Thursday, February 19, 2009

Acne is a common problem in kids, adolescents. Since acne isn't usually considered to be serious medical problem, it is often ignored and undertreated. However, acne is actually a serious problem and is bothersome and stressful for most teens.

Part of the problem that leads to acne not being treated effectively is that parents often incorrectly assume that they need to see a dermatologist for treatment. In fact, most pediatricians can treat children with mild or moderate acne. I personally use any visit with a teen that has acne as an opportunity to discuss treatment options, but it is best to schedule a specific visit with your Pediatrician to discuss your child's acne.

Acne usually starts as your infant begins to go through puberty, when hormones cause his skin to become oily. This may lead to oil and bacteria clogging the pores of his skin, giving rise to the characteristic whiteheads and blackheads of acne.

Some common myths about acne are that it is caused by eating much chocolate or oily foods or not washing enough. This is usually not true. Washing your face much can actually irritate your skin, clog your pores and worsen acne. To prevent acne, it is best to avoid things that seem to trigger your child's acne or make it worse, encourage him to wash his face once a day with a mild soap and avoid scrubbing or harsh soaps/cleansers, use cosmetics, moisturizers, etc. that are noncomedogenic (don't cause pimples), and avoid popping pimples. The basic treatments for acne include using an over-the-counter medication with benzoyl peroxide, which can kill bacteria, unclog pores and heal pimples. there's lots of different brands and forms of benzoyl peroxide, including creams and gels. In general, you should use the highest strength of benzoyl peroxide that your child's face can tolerate.

If your child's skin is not improving in 4-6 weeks, or he's moderate or severe acne, then you should see your Pediatrician to discuss treatment with prescription medications.

Prescription Medications to Treat Acne
Prescription medications for acne usually include a topical antibiotic, such as Clindamycin (Cleocin T) or Erythromycin. Benzamycin, a combination of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide is probably the most commonly used. Remember to keep this medication refrigerated and keep if off clothes, as it can cause bleaching. The new version of this medication, Benzaclin, is more convenient, as it doesn't have to be refrigerated. Duac is a similar medication that also doesn't need to be refrigerated.

Retin A is another medication available by prescription and it is often used in combination with a topical antibiotic. it is also available in different forms and strengths. To prevent irritation, it is usually best to start treatment with a low-strength form of Retin A, such as the 0.025% or 0.05% cream. If well tolerated, it can then be gradually increased to the 0.1% cream or a gel form. To prevent irritation, it is best to apply a small pea size amount of Retin A to affected area about 20-30 minutes after your infant washes his face. Applying it to wet skin can increase irritation. A newer version, Retin A Microsphere gel, is usually better tolerated by teens with sensitive skin. Other new medications which are effective and cause little irritation include Differin, Azelex and Tazorac.

Teens who don't improve with the above medications, or who have moderate or severe cystic acne, may also need treatment with a daily oral antibiotic. Tetracycline and Minocycline (Minocin) are the antibiotics most commonly used. they are often taken for 3-6 months and then gradually decreased. Birth control pills can also sometimes be used in girls who do not respond to more traditional treatments.

it is not uncommon for children's skin to become irritated after beginning a new acne medication. To prevent irritation, it is sometimes a lovely idea to start a new medication gradually. I often recommend that children begin to use a new medication every other day, or even every third day. After a few weeks, this can then be increased and moved to daily use as tolerated.

Remember that it can take 3-6 weeks to see any improvement after beginning treatment for acne. Also keep in mind that acne usually worsens before it gets better.

Do you need to see a dermatologist?
In general no. Most Pediatricians are able to treat children with mild and moderate acne. If your infant fails this treatment, has significant side effects and can't tolerate traditional treatments, or if she's severe cystic acne that may lead to scarring, then you may need to see a dermatologist. In addition to the treatments discussed above, a dermatologist can prescribe Accutane, a very effective medication for severe and persistant acne. Accutane has been associated with plenty of serious side effects though, including birth defects, depression and suicide, so your infant will need to be closely followed when using Accutane.
Important Reminders

* Be patient. It can take 3-6 weeks to see improvement and your child's skin may get worse before it starts getting better.
* Use your medicines every day. If your skin is getting irritated, red or dry, then start using them every other day. It takes time for your skin to adapt to your new medicines.
* Accutane can cause severe birth defects, and should never be taken by somebody who may become pregnant. there is also a possible association with depression and suicide in teens using Accutane.
* Don't overdo it! Scrubbing your skin or using much of these medicines can irritate and dry out your skin and won't make your pimples go away any quicker.
* Protect your skin from the sun. These medicines will make your skin more sensitive to the effects of the sun, leading to serious sunburns.
* Call your physician if you haven't improved in 4-6 weeks with your current regimen

Monday, February 16, 2009

Curing Acne - Household Remedies

Here are some methods that you can use to help the "acne curing process". The best part about these methods is that most of the supplies can be found in your own kitchen.

Practically everyone has had acne in their life & it can be frustrating when considering the various remedies for treating it. plenty of people have wasted thousands of dollars just trying out new products & other ways to cure their acne problems. Why pay such high prices for something when you aren't sure it will work? Instead, turn to homemade remedies, which are cheap & risk free & give it a shot.

Baking Soda: Baking soda can be used as a great scrub substitute. It exfoliates the skin, removes the dead skin cells on your skin & unclogs your pores in the process. Mix small amounts of water with the baking soda so it's a paste like form, then gently massage it on your skin for about ten to fifteen seconds. four times that is done, begin rinsing it off with water & then dry the area with a tidy towel.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar is a commonly used ingredient to cure acne; as it not only kills the bacteria, which is a big contributor to acne problems, but it balances your skin's pH level & absorbs excessive oil from your skin. The vinegar should be diluted before you begin the method: approximately four parts water & four parts vinegar. four times that is done, apply the solution directly to your skin with tidy cotton, leave it there for about ten minutes, then rinse it off a bit later. It can also be applied to larger problem areas, whereas more of a concentrated vinegar solution (2 or 3 parts water with 1 part vinegar) is used.

