a good, solid cleansing regimen for your face. This will include antibacterial products and exfoliating products that will work to improve your face and your body’s look. These will help to kill off the bacteria that are causing your acne as well as get rid of the dead skin cells that the bacteria are feeding off of. Together, this can completely wipe your face and body clean of acne. Something to consider is Proactiv Acne Control which is an acne skin care line that has shown to be very good at acne control.
Finding the acne control for your needs is not easy. You may find that the best thing to do is to seek out alternative treatments such as laser treatments and chemical peels. Yet, for many, it can be more beneficial to work with a natural product for their skin care. If you visit your dermatologist, he too may have a different approach and one that may include acne medication. Many of these things can be effective at controlling acne.
iPledge for Accutane
iPledge for Accutane
FDA Puts New Restrictions on Accutane
Accutane is the most effective drug we have to treat acne, but also the most controversial. The media has been irresponsible at times by reporting stories of questionable side effects and in effect “demonizing” this very safe and useful drug. However, the one side effect that is not in any way “questionable” is that Accutane can cause birth defects and therefore cannot be given to a woman who may become pregnant.
New Restrictions:
In an effort to eliminate Accutane-related birth defects, the thousands of Americans who take the acne drug Accutane -- and people who prescribe and dispense it -- must now enroll in a national registry.
Under the program, every patient -- men and women -- must enroll in the iPLEDGE computerized registry starting Dec. 31 2006 to receive Accutane or generic versions of the drug isotretinoin. Doctors must register, too, if they wish to continue prescribing the pills. Drugstores and wholesalers also must register in order for the pills' manufacturers to ship them any supplies.
Additional Step for Women:
Women must undergo two tests to ensure they're not pregnant in a laboratory or doctor's office before the initial prescription, and monthly pregnancy testing before each refill. Home pregnancy tests don't count. The doctor must enter the pregnancy test results into the iPLEDGE system, and the woman must buy her pills within seven days.
* These women also must agree to use two forms of birth control while using Accutane, and must self-register on iPLEDGE -- in addition to the doctor's initial registration -- to report that they're doing so. There's no way to know if women lie in this step, but the FDA sees it as an additional opportunity to warn of the pills' danger.
The last step occurs at the pharmacy. The pharmacist must check the computer database before filling a prescription to ensure that patients followed all these rules.
The Scope of the Problem:
The FDA estimates that 100,000 prescriptions for Accutane and generics are filled each month. Since Accutane began selling in 1982, the FDA has reports of well over 2,000 pregnancies among users (and possibly more that were never reported). The vast majority ended in abortion or miscarriage, but the FDA counts more than 160 babies born with drug-caused defects.
FDA Puts New Restrictions on Accutane
Accutane is the most effective drug we have to treat acne, but also the most controversial. The media has been irresponsible at times by reporting stories of questionable side effects and in effect “demonizing” this very safe and useful drug. However, the one side effect that is not in any way “questionable” is that Accutane can cause birth defects and therefore cannot be given to a woman who may become pregnant.
New Restrictions:
In an effort to eliminate Accutane-related birth defects, the thousands of Americans who take the acne drug Accutane -- and people who prescribe and dispense it -- must now enroll in a national registry.
Under the program, every patient -- men and women -- must enroll in the iPLEDGE computerized registry starting Dec. 31 2006 to receive Accutane or generic versions of the drug isotretinoin. Doctors must register, too, if they wish to continue prescribing the pills. Drugstores and wholesalers also must register in order for the pills' manufacturers to ship them any supplies.
Additional Step for Women:
Women must undergo two tests to ensure they're not pregnant in a laboratory or doctor's office before the initial prescription, and monthly pregnancy testing before each refill. Home pregnancy tests don't count. The doctor must enter the pregnancy test results into the iPLEDGE system, and the woman must buy her pills within seven days.
* These women also must agree to use two forms of birth control while using Accutane, and must self-register on iPLEDGE -- in addition to the doctor's initial registration -- to report that they're doing so. There's no way to know if women lie in this step, but the FDA sees it as an additional opportunity to warn of the pills' danger.
The last step occurs at the pharmacy. The pharmacist must check the computer database before filling a prescription to ensure that patients followed all these rules.
The Scope of the Problem:
The FDA estimates that 100,000 prescriptions for Accutane and generics are filled each month. Since Accutane began selling in 1982, the FDA has reports of well over 2,000 pregnancies among users (and possibly more that were never reported). The vast majority ended in abortion or miscarriage, but the FDA counts more than 160 babies born with drug-caused defects.
Friday, August 21, 2009
A Brief Overview Of Baby Acne
A Brief Overview Of Baby Acne
Small babies may develop acne because of the lingering maternal hormones after delivery, which may cause stimulation to the baby's sebaceous glands. Your baby receives these hormones from the placenta, after the delivery.
Don't worry if your baby has pimples. About 20% of the newborn babies are affected by baby acne, also known as acne-neonatorum.
Let’ know the various aspects of this peculiar type of acne. First things first, the treatment for infantile acne is not the same as that of acne treatment for any other age group.
Infantile acne is gender-biased. Male babies are more affected than their female counterparts. Normally babies have the acne attack at the age of 3 weeks. Some babies have it from the time of delivery. Generally the types of acne you find in infants are papules and pustules. Papules are red bumps and pustules are whiteheads. They have a collection of pus.
Some babies also have acne on the scalp. Acne in babies does not require treatment as such. The lesions will take care of themselves within a period of four months. But do take the normal care of the baby as you would take care of its other body parts.
Use mild baby soap and gently clean the face once in a day with water. Do not try harsher methods by using oil and other lotions which you think are good. They may at times, worsen the condition. Know for certain that infantile acne will disappear when it has to.
In your anxiety to photograph the baby, don't stuff his/her cheeks with cosmetics and if at all you need to have the touch-ups, do it in an imaginative way.
If you or your family doctor feel that the baby has severe acne, treat it with benzoyl peroxide, keratolytic agents or topical creams like retinoids.
The ways of acne are indeed mysterious. If you have a family history of acne, that doesn't mean that your baby will have acne. And just because the baby has acne, it doesn't mean that, it will suffer from the attack of acne, when it grows up. Acne has its own working style and attacking strategy.
Infantile acne, which normally appears after the age of three months in a baby, quietly disappears after the age of 12 months. No special efforts of treatment are required. In some babies, the condition may last up to three years. It is due to the genetic makeup of your baby. You have something to contribute to it, as the hereditary part.
You have nothing to do with the infantile acne, relating to the treatment part. Just observe its arrival and departure. Well, arrival with anxiety and departure with pleasure!
Small babies may develop acne because of the lingering maternal hormones after delivery, which may cause stimulation to the baby's sebaceous glands. Your baby receives these hormones from the placenta, after the delivery.
Don't worry if your baby has pimples. About 20% of the newborn babies are affected by baby acne, also known as acne-neonatorum.
Let’ know the various aspects of this peculiar type of acne. First things first, the treatment for infantile acne is not the same as that of acne treatment for any other age group.
Infantile acne is gender-biased. Male babies are more affected than their female counterparts. Normally babies have the acne attack at the age of 3 weeks. Some babies have it from the time of delivery. Generally the types of acne you find in infants are papules and pustules. Papules are red bumps and pustules are whiteheads. They have a collection of pus.
Some babies also have acne on the scalp. Acne in babies does not require treatment as such. The lesions will take care of themselves within a period of four months. But do take the normal care of the baby as you would take care of its other body parts.
Use mild baby soap and gently clean the face once in a day with water. Do not try harsher methods by using oil and other lotions which you think are good. They may at times, worsen the condition. Know for certain that infantile acne will disappear when it has to.
In your anxiety to photograph the baby, don't stuff his/her cheeks with cosmetics and if at all you need to have the touch-ups, do it in an imaginative way.
If you or your family doctor feel that the baby has severe acne, treat it with benzoyl peroxide, keratolytic agents or topical creams like retinoids.
The ways of acne are indeed mysterious. If you have a family history of acne, that doesn't mean that your baby will have acne. And just because the baby has acne, it doesn't mean that, it will suffer from the attack of acne, when it grows up. Acne has its own working style and attacking strategy.
Infantile acne, which normally appears after the age of three months in a baby, quietly disappears after the age of 12 months. No special efforts of treatment are required. In some babies, the condition may last up to three years. It is due to the genetic makeup of your baby. You have something to contribute to it, as the hereditary part.
You have nothing to do with the infantile acne, relating to the treatment part. Just observe its arrival and departure. Well, arrival with anxiety and departure with pleasure!
About Acne: Getting the Most from Your Doctor
About Acne: Getting the Most from Your Doctor
There’s nothing trivial about having acne problems. If you are one of the millions that suffer from acne outbreaks, you know that it can be uncomfortable and even sometimes devastating to someone who is seriously afflicted. As you consider treatment options, you may want the professional help of a physician or dermatologist. These highly trained specialists can be invaluable in helping you achieve clear skin again. While they are not magicians who can make your acne disappear overnight, they can be essential in diagnosing and treating you so that you don’t have to suffer any longer than necessary.
It is important to remember a few things when visiting a skin care specialist. Because there are so many people in the world that suffer from acne outbreaks, dermatologists are often very busy with lots of clients. Don’t let this vex you; a doctor is concerned about your condition and wants to help you. Here are some things that you can do to maximize your visit when you see them. Having effective doctor visits will help you overcome your acne sooner and also help you save money and time.
First, don’t be afraid to ask questions about your condition. Remember, we are all different, so a treatment that is highly effective with one person is not necessarily what is going to work for you. Knowledge about the particulars of your condition will help you better understand the condition you are trying to overcome. You may even want to write down any specific questions you may have to make sure you cover all the topics you want to know about.
The most important aspect of having an effective doctor visit is good communication. By keeping some facts or aspects about your condition from the dermatologist, you are only hurting yourself by giving them an incomplete knowledge of the facts. The doctor can only base his diagnosis on what you have told him, so try to be thorough with the details about your acne. Tell them how long your acne has been affecting you, what other treatments you’ve attempted to do before, what worsens your condition, and any other factors that you think may apply. Tell them how your acne is affecting you emotionally and socially, as mental health is synonymous with your physical health.
Once your doctor and you have discussed your condition, make sure that you fully understand what they will be doing in regards to your treatment. Be sure to understand the correct way to apply the treatment, how long the treatment will last, and how long it will be before you begin to see results. Also, be sure and find out if there are any side effects that go along with the use of the treatment; this will help you be better prepared for any occurrences or problems that may arise. Schedule a follow-up appointment with the doctor and discuss what the status of your condition should be when you return. If you are knowledgeable about the treatment and looking for the desired results, you will know sooner whether your current method is working or not.
