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June 21, 2006
Blackheads
Let's face it, most of us get zits. It's not some "exclusive to teens" skin problem that just up and leaves town when you finally reach the age of twenty. This irksome burden sticks around as long as you let it. That's right; I said let it. Who says that pimples get to rule our lives and destroy our confidence? These days we have access to plenty of treatments and remedies that have the ability to obliterate this self-esteem breaking affliction. Aren't you ready to squelch those nasty blemishes into oblivion? Oh, I almost forgot; what about blackheads? Well, these little buggers may be a tad trickier.
Do you know what blackheads are? Well, for those of you who don't have a clue, let me bring you in on the mystery known as blackheads. These basically consist of dirt and oil that is oxidized by the air, hence transforming it into that yucky, stiff substance that's difficult to get rid of. We've all seen this subtle form of acne. In fact, it usually dominates your nose. How many blackheads are covering your nose as you read this?
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Well, there fortunately are ways to remove blackheads. First of all, you may want to avoid clawing at your nose in a desperate attempt to squeeze them all out. This procedure often causes irritation, which can create more blackheads.
One way to remove blackheads involves a warm washcloth and a Biore strip. First you apply the warm wash cloth to open your pores. Leave it on for five minutes, and then slap on a Biore strip. After 15 minutes of drying, the Biore strip should pull a good 50% of those blackheads right out. However, make sure that you use proper caution. Those nose strips can be rather powerful.
In addition, you can also resort to a quality blackhead remover. This is a nifty little precision tool that can gently press the blackheads from the nose and face. For more information regarding acne and blackheads, you may want to hop online.
Posted by KeyWest at 08:21 AM | Comments (0)
June 16, 2006
Acne And Chocolate Movie
Think chocolate causes acne? Think again. It's actually GOOD for you!
Watch the Acne And Chocolate Movie...
Here's your answer about Acne And Chocolate!
Whether or not a person's diet affects the presence or absence of acne is one of life's greatest debates. There are as many people who claim a relationship exists between acne and diet as there are those who swear no such relationship exists. So which way of thinking is right? Will you really break out if you eat too much chocolate or too many greasy, high-fat foods?
Posted by KeyWest at 03:34 PM | Comments (0)
June 07, 2006
Treating Acne with Laser or Surgery
The majority of people with a mild case of acne can treat it effectively by keeping the area clean and applying a topical product that contains benzoyl peroxide to help clear up the blemishes. Those with persistent acne or more severe acne often seek alternative treatment methods. A dermatologist can help discuss the different treatments currently available including treating acne with laser therapy or acne surgery.
If treating your acne with laser therapy or surgery is something you're considering, it's important to fully evaluate each of the processes, including the number of required treatments, the associated costs and the potential side effects of the treatment. It's also important that you select a process that is designed to deal with reducing the presence of acne - not acne scarring. It does get confusing.
Using Laser to Treat Acne
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There is considerable debate surrounding the effectiveness of laser treatments for acne. It has been shown to be effective at improving the skin's appearance, even after just one treatment. As with most of the available acne treatments, there are side effects. Some patients do experience red, burned skin after treatment that can last for weeks. The appearance of the skin can be uneven if the laser is applied inconsistently. Also, individuals with dark-colored skin can end up with skin discoloration after laser treatments.
Acne Surgery
Acne surgery involves making an incision into the affected area and draining the clogged matter. The process for blackheads and whiteheads doesn't actually involve surgery, but is often performed by a nurse, esthetician or dermatologist. They'll use a small, pointed blade to first open the comedone and then gently work the material out using a comedone extractor.
Severe acne cysts can be drained and removed by a procedure known as excisional surgery. This process is much more involved than that which is described above or even the at-home method of 'popping zits'. The procedure needs to be performed in a sterile environment using sterilized instruments to reduce the risk of spreading bacterial infection and should only be performed by a person with proper training. If deep acne cysts are not carefully extracted, they can develop into a serious infection and result in severe acne scarring. Because of the increased likelihood for acne surgery to produce acne scarring, this acne treatment method isn't as popular as it used to be.
Posted by KeyWest at 01:17 AM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2006
What Is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition which most often appears during the teenage years. Commonly known as pimples, acne usually appears on the face but can also happen on other parts of the body such as the back, the shoulders, neck and chest. Even though most teenagers experience acne at some point, it is a condition which can also affect adults. Acne is universal -- it affects males and females almost equally and occurs in every race.