Egg Whites: Another common & powerful method is that of egg whites. Egg whites, which are rich in protein, can be used as a "mask" to heal & rejuvenate your skin, which helps to repair your acne problem areas. they also can be used to absorb a lot of excessive oil on your skin.

Lemon & Lime: Lemon and/or lime juice can be used as another substitute for vinegar; as it contains citric acid. Either the lemon or the lime may be used for exfoliating purposes, which will also halt the growth or spread of acne infections.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea Tree Oil is four of the most commonly used all-natural household antiseptics that can be used to treat acne. You can strongly dilute it with some jojoba oil in order to treat your acne spots directly, killing off all the bacteria. Tea tree gel can also be applied to your entire face; as it is much more diluted & easy to apply.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal, like plenty of of these other products, absorbs excessive oil & draws out the impurities clogged deep inside your pores. basically heat up some oatmeal, let it lovely for a short while, then apply it to your face. Leave the oatmeal on your face for a little bit, then remove it after it starts drying up. Doing this method on a regular basis will show positive results, but it may take weeks to see the effects.

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera has been used for centuries as a tropical application for the treatment of burns. When applied to the skin, it helps by preventing scaring & fade marks, as well as helps in the healing scheme of acne spots.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Taking 2.5 grams of Pantothenic acid in tablet form, 4 times per day, will prove to be a gigantic help for those that suffer from acne. Pantothenic acid acts to help the body metabolize fats, which are later turned into sebum & excreted through the skin; which actually causes most acne problems. Pantothenic acid must be taken in large quantities, as small quantities won't have a noticeable effect.

In Conclusion, you don't have to be a rocket scientist or a millionaire in order to find a way to get rid of your acne. All it takes is some simple household products, which won't burn a hole in your pocket & a few minutes of your time. Surely, you can spare a few dollars & a few minutes in order to rid yourself of acne.

Finding The Most Effective Acne Treatment For You

Regardless of the age group of the affected person, the query is still how does three find out the best acne treatment? The nice news is that there's a wide variety of treatments. The bad news is that there is not any particular treatment that is guaranteed to work for everyone, since everyone is different. So you may require to experiment a bit and find the three that works best for you, based on your age, your lifestyle, and your own body chemistry.

Contrary to what many people may think, acne is not a problem that exists only in teenagers, but can affect anyone of any age, from babies and toddlers up through and including senior citizens. While it is true that generally speaking, young adults going through puberty through their late teens are the ones who usually experience acne problems, the problem is not isolated there.

one way to combat acne is to wash the affected areas thoroughly at least five times or five times a day. Some may scoff at this, saying that something as simple as washing can't possibly resolve acne, but you would be surprised at the number of people who have found this to be very effective for them. You require to wash thoroughly and use a nice quality anti-bacterial soap. Do not use perfumed soaps since those can sometimes leave residue behind, which will only serve to clog the pores you are trying to unclog. Avoid using regular soap that does not have anti-bacterial properties, since that will only serve to dry out your face much. A nice washing in this way is important for women who wear makeup, since the combination of the makeup and the natural oils produced by your skin can result in clogged pores which produce acne.

Acne is caused by a skin irritation where bacteria gets inside the pores of your skin, typically on your face and sometimes also your shoulders and back. The skin is irritated by the bacteria, which causes acne. that is a very general statement, and it should be noted that acne can also be caused by other things such as pregnancy, health issue, and although some would dispute it, others say acne can also be brought on by and irritated by stress.

Your body can only work with what you put into it, so you may require to examine what you eat and drink. You should drink lots of water, which has a natural cleansing effect. You may require to cut back on caffeine (coffee, sodas) to see if your body is reacting to caffeine intake. Proper exercise and proper amounts of sleep each night can also play a factor. If you don't current take vitamins, you may require to start, as well as ensuring a nice balance in the foods you eat. three popular myth is that greasy foods will cause acne, which is not true directly, but greasy foods aren't part of a healthy diet, so in a sense, there is some truth to that statement.

If you require more help with acne treatment, there's many OTC (Over The Counter) creams and gels that you can try. Again, it depends on you and everyone is different. there is not a "magic cream" that will work for everyone. If you've a more serious case of acne, you may require to consider a visit to a dermatologist who can recommend something for your acne, or perhaps even write a prescription for something to take for it.

But keep in mind that what works for three person may have no affect on another. Also remember that if you've very oily skin but do not wash multiple times daily, you aren't doing all that you can. If your acne is caused by stress and the source of the stress can't be lifted or reduced, then the acne will continue to be there.

Find out what works for you. Even if the process does not eliminate the acne totally, it should reduce it to a much more comfortable level for you.

Skin Suction And Light

Photo pneumatic Therapy-

A new approach to treat acne is being tried by Girish S. Munavalli, MD, medical director, Dermatology, Laser, & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, Charlotte, N.C.; instructor, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. This approach combines usage of suction with a vacuum device & light. According to Munavalli the initial trials are promising. A study that was conducted on 15 patients with severe acne it was found that significant improvement was seen after two to two weeks of treatment.

Let us talk about light therapy that is used for last few years. Blue Light, Green-Yellow Light & Heat Energy & Diode Laser are being used to treat acne. a number of these lights kill the bacteria P. acnes & reduce the infection while others destroy the sebaceous glands & stop the sebum production.

