How to Compare Acne Treatment Products

How to Compare Acne Treatment Products

At any given time, you can search the Internet for acne treatment products and find hundreds that all promise relief from this embarrassing situation. Some of these are effective; however, not all of work as they claim to. There are still others that will work for a small segment of consumers, but not for others. When it comes to comparing the different products, there are a few things that you should know. After all, who wants to spend the money on a product that simply doesn't work!

Compare Ingredients
Some of the products contain very harsh chemicals that may cause redness, burning and irritation. If your skin is very sensitive to beauty products, such as makeup and moisturizing lotions, you need to proceed with care. Look for all natural products first. Most of the over-the-counter acne products are rather mild, but some are not. Prescription medications are much stronger and can have quite a wide range of side effects. Make sure you speak with your doctor or pharmacists if you have concerns about these side effects. Some treatments can even make your acne worse.

Read Online Reviews
The Internet is full of reviews for many of today's most popular acne treatments. You can find out what other consumers think about a specific treatment and how it compares with other treatments they have tried. You can also compare prices, which is very important. Some of these treatments can cost you hundreds of dollars.

Be leery of reviews that are too full of praises. It could be nothing more than fake reviews from sales people. You should also be leery of exceptionally negative reviews in the midst of positive ones. These could be left by competitors in order to keep consumers from buying those products. You can usually tell which reviews, both positive and negative, sound legitimate.

How Long Is the Treatment Program?
Some of the treatments may work - that is until you stop using them. You want a product that works but you don't want one that you must use everyday for the rest of your life! If your acne returns, perhaps a more holistic approach to your acne treatment is needed. For example, your acne may be causes by stress, diet or environmental factors. By treating the whole body, including your emotional state, you may find that your acne is much easier to control or even to eliminate. Unfortunately, many people overlook this aspect of acne treatments and just continue to spend money on lotions, creams and other products. Perhaps it's time to take a new look at what really works.

View the original article here

Read more »

What Is Blue and Red Light Acne Treatment and How Does It Work?

Skin Light Acne Treatment

Since 2002 clinical studies have shown that light acne treatment (phototherapy or deep-penetrating light therapy) has been successfully administered to treat acne. This technique is a method to clear acne in a convenient, non-invasive manner through the use of intense blue light (405-420 nm). Blue light works by killing the bacteria, P. acne, which is responsible for causing pore clogs and inflammation. The specific wavelengths emitted from the light source exposes and a reaction takes place that ultimately kills the bacteria thus eliminating the usual inflammation and scaring that occurs. This in turn allows the acne to clear up. Blue-light products today do not contain ultraviolet (UV) light, which can damage skin. Typical devices are built around fluorescent lighting, dichroic blubs, LEDs, or lasers. Treatment used to only be available through professional services, but today there are many home products that are available to the consumer. The safety and benefits that light acne treatment provides allows it to be approved and licensed by the US FDA.

Blue-light treatment

Patients receive the therapy in increments of 15 minutes every day with the lamp placed about 1-3 feet from the body or face. Depending on the severity of the acne, typical treatments can last anywhere between 4-8 weeks. Side effects can occur such as swelling, rash, or dryness, but they are only temporary.

Blue and Red light mixture

Results have shown that Red light frequencies (660 nanometer), encourage the production of natural collagen and helps new skin cells regenerate and address fine lines, age spots, wrinkles, blemishes, and skin redness. Many devices and products provide a combination of the two or the ability to use each individual lighting type.

Summary and Benefits of Red and Blue light acne treatment

Easy at-home self-treatmentSafe for all ages and painlessRejuvenate and improve skin in 15-minute sessions100% natural, drug-free and non-invasiveRefresh skin collagen and treat acne at the same timeNo bad side effects

The availability of light acne treatments for consumer use at home have gained popularity in recent years. As advised, please consult your doctor or dermatologist to see what works best for you.

View the original article here

Read more »

Top 3 Questions You Need to Ask Before You Buy Adult Acne Treatments

Adults get acne, too. It's not just a problem that affects teenagers. Today's acne treatments are geared towards adults just as often as they are towards adolescents. Everyone wants a clear, beautiful complexion and unfortunately, many consumers are making their problems worse with the wrong treatment. Before you spend a ton of money on adult acne treatments, there are three questions that you should ask first.

#1 - What Ingredients does it Contain?
Many people find they are allergic to specific ingredients in acne treatments. The body's reaction to these chemicals and other substances can include redness, burning, itching, and even a rash. All acne treatments do not work the same for all people. If you have had a reaction to such a product in the past, it's best to proceed slowly to see if the new product will affect you in a similar way.

Some of the adult acne treatments contain much more potent chemicals than the products used to treat adolescent acne. However, you may find that skin reacts very poorly. If you have used a particular treatment for quite some time without any positive results, it's time to find another means of treating your acne.