The proper name for acne is Acne Vulgaris. It is characterized by lesions which break out on the skin. The lesions can be whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts which form because of clogged pores. It is most commonly seen during puberty because it is at this time that the body produces an abundant supply of an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is needed to keep the hair and a skin soft and lubricated, but during puberty, the body produces more sebum than is needed. The excess can clog pores and leave the skin feeling oily.
Another change that occurs during puberty is the excess production of follicle cells. The dying cells can quickly build up and combine together with sebum to form whiteheads. This mixture of oil and dead cells creates a breeding ground for bacteria which results in redness and swelling in the afflicted area that are known as pimples.
Acne is an extremely common condition which affects about 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24. One quarter of these people have acne on other parts of the body besides the face -- most commonly the back and neck areas. 40% of acne sufferers seek medical attention because of the severity of their breakouts.
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By the time they are in their 20s, most people's acne has cleared up. However, it may still persist throughout the adult years in some people. Some people even experience acne for the first time when they are adults. Slightly more boys than girls suffer from the condition.
Acne can be a problem for many people because it affects appearance and self image. Since teenagers are particularly vulnerable concerning their self-image, acne can cause feelings of depression and reduced self-confidence. It may cause some to withdraw from social interactions and cause feelings of anger and frustration.
Thankfully, there are many modern treatments for acne. The first line of defence is keeping the skin clean and oil free. This can be done by gentle washing with soap and water twice a day, particularly after activities which cause perspiration. There are also a wide variety of medical treatments available for acne, both prescribed and over-the-counter.
Severe acne conditions can be treated by a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe ointments which are used directly on the skin as well as drugs like antibiotics which combat the bacteria which causes pimples. A dermatologist can also give valuable advice about diet and lifestyle changes which may help in combating acne.
Posted by KeyWest at 11:51 PM | Comments (0)
June 05, 2006
Genital Acne?
What is commonly referred to as genital acne is actually a medical condition known as Hidradenitis Suppurativa. The visible appearance of this other condition resembles acne which is probably why the confusion between the two conditions exists.
What's different?
Unlike acne, which involves the sebaceous glands, Hidradenitis Suppurativa involves a different set of glands – the apocrine glands. Apocrine glands are located in the groin area and under the arms and the nipples and these glands can also become blocked. Perspiration is the culprit, much like it is with acne, but something else that can happen to the apocrine glands is that they sometimes do not develop completely. When materials become trapped inside these glands and cannot get outside the body they end up being forced out into the tissues that surround the blocked glands. The end result is a painful infection and inflammation surrounding the area of infection that sometimes causes lesions to appear on the surface of the skin.
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When to See a Doctor
If the problem persists and especially if the lesions are present on the genital organs, it's probably time to see a doctor. Unfortunately, genital acne (or Hidradenitis Suppurativa) is sometimes something more serious. The lesions can actually be a symptom of a sexually-transmitted disease such as genital herpes or warts and have nothing at all to do with blocked glands. Yes, this visit will likely be uncomfortable and even embarrassing, but it's absolutely necessary to get the right diagnosis. That's the only way you'll be able to make this bad situation better.
When the diagnosis is Hidradenitis Suppurativa, it's easier to treat if it's a mild case. If so, then switch to wearing clothing that doesn't fit quite so snugly. And just as with acne, you'll want to keep the affected areas free of bacteria so cleanse with an antiseptic, or hydrogen or benzoyl peroxide solution. If the lesions have a discharge or are painful, they might have an infection that requires antibiotics. Extreme lesions may even need to be sliced open and drained, but this is only recommended for very severe situations.
When this medical situation is under control, making a few simple changes to your cleansing routine will help keep this often painful condition from reemerging. As with any type of acne, gentle exfoliation is the key to keeping bacteria under control. The exfoliating process helps to remove dead cells so that they don't become a problem. Be sure to use a mild cleanser and to rub gently so the skin doesn't become irritated.
Posted by KeyWest at 02:10 AM | Comments (0)
June 04, 2006
Back Acne
Back acne – you might not see it, but if you have it, you'll certainly feel it. And although not everyone will get acne on their backs, this condition is common enough to have earned the nickname, 'bacne'. Sounds funny but it isn't really. The back area is home to thousands of sebaceous glands and each one is busy producing a lot of oil. Tight-fitting clothing and clothing made from fabrics that don't allow the skin to breathe are two of the biggest instigators of back acne. Even wearing a backpack has been attributed to triggering bouts of back acne.
