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.