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The Agony Of Cystic Acne

April 29th, 2008 admin Posted in Acne No Comments »

Few people who have experienced cystic acne are likely to forget the agony. In very basic terms, cystic acne, also known as nodulocystic acne, is one of the most virulent forms of acne vulgaris, and occurs when common acne lesions develop into cysts. Thankfully, cystic acne is not as widespread as ordinary acne vulgaris, though it remains a potential threat for any acne sufferer.

Can I get cystic acne?

If that is the question uppermost on your mind, then the answer is yes, you can. William Jackson, a 22-year-old professional dancer from Atlanta, describes his experiences of cystic acne as “harrowing”. William, who first had acne as a 13-year-old, saw his condition deteriorate over a period of mere months as he approached his 19th birthday. “I don’t really know why my pimples turned into cysts, but for almost two years, I suffered physical and mental agony because not only were the cysts messing up my face, but also interfering with my profession,” he says.

The trouble with cystic acne is that if not treated in time, it may lead to the formation of permanent and disfiguring scars, as happened in William’s case. Yes, you can go in for anti-scarring treatment, but in a majority of cases, it is unlikely that the scars will disappear for good. Moreover, says dermatologist Dr Jennifer Sanders, cystic acne scars on parts of the body other than the face may not respond very well to treatment.

What is cystic acne?

Cysts or nodules form when normal acne lesions burst open to spread the inflammation and pus to surrounding tissue. Because the infection usually occurs deep beneath the skin, cystic acne is relatively difficult to treat and the cysts heal extremely slowly. And why do the blockages burst open? Dr Sanders says this is most often because the acne lesions have been interfered with in some way. “You’d be surprised at the number of patients who come to me because they have picked at their acne lesions and they have turned into cysts,” she says.

Cystic acne most often affects the face, but it can also develop on the chest, back, shoulders and, more rarely, on the upper arms. Like normal pimples, cysts are usually filled with a pus-like substance, but they are significantly larger than pimples, and infinitely more painful.

Cystic acne treatment

William Jackson underwent a course of Accutane, which is the brand name for isotretinoin, an oral drug. Isotretinoin works on the sebaceous glands to reduce their size and thus stopping them from secreting excess sebum. It is one of the best treatments for cystic acne and can usually clear it up for good, though it should NEVER be taken unless under strict medical supervision, because it has several potential side effects.

An alternative to Accutane is intralesional corticosteroid therapy, a procedure in which each cyst is injected with cortisone solution. This brings immediate relief to the patient, though the cysts may re-form at a later stage.

Yet another option is acne surgery, whereby a surgeon manually removes blackheads and white heads. Once again, however, it would be disastrous should the process be performed by anyone other than a trained dermatological surgeon, because inappropriate ruptures to skin tissue can actually help spread the infection.

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Skin Care For Problem Skin Types

April 29th, 2008 admin Posted in Acne No Comments »

With the amount of pollution and dust in the atmosphere, maintaining a healthy, glowing skin over time has become increasingly difficult. One needs a skin care regime which should be followed strictly. The need is stronger for those who are not blessed with a flawless complexion and who have skin that is spotted with red spots and acne. Though there are a number of products available in the market today that can be used for acne, you can never be too careful about what you use on your skin. If you have acne, you are likely to be more susceptible to allergies caused by chemicals that are likely to be there in perfumes, hair colors, cosmetics and beauty products.

For solution to your acne problems, you could try out Oxy-Zap, which is one of the most celebrated acne products. It is also used by many Europeans as an anti ageing formula and for tackling other skin issues in facials. It works by negating the effect of bacteria yeast and fungi which affect the skin negatively and promote a healthy skin by aiding in growth of new cells. This product reduces inflammation and hastens the healing process immensely.

Oxy-skin is another solution which is based on the fundamental concept that antioxidants fight free radicals and bacteria providing a better looking skin. This product also increases the oxygen content in the blood making the skin look young and rosy. It regenerates dead cells at a much faster pace ensuring quick relief from a spotted skin. It also provides an overall glow to the skin due to the fact that it stimulates circulation and provides some essential nutrients required by the skin.

Flavay tm is a patented acne skin care product in the market today. It has been in the market for over fifty years ad started its journey in Europe. It has a record of having helped millions of users. Clinical trials have been conducted to prove the efficacy of this product. These clinical trials have shown that Flavay tm works by making the protein collagens more steady in turn increasing the overall health of the skin. This is one product that works from inside to help in remedying sullied skin giving you an external glowing skin.

