Acne Free: September 2009

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

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.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Acne Medicine

Most of you with acne are on the lookout for the best medicines to win your war on acne. Usually, you get excited about the medicines heavily marketed these days on different mediums. For many, it becomes difficult to choose the right medicine.

This article intends to provide you with the information about buying the acne curing medicines that have worked for many. However, you should always consult your dermatologist for exactly the right medicine for your acne.

There are two ways you can get your hands on acne medicines.

1. Through Prescription
There are medicines in drug stores that can’t be attained without a doctor’s prescription. Many acne medicines are required to be prescribed by a doctor first and then be given. In this case you are to consult your dermatologist about the medicine available only through prescription. If the doctor feels the acne medicine is good for you, he will provide you with a prescription.

2. Over the Counter
Over the counter products are those which can be acquired without the need of any prescription. Many acne medicines that you see the advertisements of come under this category of obtaining medicines.

Top performing acne curing medicines

Presented below is the ranking of best performing acne removing medicines that have done wonders for many. These ratings of medicines have been generated after interviewing the respectable customers of various reputable online drug stores.

1) Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask
2) PhytoMe Acne Gel
3) Neutrogena Cooling Gel Mask
4) Acne Dry Spot
5) pHisoderm 4-Way Daily Acne Cleanser
6) DDF BP Gel 5% with Tea Tree Oil
7) DermaClear
8) Clinique Acne Solutions Emergency Gel Lotion
DDF Pumice Acne Scrub

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Acne – Types, Causes And Treatments

Acne Vulgaris, commonly referred to as pimples, is an inflammatory disease of the skin. This condition is very common in puberty. As one reaches their early twenties, it either disappears or decreases. Acne begins because of the comedo, an enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria. The comedo is invisible to the naked eye and is present beneath the surface of the skin. When it gets the right condition, it grows into an inflamed lesion. The oil produced from the skin helps bacteria to flourish within the swollen follicle.

Non-inflammatory acre are of two types – Closed comedo or white head, and Open comedo or black head. There are 4 types of inflammatory acne –

· Papule – It is the mildest form that appears on the skin as a small, firm pink bump.

· Pustule – They are small round lesions containing visible pus. They may appear red at the base and yellowish or whitish at the center.

· Nodule or Cyst – Large and painful, they are pus-filled lesions lodged deep within the skin. The nodules may persist for weeks or months with the contents hardening into a deep cyst. Both nodules and cysts often leave deep scars.

· Acne Conglobata – This severe bacterial infection develops mostly on the back, buttocks and chest.

The chief causes of acne are hormones like androgen, production of extra sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria and inflammation. For controlling acne, you can carry out the following steps –

· Avoid excessive washing of your skin. It can leave the healthy skin dry, thus irritating the acne prone areas. Over-washing may also stimulate extra oil production.

· Avoid alcohol products to tone your skin. Alcohol is a strong astringent that strips the top layer of the skin causing sebaceous glands to produce more oil.

· Do not squeeze or pick the acne with fingernails, pins or any other thing. It forces the bacteria deeper into the skin and often leaves a permanent acne scar.

· A wash is required after exercise. The heat and moisture trapped against the skin creates an ideal breeding ground for the spread of bacteria.

· Consume food rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B-2, Vitamin B-3, Vitamin E and Zinc like eggs, nuts, liver, milk, fish and leafy green vegetables.

· Proper sleep and a life without stress and emotional anxiety can reduce acne.

· Wear little make-up while exercising. Avoid garments that are made exclusively with nylon.

Laser surgery is often used to reduce the scars left behind by acne. Treating acne with azelaic acid, salicylic acid, tropical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide is also common. A large number of people started trying herbal acne treatments over the traditional medications by using teas, oils and herbal creams.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Acne Cures and Myths

Unfortunately, few find it, but this is only because they haven't found the right acne cure for them. Each of us is different, and our bodies function and respond to treatment differently. What works for some, may not work for others. However, there are a few proven treatments that do provide an acne cure for a large majority of acne sufferers.

