Monday, December 25, 2006

Frequently Asked Acne Questions

I get quite a lot of questions asked to me about getting rid of acne and different things about acne so I thought it would be a good idea to create a frequently asked questions article and share it with those who ask me questions about acne cures and so on.

These questions are regularly asked questions by those who suffer from acne problems, these are simply being made available to help you realise and understand a little more about acne and a little more about the possibilities with acne curing.

Here you are, the three most common questions I get asked about acne problems:

F.A.Q. 1 - What are the causes of acne?

Answer - The most common cause of acne is things like oily foods, sugary foods and drinks, dirt and of course, there is the fact that many teenagers get them as a result of hormonal changes and the such, there is no way to really say what the exact causes of each individual acne case but you can try to follow the common guidelines.

F.A.Q. 2 - Is it only teenagers that get acne?

Answer - No, it is not only teenagers, adults can most definitely get acne also, although, as I mentioned above it is more common with teenagers. The same principles apply to adults too, try to avoid the common causes of acne and you should be a little safer. If you feel as though you have a problem that really shouldn't be there, just remember that there are many other's just like you and are in the same position.

F.A.Q. 3 - Can acne be cured?

Answer - Yes, it most definitely can be cured, it's just that most people don't know how to do it. There are lots of common cures and well known things that people believe will instantly get rid of acne but most people very quickly find out that these things usually do not work for them, there are only a few methods for curing acne that actually work.

There you are, those are the three most common questions I get asked about acne and how to get rid of acne, hopefully these will help you and open your eyes up to the things you wanted to know about acne problems.

If you are suffering from acne, please remember that it is a temporary problem, you can get rid of it whenever you decide you truly want to, then all you need to do is take action and do what you need to do in order to cure the problem, it will not take long at all when you get stuck into it.

Discover how you can quickly and easily get rid of acne for good at:

==> http://the-internet-marketer.com/GetRidOfAcne Take action now and get rid of acne in no time at all.


Friday, December 22, 2006

How to Cure Acne Naturally

Only a person who has suffered from acne during the teenage years can understand the anguish that one undergoes with an acne-filled face and the damage acne can do to one’s psyche and self-image. And for some strange reason, acne always seem to pop up at the wrong time, e.g., a day before your date or just before an important party. There is nothing that an acne sufferer will not try out in desperation - every new acne cream entering the market and available over-the-counter, every tip from any source, leaving nothing to chance. As a result of overdosing of the skin with all kinds of chemicals, the acne condition only worsens in the long run, leaving your skin so dry, red and irritated that, sometimes, even water seems to give a burning sensation.

Unless your acne is due to a serious medical condition accompanied by other hormone-related symptoms requiring medical attention, natural acne remedies and herbal acne remedies are the best course of action to control and cure your acne in a gentle way.

Nature is a storehouse of a whole range of medicinal herbs and trees. According to naturopathic doctors, one of the root causes of acne is accumulation of metabolic toxins and excess hormones in the body due to slow activity of the liver and other organs involved in flushing out of body wastes. So, the emphasis is on internal cure rather than only on external symptomatic cure.

Some plants that seem effective for curing skin disorders and are used in herbal acne remedies – either for topical application or for ingestion – are German Chamomile (digestion-improving properties), Neem (blood-purifying and antibacterial properties), Witch Hazel (astringent properties), Goldenseal (antibiotic properties), Burdock (liver-stimulating properties), Echinacea (immune-boosting properties), Aloe Vera (skin-soothing properties), etc. Essential oils like evening primrose oil, lavender oil, borage oil, blackcurrant seed oil, etc., are also used in herbal acne remedies.

Some nutrient supplements that are very effective in acne treatment and are based on natural substances are: vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid, found in eggs and whole wheat), azelaic acid (found in wheat, barley and rye), zinc, selenium and chromium. These can be used along with your other natural acne remedies after consultation with your doctor.

However, since many herbs/herbal extracts might be toxic in nature if taken indiscriminately, it is always advisable to take only some standard commercially available herbal acne remedies or visit a reliable herbal medicines doctor. If you want some do-it-yourself home treatment, it is better to go in for natural acne remedies using off-the-kitchen-shelf products – e.g., steam-cleansing your face, applying a honey or a fuller’s clay mask to the face once every 15 days or so, applying a dot of raw garlic juice on the pimple – in addition to maintaining skin and hair hygiene religiously.

Whatever natural acne remedy you are following, it always helps to pay attention to your diet, too, because, other than genetic factors, it is your diet that controls the functioning of all the internal organs involved in flushing out metabolic toxins from the body. Here are a few important diet tips:

· Avoid, as far as possible, consuming foods like red meat, cakes, pastries, cookies, pizzas, colas, etc., that are invariably rich in saturated/hydrogenated fats and/or in sugar.

· Ditch refined foods for fiber-rich, whole-grain foods.

· Eat 8 to 10 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

· Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.

· Take daily a multivitamin supplement that contains minerals like zinc, chromium and selenium.

Following a strict skin and hair hygiene routine, along with a healthy nutritive diet and regular exercise, will hasten the process of an acne cure with natural acne remedies.

Catherine Martinez offers expert advice regarding all aspects concerning acne. Visit our site for more information about acne medications, anti-acne products and other similar topics.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Use Of Colloidal Silver Products In Acne Prevention

Despite being one of the most common health conditions and making all out efforts, researchers have not achieved success in establishing a single medicine that could cure acne. In fact, there is no cure for acne and each form of acne required different treatment depending upon cause of development of acne. However, certain tips can help you in preventing occurrence or aggravation of acne condition. Following are some of tips.

  • Adopt good eating habits. Take your meals on scheduled time
  • Ensure that your diet contains adequate quantity of minerals, vitamins and nutrients.
  • Regular physical exercises will help you in clearing hair follicles by removing toxic substances through sweat
  • Avoid use of oil based cosmetics
  • Use gels, ointments, lotions and topical creams such as natural colloidal silver products specially formulated for acne prevention
  • If hormonal imbalance is the root cause, consult your physician and take hormone balancing medications
  • Make good the nutritional deficiencies by consuming dietary supplements like colloidal silver
  • Use home made remedies known for their characteristics of preventing or treating acne condition
  • Maintain personal hygiene.
  • Consult your physician or a dermatologist if your acne is severe in nature or persist for considerably longer periods

Diet plays important role in treatment of acne condition. Adequate quantity of minerals, vitamins and nutrients is essential for proper functioning of various body systems. Deficiencies of these substances can lead to number of abnormalities and result in serious illnesses. You can use dietary supplements like colloidal silver and other solutions that contain natural elements. Colloidal silver provides you double benefits of improving hormonal balances and killing bacteria. Moreover, colloidal silver being obtained from pure natural silver does not possess any unwanted side effects. Another feature of colloidal silver products is that even overdose (prolonged use) of these products does not harm any body system or beneficial tissues (which is a common feature of most antibiotics). You can use colloidal silver in solution form as well as in topical form for local application or spraying. However, use of dietary supplement is not an alternative for natural way of correcting hormonal imbalances. You can maintain the hormonal levels with foods items and medications known for balancing hormonal levels. However, use of natural colloidal silver supplement surely help you in getting rid of bacteria responsible for development of acne as well as regulating hormonal levels.

Peter Salazar's source for quality supplements is http://www.utopiasilver.com.

To read more information on this subject & remedies go here: http://utopiasilver.com/teatimonials/acne.htm

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Treating Acne Naturally - Does It Have Side Effects?

There are number of medications and therapies which claim to cure the acne completely. But it is not true. There is no cure for acne. However, certain medications, alternate therapies, dietary supplements, topical creams etc can help you in relieving the discomfort and insightful appearance produced by acne. Even though scientists have had success in producing some unbelievable results in the field of industry, space etc the specific medication for acne cure is yet to be formulated.

Number of factors responsible and various forms of acne are creating hurdle in formulating the perfect medication for acne cure. Though there are number of medications available in the market people prefer home made remedies and other natural approaches for treating their acne condition. It is so because medications have their limitations and as such may be required to be consumed for prolonged periods. Another drawback is that some of these medications can produce side effects. Use of natural dietary supplements like colloidal is part of natural approach towards treatment of acne. Use of colloidal silver will provide you following benefits

  • Colloidal silver supplements help you in strengthening body immune system. The microscopic silver particles in these products are obtained through non-chemical process which facilitates easy absorption and movement in the human body.
  • Colloidal silver posses the features of natural antibiotic and known for its property of killing micro-organisms like viruses, bacteria and fungi.
  • Colloidal silver eliminates possibility of germ reproduction by disabling the biological function of germs.
  • Colloidal silver has proven results in killing more that 650 types of bacteria
  • Colloidal silver provides result without incurring side effects.

Colloidal silver is obtained from pure natural silver with the help of colloidal generators through electro-charging non-chemical process. Silver particles in colloidal silver supplements are absorbed by cells and circulated to various body parts without undergoing digestive process. The microscopic size of silver particles helps in reaching the affected area. When the bacteria (which are considered as one of the major causes responsible for occurrence of acne) come in contact with silver particles, they die due to blocking of enzymes (that are essential for bacterial growth) by silver particles.