#2 - Will It Interact with Other Medications?
Some of the medications used to treat adult acne are available only by a prescription from your doctor. There are different kinds of antibiotics that can interact with some of your other medications. Most of these also have warnings regarding sun exposure. If you are concerned about these and other side effects, make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new treatment.

#3 - How Do I Use This Treatment?
Some adult acne treatments required an application only once a day; however, there are several that require you to apply one product in the morning and another in the evening. You may also find another lotion or cream to use once or twice a week or as blemishes appear. It's very important that you know how to use the treatments in order to get the most benefits. Otherwise, you may find you've spent your money for nothing!

In Closing
Adult acne treatments are quite prevalent on the health care market today. However, not all of them are effective and some are downright dangerous. If you have questions, find the answers before you start a new beauty regime. You certainly don't want to make your acne worse. If you aren't comfortable with the ingredients in many of these new products, perhaps it's time to look at a more holistic approach to your acne treatment.

View the original article here

Read more »

Types and Subtypes of Acne

Sebaceous glands (oil glands) in our skin that connect the hair follicles or pores are responsible for producing sebum (oily substance that lubricates the skin). While sebum is being distributed unto the surface of the skin, dead cells are getting driven out; however, if too much sebum is being produced some of the pores get blocked, preventing the dead skin cells from leaving these pores. To a further complication, as bacteria get built-up the result is acne. I will elaborate more on the latter in the paragraphs to come.

Unfortunately, we do not know what the exact cause of acne is, but some elements that are thought to have an effect in its development include: heredity, oily skin or hair, hormonal imbalances (especially in women during menstruation and sometimes pregnancy), stress, oily and highly chemical cosmetics, etc.

Types of Acne

1. Acne Vulgaris

Acne Vulgaris is considered to be the most common type of acne. Acne Vulgaris includes mild to moderate (blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules) to severe (nodules and cysts) lesions.

Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris

- Blackheads (open comedo): they are the result of partially clogged pores. The black color that appears is not because of trapped dirt, it's the reaction of Sebum and Melanin (skin pigments) with oxygen.

- Whiteheads (closed comedo): they are the result of the complete blockage of the pores. Once the partial blockage becomes complete the excess Sebum cannot get out at all, and together with bacteria called "Proprionibacterium Acnes" or "P. Acnes" that are normally present on the skin get trapped in the pores; an enzyme is produced and causes the Sebum to break down into "free fatty acids", which causes irritation, swelling, redness, and pus formation that we call whiteheads.

- Papules: they are inflamed, red, and tender bumps that do not have heads. It's important not to squeeze or press a papule to get rid of it, because as a result scarring may occur.

- Pustules: they are inflamed red circles with a whitish or yellowish center. Again we should not mess with a pustule, since possible scarring is likely.

Severe Acne Vulgaris

- Nodules: contrary to the aforementioned lesions, nodules are much larger, more painful, and last longer (it might take months to heal). Nodules are characterized as hard bumps under the skin. We must absolutely resist the temptation to squeeze nodules, because pressing them causes severe trauma to the skin, causing the lesion to take an even longer time to heal, and scar.

- Cysts: they are somewhat similar in appearance to nodules, but are pus-filled and a bit bigger (5mm in diameter or more). Do not squeeze cysts as this causes deeper infection and therefore a more painful inflammation will result, and will take longer to heal.

2. Acne Rosacea

This type of acne is very similar to Acne Vulgaris, which makes it confusing for us to distinguish them from one another. It affects mostly women (but when found in men it's usually more severe) and those aged 30 and above. It appears as red rashes on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin. People with Acne Rosacea end up having pimples, bumps, and skin blemishes, but blackheads are unlikely with this type of acne. It can also cause Rhinophyma (bulbous nose) if not treated.

3. Acne Conglobata

This is considered to be the most severe type of acne, and it is more common in males. It appears as multiple large lesions, which seem to be interconnected across the face (found also on the back, chest, upper arms, and thighs); also a large number of blackheads are common with this type of acne. Acne Conglobata causes harmful damage to the skin along with extreme scarring.

4. Acne Fulminans

This type of acne is usually found in young men. It is associated with severe cysts and ulcer-like acne. It could cause extreme and disfiguring scars.

5. Gram-Negative Folliculitis

This type of acne is considered to be a bacterial infection associated with pustules and cysts, believed to be the result of complications from longtime antibiotic treatment for Acne Vulgaris.

6. Pyoderma Faciale (or Rosacea Fulminans)

This type of acne is usually found in females (between the ages of 20 to 40), and is associated to large painful nodules, and pustules that may leave scars. Also it may take place on the skin of a woman who has never had an acne condition before.

