RichardHammond.Net Professional Health Advisor

25Aug/100

Acne Medicine – My Experience with OTC medicine

Did you know that over 180,000 people search for information on acne everyday, out of which 77,000 want to know more about acne medicine ? And that there are over 22 million sites talking about acne, and acne medicine, treatment and products ? This tells me a few things. One, there are many people out there suffering from acne, and they are interested in knowing what kind of acne medicine is available to help them cure their problem. Equally, there are millions of available acne treatments and products out there. Obviously, no one acne medicine is suitable for any one person then.


First, a quick review on what acne is. It is what the layperson calls "pimples" or "zits". There are different forms of acne, and all can occur at the same time, though one stage does not necessarily progress to the next. There are comedones, or blackheads and whiteheads, as they are usually called. Then there are acne spots caused by bacteria, leading to inflammation, resulting in a red possibly painful swelling called a papule. If the papule does not subside spontaneously, a pustule may form. This heals by discharging pus. A severe enough reaction may cause a lot of deep damage, leaving behind scars.


Acne medicine has different purposes. There is acne medicine to prevent acne. There is medicine to prevent infection of the acne. And there is medicine to prevent scarring from the acne. Finally, there is medicine to minimise the effects of acne scarring, should scars form.


Acne medicine can be divided into those that are applied to the skin - called topical acne medicine, and those that are taken orally - called systemic medicine.


Topical treatments come in the form of creams and lotions. There are two main types of topical acne medicine . The keratolytics , which act by peeling off the top horny outer layer of the skin, so helping to dislodge the comedones ( blackheads and whiteheads), and the antiseptics, which attempt to get rid of harmful bacterial action. Examples of keratolytic acne medicine include benzyl peroxide, Retin A, and sulphur. Examples of antispetic acne medicine include iodine ( eg Betadine), chlorhexidine, zinc salts, which are frequently incorporated into acne creams and lotions, azelaic acid.


One of the main problems with topical acne medicine is that they can be rather harsh. They can cause skin irritation and inflammation. Some, like retin A cannot be used during pregnancy. Sulphur containing acne medicines can be extremely smelly, like rotton eggs !


I can still remember the days when acne used to rule my life. I was so desperate for a cure I must have tried every over-the-counter acne medicine there was available. And there were plenty. That was the time when nobody thought acne was a serious problem. Everyone got it. Nobody had died from it. So it never occured to me that maybe I would need help.


It started with a few small spots. So I tried the standard sulphur-based acne medicine. I would apply it just over the offending spots and wait patiently till they went away. But they gradually got worse, with the number of red spots extending to different areas of my face. Soon it covered large areas of my face. I followed the instructions for how to use the acne medicine. I would cover my face with it faithfully every night, and went to bed smelling of sulphur. Even my pillows would smell of it. But I would hope and pray the medicine would do its wonderful work, and my acne would be gone. I always awoke the next day disappointed. I would wash my face, apply on a fresh layer of acne medicine and go about my day. I finally gave up when someone pointed out to me they always knew when I was coming, because the smell of the acne medicine announced my arrival !


I decided to try the benzyl peroxide-based acne medicine next. At least these did not smell of sulphur. The instructions seemed easy enough to follow. Just apply the acne medicine twice a day after washing the face and the acne would be gone within three to five days. It was again with great hope that I applied the new acne medicine. The first night, nothing happened. By the second night, my face was beginning to get a little itchy. By the third night, the side effects of the acne medicine were causing me to have a rather dry and red face. By the fourth night, my poor face was positively uncomfortable. By the fifth night, I gave up. The acne was still there. This acne medicine had not worked either.


Things just got from bad to worse. The small little red spots progressed to big spots. Big spots joined with other spots to form entire continents. There was hardly a clear space on my face. My confidence dipped to an all-time low. Acne ruled my life. It was the first thing I saw when I awoke, and the last thing I saw when I went to bed. Well meaning friends and relatives constantly commented on it and had lots of advice of what type of acne medicine would work best. I had tried everything.


Generally topical acne medicines work well for those with mild acne. A good number can be simply bought over-the-counter without the need of a doctor's prescription. And for many, this may be the only treatment required for acne.