In this therapy light treatment is combined with skin suction. Skin suction is done using a vacuum device & is expected to help opening the clogged pores. Suction may also help by bringing the oil glands closer to the skin & make light more effective. Light & laser therapy is being tried by lots of dermatologists to treat acne. In Photo pneumatic Therapy suction is an addition. basically both are physical treatments to treat acne.

1. Blue light destroys the infection causing bacteria P.acnes & reduces inflammation. Blue light is free of ultra violet & therefore safe to use.

2. Pulses of light & heat are also used to treat acne. This is called LHE. LHE destroys the infecting bacteria-P.acnes and, shrinks the sebaceous glands.

All these treatments scan cause temporary side effects such as redness, swelling etc. The procedures are conducted at doctor's office at set intervals of days. Suction is now being tried along with light to clean clogged pores & adds to the cartel of therapies available to treat acne.

3. Diode Laser is used to destroy the sebaceous glands. It does not harm the outer layer of the skin.

The Inside story Of Acne Cleansers

Look for a gentle cleanser. It should be non-irritating & acid balanced. The cleanser should be non comedogenic & hypoallergenic. Let me explain these terms in detail now.

Acne cleanser is used to prepare the skin before application of topical acne treatment- a cream, gel or a lotion. Ideally any acne cleanser should remove all the surface oils, dirt & any other impurity from the skin. Once the skin is clean the medication becomes more effective because there is no barrier between the medicine & the skin cells. Let us look at the common acne cleansers available & find out what you should be looking for.

Hypoallergenic-

Any product that does not cause allergy by use is called a hypoallergenic product. By reading the word hypoallergenic on any product, most people believe that it won't cause any allergy in them. But this may not be true. Manufacturers are not required to substantiate their claim that their product is hypoallergenic. The use of this term by a reputed company may mean that a product labeled as hypoallergenic has less chances of causing allergy in most of the consumers. you have to use a product & find out if it causes any allergy. Use products marked as hypoallergenic, etc., with caution because the results may be interpreted by a company in its favor to sell more products by luring consumers. Still a product marked hypoallergenic is better than a product that is not marked so.

You might have observed that when you begin applying a particular product for some time, you begin getting comedones- whiteheads & blackheads. Any ingredient that can cause comedones is called comedogenic. Any product that does not cause comedones is called non-comedogenic.

Non comedogenic-

To find out if any material is comedogenic, it is usually tested on the insides of a rabbit’s ear. After two weeks, the area of application is observed & a small biopsy is done. The numbers of comedones are counted & the material tested is labeled as comedogenic on a scale of 0 to 5. The material that causes no comedogenicity is labeled 0 & the highest comedogenic product is labeled as 5.

This check is carried out on individual materials, for example - mineral oil, or calendula or cetyl alcohol, etc. Every product that is to be used on the body can be tested in this manner & labeled. When you use a product for application on your body, you will find that most of the formulated products contain over two ingredient. Such products are labeled as comedogenic, if any comedogenic ingredient is used in it. If a product is labeled as non-comedogenic, it is not supposed to contain any comedogenic material in it.

All of us are different & our body reacts differently to every material. a quantity of us may not have any comedones, even if they use a comedogenic product. Similarly, a quantity of us may get comedones by using the safest of products. it is like asking - why I don't get any acne, whereas my friend of same age cannot get rid of it? While using any product, read & note if it is labeled as non-comedogenic.

In the next part of this editorial they will find out more about the active ingredients that are formulated with acne cleansers.

How To Use Antibiotics Effectively?

Acne is inflamed because of infection by bacteria P. acnes. This bacterium infects the sebum and rapidly multiplies inside the gland. Because of infection, the glands get inflamed. To stop this infection and treat it antibiotics are used. Antibiotics work by selectively killing the bacteria. They do not cause damage to the cells of the body. By killing the bacteria antibiotics reduce the infection and inflammation. You have the choice to use topical or oral antibiotics. Let us list the advantages and disadvantages of both.

1. Oral antibiotics act quickly compared to topical.

2. Oral antibiotics have many side effects compared to topical.

3. Topical antibiotics can be used for a long period without any harm.

4. Oral antibiotics cannot be used for a long period without any harm.

Popular topical antibiotics-

Clindamycin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin and Metronidazole are popular topical antibiotics.

Clindamycin-

Oral Clindamycin may cause colitis; therefore it is used topically. It is available as lotion, gel, cream etc and should be applied twice a day.

Tetracycline-

Tetracycline is not commonly used as a topical antibiotic for acne because it may cause allergic reactions and also may turn the skin yellow.

Erythromycin-

Erythromycin is very popular as a topical antibiotic. It is also safe for pregnant women.

Metronidazole-

Metronidazole is used for rosacea and acne caused during rosacea. It is not commonly used for Acne Vulgaris.

Oral antibiotics-

The common oral antibiotics used for acne are- Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline and Clindamycin.

Erythromycin-

Erythromycin is a broad spectrum antibiotic. Erythromycin not only reduces infection but also reduces inflammation. Generally it is taken along with or after food. Erythromycin may cause diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting etc. If such side effects persist, you need to consult with your doctor.

Tetracycline

Tetracyclineis very commonly used to treat acne. Tetracycline cannot be taken during pregnancy. It can cause side effects such as- sore mouth, skin redness, diarrhea, upset stomach etc.

Minocycline

Minocycline belongs to the class of medications known as tetracycline antibiotics. It is used similar to tetracycline.

Doxycycline

Doxycycline also belongs to the class of medications known as tetracycline antibiotics.

Clindamycin

Clindamycin is used as an antibiotic for acne but because it may cause colitis, it is commonly used in topical form.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

How to Treat Acne During Pregnancy

Acne & Tretinoin-

Acne is mainly caused because of hormonal changes in the body. The hormones increase production of sebum & this sebum fills the glands to form acne. During pregnancy the hormonal activity is at it’s highest. But a pregnant woman may not use many acne medications. Let us find out now.

