Fit For Health Guide

July 31, 2008

Removing Wrinkles with Botox

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 1:10 pm

Wrinkles in your skin can be devastating and embarrassing to a certain degree, but also are a part of getting older and taking part in the natural process our bodies endure. The wrinkles that our face display are categorized into two parts; static and dynamic. Static are visible when your face is at rest and dynamic wrinkles appear temporarily when a muscle contracts during facial expression. These are usually found in areas of facial expression such as the forehead, between the eye brows and around the eyes. Some people develop static wrinkles at an earlier age than others and desire some sort of procedure to diminish those lines and improve the overall youthful appearance. Botox cosmetic injections help eliminate or decrease the appearance of dynamic wrinkles as it paralyzes the underlying muscle causing the wrinkle.

Botox cosmetic injections are not so effective on static wrinkles, which would be better treated with dermal fillers or surgically. Other areas to be treated besides the face and neck are migraine headaches and excessive underarm sweating. It is safe and effective treatment to compensate for the areas that you need the most help. Some side effects that may occur include; flu-like syndrome, headache, respiratory infection, nausea and temporary eyelid droop. You may experience pain and redness in the face and muscle weakness within the first week following the procedure.

The injection is inserted directly into the muscle causing the dynamic wrinkles, using a very small needle to minimize any major discomfort involved with this type of procedure. The whole treatment takes about ten minutes and results in a pretty painless and effective method to improve the facial features, diminishing the wrinkles. You can expect to see results within two to four weeks and they last from up to three to six months. The effects eventually wear off allowing the dynamic wrinkle to again appear. For best results, continued treatments are recommended and will lead to less frequent visits as the muscle causing the wrinkles become less responsive over time.

The cost of Botox cosmetic injections is one thing to consider, as all procedures express strong costs, depending on the frequency and importance the patient shows. It can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, which also depends on the number of areas that are injected.

If undergoing with the procedure of Botox injections is considerable and right for you, it should be understood that not everyone will see the same results. Different people have different skin, each with its own tone and reactivity to certain treatments thrown its way. The way one person will respond to the procedure, another might not. Determine with your local skin care physician if the injections would be something worth investing in and spending money on. In most cases, it is a safe and effective method, with proven results. The procedure is also non-surgical, allowing the patient to go back to normal activities immediately. Any non-surgical treatment is worthy of looking into, knowing that results can instantly be seen, without the pain and down time surgery calls for.

About The Author:

http://www.dermanetwork.org is a leading provider of Botox Cosmetic Injection information and resources. Find a local cosmetic dermatologist today.

July 28, 2008

Isotretinoin for Acne

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 10:31 am

Isotretinoin is considered to be most effective medicine for severe acne and other acne that does not respond to common acne medication. It is available in form of capsules to be taken orally and the trade name of Isotretinoin in the USA is Accutane. Isotretinoin is a retinoid. Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A. Isotretinoin is chemically known as 13-cis retinoic acid. Isotretinoin is a drug of choice for acne patients who may have lost hope about cure of their acne.

Isotretinoin is generally prescribed for 16 to 20 weeks and the end of the prescription sees considerable inmprovement in most of the patients. Isotretinoin may cause many side effects and should be strictly taken under medical supervision. It can cause birth defects in fetus. Therefore women should take precaution of not getting pregnant while taking Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin may also be used for some other conditions that include- folliculitis, seborrhoea, chloracne and other diseases that look like acne.

Usage-

Nodular acne that does not get treated with other medications is treated with Isotretinoin. Any other acne that does not respond to medication is also treated with Isotretinoin. The rate of success with Isotretinoin is very high. In the beginning some people see deterioration in their acne but that slowly disappears. Isotretinoin is commonly prescribed for 16 to 20 weeks and if needed it is repeated after a gap of eight weeks.

It is believed that Isotretinoin works by shrinking the sebaceous glands and reducing sebum production. Isotretinoin is an anti-inflammatory medicine and shrinks the acne by reducing sebum substantially.

