Jul 27

“The lasting impression”! This is what we can say when we witness the issue of acne. First you need to deal with acne and then you need to live with the marks! The following article will give a briefing about the methods used for acne scar removal.


Just like acne cures, there are cures for acne scars. Acne scar removal has always been a burning issue for hundreds of teenagers. Let us have a deeper look into the various possible methods to get rid of this dual punishment.


Before we learn the methods of acne scar removal, we need to know about the ways they are caused and the kinds of acne that cause them. Blackheads or whiteheads are not very severe forms of acne and can be cured and removed easily. They do not leave lasting scars and even if they do leave behind some scars, the marks can be easily removed.


The matter of concern is the form of the acne which causes nodules (which are pus-filled cysts) and appear under the skin. These nodules can cause scars and these marks or scars are permanent.

Like solutions and remedies to get rid of acne, there are treatments for acne scars as well. There are a few methods of doing so. A few of them are discussed below.


- Laser Resurfacing is a well known method of removing the acne scars. A doctor or a dermatologist can be the best person to do that. In this Laser Resurfacing technique, the top layer of the skin which is damaged is removed and the middle layer is tightened. This generally takes some time to get cured as the outer surface always remains exposed.


- Dermabrasion is another method for acne scar removal. In this method, the affected surface of the skin is worn out by rotating a wire brush or spinning diamond. When the skin heals, a new smooth layer of skin replaces the abraded layer of the skin. It however, takes a lesser time to heal than the Laser Resurfacing.


- Fractional laser therapy is yet another method of Acne scar removal. In this method of treatment, deeper levels of skin are used for treatment and the top layers of the tissue are not affected and hence, healing is easier and faster.


- In case the scars left after Acne cures are not very severe, chemical peel or microdermabration can be used. These are the simpler methods as compared to the other complicated methods.


It is a real time issue for most of the people as the scars can leave them in a position of embarrassment and can be very annoying. Getting rid of acne is not everything. Removing the resulting scars is also important!

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Jul 27

Acne and pregnancy are commonly connected. That is because acne is caused by bacteria which form when the skin pores are clogged by excessive oil and dead skin cells. Excessive oil is usually produced during periods of hormonal imbalance. There are two primary periods in life when hormones go crazy – puberty and pregnancy. That’s why acne tends to show up during both these periods. There are many different acceptable acne remedies that can be applied during the teenage years, but many of them are totally unacceptable when you become pregnant. We’re going to examine one medically acceptable treatment during acne pregnancy, and two treatments that should be avoided whenever acne and pregnancy mix. Here they are                                                                                                  Important Tip: Erythromycin - Medical experts agree that as long as you are not allergic to Erythromycin, you can take this antibiotic orally to combat acne pregnancy. However, as is the case with all antibiotics, you must see your doctor for a prescription.             Important Warning 1: Avoid Accutane - Most other oral anti-acne drugs should be avoided – especially those containing isotretinoin. This would include any retinoids as well as Accutane, Claravis, Amnesteem and Sotret. Compounds which contain isotretinoin can cause genetic damage and birth defects in the fetus.                                                   Important Warning 2: Avoid Certain Topical Treatments - Even topical treatments – those that are not swallowed but are instead applied directly to the affected acne redness and infection – may be absorbed into the bloodstream. Any compounds which contain salicylic acid such as Stridex or Propa pH should be avoided as they can harm the fetus even though they are not swallowed. It should be emphasized that if you are pregnant you should consult with your doctor before trying ANY acne medication, even if it’s an over-the-counter topical remedy. Don’t attempt to use an old prescription of Erythromycin until you have thoroughly discussed the matter with your gynecologist or dermatologist. Also, if your acne condition appears to be severe, or if it doesn’t go away after pregnancy, then there is much more you need to know. You are strongly advised to educate yourself further and consult your doctor. For more information, click on ACNE REDNESS CURE or go to: acnerednesscure.com.

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Jul 27

Most people in their lifetime are affected by acne at some time. An overproduction of oil and cells usually occurs during puberty, for women before a menstrual cycle and during menopause. Depending on the severity of the acne, the reaction to the medicine prescribed and the progress made in the treating of the symptoms, you may want to consider Light Therapy or Acne Laser Treatment. Some of the treatments you may want to discuss with a dermatologist and investigate are Light Therapy, Laser Therapy, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), Laser Therapy and Chemical Peels.

Light Therapy – FDA has approved blue-light therapy for treating acne. Blue-light therapy is widely advertised and is probably the best-known of the light therapy for acne. It works by killing the acne-causing bacteria, and is used to treat inflammatory acne that will not respond to other acne therapies. The blue-light products of today do not contain ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light can damage skin and is no longer used. Blue-light therapy is usually prescribed in eight sessions and given over a four-week period. Each session can last about 15 minutes. Side effects can be mild and include short term pigment changes, swelling of treated areas, and dryness.

Pulsed Light Therapy – FDA approved for acne treatment, it combines pulses of green-yellow light and heat to treat mild to moderate acne, including inflammatory acne. The pulsed light and heat energy destroys acne and shrinks sebaceous glands, decreasing oil production. One of the main attractions of Pulsed Light Therapy is that these acne treatments cause little or no downtime and few side effects.

Diode Laser – Diode Lasers are designed to reach the sebaceous glands in the dermis, concentrating on this thick middle layer of skin, without harming the outer layer of skin. A study was performed on acne patients who were treated up to five times within a two week period. The patients acne lesions were reduced by 63%. Side effects of diode laser treatment include temporary redness and swelling of the treated areas.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) – This procedure is done with the combination of a drug that is activated by light called the photosensitizer. During this acne treatment, the hyperactive sebaceous glands are targeted. The photosensitizer is applied to the skin and is left on for a variable period of time. The skin is exposed to the light source laser light and the photosensitizer is then removed. This kills P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne. Side effects include pain during the procedure and discoloration afterwards.