Incoming search terms for the article:

Apply for medicine twice , medicines for spots ,
24Aug/100

Different Types Of Acne Problems

One of the ways to combat acne is to gain every bit of knowledge about it, and this article is going to offer you all about the types of acne available ranging from the least worrying to the one that requires your immediate attention.


Let's begin with the acne that needs the least attention.


Acne Vulgaris


Vulgaris means "common", not "repulsive". Thus the following states the acne mild enough for you to treat at home.


Whiteheads are also known as pimples, zits or spots. This is the classic image of acne, small round pus-and-oil filled globes sticking out on your forehead or anywhere else on the face. Your pores are clogged with bacteria from dead skin cells, dirt, oil, sweat, old makeup, and grease. You need not worry much about whiteheads, but you have to clean the affected area after it bursts.


Blackheads are what you get when your pores have only gotten partly clogged. Instead of a bright white pimple, you get a smaller, less noticeable blackhead. You can treat them with some products you can buy at the store but do not squeeze or pop them.


Baby acne only happens to newborn or young babies and is a common condition. It appears to be like a smaller version of adult whiteheads. One of the safest treatments you can treat baby acne, is ionic colloidal silver.


Medium Acne


Pustules, also more commonly known as "blind pimples" are one of the most aggravating types of acne. You can see and feel a pimple occurring on your skin. The skin becomes sore, raised to a 3 millimeter lump, and can be red or pale pink.


You may feel like popping them, but that might make things worse. You have to let them heal in their own time. If they pop, they are open for infection, so you have to apply antibacterial ointment on it.


Adult Acne


The most common belief is that only teenagers have acne but the thing is, acne can happen when you have reached full adulthood and it is normally brought about by stress and hormones at any age. It is mostly because stress hormones could cause existing comedones and impactions to break down, and then be inflamed which in turn develop to red nodules and postules.


Body Acne


Most people have outbreaks of acne on the face and are not aware of what body acne is and how it is different from the regular types of acne. Acne is considered as being body acne if it occurs on the back, chest, shoulders, and even the buttocks. The following are some details of body acne.


Back Acne


Back acne is no different from zits on the face, only they sometimes appear to be more cystic and vulgar.


Genital Acne


Genital acne is the same kind of acne you get on any other part of your body, only it grows on your genitals. This can be either annoying for some people or downright painful for others. They appear to be like whiteheads or blackheads on your genitals.


Severe Acne


These forms of acne need a doctor or dermatologist for proper treatment and care.


There are mainly four different types of severe acne, which are: acne conglobata, acne fulminans, gram negative folliculitis, and nodulocystic acne.


The first, acne conglobata, is a very rare, chronic and the most severe type of acne and it is characterized by the following conditions: deep abscesses, inflammation, severe damage to the skin, scarring and blackheads. It usually feels like you have boils all over you. It normally only hits males between the ages18-30 years old.


Acne fulminans is different from acne conglobata in that it is a sudden onset highly destructive inflammation. It is characterized by symptoms of severe and often ulcerating acne, fever, inflammation and aching of joints, especially in and around the hips and knees.


Corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are the most regular form of treatment for acne fulminans. However the outbreaks are apt to reoccur and the patient may in fact end up developing acne that needs long-term treatment with isotretinoin.


Nodulocystic acne or Cystic Acne is also one of the most severe forms of acne, and it is usually characterized by cysts. These cysts may appear singly, or they may be spread out all over the face, neck, scalp, back, chest and shoulders.


Treatment for this type of acne typically involves an insistent form of treatment, which may consist of isotretinoin and antibiotics. This form of acne is also characterized by large pus filled sores on the face or other parts of the body. These sores are usually painful and, if not treated, can lead to scarring and a pitting of the skin.


If you suffer from some of the larger cysts, ones that do not respond to medications, you may require drainage and surgical excision by a medical professional.


Gram-negative folliculitis is the type of acne which is caused by a bacterial infection that can result from long-term antibiotic treatment. In gram-negative folliculitis, the bacteria are likely to be resistant to many different types of antibiotics. Anyone with this severe type of acne should ensure that they have the proper care of a dermatologist.


The ultimate aim of this article is make you realize that whatever acne you may be suffering from has a name thus a solution to it. If you are suffering from severe acne, it is best to see a doctor or dermatologist where you will be treated properly for your acne.