Peter Salazar's source for quality supplements is http://www.utopiasilver.com

To read more information & remedies go here: http://utopiasilver.com/testimonials/acne.htm

Monday, December 18, 2006

Good News About Acne Treatments For People That Suffer From Acne Skin Inflammations

There is good news about acne treatments. Thousands of testimonials are pouring in from people who are getting relief from acne by using benzoyl peroxide. The product can be purchased in varying strengths depending on the severity of the condition.

Millions of people recommend ProActiv for clearing an acne condition within a matter of days after starting to use this product. Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in this popular product.

For the people who suffer from acne any news about acne treatments that offers a quick solution is greeted with some skepticism. However, the results of using benzoyl peroxide as part of a 3- step regimen brings positive results to a number of acne sufferers.

3-Step Regimen

The basic 3-step regimen for controlling acne is a daily cleansing,medicating and moisturizing the skin. The ProActiv system includes a cleanser, toner, and lotion, which puts moisture, back into the skin cells. But these items can be purchased over the counter at a much lower cost. The benzoyl peroxide in ProActiv is the prescription strength and acne sufferers may need a prescription from their doctor to get the higher concentration.

Retin A is a Popular Treatment for Acne

A drug similar to Vitamin A is also used in the treatment of acne. Retin-A is often used to treat acne, acne scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, skin discoloration, and a variety of other skin problems. This product also is used to treat skin that has been damaged by over exposure to the sun. Retin-A is also used to reverse the visible signs of aging.

Using Essential Oils For Treating Acne

Skin care specialists also recommend that acne sufferers use products that contain essential oils. The variety of oils include:

*Tea Tree Oil is extracted from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca tree. Tea oil contains powerful properties that treat topical fungus, bacteria and viruses. Tea Tree Oil is used as a topical agent to treat acne. Some users replace tea tree oils rather than benzoyl peroxide.

*Bergamot Oil is used as a cleaning agent and contains anti-bacterial properties. The antibacterial components assist in controlling the outbreaks from acne. This is oil that needs to be diluted with other essential oils for best results.

*Clove Oil can be very irritating to the skin and should be diluted prior to use. The Clove oil is thought to have purifying properties. Clove Oil is very potent and should not be used full strength.

*Lavender Oil penetrates the skin very quickly and is antibacterial. The Lavender oil is very soothing to the skin. But like the other essential oils, it is recommended that the Lavender oil should be diluted Lavender oil can help clear up the redness of the skin. Rosewood Oil has a very pleasing aroma.

*Rosewood oil is an excellent choice for acne sufferers or people who have an overproduction of sebum. The rosewood oil has properties that dry the skin just as the benzoyl peroxide does but can be applied topically in specific spots on the face.

To use any of the essential oils for acne, they should be diluted with another oil. Some of the more popular oils to use are grape seed or jojoba oil. Some of the essential oils are very strong and should always be diluted to achieve the best results. These oils work to moisturize the skin after using any type of medicated product. The news about acne is encouraging as more ways are found to at least control this skin condition.

For more helpful information and news about acne treatments to include home remedies for acne scar removal try visiting www.clear-skin-solutions.com, a website that specializes in providing acne solutions to clear your skin up.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

ZENO ACNE CLEARING DEVICE

ZENO Acne Clearing Device is a new breakthrough product clinically proven to make pimples disappear fast. In fact, it’s the most scientifically advanced and effective device available without a prescription. ZENO is for patients with mild to moderate acne and delivers remarkable results within 24 hours.

* 1. A handheld, portable electronic medical device that is clinically proven to make pimples disappear fast

* 3. Treats individual pimples with a precisely controlled low-level heat dose faster and more effectively than any other product available without a prescription

* 4. In an FDA-reviewed clinical trial, 90 percent of blemishes treated with Zeno demonstrated improvement or resolution within 24 hours

* 5. Treats pimples with just two to three treatment cycles lasting two and a half minutes each spread over 12 to 24 hours

* 6. Can be used in conjunction with other acne treatments including over-the-counter and dermatologist-prescribed medications

Zeno Acne Treatment

Clinically proven portable, hand-held rechargeable medical device for at-home treatment of individual acne pimples.

Zeno is an acne clearing device. It is a hand-held, portable electronic medical device that is clinically proven to make pimples disappear fast. In fact, for treating acne pimples, it’s the most scientifically advanced and effective device available without a prescription. Zeno is for people with mild to moderate acne.

Clear up your acne. Eliminate your pimples with the Zeno.

Clinically proven portable, hand-held rechargeable medical device for at-home treatment of individual acne pimples.

Effective Acne Treatment

Zeno clears pimples in people with mild to moderate acne. It is a hand-held, portable electronic medical device that is clinically proven to make pimples disappear fast. Zeno is the most scientifically advanced and effective acne device available without a prescription. The proprietary Zeno technology triggers a heat shock response in microorganisms that cause skin lesions, bringing about the self-destruction of those bacteria and allowing the skin to return to a healthy, normal state. In the case of acne, the P. acnes bacterium is the root cause of 90% of all acne pimples. Zeno is a simple electronic product designed to safely heat an acne lesion to a pre-set temperature range known to generate heat shock response. Heat shock response is a reaction bacteria have to heat whereby they transcript a number of genes and activate heat-shock proteins. These heat-shock proteins participate in the bacteria’s death by causing the bacteria to self-destruct.

Zeno Treatment

Pimples occur when excess skin oil and flaking skin plug the opening of a hair follicle and create the ideal environment for acne bacteria to grow. Precisely controlled heat applied for a specific period of time causes the bacteria to self-destruct. When the bacteria die, the pimple goes away. Zeno applies a precisely controlled heat dose directly to the pimple through a metal pad. Learn about thermal treatment of acne pimples. Lean about acne and pimples.

Safe, painless, and effective acne treatment

Zeno can clear up a pimple in just hours. Two to three 2½-minute treatments spread over 24 hours are sufficient for most pimples. Often, only one treatment is needed. Most other medications can take days or even weeks to work. Patients included in our clinical trials experienced little reaction to the low-level heat. Other than some temporary skin redness following a treatment cycle, no other adverse side effects were reported.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Advances In Acne Medicine

Acne, an inflammatory infection of the skin, is caused by some changes in the pilosebaceous units of the skin. Acne abrasions are generally referred to as zits or pimples. Acne is a widespread condition during puberty, owing to the hormonal changes that a young person undergoes. In some cases, acne continues to be a painful problems for decades. Acne affects a huge number of people at some stage in life.

There are a lot of products available to treat acne. Most of them do not have scientifically proven effects. On the other hand, there are number of treatments that have been confirmed as effective and include benzoyl peroxide or erythromycin, vitamin A derivatives like isotretinoin, homeopathic and herbal medicines, electrical skin exfoliation machines and facial scrubs.

Today, medical science has advanced beyond imagination. There are many new advanced treatments for persistent acne. Lazor technology is an up and coming treatment for breakouts. It helps burn away dried skin, facial hair and sebaceous glands that secrete oil, as well as follicle sacs where hair grows. Hormonal treatment has also been introduced to the acne market and proving to be extremely helpful.

Alternative medicine is also exploring remedies for acne. Ayurveda and homeopathy claim to have acne remedies that do not react subjectively to any individual. Many people are switching to alternative medicine and diet control to avoid the reactions and complications that allopathic medicines can cause. Naturopathy has also provided a number of diets and water treatments that have proven to be very useful in eliminating acne.

Acne Medicine provides detailed information on Acne Medicine, Best Acne Medicine, Prescription Acne Medicine, Natural Acne Medicine and more. Acne Medicine is affiliated with Acne Product Reviews.

Monday, December 11, 2006

My Experience with Microdermabrasion for Acne Scarring

Microdermabrasion is a popular skin treatment performed in thousands of skin care spas and dermatologist offices worldwide. What can microdermabrasion do for you? Well, I've had three sets of microdermabrasion treatments, and here's my experience with this non-invasive skin care treatment.

Here's what attracted me to microdermabrasion. First, the treatment is just agressive enough on fairly stubborn skin conditions like acne scarring and fine lines, without being an invasive procedure that will actually alter the symmetry of your face in some way.

I really wanted to stay away from any type of "extreme" treatments that could have potentially damaging effects, and microderm, as it is affectionately referred to by it's practitioners and devotees, was just agressive enough for what I wanted to achieve.

I had acne scarring for years that I thought would never go away unless I had laser therapy or some sort of deep, ablative treatment like regular dermabrasion (a deeper form of microdermabrasion which can result in bleeding). Then I started reading about how some people with superficial acne scarring, meaning acne scarring that was not too deep, but just deep enough to be noticeable to the naked eye, had a pretty good improvement in their scars after receiving several microdermabrasion treatments.

So, I decided to make and appointment at a local salon and spa near where I live. I booked an entire six treatment package, for a little under $600. It was a little pricey as far as I was concerned, but if it would produce significant results I was willing to shell out some extra cash for "flawless" skin. My first set of six microdermabrasion appointments actually yielded pretty impressive results.

The roughness that appeared namely on my chin virtually disappeared after six treatments, and also I noticed that the (then) fine lines around my eyes also appeared to be diminished. The lines around my eyes did return though, so I believe their disappearance may have been due to some irritational swelling of the tissue around my eyes.

