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Jane
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Posted: Sat Jun 25th, 2005 07:55 pm |
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A1C test ((also known as glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c)
Because you have diabetes, you and your doctor, diabetes educator, and other members of your health care team work to keep your blood glucose (sugar) at ideal levels. There are two powerful reasons to work for effective blood sugar control:
- You will feel better.
- You may prevent or delay the start of diabetes complications such as nerve, eye, kidney, and blood vessel damage.
One way to keep track of your blood sugar changes is by checking your blood sugar at home. These tests tell you what your blood sugar level is at any one time.
But suppose you want to know how you've done overall. There's a test that can help. An A1C (also known as glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c) test gives you a picture of your average blood glucose control for the past 2 to 3 months. The results give you a good idea of how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.
In some ways, the A1C test is like a baseball player's season batting average. Both A1C and the batting average tell you about a person's overall success. Neither a single day's blood test results nor a single game's batting record gives the same big picture.
How It Works
You know from the name that the test measures something called A1C. You may wonder what it has to do with your blood sugar control. Hemoglobin is found inside red blood cells. Its job is to carry oxygen from the lungs to all the cells of the body. Hemoglobin, like all proteins, links up with sugars such as glucose.
You know that when you have uncontrolled diabetes you have too much sugar in your bloodstream. This extra glucose enters your red blood cells and links up (or glycates) with molecules of hemoglobin. The more excess glucose in your blood, the more hemoglobin gets glycated. It is possible to measure the percentage of A1C in the blood. The result is an overview of your average blood glucose control for the past few months.
Thanks for the Memories
How does the A1C test look backward? Suppose your blood sugar was high last week. What happened? More glucose hooked up (glycated) with your hemoglobin. This week, your blood glucose is back under control. Still, your red blood cells carry the 'memory' of last week's high blood glucose in the form of more A1C.
This record changes as old red blood cells in your body die and new red blood cells (with fresh hemoglobin) replace them. The amount of A1C in your blood reflects blood sugar control for the past 120 days, or the lifespan of a red blood cell.
In a person who does not have diabetes, about 5% of all hemoglobin is glycated. For someone with diabetes and high blood glucose levels, the A1C level is higher than normal. How high the A1C level rises depends on what the average blood glucose level was during the past weeks and months. Levels can range from normal to as high as 25% if diabetes is badly out of control for a long time.
You should have had your A1C level measured when your diabetes was diagnosed or when treatment for diabetes was started. To watch your overall glucose control, your doctor should measure your A1C level at least twice a year. This is the minimum. There are times when you need to have your A1C level tested about every 3 months. If you change diabetes treatment, such as start a new medicine, or if you are not meeting your blood glucose goals, you and your doctor will want to keep a closer eye on your control.
How Does It Help Diabetes Control?
How can your A1C test results help your control? Here are two examples.
Bob D., 49 years old, has type 2 diabetes. For the past seven years, he and his doctor have worked to control his blood sugar levels with diet and diabetes pills. Recently, Bob's control has been getting worse. His doctor said that Bob might have to start insulin shots. But first, they agreed that Bob would try an exercise program to improve control.
That was three months ago. Bob stuck to his exercise plan. Last week, when the doctor checked Bob's blood sugar, it was near the normal range. But the doctor knew a single blood test only showed Bob's control at that time. It didn't say much about Bob's overall blood sugar control.
The doctor sent a sample of Bob's blood to the lab for an A1C test. The test results would tell how well Bob's blood sugar had been controlled, on average, for the past few months. The A1C test showed that Bob's control had improved. With the A1C results, Bob and the doctor had proof that the exercise program was working. The test results also helped Bob know that he could make a difference in his blood sugar control.
The A1C test can also help someone with type 1 diabetes. Nine-year-old Lisa J. and her parents were proud that she could do her own insulin shots and urine tests. Her doctor advised her to begin a routine of two shots a day and to check her blood sugar as well.
Lisa kept records of all her test results. Most were close to the ideal range. But at her next checkup, the doctor checked her blood and found her blood sugar level was high. The doctor sent a sample of Lisa's blood for an A1C test. The results showed that Lisa's blood glucose control had in fact been poor for the last few months.