Remember that there are many treatments available that work better or worse for different people. Don’t be discouraged if the first method you try does not attain the desired results. Be patient and work with your doctor and you will soon be able to find the most effective treatment that is right for you.
There’s nothing trivial about having acne problems. If you are one of the millions that suffer from acne outbreaks, you know that it can be uncomfortable and even sometimes devastating to someone who is seriously afflicted. As you consider treatment options, you may want the professional help of a physician or dermatologist. These highly trained specialists can be invaluable in helping you achieve clear skin again. While they are not magicians who can make your acne disappear overnight, they can be essential in diagnosing and treating you so that you don’t have to suffer any longer than necessary.
It is important to remember a few things when visiting a skin care specialist. Because there are so many people in the world that suffer from acne outbreaks, dermatologists are often very busy with lots of clients. Don’t let this vex you; a doctor is concerned about your condition and wants to help you. Here are some things that you can do to maximize your visit when you see them. Having effective doctor visits will help you overcome your acne sooner and also help you save money and time.
First, don’t be afraid to ask questions about your condition. Remember, we are all different, so a treatment that is highly effective with one person is not necessarily what is going to work for you. Knowledge about the particulars of your condition will help you better understand the condition you are trying to overcome. You may even want to write down any specific questions you may have to make sure you cover all the topics you want to know about.
The most important aspect of having an effective doctor visit is good communication. By keeping some facts or aspects about your condition from the dermatologist, you are only hurting yourself by giving them an incomplete knowledge of the facts. The doctor can only base his diagnosis on what you have told him, so try to be thorough with the details about your acne. Tell them how long your acne has been affecting you, what other treatments you’ve attempted to do before, what worsens your condition, and any other factors that you think may apply. Tell them how your acne is affecting you emotionally and socially, as mental health is synonymous with your physical health.
Once your doctor and you have discussed your condition, make sure that you fully understand what they will be doing in regards to your treatment. Be sure to understand the correct way to apply the treatment, how long the treatment will last, and how long it will be before you begin to see results. Also, be sure and find out if there are any side effects that go along with the use of the treatment; this will help you be better prepared for any occurrences or problems that may arise. Schedule a follow-up appointment with the doctor and discuss what the status of your condition should be when you return. If you are knowledgeable about the treatment and looking for the desired results, you will know sooner whether your current method is working or not.
Remember that there are many treatments available that work better or worse for different people. Don’t be discouraged if the first method you try does not attain the desired results. Be patient and work with your doctor and you will soon be able to find the most effective treatment that is right for you.
About Adult Acne
About Adult Acne
Acne is often thought of as a teenage dilemma, and while it is true that acne appears most often during the teenage years, it is arguably just as true that there are a growing number of individuals that suffer from adult acne.
Adults in their twenties, all the way up to their fifties can still experience acne flare-ups. And adult acne can have just as many negative effects on a person as teenage acne. Possibly even more so, as the stress of career and family adds to the strain of living with an unsightly skin problem.
Mental stress can be one of the major causes of acne in adults. It is not a surprise in the slightest that women are often more likely to suffer from adult acne than men, as it has been shown that women have much more stress in their day to day lifestyle, not to mention that they are prone to hormonal imbalances, especially during times such as their menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Just as in teens, hormones play an important factor in the onset and exacerbation of adult acne.
The environmental factors that surround a person, paired with the individual's lifestyle can also play a huge role in the appearance of adult acne. An improper diet or behaviors such as smoking and drinking affect the skin's condition and resistance to acne, as well as other diseases.
Prevention is the only obvious way to go when dealing with adult acne. A proper diet, paired with plenty of water and rest is a good start. Trying to relieve stress and maintaining proper skin care and hygiene can also help to prevent acne from occurring.
But what about the pimples that you may already have? There are many treatments available for people who have adult acne.
Anti-acne medications, certain skin care products, and even laser surgery are just a few of the many treatments available for acne on the market today. Visiting a qualified doctor or dermatologist is the only way to determine how severe your acne really is and to find the proper treament available for you.
Acne is often thought of as a teenage dilemma, and while it is true that acne appears most often during the teenage years, it is arguably just as true that there are a growing number of individuals that suffer from adult acne.
Adults in their twenties, all the way up to their fifties can still experience acne flare-ups. And adult acne can have just as many negative effects on a person as teenage acne. Possibly even more so, as the stress of career and family adds to the strain of living with an unsightly skin problem.
Mental stress can be one of the major causes of acne in adults. It is not a surprise in the slightest that women are often more likely to suffer from adult acne than men, as it has been shown that women have much more stress in their day to day lifestyle, not to mention that they are prone to hormonal imbalances, especially during times such as their menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Just as in teens, hormones play an important factor in the onset and exacerbation of adult acne.
The environmental factors that surround a person, paired with the individual's lifestyle can also play a huge role in the appearance of adult acne. An improper diet or behaviors such as smoking and drinking affect the skin's condition and resistance to acne, as well as other diseases.
Prevention is the only obvious way to go when dealing with adult acne. A proper diet, paired with plenty of water and rest is a good start. Trying to relieve stress and maintaining proper skin care and hygiene can also help to prevent acne from occurring.
But what about the pimples that you may already have? There are many treatments available for people who have adult acne.
Anti-acne medications, certain skin care products, and even laser surgery are just a few of the many treatments available for acne on the market today. Visiting a qualified doctor or dermatologist is the only way to determine how severe your acne really is and to find the proper treament available for you.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Acne - Back Breakouts – What’s The Deal With Acne On Your Back?
Acne - Back Breakouts – What’s The Deal With Acne On Your Back?
Back acne comes in all sizes and forms of acne, ranging from mild forms like whiteheads to serious forms of acne including cystic acne. "Bacne" as it is referred to in slang terms, can consist of pimples, pustules and blackheads as well. Back acne affects people ranging from age ten to age forty or older yet. Understanding the causes of back acne and available treatment options, are very important is treating and preventing the condition.
Like all of the other forms of acne, there is no one thing that causes back acne. As far as the medical community stands, back acne also happens when oil glands start functioning more rapidly around puberty. The hormone group androgens, found in both females and males, get overactive which in turn causes a reaction in the oil glands, which make extra oil. The oil glands are located just underneath the skin surface. Oil glands constantly are producing and secreting oil through the pores in the skin. When too much of the oils are produced the pores and hair follicles become clogged. The clogs obstruct the way that dead cells escape the skin, which in turn results in a mess of oil and dead cells plugging the hair follicle. This attracts bacterium, which causes the acne to be formed.
Back acne can be found on any part of the body and does not necessarily have to be on a person's back. It can be very severe with large lesions and painful cysts. Back acne may just be something that certain people are prone to or it could be caused by other things such as tight clothing or a heavy backpack. Not having anything in contact with the back is not a logical prevention step, as we all must sit down and everyone has to wear clothing. It is easier to treat back acne than to try and prevent it because most people suffer from back acne at one time or another. Skin on the back is much thicker and therefore allows for stronger topical treatments, such as ten percent Benzoyl peroxide. This strength of Benzoyl peroxide is not suitable for other skin that is typically thinner and will not be able to sustain itself under harsh treatment. You can get all the same types of acne, blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules and cysts, on your back just as you can on any other part of your body.
There are some differences in back acne and acne located elsewhere on the body however. Back acne is not caused by genetics as other acnes can be. Some severe cases of back acne may be genetically passed on but most likely it is just the individual's body type or personal genetic make up. People all over the world suffer from back acne at some point in their lives. Unlike other acne, food does not contribute to the formation or flare up of back acne. There is absolutely no evidence that foods cooked in grease, or high in fat content contribute to back acne.
It is also known that excessive oil production and dirt build up does not have a huge impact on developing back acne. Perspiring excessively and not washing or showering immediately has been shown to not increase the chances of developing back acne. Back acne also does not seem to be affected by stress. There are some who think that facial acne is increased due to stress. However stress can cause back acne to not heal. Oftentimes, stress causes people to pick and bother the pimples, which make the condition worse.
Taking some over the counter medicines may treat breakouts of back acne in conditions that are not complex. Some skin specialists or dermatologists should treat severe forms of acne on the back, such as cystic acne. Most of the simpler forms of acne might disappear with daily washing and cleansing routines but as cystic acne goes deep into the skin and can cause permanent scarring, it should be given more serious medical attention than simple pustules or blackheads on the back. Always speak to your healthcare provider about treatment before starting a back acne treatment program never attempt to treat severe acne on your own or with an over the counter product without consulting a professional.
Back acne comes in all sizes and forms of acne, ranging from mild forms like whiteheads to serious forms of acne including cystic acne. "Bacne" as it is referred to in slang terms, can consist of pimples, pustules and blackheads as well. Back acne affects people ranging from age ten to age forty or older yet. Understanding the causes of back acne and available treatment options, are very important is treating and preventing the condition.
Like all of the other forms of acne, there is no one thing that causes back acne. As far as the medical community stands, back acne also happens when oil glands start functioning more rapidly around puberty. The hormone group androgens, found in both females and males, get overactive which in turn causes a reaction in the oil glands, which make extra oil. The oil glands are located just underneath the skin surface. Oil glands constantly are producing and secreting oil through the pores in the skin. When too much of the oils are produced the pores and hair follicles become clogged. The clogs obstruct the way that dead cells escape the skin, which in turn results in a mess of oil and dead cells plugging the hair follicle. This attracts bacterium, which causes the acne to be formed.
Back acne can be found on any part of the body and does not necessarily have to be on a person's back. It can be very severe with large lesions and painful cysts. Back acne may just be something that certain people are prone to or it could be caused by other things such as tight clothing or a heavy backpack. Not having anything in contact with the back is not a logical prevention step, as we all must sit down and everyone has to wear clothing. It is easier to treat back acne than to try and prevent it because most people suffer from back acne at one time or another. Skin on the back is much thicker and therefore allows for stronger topical treatments, such as ten percent Benzoyl peroxide. This strength of Benzoyl peroxide is not suitable for other skin that is typically thinner and will not be able to sustain itself under harsh treatment. You can get all the same types of acne, blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules and cysts, on your back just as you can on any other part of your body.
There are some differences in back acne and acne located elsewhere on the body however. Back acne is not caused by genetics as other acnes can be. Some severe cases of back acne may be genetically passed on but most likely it is just the individual's body type or personal genetic make up. People all over the world suffer from back acne at some point in their lives. Unlike other acne, food does not contribute to the formation or flare up of back acne. There is absolutely no evidence that foods cooked in grease, or high in fat content contribute to back acne.
It is also known that excessive oil production and dirt build up does not have a huge impact on developing back acne. Perspiring excessively and not washing or showering immediately has been shown to not increase the chances of developing back acne. Back acne also does not seem to be affected by stress. There are some who think that facial acne is increased due to stress. However stress can cause back acne to not heal. Oftentimes, stress causes people to pick and bother the pimples, which make the condition worse.
