Monday, December 25, 2006

Acne Scars

Acne sufferers can sometimes receive a double wallop of skin problems to deal with. Not only do they have to fend off the lesions that are a part of acne, but they can also have scars to contend with after the lesions are gone.

Acne is caused when pores (actually hair follicles) clogged by oil and dead skin cells cause bacteria to be produced, which can lead to pimples. This most often happens during the teen years when the hormone changes lead to excess sebum (oil) production.

There are different types of acne lesions including:

Comedones - which we know as whiteheads and blackheads, that result from plugged pores. Closed comedones where the plug remains in the skin are whiteheads, and open comedones are blackheads. Dirt is not the cause of the black color in blackheads rather it's a reaction of the air with the skin's pigment.

Pustules - are pus-filled acne lesions and are usually red near the skin surface.

Papules - are like pustules but are red inflamed pimples without the white pus-filled center.

Cysts or nodules - are the most serious form of lesion. They are large, pus-filled, and painful, and extend deep into the skin. Cysts are the cause of the most serious acne scarring.

There are levels of acne severity as well - from mild to severe: Mild - consists mostly of whiteheads, blackheads and occasionally small pustules or papules. This type of acne does not result in scarring of any significant or lasting extent.

Moderate - consists of papules and pustules in addition to more extensive whiteheads and blackheads.

Severe - consists of cysts, redness and swelling of the face and can result in extensive scarring. This type of acne requires the attention of a dermatologist.

This severe type of acne is the form that can leave deep permanent scars, because the cysts go deep into the skin and can burst, causing extensive damage. The best course of action in the case of cystic acne is to get medical attention as soon as possible.

If you already have prominent acne scars, there are treatments options available. Most require the skin to be free from acne when used, so you must treat the acne first before you can attack the scars.

One of the types of acne scar treatment is called dermabrasion or surgical skin planing. This "sands" off the top layer or layers of the skin, those that have scarring, so that new and smoother layers can replace them. The skin is first frozen with a freezing spray product, and an instrument that spins and contains some kind of abrading head (a wire brush or diamond surface) is used to remove the scars. Healing may take a few weeks and the skin will be red for a while, but it can lessen scarring considerably.

Another treatment is using a laser to resurface or peel the skin. The top layer of the skin is removed with a carbon dioxide laser, and the middle layer is conditioned in order to leave the skin smoother. It's performed by a dermatologist or a qualified doctor and usually takes less than an hour. A local anesthetic is administered before the procedure is done. The healing time varies but can take up to 3 weeks. Laser resurfacing has been shown, for some, to have less post-procedural discomfort, bleeding and bruising than other resurfacing methods.

Some of the deeper and more severe scars may require surgical removal while the less severe ones may be dealt with using either a chemical peel or a milder form of abrasion.

While these procedures are meant to deal with serious scars caused by severe acne - lesser scars can result from squeezing or popping pimples. These less prominent scars, while not requiring any of the aforementioned methods, may still take a fair amount of time to fade. So it's best not to break your pimples if you can avoid doing so.

Stephanie McIntyre has been a Platinum eBay Powerseller, an eBay Trading Assistant as well as an Educational Assistant trained by eBay. Her company, eSales Unlimited Inc. specializes in training small business owners in using eBay as an additional revenue stream. She maintains a site with information on selling on eBay.

Friday, December 22, 2006

How A Cystic Acne Treatment Can Help

The little skin disorder we commonly call acne is one of the most irksome afflictions known to man. Once we hit puberty, these annoying red bumps began to appear on our faces and never seem to go away from then on. They might calm down considerably after a few years, but they will still continue to invade our cheeks, chins and noses.

My wife, who is now 39 years old, is still complaining about occasional pimples that plague her face. I thought that they would be completely gone by the age of 21. Anyway, we are lucky to have mild but numerous hang-ups with acne because some individuals can truly suffer its wrath. I’m referring to those unfortunate individuals who grapple with large cystic acne. This is the worst of the worst when it comes to pimples. Fortunately, a decent cystic acne treatment can help these unlucky persons.

You may be wondering about cystic acne outbreaks because you may have never heard of it before. Cystic pimples are probably the most difficult form of acne to deal with. This form is different than your basic variety of blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes. Cystic acne starts below the skin's surface, while the standard pimples rise on the skin's surface when pores are clogged. It's similar to having an ingrown hair in some ways.

