How to Clear Acne Naturally

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

2010-01-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

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”.

Acne - Back Breakouts – What’s The Deal With Acne On Your Back?

2009-12-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

Back acne comes in all sizes and forms of acne, ranging from mild forms like whiteheads to serious forms of acne including cystic acne. "Bacne" as it is referred to in slang terms, can consist of pimples, pustules and blackheads as well. Back acne affects people ranging from age ten to age forty or older yet. Understanding the causes of back acne and available treatment options, are very important is treating and preventing the condition.

Like all of the other forms of acne, there is no one thing that causes back acne. As far as the medical community stands, back acne also happens when oil glands start functioning more rapidly around puberty. The hormone group androgens, found in both females and males, get overactive which in turn causes a reaction in the oil glands, which make extra oil. The oil glands are located just underneath the skin surface. Oil glands constantly are producing and secreting oil through the pores in the skin. When too much of the oils are produced the pores and hair follicles become clogged. The clogs obstruct the way that dead cells escape the skin, which in turn results in a mess of oil and dead cells plugging the hair follicle. This attracts bacterium, which causes the acne to be formed.

Back acne can be found on any part of the body and does not necessarily have to be on a person's back. It can be very severe with large lesions and painful cysts. Back acne may just be something that certain people are prone to or it could be caused by other things such as tight clothing or a heavy backpack. Not having anything in contact with the back is not a logical prevention step, as we all must sit down and everyone has to wear clothing. It is easier to treat back acne than to try and prevent it because most people suffer from back acne at one time or another. Skin on the back is much thicker and therefore allows for stronger topical treatments, such as ten percent Benzoyl peroxide. This strength of Benzoyl peroxide is not suitable for other skin that is typically thinner and will not be able to sustain itself under harsh treatment. You can get all the same types of acne, blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules and cysts, on your back just as you can on any other part of your body.

There are some differences in back acne and acne located elsewhere on the body however. Back acne is not caused by genetics as other acnes can be. Some severe cases of back acne may be genetically passed on but most likely it is just the individual's body type or personal genetic make up. People all over the world suffer from back acne at some point in their lives. Unlike other acne, food does not contribute to the formation or flare up of back acne. There is absolutely no evidence that foods cooked in grease, or high in fat content contribute to back acne.

It is also known that excessive oil production and dirt build up does not have a huge impact on developing back acne. Perspiring excessively and not washing or showering immediately has been shown to not increase the chances of developing back acne. Back acne also does not seem to be affected by stress. There are some who think that facial acne is increased due to stress. However stress can cause back acne to not heal. Oftentimes, stress causes people to pick and bother the pimples, which make the condition worse.

Taking some over the counter medicines may treat breakouts of back acne in conditions that are not complex. Some skin specialists or dermatologists should treat severe forms of acne on the back, such as cystic acne. Most of the simpler forms of acne might disappear with daily washing and cleansing routines but as cystic acne goes deep into the skin and can cause permanent scarring, it should be given more serious medical attention than simple pustules or blackheads on the back. Always speak to your healthcare provider about treatment before starting a back acne treatment program never attempt to treat severe acne on your own or with an over the counter product without consulting a professional.

Acne - Avoid Comedogenic Products

2009-12-30T14:21:00.000-08:00

Here, please note that a skin care product may contain more than one ingredient. The manufacturer will label the product as comedogenic or non-comedogenic. Please use non-comedogenic product. Appearance of the product may not indicate its comedogenicity. Mineral oil that looks oily has the no.0!

Acne Care- Select Products

Acne care needs use of products after careful consideration. Use non-comedogenic products and if after using a product for sometime you find comedones increasing, stop usage for sometime and see the result. You r own judgment will guide you. Keep your skin free of acne.

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.

Acne (and Rosacea) Link to MRSA

2009-12-29T14:20:00.000-08:00

There is growing evidence that the major cause of MRSA is the inappropriate over prescribing of antibiotics by general practitioners. This is not news and it is common knowledge that most infections are viral and do not require antibiotics.

Also it is well known that antibiotics upset gut bacteria and lead to overgrowth of the intestinal tract with fungi such as Candida which is present in everyone’s guts, but normally kept in check by the probiotic bacteria surrounding it and which also produce chemicals to keep it in check. Antibiotic use can reduce the probiotic bacteria and allow the fungus to grow which over time can lead to inflammation and misdiagnosis of IBS later in life and open another chapter in prescribing. A downward spiral we don’t want to promote. Candida overgrowth and dysbiotic guts probably affect millions of ‘20 something’s’ who have just had years of antibiotics for acne, or million of 40 something’s who have been put on antibiotics for rosacea. We have clever ways of restoring the normal bacterial balance and reducing Candida without harsh antifungals.

However the use of antibiotics for skin infections such as acne and rosacea often at low doses and often for 3 to 6 months at a time is probably the biggest cause of MRSA (multi resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in hospitals. Let me explain.

It doesn’t matter whether oral or cream antibiotics are used they cause the same problem. In acne if you have many blocked ‘pores’ (pilo sebaceous ducts) then the anaerobic bacteria propiobacterium acnes (p.acnes) can start to colonise the area under the plug and cause inflammation and damage. This bacterium only survives in normal skin at very low levels as it likes to live in an environment where there is little or no oxygen. When you create a blockage as with acne, you create the environment for p.acnes. So antibiotics can help to reduce p.acnes, but they also hit other friendly skin bacteria and herein lies the problem.

Staphylococcus epidermidis (s.epidermidis) lives on our skin and helps keep other nasty bacteria away. It likes an oxygen rich environment. The same antibiotics that reduce p.acnes often hit the s.epidermidis as well. This attack puts selective pressure on the bacteria to survive and within three or four weeks you can isolate resistant strains s.epidermidis on skin being treated with antibiotics.

Now Staphylococcus epidermidis is related to Staphylococcus aureus (s.aureus) (cousins if you like). S. aureus lives inside the body and s.epidermidis lives on the skin. They meet at places such as the nose and other entrances into the body. They can pass information to each other through the use of things called plasmids and it is highly likely information for developing resistance is transferred.