However, the acne scars were noticeably reduced for about 5-6 months after this initial round of treatments. I did notice they somehow seemed to "reappear" though, and ended up going back for a second and third round of the treatments, with pretty good improvement each time.

Here's what I've found with microdermabrasion though, as a sort of "drawback". The results are fairly signiifcant, but you do have to return after a few months, as the results somehow tend to fade over this time period, and they need a "retouching", so to speak.

It is usually recommended that you get a round of six treatments every year most of the time, but I've found that I have to return for more treatments well before the six months is up, to maintain the results gained.

What should you expect after a microdermabrasion treatment? Well, first of all, the day of your appointment to recieve a microderm treatment, you should probably make sure your social calendar is fairly sparse. The reason for this is that I've found my skin is very red and irritated looking the day of a microderm treatment, and it is not easily covered with makeup.

Also, your skin will flake off and be susceptible to sunlight, so make sure you use a powerful SPF lotion for the days following your treatments, since the UV rays can more easily penetrate the fragile skin and do damage as they're so adept at doing.

You will need to constantly keep your newly abraded skin moisturized, so keep a very emollient cream around, and apply it about three times for the first day or two after your treatment, to help with flakiness and excess dryness. Keep in mind that the first few days after a treatment, or maybe just the first day, depending on your skin, your skin will most likely look worse than it did before.

The abrasion of the machine causes your skin to look extremely iriritated, and actually can make acne scarring look worse, since it is freshly exposed. This will go away, but as a warning so you are not caught totally off guard, expect it to look worse, not better at first.

I would say in general that microdermabrasion is a great treatment for those worried about aging or scarred skin, however it can get very expensive if you choose to continue with treatments. You can schedule a consultation with an esthetician to see what skin treatment is perfect for your specific skin care concerns, but microderm may very well fit into this regimen for you.

If you're looking for a less expensive way to achieve similar results, but with a lot more treatments, there are currently also home microdermabrasion kits that can help diminish scars as well.

About Author: Danna Schneider is the founder of two skin care and beauty online magazines with the latest news, tips, "Skin Science", and products in skin care Acne Remedies and Acne Scarring Treatments and Lip Plumper & Beauty Product Reviews

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

The True Facts About Acne and Its Treatment: A General Overview

Acne is a common skin condition producing pimples on the face and upper torso. It is is a chronic disorder caused by excess production of oil from sebaceous glands causing of the hair follicles to become plugged. The most common form of acne is ache vulgaris, but there are other types caused by irritants such as heat and humidity or exposure to certain pesticides. Acne is one of the most common disorders that trouble us,and is a common condition affecting about 17 million Americans.

"Acne" is a general term for pimples and deeper pustules that are clogged pores. Acne is a disease usually associated with teenagers. Not all acne is created equal, and there are, in fact, several type of acne conditions that people contend with. It is a common skin condition and there are many ways to treat it. The first step to curing acne is knowing what type you have. The key to successful acne treatment with any medication is making sure the teen actually uses the medication every day, even when the acne is not active.

Treatment for acne has improved dramatically in the last 2 decades. Fortunately effective treatment is available for acne of all severity. No treatment will completely 'cure' your acne. Systemic treatment is required in patients with moderate-to-severe acne, especially when acne scars start to occur. Natural treatment and allopathic treatment are both available for acne treatment. The other treatment used by most dermatologists for acne scar prevention is the use of Aplpha-Hydroxy Acids or AHA's and Beta-Hydroxy Acids or BHA's. Treatment of acne should almost always be relatively painless and comfortable. Regardless of the medication used, the successful treatment of acne is an ongoing process that requires both patience and persistence. And after you find a treatment solution or acne solutions, use them regularly. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

It is common to have stains and mild scars from acne. Scars caused by acne are much more common than doctors once believed, and most people will have acne scars that are mild. There are a number of different looking scars caused by acne. Purple and red hypertrophic scars may become raised keloid scars. Scars are composed mostly of collagen that is arranged differently that the collagen of non-scarred skin. Red Tea Fade Away Cream will diminish the appearance of scars, stretch marks, freckles, acne scars, and age and sun spots without lasers or surgery.

Acne is by far the most common skin disorder known. Getting rid of acne is a lot like taking care of any health problem. While the physical features of acne are readily apparent to us all, the emotional and social impact is often underestimated by non-sufferers. If you decide that home treatment is something you want to try you may need some information. The most important thing to remember about acne is that it's not your fault.

For more information on acne and its treatment try visiting www.complete-acne-care.com where you can quickly and easily find tips, advice and resources on the causes and treatment of acne.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Diet as a natural treatment for acne

Since the skin is the largest organ on the body and it assists other major organs in the human body with eliminating waste, one of the best acne treatments is diet which has many home remedies for acne in the foods that we eat. If you are unhealthy inside it will be reflected in your skin. Acne occurs when the natural oils that the skin produces clogs the pores of the skin. Normally acne is prevalent in the onset of puberty when the body starts to produce hormones, it has also been known to be a problem for women during pregnancy. Since acne is a problem for people world wide, there are many forms of acne treatments, acne products and acne medications on the market.

A natural treatment for acne is diet, which some say can be an acne cure and for many is the best acne treatment. When I was a teenager I had severe acne and tried using what were considered the best acne treatments at the time. Retin-A was one of the most popular prescription acne medications on the market at that time. Noxzema skin cream and Clearsil were two of the most popular acne products used among my friends and I. I learned the hard way that Alcohol should not be used as a home remedy for acne and with severe acne cutting back on processed foods replacing them with a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables. I thought that diet as a natural acne treatment was going to be bad because until that point I lived junk food.

Using diet as a natural acne treatment was not as bad as I had thought it would be. There are so many foods that act naturally as a home remedy for acne and are often the best acne treatments. At first I thought that it would be easier to just remember when to use acne medication or the other acne products that I was using at the time rather than to give up on junk foods.The internal home remedy for acne prescribed by my doctor and mother turned out to be for me the best acne treatment used along with all natural acne products like tea-tree oil. To my surprise I enjoyed this change in diet and in a short time I felt like it was an acne cure that was noticeable with in the week.

My mother was happier that I was eating something besides chips and was also happy with what we thought was an acne cure. She was also happy that she did not have to spend a lot of money on acne medications or worry about which over the counter acne products were the best. Who would have thought when I drank naturally sweetened juices and lots of water that it would be a natural acne treatment. My breakouts were far and few in between all because of using diet as an acne treatment turned out to pretty much be an acne cure for me.

There are so many acne treatments on the market today that profess to be the answer to all of your problems but the truth of the matter is you will have to find the best acne products or try to find the best home remedies for you by simply researching on your own. Some people will require acne medications because more serious illness are the reason for their acne problem. Home remedies for acne through diet can alleviate many of your outbreaks because we truly are what we eat. If the eyes are the window to the soul then the skin is a reflection of your overall health so the beginning of a real cure starts from within.

About Author:
Robert Kokoska is a natural health researcher that maintains numerous health-related websites. He has an acne website here: [Natural Acne Treatment] (link: http://www.geocities.com/kazoone99/natural-acne-treatment.html)

Friday, December 01, 2006

Life With Acne

Acne is a skin disease that affects more than 17 million individuals in the United States alone. Three out of four teenagers suffer from some form of acne. The possibility of severe psychiatric and psychological complications affects many individuals suffering from acne, while affecting a person’s quality of life in a negative manner. Psychiatric and psychological complications are not a serious problem for many of the individuals suffering from acne, but there are enough individuals with these conditions to be alert to the symptoms. This is not a disease that limits itself to the skin only.

If you are suffering from severe acne, be alert to the following symptoms. Seek medical help if you recognize any of these symptoms in your life.

Depression

Depression caused by acne affects how you feel, think, and act. There are many symptoms of depression with the most common being:

> A change in appetite that results in weight loss

> Sleeping a lot or not sleeping at all

> Tired all of the time

> Irritable

> Having a feeling of worthlessness

> Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

> Thoughts of suicide

You may become depressed when your acne is severe, causing scars and not responding to treatment. You should share with your doctor how your acne has affected you emotionally.

Social Phobia

Acne may cause you to become so excessively self-conscious that you fear being around other people. The symptoms of social phobia are an overwhelming anxiety of fear that others are looking at you and judging you. Embarrassed or humiliated by your looks will interfere with everyday activities. Dreading and worrying about upcoming events in your life will take a toll on your health.

Social Phobia is not something that is easily controlled by you. Please share with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Anxiety Disorders

Severe acne can lead to stress, which in turn leads to anxiety disorders. As with social phobia, anxiety disorders have many of the same symptoms. The important factor to remember is that it is treatable and if not treated can lead to poor performance in school, poor social skills, and you are more vulnerable to substance abuse.

As a teenager, social anxiety disorder resembles severe shyness and may not be recognized as a problem. The symptoms of social anxiety are an intense fear of social interactions, avoiding friends and conversations, looking down while speaking to someone, isolating yourself from others, excessively concerned with what others think about you.