Microdermabrasion – With this treatment, your practitioner presses a hand held device against your skin, blowing crystals to remove oils, breaking up dead skin and other imperfections. It’s like you’re polishing your skin and encouraging new skin growth. There are many materials that may be used, including aluminum oxide crystals, sodium bicarbonate crystals, diamond-tipped crystals, or salt crystals. Usually used with prescribed acne creams and gels for better penetration of the medication and increase the effectiveness.

Chemical Peel – Chemical peels have been used for a long time. Studies have shown that twice a week chemical peel treatments for 12 weeks can significantly improve acne. Under a doctor’s supervision a chemical peel of Glycolic acid or salicylic acid is applied to your skin to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, remove whiteheads and blackheads, and generate new skin growth. Chemical peel are often used with prescribed acne creams and gels for better penetration of the medication. Side effects range from temporary redness, blisters, and crusting to scarring, infection and abnormal skin coloring.

Acne laser treatment and light therapy are more options for patients to consider in acne treatment. Each case of acne treatment is evaluated differently depending on the severity of what treatments have been used in the past and the success and failures of each one. By consulting with your doctor or dermatologist about acne laser treatment you will be able to incorporate the best plan of attack. The Acne Treatment site www.bestacnehelp.blogspot.com and www.AcneDevices.blogspot.com to help keep you up to date on news and treatment ideas.

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Jul 22

While 80% of teenagers suffer from acne overall, a smaller percentage suffer from an extreme form called cystic acne. Also referred to as nodulocystic acne, it is a very severe condition with effects that go beyond mere physical appearance. Cystic acne is a disfiguring and painful condition, but the psychological effects can extend to depression and even suicide. To someone suffering from this condition, a cystic acne cure can mean the difference between a happy, well-adjusted life and a troubled, miserable existence.

In contrast to the small bumps and pimples of regular acne, cystic acne is characterized by much more severe lesions. Nodules are acne formations under the skin. Sometimes lasting for months, nodules are very large and painful, and often leave scars. Cysts are also large, painful, and deep within the skin, but they are filled with pus. By definition, they are more than 5 mm across;  combined with nodules and inflammation, the condition can spread redness across broad patches of the skin.

There are a couple of things you can do yourself to help your skin heal and implement a cystic acne cure. The first rule is to not squeeze the pimples. The lesions are deep within vulnerable skin, and squeezing can damage adjacent tissues, driving the infection deeper and wider. Scarring is common enough with cystic acne; squeezing increases the probability of deep, pitted scars.

When you wash your face, remember that your skin’s naturally acidic pH controls bacteria. If you use an alkaline soap for cleansing, the skin acids are neutralized and can no longer kill acne-causing bacteria.  Be sure to use a cleanser with a neutral pH so your skin’s natural defenses can help fight your acne.

Beyond these efforts, such a severe condition as cystic acne requires serious treatment with the help of a dermatologist. You can start out with regular acne treatments in hopes that they will work, but if they don’t help, be prepared to take further steps. Antibiotics are often used to help kill bacteria, but the P. acnes bacteria is reported to be developing resistance; the common antibiotics may not be able to keep up with rampant bacterial growth associated with cystic acne.

Although squeezing acne cysts is not recommended, surgical acne treatment may be employed. The dermatologist will lance the lesion to drain the pus. This can relieve pressure inside the cyst and slightly improve appearance.

Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical or oral retinoid to treat your cystic acne. Retinoids work to mitigate some of the causes of acne, reducing oil production or stemming overproduction of dead skin cells that can block pores. They have a high effective rate as a cystic acne cure, but associated side effects include skin irritation, acne flareups, facial flushing, nosebleeds, birth defects, and possibly liver damage. Discuss and assess theses side effects with your dermatologist, and definitely don’t use them if you are pregnant.

Cystic acne that doesn’t respond to other methods may be treated with a steroidal cortisone injection directly into the lesion. This quickly resolves the redness and inflammation and improves the appearance of the skin. Possible side effects include changes in skin coloration, dents in the skin at the injection site, and infection. Long-term use of steroids, though, can actually cause acne. Permanent changes in skin texture and injection site abcesses are possible. Steroid injection as a cystic acne treatment should be used sparingly.

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Jul 22

Let us discuss few effective acne treatments that work for all skin types starting from normal to oily skin.

Exfoliation

Exfoliating periodically is the best solution and treatment for acne. There are two major types of exfoliation. One is mechanical and the other is chemical. Mechanical methods employ some device to rub and remove the upper layers of skin. Chemical methods involve using a chemical solution that would dissolve and clean dead skin cells. After exfoliation, fresh skin cells grow to replace the older cells. This layer would be very young and radiant. More importantly it would be acne free.

Acne Control Gels

Using acne control gels would be recommended for many. Generally these would supply micro nutrients to the upper layers of skin and at the same time can dissolve the dead skin cells. Generally it is not advisable to use these products during day time (unless mentioned). This is because, these can expose the inner layers of face skin which when exposed to skin can get sun burnt.

Abrasion

Periodic skin abrasion is yet another treatment which can keep acne under control. In this process, a mechanical brush would be used to wipe out the dead layer of skin. This is a painful process and is usually associated with bleeding. Anesthesia might be administered for these treatments. Once the outer layer is removed, the wounds produced by rubbing would begin to heel. This process would take at least a month. The new layer would be acne free.

Others

Benzoyl peroxide and sulfur treatments are other ones that are very useful in treating acne.

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