23Aug/100

Searching for an Acne Skin Care Product Without Nasty Side Effects?

Finding an acne skin care product that really works and doesn't cause uncomfortable side effects is a never-ending battle for many patients. With all of the "miracle" acne medicines that claim to banish your pimples overnight, it's no wonder consumers are skeptical.

If you frequently suffer from acne outbreaks, there are several topical skin care products available as an alternative to oral prescription drugs. Acne medicine in the form of topical creams or gels generally has fewer and less serious side effects.

What Causes Acne

Acne occurs when a hair follicle becomes clogged and bacteria grow on the surrounding skin. The overgrowth of bacteria causes the skin to become inflamed and the result is acne in the form of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and boils.

Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter formulations, but moderate to severe cases call for stronger prescription acne medicine.

Acne Affects All Ages

When someone mentions acne, the first thought that comes to mind is a pimply-faced teenager. But acne is not restricted to this age group. Both young and middle aged adults make up a large percentage of patients who use acne skin care products on a regular basis.

Like teens, adult patients often feel embarrassment and anxiety about their skin's appearance. Finding an acne medicine that works quickly and prevents future outbreaks is important to acne sufferers of all ages.

Acne Skin Care Tip - Seek a Physician's Advice

It's best to seek a dermatologist's advice before selecting an acne medicine to use over the long term. Some skin care products are effective initially but after extended use they may not produce the same results.

A dermatologist is better qualified than your family physician to recommend an acne medicine that best suits your skin care needs, depending upon the severity and frequency of your acne outbreaks.

Advantages of Topical Creams as Acne Medicine

Some prescription acne medicine in pill form can produce unwanted side effects almost as troubling as the acne itself. In order to avoid these complications, many doctors will prescribe a topical cream instead of oral medications.

These acne skin care creams and gels are often just as effective as skin care pills. Topical skin care products can also be used by patients who may be unable to take prescription pills due to drug interactions.

BenzaClin Topical Cream

BenzaClin topical gel is a prescription acne medicine commonly used to treat mild to moderate acne. Unlike other skin care products that require some time before an improvement is noticed, BenzaClin works quickly to treat skin care problems such as acne vulgaris.

Patients wishing to try BenzaClin can do so without the worry of serious side effects that frequently accompany many oral prescriptions drugs. The most common side effects caused by BenzaClin are usually limited to the skin and may include dryness, redness, or itching in the affected area.

BenzaClin acne medicine is applied to acne outbreaks just twice a day. Its active ingredients include clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide is a well-known acne medicine that reduces both oily skin and inflammation. Clindamycin is a powerful antibiotic that kills the bacteria responsible for acne outbreaks.

Coupled together, these two ingredients are the basis for a potent acne skin care product that is generally well tolerated by most people.

Preventative Skin Care Tips - Recognizing Acne Triggers

In addition to finding an acne skin care treatment that works well for you, it is just as important to know what conditions or substances can trigger your acne outbreaks. Here are some tips to reduce your acne woes:

1. After an acne flare up, do not pick or scratch at the affected area. Doing so can postpone the healing process and lead to scarring. Instead, continue using your prescribed acne medicine or other skin care product until the condition subsides.

2. Don't over wash or scrub your blemishes. Many acne sufferers think their skin condition is due to poor hygiene. This is not the case. In fact, many acne patients clean or wash their faces too often, which can aggravate the skin.

3. Although no specific foods have been linked to acne, eating a well balanced diet should be part of your overall health and skin care regime. By eating a healthy diet and avoiding an excessive amount of processed foods, you can improve your health as well as limit acne occurrences.

4. Get enough rest. While a good night's sleep won't rid your face of pimples, a regular schedule that includes at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep will help your body function better and limit the number of future acne outbreaks.

5. Try not to stress out over acne. Stress is one of the leading causes of acne in adults. To increase the effectiveness of your acne skin care product, try incorporating various stress techniques into your daily routine. Exercise or participate in some other activity that helps take your mind off of your acne.