If you are looking for a herbal treatment for your acne, then Herbal-Enz is a option you might want to consider. Made from all natural herbs, this product has been researched and developed for the best possible skin care that you can hope for. It is light and non greasy and therefore diffuses into the skin rapidly. Suitable for use for all skin types this wonder cure helps in reducing inflammation, blackheads and whiteheads.

Other than the treatments mentioned above, you have an option of choosing concentrated vitamins and minerals which can be applied externally to alleviate the condition. Some of these creams use zinc, vitamin A, C and E along with B-complex. These alternatives help in reducing the skin problems while providing essential nutrients required by the body. Sulphur is another such element used in cures that help in acne reduction. However, before using sulphur be sure that you are not allergic to it.

From among the innumerous options that are available, you are sure to find the remedy that you are seeking. So take things in your own hands and do something about your acne rather than whining about it.

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Acne - The Best Ways to Handle them

March 11th, 2008 admin Posted in Acne 1 Comment »

Acne in characterized by skin problems such as scars, pimples, black spots, and white heads visible on face. It mainly occurs to the people aged twelve to sixteen. For most of them acne disappears by the age 30, but people in their forties and fifties still get acne. Rashes seen on the chin, cheeks, forehead, and most often on face chest and back also in babies is known as infant Acne. Sometimes it’s difficult to find treatments that are effective for acne and may be frustrating.

Acne (blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, zits) and any other skin problems are usually the result of bad diet, which also influences our hormones. The standard American diet is sadly not healthy enough. The liver filters out the toxins from junk food and drinks and sends them through our skin resulting in skin disorders, acne and pimples. Scientists are finding ways to prevent plugs to stop testosterone from causing acne. Acne and scars mostly result from increased tissue formation, responsible for the inflammation of acne and loss of tissue. Whether acne is extensive or scattered, deep or superficial, the result can be less than desirable and even disturbing.

Acne, be it at any stage calls for the cautious skin care. Some individuals facing the early stages of acne may respond to even a cheap home-prepared acne treatment, but others suffering from the severe cases of the problem have to spend bucks on acne skin care products. Because of its relatively more complicated causes, and cost of treatment involved adult acne seems to be a real agony that entails consulting some skin health professional regularly.

The type of acne scars influences the choice of treatment done by you. There are many skin care products that work by preventing sebaceous gland from producing excess of oil. Formulas are designed to kill skin bacteria causing pimple. Medication for opening pores and other solutions using key ingredients that can make the skin clear and smooth can be a cause sometimes. Regular exercise maintains your entire body by establishing the immune system and helps removing wastes from the body.

Diet plays a major role in preventing and treating acne. You must consume at least 5 portions of the fruits and fresh vegetables daily. Try your level best to avoid intake of refined sugars and fatty foods which are not good for your skin. And drinking at least 8 glasses of water definitely helps to flush off the toxins from your body. For cosmetics using water based products will help the damage. Avoid using oily products, derivatives of tar (coal) and heavy skimps. Make sure to wash your skin every night to remove the residue of make-up.

Sometimes simple home remedies seem to be very useful natural methods to treat acne. Rub ice to reduce the swelling caused by inflamed pimples. You rub it over the blemishes for 2-3 minutes for better results. Coconut is very effective in treating acne. Coconut oil is very inexpensive, and a good, cheap home remedy. Never underestimate the healing power of a good night’s sleep. People with skin disorders such as acne often suffer from constipation. When you change your diet, your lesion has to get better within 30 days. Some doctors recommend eating raw cloves of garlic empty stomach for acne.

Fatty acids are very important for people with dry skin. You can take cod liver oil or fish oil supplements daily. Include flaxseed oil or walnut oil in your salad. There are many acne skin care products to choose from.

To have a better understanding on the way the acne treating products are formulated with, please read on. Acne products containing AHAs are most popular skin care formulas available in the market. AHAs are compounds that contain carboxylic acid which is a common ingredient in various kinds of cosmetics, particularly formulated to eliminate wrinkles and promote healthy skin. They are often recommended by dermatologists to those with oily skin. Benzoyl peroxide-containing products have antibacterial features. Benzoyl peroxide is known for its ability to kill Propionibacterium causing acnes and pimples.

