Oct 16

Nodular Acne: A condition that requires the right treatment

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Acne is considered to be a skin disorder which is definitely a known fact by almost every individual as about 90% of them must have suffered with some kind of acne at some point of time in their lives. It could sometimes be mild and sometimes severe, the acne could also appear in the forms of blackheads, whiteheads and acne which is milder while as appear as pustules or cysts being the more severe form of acne. The nodular acne is recognized by the blocked glands of oil which are the reason for producing inflamed tissue and skin.

Unlike any simple whiteheads or pimples, the nodules are denser; they are dome like lesions which might also be very irregular on the skin. This particular acne is swollen, red and affects not just the skin that appears around it but also many deep layers. When this is not checked by a certified dermatologist who can give you solutions it could become extremely destructive and leave behind ugly looking scars.
There are times when nodules appear with cysts. When this situation occurs this particular condition is known as nodylocystic acne. This particular nodular acne is not just painful but extremely unsightly.

Treating nodular acne

Those individuals who happen to suffer from this terrible form of acne known as nodular acne must stay away from any self treatment or self medication. It is very important to look for some advice from a dermatologist so that the condition is diagnosed properly and treatment is given accordingly. One of the best ways to treat this terrible acne problem would be to immediate address it in its very early stages itself. This helps a lot with any further scarring or infection. Antibiotics are also prescribed to help with this infection or prevent from any breakouts in the future. Using antibiotics could also reduce the inflammations and reduce the skin swelling.

If at all the patient does not tend to respond to the given treatment or even if the improvement is very slow it is possible for the doctor to prescribe a retinoid which is known as isotretonoin. This is considered to be an oral form of medication which is normally supposed to be taken about twice in a day, this treatment course could last anywhere between fifteen to twenty weeks. This medicine does address the problem by reducing the sebum production as well as reducing the oil that is produced thereby preventing the clogged pores.

Although isotretinoin is considered very effective it may also have a few side effects. It is not suggested that pregnant woman take it since it is known to cause some birth defects. It does have a few contraindications like skin or mouth dryness, itching, muscle pain; nose bleeding etc. this definitely does explain why many doctors tend to monitor the patients quiet closely while prescribing this drug

Hormonal treatments

A very effective form of treating the nodular acne which most of the women tend to adopt is the hormonal therapy which is given as estrogen contraceptive pills. These pills help in reducing the sebum production.

Some other effective treatments for nodular acne

Any doctor will also be able to get rid of the excess sebum or dead cells of the skin with the help of sterile equipments. For any big lesions a cortisone injection could be used. It tends to work directly on the spot that is affected thereby reducing the swelling or any pain associated. While treating the condition of nodular acne you cannot be impatient at any cost. The nodular acne may take some time to get better since the infection is normally found deep in the skin. You need to meet with your doctor on a regular basis and see if there is any improvement with the treatment.

Treating the scars of nodular acne

When the scars are occurred, you could opt between laser therapy and surgery. This does help to reduce the scars or any bumps present. Sometimes there is also a requirement of dermabrasion to be done along with laser treatment in severe cases as the scarring is normally depressed and deep.

Living with this form of acne

If you have suffered from this form of acne and you want to go in for treatment you should ensure to follow the right treatment from a good doctor especially if you have to consume antibiotics. A full course treatment is very important if you want the therapy and medications to work for the best on this problem. You have to also adopt a good diet or make the right kind of changes to your habits or lifestyle.
The main cause of such acne is not known which does make a cure permanently unlikely. This does not mean that those people who suffer from this problem must be limited on the social, mental or physical front.

Oct 16

Acne Vulgaris Overview: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

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Whether it is mild, moderate or severe, the majority of people have experienced some form of acne vulgaris over the course of their lives. Acne vulgaris is the term that defines the acne that typically occurs when a person is a teenager, although many adults struggle with acne vulgaris as well. The following provides an overview of acne vulgaris, including common symptoms, causes, treatment options and preventative methods.

Symptoms

While most cases of acne vulgaris occur on the face, it can also develop on the chest, shoulders and back. Acne vulgaris appears in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules. These forms of acne vulgaris can range from mild to severe, with severe cases causing scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Whiteheads and blackheads are frequently referred to as comedones, and occur as a result of clogged hair follicles on the skin. Blackheads take the appearance of a small black plug that is noticeable on the surface of the skin, while whiteheads are raised, white bumps. When an individual has papules, their skin has many small red bumps. Pustules typically form after a papule, and are inflamed bumps that often contain pus at the opening.