Taking some over the counter medicines may treat breakouts of back acne in conditions that are not complex. Some skin specialists or dermatologists should treat severe forms of acne on the back, such as cystic acne. Most of the simpler forms of acne might disappear with daily washing and cleansing routines but as cystic acne goes deep into the skin and can cause permanent scarring, it should be given more serious medical attention than simple pustules or blackheads on the back. Always speak to your healthcare provider about treatment before starting a back acne treatment program never attempt to treat severe acne on your own or with an over the counter product without consulting a professional.
Acne – A Clean Face – First Step In A 12 Step Program
Acne – A Clean Face – First Step In A 12 Step Program
Since acne is a condition that occurs from within your body and exhibits on the outside of your body, you need to,
* Attack acne from inside your body
* Attack acne from outside your body
If your acne is not to severe, all you might need is a good cream and need only to follow a few steps in my 12 step program to get you past the periods where acne is active.
If your acne is more severe, than you may have to follow my 12-step program, since acne is an expression of your whole body system and is a reflection of what is going on inside your mind, cell structure and internal organs.
Acne is an excessive toxic condition within your body, which the internal elimination organs are unable to eliminate. So your toxins are moved into your blood and excreted through your skin. It is an automatic survival mechanism your body initiates in an effort to protect the insides of your body – cells, liquid, blood, organs, and tissues.
There are 12 areas that you need to look at,
* Keep your face clean
* Using Scotty’s acne face cream or your favorite face cream
* Relive your constipation and the tree day liquid fast
* Making changes to your diet
* Get plenty of sun, air, and water
* Vitamins you need to be taking
* Minerals you should be taking
* Special supplements to take
* Herbal mixture to use or drink
* Special detoxifying drinks or supplements to take
* Brushing your skin
* Change your attitude
Step 1: Keeping your face clean
If you use face cosmetics, you need to stop. Some cosmetics irritate the skin and can cause acne by plugging up your pores on your face. The cosmetics chemicals that can cause you the most skin and pore irritation and inflammation are:
mineral oil lanolin parabens propylene glycol
Look at the label of the cosmetics you use. You will find that many cosmetics, soaps, and sunscreens contain these chemicals.
Find a water base make up, not an oil base. Find one that does not irritate your face and use it sparingly
When you wash your face don’t use any commercial soaps since they are filled with chemicals that will irritate and worsen your acne condition. And don’t excessive wash your face as this will dry your skin of the natural protective oil. Also, don’t keep touching your face since you spread or add bacteria to it.
To wash your face use only,
* Castile hand or liquid soap
* Pure glycerin hand soap
You can pat your face with a clean hot face towel to bring circulation to your face and to help open and move the toxic material, in the pimple, to the surface. Do not scrub hard to burst a pimple but just scrub lightly to burst a pimple when it is ready to open.
Use the hot towel application only 2-3 times per week.
When a pimple is open do not continue to rub or scrub it. In fact do not pick or scratch an open pimple since this could create other sores or leave scars that are difficult to remove. Just washing your face with clean soap will keep your face free of toxic matter.
Keep in mind,
Whatever you put on your skin will move into your skin and into your bloodstream.
Most commercial creams, lotions, and soaps are filled with all kinds of chemicals that are toxic to your body. By using them you are making your liver work harder.
During the day or at night avoid resting your cheeks or chin on your hand(s) or arm(s). This can irritate your face and cause acne to breakout. When you sleep, try to sleep on your back and not with your face or side of the face into your pillow.
There you have it. Step 1, shows you how to keep your face clean to avoid getting acne or to help relieve acne.
Since acne is a condition that occurs from within your body and exhibits on the outside of your body, you need to,
* Attack acne from inside your body
* Attack acne from outside your body
If your acne is not to severe, all you might need is a good cream and need only to follow a few steps in my 12 step program to get you past the periods where acne is active.
If your acne is more severe, than you may have to follow my 12-step program, since acne is an expression of your whole body system and is a reflection of what is going on inside your mind, cell structure and internal organs.
Acne is an excessive toxic condition within your body, which the internal elimination organs are unable to eliminate. So your toxins are moved into your blood and excreted through your skin. It is an automatic survival mechanism your body initiates in an effort to protect the insides of your body – cells, liquid, blood, organs, and tissues.
There are 12 areas that you need to look at,
* Keep your face clean
* Using Scotty’s acne face cream or your favorite face cream
* Relive your constipation and the tree day liquid fast
* Making changes to your diet
* Get plenty of sun, air, and water
* Vitamins you need to be taking
* Minerals you should be taking
* Special supplements to take
* Herbal mixture to use or drink
* Special detoxifying drinks or supplements to take
* Brushing your skin
* Change your attitude
Step 1: Keeping your face clean
If you use face cosmetics, you need to stop. Some cosmetics irritate the skin and can cause acne by plugging up your pores on your face. The cosmetics chemicals that can cause you the most skin and pore irritation and inflammation are:
mineral oil lanolin parabens propylene glycol
Look at the label of the cosmetics you use. You will find that many cosmetics, soaps, and sunscreens contain these chemicals.
Find a water base make up, not an oil base. Find one that does not irritate your face and use it sparingly
When you wash your face don’t use any commercial soaps since they are filled with chemicals that will irritate and worsen your acne condition. And don’t excessive wash your face as this will dry your skin of the natural protective oil. Also, don’t keep touching your face since you spread or add bacteria to it.
To wash your face use only,
* Castile hand or liquid soap
* Pure glycerin hand soap
You can pat your face with a clean hot face towel to bring circulation to your face and to help open and move the toxic material, in the pimple, to the surface. Do not scrub hard to burst a pimple but just scrub lightly to burst a pimple when it is ready to open.
Use the hot towel application only 2-3 times per week.
When a pimple is open do not continue to rub or scrub it. In fact do not pick or scratch an open pimple since this could create other sores or leave scars that are difficult to remove. Just washing your face with clean soap will keep your face free of toxic matter.
Keep in mind,
Whatever you put on your skin will move into your skin and into your bloodstream.
Most commercial creams, lotions, and soaps are filled with all kinds of chemicals that are toxic to your body. By using them you are making your liver work harder.
During the day or at night avoid resting your cheeks or chin on your hand(s) or arm(s). This can irritate your face and cause acne to breakout. When you sleep, try to sleep on your back and not with your face or side of the face into your pillow.
There you have it. Step 1, shows you how to keep your face clean to avoid getting acne or to help relieve acne.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Acne: A Basic Understanding
Acne: A Basic Understanding
Statistics indicate that as high as 80% of the entire American population has ever had acne. Acne afflicts all genders, sexes and ages making it a universal skin disorder. As a form of skin disease, the good news is that acne is not transmittable.
Although acne is not contagious from person-to-person, it can spread to the whole face and can severely affect all the skin tissues that have pilosebaceous units. It is not true that acne just affects those going through puberty. Even infants or individuals who may be well over their forties, can develop this skin disorder. Acne infantilis is the term used for acne that grows on newborn babies, on the other hand acne rosacea is related to middle-aged people.
Acne has different classifications, according to the severity of the infection.
Comedo is the form where all severe acne cases originate. This is characterized by red swelling or small lesions on your skin. Whiteheads and blackheads are two forms of comedo. Conversely, blackhead is an open comedo. The coloration is due to the accumulation of dark skin pigments called melanin, plus hardened sebum and other skin debris and particles. This is the basic structure of whiteheads, however, the only difference is the coloration and these are deeply situated into the skin layers.
If you have sandpaper-like skin around the tissue of your mouth and on the surface of your forehead, chin and cheeks, you probably have papules. Pus-filled lesions are also termed as pustules.
Nodules on the other hand are similar with pustules. However, nodules are firmer and are larger acne growing deep in the skin. Inflammation may develop your pustules into containing semi-liquid or liquid materials composed of white blood cells (which are dead because of the acne-infecting bacteria named as Propionibacterium acnes), dead skin cells and active or inactive bacteria. This can result into more serious acne called cysts. In such situations, you may need the assistance of a skin dermatologist or physician.
What is the cause of acne? It is quite difficult to exactly determine what may have caused your acne infection as reasons differ case to case. Studies indicate that the skin disorder may be brought about by many factors, including poor diet, stress, weather elements, and hormone changes or may be genetically influenced.
Medically speaking, acne starts from the formation of hardened sebum, or the oily substance secreted to the skin through the sebaceous glands. This then will be permeated with acne-infecting bacteria, which in return will trigger the immune system to release white blood cells to obstruct the attack of the bacteria. As this happens, dead white blood cells and bacteria will accumulate in the hair follicles mixed with skin debris and dead skin particles, which then will inflame the lesions.
Most mild case acne may be treated with over the counter acne medications. They are generally topical drugs, which you apply on your skin for acne treatment. They may come in the form of soaps, lotions, gels and creams. Conversely, systematic acne medications are taken orally. The most common of which are the antibiotics.
Knowing that you are not the only one inflicted with acne at some point in life or another helps in that there will always be new research and new products coming on stream. Continue to read up on acne research and help your fight against it.
Statistics indicate that as high as 80% of the entire American population has ever had acne. Acne afflicts all genders, sexes and ages making it a universal skin disorder. As a form of skin disease, the good news is that acne is not transmittable.
Although acne is not contagious from person-to-person, it can spread to the whole face and can severely affect all the skin tissues that have pilosebaceous units. It is not true that acne just affects those going through puberty. Even infants or individuals who may be well over their forties, can develop this skin disorder. Acne infantilis is the term used for acne that grows on newborn babies, on the other hand acne rosacea is related to middle-aged people.
Acne has different classifications, according to the severity of the infection.
Comedo is the form where all severe acne cases originate. This is characterized by red swelling or small lesions on your skin. Whiteheads and blackheads are two forms of comedo. Conversely, blackhead is an open comedo. The coloration is due to the accumulation of dark skin pigments called melanin, plus hardened sebum and other skin debris and particles. This is the basic structure of whiteheads, however, the only difference is the coloration and these are deeply situated into the skin layers.
If you have sandpaper-like skin around the tissue of your mouth and on the surface of your forehead, chin and cheeks, you probably have papules. Pus-filled lesions are also termed as pustules.
Nodules on the other hand are similar with pustules. However, nodules are firmer and are larger acne growing deep in the skin. Inflammation may develop your pustules into containing semi-liquid or liquid materials composed of white blood cells (which are dead because of the acne-infecting bacteria named as Propionibacterium acnes), dead skin cells and active or inactive bacteria. This can result into more serious acne called cysts. In such situations, you may need the assistance of a skin dermatologist or physician.