Impaired self-image and self-esteem

Are you constantly putting yourself down? Society today is all about the perfect look. The problem with this view is that no one has the perfect look. As a teenager your body is changing rapidly with many hormonal changes affecting your entire body. Acne is a result of some of those changes. You may not be responding to treatment and have allowed yourself to think less of yourself than you should. There are so many internal and external factors in developing a healthy self-esteem.

You are in control of your self-esteem. There are many good things about yourself and you need to concentrate on those attributes instead of those areas that you are not happy with. You may need to talk with your doctor if you feel that you are unable to develop a healthy self-esteem on your own.

Social Dysfunction

Social dysfunction is the umbrella of all of the above conditions. If you are suffering from severe acne and find yourself retreating from others and suffering from the symptoms of depression, it is important that you consult your doctor immediately. Acne is not always a skin disease; it can turn into a psychiatric and psychological disease. Stop it before your quality of life is affected.

Life with acne is not always an easy life. If you are not careful it may reduce your quality of life. When your acne becomes more than you can handle emotionally, your quality of life deteriorates. Acne controls you when it all you think about.

Gaining control may not be easy for you. Seek help when your emotional life is in turmoil. If you are a teenager, your parents may not understand how you feel and may not sympathize with you. If you are an adult suffering with adult acne, you are at greater risk of suffering from these symptoms.

Your first step toward a better life with acne is getting professional help when you are suffering from any of the symptoms in this article.

Visit www.acnescram.com for the latest information and products for acne skin care.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Acne, Shocking Reasons For Natural Treatments

People who suffer with acne are in pain. A constant pain I might add. Within the US context, this pain is so bad that The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has highlighted pain as their primary focus in their annual report card on US health.

One in four Americans suffers some type of pain for at least 24 hours. The use of pharmaceutical drugs to treat pain is up significantly. When these drugs are taken, side effects come right along with them.

A 1999 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on medical errors, revealed a shocking truth. At least 44,000 and as many as 98,000 Americans die each year from preventable medical errors committed in hospitals. These errors result from properly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs.

After the number one and number two killers of Americans, namely heart disease and cancer respectively, guess what the number three killer of Americans is? And it has held down third position for well over ten years. In other words, it has been a consistent killer.

The number three killer is the adverse reaction to properly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs. When all of the disparate categories are combined, a grand total of 225,000 deaths each year are accounted for.

This is what a few doctors say about pharmaceutical drugs and disease:

• Every educated physician knows that most diseases are not appreciably helped by

medicine.

- Richard C. Cabot, M.D. (Mass. Gen. Hospital)

• Medicine is only palliative, for back of disease lies the cause, and this cause no drug can reach.

- Wier Mitchel, M.D.

• The person who takes medicine must recover twice, once from the disease and once from the medicine.

- William Osler, M.D.

You can safely bet that acne plays a role in this. To what extent, your guess is as good as mine. I am just presenting the acne scourge from another perspective.

When doctors have to prescribe drugs like Isotretinoin for acne, we can understand why deaths from adverse reaction can occur. The brand name for Isotretinoin is Accutane.

When all other acne drugs have failed, Isotretinoin is brought in. This is the bad boy of acne drug treatment. Before you even consider taking this heavyweight drug you are advised to speak with your doctor at length about all aspects of your acne condition.

Before taking this powerhouse drug you will be asked to sign a form indicating that you fully understand the serious side effects accompanying this super drug. Signing that form indicates your move into the big leagues.

Are you pregnant? Do not take this drug if you are. Isotretinoin causes severe birth defects in an unborn baby. It also can cause miscarriage, premature birth or baby death.

If you are sexually active while taking Isotretinoin you must protect yourself from getting pregnant. As a matter of fact this drug is so dangerous to an unborn child that you are advised to use two reliable forms of birth control at the same time.

In addition, pregnancy tests must be performed every month. If you do become pregnant you must inform your doctor immediately. That is crucial!

There are many more side effects that result from taking this drug. Two chilling ones are depression and suicide. Seeking a natural treatment for your acne is worth investigating. Speak with your doctor about the natural treatments that may be good options for you.

Those suffering with acne should arm themselves with as much information about acne as they possibly can. Do you know about your acne? This book will give you all the latest information on acne and its treatments. Grab the link here: acne.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Suffering From Acne Problems - You're Not Alone

Acne affects an estimated 17 million people in the United States, and most often appears during the teenage years. It is a chronic disorder caused by the excess oil production from sebaceous glands which cause the skin’s hair follicles to become plugged, inflamed, and sometimes infected. Contrary to popular belief, acne breakouts are not caused by eating chocolate or greasy foods. While there is no known cure for acne, it can be regulated with daily facial hygiene and/or medications.

Teens are the most common age group suffering from acne, caused by hormonal changes that stimulate the sebaceous (oil producing) skin glands. Teenagers are faced with the many problems of growing up, and acne can be an added burden that interferes with a young person's self esteem and confidence. The unfortunate reality is that acne isn't just an affliction that affects teenagers. While most teens will “grow out” of this awkward and uncomfortable phase, there are some who can’t seem to get away from acne problems. There are many people who will continue to suffer from acne well into adulthood.

Adult acne refers to acne that begins or continues from teen years into adulthood. Surprisingly, this skin problem is extremely common and can occur at any age. It is estimated that about 25% of adult men and up to 50% of adult women have had acne during their adult lives. Women who have gone through their teen years almost pimple free may develop persistent adult-onset acne as they get older. Adult acne is commonly misdiagnosed as rosacea, a long lasting, non-scarring skin condition of the face. Generally, treatment for adult acne is no different from the usual treatment for acne.

We know more about the treatment of acne today more than ever. And after you find a treatment that works, use it regularly. For best results, any treatment you undertake should not be lapsed even for a day to get a better and faster result. The duration of treatment is determined by the severity of your acne and your body's response to the sessions.

Acne is the most prevalent skin affliction in the world. It affects nearly 85% of people between the ages of 12-24, and is a surprisingly common problem for people over 25 years of age. This affliction can be mild for some and harsh for others, but is a frustrating problem regardless of its severity. If you are suffering from acne, the first thing you need to do is locate the cause and stop it. Taking preventative measures in conjunction with a daily acne treatment is the key to healthy, acne-free skin.

Learn how gain control over your acne problem at http://www.getacnefacts.com, where you can find information about acne medications, plus get acne home treatment ideas.

Monday, November 27, 2006

Acne Solutions

There are 4 main types of acne solution currently available to acne sufferers:

  1. Bacteria beaters such as antibiotics, BP and other topicals on the market
  2. Holistic oriented treatments such as special diets, supplementation, detoxes, colon cleansing, liver flushes, herbs and some alternative treatments like acupuncture
  3. Laser/Light therapy
  4. Accutane

They all have a very different way of solving the problem of acne and generally are not comparable by anything other than results. The western medical community have adopted antibiotics, topicals such as BP and Accutane to treat acne. As the results from these vary widely and typically offer only temporary relief from acne other solutions are coming to the fore. In recent years light/laser therapy has come into vogue due to it's reported 70% effectiveness in treating acne. 5-10 years ago this was an expensive way to treat acne as laser/light therapy could only be administered at a professional clinic, however now home versions are available to buy, usually for several hundred dollars/pounds. The downsides of this form of treatment are:

  1. Only 70% success rate
  2. Expensive
  3. Time consuming, often needs an hour a day
  4. Long term safety is not verified

Lastly, and undoubtedly the safest acne solution is a holistic one. One that treats all of the aspects of the body and attempts to rebalance an obvious malfunction. Unfortunately there are many different theories on what is going wrong with the body so that it produces acne. For example, a typical acne sufferer will have an imbalance of hormones, often have a candida condition, nutrient deficiencies, stressed liver, bad diet, poor digestive system etc etc. These all interact and aggravate each other. It can become a very tricky balancing act dealing with them effectively. But this is what is meant by holistic, handling the whole of the body and all of it's problems.

There is however one aspect of this holistic treatment that the authors of this kind of system do not write about because a solution to it is incredibly difficult to attain. This is the fact that our bodies are subjected by environmental factors that we just cannot avoid and that are negatively affecting our health and adding to the acne problem. These factors include global warming, carbon dioxide emissions and other environmental pollutions. Without handling these aspects of the holistic puzzle a holistic approach becomes to that degree less effective.

About Author: Seth Bayram has written dozens of articles on acne, as well as authoring a book that recommends an effective way to treat it. His FaceMaster Course book outlines a simple, step-by-step method for clearing acne, the outcome of his years of research as an acne sufferer himself. Find out how you can cure your acne at www.facemaster.net.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Causes Of Acne And What Can Be Done To Treat It

When we decide that we want to do something about our acne problem, it’s useful to know the cause of our acne in the first place. This is the same with any treatment, because it makes sense to understand the cause before you treat it.

But the trouble with acne is nobody knows conclusively what it is that causes acne breakouts. There are plenty of myths such as not washing, eating too much chocolate or junk foods. But none of this has been specifically linked to causing acne (although poor nutrition can make acne worse).

But what we do know is that it often comes down to the sebaceous glands. To be more specific, the excess oils being produced by the sebaceous glands, which cause the pores in your skin to become blocked, and infected. This is how acne starts for many people.