The strength of dosage of isotretinoin depends upon the severity of acne, body weight, other treatments being used at the same time etc. Your doctor is the best person to decide about the dose. Normally the treatment begins with small dose and as body adjusts to isotretinoin the dose is increased. Doctors also monitor the cure during this period and if they find that patient is not responding, they may stop the therapy. As isotretinoin needs fat to help its absorption in body, it is taken after food. Follow your doctor’s advice about these.

Side Effects

The common side-effects of isotretinoin are dry mouth, dry nose, thinning of hair, fatigue, dry skin, red itchy eyes, sore lips, etc. If you experience any other side effects such as muscle aches, difficulty in walking, depression, vomiting, etc. Talk to your doctor immediately. Discuss about side effects with your doctor before beginning of the treatment with isotretinoin and report any expected or unexpected side effect immediately. Note that you may not be able to wear your contact lenses for some time in the beginning of treatment with isotretinoin. You should not donate any blood while you are taking isotretinoin and for one month after you stop taking it. Please talk about do’s and don’t with your doctor. You also must inform your doctor about any medicine or vitamins you are taking.

Isotretinoin and Pregnancy-

Isotretinoin can cause serious defects in the fetus. Therefore you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant. You should also tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are already breast-feeding. You will have to test yourself for pregnancy before you begin isotretinoin and continue getting tested while taking Isotretinoin. Your doctor will explain the details to you. If you get pregnant while taking isotretinoin you should stop taking it and call your doctor immediately. You must adopt two reliable methods of birth control for one month before taking isotretinoin, continue with two methods while taking isotretinoin and till after one month of stopping isotretinoin. You should talk to your gynaecologist and dermatologist in detail before taking isotretinoin.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

About The Author:

The author CD Mohatta writes for http://www.acnedoctor.us which has comprehensive information about skin care, acne treatments, causes, medicines, myths, latest methods, etc.

July 25, 2008

Acne Treatment Choices

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 11:25 am

For most of us that take pride in the way we look, the thought of suffering with acne, may at first glance seem to be awful; but this does NOT mean it is something that cannot be handled. It is one of those areas where research has continued to make advancements; the result of this effort is new, more effective, treatments are becoming available. There are a broad range of acne skin care products available:

* Those that help prevent the condition: Over-The-Counter and Prescription * Over-the-counter: Treatment * Prescription: Dermatologist or Doctor, specialist cream or ointment

Many skin care products are used as a measure to prevent acne; these include cleansers, make-up removers and other similar products that can help prevent the condition. In the real sense, these products are just those that should be part of your daily routine; often used by those who want to prevent future skin problems from occurring. Other acne skin care products, like skin cleansers for instance, are more specific about their job; they ensure the facial pores (and other areas) remain free of oil. When the pores become clogged with this oil, bacteria which can cause the problem begin to grow.

Exfoliating skin peels have proved quite effective as a skin care treatment and at controlling the problem; these are easily obtainable in any drug store. Dead skin cells and other atmospheric pollutants are removed cleaning the pores which reduce the chance of any bacterial growth. Many different, specially formulated acne skin care products designed to reduce the problems have now been made available without prescription. Most of these creams etc. are based on benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, both of which are the enemies of bacteria (and hence acne); they are designed to extract the excess oil that bacteria need to promote the development of acne.

Dermatologists recommend any product should have low concentrations of the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide (no more than 5.5 parts per hundred) if there is an adverse reaction; should a reaction occur, products containing alpha hydroxy acid are generally safer. It is not always possible to find an acne skin care product that works first time; if nothing you use is effective then speak to your dermatologist for advice. On-prescription treatments are prescribed by a dermatologist and can include ointments that can be applied on the affected area or oral antibiotics or just any topical ointment.

In some case your doctor may suggest the pustules are drained of harmful contents under local anesthetic; although this is a minor procedure, if it were performed by the person themselves it could result in skin damage. Your doctor may even suggest a course of hormone therapy as a skin care treatment; this type of skin care treatment has been very effective in many cases. Positive research means that a sufferer does not have to put up with this condition anymore.