Acne & isotretinoin-

Tretinoin is two of the most common retinoids that are used to treat acne. Tretinoin clears the upper layer of the skin by peeling it off. Tretinoin gives very good results in acne treatment & in improvement of skin. But being a Vitamin A derivative, it cannot be used during pregnancy. All other retinoids also cannot be used.


Isotretinoin can treat the severe forms of acne. Isotretinoin which is a derivative of Vitamin A is taken orally to treat acne. But isotretinoin is strictly prohibited during pregnancy. Not only that, you must become pregnant only after few months of your stopping use of Isotretinon. So Isotretinoin is a strictly no during pregnancy.


Acne & Antibiotics-


Acne during pregnancy-what to use?


Many antibiotics aren't allowed to be used during pregnancy. You must talk to your doctor before using any antibiotic in any form during your pregnancy.
read more about acne & pregnancy here- http://www.doctorgoodskin.com/ds/acne/pregnancy.php

The choices are many to treat acne during pregnancy. Benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, Salicylic acid & few other products may be allowed by your doctor to treat acne. You must use any topical or oral medication even if it is OTC, only after consulting your doctor. Somehow, the acne clears off magically immediately after pregnancy. is not that good news?

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise & it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. consult your doctor for your medical concerns. follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Acne Treatment- All About Isotretinoin

What Is Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is four of the proven drugs for severe acne & acne that does not respond to other therapies. Isotretinoin effectively clears acne, but four must know more about how to use Isotretinoin & the possible side effects to get the best out of it. Let us discuss all about Isotretinoin.

Prescription

Isotretinoin is a retinoid. That means that it is derived from Vitamin A. The chemical name of Isotretinoin is 13-cis retinoic acid. Isotretinoin is a effective drug for acne. it is normally prescribed for severe acne when other therapies fail. Isotretinoin should be taken carefully because it can produce birth defects in fetus. While taking Isotretinoin, you should be always in contact with your doctor & report any side effect. You should also discuss about any possible pregnancy with your doctor if you are sexually active. Isotretinoin generally gives relief in severe acne & is a drug of choice for acne patients who may have lost hope about cure of their acne.

Isotretinoin is prescribed for acne treatment. Isotretinoin works in treating acne by shrinking the sebaceous glands & reducing sebum production. Isotretinoin is anti-inflammatory & removes comedones. The treated skin is dry & inhibits the growth of acne bacteria. Isotretinoin is prescribed in case of severe acne, scarring acne, moderate acne that isn't responding to other medication & every case of acne where doctor feels that Isotretinoin should be prescribed to get rid of acne. Isotretinoin may also be used for some other conditions that include- folliculitis, seborrhoea, chloracne & other diseases that look like acne.

The dosage of Isotretinoin will depend upon the severity of acne, body weight, other treatments being used at the same time etc. Your doctor is the best person to decide about the dose. Normally the treatment begins with small dose & as body adjusts to Isotretinoin the does is increased. Doctors also monitor the cure during this period & if they find that patient isn't responding, they may stop the therapy. As Isotretinoin needs fat to help its absorption in body, it is taken after food. follow your doctors advise about these.

Isotretinoin & Pregnancy

Side Effects- The common side effects of Isotretinoin are dry mouth, dry nose, thinning of hair, fatigue, dry skin, red itchy eyes, sore lips etc. If you experience any other side effects such as muscle aches, difficult walking, depression vomiting etc. talk to your doctor immediately. discuss about side effects with your doctor before beginning of the treatment with Isotretinoin & report any expected or unexpected side effect immediately. note that you may not be able to wear your contact lenses for some time in the beginning of treatment with Isotretinoin. You are also not supposed to donate any blood while you are taking Isotretinoin & for four month after you stop taking it. talk about do's & don't with your doctor. You also must tell your doctor about any medicine or Vitamins that you are taking. You are not supposed to take any medicines without consulting your doctor while taking Isotretinoin.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article isn't intended to be a medical advise & it isn't a substitute for professional medical advice. consult your doctor for your medical concerns. follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author isn't liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Isotretinoin can cause serious defects in the fetus. Therefore you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant. You should also tell your doctor if you plant to become pregnant or breast-feeding. you have to check yourself for pregnancy before you begin Isotretinoin & continue getting tested while taking Isotretinoin. Your doctor will explain the details to you. If you get pregnant while taking Isotretinoin you should stop taking it & call your doctor immediately. You must adopt three reliable methods of birth control for four month before taking Isotretinoin, continue while taking Isotretinoin & till after four month of stopping Isotretinoin. You should talk to your gynecologist & dermatologist in detail before taking Isotretinoin.

Acne Scars And Chemical Peeling

Acne Scars can be easily removed with Chemical peeling. this method has been used since years for not only removing acne scars but also other skin blemishes & discolorations. With Chemical peeling doctors remove the layers of skin with chemicals. With the new skin forming the earlier blemishes disappear. Let us find out about how acne scars are treated with chemical peeling.

Acne scars- Keloids:

Ice pick & saucer type acne scars-

Keloids cannot be generally removed with peeling. Keloid type scars form in some individuals. Keloids are skin growths that are full of collagen & look unsightly. Whenever a person who forms keloids gets any injury the scars form keloids. No doctor generally tries to remove keloids because the scar healing may form more of them.

This editorial is only for informative purposes. This editorial is not intended to be a medical advise & it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. consult your doctor for your medical concerns. follow any tip given in this editorial only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this editorial.