View the original article here

Read more »

Acute Tinea Cruris, Cause, Symptoms and Treatment

Tinea cruris is a fungal skin infection of the groin. The fungi that can cause a skin infection can be divided into three groups according to their favourite hosts:

Fungi preferring earth (geophile)Fungi preferring animals (zoophile)Fungi preferring humans (anthropophile)

Anthropophile fungi usually cause an infection of the groin. The most common species are Epidermophyton floccosum and Tricophyton rubrum.

The scientific term for ringworm of the groin is tinea cruris.

Tinea cruris is caused by a fungus.Tinea cruris is not contagious; direct person to person contact rarely leads to spreading of tinea cruris.Itching in groin, thigh skin folds, or anus.Red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze. The patches often have sharply-defined edges. They are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center. This may create the appearance of a ring.Abnormally dark or light skin.

Your doctor will usually diagnose jock itch based on the appearance of the skin. Tests are usually not necessary. If tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis, either a culture or a skin lesion biopsy (for example, a scraping of the skin) may show the fungus that causes jock itch.

You can buy an antifungal cream from pharmacies, or get one on prescription. There are various types and brands. For example; terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and sulconazole. These modern creams are good at clearing fungal skin infections.

Apply the cream to the surrounding 4-6 cm of normal skin in addition to the rash.Apply for as long as advised. This varies between the different creams, so read the instructions carefully. Although the rash may seem to go quite quickly, you still need to apply the cream for 1-2 weeks after the rash has gone. This is to completely clear the fungi from the skin which will prevent the rash from returning.

An anti-fungal medicine taken by mouth is sometimes prescribed if the rash does not clear with a cream, or if the rash is in many places on the skin in addition to the groin.

Keep the groin area clean and dry.Don't wear clothing that rubs and irritates the area. Avoid tight-fitting and rough-textured clothing.Wear loose-fitting underwear.Wash athletic supporters frequently.After bathing, apply antifungal or drying powders if you are susceptible to jock itch.

1. Acne Diagnosis
Acne Diagnosis The diagnosis of acne is based on the history and physical examination. Lesions most commonly develop in areas with the greatest concentration of sebaceous glands, which include the [...] 2. Natural Remedy for Acne Treatment
Natural Treatments for Acne What is Acne? Acne is very common disorder that most young people get in early pubescence. It is caused by inflammation [...] 4. What You Can Do To Get Rid Of Acne
What You Can Do To Get Rid Of Acne? For many acne sufferers, it often seems that there's no end in sight to their misery. They [...]

View the original article here

Read more »

Bacterial Skin Infections

The skin provides an outstandingly good barrier against bacterial infections. Although many bacteria come in contact with or reside on the skin, they are normally unable to establish an infection. When bacterial skin infections do occur, they can range in size from a tiny spot to the entire body surface. They can range in seriousness as well, from harmless to life threatening.

Many types of bacteria can infect the skin. Skin infections caused by less common bacteria may develop in hospitals or nursing homes or while gardening or swimming in a pond, lake, or ocean.

Some people are at particular risk of contracting skin infections--for example, people with diabetes because they are likely to have poor blood flow, especially to the hands and feet, and because high levels of sugar in the blood decrease the ability of white blood cells to fight infections. People with AIDS or other immune disorders and those undergoing chemotherapy are at higher risk as well, because they have a weakened immune system. Skin that is inflamed or damaged by sunburn, scratching, or other trauma is more likely to be infected. In fact, any break in the skin predisposes a person to infection.

Prevention involves keeping the skin undamaged and clean. When the skin is cut or scraped, the injury should be washed with soap and water and covered with a sterile bandage. Antibiotic creams and ointments may be applied to open areas to keep the tissue moist and to try to prevent bacterial invasion. If an infection develops, small areas may be treated with antibiotic creams. Larger areas require antibiotics taken by mouth or given by injection. Abscesses (pus-filled pockets) should be cut open by the doctor and allowed to drain, and any dead tissue must be surgically removed.

1. Natural Way To Get Rid Of Acne
Get Rid Of Your Acne The Natural Way For many people, acne is a dreaded condition, the results of which they live with on a regular basis. If you [...] 2. Sebaceous Cysts: Cause and Treatment
Sebaceous Cysts: Cause and Treatment Have you ever noticed a small lump or a bump on your body somewhere, perhaps near your vagina or on [...]

Read more »

Psoriasis: Symptom, Cause, Treatment

Psoriasis is the inflammatory condition of skin. There are five types of Psoriasis, each with distinct signs and symptoms. About 10% and 30% of people who develop psoriasis get a related form of arthritis "psoriatic arthritis". The psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation of the joints.

The most common type of psoriasis is Plaque psoriasis. It is estimated that about 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psoriasis that appear as patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scale. These patches, or plaques, often form on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. Though, the plaques can occur anywhere on the body.

Pustular psoriasis (white pustules surrounded by red skin), inverse psoriasis (smooth, red lesions form in skin folds), and erythrodermic psoriasis (widespread redness, severe itching, and pain).