The best over the counter acne cure seems to be ProActiv. This is a skin care system that contains benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient. It is an expensive treatment, but that is because it has proven to be so effective as an acne cure. ProActiv is a non-prescription topical acne treatment, with prescription strength benzoyl peroxide.

Accutane, which is a prescription medication, has also proven to be quite effective as an acne cure. However, it is also expensive, and as an oral medication, there is the possibility of serious side effects. Due to the possible side effects, many choose not to take this powerful drug, even though it works well for the majority of people who use this treatment.

Another acne cure seems to be retin-a. Retin-a is used to treat acne, acne scars, wrinkles, skin discoloration, and other skin disorders. It is highly effective, with few side effects. Retin-a is used as a topical treatment, and is available by prescription. However, there are other over the counter medications that contain small amounts of retin-a.

The important thing to remember is that acne cures do not work overnight. Furthermore, you may need to continue acne treatment even after the acne has cleared up, or start the treatment again should you have another outbreak in the future. Discuss the need to continue treatment with your dermatologist.

The three acne cures discussed above are expensive. However, they are expensive because they work. This doesn't mean that all expensive treatments work, it simply means that these three, which have been proven to work for the majority of people who have tried these treatments, are well worth the cost.

Acne Myths

Myth #1: Acne is caused by poor hygiene. If you believe this myth, and wash your skin hard and frequently, you can actually make your acne worse. Acne is not caused by dirt or surface skin oils. Although excess oils, dead skin and a day's accumulation of dust on the skin looks unsightly, they should not be removed by hand scrubbing. Vigorous washing and scrubbing will actually irritate the skin and make acne worse. The best approach to hygiene and acne: Gently wash your face twice a day with a mild soap, pat dry--and use an appropriate acne treatment for the acne.

Myth #2: Acne is caused by diet. Extensive scientific studies have not found a connection between diet and acne. In other words, food does not cause acne. Not chocolate. Not french fries. Not pizza. Nonetheless, some people insist that certain foods affect their acne. In that case, avoid those foods. Besides, eating a balanced diet always makes sense. However, according to the scientific evidence, if acne is being treated properly, there's no need to worry about food affecting the acne.

Myth #3: Acne is caused by stress. The ordinary stress of day-to-day living is not an important factor in acne. Severe stress that needs medical attention is sometimes treated with drugs that can cause acne as a side effect. If you think you may have acne related to a drug prescribed for stress or depression, you should consult your physician.

Myth #4: Acne is just a cosmetic disease. Yes, acne does affect the way people look and is not otherwise a serious threat to a person’s physical health. However, acne can result in permanent physical scars--plus, acne itself as well as its scars can affect the way people feel about themselves to the point of affecting their lives.

Myth #5: You just have to let acne run its course. The truth is, acne can be cleared up. If the acne products you have tried haven’t worked, consider seeing a dermatologist. With the products available today, there is no reason why someone has to endure acne or get acne scars.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Acne Natural Remedy

Nobody wants to be embarrassed because of acne invasions on their face. There are safe and natural treatments for addressing acne and other skin disorders as well as prescription medications. The main problem with prescription medicated acne solutions is that often they cause severe side effects such as birth defect.

There are safe and natural ingredients that help fight acne effectively and cheaply. Look for these ingredients in your next acne-fighting product before ordering. Below I have listed some of these ingredients.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A contributes to the strengthening of your skin’s protective tissue; it prevents acne. In addition, vitamin A assists to cut down on sebum creation in your body. If that was not all, vitamin A also proves quite effective for removing toxins from your body. Not consuming enough vitamin A in your daily diet may be a central cause for getting acne.

Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 is great for providing energy production, better digestion, metabolism, and overall balance in your body. Since imbalances in your body can cause acne, vitamin B can help restore balance.

Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 is extremely essential for healthy-looking skin, hair, and even nails. Acne is often a symptom of vitamin B2 deficiency. A safe recommended dosage of vitamin B2 in order to fight acne: 100mg, 3 times daily.

Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 is very important for healthy skin through the improvement of circulation and the ongoing support of your body with the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. A deficiency in vitamin B3 will cause acne. A safe recommended dosage to effectively combat acne: 200mg, three times daily.

Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 has become popular for decreasing stress levels which in turn help to minimize the break outs of acne. A safe recommended dosage to take: 100mg, three times daily.

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a vital for the proper functioning of the immune system and the antibody production. A deficiency in this vitamin may result in acne.

Chromium
Chromium helps to diminish skin infections. In order to get enough chromium in your diet, it ought to be consumed in either two forms: chromium polynicotinate, or chromium picolinate.

Zinc
Zinc helps stop scarring and supports the healing process of tissues. Zinc aids in the prevention of acne by the regulation of oil gland activities. Those who get acne may be deficient in zinc.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps improve the healing process and tissue repair. In addition, it stops cell damage by holding back the formation of free radicals and the oxidation of lipids. A safe recommended dosage to take for combating acne: 400 IU, once daily.

To read reviews on effective acne-fighting products that contain the above ingredients and more, visit the links below.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Acne Home Remedy

Acne remedies given below are based on herbs and natural ingredients that treat your acne like magic and help improve the skin disorders.

Grind nutmeg with unboiled milk and apply on affected area. This works as a magic. Pimples should disappear without leaving a mark.

Make a paste by mixing 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. Repeat for two weeks, pimples will disappear forever.

Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder.

Make orange peel paste by grinding it in some water. Apply on and around pimples.

Rub fresh garlic on and around pimples. Pimples will disappear without a mark with regular applications.

Mix 1 tablespoon groundnut oil with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples .

Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.

Apply a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and washed with warm water. This will prevent pimples, blackheads, and wrinkles.

Apply juice of raw papaya (including the skin and seed) on swelling pimples.

Apply fresh lime juice mixed to a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for pimples.

Mix lime juice and rose water in equal portions. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.

Apply ripe tomatoes pulp on pimples and kept up to 1 hour, then wash.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Acne Myths - True or false?

We'll just come out and say it; there is a lot of misleading and downright wrong information out there about acne. Thankfully, scientific research has dispelled a lot of these 'acne myths'. We now have a pretty good idea of what does and does not cause acne. Let's take a look at seven of the biggest of these acne myths.

True or False? Find out the truth about common acne and its myths

Acne Myth #1: Acne is caused by eating certain foods

This one has been around a long time yet is supported by exactly no scientific proof. Although certain individuals may seem experience outbreaks when they eat certain foods, there is no universal laws that apply to everyone. Eating pizza, chocolate, nuts, and greasy foods will not increase your acne.

Acne Myth #2: Acne is related to dirt or having dirty skin

Although having clean skin has other benefits, dirt does not cause acne. Acne is formed under the surface of the skin and is due to build-ups of sebum and dead skin cells. It's not dirt that clogs your follicles.

Acne Myth #3: Washing your face all the time will clear up acne

This kind of relates to myth #3. Having clean skin is not the answer to preventing acne. Overdoing it as far as washing your face can actually make matters worse. Stripping your skin of oil could lead to future breakouts.

Acne Myth #4: Only teenagers get acne

It is true that 9 out of 10 teenagers experience acne, but it is also true that about 1 in 4 adults get it also. Acne seems to be connected with hormones which would explain why teenagers have such a high incidence of acne, but adults are also going through hormonal changes at various times in their lives.

Acne Myth #5: Stress causes acne

Scientific evidence shows that stress is not that large of a factor in acne. It was believed for many years that stress caused bouts of acne but it simply isn't so.