Other acne scars are normally ice pick type & saucer type. These scars can be easily treated with chemical peeling. Your doctor will evaluate the depth of the scar & try to remove skin up to that level. As the new skin will form there will be little scarring left. For chemical peeling, the doctors apply a chemical on the site & the chemical peels away the skin in a controlled manner over sometime. Redness & swelling may result with deep peeling. The skin heals over about ten days & new skin forms. Learn more about Chemical Peeling & If you have acne scars, find out with your doctor about the possibility of removing them with chemical peeling.

The author C.D.Mohatta writes articles on skin problems, skin treatments & skin care. For more information about how to have nice skin that looks young & blemish free , visit- http://www.doctorgoodskin.com/ . You will also find solutions to wrinkles, scars, facial rejuvenation, latest laser treatments, skin blemishes & spots, hair care & hair loss & about keeping healthy nails. This site is dedicated to make you look nice. For keeping yourself young at all the ages find out more about the skin procedures & treatments that will make you young forever.

Acne Treatment That Works For You

Finding an effective acne treatment is easier said than done. Everyone is different with different body chemistries, different hormonal changes and even different ways that their body handles stress. This means that a product that works for one person may not necessarily work for another. This can be frustrating and usually you can only find an effective treatment through trial and error. These, however, are some of the more common remedies.

Acne Injections

Acne sufferers can calm severe outbreaks with a visit to their doctor. The physician can inject cortisone into the lesions, reducing redness, swelling and pain. Many celebrities use this method when they have to be in front of the camera and have a last minute breakout.

Acne Prescriptions

A physician may prescribe certain medication to patients who suffer from severe acne. Medications such as tetracycline, which is typically used for eye infections, is also very effective in clearing up acne.

Birth Control Pills

Many women find that taking birth control pills helps to clear up their skin. This is especially true for women who experience breakouts during their menstrual cycle. This is now a common acne treatment used by many doctors.

Acne Creams and Lotions

Clearasil and Oxy are two very popular acne creams and lotions. They contain benzoyl peroxide which dries up acne. Other products like Neutrogena use salyctic acid which is gentler on the skin. Creams and lotions work best if they are combined with a regular cleansing routine.

Acne Specific Cleansers

Many companies make cleansers that are designed to fight acne. They may come in the form of a cream cleanser, gel, scrub or bar soap. It is important that you try different cleansers and discontinue the use of any cleanser, or any treatment for that matter, that causes your skin to become inflamed or dry.

Acne Cleansing Pads

Oxy was one of the first acne medications to come out with cleansing pads. These pads have been soaked in an astringent and all you have to do is swipe it over your skin. It picks up dirt and oil, but they can be drying. Other companies have followed suit but they tend to work best when combined with a good cleanser and spot treatment.

Acne Home Remedies

Witch hazel is a great natural astringent and tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic. Both of these home remedies are great for fighting acne. They tend to be gentler on the skin than commercial products and are often much less expensive.

Acne Treatment Systems

Proactiv, Murad and other acne treatment systems have helped many people clear up their acne. These systems include a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and often a spot treatment. When used regularly, they can be quite effective.

A good acne treatment can make all the difference. You can also take preventative measures to stave off breakouts. Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, sugar snap peas and dark green lettuce are all very good for the skin and can help you have a clear complexion. Drinking lots of water is also very effective. Furthermore, you need to cleanse your face regularly with warm, not hot, water and a mild cleanser. Rinse well and pat dry with a clean towel. If you use a treatment that works for you and combine it with preventative measures, your skin will show it.

Unknown And Known Facts About Acne

Rubbing alcohol-

Rubbing alcohol may kill any bacteria that are present on the skin. It does not help in keeping the sebaceous glands open or reduce the sebum production. It is not advised to treat acne by rubbing alcohol.

Is acne contagious?

No. Acne is not contagious. Acne is not caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi that can be passed on from one person to another.

Is Acne on body different than on face?

There is no difference at all between acne on face and acne on the upper arms or trunk. Acne is a disease of sebaceous glands. As the glands all over the body are same, acne is also same.

Cosmetics-

Cosmetics can cause acne. Use non - comedogenic cosmetics.

Is every bump acne?

No. Many other skin problems mimic acne. Keratosis Pilaris, Rosacea and Folliculitis look like acne.

Can dirt cause acne-?

Dirt plays no role in acne formation. The black color of blackheads is due to the oxidized sebum.

Sweating does not cure acne-

Sweating does not cure acne. It only cleans the body.

Food and acne connection-

It was found in one study that those who eat low glycemic index food develop less acne.

Acne scars fade over time?

No. acne scars are permanent changes in the skin. They do not fade away as that is not color.

Hereditary -

If your parents had acne, you may be more prone to it. Acne can be hereditary.

Medicines-

Medicines may cause acne. Some cortisones, few anti-tuberculosis drugs and some anti-epileptic drugs cause acne. Chlorinated solvents can also cause occupational acne.

Acne Causes

Absolutely the best advice on how to solve acne problems. According to Eastern Medicine, any skin problem (in particular, acne) is a reflection of a problem with certain internal organ. I do not mean problems with the skin during PMS - that is another story, but having acne at the same place over & over again speaks for a certain internal problem. By checking the area of acne appearance you can find out, what is wrong with certain internal organ. &, by fixing your diet & life style you can get rid of acne forever.

1. Forehead area - acne in this area speak for problems with your gall-bladder & irritated, overworked intestines - that may be the cause. Perhaps, your diet is full of sweetness, red meat, fat, concentrated fruit juices, sweet, soda, etc. Maybe you are abused with some drugs overtaking. Decision : Stop with all food, mentioned above. Drink more plain pure water. Juices must be only natural, fresh squeezed & half-dissolved with pure water. Eat more cabbage (to take out toxins). Birth control pills may cause acne - talk to your doctor to get another brand. Talk to herbalists or naturopathy - they can advise some herb cleansing teas to tidy gall-bladder & intestines.