What is the cause of acne? It is quite difficult to exactly determine what may have caused your acne infection as reasons differ case to case. Studies indicate that the skin disorder may be brought about by many factors, including poor diet, stress, weather elements, and hormone changes or may be genetically influenced.
Medically speaking, acne starts from the formation of hardened sebum, or the oily substance secreted to the skin through the sebaceous glands. This then will be permeated with acne-infecting bacteria, which in return will trigger the immune system to release white blood cells to obstruct the attack of the bacteria. As this happens, dead white blood cells and bacteria will accumulate in the hair follicles mixed with skin debris and dead skin particles, which then will inflame the lesions.
Most mild case acne may be treated with over the counter acne medications. They are generally topical drugs, which you apply on your skin for acne treatment. They may come in the form of soaps, lotions, gels and creams. Conversely, systematic acne medications are taken orally. The most common of which are the antibiotics.
Knowing that you are not the only one inflicted with acne at some point in life or another helps in that there will always be new research and new products coming on stream. Continue to read up on acne research and help your fight against it.
Acne cure
Acne cure
Copyright 2006 Robert Groleau
Acne is a severe skin disorder that plagues millions of people everyplace in the world. It more often than not affects teenagers, but infants and adults are from time to time affected too. Undeniable reports have noted that acne can cause personal suffering and it may even lower the person’s self esteem. In fact, of all its victims, many have found themselves ill at ease and dejected. Having such kind of feeling, it is no wonder then that most of the acne patients respond to certain acne cures that will help make better their overall skin condition. But, is there really an acne cure?
For so many years, definite studies have been conducted for the cure of acne. Until these days, there is no one meticulous magic acne cure that can totally get rid of acne, although some products are claiming that they can. Nevertheless, the news is not at all bad since a number of acne remedies, known be many as acne cures, are now accessible on the market. These acne cures largely vary according to the manner of application, the seriousness of the acne condition, and to the kind of the acne patient’s skin.
One of the classically used acne cures are those over-the-counter products such as cleansers, moisturizers, astringents, and pimple creams. These acne cures are actually non-prescription goods that are to some degree confirmed capable for unplugging the whiteheads and blackheads. Some of these acne cures promote the skin to peel off, giving way to the new skin to renovate.
The current antibiotics are also there, known as “prescription only” acne cures. These forms of acne cure normally help fight acne by means of knocking out the acne-causing bacteria that contaminate the pores. However, there are some instances that acne may become unaffected by these forms of acne cure, turning them ineffective in the end. It is also worth noting that topical antibiotics have certain adverse side effects that need to be considered before opting for one of them.
Apart from the topical antibiotics, there are also oral antibiotics. Perhaps one of the bad ideas about this form of acne cure is the fact that since they are taken orally, there is a great chance that will affect the total body, causing severe side effects in the end. Amongst the many side effects of these acne cures, are nausea and dizziness. They are the most common.
There are also some vitamin A derivatives out there that can help stop the cells in the skin from clumping together and encourage the skin to shed. However, just like the above mentioned acne cures, these too have their side effects like emotional disorder, dryness, irritation, redness, and even birth defects.
Copyright 2006 Robert Groleau
Acne is a severe skin disorder that plagues millions of people everyplace in the world. It more often than not affects teenagers, but infants and adults are from time to time affected too. Undeniable reports have noted that acne can cause personal suffering and it may even lower the person’s self esteem. In fact, of all its victims, many have found themselves ill at ease and dejected. Having such kind of feeling, it is no wonder then that most of the acne patients respond to certain acne cures that will help make better their overall skin condition. But, is there really an acne cure?
For so many years, definite studies have been conducted for the cure of acne. Until these days, there is no one meticulous magic acne cure that can totally get rid of acne, although some products are claiming that they can. Nevertheless, the news is not at all bad since a number of acne remedies, known be many as acne cures, are now accessible on the market. These acne cures largely vary according to the manner of application, the seriousness of the acne condition, and to the kind of the acne patient’s skin.
One of the classically used acne cures are those over-the-counter products such as cleansers, moisturizers, astringents, and pimple creams. These acne cures are actually non-prescription goods that are to some degree confirmed capable for unplugging the whiteheads and blackheads. Some of these acne cures promote the skin to peel off, giving way to the new skin to renovate.
The current antibiotics are also there, known as “prescription only” acne cures. These forms of acne cure normally help fight acne by means of knocking out the acne-causing bacteria that contaminate the pores. However, there are some instances that acne may become unaffected by these forms of acne cure, turning them ineffective in the end. It is also worth noting that topical antibiotics have certain adverse side effects that need to be considered before opting for one of them.
Apart from the topical antibiotics, there are also oral antibiotics. Perhaps one of the bad ideas about this form of acne cure is the fact that since they are taken orally, there is a great chance that will affect the total body, causing severe side effects in the end. Amongst the many side effects of these acne cures, are nausea and dizziness. They are the most common.
There are also some vitamin A derivatives out there that can help stop the cells in the skin from clumping together and encourage the skin to shed. However, just like the above mentioned acne cures, these too have their side effects like emotional disorder, dryness, irritation, redness, and even birth defects.
Acne Cyst
Acne Cyst
Copyright 2006 Robert Groleau
Acne is a skin ailment that affects millions of people at some point in their life. Over ninety percent of the world’s total populace is affected by acne with a immense number of teenagers. Just like some skin disorders, acne varies to a great extent from mild to severe typically characterized by the incidence of pimples, blackheads, and acne cyst on the face, neck, chest, and back.
When it comes to acne cyst, it is significant to note that it is in reality the outcome of the bacterial infection of cysts itself deep within the skin. The acne cyst, in contrast to the blackheads and whiteheads, is generally huge inflamed lesions that are filled with pus. A concrete reason for its expansion lies on the idea that when the contents of a clogged pore seeps into the skin, a major local immune response is produced. Acne cyst may look like a nodule, and perhaps the only difference between them is that an acne cyst is pus-filled. It is also worth noting that acne cyst typically have a diameter of 5mm or more across. And, acne cyst is just one of the few signs of severe acne that it can be painful and can cause scarring if treated unsuitably.
Acne cyst can be treated and prevented. A number of ways to fight acne cyst and its scarring are in fact there. But of all the approaches, conceivably the best way to treat and prevent ace cyst from forming is in essence not to squeeze, pick or pinch the lesions as it may only cause a deeper infection and much painful inflammation, which may last longer than if you had left it alone.
Basically, an acne cyst is treated with oral and topical antibiotics for these greatly combat acne and acne scarring from forming. In the case of modest to severe acne cyst, the therapy usually relies upon the antibiotherapy that will get rid of the microorganisms like the propionibacterium spp that has been colonizing the sebaceous follicles in the skin.
An acne cyst can also be treated with certain bacterial resistances against certain antibiotics. This is essentially a new trend in the medical field that it emerged just lately. With its introduction, many experts have noted that both the antibiotic and its administration modalities must be addressed so to control the threat of having an acne cyst. One tangible example of this kind of treatment is the oral minocyclines as they are powerful anti-acne therapies. A number of treatments are actually now available on the market, but for a much better result, it is prudent to see your doctor first before opting for one of the
Copyright 2006 Robert Groleau
Acne is a skin ailment that affects millions of people at some point in their life. Over ninety percent of the world’s total populace is affected by acne with a immense number of teenagers. Just like some skin disorders, acne varies to a great extent from mild to severe typically characterized by the incidence of pimples, blackheads, and acne cyst on the face, neck, chest, and back.
When it comes to acne cyst, it is significant to note that it is in reality the outcome of the bacterial infection of cysts itself deep within the skin. The acne cyst, in contrast to the blackheads and whiteheads, is generally huge inflamed lesions that are filled with pus. A concrete reason for its expansion lies on the idea that when the contents of a clogged pore seeps into the skin, a major local immune response is produced. Acne cyst may look like a nodule, and perhaps the only difference between them is that an acne cyst is pus-filled. It is also worth noting that acne cyst typically have a diameter of 5mm or more across. And, acne cyst is just one of the few signs of severe acne that it can be painful and can cause scarring if treated unsuitably.
Acne cyst can be treated and prevented. A number of ways to fight acne cyst and its scarring are in fact there. But of all the approaches, conceivably the best way to treat and prevent ace cyst from forming is in essence not to squeeze, pick or pinch the lesions as it may only cause a deeper infection and much painful inflammation, which may last longer than if you had left it alone.
Basically, an acne cyst is treated with oral and topical antibiotics for these greatly combat acne and acne scarring from forming. In the case of modest to severe acne cyst, the therapy usually relies upon the antibiotherapy that will get rid of the microorganisms like the propionibacterium spp that has been colonizing the sebaceous follicles in the skin.
An acne cyst can also be treated with certain bacterial resistances against certain antibiotics. This is essentially a new trend in the medical field that it emerged just lately. With its introduction, many experts have noted that both the antibiotic and its administration modalities must be addressed so to control the threat of having an acne cyst. One tangible example of this kind of treatment is the oral minocyclines as they are powerful anti-acne therapies. A number of treatments are actually now available on the market, but for a much better result, it is prudent to see your doctor first before opting for one of the
Acne Laser Treatment Program
Acne Laser Treatment Program
The advancement of laser treatment and technology has brought therapy into the new century and is the suggested treatment for acne and acne scarring. In most cases this laser therapy is not covered by insurance and also the acne can come back even after treatment. - Additional research is needed before laser therapy can be recommended as a treatment for acne, according to a study. Other treatments Recent advances in acne treatment include light and laser therapy, and chemical peels.
Laser therapy is an appealing treatment for acne: no messy creams, no drugs and minimal risk of side effects. Although approved to treat acne scarring, Pulsed dye laser therapy is also being used for the treatment of active inflammatory acne vulgaris. More research is needed before this laser therapy may be recommended as an acne treatment." Pulsed-dye laser treatment for inflammatory acne vulgarisOctober 2003. Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of pulsed dye laser therapy in the treatment of acne. More research is needed before this laser therapy may be recommended as an acne treatment. The study authors concluded, "More research is needed before this laser therapy may be recommended as an acne treatment".
Previous studies have indicated that light therapy and laser treatment can actually improve acne. Successful removal by ruby laser of darkened ink after ruby laser treatment of mismatched tattoos for acne scars. The laser treatment program for acne scar removal is somewhat different than acne laser treatment. produces advanced pulsed light and laser systems for treatment of hair removal, leg veins, acne, and pigmented and vascular lesion removal. Excellent waxing services (using a very high-grade, mint oil-infused stripless wax), top-notch laser hair removal, acne laser treatments and skin rejuvenation. skin resurfacing, laser wrinkle removal, vein treatment, acne removal, birth mark removal ...