Any types of psoriasis cause lot of discomfort. The skin often itches, crack and bleed. In severe cases, the itching and discomfort may keep a person sleepless at night, and the pain can make performing general routine tasks difficult.

Psoriasis is a chronic disorder, means a lifelong condition because there is currently no cure. People often suffer with flares and remissions throughout their life. Controlling the signs and symptoms of psoriasis generally requires lifelong therapy.

Treatment for psoriasis depends on the severity and the type of psoriasis. Some psoriasis is so mild that the person is unaware of the condition. A few people develop such severe psoriasis that lesions cover most of the body and hospitalization is required. These represent the extremes. Most cases of psoriasis falls somewhere in between neither too mild nor too sever.

Psoriasis is amongst one of the oldest recorded skin disease conditions. It was probably first described around 35 AD. Some evidence indicates an even earlier date. Yet, until recently, very little was known about psoriasis.

Health scientists still can not fully define the causes of psoriasis in an individual; medical research on skin and psoriasis has significantly advanced our knowledge. One important breakthrough began with the discovery that kidney-transplant recipients who had psoriasis experienced clearing when taking cyclosporine. Since cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive medication, this indicates that the immune system is involved.

Researchers say that psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition. This means the condition of psoriasis in an individual is caused by faulty signals in the body's immune system. It is believed that psoriasis develops when the immune system of an individual signals the body to over-react and accelerate the growth of skin cells. Normally, skin cells mature and are shed from the skin's surface every 28 to 30 days. When psoriasis develops, the skin cells mature in 3 to 6 days and move to the skin surface. Instead of being shed, the skin cells pile up, causing the visible lesions.

Researchers have found genes that are responsible to cause psoriasis. These genes establish how a person's immune system reacts. These set of genes can cause psoriasis or another immune-mediated condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes. The risk of developing psoriasis or another immune-mediated condition, especially diabetes or Crohn's disease in a person increases, especially when a close blood relative has psoriasis

Some individuals never develop this condition despite the family history of psoriasis. Research indicates that a "trigger" is needed to cause psoriasis in a person. Stress, skin injuries, a strep infection, certain medications, and sunburn are some of the known potential triggers of psoriasis. Medications that can trigger psoriasis are anti-malarial drugs, beta-blockers (medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions), and lithium. Dermatologists have seen psoriasis suddenly appear after a person takes one of these medications, gets a strep infection, or experiences another trigger. Psoriasis researches are making contributions contributions to update our knowledge about psoriasis.

Any types of psoriasis range from mild to severe, can affect a person's living and quality of life. Living with this lifelong condition can be physically and emotionally challenging. Itching, soreness, and cracked and bleeding skin are common illness to that an individual affected with psoriasis suffers. Nail psoriasis can be extremely painful. Even the simple act of squeezing a tube of toothpaste can hurt your nails and cause a lot of discomfort. One woman described her psoriasis as feeling like "a bad sunburn that won't go away."

Several studies on psoriasis have shown that people affected with symptoms generally feel frustrated. In some cases, psoriasis limits activities of a person and makes it difficult to perform routine tasks. The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that 56 million work hours are lost each year by those who have psoriasis. In addition, a survey done by the National Psoriasis Foundation in 2002 suggests that 26% of people living with moderate to severe psoriasis have been forced to change or discontinue their normal daily activities.

Studies on psoriasis also suggest that stress, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem are part of daily life for people affected with psoriasis. One of the study on psoriasis also found that the suicide risks is three times higher in psoriatic persons in comparison to general population.

Embarrassment is another common feeling that affects psoriatic. Imagine getting your hair cut and noticing that the stylist or barber is visibly uncomfortable. What if you extended your hand to someone and the person recoiled? How would you feel if you spent most of your life trying to hide your skin?

With the emergence of several new therapies and medical advances, including the biologic factors, more people are often experiencing considerable improvements and reporting a greatly improved quality of life.

View the original article here

Read more »

What Are the Treatments That Would Effectively Cure Acne?

As adolescents we all go through a period of Acne conditions due to the high levels of hormone activity; however it can linger too much when you are an adult and can cause you much trouble. As much as it affects your social life it can also put you in emotional distress. Today there are many products that promise rapid cure for Acne and some may not provide the projected results as in the advertisements. The best way to cure your acne problem is through consulting a dermatologist who would assess your condition and prescribe effective treatment for Acne. According recent studies it is reported that 25% of adult men and 50% of adult women are affected by Acne at some time in their adult lives and one third of adults also have acne on their body.

With so many products readily available in the market in which some of them come as DIY kits it can be hard to decide as to which treatment is the best. Skin care products that are cheap can carry a risk of damaging your skin and worsening your acne condition. Let us see as to what we should consider before getting into an acne treatment regime:

Science: Ingredients that are used for the manufacturing of the product should be tested for safety and efficiency. Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicyclic acid; Tea Tree Oil and white willow extract are some ingredients that are used to manufacture these Acne treatment products.

