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09
Apr
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Filed Under (Treatment) by admin on 09-04-2010
There are numerous types of treatments available for acne nodules. There is a host of options you can choose from depending on the severity of the acne nodules, your own preferences and your budget. Some common chemical treatments which are used in curing acne nodules are isotretinoin, accutane. These are oral as well ointment form. Some of these cannot be used in certain cases for example during pregnancy and breastfeeding or if you are already taking some other medication. Although some of these are available over the counter it is always a very good idea to consult your doctor before you start with any kind of medication to treat acne nodules. You can ask your dermatologist to know the cause behind the acne nodules so that you can be given the right kind of treatment. These days some new techniques are also being used in acne nodules treatment, for example, treatment with lasers. Laser therapy is more expensive than other kinds of treatment but it is extremely effective and shows nearly permanent results. It is very helpful for those suffering from severe acne and those who fail to respond to other types of treatments like medicines and home remedies.
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09
Apr
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Filed Under (Treatment) by admin on 09-04-2010
Acne cysts and nodules are a very complicated type of acne and are not very common as compared to other types if acne like pimples and condones. Acne cysts form when the oil glands in the skin get blocked. These can be seen and felt by touching and are like small hard balls. While acne nodules are simpler to treat and their treatment is much like the treatment of normal acne, acne cysts require special type of treatment. The first treatment that is administered is oral medication. Your doctor may prescribe you birth control pills, antibiotics and cortisone. If the acne nodules and cysts are too severe that they cannot be removed by medical treatment alone then you might have to undergo surgery to get them removed. This is done by passing a very dilute amount of cortisone through the blocked nodule or cyst. Topical compresses with warm water are also very useful in the treatment of acne nodules and cysts. If all other treatments fail, then an oral administration of accutane has to be resorted to. Accutane cannot be given to everybody, especially to pregnant women or women who are about to get pregnant or are breast feeding.
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09
Apr
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Filed Under (Acne Tips) by admin on 09-04-2010
There is a huge variety of treatments available for papules and pustules. You can opt for physical treatment like extraction which works for pustules but cannot be used for papules. In such cases it is advisable to use other types of treatments like certain ointments like benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin. Both these medications are available over the counter and are extremely effective in treating papules and pustules. You can also opt for home remedies which combine the medicinal properties of different types of foods which can be used as pastes, solutions, face wash, or overnight facials. Home remedies are generally good as they are very cheap, have no side effects and cure in a holistic way. On the other hand, chemical treatments are not a bad option either and show results in almost a couple of days from the beginning of the treatment. These days there are some new types of treatments like curing acne with the help of laser. However, one must always remember that prevention is better than cure. So it is best that you have a healthy and balanced diet, get enough physical exercise at least three times a week and keep your skin clean and dirt free.
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09
Apr
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Pustule is nothing but a fancy name for zit, spot or pimple. Basically it is an inflamed elevation in the skin which is filled with pus. Papules are not very different from pustules with the only difference being that they are not filled with pus. They are generally hard and solid and are difficult to squeeze. If you try to squeeze papules they will only lead to water or blood coming out. It is risky to pop pustules to as they can leave very bad marks on the skin which might take months, sometimes even years, to heal. You should not touch or press them. So basically, papules and pustules are nothing but common forms of acne. These are treated by the same methods with which you would treat pimples or whiteheads and blackheads. Maintain proper hygiene, eat a healthy and balanced diet and exercise regularly. You may also use home remedies if you want to opt for something more natural or herbal. Common creams and ointments which are available over the counter are commonly used in treating papules and pustules. They are also cheap and effective.
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09
Apr
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Filed Under (Acne Faq) by admin on 09-04-2010
There are various methods of plastic surgery for acne scars, which include chemical peels, punch grafts and laser resurfacing. The most popular method amongst doctors is laser resurfacing since there are lasting results with this method. In the case of actual plastic surgery for acne scars, only scars that are very deep and cannot be handled by means of chemical peels or dermabrasion should be handled in this way. In plastic surgery for acne scars, the scar is surgically removed and the skin is sutured back together. In some cases, a fresh layer of skin is used to cover the scars. This method is called a punch graft, wherein a small portion of skin is taken from the body and is used to cover badly scarred skin. In other cases, collagen is injected into the skin in order to fill deep acne pits, and the surface is then toned out by means of plastic surgery. In other cases, there is cultured skin which is used to completely cover the damaged skin after the scars are removed. In the future, it is estimated that there will be patient specific stem cells that could be grown in order to facilitate plastic surgery for acne and other scars.