With laser acne scar treatment, the focus is on developing new collagen in the lower layer of skin. When an acne patient faces pitting, or deep holes, in the skin as a result of acne, there is a treatment called laser resurfacing. This assists in better evaluation of your skin and for more effective acne laser spectrum light treatments. The CO2 laser vaporizes thin layers of the skin and tightens collagen fibers, which makes it an appropriate treatment for depressed acne scars.
Most acne blemish laser treatment methods are painless and effective, but they also come at a noticeable price. A successful acne blemish laser treatment may include various types of laser exposure such as carbon dioxide lasers or nonablative lasers. The Carbon Dioxide laser is also known to produce higher levels of pigmentation during the acne blemish laser treatment . one of the best methods for acne blemish laser treatment. The Carbon Dioxide laser is also known to produce higher levels of pigmentation during the acne blemish laser treatment. Patients of acne blemish laser treatment use creams to numb the area where the laser will be applied, so the process is virtually painless.
V-Beam (Pulsed Dye Laser) is commonly used for the treatment of red acne scars, stretch marks and keloids, which are thickened scar tissue. Here you will find information about acne laser scar treatment. The Er:YAG laser should be reserved for sculpting of individual scar edges and treatment of mild acne scars. Scar Treatment Another option for the use of acne laser treatment is that in which the acne scars can be removed.
Pulsed-dye laser treatment for inflammatory acne vulgaris: randomised controlled trial. Pulsed-dye laser treatment for inflammatory acne vulgaris: Randomised controlled trial. Pulsed-dye laser treatment for inflammatory acne vulgaris: randomized controlled trial. However, few randomized, controlled clinical trials have examined the value of lasers for treating acne and none show conclusively whether the treatments actually work
The advancement of laser treatment and technology has brought therapy into the new century and is the suggested treatment for acne and acne scarring. In most cases this laser therapy is not covered by insurance and also the acne can come back even after treatment. - Additional research is needed before laser therapy can be recommended as a treatment for acne, according to a study. Other treatments Recent advances in acne treatment include light and laser therapy, and chemical peels.
Laser therapy is an appealing treatment for acne: no messy creams, no drugs and minimal risk of side effects. Although approved to treat acne scarring, Pulsed dye laser therapy is also being used for the treatment of active inflammatory acne vulgaris. More research is needed before this laser therapy may be recommended as an acne treatment." Pulsed-dye laser treatment for inflammatory acne vulgarisOctober 2003. Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of pulsed dye laser therapy in the treatment of acne. More research is needed before this laser therapy may be recommended as an acne treatment. The study authors concluded, "More research is needed before this laser therapy may be recommended as an acne treatment".
Previous studies have indicated that light therapy and laser treatment can actually improve acne. Successful removal by ruby laser of darkened ink after ruby laser treatment of mismatched tattoos for acne scars. The laser treatment program for acne scar removal is somewhat different than acne laser treatment. produces advanced pulsed light and laser systems for treatment of hair removal, leg veins, acne, and pigmented and vascular lesion removal. Excellent waxing services (using a very high-grade, mint oil-infused stripless wax), top-notch laser hair removal, acne laser treatments and skin rejuvenation. skin resurfacing, laser wrinkle removal, vein treatment, acne removal, birth mark removal ...
With laser acne scar treatment, the focus is on developing new collagen in the lower layer of skin. When an acne patient faces pitting, or deep holes, in the skin as a result of acne, there is a treatment called laser resurfacing. This assists in better evaluation of your skin and for more effective acne laser spectrum light treatments. The CO2 laser vaporizes thin layers of the skin and tightens collagen fibers, which makes it an appropriate treatment for depressed acne scars.
Most acne blemish laser treatment methods are painless and effective, but they also come at a noticeable price. A successful acne blemish laser treatment may include various types of laser exposure such as carbon dioxide lasers or nonablative lasers. The Carbon Dioxide laser is also known to produce higher levels of pigmentation during the acne blemish laser treatment . one of the best methods for acne blemish laser treatment. The Carbon Dioxide laser is also known to produce higher levels of pigmentation during the acne blemish laser treatment. Patients of acne blemish laser treatment use creams to numb the area where the laser will be applied, so the process is virtually painless.
V-Beam (Pulsed Dye Laser) is commonly used for the treatment of red acne scars, stretch marks and keloids, which are thickened scar tissue. Here you will find information about acne laser scar treatment. The Er:YAG laser should be reserved for sculpting of individual scar edges and treatment of mild acne scars. Scar Treatment Another option for the use of acne laser treatment is that in which the acne scars can be removed.
Pulsed-dye laser treatment for inflammatory acne vulgaris: randomised controlled trial. Pulsed-dye laser treatment for inflammatory acne vulgaris: Randomised controlled trial. Pulsed-dye laser treatment for inflammatory acne vulgaris: randomized controlled trial. However, few randomized, controlled clinical trials have examined the value of lasers for treating acne and none show conclusively whether the treatments actually work
Acne Treatment
Acne Treatment
Acne is a skin condition which is characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It is the most common of all skin disorders and is most often found on the face, neck, back, and chest. Almost everyone will develop acne, to some degree. Most people will get mild cases, some moderate, and a few people will get severe cases. Teens are not the only ones to get it. It generally affects those between the ages of 12 and 44.
Acne often starts at the onset of puberty, when the body increases its production of androgens, which are the male sex hormones. These hormones stimulate of sebum which is an oily skin lubricant. It this sebum is secreted faster than it can pass through the skin pores, a blemish develops. Most people get acne on their face, back, or chest, but it can also appear on other parts of the body, including the arms and thighs.
Factors that may contribute to acne include diet, hormonal imbalance, heredity, oily skin, menstrual cycles, stress, allergies, and the use of certain kinds of drugs. Along with the obvious physical symptoms of acne, there can be an emotional impact as well. One can experience embarrassment and anxiety about their appearance. This may lead to social withdrawal, depression, and mood changes.
In acne treatment, there is a difference between skin care and acne cure. Using astringent lotions, pads that remove oil, and medicated bar soaps can help keep the skin clean, but will probably not prevent you from having further acne problems. Prescription medications and lotions may help, but will most likely not cure you of acne. To actually cure acne, one needs to get to the core of the acne problem, not just mask its symptoms.
The largest organ of the body is the skin. One function is to help eliminate toxins from the body by sweating. When the liver and kidneys are unable to fully discharge body toxins, the skin then begins to help out. As toxins are released from the body via the skin, acne may be triggered. It is important to keep the skin’s pores clean and open, but acne may still result.
Curing your acne by natural treatment involves cleansing the skin from the inside. Balancing the natural testosterone and estrogen found in the male and female body gets to the source of the problem. When there is excess estrogen and excess testosterone, as is common in the teenage years, acne may result. Therefore, achieving hormonal balance will cure acne naturally, and have a longer-lasting effect. External acne treatments normally mask the symptoms and are more short term.
Following a natural acne treatment plan that involves balancing your hormones allows your body to heal itself from the inside and is more effective in the long run.
Acne is a skin condition which is characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It is the most common of all skin disorders and is most often found on the face, neck, back, and chest. Almost everyone will develop acne, to some degree. Most people will get mild cases, some moderate, and a few people will get severe cases. Teens are not the only ones to get it. It generally affects those between the ages of 12 and 44.
Acne often starts at the onset of puberty, when the body increases its production of androgens, which are the male sex hormones. These hormones stimulate of sebum which is an oily skin lubricant. It this sebum is secreted faster than it can pass through the skin pores, a blemish develops. Most people get acne on their face, back, or chest, but it can also appear on other parts of the body, including the arms and thighs.
Factors that may contribute to acne include diet, hormonal imbalance, heredity, oily skin, menstrual cycles, stress, allergies, and the use of certain kinds of drugs. Along with the obvious physical symptoms of acne, there can be an emotional impact as well. One can experience embarrassment and anxiety about their appearance. This may lead to social withdrawal, depression, and mood changes.
In acne treatment, there is a difference between skin care and acne cure. Using astringent lotions, pads that remove oil, and medicated bar soaps can help keep the skin clean, but will probably not prevent you from having further acne problems. Prescription medications and lotions may help, but will most likely not cure you of acne. To actually cure acne, one needs to get to the core of the acne problem, not just mask its symptoms.
The largest organ of the body is the skin. One function is to help eliminate toxins from the body by sweating. When the liver and kidneys are unable to fully discharge body toxins, the skin then begins to help out. As toxins are released from the body via the skin, acne may be triggered. It is important to keep the skin’s pores clean and open, but acne may still result.
Curing your acne by natural treatment involves cleansing the skin from the inside. Balancing the natural testosterone and estrogen found in the male and female body gets to the source of the problem. When there is excess estrogen and excess testosterone, as is common in the teenage years, acne may result. Therefore, achieving hormonal balance will cure acne naturally, and have a longer-lasting effect. External acne treatments normally mask the symptoms and are more short term.
Following a natural acne treatment plan that involves balancing your hormones allows your body to heal itself from the inside and is more effective in the long run.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Acne Treatment: Ten Facts about Acne
Acne Treatment: Ten Facts about Acne
First Acne effects almost 90% of the adolescent population. So you are not alone. Also it is not normally anything you have done, eaten or the way you wash. So you do not need to feel guilty. So let’s look at some facts
1) Junk food causes acne. Wrong! Pizza, chocolate, coke or any other junk food has never been proven to cause this. That does not mean to say you should carry on eating all this junk food. A sensible diet is good for everyone, and helps you feel better.
2) Acne is caused by dirt. Wrong! Actually washing your face more than twice a day or scrubbing your face, with pads or flannels will make it worse. Acne treatment needs mild gentle soap and to rinse thoroughly.
3) Sweat will clear my pores. Wrong! A mixture of body sweat and oils can aggravate certain situations for some acne sufferers. Shower immediately after any sport and wear loose clothing.
4) Women’s Make-up can cause Acne. Wrong! No scientific evidence has been found to verify this. Most products today are mad to stop the clogging of the pores. So this is not the problem. Do not wear make-up though when exercising as this can irritate the problem.
5) Stress Causes Acne. Wrong! To an extent. Stress can trigger off some hormones, which could aggravate the situation. But it is not the cause.
6) You Cannot Cure Acne. But you can treat it! There are a lot of good acne treatments on the market. See your doctor.
7) Sun can help. Wrong! It can in time worsen the situation in time. A tan might give the effect that your skin looks better, but it certainly will do it no good.
8) Spot Acne Treatment Works. Wrong! The whole face has to be treated. Most of the problems are formed under the skin. So treating the top of the spot is not going to do anything.
9) You Will Outgrow It. Wrong! Acne is treatable. Don’t wait see a doctor ASAP.