Lisa's doctor asked Lisa to do a blood sugar check. To the doctor's surprise, Lisa turned on the timer of her meter before pricking her finger and putting the blood drop on the test strip. The doctor explained to Lisa and her parents that the way Lisa was testing was probably causing the blood sugar test errors.
With time and more accurate blood sugar results, Lisa and her parents got better at using her results to keep food, insulin, and exercise in balance. At later checkups, her blood sugar records and the A1C test results showed good news about her control.
A1C tests can help:
- Confirm self-testing results or blood test results by the doctor
- Judge whether a treatment plan is working
- Show you how healthy choices can make a difference in diabetes control.
Test Limit
Although the A1C test is an important tool, it can't replace daily self-testing of blood glucose. A1C tests don't measure your day-to-day control. You can't adjust your insulin on the basis of your A1C tests. That's why your blood sugar checks and your log results are so important to staying in effective control.
It is important to know that different labs measure A1C levels in different ways. If you sent one sample of your blood to four different labs, you might get back four different test results.
For example, an 8 at one lab might mean that blood glucose levels have been in the near-normal range. At a second lab, a 9 might be a sign that, on average, blood glucose was high. This doesn't mean that any of the results are wrong. It does mean that what your results say depends on the way the lab does the test.
Talk to your doctor about your A1C test results. Know that if you change doctors or your doctor changes labs, your test numbers may need to be "read" differently.
The A1C test alone is not enough to measure good blood sugar control. But it is good resource to use along with your daily blood sugar checks, to work for the best possible control.
Last edited on Sat Jun 25th, 2005 07:57 pm by |
Jane
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Posted: Fri Jul 8th, 2005 01:19 am |
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Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell, is an incurable but treatable disease. While a myeloma diagnosis can be overwhelming, it is important to remember that there are several promising new therapies that are helping patients live longer, healthier lives. The estimated frequency of multiple myeloma is 4-5 new cases per 100,000 persons per year. Accordingly, in the USA 15,270 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2004. At present there are approximately 50,000 people in the United States living with multiple myeloma.
This section is designed to serve as a fundamental resource for education about multiple myeloma. It provides a detailed overview of the disease and includes:
Definition
Causes and incidence
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Classification and staging
Prognostic indicators
Myeloma bone disease
Glossary
Definition
Multiple myeloma (also known as myeloma or plasma cell myeloma) is a progressive hematologic (blood) disease. It is a cancer of the plasma cell, an important part of the immune system that produces immunoglobulins (antibodies) to help fight infection and disease. Multiple myeloma is characterized by excessive numbers of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow and overproduction of intact monoclonal immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgD, or IgE) or Bence-Jones protein (free monoclonal _ and _ light chains). Hypercalcemia, anemia, renal damage, increased susceptibility to bacterial infection, and impaired production of normal immunoglobulin are common clinical manifestations of multiple myeloma. It is often also characterized by diffuse osteoporosis, usually in the pelvis, spine, ribs, and skull.
Cells destined to become immune cells, like all blood cells, arise in the bone marrow from stem cells (see figure). Some stem cells develop into the small white blood cells called lymphocytes. The two major classes of lymphocytes are B cells (B lymphocytes) and T cells (T lymphocytes). Plasma cells develop from B cells.
Figure legend: Like most blood cells, plasma cells develop from stem cells in the bone marrow. Stem cells can develop into B cells (B lymphocytes), which travel to the lymph nodes, mature, and then travel throughout the body. When foreign substances (antigens) enter the body, B cells develop into plasma cells that produce immunoglobulins (antibodies) to help fight infection and disease.
Normal Plasma Cell Function in the Immune System
Plasma cells develop from B cells when foreign substances (antigens), such as bacteria, enter the body. In response to invasion by foreign substances, groups of plasma cells produce proteins called immunoglobulins (Ig), also known as antibodies that help fight disease and infection. Each plasma cell develops in response to a particular foreign substance within the body, and it produces immunoglobulins specific to that substance. Thus, there are many different immunoglobulins produced in the body.
Immunoglobulins are made up of protein chains, 2 long chains called heavy chains and 2 shorter chains known as light chains (see figure).
Figure legend: Immunoglobulins are made up of 2 heavy chains and 2 light chains.