Another effective treatment for anti-acne is Salicylic acid. Skin care products that contain phenol cause the cells of the skin to peel off easily to prevent pores from getting blocked. Retinoids can be used for either topical application or taken orally. Retinoids are chemically related to vitamin A, an element common in fighting acne. The most popular herbal remedy is the one which contain Aloe Vera, tea tree oil and papaya. While natural Products are relatively harmless while their level of efficacy might not be as high as other products that are chemically formulated.

Other methods of treatments are also widely in use lately. Zeno is an electronic device used to treat acne by using the tip in direct contact with the affected areas. The device is also effective in reducing inflammation and promoting normal skin conditions. Hormone medications are recommended only for women whose pimples are mainly caused by hormonal imbalance due to menstrual cycle and menopause. There are many acne skin care products available in the market today. Consulting with a skin care expert will help u prevent any potential adverse reaction from these products.

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Treat Acne From Your Kitchen

February 21st, 2008 admin Posted in Acne No Comments »

As a fact some acne sufferers are more happy to use over the counter treatments or prescription medications for pimples, there are many people who prefer to use home remedies for acne. The reason behind these preferences may be the thought that synthetic products are full of chemicals which may be harmful to the skin. People think that such products can irritate the skin, slow down the process of acne healing thus causing farther breakouts. On the other hand, most of the home remedies for pimples are believed to be sympathetic to the skin, these have a soothing effect and give facial skin a glow.

Cucumber

Cucumber is being used for skin care all over the world. Either sliced or grated, when applied over the affected areas for fifteen to twenty minutes it has good results. Usually cucumber is used as a home remedy for acne on the facial area. It’s role in clearing acne is due to it’s toning effect. Its regular use removes pimples and blackheads. Recently, cucumber products are also available in the market as Cucumber creams and Cucumber lotions.Though cucumber is not a fast way to get rid of pimples, still it is helpful to much extent.

Mint and Coriander Juices

For the treatment of acne one teaspoon of coriander juice, mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder, is another effective home remedy, used for a long time. The mixture should be applied to the face or other acne areas after thoroughly washing, every night before retiring. Mint juice can also be used in a similar manner for treating pimples or blackheads. Mint herb may be grinned to form a mask which is than applied for twenty minutes.

Garlic

Garlic is also one of the oldest home remedies for clearing up acne. Gently rub your affected areas with raw garlic several times a day. Garlic is known to have cured the toughest of pimples problems. The external use of garlic helps to clear the acne scars, skin spots, and boils. But the key point is gentleness, any harshness will even worsen the lesion. Acne can further be cured by eating three seeds of raw garlic once daily for a month.

Lemon Juice

Applying fresh lemon juice over skin for 2-3 minutes is one of the simple and old natural treatments for acne which is beneficial if continuously used. Lemon juice is rich in citric acid, and exfoliate the skin very well. This helps to halt the growth of new acne lesions, as well as fading previous, non active acne quicker. source

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How To Fundamentally Overcome Acne

February 19th, 2008 admin Posted in Acne No Comments »

As I am sure you are well aware there are many causes when it comes to acne. This of course can add a certain complexity when trying to treat it. This is due to the fact that we are individuals and no one size fits all.

As a consequence of this you need to understand your situation. What is your skin type and what specifically you are doing that could be contributing to this problem. While we are looking for the silver bullet our time would be better served addressing our own lifestyle.

You need to observe what we are doing on a daily basis. This in itself will lead to discovery and discovery brings about answers to questions. Take a math problem for example. The answer to any math problem lies within the problem itself. So you need to look in the mirror and ask yourself what am I doing that is causing my skin to react like this?

Of course when you are going through puberty your body is going through a number of changes such as hormonal changes and these hormones can get out of balance. As a result of this your body may over produce certain substances that are leading to blocked pores and then this mixed with other factors leads to zits and pimples.

It’s imperative when this occurs that you immediately take action. While trying to discover what is actually taking place in your situation you can begin making changes that will be beneficial as a whole. Such as improving your diet, eating more fresh food, drinking water, avoiding spicy foods and exercising.

You can also improve your hygiene such as changing your towels after you use them and bed clothing every other day. You can visit a dermatologist get a professional opinion and find out what your skin type is. Then ask them what natural methods you can use to help improve the health of your skin.

