Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Mar 10

A Quick Guide To Acne Treatment During Pregnancy

Acne during pregnancy is caused by an increase in
hormones. While you might be desperate to stop these
outbreaks, it is important that you consult a
professional before you use a chemical treatment for your
acne–even if you have previously prescribed medicine from
a dermatologist.

Certain drugs, such as Retin A, can have harmful side
effects on pregnant women, even if they can solve your
acne problems.

However, there are some safe acne treatments you can use
during pregnancy. The key to finding the right product
for you is to be patient and careful when you are
perusing your options at the local drug store.

One known and relatively safe acne treatment for pregnant
women is topical benzoyl peroxide lotion or gel. You can
purchase this without a doctor’s prescription.

Benzoyl peroxide will kill the bacteria that causes acne,
unclog pores, and heal pimples. It is also completely safe
to use, provided you use it in small portions at a time;
however, you should double check the product you selected
to see if it contains any other chemicals that might be
harmful to your baby.

Your best bet is to find out which benzoyl peroxide
treatments your family physician approves for you during
pregnancy. She will let you know what treatment is safest
and best for you.

If you can’t find anything that is completely safe, you may
be better of waiting it out. Afterall, your baby should be
your first consideration–and your complexion a distant
second.

After you have the baby, you will want to reassess your
acne situation. For some women, pregnancy-related acne will
go away after birth. For others, it will last years if not
treated. If you are one of these women, you should consult
a dermatologist for the best solution.

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Mar 7

Acne Scars

Most people with mild or moderate acne will recover from the condition without serious scarring. In cases of severe acne, however, scarring is almost inevitable. But don’t give up hope — new acne treatments can minimize scarring and existing scars can be removed with a variety of techniques.

Most pimples leave behind a discolored patch of skin. This is not really a scar and will usually clear up by itself within one year. Marks or skin defects that remain longer than one year are considered to be scars and can be treated.

Preventing Scars

Acne scars can be prevented through a program of active treatment and self-control. One of the worst things you can do to pimples is to pick them. Some people try to squeeze or remove blackheads or whiteheads but this is the worst thing that you can do. Not only will the bacteria which causes acne spread, the skin can be damaged which leads to permanent scarring.

Mild cases of acne can usually be self treated with over-the-counter medications but more severe cases should be treated by a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe oral medications as well as topical ointments for use on the skin. In some cases, the doctor will also physically remove blackheads or whiteheads and lance and drain pus filled nodules. The dermatologist uses surgical instruments which have been sterilized, so these procedures should never be attempted at home.

Pimples form on the skin because of the presence of bacteria. The bacteria damages and inflames the skin. Once the acne has cleared up, the skin may appear discolored — this is part of the natural healing process, and the discolorment will disappear after a period of time.

This healing process can be sped up with the use of medications like Retin-A, Renova, and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids. Sunshine can damage the skin and thereby delay the healing process, so sunscreens should always be worn outside.

Above all, avoid picking scabs that may form over old acne lesions. Scabs are a necessary part of the healing process and picking them off unnecessarily exposes the skin which extends the time necessary for scars to heal.

Treating Scars

Existing scars left over from acne can be treated in a number of ways. If scars are not too severe, a chemical peel can be applied to the skin. This effectively removes the microscopic top layer of the skin allowing the cells underneath to rejuvenate.

More severe scarring can be treated with lasers or dermabrasion. Lasers remove the damaged layer of skin and tighten the skin underneath to raise the depression caused by the scar. The process can be mildly painful so the dermatologist may use an anesthetic to numb the pain. The healing process after laser treatment takes about 3 to 10 days.

Dermabrasion removes scars by actually scraping away the surface of the skin where the scarring occurs. During the healing process a new layer of skin is formed to replace the scarring. Both dermabrasion and laser treatments can cause the skin to turn red, but this discolorment will disappear after several months.

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Mar 4

Acne and Skin Care

Skin care is important at any time of life but especially so if you have acne. One of the secrets for keeping acne under control is maintaining the health of the skin as much as possible. This means keeping the skin clean and protecting it from sources of damage like sunshine and harsh cosmetics.