There are 5 major classes of immunoglobulins. Each class has a unique type of heavy chain that is defined by use of a Greek letter: gamma (IgG), alpha (IgA), mu (IgM), epsilon (IgE), or delta (IgD). Each type has a slightly different function in the body. Normally, a plasma cell makes one of these five major classes of immunoglobulin. The immunoglobulin class normally present in the largest amounts in blood is IgG, followed by IgA and IgM. IgD and IgE are present in very small amounts in the blood. Immunoglobulin light chains are defined by use of the Greek letters kappa (k) or lambda (l).
Development of Malignant Plasma Cells (Myeloma Cells)
B cells develop in the lymph nodes, and plasma cells develop from B cells when they are needed to fight disease or infection. Transformation of a normal B cell into a malignant plasma cell involves a multi-step process that includes multiple genetic abnormalities. Finally, the resulting plasma cells become malignant, meaning they continue to divide unchecked, generating more malignant plasma cells (see figure). These myeloma cells travel through the bloodstream and collect in the bone marrow, where they damage tissue. We have recently learned that the interaction between the plasma cells and the bone marrow microenvironment is as important as the genetic changes in the development of these malignant cells.
Figure legend: In multiple myeloma, the B cell is damaged and gives rise to too many plasma cells (myeloma cells). These malignant cells do not function properly and their increased numbers produce excess immunoglobulins of a single type that the body does not need along with reduced amounts of normal immunoglobulins.
Normally, plasma cells make up a very small portion (less than 1%) of cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma plasma cells, however, have specific adhesion molecules on their surface allowing them to target bone marrow. After they enter the bone marrow, these adhesion molecules allow them to attach to structural cells called stromal cells. Once myeloma cells attach to bone marrow stromal cells, several interactions cause myeloma cells to grow (see figure):
Chemical messengers called cytokines are produced by both myeloma cells and stromal cells. These cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), receptor for activation of NF_KB (RANK) ligand, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), stimulate the growth of myeloma cells and inhibit (prevent) natural cell death (called apoptosis), leading to proliferation of myeloma cells and ultimately resulting in bone destruction.
Myeloma cells also produce growth factors that promote angiogenesis, the creation of new blood vessels. These new blood vessels provide the oxygen and nutrients necessary for tumor growth. A growth factor called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in angiogenesis. Angiogenesis helps the myeloma cells increase in number and begin to infiltrate the bone marrow, eventually comprising more than 10% of the cells present.
Mature myeloma cells may fail to activate the immune system and may produce substances that decrease the body's normal immune response to a foreign body. Thus, the cells can grow unchecked.
Figure legend: Bone marrow stromal cells and myeloma cells produce cytokines that help myeloma cells grow and survive. Myeloma cells also produce growth factors that stimulate new blood vessel formation through a process called angiogenesis. New blood vessels provide nutrients and oxygen to the tumor, allowing it to grow. The natural immune response that attacks myeloma cells is suppressed.
As tumors grow, they invade the hard outer part of the bone, the solid tissue. In most cases, the myeloma cells spread into the cavities of all the large bones of the body, forming multiple small lesions. This is why the disease is known as "multiple" myeloma. In some cases, however, the myeloma cells collect in a single bone and form a tumor called a plasmacytoma.
Myeloma cells are identical and produce the same immunoglobulin protein, called monoclonal (M) protein or paraprotein, in large quantities. Although the specific M protein varies vary from patient to patient, it is always exactly the same in any one patient. When blood or urine is processed in a laboratory test called electrophoresis, these M proteins show up as a "spike" in the results.
Unlike normal immunoglobulin, M protein does not benefit the body. Instead, it crowds out normal, functional immunoglobulins. In addition, levels of functional immunoglobulin are depressed in individuals with myeloma. Although the process is not completely understood, it appears that the functional immunoglobulin made by existing normal plasma cells breaks down more quickly in patients with myeloma than in healthy individuals.
Myeloma Types
A patient's myeloma is often referred to by the type of immunoglobulin or light chain (kappa or lambda type) produced by the cancerous plasma cell. The frequency of the various immunoglobulin types of myeloma parallels the normal serum concentrations of the immunoglobulins The most common myeloma types are IgG and IgA. IgG myeloma accounts for about 60% to 70% of all cases of myeloma and IgA accounts for about 20% of cases. Few cases of IgD and IgE myeloma have been reported.