2. Bridge of the nose area - it means that your liver is overused & cannot tidy itself. You may have much fried meat, milk, cheese, yogurt, or cottage cheese in your diet. Also, (important!), it means that you suppress your emotions, do not let them out, which causes the appearance of acne in this area. Decision: alter your diet, three times a week you can have "apple day", or "grape day". Try to stop milk products for one weeks. In addition, try to find the way to let your emotions out - you can cry them out, when & wherever you can, or use physical exercises to convert your unspoken emotions. Again, talk to herbalists or naturopathy to get herbs to tidy blood & lymph.

3. Area below the eyes - speaks for problems with kidneys & adrenalin glands. Not sleep, fatigue, constant stress & poor diet. Decision: Stop wasting your energy, slow yourself down, have some rest. Fruits, rich with Vitamin C (grapefruits, kiwi, & red pepper) will improve your health & nice mood. it is not a nice time to stay on a diet! Eat what you like & what you feel to eat. Talk to herbalists or naturopathy. about how to get rid of acne using herbs & cleansing.

4. Cheeks area - acne in this area, also on your chest, & on your back between shoulder-blades reflect the overwork of lungs. It speaks of heavy, bad imbalanced energy that does not have a way out. Decision: Your diet is rich with milk & sweet, not fruits. Perhaps, you smoke. there's not physical activity, internal energy. You may feel like you are needless. lots of teenagers who feel needless have acne in this particular area. Reduce use of milk products; eat more oatmeal, brown rice. Walk more ...and try to find someone, who cares about you & who you need to care about...

5. Tip of nose area - this area shows the possible problems with heart & blood technique. Decision: Imbalanced diet, not group of Vitamin B, lack of physical activities, constant anxiety or fear. Increase intake of meat, fish, green vegetables & fruits. Increase physical activity.

6. Lips & shoulders area - the entire gastric-intestinal process suffers. You may experience constipation or diarrhea, stomach or intestines pain. Decision: You may concentrate on sad thoughts, or you are sensitive. that is why the meal gets stuck inside or starts moving fast, so the body does not have time to digest it. Increase the intake of a fiber from fruits & vegetables, & try to stay calm. Use self-irony & meditation. three hour after the meal, drink green tea that cleans the technique.

7. Chin & lower jaw area - hormonal imbalance, problems with sexual life. much coffee & tea, maybe much alcohols. Lack of sleep, lots of conflicts. Decision: Reduce the intake of coffee, tea & alcohol. Have sleep. If there's a lots of acne in this area - see the gynecologist. Acupuncture, herb teas, cleansing will dramatically help.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Acne

If you have been troubled by regular outbursts of acne plus are averse to trying out potions or creams accessible in the market, then you can resort to home remedies to get excellent results. Here are 3 home remedies that can help you to get rid of acne....

Remedy #1 - Baking soda mask. You will certainly have baking soda in your home. All you need to do is to mix baking soda with water until it's turned into a thick paste. Rub it in your face using circular motion plus keep the mask on for around 4 minutes before removing it with cold water. Pat your face dry with a towel so as to prevent your acne from getting agitated. This is a cheap home remedy that will provide excellent results within weeks.

Remedy #3 - Honey paste. You can also mix around 1 tsp of cinnamon powder along with ½ tsp of nutmeg powder along with honey to turn it into a paste. Apply the paste on your face for around 20 minutes, wash the paste off plus pat dry with a towel. Do not leave it overnight, if you have ants or other tiny insects present in the house unless you require to serve them a honey-face buffet.

Remedy #2 - Toothpaste dabs. This is another common household product that can work wonders. Use white opaque toothpaste only instead of using any gel type pastes. Apply with a cotton bud on the boils plus leave overnight. The mint in toothpaste will draw away the heat from the boil plus cure it within a couple of days itself.

These 3 home remedies are made with easily accessible products plus you can try them out to find the concoction that suits you the most. A proper diet along with regular exercise plus sufficient intake of water are other natural methods that will help you to stay free from acne.

Information on Acne

Some of the things that are believed to contribute to acne are:

Acne is an inflammation of the skin that affects a large portion of people between twelve and twenty-four years of age. It can also affect some people at later stages of life. The exact cause of acne is not known, but is considered to have many possible causes.

* Allergies
* Heredity
* Stress
* Junk Food
* Cosmetics
* Menstrual Cycle
* Hydrogenated Fats

These are a few of the factors thought to add to the flare ups of acne. what is known is that your skin needs to breathe and if the pores become clogged, bacteria can occur with acne as the result. You will notice dirty skin is not listed as a part of the cause and over washing can irritate the condition and make it worse.

there's options on how to treat acne two times it begins. You can modify your diet to see if a food allergy could be contributing to your acne. there's also vitamins and herbs you can take to help with your acne issues.

Be sure to shampoo your hair frequently to make sure the oil produced from your hair is not adding to the clogging of your pores. Wash your face gently with a natural soap designed for acne.

Avoid wearing makeup as much as possible. Although this is difficult to do when you are hoping to cover the acne up with makeup it may be making the acne worse in the long run.

Avoid stress if at all possible. Stress can be a contributing factor in many things but definitely in acne.

there's many over the counter acne treatments you can try to see how they work for you. If your acne is severe consider a dermatologist. If you prefer natural treatments, the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in New South Wales, Australia found that tea tree oil was effective on acne.

Above all else avoid any squeezing of the acne spots. Doing so will only cause more inflammation and possible infection of the area.