While a hormone therapy might have some negative side effects there are also natural acne treatments available (e.g. Acnezine). They go back to the roots of the acne problem: free radicals within your body. Those natural acne healing products provide antioxidants which eliminate those dangerous free radicals inside the body. Some of them also fight inflammation in order to reduce redness of already existing acne and - last but not least - support your skin in the healing process in all affected acne areas.

About The Author:

Dr. Namara a dermatologist with over 16 years of valuable experience of treating thousands of acne patients. In many cases she recommends the natural acne treatment approach with products like e.g. Acnezine ( http://www.cheapacnezine.com ).

July 24, 2008

Removing Spider Veins

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 1:24 pm

A common treatment method to help cure varicose veins or spider veins is sclerotherapy. It is a non surgical procedure using a solution that is injected into the veins in order to eliminate them. This procedure is quick and painless. The duration should not be any longer than 30-60 mins, allowing time for treatment even during your lunch hour. The injection is micro, and involves a sterile solution that is forced into the veins, thus irritating the vein lining, eventually causing it to disappear. Multiple veins can be injected at each session.

Sclerotherapy does not require any type of anesthesia and is usually done inside a doctor’s office. The patient will be asked to come to the office wearing loose fitting clothing as so the spider or varicose veins can be easily identified. Some may experience minor pain and may request a topical local anesthetic, which can be pasted on the skin about 30 minutes before the procedure. Most patients only feel a little sting after each injection, with a minor burning sensation lasting only a few seconds. Sclerotherapy works to close off a problem vein, allowing the blood to re-route through the normal veins.

Most patients will wear a compression stocking for a short period after the treatment, in case of any lingering problems with the veins. It is advised to undergo a few treatments (2-4) for best results, depending on the severity of the problem. Some patients might only need 1 or 2 treatments. For multiple spider veins, up to 15-20 injections can be done at each seating. Each session is usually done in monthly intervals.

Minor complications may arise after sclerotherapy, just as with any medical treatment, but it has generally been proven to be safe. You will be able to resume your normal daily activities almost immediately after each session. A full diagnosis should be administered by your physician to determine the risks and alternatives.

The full effect and benefit of the treatment usually takes several weeks and most patients will see a 50-90% improvement in appearance and symptoms. This reason alone is helpful when deciding how long to wait between sessions. The cost varies depending on the number of treatments needed, the doctor, or the region.

Some risks involved with sclerotherapy include:

Skin changing color along the treated vein which may take 6 to 12 months to disappear. Recurring varicose veins Itching and bruising pain where the veins were treated. Blood clots or damage in the deep vein system. A mild to severe reaction to the sclerosant. Scarring resulting from ulcers or death of the tissue around the treated vein.

You will be able to best assess the pros and cons of the treatment after meeting your local physician. Be sure to see an experienced and trained doctor who you feel comfortable with. Determine the total cost, treatments needed and outlook before undergoing the procedure. Sclerotherapy is a proven and successful method to treat varicose and spider veins, and the majority of patients will see favorable and instant results.

About The Author:

http://www.Veindirectory.org is a leading provider of Sclerotherapy information and resources. Find a local skin care clinic today.

July 22, 2008

Types of Acne Treatments

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 1:13 pm

For most of us that take pride in the way we look, the thought of suffering with acne or Zits, may at first seem awful; however, many effective treatments are available. This is a skin complaint that affects many people around the world so scientific research to find a cure is fierce; in fact many new remedies are proving very effective. There are a broad range of acne skin care products available:

* Preventative: Creams, lotions etc. to help cleanse and tone the skin

* Drugstore or Internet: Treatments that do not require a prescription

* Prescription only: doctors or dermatologists prescribe special treatments

Preventative products are formulated to treat the skin in an effort to control the occurrence of acne; these include cleansers, make-up removers and other similar products that can help prevent the condition. Whilst many sufferers use these products there are even more who just want to keep their skin clean and conditioned; in many instances the user has never had a skin condition to worry about. There are acne skin care products that are more specialized in there approach; they ensure the facial pores (and other areas) remain free of oil. These types of products are reducing the chance of oil staying in the pores and aiding the growth of harmful bacteria which assists the formation of the skin condition.