Although a high level of M protein in the blood is a hallmark of myeloma disease, about 15% to 20% of patients with myeloma produce incomplete immunoglobulins, containing only the light chain portion of the immunoglobulin (also known as Bence Jones proteins, after the chemist who discovered them). These patients are said to have light chain myeloma, or Bence Jones myeloma. In these patients, M protein is found primarily in the urine, rather than in the blood. These Bence Jones proteins may deposit in the kidney and clog the tiny tubules that make up the kidney's filtering system, which can eventually cause kidney damage and result in kidney failure. Bence Jones proteins will not be detected by routine urinalysis. A more complex test called immunoelectrophoresis can measure the exact amount of Bence Jones proteins in the urine.
A rare form of myeloma called nonsecretory myeloma affects about 1% of myeloma patients. In this form of the disease, plasma cells do not produce M protein or light chains.
Causes and Incidence
Multiple myeloma is the second most prevalent blood cancer after non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It represents approximately 1% of all cancers and 2% of all cancer deaths.
Recent statistics indicate both increasing incidence and earlier age of onset. The median age at diagnosis is about 71 years, and only 2% of cases are diagnosed in individuals under the age of 45. Approximately 50,000 Americans currently have myeloma, and the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 15,270 new cases of myeloma will be diagnosed during 2004.
Multiple myeloma affects slightly more men than women (of the estimated 15,270 new cases referenced above, 8,090 are expected to occur in men versus 7,180 in women). African Americans and Native Pacific Islanders have the highest reported incidence of this disease and Asians the lowest. A recent study found the incidence of myeloma to be 9.5 cases per 100,000 African Americans and 4.1 cases per 100,000 Caucasian Americans. Among African Americans, myeloma is one of the leading causes of cancer death.
Although a tremendous amount of work has gone into the search for the cause of multiple myeloma, to date no cause for this disease has been identified. However, the search for a cause has suggested possible associations between myeloma and a decline in the immune system, genetic factors, certain occupations, certain viruses, exposure to certain chemicals including Agent Orange, and exposure to radiation.
Because the peak age for multiple myeloma is among the elderly it is thought that susceptibility may increase with the aging process and the consequent reduction in immune surveillance of evolving cancer, or that myeloma may result from a lifelong accumulation of toxic insults or antigenic challenges. The higher incidence of myeloma in African Americans and the much less frequent occurrence in Asians suggest genetic factors. While it is uncommon for myeloma to develop in more than one family member, there is a slight increased risk among children and siblings of those with myeloma.
Agricultural occupations, petroleum workers, workers in leather industries, and cosmetologists all seem to have a higher-than-average chance of developing multiple myeloma. Exposure to herbicides, insecticides, petroleum products, heavy metals, plastics, and various dusts including asbestos also appear to be risk factors for the disease. In addition, individuals exposed to large amounts of radiation, such as survivors of the atomic bomb explosions in Japan, have an increased risk for myeloma.
Chromosomal changes including chromosomal translocations (generally involving the Ig heavy chain gene), and chromosomal gains and losses are very frequent in myeloma. These abnormalities have an important influence on disease outcome.
It is important to remember that in most cases, individuals who develop multiple myeloma have no clear risk factors. Myeloma may be the result of several factors acting together.
http://www.myelomainfo.org/
Last edited on Fri Jul 8th, 2005 01:23 am by |
Jane
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Posted: Wed Jul 13th, 2005 03:14 pm |
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Tendinitis
Definition
Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon. A tendon is a cord or band that connects a muscle to a bone.
What is going on in the body?
Tendons are usually smooth and strong. With age or overuse, tendons can become worn and weak, leading to tendinitis. Tendinitis occurs most often in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Symptoms of tendinitis include stiffness or pain around a joint, especially with motion. The pain is sometimes worse at night. There may also be tenderness and swelling over the length of the tendon. Occasionally, the tendon can be felt rubbing as it glides back and forth.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Tendinitis is caused by overuse, injury, or aging. It can be associated with inflammatory diseases that occur throughout the body, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Rarely it is caused by an infection such as gonorrhea.
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Excessive repetitive motions should be avoided to prevent tendinitis.
How is the condition diagnosed?