Cleaning the Skin

Use a gentle soap or specialized skin cleaner for washing the face once or twice a day. It is important not to scrub the skin as this will further aggravate the acne. Just use a soft cloth to moisten the face and then apply the cleanser to all areas from the hairline to the neck. Rinse the cleanser with plenty of water and pat your face drive with a soft towel.

Those with especially oily skin may need to use an astringent, but it must be used with care. Only apply it to the parts of the face which are most oily and discontinue use if your skin becomes irritated. It is best to consult with a dermatologist if you feel you need to use an astringent.

Hair care is also an important part of skin care. Shampoo your hair two or three times a week and try to keep it off your face as much as possible. Those with oily hair may need to wash their hair once a day.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

A suntan may dry out the skin and make your acne less noticeable but this is only temporary. As your skin becomes accustomed to sun exposure the acne will flare up once again, and in the meantime you are also risking skin damage that may cause it to age prematurely or even cause skin cancer. Many of the medications used to treat acne cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunshine and more vulnerable to burning. It is always best to wear a sunscreen when outdoors.

Choose Makeup with Care

The best choice for good skin care is to wear no makeup at all, but if you feel you must wear makeup choose some that will not clog the pores. These products are labeled noncomedogenic, but they may still cause acne in some people. Above all, avoid makeup with an oil base. Read the labels carefully and use sparingly.

Shaving

Try both electric razors and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. Don’t use safety razors with dull blades — change the blade every two or three shaves. You may have to shave around blemishes to avoid cutting them, and be sure to soften the beard as much as possible with water and shaving cream. If you happen have a lot of breakouts perhaps it is best to skip shaving that day.

Avoid Touching the Skin

As tempting as it may be too squeeze and pop those pimples, don’t do it! You are only inviting more trouble because the bacteria which causes pimples will spread. Popping pimples can also lead to permanent scarring.

Try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. Many people do this unconsciously, but the hands are dirty and oily and can spread germs over greater areas of your skin.

Acne can be brought under control. Medications are a great help in clearing up the skin and combating the bacteria which causes acne, but be sure to help it along as much as possible by taking good care of your skin.

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Mar 1

Acne Treatments Part?4?? Seeing a Dermatologist

Even though mild acne isn’t a serious condition it is a good idea to see a dermatologist if your skin breaks out. You can receive valuable information about the cause of acne as well as learning about the options for treatment. In addition, there is a condition called keratosis pilaris that is sometimes confused with acne, so seeing a dermatologist can determine which condition you actually have so that you are not wasting time with inappropriate treatments.

Mild conditions of acne can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications but more severe cases need the attention of a doctor. Acne can cause physical as well as emotional suffering and can lead to permanent scarring if not properly treated. When acne is not responding to over-the-counter medications you should consult with a dermatologist for treatment.

It is a good idea to prepare for your first consultation by writing down as much information about your acne as possible. The doctor will want to know the background — how long you have had acne, what form it takes (blackheads, whiteheads, lesions etc.) and what you have done to treat it. You may also be asked if your parents or siblings had acne and how severe it was for them.

Since the acne treatment may include oral medications you should be prepared to tell the doctor if you are allergic to certain medicines. Girls may be asked to describe their menstrual period and boys may need to say how often they shave.

The dermatologist may offer a choice of treatments so knowing a bit about the various options can help you make an informed decision. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Antibiotics can be given orally or in a lotion that is applied to the skin. Severe cases may require the use of both forms.

Topical treatments include benzoyl peroxide and retinoic acid. These are usually prescribed in gel form and may cause dryness or reddening of the skin.

In severe cases of acne physical treatments may be recommended. These include the removal of blackheads and whiteheads and the drainage of cysts.

No matter which form of treatment you decide on it is important to follow directions given by the doctor. Don’t take more or less of a medication than prescribed. If your acne clears up, continue treatment until advised otherwise, otherwise it may come back.