Hey presto we have started the super bug development. The acne sufferer ends up in hospital for an operation. They get a wound infection either from their own bacteria but also through other bugs already there. S.aureus is a typical bacterium that infects wounds. The antibiotics used for wound infections are often the same or similar to the one that has been used for the patient’s acne, and it is not surprising they find the antibiotics don’t work as the bugs are already resistant. This resistant strain becomes the dominant resident s.aureus in the hospital and is extremely difficult to remove and can go on to infect many other patients.

Using a product such as Aknicare which has 4 antibacterial agents which control p.acnes by changing conditions in the area under the plug rather than directly destroying it means you can prevent damage and inflammation without breeding resistant bugs. Aknicare can reduce p.acnes and all the other key causes of an acneic skin (inflammation, oil production, cell turnover) all without breeding resistant bugs.

As a final thought the main treatment for rosacea recommended on PRODIGY, the GP prescribing database recommends ROSEX creams and gels. Rosex contains the antibiotic metronidazole. Rosacea patients often use it for months and years. It works in a few. Metronidazole is also a powerful antioxidant and it is these properties that help with rosacea symptoms, not the antibiotic properties. Rosacea is not caused by bacteria. It is a sobering thought that the antibiotic most used in theatre to prevent infections during and shortly after surgery is metronidazole. Imagine if you had been using it for months or years before that operation.

It is concerning to think the antibiotic you are using today could end up leading to someone dying in hospital in the near future. Change prescribing habits for acne and rosacea now and have an impact on MRSA in hospitals.

Use Aknicare, a new medical device with a CE mark . Once in the drug tariff this should be prescribed by GPs. PCTs should act now

Acne: Asthma Drug Fails to Help Patients with Acne

2009-12-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

The asthma drug Zyflo fails to help patients with severe acne, according to a mid-stage trial carried out by the company Critical Therapeutics Inc. The drug, also known as zileuton, was neither better at controlling the number of inflammatory lesions than placebos under the company statistics.

Over the 12-week trial, patients treated with Zyflo had an average reduction of 11.5 inflammatory lesions. That compared with a reduction of 9.1 lesions in a group of other patients taking placebos – far short of achieving statistical significance.

Patients treated with placebo showed a reduction of 16.4 lesions in the placebo group, but patients treated with Zyflo showed a mean reduction in the total number of lesions of 25.3.

The company stated the medicine showed a trend of potential benefit to some patients although the drug failed the primary goal of the trial.

Linda Lennox, the company spokeswoman, told the company will probably conduct a larger trial testing the medicine as an acne treatment, using information gleaned from the small recent "proof of concept" trial.

The company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, said that it is continuing to analyze the data and is working with the investigators to further interpret the results.

Zyflo blocks an inflammation-causing enzyme called 5 lipoxygenase (5-LO). It was approved by U.S. regulators in 1996 for treating asthma patients 12 years of age and older. At the time, the drug was owned by Abbott Laboratories Inc., which sold it for a number of years before licensing it to Critical Therapeutics in late 2003.

Acne: An Adult Dilemma as Well

2009-12-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

Acne is often regarded as a major teenager's problem. Although there are several adults who also suffers from what we call “adult acne”. Adults in their twenties and beyond can still experience acne, and the negative effects of stress adds to the strain of having it pop up in their face.

Studies show that mental stress can be a major cause in developing acne for adults. Moreover, women are likely to suffer from it because they are more exposed to stress which they acquire throughout their daily lifestyle. They are also prone to hormonal imbalances, especially at times when they have their monthly menstruation and during pregnancy.

The environment is another factor in developing adult acne. If your surroundings are always dirty, most likely all the dust will be carried through the wind and eventually land on your face. If left unwashed, these dust and dirt can clog up your pores and infect them making the pore inflamed.

Just like teen acne, the best treatment that you can avail of is maintaining proper skin care and a healthy personal hygiene. Take a bath everyday, and use mild soap only so that your acne wont further develop into an infection.

Also watch out for your diet. Drink enough water and exclude from your meal some oily foods. Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Take enough sleep and rest. It will relax your skin pores and eventually prevent acne from developing.

The lifestyle of an adult is an important factor in the appearance of adult acne as well. Avoid drinking liquor, alcohol-based beverages and smoking. It will just make your face riddled with acne.

You can also take some acne medications like skin care products and skin treatments. Just see your dermatologist so that he/she can determine which treatment would be right for you.

Acne: A Basic Understanding

2009-12-26T14:19:00.000-08:00

Statistics indicate that as high as 80% of the entire American population has ever had acne. Acne afflicts all genders, sexes and ages making it a universal skin disorder. As a form of skin disease, the good news is that acne is not transmittable.

Although acne is not contagious from person-to-person, it can spread to the whole face and can severely affect all the skin tissues that have pilosebaceous units. It is not true that acne just affects those going through puberty. Even infants or individuals who may be well over their forties, can develop this skin disorder. Acne infantilis is the term used for acne that grows on newborn babies, on the other hand acne rosacea is related to middle-aged people.

Acne has different classifications, according to the severity of the infection.

Comedo is the form where all severe acne cases originate. This is characterized by red swelling or small lesions on your skin. Whiteheads and blackheads are two forms of comedo. Conversely, blackhead is an open comedo. The coloration is due to the accumulation of dark skin pigments called melanin, plus hardened sebum and other skin debris and particles. This is the basic structure of whiteheads, however, the only difference is the coloration and these are deeply situated into the skin layers.

If you have sandpaper-like skin around the tissue of your mouth and on the surface of your forehead, chin and cheeks, you probably have papules. Pus-filled lesions are also termed as pustules.

Nodules on the other hand are similar with pustules. However, nodules are firmer and are larger acne growing deep in the skin. Inflammation may develop your pustules into containing semi-liquid or liquid materials composed of white blood cells (which are dead because of the acne-infecting bacteria named as Propionibacterium acnes), dead skin cells and active or inactive bacteria. This can result into more serious acne called cysts. In such situations, you may need the assistance of a skin dermatologist or physician.

What is the cause of acne? It is quite difficult to exactly determine what may have caused your acne infection as reasons differ case to case. Studies indicate that the skin disorder may be brought about by many factors, including poor diet, stress, weather elements, and hormone changes or may be genetically influenced.