Acne Myth # 6: Acne can be cured

Many people view acne as a disease that can be permanently cured. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Acne can be controlled and prevented through proper skin care, but it cannot be cured.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Acne: Laser, a good therapy for acne without side effects

Laser appears to be a good therapy for acne without side effects. Lasers and light-based systems have become one of the more common modalities to treat a wide variety of skin disorders, including acne vulgaris, during the past ten years.

A lot of patients do not respond adequately or develop side effects with the various oral and topical treatments available for the treatment of acne. Hence, the growing demand by patients who suffered from acne for a faster, safer, and side-effect-free novel therapy.

The Dermatology and Lasers Clinic from Tel Aviv Msq, Caesarea, Israel, studied this concerning situation in order to address the role of light therapy in the armamentarium of treatments for acne vulgaris, to discuss photobiology aspects and biomedical optics, to review current technologies of laser/light-based devices, to review the clinical experience and results, and to outline clinical guidelines and treatment considerations, as they reported.

After a series of clinical trials, results show that 85 per cent of the patients show an important quantitative reduction in at least 50 per cent of their lesions after four biweekly treatments. Approximately 20 per cent of cases demonstrate that acne eradication may reach 90 per cent. Three months after the last treatment, clearance is approximately 70 per cent to 80 per cent. Meanwhile, the non-respondent rate is 15 per cent to 20 per cent.

According to researchers, laser and light-based therapies are a safe and effective modality for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. After comparing to the effects of oral antibiotics, amelioration of acne by light therapy offers faster resolution and fewer side effects and leads to patient satisfaction.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

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.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Acne Removal Tips for Men To Tone Up Complexion

Acne affects people irrespective of their sex. Men lack the knowledge to deal with acne than women, as skincare, beauty regimen and acne removal products is widely used by the fairer sex and thousands of beauty products are available for them. Hence, very useful tips are given under for the men folk:

Either your wife or girl friend can provide some valuable tips on skin care and products used for taking care of acne. A visit to the skin doctor might also be very helpful in combating acne and to prevent breakouts of acne.

Before shaving off the facial hair, it is advised to use a clean, warm cloth soaked in warm water to soften the skin and the facial hair. It removes dead skin cells if any blocking the pores, thus acting as an exfoliator and also makes the skin smoother. There is a less chance of nicking any existing acne.

If the person has to work exposing his skin to the sun or play games under the sun, use of a strong sun block cream will help from tanning and also slow downs the aging process, without which he might be very much vulnerable to skin lesions, scars and acne. While using a sun block it should be checked for non-comedogenic or the one which doesn’t block the pores.

Consumption of alcohol might result in poor blood circulation, make the skin look old and might also delay the skin’s healing abilities on its own particularly when the person is suffering from acne or skin lesions. Smoking also might be delirious to the skin and make the skin susceptible to acne and related conditions.

To avoid acne and to keep the skin look younger, it is good to consume fresh vegetables and fruits, antioxidant rich vitamins like the vitamin a and c can help in the prevention of acne and other infections. Mild exercises like stretching and walking improves the circulation of blood and helps to fight against acne. Exercise also relieves stress in one way and this property helps to prevent acne.

If the men already have acne scars, that too is treatable nowadays, as the science has enabled hide or rectify acne scars through either steroids injections, or through the application of chemical peels on the scarred tissue and is used when the condition is not severe. The chemical peels, help in the growth of new and healthier skin on the affected area, hence rectifying the problem. For extreme conditions plastic surgery may be advisable.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Acne: Determining what really causes Acne

Having acne can be an agonizing experience for any teenage, especially for adults who never seemed to got out of the phase. Tons of acne medications get sold every year, this is a clear indication that people with acne are determined to get rid of them, at all cost.

Some of these acne medications though simply cover up acne and do not really treat them. Getting rid of acne should be from its roots, their cause.

Acne is the result of abundant amount of toxics in the body. These toxics can be an amassing of fat not properly disposed off, or accumulation of hormones the body produces. When the kidney, liver and the bowels could not dispose all of these toxins, they need to dispel them some other way. The body releases them either through the lungs or through the skin.