Consumer Reviews: Nowadays most of us depend on consumer reviews before purchasing most of the products. So it is essential that you check for positive consumer feedback on the treatment method that you are going to choose.

Price: Price plays a major part when it comes to purchasing goods. However you should not be taken by the cheap price range as this might have its draw backs. Always research on how effective the product is, than settling for a cheap rate.

Listed below are some treatments that can cure Acne.

Mild Acne can be treated by applying Panoxyl Gel which would prevent narrowing of sebaceous gland opening.

If you have mild or moderate acne you will be prescribed Erythromycin + Zineryt solution which is a topical antibiotic to reduce bacteria growth on your skin.

Mild or moderate comedonal acne the application of Differin gel which acts as a Topical retinoid would reduce sebum.

Moderate or severe inflammatory acne your dermatologist would prescribe you Minocycline / Doxycyline capsules to be taken as an Oral antibiotic in order to reduce bacteria.

Moderate or severe acne commonly seen in women would be prescribed Dianette tablets as Oral anti-androgen to reduce sebum.

The condition of severe cystic acne can only be treated at a medical institution. Patient would be given Roaccutane capsules as Oral retinoid to reduce sebum.

All the above treatments would be prescribed by your dermatologist. Therefore it is necessary that you consult your dermatologist or cosmetic physician before switching into a cheap skin care product.

View the original article here

Read more »

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Acne

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been around for more than 2000 years and is effective at treating several skin conditions including acne. Acne is a skin condition that affects approximately 60% of the American population. Although the cause of acne is unknown, genetic predisposition and hormonal changes are believed to be related to the cause of acne skin conditions. Acne is more prevalent in males and can be aggravated by sweating, oral contraceptives, poor skin hygiene, cosmetics, face creams, exercise, and lack of sunlight. Traditional Chinese philosophy believes that an imbalance in the body, mind or spirit can cause physical symptoms of disease. The TCM believes that an excess of internal heat and dampness causes acne and the symptoms of acne. To alleviate acne you must clear the heat and drain the dampness from the body.

Heat can be caused by different sources such as our over consumption of stimulating foods, hormonal changes, physical activity, inability for blood to clean toxins, agitated thoughts, hot weather, or imbalance of qi. Heat can appear as inflammation, over stimulation, and hyperactivity and is reflected on the skin through rashes, pimples, infections, and redness. Dampness is excess water in the tissues of the body. Dampness can be caused by water accumulation in the digestive tract, excess oil, fatty, cold or raw foods, irregular eating habits, insufficient sweating, damp environment, and insufficient heat. Bacteria, fungus and viruses thrive in excessively damp environments even in the body. Dampness can be reflected through the skin as swelling, cysts, pimples, pus, and fluid discharge.

A traditional Chinese herbalist should be consulted when determining which Chinese herbal supplements to take to clear up your acne. Although there are minimal side effects, you will not see the results you want by indulging in every Chinese herb on the market. Specific concoctions of herbs will work for certain people. An herbalist will determine which concoction of herbs is right for each individual person and their specific symptoms. TCM can use leaves, flowers, fruit, bark, minerals and roots from plants in their acne treatments. There are several different ways to take herbs in decoctions or teas, powders, tinctures, pills, syrups, and plasters. Here are some specific herbs that have been used in TCM for thousands of years to treat acne. If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or a skin rash after taking herbal supplements, stop taking them immediately and consult your herbalist.

Cai Feng Zhen Zhu an Chuang Wan/ Margarite Acne Pills: This is an excellent remedy to clear up acne. This product comes ina pill form and is used to clear heat, expel toxins, cool the blood, and regenerate skin cells. Some of its ingredients include Pearl, Honeysuckle Flower, Dandelion Herb, Glehniz Root, Chinese Foxglove Root, Ningpo Figwort Root, Chinese Rhubarb Root and Lucid Gannoderma Sclerotium.

Jin Yin Hua/ Honeysuckle- Can be used in conjunction with chrysanthemum and dandelion to clear excess heat in the blood and stomach. It is a great detoxifier and increases perspiration. It can be consumed as an infusion or applied externally to the skin.

Dandelion Root- Is a blood cleanser which stimulates liver function to cleanse the body. Dandelion root should be drunk in a tea by mixing 2-3 teaspoons of dried dandelion to 1 cup of water. Dandelion leaves can also be eaten in a salad, which aid in digestion but only 2 leaves should be eaten daily.

Dahurian Angelica- Reduces swelling and expels dampness from the body. Should be drunk in a tea by mixing 1 ounce of dried root into 1 pint of water or can be consumed as 1/2 teaspoon diluted in 1 cup water. This root can also be combined with Chrysanthemum and drank.

Skullcap- Clears heat as well as damp heat. Drank as a tea. Combine 1 ounce dried root to 1 pint of water.