Medically speaking, acne starts from the formation of hardened sebum, or the oily substance secreted to the skin through the sebaceous glands. This then will be permeated with acne-infecting bacteria, which in return will trigger the immune system to release white blood cells to obstruct the attack of the bacteria. As this happens, dead white blood cells and bacteria will accumulate in the hair follicles mixed with skin debris and dead skin particles, which then will inflame the lesions.

Most mild case acne may be treated with over the counter acne medications. They are generally topical drugs, which you apply on your skin for acne treatment. They may come in the form of soaps, lotions, gels and creams. Conversely, systematic acne medications are taken orally. The most common of which are the antibiotics.

Knowing that you are not the only one inflicted with acne at some point in life or another helps in that there will always be new research and new products coming on stream. Continue to read up on acne research and help your fight against it.

Acne – Types, Causes And Treatments

2009-12-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

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.

Acne – Get The Lowdown On This Four Letter Word

2009-12-24T14:18:00.000-08:00

Acne is considered pimples, zits, blackheads, and whiteheads. These are all part of the same irritating ailment that affects so many, especially teenagers. In fact, many people consider acne the most irritating thing about puberty. At a time when teenagers tend to be very self conscious and are going through physical changes, cracking voices, menstrual cycles, facial hair, and hair growing in strange places, these darn pimples come along to make things even more complex. Where in the world do they come from?

Common acne is officially known as acne vulgaris. This blemish producing blight is caused by multiple factors. During puberty the body produces an excess of the male hormone testosterone. Also, female menstrual cycles cause changes in the body that throw the hormone balance a bit out of whack. Add to this the other changes in the adolescent body that begins the process of turning them into adults, and acne is on its way. Much of the problems caused by acne come from the bacteria that is normally present on skin, a staff like bacteria that grows in abundance, especially in clogged pores filled with dead skin cells.

Other things can cause acne as well, or make it worse. Exposure to too much chlorine can cause a long lasting and nasty type of acne, and use of anabolic steroids can cause acne, in addition to many other health problems that they can cause.

For many years people thought that acne was caused by poor hygiene, and kids would scrub their faces raw in an effort to open up pores and get rid of pimples and blackheads. That actually may make the problem worse by damaging the skin. Also for many years people thought that certain foods would make some people more prone to acne. Fried foods were blamed, as was chocolate. This may have been a natural assumption. Teenagers often eat candy bars and other chocolate foods. Also teenagers tend to be fans of fried foods, such as hamburgers, French fries, tator tots, fish and chips, and fried chicken. Many people associated oily skin with greasy foods, but there is no medical or scientific connection. Acne is a nasty, but natural part of growing up.

Most people outgrow acne as their bodies change and puberty ends. In fact, by the time most people reach their twenties they are through with the ravages of acne. For a few people it may hang on longer, but for the vast majority of people it is a temporary and passing thing. Time will cure most cases as a person passes into adulthood.

The types of acne blemishes are divided into two different categories, inflamed and non-inflamed. Non-inflamed blemishes are called blackheads or whiteheads. The whitehead is a clogged follicle that plugs the skin pore. The mass is made up of dead skin cells. The blackhead is in essence the same thing, but it has opened up and become oxidized, creating the darker tint. Many people think that blackheads come from dirt, but that is not the case.

Inflamed blemishes are those that are commonly call pimples or zits. These blemishes are usually reddish and look inflamed. The red pimple is classic. A bit more troublesome is the larger cyst. Pimples develop when a whitehead does not turn into a blackhead and plugs the pore so that it can be expelled. Instead the pore wall breaks down and becomes a repository for oil, dead skin cells, bacteria and other debris of the body. White blood cells congregate in the blemish to fight the infection, and form a puss substance, that can become painful. Everyone is familiar with pimples. The larger cyst can be even more painful, and it can flair up again and again and may require medical attention.

There are many misconceptions about acne. Some people think that the sun will cure acne and seek a suntan as a cure all. However, this has no positive effect, simply darkening the skin just makes pimples harder to see, and the side effects can be wrinkles and skin cancer in later life. However, there are many treatments available for acne that can lessen the impact it has on the lives of the victims. Many good over the counter remedies, natural remedies, and when needed prescription, drugs can help.

Acne! Did It Have to Happen Now?

2009-12-23T14:17:00.000-08:00

The thought of dating is hard enough for the self-conscious teenager. And now - it couldn't have happened at a worse time - Acne!

Acne is the most common concern of almost all teens all over the world. Nearly every otherwise healthy teenager suffers from acne and all of them detest it. In some, the disgust is so strong as to border on the obsessive. And in still others, unresolved acne problems could very well result in low self esteem and consequent depression. But the good news is that almost all acne is a normal and natural process of growing up. With or without the use of acne treatments, all acne will eventually disappear as the teenagers move on to adolescence and beyond. But almost everyone is eternally on the quest to identify and secure the ultimate acne treatment.

In order to determine the ideal acne treatment, it is essential to understand what causes acne in the first place. Acne is usually caused, not as most people believe due to poor hygiene, but due to hormonal changes in the human body. Some people secrete excessive oil due to the hormonal changes brought on by puberty and this traps dirt and moisture, resulting in blackheads and acne. In some others, acne is brought on by infection or by the blockage of the pores. Still others may have acne as a result of poor diet. But acne treatment is available for all kinds of acne. It would however always be a good idea to consult a dermatologist to determine the cause of acne before trying to go in for self treatment.

There is an unimaginable range of acne treatment available in the market. Just go to any pharmacy or drugstore and you will see shelves upon gleaming shelves of products offering acne treatment. Most of them are generalized acne treatment lotions that may or may not eradicate your problem. But in order to find the best acne treatment, suited to your specific acne, your doctor is the best advisor. Acne treatments differ for various acne. And unless you are able to pin down the cause, you may end up spending a fortune on acne treatments that don't ever seem to work. Some of the more common acne treatments include azelaic acid creams, benzoyl peroxide and Accutane. Other treatments include topical antibiotics and lotions. Still other treatments include glycolic and gluconic acids. But as mentioned earlier, each of these acne treatments works for a particular kind of acne. And the more severe the acne, the more strong the treatment.