These types of clothing and accessories trap the oil that's being constantly produced by the sebaceous glands on the back. And just like the acne that appears on other parts of the body, when the sebaceous gland gets clogged, dead skin cells become trapped inside the hair follicles and soon, bacteria is on its way, inflaming the tissues surrounding the affected areas and causing acne.
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Back Acne Treatments
The skin that covers the back is much thicker than the skin that covers the other parts of the body where acne is prone to appear. And because of this difference in skin thickness, the treatment regime for 'bacne' is going to be different.
It's still very important to keep the back clean and the best way is to bathe or shower frequently, especially after working out. Use a cleanser that contains salicylic or glycolic acid. If you've never used one before, now is the time to learn how to gently use a loofah so you can begin removing those dead skin cells (also known as exfoliating).
After washing and drying the skin, apply a topical product that contains benzoyl peroxide to the areas on the back that are affected by acne and be sure to allow the product to fully absorb into the skin (it can stain clothing). Also, it's important to only treat the areas that have acne, rather than slathering the product all over the back. You don't want the skin on your back to become excessively dry. If you dry out the skin, you'll have to moisturize and that could cause more acne. If you cannot reach the affected areas, have someone apply the product for you.
That's all you really need to treat back acne. Most people don't wash their backs as well as they should so changing this bad habit will produce almost immediate results. Of course if your back acne is severe, you should consult with a dermatologist.
Posted by KeyWest at 01:12 AM | Comments (0)
June 03, 2006
Scalp Acne
Just about everyone knows what acne is and that it commonly breaks out on the face, chest, arms and on the back. Acne also appears on other parts of the body as well, but unless you're someone with acne in one of these 'other' areas, you may not have realized this.
If you think about what acne is – a skin condition – it makes sense then that acne can appear almost anywhere on the body. One area in particular that is not often associated with acne is the scalp.
Scalp acne, the mildest form of which is also known as scalp folliculitis, probably occurs more frequently than most people realize. This form of acne is most often triggered during times of high stress. This irritating scalp condition usually develops whenever the scalp becomes oilier than usual, such as when the hair isn't washed frequently or when hair care products that contain a considerable amount of oil are used.
Scalp acne is very itchy and that makes it difficult for those who have it to leave it alone. In its mildest form, the pustules are small, crusty, and they're sore. They appear mainly on the upper forehead at the hairline. A person can have just a few pustules or there can be many.
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Treatment for Scalp Acne
The mild form of scalp acne can be treated the way most other acne is treated. Keep the affected area clean by using a product that contains salicylic acid. Remember though that these products can cause excessive dryness so use only on affected areas. For better control, apply using a cotton ball.
Since oily hair is a contributing factor to scalp acne, using shampoo that is formulated for oily hair and scalp is another good option. Hair care products designed especially to treat seborrhea have also been used successfully. And since many people use more than just shampoo on their hair, it's a good idea to check the labels on all hair care products and make changes as necessary.
Never attempt to treat the more severe forms of scalp acne without first speaking to a doctor or a dermatologist.
One thing that should not be used to treat scalp acne is any product that contains benzoyl peroxide. The peroxide, when it comes into contact with hair, can change the color of the hair and result in a less-than-desirable look. Those who have chemically-textured their hair (for example those with perms) or color-treated their hair are most prone to hair trouble when benzoyl peroxide comes into contact with hair.
Posted by KeyWest at 01:14 AM | Comments (0)
June 02, 2006
What Causes Acne?
Acne is not fully understood, but we do know some of the biology behind it. The main culprit is the excess production of an oily substance called sebum whose function is to keep skin and hair lubricated and supple. During adolescence, the body often produces excess amounts of sebum. The sebum combines with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block hair follicles which prevents the sebum from escaping.
The resulting block up of oil beneath the surface of the skin provides an ideal environment for bacteria. The bacteria multiply and the skin area becomes red and inflamed resulting in what is commonly called a pimple.
The excess production of sebum is caused by the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone is present in both males and females, but during puberty, the body changes the way it reacts to the presence of testosterone. It is this abnormal reaction, characteristically appearing during adolescence, that causes the skin (especially on the face and upper torso) to become excessively oily. By the early 20s, the body usually normalizes its reaction to testosterone and acne clears up.