Ingrown hair happens when hair continues to grow beneath the skin, even though it's trapped and can't break through, which results in a nasty, massive bump. Males often encounter this burden after they shave. This affliction can definitely be a pain to deal with and can even warrant a trip to the dermatologist. Now, this goes the same for cystic acne.

You should see a professional if you are in need of a quality cystic acne treatment. A cystic acne treatment should be done as early as possible to avoid severe skin damage. It makes sense to attack the problem before it escalates into something more severe. You should seek the right cystic acne treatment as soon as you become aware of your condition.

However, some people still attempt to administer their own cystic acne treatment, rather than see a dermatologist. This is not advisable because getting rid of cystic acne on your own by poking, picking, popping or pinching can result in permanent skin damage. It would be best if you visit a professional and attain a cystic acne treatment that can really help your skin.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Cystic Acne Treatment. Visit our site for more helpful information about Cystic Acne Treatment and other similar topics.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Tips To Cure Baby Acne

How happy you are with the arrival of your baby, first or second I do not know, but how sorry you are to see the small red spots on the cheeks of the baby. Many of your friends and relatives have assured you that it will go away, you also know that it will pass over, yet you are worried. You feel the need to seek tips to cure baby acne, either from your doctor or other experienced ones, who have tackled such situations.

Baby acne is not uncommon among the new born. Its other name is infantile acne. Though cheek is the favorite place of baby acne, it manifests over chin and forehead as well. Babies are born with it, it can get it anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months age. It can hang on till the baby reaches the age of six months as well.

Again, nothing much to worry. Time is the best healer. Mother's hormones did the trick. The baby gets exposed to the hormones, when mother carries it. The good and bad of the hormones were passed on to the baby. As the baby grows, the effect of the hormones also fades away and you are happy to see the clean, rosy cheeks of your baby.

As for tips to deal with the baby acne, the first tip is, don't do anything to worsen the situation. Picking any acne is bad, and to do it on your baby is worst. The skin of the baby is very tender.

Also, you are not expected to put any oil or lotion on it. Let your anxiety not score over the reality. Wash the baby with the finest and mild soap. As for washing its clothes, treat it as the part of the baby itself and use a good quality detergent.

You are again told not to worry much about the baby acne, your concern is understandable, if acne persists even after 6 months of age. Then you need to contact your doctor.

In fact, your care about the skin during and after pregnancy and your diet is as important as the care of the baby. New born baby's skin is gifted to it by you. Since most of the babies depend upon mother's milk, for their maintenance and growth, your style of life has direct effects on it.

Skin is the base on which acne thrives. An infant's skin is highly sensitive, and in the first few weeks after the birth, many changes in the conditions occur. Don't make a grim situation of the normal changes and minor irritants. The market is flooded with some necessary and a host of unnecessary baby products. Don't daub the baby with powders, oils, lotions and creams. Let the skin breathe freely to enable it to meet the acne condition in the natural way.

To get more information on acne, acne treatments and acne medication visit http://www.acnetalks.com/pimple

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

What Exactly IS Acne

Did you know that over 75% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 get acne? That is just a ton of people. 25% of these people get acne on an area of their body besides their face and fully 40% of all acne sufferers look for medical treatment due to the severity of their breakouts.

Acne Vulgaris is the proper name for acne and it really fits, right? Vulgaris reminds me of the work vulgar which is how I feel when my acne breaks out. We all know that acne is a common skin condition that usually shows up during our teen years. Known as pimples, zits or even pizza face, it usually shows up on the face, but the rest of the body is not immune to this vulgar condition. While, unfortunately, this conditions usually appears in teens during adolescence, it can also show up in adults. It is found round the world and does not prefer male or female, everyone is a target for acne without discrimination.

Acne shows up as lesions which break out on the skin. Whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts form from clogged pores. The reason that acne shows up during puberty is because it is at this time that the body's sebaceous glands start to over product oil due to hormone changes. This oily substance, called sebum, keeps your hair and skin soft and lubricated. However, excess sebum combines with dead cells to clog the pores which results in the red inflamed areas we know as acne. Excessive follicle cell production is another change that comes along with puberty. Because these dying cells build up quickly, they can combine with sebum which forms whiteheads. Because this mixture is a breeding ground for bacteria the result is redness and inflammation that show up as pimples.

Pimples usually appear in the 'T zone' of the face. This zone is the forehead, nose, and chin. Acne can also appear on the cheeks and other parts of the face. Interestingly enough the next most common area for acne is the back, followed by the neck, the chest, and the shoulders.