Skin care treatments such as exfoliation skin peels, clean the skin and help control the spread of the condition; these are easily obtainable in any drug store. The peels clean the skin by removing all surface pollution and dead skin cells which can block the pores. The growth of the skin care market has allowed even more specialized acne skin care products to be available without the need to visit the doctor. These formulations contain the chemical benzoyl peroxide and the naturally occurring salicylic acid; these ingredients are used to remove the additional oil in the pores of the skin.

It is preferable when you first start using this type of product to keep the concentration of it low, around 5.5 percent is best; if a reaction occurs, a cleaner or cream containing alpha hydroxy acid should be safe. It is not always possible to find an acne skin care product that works first time; if none of them work then you would be advised to contact your skin specialist. Products that your dermatologist or doctor will recommend will only be available on prescription, they may include a course of antibiotics or topical ointments.

Your doctor can recommend that in order to extract the contents of the pustules that a small surgical procedure could be carried out; never try to squeeze your zits however, as it can lead to permanent damage of your skin. An alternative that has been shown to work well is hormone therapy; studies show that hormone based skin care treatments often prove effective. The end result is dealing with this skin complaint is not the problem it once was, there are now a huge range of products specifically formulated for the task.

About The Author:

Alex Picard recommends this site : http://www.healthandheather.blogspot.com

July 16, 2008

Removing Acne Scars

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 10:20 am

Acne scars are treated with many physical and surgical procedures. To begin with let us discuss about PIH or Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. This is the dark color that is seen as the acne resolves. These are not true scars and fade away in about an year. To speed up the fading away of this discoloration-

Use a Retinoid or AHA based formula that will increase the turnover of the skin cells by removing the dead cells. Avoid sun exposure and smoking.

For true acne scars that remain on the skin for a longtime and look more prominent as one ages, the following procedures are used.

Dermabrasion:

This is considered one of the most effective treatments for acne scars. In this procedure, the doctor uses a local anesthetic or freezes the skin and then abrades the scar with a high-speed rotary abrader to remove unwanted surface skin. As the skin heals, the new skin grows without any scars. And also looks brighter. This procedure may remove superficial scars totally and reduce deeper scars.

Chemical Peeling:

In this procedure, chemicals are used to peel away the damaged skin. The strength of peel depends upon the depth of the scar. Mild peels are used to treat superficial scars while deep peels are used to remove deeper scars. As the old skin peels away the new skin forms without any old scar.

Laser Therapy:

Lasers are used to give a new shape to the scarred skin by recontouring the scars.

Lasers are very popular as the laser beam removes the scar bloodlessly and the depth of the cut can be precisely controlled.

Soft Tissue Filling:

Collagen, which may be bovine in source or the patients’ own, may be injected below the scar to lift the skin and give it a smooth appearance. As the injected collagen gets absorbed in the body over a period, further treatments may be needed after about six months. Similarly fat may be injected below deep scars for giving a skin lift. Similar to collagen filling, fat injections may need to be repeated after some months. Your doctor will advise you about that.

Microdermabrasion:

In this procedure very tiny aluminum oxide crystals are passed through a vacuum tube to scrape the surface of the skin. This procedure may have to be repeated many times. It gives a fresh look to the skin by scraping. Very mild scarring can be treated with microdermabrasion.

Skin Surgery:

Skin may have to be surgically corrected with grafting or other procedures to remove some acne scars.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

About The Author:

The author CD Mohatta writes for http://www.acnedoctor.us which has comprehensive information about skin care, acne treatments, causes, medicines, myths, latest methods, etc.

July 10, 2008

Natural Acne Remedies

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 6:45 pm

Acne is a skin condition that millions of people deal with on a day-to-day basis throughout their lives. While acne is not a life threatening condition, it can cause extraordinary stress and anxiety. Acne, particularly when perpetually touched or picked at, can lead to scaring or infection. Acne is especially frustrating because it is noticeable and difficult to cover up. Those enduring acne are oftentimes on a ceaseless search for products that will offer relief.