Burdock Root- Cleans the blood by detoxifying the body. Acts as an anti-inflammatory. Should be applied topically.

Spica Prunellae/ Prunella Spike- Common herb found in TCM. Boil 1 ounce of dried herb in 1 pint of water. Add honey and drink daily.

Other herbs used in TCM to treat acne include neem, chaste tree berry, chamomile, sarsaparilla, milk thistle, yellow dock, Echinacea root, loquat leaf, rehmania root, moutan bark, forsythia fruit, peach kernel, safflower, Stellaria Root, Purslane, and peppermint.

View the original article here

Read more »

Fungal infections of the skin and its Treatment

Acne Help (Home) > Rare Skin Disorders > Fungal Skin Infections

Various germs such as fungi and bacteria live harmlessly on the skin and inside the body. However certain types of fungus, or overgrowths of normally harmless types can cause the symptoms of a fungal infection of the skin.

Most fungal skin conditions are not serious and are usually not easily spread from person to person. Infections deeper in the body can be more serious.

Recently taken a course of antibioticsAn immune system weakened by cancer or HIV infectionBeen taking oral steroidsDiabetes

The symptoms and appearances of a fungal skin infection depend on the type of fungus causing it and the part of the body affected.

The rash may have a variety of appearances. Some are red, scaly and itchy, whereas others can produce a fine scale similar to dry skin. The site of infection may be just one area of the body, or there may be several infected areas.

Fungal infections of the scalp or beard can lead to hair loss. Fungal rashes can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema

Taking these steps may help to reduce the risk of getting a fungal infection:

Dry the skin carefully after bathingWear loose fitting clothes and underwearAvoid sharing towels, hair brushes, and combs, which could contain skin fragments that harbour fungal coloniesChange socks or tights dailyChoose fabrics that allow the skin to "breathe" - natural fibres such as cotton are better than nylon or polyester for underwearFor sportspeople, synthetic fibres that "wick" the sweat away from the body, helping to keep the skin dry, may be preferablePeople with diabetes need to keep good control of their blood sugar

You can buy an antifungal cream from pharmacies, or get one on prescription. There are varioustypes and brands. For example; terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole,and sulconazole. These modern creams are good at clearing fungal skin infections.

Apply the cream to the surrounding 4-6 cm of normal skin in addition to the rash.Apply for as long as advised. This varies between the different creams, so read the instructions carefully. Although the rash may seem to go quite quickly, you still need to apply the cream for 1-2 weeks after the rash has gone. This is to completely clear the fungi from the skin which will prevent the rash from returning.

An antifungal medicine taken by mouth is sometimes prescribed if the infection is widespread or severe. You do not need to stay off work or school once treatment has started.

2. Natural Remedy for Acne Treatment
Natural Treatments for Acne What is Acne? Acne is very common disorder that most young people get in early pubescence. It is caused by [...]

View the original article here

Read more »

Ecthyma: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Acne Help (Home) > Rare Skin Disorders > Ecthyma

Ecthyma is a skin infection characterised by crusted sores beneath which ulcers form. It is a deep form of impetigo as the same bacteria causing the infection are involved but ecthyma causes deeper erosions of the skin.

The streptococcal organism most often causes ecthyma. Any trauma or break in the skin allows the bacteria to begin growing.

Ecthyma usually arises on the lower legs or feet of children, diabetics, or neglected elderly people.

Soak a clean cloth in a mixture of half a cup of white vinegar in a litre of tepid water. Apply the compress to moist areas for about ten minutes several times a day. Gently wipe off the crusts.

A topical antibiotic ointment such as fucidic acid or mupirocin is often prescribed for localised ecthyma. A topical antiseptic such as povidone iodine, antibacterial Manuka honey or Crystacide (hydrogen peroxide) cream may be used instead. Apply it at least three times a day to the affected areas and surrounding skin. The treatment should be applied after removing crusts. Look carefully for new lesions to treat. Continue for several days after healing.

Oral antibiotics are recommended if the infection is extensive or proving slow to respond to topical antibiotics. The preferred antibiotic is penicillin, however the antibiotic chosen should be active against both Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus (usually dicloxacillin or flucloxacillin). The duration of treatment varies; several weeks of therapy may be necessary to completely resolve ecthyma.

In tropical climates pay attention to hygiene and use insect repellents to reduce bites.

1. Bacterial Skin Infections
Bacterial Skin Infections The skin provides an outstandingly good barrier against bacterial infections. Although many bacteria come in contact with or reside on the skin, they are normally unable [...] 3. Acne Diagnosis
Acne Diagnosis The diagnosis of acne is based on the history and physical examination. Lesions most commonly develop in areas with the greatest concentration of sebaceous glands, which include [...]

 View the original article here

Read more »

Is Acne Laser Treatment Right For You?