There are many different ways that your acne can be treated. The easiest treatment is to keep your face and the rest of your skin clean and oil free. Simply using a gentle cleanser once or twice a day will usually helps to keep acne in check. This is especially important after any activity that has made you sweat.

Mild and severe acne conditions can be treated by a dermatologist. Your doctor will know best what will be good for your acne treatment. The can prescribe ointments which are used directly on the skin as well as drugs like antibiotics which combat the bacteria which causes pimples.

Acne typically clears up by the time you are in your early 20s. But it is also not unusual for some acne to show up even in adults and sometimes acne shows up in adults who have never had it before.

Teenagers are particularly sensitive to how acne affects them emotionally. This is a difficult time anyway and adding anything that affects how they look can have severe emotional affects. Some people even start withdrawing from social activities and go into a depression. So please get help for your acne before it gets you down.

Go to Rose's site, http://www.skinproblem.biz for more information on acne and other skin problems

Monday, December 18, 2006

Tips To Cure Baby Acne

How happy you are with the arrival of your baby, first or second I do not know, but how sorry you are to see the small red spots on the cheeks of the baby. Many of your friends and relatives have assured you that it will go away, you also know that it will pass over, yet you are worried. You feel the need to seek tips to cure baby acne, either from your doctor or other experienced ones, who have tackled such situations.

Baby acne is not uncommon among the new born. Its other name is infantile acne. Though cheek is the favorite place of baby acne, it manifests over chin and forehead as well. Babies are born with it, it can get it anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months age. It can hang on till the baby reaches the age of six months as well.

Again, nothing much to worry. Time is the best healer. Mother's hormones did the trick. The baby gets exposed to the hormones, when mother carries it. The good and bad of the hormones were passed on to the baby. As the baby grows, the effect of the hormones also fades away and you are happy to see the clean, rosy cheeks of your baby.

As for tips to deal with the baby acne, the first tip is, don't do anything to worsen the situation. Picking any acne is bad, and to do it on your baby is worst. The skin of the baby is very tender.

Also, you are not expected to put any oil or lotion on it. Let your anxiety not score over the reality. Wash the baby with the finest and mild soap. As for washing its clothes, treat it as the part of the baby itself and use a good quality detergent.

You are again told not to worry much about the baby acne, your concern is understandable, if acne persists even after 6 months of age. Then you need to contact your doctor.

In fact, your care about the skin during and after pregnancy and your diet is as important as the care of the baby. New born baby's skin is gifted to it by you. Since most of the babies depend upon mother's milk, for their maintenance and growth, your style of life has direct effects on it.

Skin is the base on which acne thrives. An infant's skin is highly sensitive, and in the first few weeks after the birth, many changes in the conditions occur. Don't make a grim situation of the normal changes and minor irritants. The market is flooded with some necessary and a host of unnecessary baby products. Don't daub the baby with powders, oils, lotions and creams. Let the skin breathe freely to enable it to meet the acne condition in the natural way.

To get more information on acne, acne treatments and acne medication visit http://www.acnetalks.com/pimple

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Acne - Back Acne (Bacne)

Acne pimples are not just a facial problem. Other areas of the body are susceptible as well. The neck, shoulders, arms, chest, and legs can all get the occasional or not so occasional zit. One place that sometimes gets acne, the back, even has a special name coined for it: bacne.

Bacne is what you have when your back has an outbreak of acne. In general, it's not quite so serious as getting facial acne because it's usually not as visible. It's much easier to hide back pimples under the clothing we wear most of the time. Of course, the exceptions are the times one is in a bathing suit or shirtless. Under these conditions bacne can be as much of a cosmetic problem as the facial variety of acne.

Like the other parts of the body, this form is caused by clogged pores. A type of oil called sebum is excreted in excess from the sebaceous glands inside the hair follicles on the back. These pores will become blocked if this oil is not promptly removed. This can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and zits or in other words, bacne.

It's also thought that acne, including bacne, can be caused by the friction or pressure from wearing tight fitting or synthetic articles. There's even a name for this, it's called acne mechanica. Heavy backpacks, shoulder pads, bra straps, and tight fitting synthetic uniforms that chafes or puts excess pressure on the skin can cause this type of bacne. If you must wear tight articles of clothing or heavy equipment, it may help to wear a cotton T-shirt underneath. Better to avoid the item that caused the problem, or at least make it less tight or heavy.