When it pertains seeking relief from acne, there is an astronomical number of nonprescription products that claim to supply relief. In addition to simply just appearing on store shelves, a large number of over-the-counter acne medications are also appearing on our television sets with endorsements by famous celebrities. Naturally, if you are suffering from acne you can give these otc products a try, however it is also important to know that you do have a number of other options. These alternatives involve the utilization of natural or home remedies, which may be a safer way to address acne, as they do not rely on the use of potentially dangerous chemicals.

There are a number of natural curatives for acne that rely on the use of food as ingredients as well as ingredients found nature.

1. Lettuce: Saturate lettuce in water for about an hour, make a solution and apply to the skin as a rinse.

2. Lime juice and Milk: Boil half a glass of milk, let milk cool (to a temperature that will not cause burns), and add an equal amount of fresh lime juice. Use a clean soft cloth to apply the mixture to the acne affected area.

3. Tomatoes or Tomato Paste: Simply placing tomato paste or a cut ripened tomato on the acne outbreaks for an hour is a highly recommended treatment.

4. Aloe Vera: Acne is prone to infection and scarring especially if it is irritated by touching or picking the infected areas, this should be immediately stopped. Aloe Vera is world renowned for its healing and soothing properties, and its use is indicated in the battle against acne. Aloe not only treats the infection but it also promotes healing of the damaged skin and alleviates inflammation of the infected area.

5. Tea Tree Oil: The essential oil known as Tea Tree Oil is regarded to be a powerful antibacterial. Simply apply a diluted solution directly to the acne spots.

6. Oatmeal: Cooked oatmeal should be applied to the affected area for 15 minutes before washing it off.

7. Avocado: Simply mash a ripe avocado into a paste and wash your face. Use water to rinse.

As defined above, there are numerous options of natural and home remedies for those suffering from acne. Many individuals as looking for cost effective products that are reliable and that do not contain potentially dangerous chemicals. It is important to note that many over-the-counter acne treatment products have poor reviews. As a matter of fact, some products in reality cause users more problems with rashes and acne than before? Ultimately you are the one that has to decide which products are best for you, but it is important to remember that there are many options available.

About The Author:

Looking for skin care tips and information for your individual skin care issues and those of your family. Want information on the products available. Visit http://www.professionalskincaretreatments.com

July 8, 2008

Organic Skin Care

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 2:53 pm

Reading labels on organic skin care products can be just as confusing as reading ingredients for non-organic products. This list has been compiled to help you understand what each ingredient does for your skin.

Almond Oil: moisturizing and rich in protein

Aloe Vera Gel: very soothing, antibacterial, promotes exceptional healing, stimulates new cell growth, and inhibits the body from releasing thromboxane (which causes permanent scarring in certain conditions such as burns), making it excellent for treatment of open wounds, burns, and acne as well as a multitude of other conditions

Apricot Oil: has anti inflammatory properties, soothes, and provides moisture

Apricot Kernel Meal: used for exfoliation Arrowroot Powder: used for thickening and stabilizing organic skin care formulas

Avocado Oil: moisturizes, and is full of essential nutrients making it good for anti aging products

Baking Soda: AKA Sodium Bicarbonate, stabilizes pH and is also used to enhance texture in organic skin care formulas

Borax Powder: AKA Sodium Borate, natural preservative, emulsifier, and buffering agent for organic skin care formulas

Beeswax: antibacterial and anti aging properties to some extent

Benzoin: helps chapping, promotes healing in lesions

Bergamot: promotes healing in acne by helping reduce excess oil and reducing bacteria

Carnauba Wax: very hard wax, making it good for lipstick

Carrot Seed Oil: promotes skin rejuvenation and balances oil production

Castor Oil: moisturizing properties

Chamomile: helpful for people with skin disorders and other rashes because of its anti inflammatory properties, soothes open wounds and burns