As someone who has dealt with stressful acne, you know exactly how aggravating trying to get rid of acne can be. Suffering through one acne therapy, following another without success can become particularly aggravating. After trying a good number of highly endorsed gels and creams to few, if any results, many people try laser treatment as a last resort. Even though this specific course of treatment is the priciest of all acne treatments, for some it might just be the best. Laser works at minimizing the size of pores in the skin, causing them to produce a less oil, which in turn often reduces the clogging in the pores.

Despite the fact that laser treatment is a good deal more expensive than many other strategies, it does have advantages that the other acne treatments do not. Acne laser treatment can help reduce the risk of acne recurring. It can also get rid of the scars from acne. Laser acne treatment can actually correct and treat scar tissue. Those who have struggled with serious acne are often left with ugly scars that look almost as bad as the acne that caused it. Removing acne scars is one reason laser for acne has become sought-after among those with severe acne.

In spite of this, those who opt to treat acne with laser must be prepared for this treatment to take time. The treatments are implemented in sessions that are scheduled three to six months apart. It may take anywhere from five to ten appointments over all. The amount of time depends mostly on how significant the condition. In most cases the first few treatments show little to no progression. However, as you approach the ending of your treatment the progress will undoubtedly be much more evident. Acne laser treatment is almost always most effective when combined with other treatments. Talk with your physician about additional treatment methods that may be best for you.

Though the treatments themselves typically are not necessarily painful, there can be some slight after effects. Irritation of the skin at the areas where the laser brushed the skin is a common after effect so skin can get red and inflamed afterward. The redness and inflammation usually go away after a few days. Acne laser treatment decreases the amount of oil so this can cause skin dryness. You can combat the dryness by using a quality lotion designed for facial use.

Deciding if laser treatment for acne is best for you might be a complicated choice to make. Though the price tag for acne laser treatment is high, it can be worth every penny spent for the those with extreme acne or scarring from acne.

View the original article here

Read more »

Natural Acne Cures - Become Acne Free, The Natural Way

Acne is a problem that affects 90% of the population at some point in their lives. For most of us this problem is limited to our teens, but some people continue to suffer breakouts of acne right through their adult life. We all know about the acne products on the market, which may help to some extent, but natural acne cures can also play a role in controlling the condition.

Acne is generally thought to be caused by the increased production of the hormone testosterone in teenage years, and can affect females as much as males. However, other factors are also thought to contribute to the problem, such as stress, poor nutrition, and lifestyle habits. Natural acne cures can sometimes address these issues better than any medication, and are often the best way to tackle the problem for adults.

Some common steps that can be taken to help control acne include washing your face twice a day with special acne soap, avoiding constantly touching your face, stopping wearing make-up, and not letting your hair hang in your face. All of these steps will help reduce the amount of oil present in the skin of the face, and this alone can have a dramatic effect on the severity of acne breakouts.

Poor nutrition is thought to be to blame for many skin conditions, and acne is one of them. Whilst most natural acne cures focus on solving the problem on the surface of the skin, addressing a case of poor nutrition could solve the problem from within. The skin is often forgotten about as one of the human body's most vital organs, and neglecting it can result in skin disorders like acne becoming a problem. Simply taking a multi-vitamin tablet daily can help address the balance of poor nutrition effecting the skin, although the best option would be to adopt a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit.

Although improving nutrition in general is important, there are two components that stand out as being vital in natural acne cures. Both vitamin A and Zinc are though to be beneficial in clearing up cases of acne, both in teens and adults. For vitamin A, some good sources include carrots, sweet potatoes and liver. It is also important to drink plenty of water when suffering with acne, about 2 litres a day is advised.

Many skin conditions are often a sign that something is wrong on the inside, and this can be true of acne. Simply applying products to the skin is usually not enough to mask over the problem, and so it needs to be tackled at its source. Since much of our food these days contains chemical additives, the body can face an uphill task in dealing with these extra toxins and flushing them out of the body. The body will often try to expel these toxins through the pores on the skin, causing it to become inflamed and allow conditions like acne to flourish.

Of all the natural acne cures that are claimed to be effective in treating the condition, simply improving the nutrition in the diet is often the most effective. And because all it takes is changing your shopping and eating habits, it is also often the cheapest and simplest.

View the original article here

Read more »

Real Causes and Treatment Of Acne

Learning about how to treat acne and blackheads is great. These skin conditions not only cause physical problems but also emotional problems when a lot of young people are in early emotional development. Knowing how to treat them is important.

If you think that you are the only person who has acne, do not worry. There are tens of millions of people suffering from acne. There are many acne treatments available but first let us look at what causes acne as well as what we can do about it. We will discuss the various reasons and causes of why you have acne as well as the different treatments available to stop acne.

Acne is usually caused by your skin secreting more oils than what is normal. Most acne is caused by your body changing and going through puberty. Many young people have this problem and search for acne treatments. However, although the excess oil is what causes the problem, the real culprit is not the oil.