Causes

There are many factors involved in the development of acne vulgaris. The abnormal shedding of skin cells, excessive oil production and the buildup of bacteria are the primary factors that are directly related to acne vulgaris. When the skin produces too much oil and skin cells are not shed normally, they clog hair follicles within the skin, which causes a plug to form. When this occurs, whiteheads or blackheads typically form on the skin.

After the opening of the pore becomes blocked, it creates a favorable environment for the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, which is the bacterium responsible for acne. The follicle begins to swell due to the buildup of bacteria, oil and dead skin cells. Once the follicle wall breaks open, bacteria, dead skin cells and sebum are then spread to other areas of the skin, causing the formation of acne vulgaris.

Hormonal changes and a family history are other causal factors in the development of acne vulgaris. Androgen hormones, which stimulate the production of oil, can cause acne through an overproduction of oil. Since teenagers are experiencing hormonal changes as a result of puberty, they are more prone to developing acne since their skin is producing more oil due to an increase in androgens. It is also believed that heredity is also an issue, as some individuals may become predisposed to acne vulgaris due to a family history.

Treatment

While acne vulgaris cannot be cured, there are a variety of treatments available that will help to treat acne that ranges from mild to severe. Over-the-counter treatments are the most effective for cases of acne vulgaris that are mild-to-moderate. Individuals with severe acne vulgaris should seek advice from a dermatologist, who can provide prescription medications that are applied topically or taken internally.

When treating acne vulgaris, individuals should search for products that address the common causes of acne. This can be accomplished through products that are aimed at decreasing oil production, exfoliating dead skin cells and eliminating bacteria on the skin. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are the most common ingredients that can be obtained over-the-counter and through a prescription. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid promotes the exfoliation process and penetrates down to the pores, ensuring that they do not become clogged with debris.

Many topical prescription treatments for acne vulgaris contain vitamin A, a retinoid that is highly effective in controlling acne vulgaris. Vitamin A fights acne by increasing the rate of cell turnover, which encourages the regular removal of dead skin cells and keeps pores clear. Oral antibiotics can be administered when other treatment options have not been effective. Existing breakouts and pustules should never be popped, which can push bacteria deep into the skin and cause scarring and infection.

Prevention

Proper cleansing with a mild soap can help remove surface oil and dead skin cells. For cleansing to be the most effective, avoid cleansing more than twice a day and refrain from using harsh abrasives or chemical irritants, as this will worsen inflammation and cause further breakouts. For further prevention of acne vulgaris, individuals can choose cleansers that are medicated with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

If cosmetics are applied to the skin, ensure that they are nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic. These products will not become trapped in pores or cause the skin to produce more oil and are safe to use on acne-prone skin. Maintaining moisture levels is an essential component in acne prevention. Since acne-prone skin tends to produce more oil when it becomes dry, applying an oil-free moisturizer can help to soothe inflammation and keep skin properly moisturized.

Oct 16

Whiteheads: Get rid of this annoying problem

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Whiteheads is considered to be a classification under acne. These whiteheads are normally yellowish and white to look at. Whiteheads also tend to be a reason due to the natural oils of the body that accumulate and hence get hardened. Such whiteheads are normally the cause of the skin getting uneven as well. When you try to pop these whiteheads it is not going to do you any good. They will either ways tend to hard you all the more. Breaking such whiteheads is simply going to aggravate the situation. Whiteheads normally occur on oily skin. However, there are several ways that one can consider to get rid of this problem. Whitehead removal is easy and having to keep these away is also as easy. Some of the natural remedies mentioned underneath will help in keeping the skin and body healthy.

Some of the simple steps to solve the whiteheads problem are the following

1) You should wash your face using some warm water about two times in a day
2) Each time you really thing that your skin is going to get oily you just have to splash enough water, this would mean about three times.
3) You will have to ensure to keep your face hydrated at all times and even get rid of any blackheads. By drinking ample amount of juice and water you can easily solve the blackhead or whiteheads problem. when you drink some water along with some honey every morning you can flush out any unwanted toxins that are present in the body
4) Consume a lot of vegetables and fruits so that you body as well as skin as well as body as healthy as possible
5) Make sure you avoid any skin products that are oil based
6) You should also ensure you do not wear a lot of makeup since a lot of makeup could lead to the formation of white heads
7) You have to make use of water to be able to warm your face through steaming, once you have softened the skin surface you will also be able to remove any whiteheads

Having to get rid of the whiteheads problem is much easier than you think. You will always have to remember to have your face moisturized and cleaned. One of the best ways is to consume a lot of water and always remain hydrated.