This is when a breakout of acne can occur. The toxins released through your skin are the dirt and oil that causes the acne to swell up and get the pores infected.

That is why most dermatologists recommend having the face and neck scrubbed regularly with soap and water to rid of these toxins. With a well-cleansed face, you eliminate the chances for the pores to be infected. Untreated acne can cause ugly scarring in the affected area that could be permanent.

This blemish to the face could be quite hard to remove. Therefore, to prevent acne from happening you need to clean your face regularly as well as cut down on foods that are full of fats and hard to digest foods. Also cleanse your bowels and your waste system so that you won't have a build-up of toxins in your body.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Acne- Easy Ways To Stop Getting Infected Acne

Acne begins as a whitehead or a blackhead. These are uninfected comedones. The gland is full of sebum and the gland is clogged. If treated at this stage, the acne will resolve easily without any scar. But many times it gets infected and becomes a big pimple full of pus. Stop that happening with these easy steps.

Acne- how it gets infected?

A bacterium called P.acnes lives on our skin. Normally this bacterium makes no harm to us. If this bacterium is given a warm close place full of sebum, it loves that and multiplies there. This happens in acne. The sebaceous gland is the ideal place for the bacteria in acne and the bacteria multiplies inside that. When white cells kill the bacteria, you see the pus filled acne. We should stop giving the bacteria a place to thrive. Let us see how.

1. Treat the blackheads and whiteheads immediately with either Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid. They will both unclog the gland. Consult your doctor about using tretinoin at this stage itself. Use AHAs around the affected area to remove dead cells faster and remove the top affected layer of the skin. Your doctor will draw a treatment program for you.

2. Ask your doctor if you can use a mild antibiotic along with other topical treatments to kill the bacteria before it grows. Kill all the bacteria before it multiplies. Generally we use antibiotic after getting infected. In this case, ask your doctor if you should use one as preventive.

3. Keep your hands clean and wash your face with a good acid balanced cleanser or an AHA based cleanser. Don't over clean the skin. Clean it two to three times a day. Don't touch the spots. That may infect them. Trying to remove the comedones may also infect them. Consult your doctor and if needed he/she will pull it out.

Stopping acne before it gets infected is the best way to avoid large-scale pimples and scars.

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.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Acne Cleanser, Acne Lotion And More – A Quick Look At Common Acne Products

Acne is a common skin disease affecting almost everyone. Acne is caused due to the blockage of skin follicle duct of sebum glands. This blockage traps sebum and causes inflammation of the skin. A bacterium P.Acnes readily infects this inflammation causing acne. There are many common acne products available in the market for acne treatment.

Acne cleansers are facial care products designed to remove dead cells, open up pores, remove oil, dust, dirt and other harmful pollutants. Generally acne cleansers are used twice or thrice daily and in conjunction with skin toners and moisturizers. Acne cleansers work better than ordinary soap because soap has a very high pH value which can change the pH balance of the skin. The method to use acne cleansers is to use luke warm water to clean the face then apply acne cleanser all over the face and throat. Next it is to be washed with luke warm water and then patted dry.

Acne lotions are oil and water emulsions designed to be applied on unbroken skin. Acne lotions are usually medicated with acne medicines like, antibacterials, skin exfoliants, retinoids or antibiotics. Acne lotions may contain soothing or protective ingredients also. Acne lotions have the advantage over creams or ointments as they can be applied thinly over a large area and hence can be economical.

Acne creams are semi solid emulsions. Creams can be used as a barrier for protection, as a delivery vehicle for anti acne agents and to retain moisture in the skin. Acne cream ingredients may include anti acne agents, moisturizers, skin exfoliants etc

Acne soaps are mild soaps used to open up the pores and remove oil in excessively oily skins.