Coarse Sea Salt: used as a exfoliate

Cocoa Butter: moisturizer and skin softener

Coconut Oil: moisturizes and protects skin

Dead Sea Salt: moist sea salt taken from the Dead Sea, used in exfoliates

Elemi: promotes skin rejuvenation, making it good for anti aging organic skin care products, also promotes healing of rashes and chapped skin

Frankincense: promotes skin rejuvenation and tones tissue, making it good for anti aging organic skin care products

Geranium: promotes quick healing and balances oil production, making it good for either extreme skin condition (dry or oily)

Grapefruit: reduces excess oil, making it good for treatment of acne

Grape Seed Oil: excellent organic preservative as well as providing essential nutrients

Jasmine: calms and moisturizes, making it good for overly sensitive, dry skin

Jojoba Oil: provides excellent absorption because it is so much like sebum, making it excellent for moisturizing

Juniper: reduces excess oil and pulls toxins from skin, making it good for treating acne

Lanolin: most like sebum, but may cause allergic reactions

Kaolin Clay: mild clay used in masks

Lavender: has antiseptic and antibacterial qualities, promotes skin rejuvenation, calms irritation, and reduces inflammation, making it good for skin disorders, insect bites, sunburn, burns, boils, and helping to diminish scars

Lecithin: preservative and emulsifier in organic skin care formulas

Lemon: incredible healing qualities because it is antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic and astringent

Lemon Myrtle: healing qualities because it is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral

Lemongrass: healing qualities because it is antibacterial and antiseptic

Lime: tightens, tones, and reduces excess oil

Mandarin: has antiseptic qualities and tightens skin

Macadamia Nut Oil: moisturizes and is an anti-oxidant, making it good for all skin types

Myrrh: has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities, promotes skin rejuvenation, and moisturizes, making it good for a number of skin conditions, including chapping, skin disorders, and healing deep cracking

Neroli: promotes skin rejuvenation by stimulating new cell growth, making it good for a multitude of skin conditions

Olive Oil: has moisturizing properties

Orange: reduces excess oils making it good in acne treatment

Patchouli: has antifungal, anti inflammatory, and antiseptic properties and promotes new cell growth making it useful in a number of skin conditions

Petitgrain: helps clear irritated skin

Rice Bran Oil: has natural sun protection properties and provides vitamin E

Rose: helps reduce thread veins, promotes skin rejuvenation

Rosehip Seed Oil: reduces inflammation and irritation and has anti aging properties

Rosewood: provides slight pain relief and stimulates the immune system

Shea Butter: has moisturizing properties

Spearmint: antiseptic properties

Stearic Acid: emulsifier in organic skin care formulas

Tea Tree: promotes healing in infected wounds because it has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it good for a larger array of conditions, especially good for conditions to do with feet

Vegetable Glycerin: has moisturizing properties

Vitamin E Oil: anti oxidant which also acts as a preservative

Wheat Germ Oil: anti oxidant, moisturizer, and provides essential vitamins

Witch Hazel Extract: antiseptic and astringent properties

Ylang Ylang: balances oil production, making it good for either extreme skin condition (dry or oily)

Zinc Oxide: extremely effective sun protection qualities

About The Author:

You can keep yourself looking and feeling great with these great beauty tips at http://www.NaturalElements.co.uk

Treating Atrophic Dermatitis

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 12:06 pm

Normally our skin has the ability to maintain moisture, however, when Atrophic Dermatitis occurs the skin’s behavior is disrupted and results in very dry, inflamed skin.

Atrophic dermatitis is actually a common form of eczema. It is rather severe and is usually chronic in nature. Atrophic dermatitis usually occurs in skin folds and creases, like the insides of elbows, the backs of knees and hands and many different parts of the face and head. Due to constant scratching and contact with clothes, the sores often weep or may crust and become painful skin lesions.

Atrophic Dermatitis is more common during early childhood up to early adulthood but there are cases of older adults having this skin condition. Adults that do retain Atrophic dermatitis do not usually manifest the inflamed skin and flakes but only suffer extremely dry, sensitive skin which can be easily irritated.