Some of the simple ways of getting rid of whiteheads are the following, they can easily be found around you

1) When you consume a lot of vegetables and fruits you can definitely eliminate blackheads from your skin mainly because of the nutrition that it contains. One of the nutrients that is very necessary for the skin is zinc and vitamins since it helps with healing the skin from any kind of infection which also includes whiteheads
2) You need to ensure that your skin is always going to be hydrated at any cost. Only when the skin gets dry do problems such as blackheads and whiteheads appear.
3) Tea tree oil is also excellent for acne because of the anti bacterial properties that it contains. You can either get tea tree oil in the form of cream or face wash which is again excellent to get rid of the whiteheads.
Some of the home remedies to help whiteheads problem
1) When you apply the mixture of fenugreek leaves you will see a lot of difference. You need to make a paste out of it and simply leave it through the night and wash that off with warm water once you wake up. This helps in keeping away the whiteheads
2) A mixture of vinegar and corn starch should be left over the skin for about thirty minutes and then must be rubbed off using a wash cloth that is warm. This helps in cleaning the whiteheads
3) You could make a scrub out of lime juice, salt and milk to get rid of the whiteheads deposits on the skin.
4) It is possible to get rid of the whiteheads when you apply a mixture made from roasted and powdered pomegranate along with lime juice
5) Another mixture that really helps is that of lime juice and groundnut oil
6) Almond powdered could be applied on whiteheads to get rid of them
7) A paste from rose water and sandalwood could also be applied in the form of a mask for about thirty minutes and then must be washed away with warm water. This helps with the extraction of the whiteheads
8) Whiteheads could also be treated with grated potatoes
9) A mixture of honey along with egg beaten and dabbed on the whiteheads with the help of some cotton could eliminate the traces of whiteheads
10) You need to detoxify the system by consuming warm water along with some lime each morning as this is the cause of whiteheads

Oct 14

Aspirin mask: With it Help Your Acne?

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There are many natural remedies out there are said to cure acne and keep it away for good. Some of natural remedies include cucumbers, honey, lemon juice, and an aspirin mask. All of these ingredients can be found in either your pantry or your medicine cabinet. These ingredients are also very inexpensive compared to the many acne systems out there that claim to fight and cure acne. Some systems can run anywhere from $19.95-$200 depending on what system you think will work for your skin type. Everyone’s skin type is different, one acne product may not work on every skin type; however, with these natural remedies, they work on almost all skin types.

I have suffered from acne since middle school; it went from mild to severe after I turned 13. But since then, I have used every product that you can think of and they either made my acne worse or gave me horrible dry skin, but still I tried. If you have or currently suffer from acne, then you have probably tried everything. I am that person who has tried everything both prescribed and over the counter. I have tried everything from Nature’s Cure, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Proactiv, Skin ID, Murad, Olay, and finally Clearasil. There comes a time when people actually reach their breaking point and try other natural ingredients for their skin, and depending on how often they are used, they actually work. The aspirin mask, however, did not work very well on my acne, but did work on pre-existing scars. It only worked sometimes and only on pimples that have been raptured. Although it was extremely inexpensive at about $5.00 for a bottle, it was not something that worked entirely well for me, at least when it came to clearing up my pimples. I found other natural to work better for me.

Aspirin is something that we take orally to reduce internal inflammation, which then relieves us of aches, swelling, and other pains. And because acne is not something that is internal, aspirin does not have the same effect when used outside of the body. Aspirin has antibacterial properties in it which are supposed to fight pimples and clear the complexion. The aspirin mask is supposed to get rid of red marks that mar the skin and softening the skin. The results from the aspirin mask are very temporary unlike other natural acne remedies. The aspirin mask is supposed to get rid of oil that clogs the pores and therefore causing pimples. Aspirin has salicylic acid in it which is an anti-inflammatory. Because salicylic acid is present in aspirin, it is very highly recommended that sunscreen be worn before going out doors.

Functions

To help heal acne from deep within the pores
Promotes clear skin and removes redness
Clears skin of scars

Natural

Holds some chemicals
Somewhat natural

Time frame

In as little as a week
Took away redness within an hour
Leave the mask on for 30 minutes to an hour to see maximum results

Who can use an aspirin mask?

Anyone with problem skin can use an aspirin mask; however, if you are allergic to aspirin please do not use. Aspirin allergies can be very severe, so please speak to your doctor or dermatologist before using aspirin.

Side effects

Some dry skin
And if allergic, severe shock and inflammation
Use a sunscreen after the use of an aspirin mask. Aspirin contains salicylic acid which can inflame the skin after sun exposure.