Tendinitis is usually suspected after observing the signs and symptoms. An X-ray is not often helpful. Although rarely necessary, a special X-ray test known as MRI or magnetic resonance imaging, can reveal any weakening of the tendon or changes in the tendon sheath or covering.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Tendinitis may become chronic or long-term, and may lead to rupture of the tendon.
What are the risks to others?
There are no risks to others.
What are the treatments for the condition?
RICE (Rest, Ice, Immobilization, and Elevation) is the appropriate treatment for tendinitis. Temporary use of a splint can help rest the tendon.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can also be taken to reduce inflammation, swelling, and discomfort. Occasionally, it is beneficial to inject a corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone, into the tendon sheath.
Physical therapy may also help and includes massage, ultrasound, and stretching and strengthening exercises. It is important to stretch before and after activity.
Although rarely necessary, surgery can be useful. It can clean out the inflammatory tissue from the tendon sheath or relieve pressure on the tendon by removing bone.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
NSAIDs may cause indigestion, ulcers, or bleeding. They may also affect the kidneys or liver. Surgery and medication injection carry a risk of bleeding and infection.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
With a return to activity, tendinitis can recur. Prolonged tendinitis in certain areas of the body can lead to rupture of the tendon.
How is the condition monitored?
Pain and swelling should be monitored and reported to the healthcare provider.
Last edited on Wed Jul 13th, 2005 03:15 pm by |
Jane
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Posted: Mon Jul 18th, 2005 07:14 pm |
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BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING
SCIENTIC STUDIES have shown that there is a link between bllod glucose levels and the risk of complications from diabetes.
People with diabetes , who maintain sugar levels as close to normal as possible can delay the onset or progression of eye problems, kidney disease and nerve damage.
Blood glucose monitoring is the only way to know how your body is responding to food, activity, stress or insulin.
You should establish ( with doctor's or diabetes educator's help), a testing schedule and follow that schedule exactly, recording the results in a blood glucose diary. ( helps to monitor how well yr blood sugar levels are being controlled.).
Some circumstances require additonal testing, such as when :-
- low blood sugar is suspected
- you engage in physical activity
-you gain or lose weight
-you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant
-your blood glucose levels are outside your acceptable range
-u r on intensive insulin therapy
-u r experiencing periods of stress
-u r ill or preparing to undergo surgery
-there r changes to your medication o r insulin regimen
-u begin taking any new medication
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MANAGING YOUR DIABETES
Managing your diabetes means maintaining good control of your blood sugar. Itis important to follow the blood glucose testing schedule worked out by your doctor or diabetes educator. Keeping trackof your results willhelp you monitor how well your diabetes is being controlled.
SMOKING AND DIABETES
Smoking poses special dangers for people with diabetes!!
Smoking has 3 negative effects that r particularly dangerous for anyone with diabetes.!!!!
:- Smoking damages blood vessels. Poorly controlled diabetes contributes to blood vessel damage, and the effects of tobacco smoke worsen the damage to blood vessels.
:- smoking damages the heart. Many people with type 2 diabetes already have an increased risk of developing heart disease due to the presence of other RISK factors such as obesity and high levels of cholesterol.
:- smoking damages cilia ( tiny hair-like fibres that help remove germs, mucus and pollutants) in the lungs. When cilia r damaged, the body becomes susceptible to all kinds of infections and illnesses. People with diabetes know how much more difficult it is to manage their condition when they get sick.
Yet, despite all of evidence showing that smoking is extremely harmful, approximately 1/3 of people with diabetes smoke!..making it more difficult to manage their condition and putting their health in serious jeopardy.
It is not easy to quit smoking if u have diabetes and smoke; but it will be woth the effort! It will be much easier to manage your diabetes and will subsequently lessen the potential of serious health consequences down the road.
Your doctor or pharmacist can help you develop a smoking cessation plan. If u r thinking of quitting, dont put it off. Ask for help now and start down the path to better health
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Jane
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Posted: Mon Jul 18th, 2005 07:27 pm |
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DIABETES CONT'D
GUT-REACTIONS:
Between 1/3- 1/2 of people with diabetes will experience some sort of problem with their digestive tract. These problems appear to be related to the length of time the person has had diabetes, how well the blood sugar is controlled and the presence of other risk factors such as smoking and a low level of HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Digestive problems in someone with diabetes are often referred to as 'GASTROPARESIS'
This is the medical term for weakening of nerves in the stomach that should function automatically.