10) It’s Only Cosmetic. Well Yes. It is not serious. But it can effect you, your self-esteem, and your confidence. So get it treated and become acne free.
Just a few words of advice,
Don’t pick or squeeze…Keep your hands off your face…Find something and stick with it…Do not over wash…Do not use flannels or hard scrubs…Lastly Good Luck.
Howard Burton
First Acne effects almost 90% of the adolescent population. So you are not alone. Also it is not normally anything you have done, eaten or the way you wash. So you do not need to feel guilty. So let’s look at some facts
1) Junk food causes acne. Wrong! Pizza, chocolate, coke or any other junk food has never been proven to cause this. That does not mean to say you should carry on eating all this junk food. A sensible diet is good for everyone, and helps you feel better.
2) Acne is caused by dirt. Wrong! Actually washing your face more than twice a day or scrubbing your face, with pads or flannels will make it worse. Acne treatment needs mild gentle soap and to rinse thoroughly.
3) Sweat will clear my pores. Wrong! A mixture of body sweat and oils can aggravate certain situations for some acne sufferers. Shower immediately after any sport and wear loose clothing.
4) Women’s Make-up can cause Acne. Wrong! No scientific evidence has been found to verify this. Most products today are mad to stop the clogging of the pores. So this is not the problem. Do not wear make-up though when exercising as this can irritate the problem.
5) Stress Causes Acne. Wrong! To an extent. Stress can trigger off some hormones, which could aggravate the situation. But it is not the cause.
6) You Cannot Cure Acne. But you can treat it! There are a lot of good acne treatments on the market. See your doctor.
7) Sun can help. Wrong! It can in time worsen the situation in time. A tan might give the effect that your skin looks better, but it certainly will do it no good.
8) Spot Acne Treatment Works. Wrong! The whole face has to be treated. Most of the problems are formed under the skin. So treating the top of the spot is not going to do anything.
9) You Will Outgrow It. Wrong! Acne is treatable. Don’t wait see a doctor ASAP.
10) It’s Only Cosmetic. Well Yes. It is not serious. But it can effect you, your self-esteem, and your confidence. So get it treated and become acne free.
Just a few words of advice,
Don’t pick or squeeze…Keep your hands off your face…Find something and stick with it…Do not over wash…Do not use flannels or hard scrubs…Lastly Good Luck.
Howard Burton
Causes Of Acne And Its Prevention
Causes Of Acne And Its Prevention
Acne can be found in many forms. Papules, which are usually characterized by small pink bumps, painful to the touch; Pustules or pimples, pus filled lesions that can be red, Nodules which are lesions lodged deep within the skin and finally Cysts, possibly the most painful form of the disorder, are usually responsible for scarring. Doesn’t sound fun, does it? Good thing there are ways to prevent the problem, but first you must understand what causes it to form.
Doctors are unsure of the exact cause of this disorder, but many believe it to be due to several different reasons. During puberty, in both males and females, an increase in hormones called androgens cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, thereby producing more sebum. Additionally, hormonal changes due to pregnancy can also cause this skin disorder. Genetics also seem to play a role in the formation, meaning the tendency to develop it can stem from whether your parents had it or not. Pore-clogging cosmetics and certain drugs (Lithium, for example) have also been known to make the situation even worse.
What can make it worse? Well, for starters, friction. Rubbing, excessive scrubbing, or leaning on the skin, especially your face, can lead to an increase. However, chocolate and greasy foods do not cause this problem. Neither does stress nor dirty skin. It’s nice to know we can still enjoy a chocolate bar without worrying about a gigantic pimple cropping up!
If you suffer from this problem, know that you are not alone. People from all age groups and races can get it, from adolescents to even adults.
It is often treated by dermatologists, who are doctors trained specifically in skincare. While very good at treating all types, they specialize in treating more severe cases. For moderate cases, seeing your primary physician should be sufficient. Stopping scarring, psychological distress and prevention, while also healing preexisting problems, are the main goals of any practitioner. Your doctor will discuss with you treatment options, and whether over the counter, prescription drugs or a combination of both will be the most effective treatment for your particular case.
There’s no doubt that it's embarrassing, not to mention unsightly. To avoid any reoccurrence, especially if you are using anything to treat the condition, be sure you follow a few key steps:
Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser, and do not scrub too hard. Also, try to stay away from pore clogging makeup and cosmetics, because that will have a detrimental effect on your skin. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as much as possible, and if you must go out wear a mild sunscreen to prevent burning.
With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to acne-free skin in no time.
Acne can be found in many forms. Papules, which are usually characterized by small pink bumps, painful to the touch; Pustules or pimples, pus filled lesions that can be red, Nodules which are lesions lodged deep within the skin and finally Cysts, possibly the most painful form of the disorder, are usually responsible for scarring. Doesn’t sound fun, does it? Good thing there are ways to prevent the problem, but first you must understand what causes it to form.
Doctors are unsure of the exact cause of this disorder, but many believe it to be due to several different reasons. During puberty, in both males and females, an increase in hormones called androgens cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, thereby producing more sebum. Additionally, hormonal changes due to pregnancy can also cause this skin disorder. Genetics also seem to play a role in the formation, meaning the tendency to develop it can stem from whether your parents had it or not. Pore-clogging cosmetics and certain drugs (Lithium, for example) have also been known to make the situation even worse.
What can make it worse? Well, for starters, friction. Rubbing, excessive scrubbing, or leaning on the skin, especially your face, can lead to an increase. However, chocolate and greasy foods do not cause this problem. Neither does stress nor dirty skin. It’s nice to know we can still enjoy a chocolate bar without worrying about a gigantic pimple cropping up!
If you suffer from this problem, know that you are not alone. People from all age groups and races can get it, from adolescents to even adults.
It is often treated by dermatologists, who are doctors trained specifically in skincare. While very good at treating all types, they specialize in treating more severe cases. For moderate cases, seeing your primary physician should be sufficient. Stopping scarring, psychological distress and prevention, while also healing preexisting problems, are the main goals of any practitioner. Your doctor will discuss with you treatment options, and whether over the counter, prescription drugs or a combination of both will be the most effective treatment for your particular case.
There’s no doubt that it's embarrassing, not to mention unsightly. To avoid any reoccurrence, especially if you are using anything to treat the condition, be sure you follow a few key steps:
Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser, and do not scrub too hard. Also, try to stay away from pore clogging makeup and cosmetics, because that will have a detrimental effect on your skin. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as much as possible, and if you must go out wear a mild sunscreen to prevent burning.
With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to acne-free skin in no time.
Do Not Let The Galaxy Of Acne Products To Stun You!
Do Not Let The Galaxy Of Acne Products In The Market To Stun You!
Remember, every standard acne product has a handout, explaining the salient features of the product, its ingredients and above all, a warning. No acne product is meant to cause intentional harm to anyone.
Every product in the market claims a set standard of excellence. When the market is flooded with many such products, the buyer, rather the actual person undergoing the suffering of acne, has a double responsibility. Firstly, to buy the correct product and secondly, to apply it as per the directions.
If the rules regarding the later are not adhered to properly, please note that the manufacturer has carefully worded many escape clauses for his own legal and financial safety. For, he has to protect himself first. Your protection from acne, is his secondary priority, strictly speaking. This is, however, not to doubt his intentions.
Individual constitution is a new concept for the modern mind, and acne is no exception,
The exact cause and the possible solution, will have to be well thought off by an individual, after studying the subject acne. No doubt, medication is an important part of the healing process, but most of the mistakes are committed here, if you follow them without knowing the root cause of acne. For example, wearing tight clothes is known to cause body acne by trapping sweat. In such conditions, if you take antibiotics, the result is bound to be unfavorable. It may even lead to side-effects.
The galaxy of acne products in the market may stun you. Skin exfoliation products, soaps, lotions, gels, creams and much more are readily available. Supplementation is a tricky business and is best done with professional help. It should never be considered a substitute for sound diet, environmental awareness and stress management.
Do not consider every type of acne a disease as such. It may just be a temporary condition of the skin, an irritation with a definite, fixed cycle. Let it come and go and die its natural death. Do not fear or interfere in its working.
The totality of the circumstances contributing to acne, are not known and will perhaps never be known. The environmental conditions vary and the same individual may react differently in different seasons. So it is always advisable to gain a dermatologist’s advice well before trying on to any of the acne products.
Remember, every standard acne product has a handout, explaining the salient features of the product, its ingredients and above all, a warning. No acne product is meant to cause intentional harm to anyone.
Every product in the market claims a set standard of excellence. When the market is flooded with many such products, the buyer, rather the actual person undergoing the suffering of acne, has a double responsibility. Firstly, to buy the correct product and secondly, to apply it as per the directions.
If the rules regarding the later are not adhered to properly, please note that the manufacturer has carefully worded many escape clauses for his own legal and financial safety. For, he has to protect himself first. Your protection from acne, is his secondary priority, strictly speaking. This is, however, not to doubt his intentions.
Individual constitution is a new concept for the modern mind, and acne is no exception,
The exact cause and the possible solution, will have to be well thought off by an individual, after studying the subject acne. No doubt, medication is an important part of the healing process, but most of the mistakes are committed here, if you follow them without knowing the root cause of acne. For example, wearing tight clothes is known to cause body acne by trapping sweat. In such conditions, if you take antibiotics, the result is bound to be unfavorable. It may even lead to side-effects.
The galaxy of acne products in the market may stun you. Skin exfoliation products, soaps, lotions, gels, creams and much more are readily available. Supplementation is a tricky business and is best done with professional help. It should never be considered a substitute for sound diet, environmental awareness and stress management.
Do not consider every type of acne a disease as such. It may just be a temporary condition of the skin, an irritation with a definite, fixed cycle. Let it come and go and die its natural death. Do not fear or interfere in its working.
The totality of the circumstances contributing to acne, are not known and will perhaps never be known. The environmental conditions vary and the same individual may react differently in different seasons. So it is always advisable to gain a dermatologist’s advice well before trying on to any of the acne products.
How to diagnose Rosacea
Do you have Rosacea? How to diagnose this chronic skin condition.
If you suffer from a red complexion, flushing or blushing, a red nose and cheeks and dry, flaky skin with pimples, you probably suffer from the chronic skin condition rosacea. Formerly known as acne rosacea, rosacea is more common in women than men, although men often have more severe symptoms. Most people who have rosacea are fair-skinned, fair-haired and blue-eyed, although it is also seen more rarely in dark-skinned people. The disease affects at least 14 million people in the United States of America, typically between 20 and 50 years of age.