The treatment and prevention of bacne is also the same as for acne on the face. It's important to keep the back clean, and to avoid excess perspiration. Always wear clean clothing and undergarments next to the skin. Use a gentle back scrubber and a mild soap to clean the back area. Also, avoid the accumulation of dead skin cells on the back as this can add to the problem. You can use an exfoliate to remove these cells. Regular bathing (especially after any activity that causes you to sweat a lot, like working out) is important. If you can't do this right away, then at least try to wipe off well, and change into dry clothing. Apply acne medication to the affected areas after cleaning. All of these steps will help to discourage the formation of bacne.

In some cases bacne can be pretty stubborn, and difficult to control. But because back skin is less delicate than the face, it can be treated more aggressively. Over-the-counter medications can handle most cases of bacne. Most contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. There are also some good natural acne fighter you may try such as basil, neem, and tea tree oil. The advantage of these is that they not only are anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial, but they condition the skin as well. For more persistent or severe cases of back acne, a visit to the dermatologist may is necessary. If your bacne is really inflamed, or has developed into larger blemishes that could lead to deep scars; he or she can prescribe stronger treatment, including antibiotics if necessary.

So if you have bacne, it's not too difficult to manage in most cases. A little diligence on your part and you should soon see some improvement.

Stephanie McIntyre has been a Platinum eBay Powerseller, an eBay Trading Assistant as well as an Educational Assistant trained by eBay. Her company, eSales Unlimited Inc. specializes in training small business owners in using eBay as an additional revenue stream. She maintains a site with information on selling on eBay.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

I've Got Acne: Which Acne Medicine Should I Be Using?

Acne is a very common condition and notorious for producing pimples on the face and upper torso. Many will additionally suffer with pimples or spots on the back and neck which can be very uncomfortable. The condition of Acne is so common that it is considered to be a normal part of puberty and usually placed into one of three categories being mild, moderate or severe. However, the bad news is that the condition isn't just restricted to adolescents so it is also possible to develop acne in later life as well.

Should We Be Worried About Getting Acne?

Acne is not a serious health threat but it can cause scars so we need to bare this in mind when considering the seriousness of the disease. Very often sufferers will find their skin inflamed and irritated; subsequently causing them to scratch the infected area/s thus creating additional unease and scarring.

How Can We Treat The Condition Effectively?

There are a number of acne medicines available on the market all of which are designed to help with the treatment of the condition and help clear the skin. One of the most popular agents for treating Acne is 'isotretinoin' which is commonly know as Accutane and will greatly reduce the irritation that acne can cause. You may also consider Acnope acne cream that is an anti-acne, anti wrinkle cream that helps dry acne and fight germs and also Clearasil vanishing cream is also meant to be a great acne cream.

Rather than being overly concerned about something that may be unavoidable, learn what Acne medicine ingredients offer effective treatment and then take it from there. It is all too easy to get caught up in the stigma of having acne and forget to pay attention to the actual underlying concern.

What About Topical Medications?

Topical acne medications may contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or tretinoin, or retinoic acid. It is therefore imperative that before commencing any such treatment that you seek professional guidance from your Doctor. Particularly for women as the use of a topical acne cream during pregnancy may be questionable and as such should only be take on the advice of a medical practitioner. However, the amount of topical acne cream during pregnancy that is absorbed through the skin is really quite minimal.

Is There A Cure?

Acne Medical researchers are working on new drugs to treat acne, particularly topical antibiotics to replace some of those in current use. With this in mind it is optimistic that researchers of acne may very well introduce a solution to greatly alleviate the condition. It seems however, that people will do almost anything to sell an acne cure these days so you need to be particularly careful with when shopping around. When it comes to zits and finding the acne cure it can be quite a challenging task so proceed with caution. And, by the way, don't buy a suggested acne cure, apply it for a week and expect that your acne will be gone forever. If only life was that simple!

Your first point of call in any instance is a visit to your family Doctor who will assess the situation and advise accordingly. Your Doctor may even refer you to a specialist dermatologist for further help. Remember, don't be too worried or overly concerned if you have acne as you are not alone; it is one of the most common skin disorders and can easily be treated with the right medication.

If you suffer from or know of a person affected by Acne then be sure to visit the Acne Medicine Site. Clive thoroughly recommends this site so please check it out today here: - http://www.acnesmedicine.com. For comprehensive and immediate, acne and skin care information.