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Medications that are associated with acne include anabolic steroids used for bodybuilding, lithium, barbiturates, halogens, and androgens. Dietary links seem to be mostly related to skim milk products. Many people associate food like chocolate and fast food with pimples, but there is no statistical evidence that this type of food causes or aggravates acne.
Recently, scientific attention has been focusing on the possibility that narrowing hair follicles could be at least partially to blame for acne. The hair follicles may become restricted due to several possible causes including excessive shedding of cells within the follicle, abnormal cell binding, or water retention which causes the skin to swell. The narrower hair follicles prevent dead cells from being expelled from the body, causing an excessive buildup underneath the skin, which combined with sebum creates the conditions for acne.
Many people are tempted to pop or squeeze their pimples, but this may only serve to spread the bacteria to the surrounding skin area making the condition even worse than before. Popping pimples may also lead to scarring which in severe cases can be permanent.
Simply touching the face can also make acne become worse. It is a difficult habit to overcome -- most of us touch our faces repeatedly throughout the day. The problem for acne sufferers is that the hands also contain oils and bacteria which will exacerbate acne symptoms. In fact, all objects that come into contact with the face must be clean. This includes eyeglasses and telephone handsets.
Hair (especially long hair) also comes into contact with our faces so it is important to keep hair clean and oil free. Clothing accessories like headbands or hats should be avoided or used as little as possible.
Posted by KeyWest at 03:23 AM | Comments (0)
June 01, 2006
Acne Myths
Scientific knowledge about acne is gradually clearing up some of the misconceptions surrounding this condition, but there are many myths that persist. Here are some common acne myths.
Myth #1 - Acne is caused by poor hygiene. This belief may have arisen because of the skin infections associated with acne. However, lack of cleanliness is not the reason for outbreaks of acne. The mixture of sebum and dead cells which cause acne is situated beneath the surface of the skin where it is impossible to clean it away. However, gentle cleansing with soap and water once or twice a day will keep the skin as healthy as possible. Be careful not to scrub too hard, however, as this may make acne worse.
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Even though chocolate and french fries do not cause acne, there are some foods which do seem to aggravate it. There seems to be a relationship between milk and acne, and foods high in iodine also seem to cause pimples. Iodine is found in seafood, so those with acne may be advised not to eat too much seafood.
Myth #3 - Acne is related to sex. At various times we heard that masturbation or celibacy causes pimples. There is no evidence for this. There is a link between sexual activity and hormone production, however, but the relationship between sex and the production of sebum (the oily substance which combines with dead skin cells to cause acne) is unclear. Anger and stress also affect hormone levels.
Myth #4 - Acne has to run its course. There are many treatments available for acne, so those who are suffering from the discomfort and embarrassment that acne causes can find relief by consulting with a dermatologist or using over-the-counter medicine.
Myth #5 - Acne is only a teenage condition. It is true that most adolescents have acne, but it also affects some adults. Acne will usually clear up by time one enters their early 20s, but some people experience acne for the first time when they are in their 30s or 40s.
Myth #6 - Acne only affects appearance. Acne is a skin condition which can also cause psychological distress. Those with severe acne are especially vulnerable to feelings of depression and low self-image. There is a strong link between severe acne conditions and social withdrawal.
Myth #7 - Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them. In fact, popping pimples may aggravate acne by spreading the bacteria which is causing it. Popping can also lead to scarring which in severe cases can be permanent.
Myth #8 - Sunbathing is good for acne. Exposure to the sun has the effect of drying out excess oils, so it does in fact have a short-term effect of improving acne. However, the skin quickly becomes accustomed to sun exposure so no long-term benefit is gained. Sun exposure may also damage the skin and increase the chance of skin cancer.
Myth #9 - Makeup causes acne. Some makeup can clog the pores which is bad for the health of the skin. Cosmetics labelled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" are safe to use and some brands may include ingredients which can treat acne.
Myth #10 - The more acne medicine the better. Some people believe that if their acne gets worse they should use more medicine. Excess use of acne ointments, however, may irritate the skin, and oral medicines can be dangerous when taken in large quantities. Always follow the directions for the acne medications.
Posted by KeyWest at 08:26 PM | Comments (0)