But unfortunately, it gets worse. If the acne isn’t treated at this early stage, then worse things can happen. The next stage is cystic acne. This is where the inflammation forms an infection under the skin. It can then burst under your skin and cause the inflammation to spread around under the skin, and causes larger areas of acne.

So this is most of what we know about what causes acne. But fortunately treatments have improved, and it is possible to cure your acne to some degree. The best treatments usually come from your dermatologist, so it’s important for you to seek an appointment with one as soon as possible.

Although professional help is the best solution in most cases, there’s also lots of over the counter treatments available, many of which can be very effective.

You can even try some home made or “alternative” acne treatments, such as applying tea tree oil to your acne to ease the inflammation.

So try not to panic or become too distressed when you have acne. I’ve been there, and I know what it can be like. But there is a treatment out there that will work for you.

Liam Char is the owner of the Acne Treatments Blog, where he gives free advice and acne treatment information for anyone who needs help curing their acne. Be sure to visit his blog right now if you need more acne treatment ideas.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Proactiv

Do you fight with acne blemishes every day? Maybe you have tried every product on the drugstore shelf and are still looking for the one that works. Is there an acne treatment that really stops the zits from coming back? Imagine, if there were, how great it would be to see your face smooth and clear again.

One of the problems that acne sufferers commit is in treating their acne in the wrong way. A common mistake is picking at pimples. Why do people pick at their zits? Itching usually draws those fingers right to the face, before a person even realizes it. Another mistake is thinking that the scraping off the surface blemish will make the acne go away. This is really a strong temptation, but the acne scarring that can result can devastate a person's self-esteem throughout their entire adult life.

However, there are ways to get rid of acne, and to keep it from returning once and for all. Research has discovered new things about treating skin disorders that can now give you the complexion that you have been craving. Have you heard about Proactiv Solution for acne? This particular remedy has proven itself over and over for many people suffering from the scourge of acne all over the world.

Have you ever watched one or more of the infomercials that describe how Proactiv has shown fantastic results for so many people? Even celebrities that have frequent bouts of acne have openly talked about how Proactiv has kept their skin gorgeous for the camera. Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson both are afflicted with regular breakouts of pimples, only to see them disappear with regular usage of Proactiv
Solution. Today, they still using Proactiv to stop new breakouts from returning.

So what is unique about Proactiv? Generally, Proactiv combines germ fighting chemicals to destroy the infection, while at the same time, it uses targeted vitamins to replace your acne with healthier skin. With these deep-penetrating vitamins, your skin becomes more resistant to future breakouts, and is able to retain a soft texture.

A lot of people will browse through local pharmacies for the new acne treatments or cleansers. If you become frustrated with the usual drug store products, then you may want to try Proactiv Solution. After all, it was developed by the two Stanford-trained Dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields to enable people to treat their acne at home at a fraction of the cost of a doctor's visit.

The great thing about Proactiv is that it can be found in shopping malls across the United States. You may even have noticed a booth offering the Proactiv acne solution at your local mall. Teenagers and adults alike just simply want the endless affliction of pimples and blackheads to stop. Unlike other treatments, this acne treatment works 24 hours a day. If you are still suffering from acne, it is time to stop wasting any more of your time with things you already know don't work. Try Proactiv Solution which is available locally and over the Internet.

Tom Straub is a successful webmaster and writes articles on topics of health and fitness. Read more about Proactiv here.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Is It Possible To Treat Acne Without Recommendations Of The Doctor?

Is it possible to treat acne without the doctor? In fact, often there is no time to search the competent doctor, and sometimes there are doubts: whether there are the competent doctors capable to cure acne...

What prevents to cure acne illness? Is it pessimism and hopelessness of patients, their disappointment in medicine and cosmetology and their disbelief that a visit to the doctor will give any result? Or, on the contrary, pessimism of doctors, their inability to explain to patients the essence of the problem, the scornful attitude to acne, haste and indifference? Alas, answering these questions is difficult. On this account there are different opinions:

- Not all dermatologists cope successfully with this disease. But you shouldn’t forget that the basic purpose of the antiacne treatment is to get rid this disease with the least cosmetic consequences. And practically always the factor of time is important: you should begin the treatment as soon as possible with the optimal preparations according to the form of acne. Also it is very insulting, when this precious time is spent by patients for amateur performance. Only the doctor can define the necessary inspection (to facilitate the current of disease in due time) and to make an optimum combination of all medicinal and cosmetic preparations.

- Very many people with easy forms of acne will treat it independently. Also it is necessary for them to know the opportunities and restrictions of existing preparations in the struggle with acne, so that not to render irreparable harm to the skin and not to spend money in vain. Even being treated by the doctor, it is necessary to know the preparations well as many doctors treat acne, not taking into consideration that this condition is long, and that it is inadmissible to apply the methods weakening protective forces of skin (at least, it is impossible to apply them for a long time).

At easy forms of acne the independent application of the complex program on struggle with acne (if you understand well the principle of action of preparations and the pathogeny of acne) is allowable. But if the methods do not give improvement or if the condition of skin worsens, you should search the help of the competent expert immediately.

- The problem is very difficult, and not because dermatologists do not know or do not want to help... Certainly, the versions of acne are investigated rather well for today. But on the way to recovery there are many "BUTs".

First, the factor of time - everyone wants at once and now, many simply do not have patience, the temptation to go to the other doctor or the cosmetician is great, and everything begins anew. Many are not capable to refuse the habits.

Some patients have serious hereditary predisposition and accompanying diseases, which also should be treated seriously. The financial side of the question is also very important (you know the prices of medicines), therefore many doctors simply do not take the responsibility to recommend expensive preparations, knowing that the long effect is not guaranteed, and that many patients are not capable to get them. Still there are many other nuances which constantly are present and prevail both over the doctor, and the patient.

Find out how you can gain access to Skin Care Articles and tips at http://acne.uniqsite.com

Monday, November 20, 2006

The Quickest Way To Cure Acne

Today I’ve decided to let you all know one of the quickest ways to cure acne. Is it some secret magical formula? Is it a special over the counter treatment or drug?

No. It is none of these. It is simply this: Go visit your dermatologist. You see, many people forget to take this very important step. Instead, they spend months and even years trying various over the counter treatments, herbal remedies, and all sorts of weird and wonderful treatments, when in actual fact, they could be getting better results from their dermatologist.

Now I’m not saying your dermatologist is going to be able to cure your acne overnight. But they will have much more experience with acne then you do. So they will be able to find the treatments that may give you the best results in the long run.

So it’s important to not let worry of fear stop you from seeking professional help.

Another advantage to this is that your dermatologist can give you some sound advice on how to care for your skin when you have got acne. This advice will make washing much easier and comfortable. They can also recommend the best cleanser for your skin type, and prescribe you medicated cleansers if that’s what you need. They can also prescribe you certain treatments that you wouldn’t be allowed to get over the counter.

Many people will spend a lot of there time looking for the cure themselves, and all this time their acne could be getting worse. But if you just take the time to schedule your appointment with the dermatologist, you may be able to prevent you acne from getting worse, and ultimately be able to cure your acne quicker.

This is why visiting your dermatologist is most often the quickest way of curing your acne. I know it’s not always what people want to hear, but I honestly think this it what a lot of people need to hear, especially if they want to try everything else first, and use the dermatologist as a last option. It really should be the other way around.

About Author: Liam Char successfully defeated his acne, and now he runs a website dedicated to giving people free acne treatment tips and advice.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Acne - All About Acne Care and Treatments

Acne won’t get you any dates that’s certain. Teenagers hate it, and adults sufferers don’t embrace it either. As most teenage girls will show, pimples arise at the most unfortunate moments, which can be anytime on any given day for them. Acne affects self respect, self value, and self identity and can turn a once, outgoing person into a recluse.

There are different types of acne that arise on the body and not just on the face, which is the most common. Acne, commonly known as pimples, zits, whiteheads, or blackheads, start to form in hair follicles or pores when the oil or sebum is trapped under the skin surface causing bacteria to form.

Acne can be mild or severe, which is called acne vulgaris, and can cause disfiguration and severe scar. It’s important to keep hands off, and if you must, wash the area and your hands first. If you are successful in drive out any of the sticky ingredients, be careful not to spread it to surrounding areas where it can cause another outbreak.

Popping is tempting, because you just want it to go away. It will not always cause scar, but only pop if it’s ripe and ready Otherwise, the skin can become more irritated if you continue to pick at it, then a coating will form and more bacteria has been spread as well, leaving you with a bigger mess.

If you must pop, you should wash your face with clean and warm water and remove all makeup and wash your hands also. Try to avoid using your fingernails because dirt can be trapped under which will be introduced to the open skin when popping and spread germs. Use a tissue to apply pressure or an instrument specifically designed for this purpose. Stop after emission has been expelled and if nothing comes out, this will just create further irritation.

There are many different acne treatments available, some work and some don’t. If acne is severe it would be wise to consult a dermatologist, who can prescribe a treatment plan to reduce the number of outbreaks, and subsequent scarring. The most common ingredient in most acne treatments is 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which can be very useful for mild to moderate acne in combination with regular gentle cleansing of the skin.