To conclude, learn about foods, learn about your skin type and what accommodates its health best. Always be learning and discovering - then not only will you improve your health but your skin and complexion will also vastly improve and to put the icing on the cake you will also exercise your mind and that will benefit you throughout life. Discover the only proven, holistic way to heal, restore, and have beautiful, clear skin within one week. This is an easy to use program that you can use in the privacy of your own home with guaranteed results. source

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5 Foods That Are Bad For Acne

February 19th, 2008 admin Posted in Acne No Comments »

Foods high in sugar or caffeine often stimulate the body to produce more hormones which leads to a worsening of acne conditions. There are certain foods you should eat such as vegetables and certain foods you should stay away from.

Here is a list of the worst foods acne sufferers can eat and drink:

1. Soft Drink. High in sugar and caffeine. The extreme levels can bring up pimples on seemingly perfect skin. It can make a persons acne a lot worse if drank excessively. Stick with drinking a can of soft drink once every two weeks.

2. Chocolate. Many doctors say its a myth that it causes or worsens acne. But the truth of the matter is it is very high in sugar. Eventually leading to breakouts and other blemishes.

3. Full cream dairy milk and ice cream. Fatty dairy products have been known to formulate the pustules inside the skin from which the acne is formed. Often cutting down to skim milk is advised to acne patients by there doctor.

4. Chips and other fried food. Greasy fried chips are high in oil and not good for the skin. Deep fried foods do not have to much of an impact on acne, compared to soft drinks and chocolate but it does have a small negative effect.

5. Protein drinks. Have been known to lead to extra hormone production leading to increased break outs and aggravations of the skin. Best to stay away from all these foods or have them rarely and in moderation.

Sure you might love eating these foods. But if you cut them out from your diet you will notice an improvement in your complexion within two to three weeks. source

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Acne During Pregnancy

February 18th, 2008 admin Posted in Acne No Comments »

Acne is a very common symptom of the pregnant women. It is often seen that pregnancy brings in acne among the pregnant women or serve to make it even more worse. It is in fact a very common thing that the pregnant women are more likely to suffer from acne. Often we also notice that when women undergo hormonal fluctuations they develop a surge of pimples on their face. In case of pregnancy also they develop the same kind of symptoms.

During the stages of pregnancy higher levels of hormones known as ‘androgens’ serve to prompt the sebaceous glands in the skin. This in turn gets bigger and boosts production of an oily substance known as ’sebum’. This extra sebum creates more problems by combining with the shed skin cells that lie all around the hair follicles. In due course of time this blocks the pores and creates an environment which multiplies the bacteria. All these ultimately lead to the inflammation of skin and thus results in the development of skin eruptions called acne.

It should be noted that if one is already suffering from the skin eruptions of acne the situations might tend to worsen during the stages of pregnancy. However there is no need to worry as in the present times advancement in the process of medication helps in getting relief from acne during pregnancy. There are a wide variety of creams available in the markets which are absolutely safe for the treatment of acne. The women who suffer from the normal symptoms of acne during the stages of pregnancy should not rely on any sort of treatments as these eruptions will resolve on its own within a considerable span of time.

However getting relief from the problem of acne altogether is not at all possible. One can however follow certain tips to make which might provide a bit of relief during pregnancy. It is very important to cleanse your skin with a mild soap or wash at least two times a day and also use a moisturizer which has no percentage of oil at all. You should also avoid scrubbing your face with a washcloth. This in turn makes the problem worse. You should only make use of your hands to gently cleanse your face. You should also pat your skin dry with a soft towel. You should never ever try to squeeze, pop or rub your pimples. This will not only make the problem worse but leave a deep mark on your skin.

If you are too fond of wearing make-up then also make sure that they are completely water based and are non-acnegenic. This will prevent the pores of your skin from clogging and also prevent subsequent breakouts. You should also consult your doctor when you are using certain gels or lotions to prevent the skin eruptions of acne. So in order to prevent acne and get a healthy skin, one should take proper care during the stages of pregnancy by going in for thorough cleansing of your skin. source

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What Causes Acne?

January 20th, 2008 admin Posted in Acne No Comments »

An Overview of Acne

A breakout of acne is a red, irritating skin rash primarily affecting teenagers and young adults. In reality, an acne breakout can happen to anyone. Acne appears in the oil-producing areas of the body, namely, the face, chest, and back. Acne can also occur on the neck and upper arms.