The real problem for blackheads and acne is the bacteria which is lodged within each of your pores of your skin. We live in a bacteria infested world and, as such, you will find bacteria all of your body. Most of the bacteria that we touch is fairly harmless. However, there are some that can kill and others that will cause acne.

Technically, acne is called "folliculitus". It literally means, medically speaking, an irritation or inflammation of the follicle. What happens is that the extra oil has this bacteria and your body naturally reacts to it like an infection. It is much like when your body fights a splinter. Your body thinks that it is under attack and fights the invader.
There are many acne treatments that attack acne and blackheads in a variety of ways. They all work in different ways by attempting to stop your acne problems.

Some acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide work to dry your skin and the oil within your skin. Benzyol peroxide is a strong oxidizer and will dry out your skin. Through drying out your skin, benzoyl peroxide will help your skin secret more oil topically that you can later wash away. They help stop blackhead development.

Another acne treatment is a Vitamin A derivative. It is a medicine that prior was only available through prescription. It is called Retin A and it is available in milder strengths over the counter. Retin A treatment works by causing your skin to manufacture skin cells at a great rate than what your skin usually produces. With this extra skin cell growth, the skin rejuvenates more rapidly and than help 'slough off' the extra oil with the extra cell development. It does work pretty well and is not that expensive.

Still there are other acne treatments. Another acne treatment is a pill called Accutane. However, Accutane is available only by prescription and is usually reserved for cystic or more severe acne cases. This acne treatment causes your body to secrete less oil at the skin level. I have tried it ant it works wonders--no doubt about it. However, this acne treatment is expensive and can cause some bad side effects. Also, you will need to monitor certain blood levels while you are undergoing Accutane treatment.

View the original article here

Read more »

The Best Way to Treat Body Acne

With all of the focus today on facial acne, those that suffer from body acne may feel like they are left in the dark. It is also more difficult to treat than facial acne, too. It's more common among adult men than women, affecting over twenty percent of the male population. The oil glands on the back are larger than those on the face, which often results in large cysts. Because the skin on the rest of the body is thicker than that of the face, these lesions can often be deep under the skin and quite painful. Here are some tips to help you get rid of acne once and for all.

Your Clothing Choice Matters
Many times, body acne will appear in areas that are chaffed by clothing. For example, carrying a backpack can often cause chaffing on the shoulders and back, which are two of the most common places for body acne. Try to wear breathable cotton clothing as often as you can and avoid anything that will chafe and irritate your skin. This will cut down on your breakouts.

Sweating Makes It Worse
Moisture from sweating can provide a barrier over the affected areas, which can lead to more bacteria. This bacteria is what causes the lesions and cysts. Try to time your workouts so you can shower immediately afterward and use a body soap specifically formulated for sensitive skin.

Some Body Lotions and Soaps Can Make Acne Worse
You may want to look at the type of bath and shower products you are using. Some contain chemicals or additives that can actually make your acne more severe. Laundry soap can also irritate your skin, making it more susceptible to breakouts.

If Your Conditions Gets Worse
Some of the lesions and cysts from body acne can spread quickly, making it painful for some people to even go about their daily lives. If this happens, it's time to see your doctor. In some cases, the cause may not actually be acne, but a specific type of staph infection that must be treated with antibiotics. Don't take a chance that your acne is caused by something more severe.

A Final Thought
You may want to consider holistic acne treatments, too. This complete body approach helps prevent breakouts and will actually help your overall health. It's certainly worth your time to check out these alternative methods instead of investing hundreds of dollars in creams and lotions that may not be effective.

View the original article here

Read more »

The Problem of Acne for the Whole Body

Pimples and acne mostly occur with teenagers. But, as we all know, they can occur with adults, too. And most often they come out on the face. But there, too, there can be variations--they can come out all over the body as well as just in small areas of the body. So there has to be a method of body acne treatment for the whole body.

Just imagine going to the beach, but being afraid to take off your t-shirt, with those ugly little red zits showing all over your body. As a teenager, my sister Barby had that problem. She would go to the beach with the gang, but she was afraid to take off her t-shirt that was over her swimsuit and also covering her shoulders and part of her upper arms. It was bad enough that she couldn't cover up her legs, too, but she at least had the shirt to cover up the worst of the acne on her upper body.

With women, the acne problem--especially acne on those parts of the body other than the face-frequently can go away once they get pregnant and have a baby. Barby was hoping for that to happen with her, too. And the acne did go away completely with her first pregnancy. But two months after she had her first baby, the problem came back. It was so embarrassing for her. But what could she do? That's right--since none of the medications she bought worked for her, all she could do was get pregnant as often as she could.

Is constant pregnancy the only cure for women with the problem of having acne all over their bodies? There's gotta be a better answer that than out there!

View the original article here

Read more »