The main symptoms of the skin condition are:
- a burning or tingling sensation
- a persistant redness after blushing or flushing
- pimples, papules or pustules on the face
- tiny visible blood vessels under the skin
- thickening of skin, especially around the nose area
- gritty, uncomfortable eyes (ocular rosacea)
The true cause of rosacea is not really known but certain factors are known to aggravate the condition. Sufferers should avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and weather, such as the sun, the cold and wind. Sun avoidance is particularly important, and sun screens, hats and parasols are useful ways to avoid sun-related flare-ups. Alcohol and hot drinks and food are also known to excacerbate rosacea, as is exercising in hot temperatures and hot showers, baths, steam rooms and saunas. Loofahs, rough towels, exfoliators, astringents and cosmetics with perfumes and many additives should also be avoided. Gentle perfume-free cover-up cosmetics can help disguise a flare-up and reduce the psychological and social effects of rosacea.
Rosacea is a condition that is controlled rather than cured and many people find that keeping a diary helps them to pin-point their own triggers. Keeping cool, drinking water to stay hydrated and using natural gentle skin care products go a long way to controlling this chronic condition.
You should, of course, consult your dermatologist for advice about prescription creams and other procedures that may be available to relieve the symptoms of rosacea. Generally, rosacea treatment is aimed at the control of redness, inflammation and skin eruptions, and this treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the skin.
If he decides that you do have rosacea, a dermatologist will often prescribe a combination of oral antibiotics and the use of antibiotic gel as initial treatment. The oral antibiotics will reduce the redness and reduce the pustules, then the topical gel may help to keep the symptoms under control. The dermatologist will also be able to help a patient look at lifestyle factors to help control the rosacea in the future.
Steroids are also often prescribed for rosacea because they appear to relieve the symptoms quickly, but sufferers should be aware that topical steroids are thought to make the symptoms worse longterm. The steroids dilate the blood vessels in the face and thin the skin and dermis by breaking down elastin and collagen in the skin's structure. Topical steroids have actually been thought to cause rosacea in the first place in some instances.
If you suffer from a red complexion, flushing or blushing, a red nose and cheeks and dry, flaky skin with pimples, you probably suffer from the chronic skin condition rosacea. Formerly known as acne rosacea, rosacea is more common in women than men, although men often have more severe symptoms. Most people who have rosacea are fair-skinned, fair-haired and blue-eyed, although it is also seen more rarely in dark-skinned people. The disease affects at least 14 million people in the United States of America, typically between 20 and 50 years of age.
The main symptoms of the skin condition are:
- a burning or tingling sensation
- a persistant redness after blushing or flushing
- pimples, papules or pustules on the face
- tiny visible blood vessels under the skin
- thickening of skin, especially around the nose area
- gritty, uncomfortable eyes (ocular rosacea)
The true cause of rosacea is not really known but certain factors are known to aggravate the condition. Sufferers should avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and weather, such as the sun, the cold and wind. Sun avoidance is particularly important, and sun screens, hats and parasols are useful ways to avoid sun-related flare-ups. Alcohol and hot drinks and food are also known to excacerbate rosacea, as is exercising in hot temperatures and hot showers, baths, steam rooms and saunas. Loofahs, rough towels, exfoliators, astringents and cosmetics with perfumes and many additives should also be avoided. Gentle perfume-free cover-up cosmetics can help disguise a flare-up and reduce the psychological and social effects of rosacea.
Rosacea is a condition that is controlled rather than cured and many people find that keeping a diary helps them to pin-point their own triggers. Keeping cool, drinking water to stay hydrated and using natural gentle skin care products go a long way to controlling this chronic condition.
You should, of course, consult your dermatologist for advice about prescription creams and other procedures that may be available to relieve the symptoms of rosacea. Generally, rosacea treatment is aimed at the control of redness, inflammation and skin eruptions, and this treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the skin.
If he decides that you do have rosacea, a dermatologist will often prescribe a combination of oral antibiotics and the use of antibiotic gel as initial treatment. The oral antibiotics will reduce the redness and reduce the pustules, then the topical gel may help to keep the symptoms under control. The dermatologist will also be able to help a patient look at lifestyle factors to help control the rosacea in the future.
Steroids are also often prescribed for rosacea because they appear to relieve the symptoms quickly, but sufferers should be aware that topical steroids are thought to make the symptoms worse longterm. The steroids dilate the blood vessels in the face and thin the skin and dermis by breaking down elastin and collagen in the skin's structure. Topical steroids have actually been thought to cause rosacea in the first place in some instances.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Learnig More About Acne Scars
Learnig More About Acne Scars
Macules and Scars:
Before I jump into the topic of scars, I need to clarify the difference between Macules and Scars. Macules may look like scars, but they are not scars in the sense that a permanent change has occurred. Macules are essentially the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. They are normally flat, reddish spots that can remain for up to 8 months. But the difference between a Macule and a scar is that a Macule will end up disappearing completely whereas a scar will remain for years or indefinitely.
As for scars, this can also vary from person to person. With some individuals, scars may remain for a lifetime without change but with others, their skin will undergo a form of remodeling that will eventually diminish the scar.
Another factor that needs to be evaluated is the human element of scarring. People simply have different feelings about acne scars. Those who are distressed about their acne scars are much more likely to actively seek out treatment to moderate or remove the scar than those who are more indifferent about the scars.
Cause of Scars:
Let us first gain a better understanding of acne scars by first determining the cause of scars. A scar is a mark left in the skin by the healing of a wound or surgical incision in which the normal functional tissue (skin) is replaced by connective tissue (scar). In the case of acne, the lesion is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells that are trapped in the plugged sebaceous follicle.
When your skin tissue has suffered a lesion of some sorts, your body will attempt to heal the injured site. It does so by increasing the white blood cells in the area along with an array of inflammatory molecules whose function is to repair the damaged tissue and fight infection. In the end, the repair job can be messy, and the site of the lesion is now filled with fibrous scar tissue or eroded tissue. As for the inflammatory molecules and white blood cells, they can remain at the acne lesion for days and even weeks.
Take note of the fact that not everyone functions in the same way, and this holds true with our skin as well. Some people are simply more prone to scarring than others.
Treatment for scars:
Bear in mind that treating acne and treating acne scars are two completely different things. Treating your acne has nothing to do with treating an acne scar. Acne scars can indeed be treated, but it is important that an acne sufferer bring their acne condition under control first if they still suffer from moderate to severe acne.
Once your acne subsides, make an appointment with a dermatologist and discuss the methods (if applicable) of scar treatment(s) he/she recommend you undergo to treat your scars. Keep in mind that there are many methods with which you may treat your scars. These methods vary according to your scar type, size and location, type of skin, and of course, money $$$. All this should be discussed in great detail with your dermatologist.
Before undergoing scar treatment, ask yourself the following questions before having your dermatologist undergo the decided procedure(s).: Are you willing to wait and see if the scars will subside on their own with time? Do your acne scars affect you emotionally and socially? Is your scarring substantial enough to warrant scar treatment? Can you afford the treatment or what treatment options can you afford?
Keep in mind, the objective of scar treatment is not to necessarily rid you of all indications of scars by completely restoring your skin. It very much depends on the severity of your scars, your skin type, your skins ability to regenerate, etc. Significant improvements can definitely be achieved, but complete restoration is often impossible.
Macules and Scars:
Before I jump into the topic of scars, I need to clarify the difference between Macules and Scars. Macules may look like scars, but they are not scars in the sense that a permanent change has occurred. Macules are essentially the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. They are normally flat, reddish spots that can remain for up to 8 months. But the difference between a Macule and a scar is that a Macule will end up disappearing completely whereas a scar will remain for years or indefinitely.
As for scars, this can also vary from person to person. With some individuals, scars may remain for a lifetime without change but with others, their skin will undergo a form of remodeling that will eventually diminish the scar.
Another factor that needs to be evaluated is the human element of scarring. People simply have different feelings about acne scars. Those who are distressed about their acne scars are much more likely to actively seek out treatment to moderate or remove the scar than those who are more indifferent about the scars.
Cause of Scars:
Let us first gain a better understanding of acne scars by first determining the cause of scars. A scar is a mark left in the skin by the healing of a wound or surgical incision in which the normal functional tissue (skin) is replaced by connective tissue (scar). In the case of acne, the lesion is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells that are trapped in the plugged sebaceous follicle.
When your skin tissue has suffered a lesion of some sorts, your body will attempt to heal the injured site. It does so by increasing the white blood cells in the area along with an array of inflammatory molecules whose function is to repair the damaged tissue and fight infection. In the end, the repair job can be messy, and the site of the lesion is now filled with fibrous scar tissue or eroded tissue. As for the inflammatory molecules and white blood cells, they can remain at the acne lesion for days and even weeks.
Take note of the fact that not everyone functions in the same way, and this holds true with our skin as well. Some people are simply more prone to scarring than others.
Treatment for scars:
Bear in mind that treating acne and treating acne scars are two completely different things. Treating your acne has nothing to do with treating an acne scar. Acne scars can indeed be treated, but it is important that an acne sufferer bring their acne condition under control first if they still suffer from moderate to severe acne.
Once your acne subsides, make an appointment with a dermatologist and discuss the methods (if applicable) of scar treatment(s) he/she recommend you undergo to treat your scars. Keep in mind that there are many methods with which you may treat your scars. These methods vary according to your scar type, size and location, type of skin, and of course, money $$$. All this should be discussed in great detail with your dermatologist.
Before undergoing scar treatment, ask yourself the following questions before having your dermatologist undergo the decided procedure(s).: Are you willing to wait and see if the scars will subside on their own with time? Do your acne scars affect you emotionally and socially? Is your scarring substantial enough to warrant scar treatment? Can you afford the treatment or what treatment options can you afford?
Keep in mind, the objective of scar treatment is not to necessarily rid you of all indications of scars by completely restoring your skin. It very much depends on the severity of your scars, your skin type, your skins ability to regenerate, etc. Significant improvements can definitely be achieved, but complete restoration is often impossible.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Simple Over the Counter Acne Treatments That Work!
Simple Over the Counter Acne Treatments That Work!
Copyright 2006 Tony Buel
Everyone deals with acne at some stage in their life. Some will experience it worse than others. Some forms of acne will be more mild than others. The vast majority of people will, however, be in the middle somewhere.
Although there may not be a direct linkage, acne may be aggravated by factors such as stress, diet, air quality and life-style choices. But the main factors causing acne are: hormonal imbalances and genetics. Everyone, at some time in their lives will go through a period of time when their hormones seem to get messed up (puberty and pregnancy are prime examples) and if acne is your genetic trait -- you're stuck with it.
Fortunately, there are many over the counter (OTC) medications available to help people deal with acne. How well they work for you will pretty much be determined by three factors: the product's active ingredients, the cause of the user's acne and the user's skin type.
Not all acne products will work the same way because of the different ingredients used. The active ingredient salicylic acid works by reducing the amount of dead skin. The active ingredient benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the P.acnes bacteria (a naturally occurring bacteria in the skin).