22Aug/100

Dealing With Acne – I Will Show You How

Acne is a common skin problem for most adolescents and also afflicts some adults. People of all ages and backgrounds have had to deal with acne at some point. Hence, there has long been a desire to prevent it or cure it. We will look at some of the causes of acne as well as some of the ways in which people treated. Our hope is that you will gain a better understanding of why people get acne and what they can do for treatment and prevention.


Can acne be more serious than simply a cosmetic issue?


Many people ask this question. Perhaps you are wondering if acne has ever gotten so bad for someone that it turned into something worse. The answer is "yes". Though acne is a larger health issue for only some people, it is still worth noting the development of the skin irritation into something more troublesome.


In some cases, acne leads to the scarring of the skin or the outbreak of a serious infection. This form of acne is known as cystic acne. Much like its name applies, cystic acne results in a large bump or cyst. Once a cyst heals, it may leave an obvious scar. It should be noted, however, that cystic acne is rare. If you believe that your acne is turning into something more serious than the usual skin irritation, consult a doctor.


How long will acne last?


The good news is that for most people, acne is a somewhat temporary situation. Ask any teenager about acne, however, and he or she will likely tell you that a fear is being destined to a life of acne. Such is the sense of despair and embarrassment caused by acne.


These teens will be glad to know that most will stop developing acne as they near their twenties, if not sooner. They can also rest assured that in most cases, the effects of acne are much less harsh as people exit their teen years. Unfortunately for some, acne can linger for many years after puberty.


Some adults experience severe cases of acne or notice occasional outbreaks as they near their thirties and beyond. In some extremely rare cases, individuals who have never had acne develop it in their later years.


What are the mental effects of acne?


Acne may show a body's failure to properly deal with hormonal changes. Acne can indicate that a person is not dealing with stress effectively. It may be evidence of a potentially serious allergic reaction to a medication or other element. It is not these effects of acne that tend to do the most damage, though.


More than a health issue, acne is known causing people (mainly teens) a sense of shame and embarrassment. Acne is falsely associated with being unclean. Clear, healthy skin is associated with cleanliness, while severe forms of acne are often believed to be the result of sanitary neglect. Not only that, acne can be ugly and turn people away.


Most people who experience severe acne are emotionally scarred by the social rejection, leading to adolescent emotional insecurity and a sense of self-doubt. Because of this, acne should be treated as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.


Isn't it true that staying clean helps prevent acne?


It is always better to rid your skin of toxins and dirt that accumulate during your normal routine. So yes, to some extent, it is true that washing skin can help prevent or decrease acne. Acne is a chemical matter, and it is something that occurs beneath the surface of the skin more so than on the skin itself.


Both daily cleansing and care of one's skin will help reduce the bacteria that rests on the skin, but they cannot lessen the testosterone levels beneath the surface of the skin that help produce acne.


Understanding this basic fact should help reduce some of the stigma attached to acne. It should also allow people who suffer from acne to take some comfort in knowing that they are not necessarily less clean than others. The truth is that they have very little control over what is going on beneath their skin.


How important is a healthy diet to preventing acne?


It is no coincidence that people who eat healthy food tend to have skin that shines and glows. In contrast, think of someone you know who eats nothing but junk food. It is likely that they have some issues with acne. Experts agree that a good, healthy diet can go a long way towards either preventing acne or helping diminish it. The Chinese believe, and have been widely accepted in their belief, that acne is solely attributed to a poor diet.


They claim that too much sugar or grease leads to the potential for acne. Thus, they discourage the consumption of excessive amounts of chocolate and fried foods. Fruits and vegetables are generally considered better for the skin and a deterrent to acne. Another factor known to eliminate acne is continual drinking of water. Drinking plenty of it is your best bet to avoid acne.

Tagged as: , , No Comments
21Aug/100

The Alternative Way to Cure Acne

Do Alternative Remedies for Acne Work? Type of treatment that some people find effective, so it’s worth knowing about. The treatments I’m talking about are called alternative acne treatments.

There are a variety of ways to get rid of acne that are homeopathic or natural and do not require a prescription from a dermatologist. These remedies can be used in conjunction with prescribed methods. For those who are seeking healthy and natural methods for getting rid of acne, homeopathic remedies are a viable option.

There are many treatment methods available to treat this condition, ranging from traditional medicines to acne alternative treatments that have been formulated from natural sources.