The best advice anyone can give you regarding acne treatments is that time is the best healer. But for those who are unwilling to let time be the healer, the pharmacy is their playground. While common treatments could work wonders for some, others will have to go in for prescription drugs.

Know this, the key is to understand your particular case of acne. Only then can you begin to solve the problem. And you will be amazed how quickly you can solve your acne problem once you understand the source of your acne and implement the right strategy to attack it!

Acne – A Clean Face – First Step In A 12 Step Program

2009-12-23T14:16:00.000-08:00

Since acne is a condition that occurs from within your body and exhibits on the outside of your body, you need to,

* Attack acne from inside your body

* Attack acne from outside your body

If your acne is not to severe, all you might need is a good cream and need only to follow a few steps in my 12 step program to get you past the periods where acne is active.

If your acne is more severe, than you may have to follow my 12-step program, since acne is an expression of your whole body system and is a reflection of what is going on inside your mind, cell structure and internal organs.

Acne is an excessive toxic condition within your body, which the internal elimination organs are unable to eliminate. So your toxins are moved into your blood and excreted through your skin. It is an automatic survival mechanism your body initiates in an effort to protect the insides of your body – cells, liquid, blood, organs, and tissues.

There are 12 areas that you need to look at,

* Keep your face clean

* Using Scotty’s acne face cream or your favorite face cream

* Relive your constipation and the tree day liquid fast

* Making changes to your diet

* Get plenty of sun, air, and water

* Vitamins you need to be taking

* Minerals you should be taking

* Special supplements to take

* Herbal mixture to use or drink

* Special detoxifying drinks or supplements to take

* Brushing your skin

* Change your attitude

Step 1: Keeping your face clean

If you use face cosmetics, you need to stop. Some cosmetics irritate the skin and can cause acne by plugging up your pores on your face. The cosmetics chemicals that can cause you the most skin and pore irritation and inflammation are:

mineral oil lanolin parabens propylene glycol

Look at the label of the cosmetics you use. You will find that many cosmetics, soaps, and sunscreens contain these chemicals.

Find a water base make up, not an oil base. Find one that does not irritate your face and use it sparingly

When you wash your face don’t use any commercial soaps since they are filled with chemicals that will irritate and worsen your acne condition. And don’t excessive wash your face as this will dry your skin of the natural protective oil. Also, don’t keep touching your face since you spread or add bacteria to it.

To wash your face use only,

* Castile hand or liquid soap

* Pure glycerin hand soap

You can pat your face with a clean hot face towel to bring circulation to your face and to help open and move the toxic material, in the pimple, to the surface. Do not scrub hard to burst a pimple but just scrub lightly to burst a pimple when it is ready to open.

Use the hot towel application only 2-3 times per week.

When a pimple is open do not continue to rub or scrub it. In fact do not pick or scratch an open pimple since this could create other sores or leave scars that are difficult to remove. Just washing your face with clean soap will keep your face free of toxic matter.

Keep in mind,

Whatever you put on your skin will move into your skin and into your bloodstream.

Most commercial creams, lotions, and soaps are filled with all kinds of chemicals that are toxic to your body. By using them you are making your liver work harder.

During the day or at night avoid resting your cheeks or chin on your hand(s) or arm(s). This can irritate your face and cause acne to breakout. When you sleep, try to sleep on your back and not with your face or side of the face into your pillow.

There you have it. Step 1, shows you how to keep your face clean to avoid getting acne or to help relieve acne.

Acne: 10 Most Common Myths

2009-12-22T14:16:00.000-08:00

What we think we know about acne is steadily being replaced by what scientists are learning. Meanwhile, many myths continue to circulate and endure. Clearing up some of the misunderstandings about acne is what this article is about.

Myth #1: Acne only affects appearance
Acne can also cause deep psychological distress. Severe acne can lead to low self-image and feeling depressed. There is a strong link between severe acne and social withdrawal.

Myth #2: Acne is caused by poor hygiene
While skin infections are associated with acne, lack of cleanliness is not the reason for acne outbreaks. The combination of oil and dead cells which produce acne is located beneath the skin's surface where it is impossible to clean it away. Gentle cleansing with soap and water once or twice daily will keep your skin as healthy as possible. Scrubing too hard may worsen acne.

Myth #3: Acne is caused by specific foods
Chocolate has long had a reputation as a pimple producer. Studies have shown no scientific evidence that this is true. The same holds true for potato chips and sugar. There are some foods that do seem to aggravate (not cause) the condition: milk and foods high in iodine, such as seafood.

Myth #4: Acne has to run its course
There are many acne treatments available both over-the-counter and stronger medicines from a dermatologist.

Myth #5: The more acne medicine the better
Some people believe that if their acne gets worse they should just use more medicine. That's a bad idea because medicines can be dangerous when taken in large quantities. Excess use of acne ointments may just irritate the skin further.

Myth #6: Sunbathing is good for acne
Exposure to the sun dries out excess oils, so it does improve acne short-term. However, long-term the skin adapts and the acne is unfazed. Worse, there is scientific evidence that sun exposure damages the skin and increases the chance of skin cancer.

Myth #7: Makeup causes acne
Some makeup products can clog the pores, which is bad for the health of your skin. Cosmetics that are labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" are safe to use. Some brands are made with ingredients that actually treat acne.

Myth #8: Acne is only a teenage condition
While most teens have acne, so do many adults. Acne generally clears up by the early 20s. But some people experience acne for the first time as late as their 40s. And for the most unfortunate of all, some people endure acne flare-ups their entire lives.

Myth #9: Acne is related to sex
We've probably all heard that either celibacy or too much sex causes pimples. There is no evidence for this. There is a link between sexual activity and hormone production, but the relationship between sex and the production of sebum (the oily substance which combines with dead skin cells to cause acne) is not known. Stress and anger also affect hormone levels.

Myth #10: Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them
The fact is popping pimples may worsen acne by spreading the bacteria that is causing it. Popping can also lead to eventual scarring, which in severe cases, can be permanent.

Accutane helps your skin renew itself more quickly

2009-12-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

What is Accutane?