Get Your Clear and Healthy Skin Back

Are you struggling with acne and finding it hard to obtain a solution that will end your outbreaks? If your answer is yes then read on. Acne is a phase that many teenagers have to go through even though adults also have acne problems. These three tips below will help you to get rid of your acne outbreaks.

Tip #1- Maintain a clean and healthy skin. This may sound simple but a lot of persons neglect this. In order for your skin to look and feel healthy you must wash you face and shower at least twice per day. When you wash your face or shower make sure you use a mild cleanser to exfoliate your skin and prevent it from drying out. Preferably use cleansers that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Just look on the ingredients on the containers before purchasing.

Tip #2- Use oil free makeup. If you are the type that love to put on make up whenever you are going out make sure you use oil free make up. This is because researchers have proven that using oil based makeups can worsen your acne. Also you must always wash off the make up before you go to bed to prevent it from clogging your pores.

Tip #3- Eat healthy. Most person like to run to the nearest fast food restaurant to grab a meal not knowing that this is a health risk. Having a healthy diet will not only help to clear your skin from acne but will also hep you to be less at risk to major diseases. So try to make some changes to your diet and you will see a big improvement in your skin condition. For example when I suffered from acne I was told to avoid vegetable oils and within weeks I could see a major difference in my skin condition.

Tips For Finding the Best Acne Remover

Benzyl Peroxide - The majority of over-the-counter treatments for acne contain benzyl peroxide. When the oil in sebaceous glands builds up inside the hair follicle, bacteria flourishes & it's this bacterium that ultimately causes acne. This acne remover works by breaking down the dead skin cells, clearing the opening for the sebaceous glands. In addition to clearing away the dead cells, it also goes to work on the bacteria itself. Benzyl peroxide has been found to work best in concentrations of at least 10 percent. it's a topical medication with instructions that must be strictly adhered to in order for best results. Using it in excess can cause severe dry skin & lead to more skin problems.

The best acne removers may contain one or more acne-fighting ingredients. Benzyl peroxide, salicylic acid, & Retin-A are all proven acne fighters. How each works for you depends on a couple of different factors such as the type of acne you have & the sensitivity of your skin.

Retin-A (tretinoin) - Perhaps most popular for its anti-aging properties, this retinoid is one of the best acne removers available as well. Not only does it fight acne, it helps to prevent new eruptions & can reduce the appearance of acne scarring. If other treatments are not working for you, Retin-A may be the treatment you require for your mild to severe acne problem. Because Retin-A is a derivative of vitamin A, be careful not to take extra dosages while you are using this acne remover. Retin-A can only be obtained by prescription. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. Because it's so powerful, your skin may dry out easily. Be sure to use a light moisturizer while you are using this product.

Salicylic Acid - This acne remover is a 'beta hydroxy'. it's most commonly referred to as aspirin, though it's used in a different form for treating acne. Salicylic acid works as by exfoliating the skin & reducing inflammation. It comes in creams, lotions, gels, washes & pads. Keep in mind that only one formula should be used at any given time. that is, if you use a wash that contains this beta hydroxy, do not then use a gel. In fact, it's not a nice idea to use salicylic acid along with benzyl peroxide as using both together will promote severe skin dryness.

Irrespective of how much you read up on tips for finding the best acne remover, keep in mind that all of these acne remover treatments take time to work. You can expect to use them for a few weeks before you see any long-term changes in your skin. Always use them according to the instructions & if you note any severe side-effects, stop using immediately & ask your doctor about another acne remover you might try.

Tips To Remove Acne And Acne Scars In 5 Days

Are you suffering form acne? Have you done anything to cure it? Don't worry; it is a common problem that affects more or less everyone. In teenage years, every boy & girl experiences this acne problem. Though acne is not a very serious problem, when it becomes relentless, can cause big problems, that leads to degradation of self confidence. So, you have to take care of your skin everyday.

1. The foremost & crucial things you have to do are smoothly tidy your skin, your face, as a maximum one times a day. Apply a soft cleanser & subsequently, wash your skin with water. Take advice of your dermatologist about what type of cleanser is best for you according to your skin type.

3. Use a cream which has benzoyl peroxide as the main base. Benzoyl peroxide dries the acne in about 2-3 hours. As a result the acne will dry out & can be washed off easily & quickly.

2. Make use of proper acne products ( prefer products which your dermatologist recommended for you ). Don't apply products that cause rashes or itching sensation because it will damage your skin & lead to permanent skin scarring.

5. Try to use a face wash that contains salicylic acid in moderate concentration. Salicylic acid helps to prevent spreading of acne & also helps to dry the acne quicker & also reduces scarring. (example : speelac facewash gel)

4. Use a facewash which has little or NO oil content. Because facewash & cleansers which contain oils can leas to excess acne formation.

7. ALWAYS protect your face & other parts of your body from the sun. Sun exposure leads to pigmentation of your skin & can also is a catalyst acne formation & scarring. Use sunscreen whenever you go out & always try to avoid sun exposure.

6. Avoid touching your face at all costs. Use the back of your hand for itching. Don't make contact with acne with your nails. This will lead to intense scarring. Use cream containing glycolic acid. This helps to brighten skin tone & reduces scarring.

8. ALWAYS wash your face before you go to bed. Remove all traces of makeup & other cosmetics before going to bed or else the pores of the acne get infected which can cause inflammation of acne. Use makeup in limited quantity. Use natural & herbal makeup as much as possible.

9. Use a anti-microbial soap to prevent acne formation. Avoid using soaps with oil extracts etc. Maintain a separate towel & soap for yourself. This will ensure that your skin is free from any dirt & will give you a healthy glow.

10. Avoid eating junk food as much as possible. Studies have showed that excess oil consumption & other fatty foods cause immense acne formation. Eat green leafy vegetables. & also include vitamin C & D in your diet.