All the above products if used in conjunction with acne dietary supplements like acuzine produce good results. Acuzine consists anti-oxidants, vitamins E & C, hydrolyzed collagen, ALA, DMAE, Aloe vera, Bioperine etc. The presence of these ingredients helps in early recovery of the skin and provides vital vitamins and enzymes for rebuilding the skin. Acuzine is available in the form of capsules.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Acne: Common Illness May Be Increased By Usage of Antibiotics for Acne

According to experts based in last researches, the usage of antibiotics for acne may increase common illness or diseases, what it was demonstrated by an experiment in which a group of individuals that was treated with antibiotics for acne for more than six weeks (all of hem were volunteers). After the experiment, this group was more than twice as likely to develop an upper respiratory tract infection within one year as individuals with acne who were not treated with antibiotics.

The overuse of antibiotics, explain experts, will lead to resistant organisms and an increase in infectious illness. There have been, however, few studies about people who have actually been exposed to antibiotics for long periods and there the importance of this one.

According to experts, the ideal people to study consequences of using antibiotics for acne are patients with acne (an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones) , who use for long-term antibiotic therapy, representing a unique and natural population in which to study the effects of long-term antibiotic use.

A group of experts from the School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, identified individuals diagnosed with acne between the years 1987 and 2002, aged 15 to 35 years, in a medical database in the United Kingdom (UK).

The researchers searched information such as how often individuals were likely to see a physician, and compared the incidence of a common infectious illness, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), in individuals treated with antibiotics for acne and those whose acne was not treated with these medications.

Experts reported that “within the first year of observation, 15.4 per cent of the patients with acne had at least one URTI, and within that year, the odds of a URTI developing among those receiving antibiotic treatment were 2.15 times greater than among those who were not receiving antibiotic treatment”.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

7 Ways To Conquer Acne

The most effective methods to combat acne include a combination of prevention and better skincare.

Here are some of the ways you can use to prevent and treat acne:
1. Exercise

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.
2. Safe Cosmetics

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "oil-free." Opt for "hypo-allergenic" perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Use a lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can clog.
3. Healthy Diet

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts. These include

* Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
* Vitamin B Complex
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin E
* L-Carnitine
* Zinc

A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices.
3. Hormonal Treatment

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation.

Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.
4. Healthy Skin Regimen

Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that contain alcohol.
5. Acne Products

Some of the more popular products on the market that can prevent acne include:

* Benzoyl Peroxide
* Proactiv® Solution
* Salicylic Acid
* Retinoids
* Antibiotics
* Oral Contraceptives
* Anti-Androgens
* Isotretinoin (Accutane)

6. Shaving

Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas taht are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.

Shave with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or "grain." A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.
7. Stress

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External Stressors are those that compromise your skin's ability to heal, like oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Acne Medication - Research of Side Affects

Acne is an extremely common skin affliction affecting around 85% of teenagers and young adults as well as a significant proportion of adults.

With a plethora of acne information available, it may also be difficult to establish what is the right treatment and/or medication. In a previous article I suggested that as all of us are individuals, it is likely so to will the treatment for each person’s acne.

Let’s delve a bit further into treatments and medication. In the case of mild or even slightly worse acne, a good preventative and treatment regime if rigorously followed is often found to control the affliction.

However there are obviously sufferers with severe acne where over the counter or non prescription treatments have not had the desired impact. Whilst I would suggest in this instance finding a reputable dermatologist you will likely find that an acne treatment regime still has a place in assisting the overall treatment.

It would be extremely advisable for those prescribed medications for the more severe acne affliction to carefully research the medication prior to commencing. The clear example of this is the medication for “recalcitrant modular acne” being Isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis & Sotret). The US Food and Drug Administration provides significant information in relation to this particular drug however in short it is known to cause birth defects and is being examined in relation to reports of suicide or suicidal thoughts associated with the use of the drug.

A Risk Management program called iPLEDGE in relation to this drug is in place with information and updates available.

The program is ensuring adequate controls are in place in relation to the use of this drug and the important message is “Do not purchase this drug over the internet”.