There are also many websites dedicated to various acne treatments that provide information for the acne sufferer. For those who have severe cases, antibiotics or Retin A may also be added to the treatment regimen. Whatever type of acne you suffer from, no matter if it is mild or severe, it is possible to have clean skin. Start now and send acne on its way, forever.

John Wellington provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for acne, skin care and other related information.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

3 Tips For Body Acne Treatment

Body acne treatment options are available to help you. If you are like one of the millions of people that suffer from one form of body acne or the other, you can benefit from some of the treatments that are available. While no method of treatment is 100% guaranteed, some of them can definitely help most individuals.

Here are some body acne treatment tips that you can do on your own from home:

* Body acne is often the result of irritation from clothing mixed with perspiration. When your body perspires, the sweat gets into your pores. When you do not take a shower to remove it, it can worsen to a very bad level. If there is constant irritation from your clothing, this can make it even worse. To remedy this situation, make sure that after a workout or other intense workload that you properly bathe and wash areas that are likely to be effected (the back and the chest).

* Body acne treatment options that work for the face often work for other areas of the body as well. For example, if you have purchased pads that contain a certain acid or alcohol on them to use on your acne that happens on your face, you can benefit from this for other areas as well. Acne in all areas of the body is basically the same. So, it can all be treated somewhat the same way.

* One of the most effective treatments for acne at home is exfoliating. You can purchase the right type of brush, manual or mechanical, and use it on virtually every area of the body. By removing the dead skin cells of the body, you can help to prevent acne from occurring or help it to go away.

At other times, body acne treatment may not work. You may need to seek out the help of a professional. Hormonal imbalances and even stress can cause acne and may keep you from treating it. When these body acne treatment options do not work, seek out more advanced solutions through your doctor.

Deborah A. Muller is an editor at LifeIssuesToday.com where you can find more articles about natural acne treatments.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

The Scourge Of Acne

Acne affects young and old alike. It is a menace to a lot of people in our society. Nonetheless natural treatments do help to keep it under manageable control.

Many skin products from pharmacies to treat acne can be overly harsh. It is often the case that they remove the dirt but to the point of over drying the skin. This can eventually worsen the problem of acne since it results in closing of the skin pores which prevents the skin from breathing. It is good to find a treatment product that is naturally mild. You can buy many of these products from your natural health food store instead of your pharmacist. Natural acne remedies are known to be gentler and kinder to the skin than their pharmacy counterparts. These natural products are free from artificial ingredients such as colourings, fragrances, perfumes, and preservatives which can often irritate the skin to worsen acne conditions. Just splashing water on the face can help reduce acne. Water is a natural cleanser. It is very mild. It keeps the skin dirt free. Plus it removes excess oil. All of these benefits without the need for harsh unnatural products found in many pharmacies.

Also a balanced nutritious diet that includes fruits and vegetables in plentiful proportions can benefit acne troubled skin. Steam the vegetables rather than boiling them. This allows the vitamins to remain in the vegetables. Boiling them often destroys the vitamin content. The vitamins aid the complexion by keeping the skin healthy. Vitamin A and vitamin E are especially helpful in treating acne in particular vitamin A. Vitamin A can be found in abundance in carrots. Avoid oily foods. Junk foods should be avoided at all costs. Junk foods are saturated with oil. Oil feeds acne conditions since it blocks skin pores allowing bacteria and dirt to form which causes more acne. Exercise is helpful in eliminating acne. The sweating of the skin during exercising helps remove toxins buried deep down beneath the skin pores. The toxins are eliminated with the sweat so opening the skin pores to breathe. Also this skin detoxification is all natural that is another benefit for troubled skin.

So to summarise acne is frequently best treated with natural products, adequate diet, and a plentiful exercise program.

Article Author: Visit our web site for a natural treatment of acne=>http://www.now-visit-this.com/acne.htm

Monday, November 13, 2006

Are There Effective Alternatives, To The Use Of Antibiotics For Acne?

Those who suffer from acne are always desperate to get a cure. Many arrive at the doctor’s door after trying unsuccessfully to get rid of it through the traditional methods. The latter usually will prescribe some localized creams and a good deal of antibiotics. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics are tetracycline, erythromycin, doxycycline and so on. The downside of this treatment is that the antibiotics would have to be taken for about 3-4 weeks which is an awfully long period to be on antibiotics.

Are There Effective Alternatives To The Use Of Antibiotics For Acne?

Fortunately, yes – there are a good deal of alternatives out there which would not require you to be on this treatment of antibiotics for acne for an unending four weeks. I loose my appetite almost totally when I am on antibiotics – fortunately none of my treatments were longer than 5 days. I shudder to think what would happen to me if I have to continue with antibiotics for acne for four weeks. It would be a case where the cure killed the patient!

There are a number of herbal alternatives which will ensure that the treatment of antibiotics for acne will not be required. Most of these ingredients come from the shelves of your kitchen; hence it will hardly cost you anything to try it out.

1. Use 8:1 water-vinegar solution to wash the face and rinse it after 10-15 minutes. Repeat this twice a week or at least once a week. This will clear the bacteria that create inflammation and pain and it will also clean off the oiliness of the skin. This is a very good alternative to the treatment of antibiotics for acne.

2. Use ripe papaya paste to put on the face. This has an exfoliation effect plus all the benefits of the vinegar, i.e. it clears the oil from the face along with the dead skin.

3. Egg white – though the egg white is excellent as an instant face lift, it is also very effective for acne treatment. You will need to wash your face and apply the egg white for some 15-20 minutes and then wipe it off. This treatment applied regularly, will remove the acne without any trouble.

There are many more such treatments which work wonders with acne. Ensure that you check out all the alternatives before you decide on which one suits your acne attack. Take your time and search the best choice.

If you want to read more about acne-prevention tips click over to Christain's site at the-healthguide.com

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Why can acupuncture be the right form of alternative treatment?

Should you need to visit an acupuncturist you will find that many now use disposable stainless steel needles which are between 0.18 to 0.51 mm in diameter and will have been sterilized using either ethylene oxide or an autoclave machine. Normally you will also find that the upper 1/3 of the needle is either covered with plastic or a thick wire (usually bronze), which helps to make the needle stiffer and also gives the acupuncturist a handle which they can hold on to whilst they insert and manipulate the needles. But the size of needles that will be used also depends on the type of acupuncture that is practiced and also as to how deep the needles will be inserted also.

At other times there may be a warming carried out of the acupuncture points by moxibustion (when mugwort is burned) and as a different form of acupuncture and may often but not always be used as a supplemental treatment to the acupuncture.

In fact you will find that moxibustion is still used today in various degrees at many schools that teach oriental medicine, and certainly one such technique that is still in use today is that where the needles are inserted at the desired point and dried mugwort will be attached to the external end of the needle and then lit. You will find that the mugwort then smoulders for some time (may be a few minutes, it all depends on how mugwort has been attached to the needle), and then the heat produced from it will be conducted through the needle to the body tissue surrounding it and into the patient’s body.

One other such method used by some acupuncturists involves the holding of a large glowing stick of moxa above the needles and in some cases it may actually be burned after being placed on the patient’s skin. Yet before this is done a layer of ointment will be applied to the area of skin where the moxa is to be placed ensure that it is protected from being burnt.

Many people in today’s society who suffer from vascular headaches (these are usually the types of headaches which are accompanied by a throbbing sensation around the veins of the person’s temples). Many will normally typically treat such headaches using an analgesic such as aspirin or other agents that help to dilate the blood vessels in the scalp. Yet more and more people are turning to acupuncture for treating such headaches and this is done by stimulating the sensitive points that can be located roughly in the center of the webs between a patient’s thumb and the palm of their hand. These points are certainly considered in acupuncture theory as being the points for targeting problems relating to the face and head. Normally an acupuncturist will be placed in a reclined position and the points on each hand are then sterilized with alcohol, then the acupuncturist will insert the needles to a depth of between 3-5mm, usually until the patient feels a twinge and is sometimes accompanied by a slight twitching movement in the area between the thumb and hand. In fact if you were to ask a patient what they were feeling at the time they would say it feels like a pleasurable tingling sensation around the area where the needle has been inserted and they also find that they are feeling quite relaxed. Normally the acupuncturist will leave the needles inserted in the points of the patient for between 15-20 minutes whilst they are resting and then they will be removed.

About Author:
Allison Thompson a work from home mum now residing in Spain and who has spent a vast amount of researching the different ways in which acupuncture can help in place of or as a complimentary treatment with conventional western medicines when treating various forms of illness and ailments and also for use to relieve pain. If you would like to learn more about the natural alternative then please visit www.acupuncture.oneohtwo.info.

Friday, November 10, 2006

Top Five Acne Remedies

Many people are concerned about products to remove acne, yet perhaps the more important factor to consider is prevention. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So,
here are five of the basic but most important ways in order to treat and prevent acne build up.

1. Cleaning

Washing away the outside layer of the skin with natural oils is not really helpful preventing or curing acne, or pimple for other people, for it develops under the skin. Although it’s a belief the people develop acne due to the fact that they don’t cleanse their skin thoroughly. For everyone’s information, washing the skin too much can cause irritation and produces more whiteheads and blackheads that turn into pimples after being infected. Gentle washing is only needed. Use mild soaps or cleanser, an example is Cetaphil or acne bars. Another good sample is Neutrogena product that washes acne.