Accutane is a form of vitamin A. It reduces the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin, and helps your skin renew itself more quickly.

Accutane is used to treat severe nodular acne. It is usually given after other acne medicines or antibiotics have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Accutane may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?
Accutane can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Even one dose of Accutane can cause major birth defects of the baby's ears, eyes, face, skull, heart, and brain. Never use Accutane if you are pregnant.
Women of child-bearing potential must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control and have regular pregnancy tests before, during, and after taking Accutane. Unless you have had a total hysterectomy or have been in menopause for at least a year, you are considered to be of child-bearing potential.

Accutane is available only under a special program called iPLEDGE. You must be registered in the program and sign agreements to use birth control and undergo pregnancy testing as required by the program. Read all program brochures and agreements carefully.

It is dangerous to try and purchase Accutane on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. The sale and distribution of Accutane outside of the iPLEDGE program violates the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the safe use of this medication.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Accutane?
Accutane is available only under a special program called iPLEDGE. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that you understand the dangers of this medication and that you agree to use birth control as required by the program. Read all of the iPLEDGE program brochures and agreements carefully. Ask your doctor or call the drug maker if you have questions about the program or the written requirements.

It is dangerous to try and purchase Accutane on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. The sale and distribution of Accutane outside of the iPLEDGE program violates the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the safe use of this medication.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Accutane or to parabens, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
Before taking Accutane, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any foods or drugs, or if you have:

- a personal or family history of depression or mental illness;
- heart diease, high cholesterol or triglycerides;
- osteoporosis or other bone disorders;
- diabetes;
- asthma;
- an eating disroder (anorexia nervosa);
- or liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Accutane.

Accutane can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Even one dose of Accutane can cause major birth defects of the baby's ears, eyes, face, skull, heart, and brain. Never use Accutane if you are pregnant.
For Women: Unless you have had your uterus and ovaries removed (total hysterectomy) or have been in menopause for at least 12 months in a row, you are considered to be of child-bearing potential.

Even women who have had their tubes tied are required to use birth control while taking Accutane.

You must have a negative pregnancy test 30 days before you start taking Accutane. A pregnancy test is also required before each prescription is refilled, right after you take your last dose of Accutane, and again 30 days later. All pregnancy testing is required by the iPLEDGE program.

You must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control beginning 30 days before you start taking Accutane and ending 30 days after you stop taking it. Both a primary and a secondary form of birth control must be used together.

Primary forms of birth control include:

- tubal ligation (tubes tied);
- vasectomy of the male sexual partner;
- an IUD (intrauterine device);
- estrogen-containing birth control pills (not mini-pills);
- and hormonal birth control patches, implants, injections, or vaginal ring.

Secondary forms of birth control include:

- a male latex condom plus spermicidal foam or gel;
- a diaphragm plus spermicidal foam or gel;
- a cervical cap plus spermicidal foam or gel; and
- a vaginal sponge containing spermicide.

Do not take St. John's wort, an herbal supplement, if you are using any type of hormonal birth control, including pills, patches, implants, injections, or a vaginal ring. Breakthrough bleeding may occur.
Stop using Accutane and call your doctor at once if you have unprotected sex, if you quit using birth control, if your period is late, or if you think you might be pregnant.

It is not known whether Accutane passes into breast milk. Do not take Accutane without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The Acne Killer?

2009-12-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

Acne is the most common skin disorder amongst adolescence and adults alike.It has plagued us for generations and continues to affect us today.

There are four main causes of acne, as stated by the American academy of dermatology. These four causes are hormones, increased sebum production, changes inside hair follicles, and bacteria.An oily substance, called sebum, is secreted by the sebaceous glands when the hair follicles and sebaceous glands are inflamed.An excess amount of sebum can clog the follicles (pours) and eventually leads to bacterial formation and inflammation of the follicles.

Accutane is considered to be the ultimate, end-all medication for eliminating acne.Accutane is used to treat severe cases of acne which have not been healed through conventional antibiotics and topical creams.It is used to control all of the underlying causes of acne by normalizing your follicles, decreasing sebum production, reducing inflammation and limiting the growth of bacteria.

However, there are also many side effects that you should be aware of when choosing to use Accutane as a remedy for acne.Two of the most serious possible side effects associated with taking Accutane include birth defects and serious mental health problems (including suicidal tendencies). There are also many other possible side effects associated with Accutane that you should review with your doctor or health care provider before the use of this medication.

In order to decide whether this treatment is right for you; you should discuss with your doctor how severe your acne is, what other treatments you’ve tried, the possible benefits of accutane, the possible side effects of accutane and any other health related issues that may affect you while taking accutane (i.e. use of antibiotics, depression, etc.)

Take a look at www.acnejournal.com for more information.

Accutane - Acne Prescription

2009-12-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

Some forms of acne including nodular and cystic acne come about when the acne condition is severe. The drug Accutane is used to treat this severe forms of acne.

Pimples usually characterize acne. They are formed due to excess oil clogging up the skin pores leading to formation of lesions. These lesions are what we know as pimples. Sometimes these pimples may harden over a long period of time forming what is known as nodules. The nodules are what eventually become cysts.

Cysts often require draining by a physician. They are one of the more severe types of acne and may last for a very long time(weeks to months). Accutane is a possible treatment for this type of acne. However, before you decide to buy Accutane to treat this form of acne, seek medical attention first.

Though it's highly recommended for severe types of acne, Accutane is known to have some serious side effects. Before partaking it, a prescriber will usually ask you to read and sign a form covering these side effects. Treatment only begins after verifying that you understand and agree to this side effects.

Some of the serious side effects that it causes include possible birth defects in unborn children, or even miscarriages. Still births or premature births are also attributed to accutane. Expectant women or those planning to get pregnant are therefore advised not to take this form of medication.

Psychological effects are also part of the side effects of Accutane. Feelings of depression, sadness or anxiety may overwhelm the patient which might even lead to suicide. Several cases of suicide have been reported in people taking this drug. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, changes in weight, loss in social activity,anger and irritability.

These are some of the side effects associated with this drug. Any of these symptoms experienced by a patient while on this medication should be reported immediately to a physician.