Always be informed about your condition and get the information you require. Write down questions as you think of them so that you can ask your doctor at your next consultation. Common questions include:

? What kind of treatment is best for me?
? How soon will I start to see results?
? How long will the treatment last?
? Are there any side effects?
? How should I care for my skin?
? Can I use makeup?
? How can I prevent acne scars?

Treatment for severe acne may continue for some time. Each time you see your doctor take the opportunity to clear up any questions or concerns you have about acne or your treatment. Try to become as well-informed as possible so that you can participate fully in your acne treatment.

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Feb 26

Acne Treatment Part One — Over-the-Counter Topical Medications

There are many types of over-the-counter treatments for acne. Most people, when first faced with an acne condition, usually go to the local pharmacy and buy an over-the-counter medication on the basis of recommendations from their friends or perhaps even television ads. It’s always a good idea, however, to consult with a doctor before using any kind of over-the-counter medication. Even though acne is a fairly benign condition, a doctor can advise on the best course of treatment and also offers suggestions based on your particular kind of acne.

Because of the large number of products available for treating acne, it can be difficult to decide which one to try. Depending on advice from your friends is not too reliable, because what works for one person may not work for another. It’s best if you have some background knowledge about the active ingredients in various acne medications, so you can make a better informed choice about which medication to try.

One of the most popular ingredients in acne treatments is benzoyl peroxide. It is found in gels and ointments and works by combating the bacteria which causes pimples. It is also useful for removing dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin. It is these dead skin cells which combine with sebum to create blackheads and whiteheads.

Benzoyl peroxide has been proven to be safe and effective in combating lesions. It can be used after acne has cleared up to keep the skin free from acne causing bacteria. The only side effect associated with this ingredient is dry skin, and this can be avoided by decreasing the frequency that it is applied on the skin. It can also bleach hair and clothing, so care must be taken when applying it.

Another popular ingredient in acne medications is salicylic acid. This prevents acne by clearing up dead skin cells which are accumulating too quickly and clogging the pores. Products which contain salicylic acid should continue to be used after the skin has cleared up to prevent future outbreaks of acne. The only side effects associated with salicylic acid are dry, irritated skin.

Other ingredients you may see in acne medications include resorcinol and sulphur. Resorcinol causes the top layer of skin to peel — including the dead skin cells which clog the pores. It is often combined with sulphur. It is not known how sulphur affects acne conditions, but it has been used effectively for more than 50 years. Sulphur is often combined with other ingredients besides resorcinol like salicylate acid and benzoyl peroxide. It is not usually used by itself because of its strong, unpleasant odor.

Of all these ingredients used for combating acne, benzoyl peroxide is probably the most versatile. It can be used in cleansing liquids or bars, as well as lotion, cream, and gels which are applied directly on the skin. The cleansing products are usually used once or twice a day, while the creams and lotions can be used as needed. They should be applied on the skin around the acne as well as the pimples themselves for most effectiveness. You must avoid getting benzoyl peroxide in the eyes, mouth or nose as it will cause irritation or inflammation.

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Feb 23

Acne Treatments Part 3 — Physical Treatments

Mild acne conditions are usually best treated by topical ointments. More severe cases may be treated in a variety of ways including oral antibiotics, ointments, and physical treatments such as chemical peels and drainage.

Physical treatments must be conducted by a dermatologist. Although popping pimples is a form of physical treatment, it is ill-advised. It can cause acne-causing bacteria to spread and may lead to scarring. Physical treatments done under controlled conditions (i.e. in a doctor’s office) minimize risk while providing the best outcome.

Exfoliation

The top layer of skin can be removed either chemically or with abrasion. Chemical peels are usually done with salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These work by destroying a microscopic layer of skin cells to unclog pores and remove the build-up of dead cells. The same effect can be achieved by using an abrasive cloth or liquid scrub. Glycolic acid treatments can be done every two to four weeks over a period of about six months, but salicylic acid treatments are milder and are often included in over-the-counter medications. They can be used on a daily basis.