There are a range of prescribed medications available with those applied to the skin for more mild to moderate cases and oral medications for more severe.

Some of these include:

• Oral antibiotics
• Oral contraceptives
• Azelaic Acid
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Clindamycin
• Erythromycin
• Sodium sulfacetamide
• Tazarotene
• Tretinoin
• Adapalene

The message is still however to do the appropriate research as information on some drugs may change significantly over time.

Summary
Whilst medications are vital in the treatment of a significant number of conditions aside from acne, it is always wise to research the medication to allow a balanced approach or weighing up the benefits prior to commencing.

This is obviously extremely clear in the case of the drug Isotretinoin for severe acne.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Acne - Some Alternative Therapies

Zits, pimples, blemishes, breakouts-whatever you call it, acne can be a challenging condition that can be difficult to treat. Acne is very common, with an estimated 80% of all people worldwide expected to suffer from some sort of acne in their lifetime. For those who suffer from the occasional zit, acne is a transient annoyance that is not of much concern most of the time. For others, acne is a daily obsession that can make a serious impact on a person's self-esteem and overall psychological health.

Most people who suffer from acne resort to harsh chemicals and conventional antibiotic therapies to heal their blemishes. Fortunately, more options are available now than ever before. If you are considering seeking out alternative therapies, here is a quick run-down of the latest methods for treating acne.

Blue light therapy: Blue light therapy is aimed at acne patients who have had little success with other treatments. Blue light therapy focuses on eradicating the bacteria that causes most forms of acne, propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). P. Acnes creates the small molecules known as porphyrins that in turn help produce the bacterium that causes most types of acne inflammation. Blue light therapy works by zeroing in on the porphyrins. Porphyrins that are exposed to the blue light are able to produce free radicals that destroy the P. acnes bacteria.

Blue light therapy is rapidly becoming a popular treatment for acne because it is non-invasive and drug-free way to help heal blemishes. Many topical medications contain strong ingredients that damage sensitive skin, resulting in peeling, redness, and increased sun sensitivity. Blue light therapy is widely regarded as an easy and drug-free alternative to most acne medications. Some individuals have expressed concern over the safety of blue light therapy. In the past, light therapy options have not been considered 100% safe. Past light therapy treatments consisted of ultraviolet light that was harmful to the skin. Fortunately, modern blue light therapy has been FDA approved and is free of UV light.

So how does blue light therapy work? Generally, blue light therapy is administered in gradual increments. A common schedule of treatment might consist of eight sessions given over a period of four weeks. Blue light therapy sessions are short, usually lasting about 15 minutes. Visit a skin specialist or dermatologist to receive more information, or to receive a treatment of blue light therapy.

Another form of light therapy that is used to treat acne is known as pulsed light and heat energy (LHE) therapy. LHE therapy uses both light and heat to eradicate the root causes of acne. Like blue light therapy, LHE therapy uses light to destroy acne-causing bacteria. LHE therapy also uses heat to reduce the production of sebum and to help shrink sebaceous glands. LHE therapy is an attractive option for many acne sufferers because it promises fast results. Usually, improvement in the symptoms of acne can be seen in as early as 30 days. LHE therapy is also becoming popular because it is a fast treatment, with most sessions done in just over 10 minutes. The FDA has approved LHE therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate acne.

While different kinds of light therapies may seem attractive, they can also be expensive, and may not be covered by most health insurances. If you are looking for a therapy that is milder and less expensive, consider many the many herbal therapies that available. Many herbs have been signaled as potentially therapeutic. Some acne sufferers swear by certain herbal supplements, including black currant seed oil and evening primrose oil. Both herbs are recommended to acne sufferers. Try taking three 500-milligram capsules each day to control your acne. It may be helpful to create an herbal diary of sorts, where you can track the herbs you are taking and their efficacy.