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09
Apr
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Filed Under (Acne Faq) by admin on 09-04-2010
Cystic acne scars are the remnants of cystic acne, which is a very severe type of acne. It occurs when the infection runs deep within the skin and results in the formation of very deep scars. These scars can be stubborn and difficult to remove, and require advanced methods of scar removal as the scars usually span several layers of skin. Some of the treatments available to get rid of cystic acne scars include injectable implants or fillers, laser treatments, surgery or steroids, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. In the case of very deep cystic acne scars, the scars are removed surgically and then the wounds are filled in to even out the skin. In most cases, though, dermabrasion is used. In this procedure, the outermost layer of skin is surgically removed either by making use of a surgical sanding machine or an ultra-fine grit surgical sandpaper. As the outer layers are removed, the skin is left to heal and new layers emerge. Chemical peeling also involves removal of the outer layers of skin, but this is done by means of application of chemicals such as salicylic acid, lactic acid and trichloroacetic acid. Laser techniques for cystic acne scar removal involve using lasers to get rid of the outer damaged layers of skin, to clear excess pigmentation and to even out skin tone. The best results are seen when these procedures are handled by qualifies dermatologists.
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09
Apr
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There are various conflicting opinions as to whether tanning actually aids in curing acne or whether it, in reality, increases acne outbreaks. While the fact is that tanning can reduce the redness and irritation that accompanies acne, it still remains that tanning can increase skin sensitivity, thereby increasing acne outbreaks. There are short term benefits for those who suffer from acne, as the sun’s rays can help kill harmful bacteria that cause breakouts. However, these short term benefits do not last and can cause more damage than good. Tanning can result in the over-production of sebum, which, if not thoroughly cleansed, can considerably worsen acne by clogging up pores. Also, when a person is out to get a tan, there are low chances of sweat evaporating due to the enclosed nature of the tanning beds. This can result in the sweat seeping back into the open pores, and causing breakouts. Apart from this, in the case of those who are already on acne medication, topical or oral, as well as some oral contraceptives or antibiotics, tanning can increase photo sensitivity and cause increased acne breakouts as well as extensive skin damage. It is therefore suggested that those who suffer from acne keep themselves away from direct tanning or tanning salons.
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09
Apr
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Filed Under (Acne Faq) by admin on 09-04-2010
Carrot is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. All these nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Carrot juice also contains large amounts of beta carotene which is a potent antioxidant. It also helps speed up the healing process of the skin and maintains skin elasticity. Carrot juice can be used both internally and externally to improve skin health. Make some juice using 4 to 5 carrots. Drink this juice every day to make sure your body gets a good dose of vitamins and minerals. Many people have observed a reduction in acne outbreaks and acne scars after using carrot juice. You can also apply a paste of carrot juice and sea salt on your face. Leave the mixture on till it dries and wash away with warm water. Another remedy for acne scars involves dabbing on some pure carrot juice onto the area of your face that is affected by pimples and scars. A point to remember is that carrot juice is rich in sugars. Remains of these sugars can make it easy for bacteria to flourish on the skin. Therefore, if you feel that sugar can worsen your acne, it is best to avoid using carrot juice externally on your skin.
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09
Apr
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Filed Under (Acne Faq) by admin on 09-04-2010
Allergy to certain foods can trigger or worsen acne. This is because of the body’s immune response to these foods. When undigested or incompletely digested foods enter the blood stream, they trigger an immune system response. This occurs because the immune system treats these food particles as antigens. As a result, there is an inflammatory response and the cells and hormones of the immune system are triggered. This inflammatory response manifests itself on the skin and results in acne. If you notice that certain foods trigger your acne, chances are that you may be allergic to the food. Common foods which cause allergies are shell fish, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts. The problem with food allergies is that many times, the symptoms go unnoticed or unassociated with the particular food. Often the symptoms appear only after a day or so of eating the food. If you suspect that you have food allergies, it is best to get yourself tested. Your doctor may conduct an ELISA test to identify the levels of antibodies your body produces in response to different foods. If you are allergic to certain foods, take care to eliminate them from your diet. Otherwise, the skin care measures and anti acne medications that you take may not be very effective.
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09
Apr
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Filed Under (Acne Tips) by admin on 09-04-2010
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS are more prone to acne than women who do not have this condition. Hormonal imbalances seem to be the main reason for acne outbreaks in women with PCOS. Women who suffer from this condition have more of the male hormone testosterone. This hormone is acted upon by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts it to dihydrotestosteron
e (DHT). This form of testosterone stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Excess sebum can clog pores, causing the accumulation of dirt and bacteria. The result is inflammation and acne outbreaks. In some cases, acne may be very severe affecting areas like the back, chest in addition to the face. Another fact is that women with PCOS have higher levels of insulin resistance. This means that they cannot utilize sugars and insulin efficiently. Therefore, they have a high level of sugar and insulin in their blood stream. This can result in several hormonal imbalances. Therefore, foods like chocolates, fried foods tend to trigger acne in these women. Women with PCOS are advised to seek treatment to balance out their hormone levels. They should also stick to a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains. Limiting the intake of processed and sugary foods will also help treat the condition and maintain hormone balance.
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