Comedo Extraction

Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) can be removed by a dermatologist using sterile instruments. An anesthetic cream is used in the immediate area and then the comedones are extracted using a pen-like instrument which opens the top to allow removal of the plugged skin cells and sebum. The procedure is usually followed by an application of antibiotic cream. It is important not to try this at home — squeezing or picking at pimples can lead to infection and permanent scarring.

Drainage

Severe acne can sometimes cause cysts to form under the skin. These cysts can be painful and disfiguring. Smaller cysts can be treated with cortisone injections which flatten the lesion in a day or two. Larger cysts may need to be drained and surgically removed. Drainage can help relieve the pain associated with cysts and also reduce the chance of scarring. It is performed in the dermatologist’s office with sterile instruments. It is important not to try to drain cysts by yourself because of the risk of infection which could lead to permanent scarring.

Light Therapy

Light therapy is sometimes used to combat the acnes bacteria that cause acne. It is particularly useful in treating hard-to-reach areas but may have a short-term effect because it does not do anything about the production of sebum or the accumulation of dead skin cells.

Laser therapy is useful for treating the scars caused by acne. It can be used for both surface-level scarring as well as deep tissue scarring caused by serious acne conditions. Research is currently being conducted on the use of lasers for acne treatment. Several approaches are being examined ? burning away the follicle sac which produces the hair; burning away the gland which produces sebum; and forming oxygen in the bacteria to kill them. It is not yet known if laser acne treatment can cause permanent damage to the skin.

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Feb 20

Acne Treatments Part Two — Prescription Medication

Many people try to treat acne conditions on their own without consulting a doctor. However, it is always a good idea to check with a dermatologist when you notice any kind of unusual skin condition. Even if it turns out to be acne, the doctor can give you valuable information and advice about how to treat it.

Mild and moderate conditions of acne can often be treated with over-the-counter medications, but severe cases should be treated by a dermatologist and prescription medicine. Even if the acne is moderate, a prescription medicine may be more effective than what is available over-the-counter.

There are two types of prescription acne medications — oral and topical. Antibiotics are often used to fight acne, and they can be taken orally or as a lotion. Topical prescription medications may include ingredients such as zinc or retinoids.

Antibiotics — The most common antibiotic used for treating acne is tetracycline. It is used to kill the bacteria responsible for acne and also reduces inflammation. Antibiotic treatment may take several weeks or even months to be effective and must continue even after the acne has cleared up. A common side effect associated with tetracycline is increased sensitivity to sun light resulting in bad sunburns if the patient stays in the sun too long. Other side effects include upset stomach, dizziness, and hives.

Women taking tetracycline can suffer from increased incidences of vaginal yeast. Pregnant women and children under the age of 12 cannot take tetracycline because it discolours growing teeth.

Ointments — Antibiotic ointments have fewer complications than oral antibiotics. They are effective in killing bacteria which cause acne, and when used in conjunction with other topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide the bacteria may not develop resistance to the antibiotics.

Retinoids — Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and can be applied directly on the skin in the form of lotions or creams. Topical retinoid medications are useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads by helping to open clogged pores. A common side effect of topical retinoids is dry skin.

Oral retinoids can be used for more severe forms of acne which don’t respond to other treatments. Oral retinoids cause the upper layer of the skin to peel thereby opening pores. They also cause the body to produce less sebum ? the substance which causes oily skin.

A number of serious side effects are associated with oral retinoids. They can cause birth defects if mothers are taking them when pregnant, so females must use two forms of birth control if they are under retinoid treatment. They can also cause liver damage and depression, so regular medical attention is needed to make sure the patient is not being adversely affected by retinoid treatment.

Other medications ? Birth control pills are sometimes effective in treating acne in women. They change hormone levels in the body and can reduce the acne causing effects of testosterone. Zinc is a relatively new treatment that is effective in some cases. Always discuss with your dermatologist for the most effective treatment for your particular case.