What Causes Acne?

Several factors contribute to a breakout of acne. We will look at hair follicles and the role they play. Hair follicles exist on virtually all skin surfaces except for the palms of our hands and soles of our feet. Inside the follicle, the hair extends up from the deep layers of the skin and comes out of a pore. The problem begins with the flaking of cells inside the hair follicle that leads to the forming of a plug. This plug can enlarge and even rupture the hair follicle. A ruptured hair follicle spills oil and debris into the skin where it will lead to swelling and causes redness.

Acne Bacteria

Bacteria that normally live on the skin can also play a role in the development of acne. These bacteria produce substances that cause the redness and irritation.

Women and Acne

Estrogens, which are female hormones, actually help to improve acne in girls. A woman’s monthly menstrual cycle is due to changes in the estrogen levels in her body. This is why acne in a girl may get better and then worse as she goes through her monthly cycle. A doctor may recommend acne treatment with birth control pills, which contain these helpful estrogens.

Genetics and Acne

It is also now believed that acne can run in some families. This may be due to some genetic factor that has not yet been discovered. Research continues into this observation and other insights into the causes and severity of acne in certain family members may come to light.

Acne Care

If you wash once or twice daily with a mild soap and water to remove excess oil from the skin, this can be performed as part of a daily regime. An acne cleanser purchased over-the-counter in a drug store can be helpful, if needed. Avoid scrubbing too abrasively, this can actually irritate the skin and cause acne to get worse.

Cosmetics and Acne

Some cosmetics and other skin care products, however, can cause acne to worsen. Look for make-up, cosmetics, and skin care products labeled with the word noncomedogenic. This means that it does not cause or worsen acne.

Being a Teen and Acne

Most people experience their worst acne during the teen years and grow out of it. The goal in all acne treatment is to prevent scarring. Severe acne left untreated for a long period of time can result in scarring. The scars can appear as pits (usually on the face) or as big, bumpy scars (usually on the chest and back). The scarring of acne can also be treated. A doctor can tell you about various methods available today to treat acne scars.

Outgrowing Acne

Eventually, most people leave the worst of acne breakouts behind them as adults. With a proper cleaning regime acne can be kept under control and most over the counter acne medications will assist in maintaining a clearer complexion. source

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Acne Vulgaris

January 17th, 2008 admin Posted in Acne No Comments »

Acne vulgaris is the scientific name for acne. Everyone gets this skin disease at a certain point in life. In fact, it has been proven that about 85% of the total population in any place have had a cause to be infected with pimples are during a point in their lives this occurring mostly during the teenage years. Also, women seem to keep fighting the scourge well into their 40s and 50s as a result of female body cycles and the hormonal changes that occur in women. Men have also been known to develop pimples as a result of stress.

The cause of acne is not complicated. It is caused by the blocking of the skin pores by oil and dead skin layers. When the oil and the skin block the skin pores, it gives room for bacteria that is trapped under the pores to grow causing infection. Androgen hormones cause the sebaceous glands to produce too much oil, then when excessive skin oils and the bacteria are trapped below the surface of the skin, the area becomes inflamed and the mixture begins to leak into surrounding skin. This build up, causes swelling, redness and pus, which is seen on the surface of the skin as a pimple; either a whitehead or a blackhead. Although acne has been around since the beginning of man, it is a fairly under-studied disease.

This means that there is still a lot of frustration for those that suffer from acne, since a lot of trial and error is involved in treating the condition. Doctors still can not identify one single treatment to resolve all cases of acne. More often than not, they ask their patient to try one treatment after another until they find the solution that will work for them. To add to this frustration, the skin takes a long time to show improvements even when treatment is working.There are effective treatments for all types of acne, even for the most severe of cases. It is best to seek treatment for acne sooner rather than later as acne is a progressive condition that moves from mild, to moderate to severe quickly over time. Severe acne can, and often does, cause permanent scarring of the skin. Once this happens, the acne sufferer will either have permanent scars or will have to seek regular treatment to have the scars removed.

This is a hassle that they do not need after years of painful acne.The person that seeks medical treatment for their acne before it reaches the stage of being severe has a better chance of fully recovering unscathed. They can go on to lead “normal” lives with no visible signs of the skin disease that at one time ailed them. If you are currently suffering from acne, the most important decision that you can make is the decision to seek treatment and to halt the progression of the skin disease. source

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