Severe acne can be very painful and sometimes accutane may be the only way to treat it. Consulting your physician should help you decide whether the risk is worth takin

About Adult Acne

2009-12-18T14:13:00.000-08:00

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.

What is Acne?

2009-12-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

Acne is a combination of dirt, oil and debris that forms then gets clogged in your pores. Debris comes from dead skin cells that have not been exfoliated, or even left over makeup on your skin.

When these items mix together, they can become infected, and bacteria can form. Once the bacteria forms, this can put pressure on the wall of a hair follicle. As new skin cells are replicating themselves, if they aren’t being cleaned away with exfoliation, they cause a new layer over the pores, causing the debris and oil (sebum) to become trapped. Now that it is trapped under the skin, it has started to form into the beginning of a pimple. There’s a big fancy name for acne bacteria, but most people just call it “P. acne bacteria”. The long name is Propionibacterium acne.

When a blemish is under the skin, with no opening- it is called a whitehead and is considered closed. If there is an opening to the surface, and air can get it, the oxygen oxidizes the oil mixture, and causes the once white pus to turn black. The black color is due to the oxidation process. This is called a blackhead, or a comedone.

One of the most important things to remember with acne is that prevention is the most important step in having clear skin. When we are younger, our skin cells replicate rather quickly. This combined with sometimes a lack of a proper skin care regiment is often the perfect breeding ground for new acne to form. As these new skin cells are quickly regenerating, if they aren’t scrubbed away, they start to clog your pores. The combination of your sebum and your skin cells makes for a sticky combination. The sebum and cells combine almost like a paste, and before you know it, you have more pimples.

The two things you absolutely must work into your skin care regime is to cleanse your skin 2x a day, and exfoliate (gently scrub) your skin twice a week. These two simple steps can not only help you clear your skin, but they can also help future breakouts

Stages of Acne

2009-12-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

Acne is a skin condition that can be frustrating. You don’t get to choose when it shows up, and sometimes it takes too long to go away. When discussing acne, it’s important to know there are different levels of severity. In total, there are four stages of acne.

What exactly is acne? Acne is sebum or oil that’s become clogged in the skin. The sebum mixes with debris and is trapped. During this process, bacteria can form. When the pores of your skin get clogged a blemish forms. When this happens, it ends up applying pressure on a hair follicle.

A Dermatologist or skin care specialist classifies acne base on grades. Each grade progresses onto the next. The mildest form of acne is called Grade 1 acne, while cystic acne is called Grade 4 acne.

Grade 1 acne may present with a mild breakout with just a few blemishes.
Grade 2 is the next level of acne. This means there are more pimples, but there is no inflammation.
Grade 3 acne has become more severe. While there is a greater number of pimples and blemishes, what really identifies Grade 3 acne is the inflammation that goes along with the breakouts.
Grade 4 is also called Cystic Acne. Cystic acne is much deeper than the superficial pimples you’ll see on Grade 1 acne. Cystic acne can be painful, inflamed and the skin will present with many blemishes.

Cystic acne can make people very uncomfortable with their skin. When it gets to this point, it’s important to go to a dermatologist so that you can get help with your skin care. It’s very important not to puncture or break the blemishes open.

Whether you have mild acne, or severe acne, the social impact can be difficult, especially on teenagers who are developing. There is help for this. There are creams and medications that can help you control your acne.

Once you get your acne under control, it’s vitally important you follow a preventative program to prevent future breakouts, whether mild or severe.

Causes of Acne

2009-12-15T14:00:00.000-08:00

When it comes to the causes of acne, there are a lot of debates. There are two things you want to think about when it comes to acne- causes and triggers.

The most common causes of acne include: bacteria, clogged pores, triggers, cosmetics or skin care products.

Clogged pores occur due to old skin cells that are still on the skin. Whether someone is not using a mild scrub to remove the excess skin cells, or the subject has Retention Hyperkeratosis where your skin cells replicate very quickly, the outcome is the same. With these extra skin cells on your face, and then the mixture of sebum (oil), it causes a sticky mixture that blocks your pores up. This gets stuck in the hair follicles, and before you know it, your pores are clogged. This is how the acne forms.

In this hair follicle, this sticky mixture of cells and sebum is now stuck in place. Oxygen is trying to get down to the opening of the hair follicle, but can’t reach it. This is how the acne bacteria form. Now you have a hair follicle with bacteria growing, no oxygen can get through, and next thing you know you start to have inflammation. The pimple is forming, and pushes against the hair follicle. At the point of the hair follicle wall breaking, these bacteria spill into the skin around it. Pus starts to fill up around the hair follicle, and a pimple is now a small infection. It presents itself as a red irritation, and as it slowly fills up with pus, becomes a whitehead. Cystic acne is a deeper infection.

Often times skin care products or cosmetics can lead to problems. Some products have fatty ingredients which can clog pores and cause dead skin cells to stick also. Look for non-comedogenic products for the best results. If you’re prone to acne breakouts, opt for water based skin care products and cosmetics over oil based products.

Acne Triggers

2009-12-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

Acne triggers are things that can aggravate acne. There are many different triggers of acne, but the main triggers that are mentioned over and over are hormones, stress, and some foods. What holds true for one person may not hold true for another. In the professional world of skin care, these are the things that are considered triggers.

Hormones are a big trigger when it comes to acne. Many women get hormonal acne right before they menstruate. Women tend to get more adult acne, while teen boys get more severe acne then most girls, since girls don’t have increasing testosterone like their counterparts do.

Male hormones called androgens also stimulate the oil glands in the skin. Combine androgens and testosterone, and guys have a volatile combination. Testosterone also stimulates the oil glands in the skin. As a boy becomes a teenager, the levels of these hormones are increasing, which can trigger and aggravate acne.

Stress is another trigger that can aggravate acne. When somebody is stressed out, they produce more sebum (oil). This extra sebum on the skin acts like glue causing dead skin cells to stick to the skin and clog pores.

Food is a non-direct means of triggering acne. While a specific food does not cause acne, what can happen is that when we aren’t eating well, our bodies can be in a stressful state. In that stressful state your sebaceous glands produce more oil. There’s no hard evidence that food triggers acne, but it comes up often as a trigger. This is due to the body not being in a balanced state when we don’t eat healthy.