Beside herbs, certain vitamins and minerals are also highly recommended for acne sufferers. Vitamin A is perhaps the most important vitamin for the production and maintenance of a healthy complexion. Vitamin A helps control the amount of sebum produced by your skin, and it is also a key vitamin in the production of keratin. Vitamin A is very potent, and must only be taking in controlled doses. Consult your doctor about the appropriate amount of Vitamin A for your situation. Other important 'skin' vitamins are Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin E. An important mineral for the maintenance of a healthy complexion is Zinc. Approximately 30-50 mg of Zinc daily is recommended for acne sufferers.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Acne- Is It Contagious?

Acne is one of the most common disorders that trouble us. Many of us get acne even when we grow up. Acne spoils our looks and affects our confidence. The scars are as bad and make us self-conscious. Can acne be contagious? Should we keep away from acne sufferers?

Acne- is it contagious or not?

For any diseases or condition to be contagious, there has be an agent that is passed on from one person to another. Like in ringworm, where one can pass on the fungus and affect another person. Acne causes have nothing that can be passed on from one person to another. There is nothing that we can catch from others and that will cause acne on our skin.

Acne- Causes-

Acne is caused by the excess production of sebum that is hormonal. The gland block that forms and makes the sebum remain inside is only dead skin and is also caused by hormonal and other unknown reasons. The bacteria P.acnes that inflames the acne is found on the skin of all of us. None of these three reasons for causing acne can be passed on. So acne is not contagious.

Acne- what care should I take to keep it away?

Avoid stress. Whenever you take any hormones or are nearing pregnancy, consult your doctor about acne possibility and prevent it. Keep your top layer of the skin healthy by use of AHA's etc. wash your face twice a day and keep it clean of dirt and oils.

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.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Acne Medication From Your Dermotologist

You may decide that your acne problem is serious and wish to consult a dermatologist. Before visiting a dermatologist for the first time, it is good to know what to expect especially in the type of acne medication that he or she is likely to prescribe.

While seeking treatment, your dermatologist may prescribe you with more than one type of acne medication. This can be normal as acne is usually assessed on a-case-by-case basis. Therefore, acne medications that work for another does not necessarily imply that it will also work for you. Depending on the seriousness of your acne problem, your dermatologist may be prescribing you with a topical acne medication and/or a systematic approach to reduce the cases of flare-ups and inflammations.

A topical acne medication treatment is one that is applied on the skin surface. It can come in different forms; for example, lotions, gels, soaps and creams. Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in the majority of acne medications as it helps in slowing down the activities of the oil glands in producing skin oil called "sebum". However, continued use of this acne medication may cause the skin to dry and crack up plus a possible irritation and burning sensation may be felt. But this can be resolved pretty easily through minimizing the level of usage of benzoyl peroxide.

It is important that this product is used over the infected area, not just directly to one or two individual pimples. Smearing and flaking are likely to carry the infection to other parts of the skin, like the back, shoulders and neck. So you have to be careful, when you apply this product.

Retin A, a derivative of Vitamin A is not a topical acne medication but it is noted to show great effects on the growth of acne. It works by drying the skin thus preventing new pimples form developing. However, it is suggested that if you should use this, you must at all times, stay away from the sun as this may only aggravate the skin condition.

Meanwhile, systematic acne medication is one that is taken internally to combat acne. It usually comes in the form of antibiotics. The type of antibiotic that you may use will depend largely on the severity of the case and your skin type. At times, you may be prescribed to use small amounts of antibiotic contents like that in Bacitracyn and many over the counter acne medications.

On the average, these acne medications may take six to eight weeks before significant developments take effect.

In certain cases, your dermatologist may prescribe you with hormonal acne medication reatment. The principle in most hormonal treatments is to control the release of hormones such as androgens and testosterone. This happens when the dermatologist decides that hormone imbalances is the cause of your acne.

Of course, it is always best to get a professional and qualified skin specialist or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. Choose one that comes highly recommended by your friends and relatives. Spend time to search for a good dermatologist.