Gastroparesis can have a great impact on blood sugar control, because it affects the way the body absorbs nutrients from food. The length of time the food stays in t he stomach before it moves along to t he rest of the digestive tract affects the rate at which sugars are released into the bloodstream.
The delay in emptying the stomach caused by gastroparesis results in less predictable blood sugar levels.
WARNING SIGNS AND TREATMENT
The most common signs of gastroparesis are NAUSEA and VOMITING, but other symptoms include heartburn, constantly feeling full, mild abdominal pain and abdominal bloating.
Treatment focuses on tight blood sugar control and changes in diet such as cutting back on certain foods and eating smaller and more frequent meals spread out during the day.
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Jane
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Posted: Thu Jul 28th, 2005 01:08 am |
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What Is Acne?
Acne can come in many forms. However, for this site we are mainly concerned with Acne Vulgaris, the most common type referred to as “zits” or “pimples.” You should also be aware that the commonly found rosacea (Acne Rosacea) is also a form of acne, but will not be discussed throughout this site. Throughout your readings on this site, when acne is referred to you should assume it to be Acne Vulgaris unless otherwise noted.
There are a few common types of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules. Your skin’s natural oils not being able to get to the surface cause all of these forms of acne. This is what is commonly referred to as having clogged pores. Beneath the skin, in your pores, is where the acne forms. The mix of your natural oils and dead skin cells cause the formation of acne.
Keeping your pores clear and clean is vital in your acne treatment regimen. A blocked pore allows the oil and skin cells to mix, forming one of many types of acne. With whiteheads and pustules you may be able to pop the pimple if it seems like it is ready to burst through the skin. Never try and pop a pimple if it is deep below the skin, it could cause the bacteria to burrow deeper into the skin, causing greater damage. Papules are little red dots that should not be attempted to pop or squeeze. It will cause further irritation and no other results. Blackheads are often the most frustrating of acne to get rid of. It has a larger life span than pustules and whiteheads and may be deeper within the skin. Therefore, a blackhead can take many weeks before it drains to the top of the skin. If you suffer from blackheads you should consult your dermatologist for proper treatment.
All types of acne are treatable, whether you are prone to blackheads or common pimples; there are plenty of medications, both prescription and over the counter that can assist you. As you can see though, acne forms beneath the skin, meaning it is crucial to keep your pores clean to allow for oil to escape to the top of the skin. Washing your face a few times a day is the first step in keeping your pores clean and clear.
Acne Prevention
When referring to “acne treatments” there is a little difference between this and “acne treatments.” Acne treatments describe what can be done to stop acne if you already have it. Acne prevention, however, would be the latter step in acne prevention, after you have cleared up all your previous blemishes. Therefore, acne prevention techniques should be used for those who are either afraid of getting acne, just entering their teen years, want to avoid ever getting acne or have just cleared up all of your acne from past breakouts.
The difference between prevention and treatment resides in the type of facial medications you choose to use. For treating acne, especially sever acne, one should not only wash your face, but also speak with a dermatologist to obtain a prescription. These prescriptions contain some sort of medicine that helps kill the already formed acne and may prevent acne. However, for those people that currently have no acne these medications may be too strong and cause unnecessary irritation of the skin.
It is always recommended that you wash your face at least twice a day with a mild soap or face wash, but too truly prevent acne is may be necessary to use some preventative measures. One of the best preventative measures I have found is to use a product containing 2% salicylic acid twice a day, about ten minutes after you finish washing your face. This will allow adequate time for the face to dry and your pores to close, causing less irritation to the face.
Another great product to use is benzoyl peroxide. Some studies show that 2.5% benzoyl peroxide may be the most effective concentration, however, it is sometimes hard to find a product containing this minimal amount. It is more common to find the maximum strength 10% dose. This dose should work just fine if you cannot find the 2.5%, do not stress over it. Once again, apply twice daily about ten minutes after washing your face.