Lastly, if there are things that are rubbing against your face, they can be causing residual dirt to be left on your skin. Think about when you hold a phone against your skin. In every day tasks, we may not realize that dirt can be left on the skin on a regular basis. It’s very important to make sure you wash off any residual dirt or debris each day. Be sure to wash your face before going to sleep each night.

Acne Prevention

2009-12-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

When it comes to acne prevention, a good skin care regimen is vital to keeping your skin at its best. Did you know many people use the wrong products for their skin type? People often assume they have oily skin if they’re having breakouts, but they may actually have dry or combination skin! Your skin care products should be based on your skin type first, and then geared towards a condition.

That means that there may be different products you should use if you have oily skin with acne versus someone who has dry skin with acne. Your skin type is determined by tone, texture and the size of your pores. Once you discover your proper skin type, you’ll be able to choose the right skin care products for your skin. You can easily get your skin analyzed at a spa with an esthetician, or by visiting a dermatologist.

Once you know what type of skin you have, you’ll want to select the right products to help prevent acne. You’ll want a good cleanser, a mild scrub called an exfoliant, and an oil-free moisturizer. Don’t panic, a moisturizer won’t clog your skin if it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic!

It’s important to get into the habit of washing your face both in the morning and in the evening. Don’t wash your face too many times during the day, or it causes your skin to overproduce sebum. Washing your face 4 or 5 times a day, makes your skin think it’s lacking natural oils in your skin, and in turn it starts to produce more.

The next step in your skin care regimen is exfoliation. When you exfoliate your skin, you’re gently sloughing away the dead skin cells that are still on your face. An exfoliant should be very mild, and not course, which can cause micro-tears in your skin. You will want to gently scrub your skin between 2-3 times a week. Doing it too often will cause you to sensitize your skin, and can leave you feeling raw.

If you have a breakout, use a topical treatment that has a salicylic or glycolic acid in it. This can be used as a spot treatment, and not all over the skin, which can be too drying.

Lastly, apply your oil-free moisturizer. You now have a simple acne prevention kit!

What is a Skin Lesion?

2009-12-12T13:49:00.003-08:00

When skin tissue becomes damaged, this is referred to as a skin lesion. There are different types of skin lesions. Whether a lesion is deep or just superficial, it's become an abnormality in your skin. Skin lesions are categorized by how far down the skin is impacted. The three levels of skin lesions are: primary, secondary and tertiary (also called vascular).

A primary lesion is a lesion that only affects the top layer of the skin. It can be anything like a flat discoloration, such as a freckly, or it can be raised, like a blister is. It stays on top of the skin, whether it is flat or has fluid in the skin lesion.

The next stage of skin lesions is the secondary lesion. A secondary skin lesion is worse than a primary lesion. It basically means that it has progressed. A second lesion may be something such as scaling or crusting. It's no longer flat, and the skin is more invovled. An ulcer is another example of a secondary lesion.

Lastly, the tertiary lesion is deeper. It means it has reached the level of blood. This is why it's also called a vascular lesion. It's deep enough to reach the blood level.

You should also be aware for changing lesions. If a skin lesion darkens, changes size or shape, this is something that you should report to your doctor. This is especially important when it comes to checking for skin cancer. You should make a regular habit of checking your skin for changes. You may have heard of the ABC's of skin cancer. A = asymmetry, B = border, and C = color.

While the phrase skin lesions can sound scary, it's an overall blanket term to describe an abnormality in your skin tissue. Understanding that there are different types of skin lesions, will help you understand not only what to look for, but also understand what's going on with your body.

Sebaceous Gland Disorders

2009-12-12T13:49:00.001-08:00

Sebaceous glands are often referred to as oil glands. They are the glands in the skin that produce oil, also known as sebum. The most commonly known sebaceous gland disorder is acne. Most of us had it when we were teenagers! Many women end up with acne again in their 30’s and 40’s due to hormonal issues!

While acne is a well known sebaceous gland disorder, there are others we’re going to take a look at Furuncles, Milia. Seborrhea, and Wens.

Acne may be referred to as acne vulgaris or acne simplex, due to the severity of it. This is both a sebaceous gland disorder, and can be an inflammatory skin disorder too! It is characterized by blemishes, more commonly called pimples or zits.

Milia is the fancy name for a whitehead. This is a tiny white blemish. They look like itty-bitty tiny hardened white pimples. You often see Milia on newborn babies.

Isn’t Furuncle is a funny name? It’s actually just the technical name for a boil! It’s an abscess filled with pus. This is formed by bacteria around a hair follicle.

A Wen is also called a Steatoma. This is a cyst or tumor that is filled with sebum. A Steatoma can be very large or very small. This is not characterized by size, since it can vary dramatically.

The last sebaceous gland disorder we’re going to look at is Seborrhea. This can come in different forms. Seborrhea is the term for very oily skin. When you see the term seborheic and seborrhea- it’s quite similar to the word sebum, which means oil. If your doctor says you have a skin disorder and the word sounds quite similar, there’s a good chance it’s an oil gland disorder!

The two glands in the skin are sebaceous glands and sudoriferous glands. They can get easily confused. Sebaceous glands are oil glands, while your sudoriferous glands are sweat glands.

Inflammation of the Skin

2009-12-12T13:48:00.004-08:00

Inflammation of the skin can take on different characteristics, but regardless of the type of inflammation, this is a skin disorder known as “inflammation of the skin”. Some commonly scene instances of inflamed skin would include: eczema, edema, dermatitis or psoriasis.

Let’s take a look at some common forms of skin inflammation.

Psoriasis looks like patches of white, red and silvery colors. This happens when skin cells replicate themselves too quickly. It may have a scaly appearance. It presents mostly on the extremities such as the arms and legs, especially around both the knees and the elbows. You may also see it on the scalp, though Psoriasis can be present anywhere on the body. The classifications of Psoriasis are based on how much of it appears on your body. If more than 10 percent of your body is covered with it, this is classified as severe. Mild Psoriasis would cover less than 3 percent of your body, while moderate means between the two other extremes, covering 3-10 percent of your body.