Following are descriptions of the active ingredients you will find used in most over-the-counter acne medications:
Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is the 'wonder drug' in the acne treatment industry; it works by reducing the natural P.acnes bacteria and reduces the quantity of dead skin cells. By performing these two actions, benzoyl peroxide manages to lessen the effects of two of the main causes of comedones (the large, deep, pus-filled pimples that are the trademarks of acne). Benzoyl peroxide has been used for years in acne treatment medications since being discovered to be very effective in treating mild acne.
You will find (on the Internet) many 'personal' recommendations for benzoyl peroxide and details about how it was used to successfully treat acne. But as with all medications, use an acne product with benzoyl peroxide as instructed on the product label or as instructed by a physician. Benzoyl peroxide, when over-used, has the side-effect of drying out your skin and can also discolor any fabrics or materials it comes into contact with, e.g., shirts, towels, sheets, etc.. Benzoyl peroxide is available as a lotion or gel and can be used as a preventative acne treatment even after your acne has cleared up.
Alcohol and acetone: Alcohol and acetone are used together in some over-the-counter acne medications. The alcohol kills external bacteria while the acetone makes the skin less oily.
"Herbal", "organic" and "natural" products: You will find some OTC products with labels such "herbal," "organic" and "natural;" these products are generally put on the market to appeal to the people who are attracted to products with those labels. The products themselves may or may not be beneficial for acne and actual results have proven inconclusive.
Resorcinol: The active ingredient resorcinol has been found to work well on small acne blemishes and can be found in some OTC products combined with sulfur.
Sulfur itself has been used in a number of OTC medications for decades. You will find this usually in combination with active ingredients such as alcohol, salicylic acid and resorcinol. Sulfur has been found be an effective acne treatment for some people but it does not seem to be known exactly how it works to clear up acne. Also, products with sulfur will tend to have an unpleasant smell.
Salicylic acid: The active ingredient salicylic acid is generally effective for acne blemishes when there is no inflammation present. Salicylic acid acts by unclogging clogged-up pores to reduce the number of acne blemishes formed -- it does this by minimizing the amount of dead skin cells; it has no known effect on the production of sebum or the production of the P.acnes bacteria. Just as is recommended with products containing benzoyl peroxide, products with salicylic acid as the active ingredient should be used even after the acne clears up to prevent its return. One possible side-effect of salicylic acid is skin irritation in some people.
Remember -everyone's skin is different! Some people have generally dry skin, some have generally oily skin and most people have a combination of the two on different areas on our bodies. Acne in areas of oily skin will respond better to a gel based acne product. Acne on dry skin will respond better to a cream.
Those with sensitive skin should not use real strong acne medication. It may lead to skin irritation or even make your acne worse!
Some of the milder acne treatments can be used as a preventative measure and some (like those with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid) are recommended as post-acne preventative measures but many are too strong and will irritate your skin.
If you have anything but a mild, seemingly manageable case of acne, an OTC medicine may control it and eventually get rid of it. If, however, your acne seems out of control or painful or too stressful to handle by yourself, be sure to see a get to a dermatologist!
Copyright 2006 Tony Buel
Everyone deals with acne at some stage in their life. Some will experience it worse than others. Some forms of acne will be more mild than others. The vast majority of people will, however, be in the middle somewhere.
Although there may not be a direct linkage, acne may be aggravated by factors such as stress, diet, air quality and life-style choices. But the main factors causing acne are: hormonal imbalances and genetics. Everyone, at some time in their lives will go through a period of time when their hormones seem to get messed up (puberty and pregnancy are prime examples) and if acne is your genetic trait -- you're stuck with it.
Fortunately, there are many over the counter (OTC) medications available to help people deal with acne. How well they work for you will pretty much be determined by three factors: the product's active ingredients, the cause of the user's acne and the user's skin type.
Not all acne products will work the same way because of the different ingredients used. The active ingredient salicylic acid works by reducing the amount of dead skin. The active ingredient benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the P.acnes bacteria (a naturally occurring bacteria in the skin).
Following are descriptions of the active ingredients you will find used in most over-the-counter acne medications:
Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is the 'wonder drug' in the acne treatment industry; it works by reducing the natural P.acnes bacteria and reduces the quantity of dead skin cells. By performing these two actions, benzoyl peroxide manages to lessen the effects of two of the main causes of comedones (the large, deep, pus-filled pimples that are the trademarks of acne). Benzoyl peroxide has been used for years in acne treatment medications since being discovered to be very effective in treating mild acne.
You will find (on the Internet) many 'personal' recommendations for benzoyl peroxide and details about how it was used to successfully treat acne. But as with all medications, use an acne product with benzoyl peroxide as instructed on the product label or as instructed by a physician. Benzoyl peroxide, when over-used, has the side-effect of drying out your skin and can also discolor any fabrics or materials it comes into contact with, e.g., shirts, towels, sheets, etc.. Benzoyl peroxide is available as a lotion or gel and can be used as a preventative acne treatment even after your acne has cleared up.
Alcohol and acetone: Alcohol and acetone are used together in some over-the-counter acne medications. The alcohol kills external bacteria while the acetone makes the skin less oily.
"Herbal", "organic" and "natural" products: You will find some OTC products with labels such "herbal," "organic" and "natural;" these products are generally put on the market to appeal to the people who are attracted to products with those labels. The products themselves may or may not be beneficial for acne and actual results have proven inconclusive.
Resorcinol: The active ingredient resorcinol has been found to work well on small acne blemishes and can be found in some OTC products combined with sulfur.
Sulfur itself has been used in a number of OTC medications for decades. You will find this usually in combination with active ingredients such as alcohol, salicylic acid and resorcinol. Sulfur has been found be an effective acne treatment for some people but it does not seem to be known exactly how it works to clear up acne. Also, products with sulfur will tend to have an unpleasant smell.
Salicylic acid: The active ingredient salicylic acid is generally effective for acne blemishes when there is no inflammation present. Salicylic acid acts by unclogging clogged-up pores to reduce the number of acne blemishes formed -- it does this by minimizing the amount of dead skin cells; it has no known effect on the production of sebum or the production of the P.acnes bacteria. Just as is recommended with products containing benzoyl peroxide, products with salicylic acid as the active ingredient should be used even after the acne clears up to prevent its return. One possible side-effect of salicylic acid is skin irritation in some people.
Remember -everyone's skin is different! Some people have generally dry skin, some have generally oily skin and most people have a combination of the two on different areas on our bodies. Acne in areas of oily skin will respond better to a gel based acne product. Acne on dry skin will respond better to a cream.
Those with sensitive skin should not use real strong acne medication. It may lead to skin irritation or even make your acne worse!
Some of the milder acne treatments can be used as a preventative measure and some (like those with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid) are recommended as post-acne preventative measures but many are too strong and will irritate your skin.
If you have anything but a mild, seemingly manageable case of acne, an OTC medicine may control it and eventually get rid of it. If, however, your acne seems out of control or painful or too stressful to handle by yourself, be sure to see a get to a dermatologist!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Teen and Adolescence Acne
Teen and Adolescence Acne
At least 90% of adolescents have acne — it affects teens of every size and shape, in every country from America to Zimbabwe. A recent study by the American Medical Association revealed (not surprisingly) that acne is one of today’s teenagers’ biggest worries. “Acne can, without question, affect self-esteem,” says Diane Berson, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. “Some kids have it so severely that they don’t even want to go out of their house. They make excuses for not going to social functions.”1
It seems unfair, doesn’t it? Just when you’re beginning to grow up and get some ideas about exactly who’s behind the face in your mirror, you’re staring at a minefield of bumps and blemishes. It can be downright depressing — but since everyone has acne, you’re supposed to suck it up and suffer through it… right? Wrong! Today we know more about fighting acne than ever before. And the best way to stop acne is to find out why it starts when it does — during adolescence. Get rid of your acne with Proactiv® Solution - GO NOW!
Why does acne strike teens? At the onset of puberty, the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. These “male” hormones are a natural part of development for both boys and girls, but boys tend to produce more of them — and therefore tend to have more severe breakouts. Why? Our faces and bodies are covered with tiny hairs, each one fitting snugly into a hair follicle, sometimes called a pore. Deep within each follicle, oil glands are hard at work producing sebum, which travels up the hair and out onto the surface of your skin. Sebum’s job is to form a protective layer between your skin and the world, keeping it soft and smooth.
But when androgens enter the picture, your oil glands go into overdrive. They produce extra oil, which can clump together with the dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin. When this sticky mixture finds its way into your pores, it acts just like a cork in a bottle — trapping oil and bacteria inside. Unfortunately, your oil glands just don’t know when to stop; they keep producing oil, and the follicle becomes swollen. Your body’s natural defense system, white blood cells, rush to the area to clean up the mess. The result? Red, painful bumps. Yucky black spots. Zits. Blackheads. Pimples. Acne. It has
At least 90% of adolescents have acne — it affects teens of every size and shape, in every country from America to Zimbabwe. A recent study by the American Medical Association revealed (not surprisingly) that acne is one of today’s teenagers’ biggest worries. “Acne can, without question, affect self-esteem,” says Diane Berson, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. “Some kids have it so severely that they don’t even want to go out of their house. They make excuses for not going to social functions.”1
It seems unfair, doesn’t it? Just when you’re beginning to grow up and get some ideas about exactly who’s behind the face in your mirror, you’re staring at a minefield of bumps and blemishes. It can be downright depressing — but since everyone has acne, you’re supposed to suck it up and suffer through it… right? Wrong! Today we know more about fighting acne than ever before. And the best way to stop acne is to find out why it starts when it does — during adolescence. Get rid of your acne with Proactiv® Solution - GO NOW!
Why does acne strike teens? At the onset of puberty, the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. These “male” hormones are a natural part of development for both boys and girls, but boys tend to produce more of them — and therefore tend to have more severe breakouts. Why? Our faces and bodies are covered with tiny hairs, each one fitting snugly into a hair follicle, sometimes called a pore. Deep within each follicle, oil glands are hard at work producing sebum, which travels up the hair and out onto the surface of your skin. Sebum’s job is to form a protective layer between your skin and the world, keeping it soft and smooth.
But when androgens enter the picture, your oil glands go into overdrive. They produce extra oil, which can clump together with the dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin. When this sticky mixture finds its way into your pores, it acts just like a cork in a bottle — trapping oil and bacteria inside. Unfortunately, your oil glands just don’t know when to stop; they keep producing oil, and the follicle becomes swollen. Your body’s natural defense system, white blood cells, rush to the area to clean up the mess. The result? Red, painful bumps. Yucky black spots. Zits. Blackheads. Pimples. Acne. It has
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)