The basics for acne alternative treatments and prevention advice are:

1.Herbal Acne Remedies

Alternative medicine has come up with many solutions for acne and most of these are herbal solutions.

It's common knowledge that the liver is the primary internal organ that clears up any troubles we may have with our hormones. If our hormones get out of equilibrium the end result is a bad case of acne.

Why Some Herbal Acne Treatments Actually Work For Acne?

The herbal blend strengthened and improved liver function; there by purifying the blood and helping to balance hormones.

It is your liver that deactivates and clears excess and used hormones from body system. And it's also your liver's that purifies your blood of the congesting toxins that aggravate acne so very much.

Even though they can be effective, one of the problems with herbal remedies is that they are very slow acting. While the results may be worth waiting for, it may take an entire month of consistent use before results are visible. Meanwhile, herbal acne treatments proved to be very powerful for acne sufferers, but for the short-term.

Remember that some herbal remedies have never been studied, and tested for safety and effectiveness as acne alternative treatments.

How Herbs Work in Body System?

All herbs work one of two ways or a combination of these two ways

The herb carries with it vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and a less understood "life force". These aspects support the body nutritionally. Generally, these kinds of herbs are safe to be taken long-term. But should only be taken seasonally.

The herb has chemical components that actually throws the body out of balance. Depending on these chemical components different body systems are thrown out of balance. These herbs work short-term, and are damaging to the body system if taken in long-term. Please understand herbal acne treatments that temporarily throw your body out of balance are not a bad thing. That's why they work. But they should never be taken long-term and will actually stop working very quickly if you do.

2. Homeopathic Remedies

The objects of homeopathic remedies for acne is to improve the skins resistance to infection. Most issues can be solved through a healthy diet and good hygiene.

Homeopathy refers to a system for treating disease based on the administration of minute doses of a drug. In massive doses, the drug is expected to produce symptoms in healthy individuals similar to those of the disease itself. Homeopathic professionals evaluate the individual (their physical, emotional and intellectual makeup) before prescribing a treatment. While homeopathy has not had the benefit of many scientific studies, professional homeopaths have found that certain homeopathic treatments reduce certain symptoms of acne.

Homeopathic remedies for acne can include medicine or nutrients that regulate hormone levels, as changing hormone levels are by far the leading cause of acne. Men and women experience the same results from changing hormonal levels even thought the amounts of each hormone are dramatically different. Homeopathic acne treatment is most often needed in the teenage years. Older people can also develop pimples, but are advised to immediately see a physician if a severe outbreak occurs.

3.Diet Remedies

There is saying “you are what you eat”

One of the simplest alternative acne treatments is to simply change your diet. Some people have had great success in reducing their acne by eating more fruit and vegetables, and less processed foods. This keeps you much healthier, and will improve your skin.

Food and nutrition is the most important factor in alternative therapy. Fat and chocolates were blamed as the basic reason for the outbreak of acne while fast foods high in grease content as well as chips, chocolate and soft drinks can cause higher episodes of acne even in an adult. Vitamins such as A, E, B, and C are also important for the skin texture and tone, also seem to be important and juice therapists advice to have fresh juice, to a reduce acne problems.

What you eat can affect your acne breakouts. It’s no doubt that good nutrition is an important factor in getting rid of your acne once and for all. Yet many people who suffer from acne don’t actually know how they can improve their diet, which will in turn improve their skin. They don’t know which types of food helps, or doesn’t help.

So eating healthier foods will help keep your skin cleaner. But that isn’t to say you can’t ever eat the fatty foods, or the carbohydrates like rice and pasta. Although these things can take longer for your body to process, which means there are more toxins in your body system, it’s fine in moderation. A few other foods to avoid are foods that contain a lot of sugar or a lot of yeast. Again, these are fine in moderation, but if you eat these foods too often, it can make your nutrition unbalanced

Another help to diets, is the addition of adequate amounts of water consumption to anyone's diet. Why? Because water helps to flush out the poison Substances in your body system which would otherwise seek an outlet through your skin.

By drinking more water, you can keep your body clear of toxin build-up. And this will help keep your skin healthier. Drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day can be one of the acne natural treatments that can begin to detoxify the pores and skin.