Another common inflammation of the skin would be Eczema. Eczema can be either chronic or acute. Eczema presents itself with lesions that can be itchy. The lesions can be either moist or dry! Did you know that Seborrheic Dermatitis (which is Eczema found in oily areas) is more common in men?

Dermatitis is a blanket term to mean inflammation of the skin. Eczema and Psoriasis can also be classified as Dermatitis. Two other forms of Dermatitis you may be familiar with are Contact Dermatitis and Atopic Dermatitis.

Contact Dermatitis means you reacted from something after coming in contact with it. Think of the last time you got poison ivy. You came in contact with the poison ivy leaf, and then got a rash. This is Contact Dermatitis.

Atopic Dermatitis means there wasn’t direct contact. Imagine someone with bad allergies; they often times have red eyes, a runny nose, or red skin. Their skin is reacting by inflaming, but there was no direct contact.

Edema is another commonly seen inflammation of the skin. Edema is a swelling or collection of fluid under the skin. This can be caused by either an injury, or as a reaction to an infection or other circumstance.

Hyperpigmentation and Hypopigmentation

2009-12-12T13:48:00.003-08:00

Hyperpigmentation means that there is an excess of melanin in your skin. Hypopigmentation is the opposite and refers to a lack of pigmentation in your skin.
Your skin gets its color from melanin and pigmentation. When you have a disorder in your skin pigmentation, this is called Dyschromia.

Hyper- means excess, while Hypo- means less.

When you have extra melanin in your skin, and that melanin is active, your skin darkens. Hyperpigmentation can be something as simple as freckles. Many children have freckles that appear when they spend time in the sun, during the summertime.

Another example of hyperpigmentation would be a mole. Some people have skin colored moles, while other people have dark moles. A mole with a darker color than your normal skin tone is an example of hyperpigmentation.

Have you seen a strawberry or port wine colored birth mark on somebody? This is called a stain. This is another example of hyperpigmentation.

Hypopigmentation causes the opposite effect. Somebody who is an albino has an absence of melanin, or it is non-active. Their hair is white, and their skin is extremely pale. Did you know that this is an inherited disorder?

Other forms of hypopigmentation would be Vitiligo and Leukoderma. Both of these skin disorders cause white or light patches to appear on the skin. It can be mild, or severe. What’s interesting is that one of these (Leukoderma) you are born with, while the other (Vitiligo) you can get at any time.

When it comes to hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, you can take preventative measures. One of the most important things you’ll want to do if you have a Dyschromia skin disorder is to avoid the sun. Always wear sun block, and a wide brimmed hat. If you have any questions regarding hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation issues, you should consult a Dermatologist.

Contagious Skin Disorders

2009-12-12T13:48:00.001-08:00

Contagious skin disorders are disorders that you can pass onto another person. They are sometimes called “infectious skin disorders or diseases”.

There are many different types of contagious skin disorders. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of skin disorders that are considered infectious.

A small simple and commonly seen contagious skin disorder is a wart. The technical name for a wart is Verruca.

Shingles is another example of a contagious skin disorder. This is an “adult” form of chicken pox, and is characterized by a burning, itching and painful lesion.

Two contagious skin disorders that are often seen in children are Bacterial Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye, or Impetigo. Impetigo shows itself as tiny bacteria filled blisters or scales. That means if your child has Pink Eye, you should keep them home from school, due to it’s contagious nature.

You may have heard of Athlete’s Foot. This is a contagious skin disorder. The technical name for Athlete’s Foot is Tinea, which is a fungal infection.

Herpes Simplex Virus is a contagious skin disorder that can appear in one of two places. There are both cold sores around the mouth, and genital herpes. Note the word “viral”.

Contagious skin disorders come in all forms. What you’ll notice is these are bacterial, viral or fungal infections. For example when we look at Impetigo which is tiny blisters; the part that makes them contagious is the fact they the blisters are filled with bacteria, not just fluid. Athlete’s Foot may just seem like itchy skin, but it’s a fungal infection, which means that it’s infectious.

If you think you may have a contagious skin disorder, it’s important to limit contact with other people, as these skin disorders can spread to others. If you have any questions regarding an infectious skin disorder, speak to your doctor or Dermatologist.

Welcome to the Skin Care Blog

2009-12-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

I've set this blog up to act as an information portal for sufferers of acne, rosacea, eczema and other skin problems. I am passionate about holistic cures and remedies because they attack the root cause rather than topical applications that simply cover up skin problems.

You'll find all sorts of information and snippets that I've picked up off the web. I hope you find something useful here.

Acne - Basic Things You Need To Know

2009-01-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

For those that are dealing with acne, having the necessary knowledge about where it comes from and how to treat it is the first step in solving this very difficult and often scarring condition. It is not easy to find a way to work through acne when you do not know if a product will work how it will work or what is causing the acne on your face. In fact, it is plain old frustrating. Yet, the good news is that you can learn and you can succeed with acne treatments.

What Causes Acne?

The first thing to understand is what is causing your acne. Now, some people are more prone to it than others and this may or may not be linked to family genes and just environmental issues. But, what causes these little infections on your face happens for a very specific reason. Acne is caused by bacteria that are attracted to your face. They are attracted to it because your skin is oily and warm. And, there are dead skin cell to feed on. They get onto your face, into your pores and make themselves at home. Your skin becomes irritated and there comes that frightening pimple.

What Will Make It Go Away?

There are several acne treatment options for you. First, acne control can come from natural acne treatments such as eating a well balanced diet and taking supplements that are geared towards acne treatment. These will include a good assortment of vitamins and minerals that are known to help with acne control.

Next, you can move on to treating the infections in your skin. To do this, your doctor may provide you with antibiotics. Or, there are also natural skin care treatments that can help as well. In either case, the bacteria that are there need to be destroyed. Finally, you can work on exfoliating your skin to remove all those dead cells that the acne is feeding off of.

There are many acne products that can help with these steps. The goal is to understand why it is happening to you then you can gear your acne treatment right at it and see results. Remember, though, it took time for your face to become in this condition and it will take time for the acne to heal fully as well.