Cost

$5.99 a bottle
Can be bought over the counter in many stores

Instead of spending a fortune on expensive skin care products that may not even work, try something natural that you can get right out of your pantry. Aspirin is nature’s gift to you, so why not give it a try; you have nothing to lose but your acne. I personally have not had such a great running using an aspirin mask, but my skin type is different from other individuals. It dried out my skin a bit and did nothing for my flare-ups. Please be careful when using aspirin in case you may be allergic.

Oct 14

Blackheads and How to Get Rid of Them

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Acne can show up in many different forms. One of those forms of acne is a blackhead. These are less obvious that whiteheads or pimples, but can be very annoying, and keep skin from looking clear. They appear, usually around the T-zone of your face, looking like little black dots, stuck inside your pores.

What are blackheads?

Blackheads, which are also called open comedones, are hair follicles that are larger than normal. Then become that way by being filled with dead skin cells and excess oil. The oil and the dead skin cells go through a process that causes oxidation of the pigment in skin. This is what accounts for its dark color, also giving it the name, “blackhead.” They are acne in its first stage, before bacteria becomes clogged in the pore, and causes an infection that creates a pimple.

What causes blackheads?

People with any skin type can experience blackheads, but people with oily skin are more likely to have them. As with most acne, they usually start to show up on skin after adolescence, when hormones cause oil glands in skin to start overpproducing. This overproduction causes the oil in skin to clog and block pores.

But blackheads are not only caused by overproduction of oil in the skin; skin that is not cleaned well can cause pores to become clogged with dirt; dead skin cells can also clog pores, which causes oil, even if it is not being overproduced, to become trapped and clog pores. Using too much sunscreen, lotion, or makeup can also lead to pores becoming clogged, as they are blocked by too much product.

Allowing skin to become overly dry can also cause blackheads for two reasons. The first is that overly dry skin tends to have an excess of dead skin cells, which end up blocking pores. The other way is that when skin is dry, oil production will increase to make up for the dryness. So if you allow skin to become dried out and flaky, you will end up with excess oil being produced, while dry and dead skin cells block your pores.

How do I get rid of blackheads?

Blackheads can be extracted; however, to avoid infection, you have to be careful and make sure you have as clean an environment as possible. The first step is to steam your skin for several minutes, this will open up pores. You can do this by putting your face over a bowl, or pot of steaming water, (being careful to not burn yourself) and place a towel over your head to keep in heat and steam. Many drug and beauty stores carry pore extractors, these can be used to work blackheads out of pores.

How do I prevent blackheads?

Blackhead prevention comes down to most of the same steps that are used to prevent acne. Depending on the severity of your acne, you will choose more or less aggressive options. The main ways to keep your skin blackhead free is to make sure that you are keeping oil and dirt in check; exfoliation is also key, this will keep dead skin cells out of your pores, and also help work free anything that is in the process of clogging pores. Additionally, make sure you are using appropriate amounts of lotions and make-up, and make sure that anything you are using is oil-free and noncomedogenic. Using cleansers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help accelerate the rate that skin cells turn over, helping to keep pores clear.

Oct 13

Honey Mask: Will it Help Your Acne?

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With so many acne products on the market, it is very hard to choose the one that will work for your skin type. Many acne products do not work and some cause acne to flare-up even more. Not only is it hard to keep trying the many different acne products out there, they are also extremely expensive. I have suffered from acne since middle school; it went from mild to severe after I turned 13. But since then, I have used every product that you can think of and they either made my acne worse or gave me horrible dry skin, but still I tried. If you have or currently suffer from acne, then you have probably tried everything. I am that person who has tried everything both prescribed and over the counter. I have tried everything from Nature’s Cure, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Proactiv, Skin ID, Murad, Olay, and finally Clearasil. There comes a time when people actually reach their breaking point and try other natural ingredients for their skin, and depending on how often they are used, they actually work. Honey, although very sticky helped my skin stay moisturized, clean, and smooth. It is also very inexpensive at about $2.75 for a bottle, and can be used on other parts of the body.

Honey is a natural way to moisturize, tone, clear pimples, soothe the skin. It can be bought in an organic or regular way and is quickly absorbed into the skin. Honey will not cause the skin to dry out and flake like other acne products do. Honey also has antibacterial qualities that kill bacteria on the face, chest, and back if used correctly. In its natural form, honey is very potent and extremely effective. Do not add anything with chemicals to it and weaken its antibacterial properties. Honey helps reduce inflammation, swelling, and redness. Raw unprocessed honey are the best compared to the low quality honey. The honey that I use for my skin is called Manuka honey; it does not get any rawer than this. Manuka honey is made from the Manuka flower and is best for its antibacterial properties. Using honey as a mask is different from using other masks. It does not peel, dry, or flake off like regular masks do. The honey mask can be mixed with other natural ingredients such as lemon, oats, and cinnamon. I prefer to use just pure honey by itself, but you can always experiment.