What Triggers Atrophic Dermatitis

There are three trigger classifications of atrophic dermatitis that are very common. These are:

1. Allergens: Allergens are either ingested in the form of food, beverages or medications. Other types of allergens in the environment are animal dander and pollen. Medication that may cause an allergic reaction in an individual include but are not limited to antibiotics, anesthetics, sleeping pills, aspirin, laxatives, anti-depressants and many more

2. Irritants and : Irritants of atrophic dermatitis are smoke, fumes, solvents, chemicals, soaps and detergents, alcohol based products and many others. Dust can also make the rash worse and so can stress and climate changes.

3. Infections: Infections of bacterial, fungal or viral, can cause flare ups although not as common as the other triggers

Treating Atrophic Dermatitis

Owing to the nature of this condition the only way to treat atrophic dermatitis is to prevent scratching since this can lead to further skin complications and result in infections and, very rarely, life threatening conditions. The idea is to keep the individual’s skin moist. This can be efficiently done by applying prescribed ointments and lotions several times a day even if there are no flare ups. Naturally, vigilance is needed in monitoring the environment of the person who suffers from atrophic dermatitis.

As contact with clothing and bed linen can also cause irritation to the patient All clothes and beddings need to be washed with special detergents that are hypo allergenic to prevent flare ups. The same applies for the soaps and shampoos that the patient uses it is important that they contain little or no allergens to avoid allergic reactions. Bath water must not be too hot as this can dry skin and provoke flare ups.

What else can be done? It is highly recommended that the patient embark on a dietary change, avoiding all processed, fatty foods and concentrate on eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables as this will provide the body with all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and elements for good health, ridding the body of any toxic build up.

Unfortunately, we can only hope to control and manage atrophic dermatitis. Scientists continue to work on a cure or means of prevention but no conclusive results have been made yet..

About The Author:

Author’s Biography: Paul Courtney contributes articles to various publications pertaining to Alternative and Herbal Medicine, for more information please visit http://www.stopdermatitis.com

July 7, 2008

Treating Acne with Antibiotics

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 2:21 pm

Acne infection is commonly treated with topical antibiotics. Topical antibiotics kill the bacteria P. acnes and also help keep the gland unblocked. As topical antibiotics are safer to use for a long period compared to oral antibiotics, they are preferred for moderately infected acne. The common antibiotics used topically are- Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Metronidazole and Clindamycin. Clindamycin is the most popular antibiotic for topical application. Before we discuss about them individually, let us first know more about the cause of acne.

The main reasons of acne formation are:

- Blocked pore because of excess hormonal activity and uneven shedding of dead skin cells that block the sebaceous gland.

- Excess production of sebum is a main cause of acne. This excess sebum gets blocked inside and is infected causing acne.

- When sebum gets filled and blocked in the gland, the bacteria P. acnes attacks the sebum and multiplies inside the gland. This bacterium infects the gland and creates inflammation.

Topical antibiotics are used to kill this bacteria P. acnes. When this bacterium is removed the infection reduces and the inflammation also reduces. The lesion stops spreading inside the deeper skin and scarring is reduced. If the bacteria is allowed unchecked it can cause further growth of infection and cause scars. Let us discuss the antibiotics used.

Clindamycin - This is a very good antibiotic for acne. Oral Clindamycin may cause colitis; therefore it is preferably used topically. It is available as lotion, gel, cream etc and should be applied twice to the acne-affected skin. If you have any history of antibiotic induced colitis or any other colitis, do not use this. You need to discuss this with your doctor before you begin using Clindamycin.

Tetracycline - Tetracycline may cause allergic reactions and also may turn the skin yellow. It is not commonly used as a topical antibiotic for acne.

Erythromycin - Erythromycin is very popular as a topical antibiotic. It is well tolerated and causes very few side effects when used topically. It is also safe for pregnant women.

Metronidazole - Metronidazole formulation is used for rosacea and acne caused during rosacea. It is not commonly used for Acne Vulgaris.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

About The Author:

The author CD Mohatta writes for http://www.acnedoctor.us which has comprehensive information about skin care, acne treatments, causes, medicines, myths, latest methods, etc.

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