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Feb 17

Types of Acne

There are many forms of acne. It ranges from mild to severe and can be found on various parts of the body. Mild acne can usually be self treated, but severe cases are best left to health professionals like dermatologists.

The most common type of acne is Acne Vulgaris which literally means ‘common acne.’ This type of acne can cause blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.

Blackheads – Blackheads occur in partially blocked pores. Sebum (the substance which causes oily skin), dead cells, and bacteria are slowly draining to the surface of the skin and the black color is caused by the pigments in the skin being exposed to air. Blackheads can take a long time to clear up.

Whiteheads – Unlike blackheads, whiteheads are contained beneath the surface of the skin. They are caused by completely blocked pores which trap the sebum, dead cells, and bacteria.

Papules – These are small red bumps on the skin. They are tender and cause irritation, but it is important not to touch them or squeeze them. Doing so may cause scarring.

Pustules – Pustules are what most people call pimples or zits. They appear as a red circle with a white or yellow center.

Nodules – These are much larger than other forms of acne. They are hard lumps underneath the surface of the skin which can be painful and last for several months. This type of acne is particularly vulnerable to scarring, so it is advisable to have it treated by a dermatologist.

Cysts – Cysts are similar to nodules except that they are filled with pus. They are painful and likely to scar if untreated. Like nodules, they should be treated by a dermatologist.

Acne Conglobata – This is a relatively rare form of acne vulgaris but it is extremely disfiguring and can cause severe psychological as well as physical suffering. Large lesions form on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs and can be accompanied by numerous blackheads. It causes damage to the skin and permanent scarring. It is more common in males than females, and the condition can persist for several years.

Acne Fulminans – This is a sudden appearance of Acne Conglobata accompanied with a fever and aching of the joints. It is usually treated with oral steroids.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis – This condition may be caused by long-term treatment of acne with antibiotics. It is a bacterial infection which causes pustules and cysts.

Pyoderma Faciale – This type of acne only affects females usually between the ages of 20 and 40. It causes large painful pustules, nodules and cysts on the face and may leave permanent scarring. It most often occurs in women who have never experienced acne before and usually clears up within a year.

Acne Rosacea – This form of acne usually affects people over the age of 30. It causes a red rash on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. There may also be pimples and other skin blemishes. It occurs more often in females than males, although men often have more severe symptoms. It is a different form of acne than Acne Vulgaris and treatment is different for the two types.

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Feb 14

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.

The most common area for pimples to appear is the so-called ‘T zone’ of the face. This includes the forehead, the nose, and the chin, although acne may also appear on the cheeks and other parts of the face. The second most common area for acne is the back, followed by the neck, the chest, and the shoulders.

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 Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Feb 11

What To Consider When Choosing Acne Treatment Products

Acne can make life hard. There is no one simple solution
as to how to get rid of acne. It is mainly a case of trial
and error. However, there are steps you can take to ensure
that your acne does not get out of control to the point
where it hinders your social life.

Acne treatment products are available and they can help you
in your plight, as long as you are willing to do your part
of the work. The best thing you can do is to get the acne
under control. A simple yet effective way of getting acne
under control is with proper acne treatment.

You first step should be to find out what type of skin you
have. Normally, acne sufferers have oily skin, but that can
vary in many degrees. You could have extremely oily,
slightly oily and so forth.

Also, when determining what type of skin you have, you
should also remember that skin on the face can be oily
in certain places only. You could have an oily forehead,
an oily T-zone, or something different altogether.

You also need to also need to factor in your skin’s
sensitivity. All these things will have an effect on the
type of acne treatment products you choose. If you know
that you’re prone to allergic reaction, then you may want
to consider purchasing products that are made out of
natural ingredients, as opposed to chemical treatments.

This is not only limited to acne sufferers with allergic
reactions.

The best thing you can get for your acne treatment is use
products that will kill bacteria and unclog pores while
maintaining your skin’s pH, so you can avoid getting dry,
irritated skin.

Always try to avoid products that have been reported to
have too many side effects. That means you have to
research the product’s history to determine how you can
give your skin the best possible treatment.