2. Exfoliating

It is also important to exfoliate; this helps remove the dead skin cells, to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. A mild cleanser will help exfoliate the face after washing. Scrubbing will also help exfoliate the face, which can be done once or twice a week. This procedure will aid in reducing dead layers skin cells that clog the pores, reason why more pimples or acne.

3. Keeping the skin Clear

- Make sure that all cosmetics such as powder, lotion, blush on, foundation, and even sunscreen are oil free

- Complex 15 is oil free moisturizer that helps avoid dry skin

- Get in the habit of using oil-free lotions

- Get rid of hair chemicals such as gels or hair cream

- Always watch for labels with the term non-comedogenic, which means they don’t cause pores to be clogged

4. Proven Chemicals

Benzoyl Peroxide

This eliminates the bacteria that worsens acne and it also unplugs oil secretions and helps pimples or acne to heal. This can be found in many over-the-counter acne treatments. Start
traditionalistically with a five percent moisturizer once everyday like after washing the face before going to bed. After a week, make it twice everyday if there are no other medications being taken or used. If the acne is not yet healed after four to six weeks, try a ten per cent mixture. This can be bought over-the-counter, however, there is a need to seek for a doctor’s prescription. Just be sure to request for a real form: the pharmacist can be asked which can be bought over-the-counter or which needs prescription.

Antibiotics

These are available only if there’s a doctor’s recommendation. Antibiotics are very helpful aid for pimples or acne that is already swelling and red and usually have pus, or for if it not
those not anymore being treated with medications as expected. These antibiotics eliminate the bacteria, which develop to whiteheads. Make it a point to follow the doctor’s recommended
dosage and always take the antibiotic pills with enough amount of water. Some of these bacteria killing medicines may also increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, for this use sunscreen when going out to prevent any sunburn.

Accutane

Accutane are antibiotics that are available only under a doctor’s order and recommendation. Accutane is a very optimized pill that is intended for those with deep scars, or pimples that
can no longer be treated by other medications or antibiotics. Blood test is taken every now and then when using Accutane as medication, as this can affect the levels blood cell and blood
count. For women, the physician, possibly an obstetrician-gynecologist may require the intake of birth control pills prior to prescribing the Accutane. Extra caution is really taken into consideration, as it can be very harmful to to pregnant women. However, until this time some physicians are not prescribing Accutane.

5. Treatment Information

The Treatment can take some time which often takes six to eight weeks for the pimple to heal after there will be another start of treatment. Some medications can cause acne to get even
bigger or redder before it gets well, there are times when these could have pus too. If the acne still has not welled after several medications with other drugs, the doctor may suggest that the patient take an oral medicine. Doctors recommend this retinoid as a last treatment, due to its serious effects and it is also very expensive. Sometimes women are asked to take birth control pills as to help them control acne especially in women who mood swings even before their
menstruations start.


About The Author: For more great acne related articles and resources check out http://acne.skincarehq.com

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Eight Causes of Adult Acne

The causes for adult acne are often the same as they were during the teen years for people who had acne as teenagers. However, for adults who never had acne before, there can be new reasons for why they have now developed acne.

While the exact causes of adult acne are debatable, it is well known that hormonal fluctuations can trigger the onset of adult acne. That is why many women suffering from adult acne notice a change in their acne around the time of their menstrual cycle.

While hormones are a big contributor to the onset of adult acne, there are a number of other reasons as well. Here are eight major causes of adult acne.

1. The Poorly Understood Cause of Most Teenage and Adult Acne

Most dermatologists focus entirely on the skin when they talk about the causes of teenage and adult acne. They concentrate on how dry cells mix with sebum, and the resulting blockages or plugs that occur in the pores. These plugs then lead to sebum build-up, and bacterial infections often result.

Although there is certainly truth to this answer, it is not complete. And failing to understand the deeper causes of teenage and adult acne unfortunately results in most acne treatments failing.

The cause of acne is actually toxins and wastes that build up inside the body that cannot be properly eliminated. The body has several "normal" methods for expelling these toxins, through the liver, kidneys, colon, small intestine, and other organs.

However, if any of these organs are weak and can't handle the load -- or if the buildup is too great or too rapid -- acne can result.

That is because the body absolutely must get rid of the toxins. So in a last ditch effort to cleanse itself, the body tries to flush the unwanted toxins out through the pores of the skin. The sores and blemishes that result are what we call acne.

Now let's discuss additional causes of adult acne.

2. Adult Acne and Menstruation

Oftentimes, a woman's adult acne will revolve around her menstrual cycle and pimples will develop a few days before the onset of her period.

The reason for this is that during this time, a woman's estrogen levels are decreasing while her progesterone levels begin to rise. This causes the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can result in the onset of pimples.

3. Adult Acne and Pregnancy

As if pregnant women don't have enough to worry about, they often have to worry about developing acne too!

It is very common for adult acne to present itself during pregnancy. Women undergo a slew of hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Acne is often at its worst during the first three months of pregnancy, when hormones are fluctuating all over the map. However, it is possible for acne to last throughout the entire pregnancy and to continue into the breastfeeding period.

Fortunately, most pregnant women will likely go back to their pre-pregnancy complexions with time.

4. Adult Acne and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also often referred to as Polycystic Ovarian Disease, is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions in women. The condition affects six to ten percent of all women -- and most women don't even know they have it!

While irregular or absent menstruation is the most common sign of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, acne is almost always present when this condition occurs.

Women suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome suffer from substantial hormone imbalances. When these hormone imbalances are treated, the acne often resolves itself.

5. Adult Acne and Menopause

It would be nice to think that menopause would signal the beginning of the end of adult acne. Unfortunately, adult acne can appear in postmenopausal women, too.

While it's not common, it's not impossible to experience the onset of acne during your 40's, 50's and beyond. When acne develops at this stage in the game, it's usually mild, but it can still be a cause of embarrassment and annoyance.

6. Adult Acne and Medication

Research has shown that some medications can cause adult acne. These include anabolic steroids, some meds that contain lithium and iodine, isoniazid and rifampin, and some anti-epileptic medications.

7. Adult Acne and Chemicals

Chlorinated industrial chemicals can create a skin disorder called chloracne, which is actually a type of rash that is caused by exposure to chlorinated industrial chemicals or herbicides.

8. Adult Acne and Physical Pressure or Friction

Finally, adult acne can be caused by certain types of chronic physical pressure to the skin, such as the placement of a violin beneath the jaw and chin, or the chafing from the straps of a backpack. This type of acne is called acne mechanica.


About the Author
Bob Grant helps acne sufferers truly get rid of their acne naturally. He is the author of the popular Acne Secrets newsletter and a Contributing Editor to the Acne Myths blog at http://www.acnemythsetc.com To receive a free copy of his report, "The Surprising Truth About Acne," subscribe - free - to his popular Acne Secrets newsletter. Sign up now at: http://www.acnemythsetc.com/acnesecrets.htm

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Alternative Medicine and Disease Prevention

Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture, Chiropractic Care, and Massage Therapy are available to every member of our society. Each of these therapies have been proven to improve our life and our health. Yet, very few of us have ever undertaken a serious course of Alternative Medicine, let alone a regular course of each. They can be a beneficial, and relatively inexpensive, adjunct in your pursuit of excellent health.

The key to understanding and using these alternative medicines properly is to understand that they are preventative of disease, and contributive to energy. Thinking of these therapies the same way that you think of mainstream medicine will only give you the results that mainstream medicine has.

Whether you have or haven't explored these areas, you will definitely need a professional opinion in terms of how to properly access these alternative fields of medicine and how to receive the most benefit to your health. Each one of these disciplines carries an important means in addressing the currents which control our health.

Discovering which to use, when to use them, and how to use them, is a step by step process. The empowering effects of these healing arts are criticized and unduly insulted in medical offices to this day. Unfortunately, these critical physicians are often not familiar with the annals of research in the other fields.

It is sad that the 'real' doctor of today is educated entirely by the pharmaceutical industry, and would prescribe dangerous drugs before exploring the power of these emerging arts. Even more unfortunately, this leaves the patient without any authoritative guidance as to how to explore the world of Alternative Medicine.

As we consider different health issues, we should also consider which of these alternative care disciplines you should enlist to assist you. Research thoroughly how to select an alternative care doctor and how to receive as much assistance as you can without affecting your pocket book. These disciplines are, in many cases, not any more expensive than mainstream efforts to achieve a health goal . Explore what you feel you'd prefer to avoid in the alternative health field, what you'd be comfortable with accepting, and how to find a medical doctor who is educated well in alternative medicines.

Disease Prevention

Disease Prevention is a popular phrase and a poorly followed principle. The problem we have, as a society, with the concept of disease prevention is that there is nothing exciting about it. If you consider eating healthy and living right only as a means to prevent disease, you'll never be excited enough to follow it up properly.

The only people who become excited about preventing disease are usually people who already have a disease.