Functions

To help heal acne from deep within the pores
Promotes clear skin
Clears skin of scars
Cleanses, tones, moisturize, and hydrate the skin

Natural ?

Very natural
No harsh chemicals whatsoever
No pills needed

Time frame

You’ll be surprised at how quickly it works
I saw a difference within one week of using honey (used every day twice a day)
Make sure to leave the honey mask on for about 20-30 minutes

Ingredients

Manuka flower
Who can use honey masks?
Anyone with problem skin can use honey. It can be combined with other natural ingredients such as cinnamon, oats, and lemon juice and made into masks.

Side effects

I did not experience any side effects from using honey for my acne. There was only as small issue, which was tightness in my face.

Cost

About $2.75
Can be bought from health food stores or other supermarkets

Instead of spending a fortune on expensive skin care products that may not even work, try something natural that you can get right out of your pantry. Honey is nature’s gift to you, so why not give it a try; you have nothing to lose but your acne. I personally have had a wonderful experience with using honey for my acne. It works wonders on my skin and I use it every day along with my Zeno. Not only is honey healthy, but it is great for the skin. It works on all skin types. I know this because I have friends with different skin types from my own and honey works for them.

Oct 13

Sugar Exfoliation: A new zit zapper?

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I am sure that you have all heard of the term exfoliation? Well, exfoliating helps rid the skin of dead skin cells and sometimes dried up pimples. Exfoliating the skin allows it to feel smooth and softer. It also brightens the complexion and lessens pimples. However, before you actually go out and buy exfoliates for your skin, do a bit of research so as to not buy any exfoliate that will irritate your skin. Make the right decision so that you can receive the results that you would like, or you can take it from me and use an awesome exfoliate right from your pantry! You use it every single day to make tea or coffee sweeter and put it in cakes and cupcakes to sweeten them. You guessed it, SUGAR. Sugar is a wonderful and natural exfoliate that can be used on the skin to rid it of dead skin cells that build up and cause pimples.

With so many acne products on the market, it is very hard to choose the one that will work for your skin type. Many acne products do not work and some cause acne to flare-up even more. Not only is it hard to keep trying the many different acne products out there, they are also extremely expensive. I have suffered from acne since middle school; it went from mild to severe after I turned 13. But since then, I have used every product that you can think of and they either made my acne worse or gave me horrible dry skin, but still I tried. If you have or currently suffer from acne, then you have probably tried everything. I am that person who has tried everything both prescribed and over the counter. I have tried everything from Nature’s Cure, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Proactiv, Skin ID, Murad, Olay, and finally Clearasil. There comes a time when people actually reach their breaking point and try other natural ingredients for their skin, and depending on how often they are used, they actually work. Sugar, although sometimes sticky removes dead skin cells allowing for the skin to become smoother, brighter, and clearer. Sugar is very inexpensive at about $2.00, and can be used on other parts on the body.

Sugar is a natural way to exfoliate the skin of dead cells. Skin shed is natural and happens every 28 days. When new skin cells grow, old skin piles up on the surface and has to be removed. Dead skin can usually be seen and can easily be removed. Dead skin cells can clog up our pores and cause acne flare-ups, so it is very important to exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells. Sometimes dead skin cells can be seen on the furniture and can also cause dust particles. Sugar is a great ingredient to use as an exfoliator because it is less harsh than other exfoliators which can have harmful ingredients such as nuts. I use raw brown sugar as an exfoliator because I know that there are no harmful chemicals in it and it will not cause any flare-ups on my face. Remember to wash the sugar off of your face with warm water.

Functions

To rid the skin of dead cells
Makes the skin smooth, brighter, and clearer

Time frame

You can see results after using only one time
Make sure to be gentle and not exfoliate everyday

Benefits

Natural
No harsh chemicals
No pills
No creams

Who can use sugar?

Anyone can use sugar as an exfoliator for their skin. But please be careful and not be too harsh. Sugar is grainy and should not be used too roughly on the skin.

Side effects

Some redness but nothing major

Cost

About $2.00

Instead of spending a fortune on expensive skin care products that may not even work, try something natural that you can get right out of your pantry. Sugar is nature’s gift to you, so why not give it a try; you have nothing to lose but your acne. I personally have had a wonderful experience with using sugar as an exfoliator for my skin. Sugar leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth, and clears up my complexion.