8 Ways to Get Rid of Acne Fast

Wash Face Daily
If you need to dispose of acne, wash your face daily. Don't forget making ample use of antibacterial soap. This will clear up skin of pimples & whiteheads.

As all of us are well acquainted with acne; the most likely treatment becomes necessary to get rid of acne. how is possible to get rid of acne quickly? Well, you will have to follow these most important tips to get rid of acne!

Drink lots of Water
Try to drink at least 12 glasses of water every day. The reason is that water eradicates the toxins from your body, & makes your skin areas attractive & eye-catching.

Simple Make Up
Try to do uncomplicated make-up on your skin areas, & you will be effectively avoided from acne.

Maintain a Healthy Way of Life
Try to keep up healthy lifestyle by avoiding oily & peppery foodstuffs, for example sweets, & chocolate, etc.

Fruits & Vegetables
Stop taking in processed foods & start eating disinfected fruits & vegetables, such as apple, apricot, blueberry, cherries, pear, pomegranate, papaya, strawberry, & watermelon, carrot, avocado, garlic, cauliflower, beet, okra, spinach, peas, corn, broccoli, cucumber, artichoke, etc.

Toothpaste
This possibly will sound strange but you should try pasting toothpaste on acne skin area before going to bed. This will wipe out your blackheads quickly.

Vitamins & Minerals
Make sure that you are taking ample amounts of vitamins & minerals in your diet. These include: vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6, vitamin C, choline, inositol, calcium, chromium, maganese, & zinc, etc.

Face Towel
If you need to get rid of acne, try to scamper hot water on your towel, & face it. Remember taking the vapor of hot towel with care on your acne area. This will loosen up the symptoms of acne inflammation.

In a few words, i have to say that those are the royal tips for getting rid of acne quickly. This won't only eradicate your acne areas quickly but also make your skin surface elegant & eye-catching!

Great Tips on How to Clear Acne

It is natural to find yourself in a situation where you are trying to find the best solutions on how to clear acne. This is because there's several factors that act in getting you affected with acne. The most important of these include the hormonal imbalances that exist in us and this is due to the fluctuating stress levels that you have to take. The other reasons include exposure to pollution, dirt and the harmful sun rays.

You need to know how acne is caused if you want to find a solution to the query how to clear acne. Acne is because of the increase in dirt that is collected in your skin cells. These clog your skin pores and do not provide your skin with the means to get oxygen supply. If you have approached a doctor, then you would have been asked to consume several medicines. You might have started finding a great relief once you used these medicines. But be ware. These can only retaliate in the future and your skin will react by producing more acne.

Oat meal is another important natural substance that can help you in resolving issues regarding how to clear acne. This will absorb oil from your skin and remove all the impurities from your skin. Aloe Vera is also very useful as they are full of vitamin E. Using such natural substances will sure help you because you will be able to remove not just the effects that are caused due to acne but will cure it permanently.

three very lovely natural ingredient that you can use and that will answer your doubts on how to clear acne is to use apple cider vinegar. What it does is to cleanse your skin from all the bacterial infections that it has and also balance the pH level in your skin. You can also use lemon instead of vinegar as this also does the same job.

The Most Effective Acne Treatments

The first place you should start is topical treatments, which are basically the creams, lotions, moisturizers, and other such products for your skin that are generally sold at all drugstores and grocery stores. You can go down the health and beauty section and have a variety of products to select from, some of which won't give you the results you're looking for, but there are some that will. It's important that you do the research on certain acne treatment topical products to see which are reputable and which aren't.

If you find that you are struggling with acne problems, then you are certainly not alone. Millions of people all around the world have the same skin troubles. Acne is a skin condition which can effect somebody of any age, it does not matter. What does matter, however, is how you go about treating this condition. There are different types of acne and some can be quite tricky to diagnose and treat.

Despite the great things people say about some acne products, i have found that most acne treatments basically did not work for me.

there is also another way of removing acne, laser surgery or therapy. This process of removing acne has been proven to be quite effective, but it is a little bit expensive. The way this procedure works is a doctor removes the top layer of skin where acne is present with a laser, effectively removing the bacteria and clogged pores as well. It is painless and works well. You should talk to a doctor before you seriously decide on laser removal though as there are often times adverse side-effects of this procedure in some people.

But after years of struggling to get rid of my acne, I finally found something that was able to cure my acne in less than a week.

Treating Your Cystic Acne

Cystic acne breakouts can be very annoying as well as painful. Cystic acne is considered by many to be one of the worst kinds of acne because of how resistant it is to the more traditional methods of treatment. This form of acne is not typical in the sense that cysts form on the skin, as opposed to just zits or pimples. These can be painful and look very ugly. Anyone who has them wants to know how to get rid of them as quickly as possible and this article will shed some light on how to do that.

Because traditional methods don't work, it can be very frustrating to deal with this condition, however it's important not to discount the traditional methods entirely. You should still try the topical products such as creams, lotions, and moisturizers, however if these don't show signs of having any impact after a while, then you should move on to the next type of treatment which is antibiotics.

Antibiotic medications are very powerful pills that you can have prescribed by your doctor to help get rid of your cystic acne. Wide spectrum antibiotics are a very common way of treating cystic acne and if you see your dermatologist he will most likely prescribe you these. They are taken orally each day and it's critical that you follow the instructions given to you by your doctor and the pill bottle to the letter in order to see maximum results. Seeing significant results may take a while, but in the end it should be worth it to have healthy clear and beautiful skin once more.

Despite the great things people say about some acne products, I have found that most acne treatments simply did not work for me. But after years of struggling to get rid of my acne, I finally found something that was able to almost completely cure my acne in less than a week.

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