Anyone looking for treatment can look online to find more suggestions and can read testimonials from those who have had success with home remedies. No one acne home treatment will work for everyone, so finding the right combination of ingredients or procedures could take time. Getting a program that fits the person’s routine and helps prevent further problems may take time and experimentation, but the results will be worth the time invested.

Keep in mind that those acne solutions that work for one person will probably not work for the next person. What worked for your mother, brother, or best friend may or may not work for you.

Learn more about how Detox Diet for acne treatment program is Effective at http://www.effectivefatlossreview.com/acnefreereview.html

20Aug/100

Acne Medication – Does Acne Skin Care Products Work?

Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease that involves pimples, primarily on face. Acne specifically occurs in teenagers and young adults sometimes causing them embarrassment, even psychological stress as well. Poor diet, stressful life, and hormonal changes are a few reasons for acne breakout. Also, incorrect use of beauty products or using poor quality acne skin care products can aggravate acne.

You can try using some natural or home remedies for mild acne, if it is initial stage and you see an occasional whitehead or a blackhead. However, if your acne is moderate, you should see a dermatologist and seek proper acne medication, before it gets severe. A doctor generally refers a few acne creams, and guides you on using acne skin care products. A variety of acne products are available at medical stores. Some of these are good to cure acne, and while others help you prevent acne.

There are many OTC medicines that people take for acne. This may be a good option for initial stage but if your acne is getting worse, seek proper acne medication. The dermatologist examines the symptoms and gives you prescribed medicine for effective treatment and cure. Apart from treatment, you should change your diet plan and avoid foods that can cause acne or that slow the recovery process.

Most often, the acne products contain benzoyl peroxide and some antibiotics. These help the affected area to dry out, and take care of acne scar as well. Many acne creams and lotions that you use for treatment contain vitamin A. However, you may feel some irritation or itching on your skin when you begin the treatment. Use a good quality skin moisturizer for in such cases. In case of severe acne, you may also require to take oral acne medication. Many prescribed medicines eliminate the reasons that can cause acne. Generally, these help you fighting against the bacterial infection that leads to acne.

Sometimes, a medicine has its side effects as well. Discuss with your doctor, if you notice any rashes on skin, or some stomach problem, and seek any alternative medicine, or some medicine to counter the side effects of acne medication. Research has shown that a few acne medicines may cause malformation of the teeth; and a few others can cause changes in the color of the skin. Your skin may get dark, or lighter than its normal color.

A few other common side effects are as below.

• Your hair may lose their natural color, and may turn white.

• You may notice skin allergy.

• There may be blisters or some swelling over affected areas on skin.

• In some cases, you may also see burning or redness of skin.

Some doctors recommend that you should not take calcium supplements, or any laxatives while you are taking acne medications. Select your acne skin care products carefully, and if possible, use only those products that are prescribed or recommended by your doctor.

Washing your face is the most important factor that contributes to early recovery. Wash your face to revoke any oils or dirt from your face and do not apply any make up or cream while going to bed. It enables your skin to breathe which is very important for a healthy and fresh skin. Do not touch, prick or pierce your pimples as it may leave permanent scars on the skin. Let them heal naturally or though acne medications, and the scars will automatically disappear over a period of time.

Sometimes, a few medicines are not recommended for special cases such as for a pregnant women and patients of Hansen's disease. Also, the patients of asthma, hay fever or those who have a weak liver are also advised against using some particular acne products. In such situations, discuss all the symptoms with your dermatologist, along with any medication that you are already taking. You may require some different acne creams or medication in such cases.

While purchasing acne products, read the instructions carefully. See the manufacturing and expiry dates of products, and read how to use those. There may be instructions that require that you should not expose your skin to sunlight after applying a specific acne cream. Following the instructions properly will help quick acne treatment and cure.

Apart from traditional acne medications, you can control acne using herbal products as well. The advantage with using herbal products is that these do not cause any side effects, though sometimes, the recovery process is slow. Even if you are taking traditional medicines, you can take herbal and natural treatment for acne, simultaneously. However, consult with your doctor before using a herbal product since it may hinder the effectiveness of prescribed medicines. Also, take required precautions in your diet and lead a positive and stress free life style.