The most effective manner of motivating yourself towards healthy living is to understand how it will bring you closer to a stronger, more energetic person than the one you are today. Using prevention only to prevent disease is both dull and pessimistic. Using the tools you've associated with prevention to bring you more strength and vitality can make it exciting and can show you new pleasures in life.

If you can fathom that the same lifestyle you had when you were young is attainable now, this might make the alternative principles of disease prevention a little more interesting to you.

What is important to understand is that alternative principles, such as Vitalism, are a source of rejuvenation, can restore energy, and can even bring energy to a person who has never had strong energy levels. These principles, often associated with helping eliminate or reduce disease prevention, should be followed until an individual has achieved an ideal state of health in their life.

About the Author:

To learn more about Alternative Medicine and Disease Prevention, please feel free to visit Dr. Bryan Brodeur's VitalityHouse.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Exploring Different Forms Of Alternative Arthritis Medicine

Arthritis as we know it today is a large group of conditions where damage is inflicted on the joints of the body, resulting in swollen, throbbing pain. It is a disease that afflicts all ages, but is predominately present in people over the age of sixty-five. The most common form of arthritis is the degenerative joint disease known as osteoarthritis.

There are many forms of arthritis, and consequently, various types of medical treatment. Each form of arthritis is different, so treatment options vary, and can include traditional medicine, alternative medicine, physical and occupational therapy, and arthroplasty.

While various options for medical treatment abound, arthritis patients may be interested in pursuing relief from aches and pains through alternative medicine in addition to traditional medicine. In this case, the sufferer often turns to alternative sources of medicine for more pain relief than their current treatment is providing. Alternative arthritis medicine runs the gamut of hot pepper-based anti-inflammatory creams to vitamin supplementation and Ayurvedic medicine.

Some of the most frequently used, natural remedies for arthritis are the combined supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin. According to several national and international studies, both supplements taken together effectively relieve major arthritis pain. Calcium is also an essential nutrient, as is vitamin D (available in capsule form or by sunlight).

Other alternative medicines include such anti-inflammatory supplements as alpha-lineolic acid, primrose oil, devil's claw, and capsaicin. These supplements are available in natural food stores and occasionally mainstream markets; some, like the alpha-lineolic acid and primrose oil, are also available more naturally in food, such as soy, avocadoes, beans, fruits, and wheat-germ. Devil's claw is available as a tincture, powder, capsule, or dried herb tea; capsaicin is an anti-inflammatory cream made from hot-peppers.

Ayurveda is another form of alternative medicine that is often cited as an arthritis reliever. Considered the world's oldest form of medicine, it has formed the basis of Indian medical treatments for over 5,000 years.

Ayurveda proposes a well-rounded routine for relieving arthritis pain that includes herbs and essential oils, yoga and a special diet that often includes one or two week detoxification diets. The kind of treatment you receive depends on the type of arthritis you have, which, according to Ayurveda, is divided into three forms: vata, pitta, and kapha. Each treatment varies depending on the corresponding type of arthritis above.

Thus there are many forms of alternative medicine that can supplement your traditional arthritis treatment and help relieve pain, swelling, and discomfort. Always remember to listen to your body and see what works best for you.

About The Author:
Owen Andrew writes this article. There are many online resources where you can find out about arthritis. http://www.arthritishelpinformation.com.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

More than Just Medicine

Diabetes treatment is more than just using medication. Controlling your blood sugar levels and eating right is also a crucial part of your treatment. Type 1 diabetes usually consists in daily insulin shots and a diabetes diet that will help keep the blood sugar levels normal. For type 2 diabetes, treatment usually includes some medication but overall a controlled diet. Remember that eating right and keeping your blood glucose levels is very important. If you neglect these complications such as high sugar levels can cause comas. Studies have shown that loosing wait contributes to diabetes treatments. This is due to the fact that as you loose weight your pancreas produces more insulin which in turn is used to your benefit. Always check your glucose levels to make sure that your medication and diet is producing positive effects on your body.

When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, some time is needed to check out what procedure works best in keeping your glucose level even. This is why checking your sugar level is extremely important. Furthermore, keeping a log of your sugar levels is also helpful for you and your doctor. If you start to feel nausea, fatigue, thirsty or you’re having hard time breathing, these could be signs that your glucose levels are too high. Other symptoms associated with diabetes are blurred vision, weight loss, frequent urination and extreme hunger.

Of course, treatments for diabetes will help you keep your blood glucose levels normal with less chances of developing complications but, making wise food choices will help minimize risks and help you loose weight. Taking off some pounds can make all the difference in controlling diabetes and lessening your medicine intake. Healthy eating can include less saturated fats, lean meat, law fat or fat free foods, lots of fruits and veggies and low cholesterol intake. Things you should get a lot of are fibers, but avoid salt or fried foods.

Aside from eating well, exercise is also as important. I know, taking care of yourself when you have diabetes sounds like a lot, but don't make this a routine, make it part of your lifestyle. Planning a daily exercise program or exercise at least 3 times a week is a good start off. Aside from loosing weight, you lessen your stress and depression.

Some complications that can occur with diabetes are heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, dental disease, complications of pregnancy, and amputations due to circulatory problems. If you neglect changing your life style, eating healthy and exercising the complications mentioned could affect you.

If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes yet, but have some symptoms associated with diabetes, there is a treatment for you. Glucose tolerance testing checks glucose levels in different intervals. These tests involve drinking a sugary substance and then being retested at different times, usually starting at two hours and then 30 minute intervals thereafter. What this test does is check the insulin levels that working within the body. In most cases glucose levels should be back to normal after two hours of drinking the sugary substance or eating a meal. This test helps diagnose someone who has pre diabetes and thus allowing them to begin a treatment before any damage has been done by diabetes. A pre diabetes treatment involves losing weight, exercising and in some cases taking oral medications.

About Author:
Siporah Anicama is a successful webmaster and publisher of Diabetes Care - she focuses on writing for diabetes treatments, diabetes diets, juvenile diabetes and more to keep you informed.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

The Development Of Acne - Where Does The Bacteria Grow

Acne, a chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Acne is characterized by black heads, pimple outbreaks, cysts, infected abscesses, and (sometimes) scarring.

What is bacteria: Small single celled organisms from the Moneran kingdom. They are known as prokaryotes, which are classified together because they lack nuclear membranes. They are the most primitive living beings, but help in the nitrogen cycle.

Many people think they know what causes acne, the inflammation of skin pores that results in problems such as blackheads, whiteheads or pimples, primarily in teenagers. There are a lot of misconceptions about acne though. Officially common acne is known as acne vulgaris. And in explaining it, the answer becomes bit complicated. Acne is an inflamed disease of the skin, and it has many causes, one of which is bacteria in the pores of the skin. The body in many ways becomes allergic to this type of bacteria. This attracts while blood cells to fight the allergy, and the pores become blocked. Oil secretions will build up and provide a breeding ground for even more bacteria. Then pimples will form. These red bumps resemble small boils, which fill with a nasty puss caused by the body fighting the infection of the bacteria.

There is probably no perfect cure for acne other than outgrowing it but there are a number nothing that can be done to lessen the physical effects. First, remember that for many years, people thought that acne was caused by poor hygiene and by eating certain foods. Fried foods and chocolate were especially blamed for acne, probably because teenagers eat fried foods and chocolate commonly, but that may have been blaming the messenger for the message. There is no scientific evidence linking diet to acne. Also, while personal hygiene is important and a good thing, over washing can damage skin and actually make acne worse. But good hygiene and a good diet can’t hurt, and they might just help a little. Also using makeup that doesn’t clog pores but can at least assist the body in not making acne worse.

Treatments that kill the bacteria that cause acne included the use of antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline and minocyclne, which are taken orally. Also topical antibiotics or bactericides like Benzoyl peroxide or erythromycin can help. The bacteria also known as “P. acnes”, does however become resistant to the antibiotics eventually. However Benzoyl peroxide, an oxidizer, does not seem to generate resistance by the bacteria. While the acne will come back, it is a short term and temporary cure and is applied topically.

Exfoliating the skin can also help. This method can be done by using a cloth or a liquid scrub, or by using certain chemicals. Chemical exfoliating substances include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Both of these agents cause a peeling of the top layer of skin, which prevents a build up of dead skin which blocks pores when combined with oil. This in turn, makes a breeding ground for bacteria.

Another over the counter remedy is salicylic acid, which softens skin and gets rid of dead skin cells, which in turn unclogs pores. Many face wash products contain this ingredient. Also sulfur contained in many over the counter products works well for many people. Another product is glycolic acid, which is found in anti-aging products as well as acne medicines.

There are also a number of natural remedies that can fight acne and the bacteria that causes it. Tea tree oil is gaining in popularity. It kills the bacteria and also reduces redness and inflammation. It works much the same as Benzoyl peroxide but causes less skin irritation and is carried at health food stories.

Fighting the bacteria that causes acne is of major concern for many medical professionals, and surely with time they will find more and better ways to do so. In the meantime, the treatments listed here can help many people.

Acne responds well to treatment, especially if treated early, at the onset of the condition.

About Author:
For more articles by this author on this subject and over 100 other subjects visit his world of articles at www.david-mclauchlan.com