With both of these acne prevention tips it is important to not mix them, stick with either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Using both will most likely cause your face to become irritated, dry or red. Whichever preventative treatment you decide to use make sure you stick with it for several weeks. If you do not get any acne during that time, consider it a success. Unlike many prescription medicines, generally your face will not flare up with a breakout after you being to use whichever product you decide on. Depending on your personal preference it is up to you to decide what prevention technique works best. I usually recommend starting off with benzoyl peroxide as it seems to be the most effective.
Acne Myths
There are a ton of acne myths floating around out there, so hopefully this list will help you determine what I acne facts and what is acne fiction.
First off, one of the oldest acne myths is that eating oily foods or desserts will make you break out. While not taking care of your hygiene may indeed lead to acne, eating a piece of chocolate has no effect. As long as you wash your face and stick to your acne treatment then your will be fine, no matter what you eat.
Another common myth is that your daily stress contributes to acne. Many times it is not stress itself that is causing acne, but forgetting to wash your face and maybe even touching your face a greater amount. As long as you continue your daily acne regimen, stress should not have an effect on your skin.
Some people believe that acne is just a physical problem. While it can leave scars and other visible signs, acne is also an emotional problem. Many times, acne sufferers have lower self esteem and confidence. Therefore, if acne is causing you emotional pain it is very important to start an acne treatment right away.
Finally, another myth is that acne is a teenager’s problem. Unfortunately, many adults also have acne. Also, if acne is left untreated during your teenage years, when it is most prevalent, it can leave scarring on your face. No matter what age it is important to wash your face daily to prevent acne.
Teenage Acne
Acne is commonly thought of as a problem all teenagers will have to suffer through. While it is true that roughly 85% of all teens get acne, it isn’t a problem all teenagers have to go through. With the new treatments available today, no one has to go through their teen years with acne.
Acne generally starts to appear at the onset of puberty, when the body starts to produce excess oils, causing your pores to clog. Without proper face washing, acne is almost inevitable. Many teens spread rumors that acne can be caused by chocolate and greasy foods, but research show that has no effect on your complexion. To combat pimples as a teenager you can take a few approaches.
One approach is popping your pimples, but this is highly discouraged! Squeezing will almost always have a detrimental effect in the long run. It can cause the bacteria to burrow deeper into your skin and can also spread elsewhere on your face causing more blemishes. If you absolutely cannot resist popping your zits, prick the head of the zit with a sterilized needle and gently squeeze the puss out.
Another approach is to use an over-the-counter product such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to dry out the spot. This will make the blemish vanish faster and is preventative as well. Something all teenagers should do is wash your face two to three times a day. You should never go to sleep without thoroughly washing your face using a mild soap.
Teenagers are also prone to oily hair, which can rub on your face and cause breakouts. Make sure to wash your hair daily and avoid touching your hair and then your face since this can transfer harmful oils. If you have extremely severe acne consult a dermatologist for prescription treatments.
No matter what the severity of your acne is, no teenager needs to go through high school with the shame of acne. Washing your face daily and using a product like benzoyl peroxide can greatly reduce the appearance of acne. It takes some dedication to make sure you prevent acne, but the few minutes you spend each day taking care of your face will pay off in the long run.
Adult Acne
Many people are under the misconception that acne only affects teenagers. Because of this myth, some adults who are plagued with acne do not know where to turn. Many adults get the occasional pimple all the way up to full blown breakouts, even when they did not suffer from the condition when they were a teenager.
There are treatments for sufferers of adult acne and the one that is right for you depends on the degree of your breakouts. If you get the occasional unsightly pimple, it is probably not necessary that you go see a dermatologist. To get rid of it as fast as possible, use a drying agent once or twice a day and you should see results in a few days. You can choose between benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for treatment, but benzoyl peroxide might be better because the skin can form a dependency on salicylic acid to remain clear.
But if you have severe adult acne, a more aggressive treatment plan is necessary to stop the embarrassment. A visit to a dermatologist is in order where they will usually give you prescription samples to determine which one is right for you. In extreme cases, where the patient has cystic acne, accutane may be prescribed to avoid scarring. For women, accutane should always be taken with a birth control pill because accutane is known to cause severe birth defects.
Even if you do not suffer from acne, every adult should wash their face to keep skin healthy and reduce the chances of breaking out. A non comedogenic face wash should be used twice a day for the best results. If you are looking to take more aggressive preventative measures, you may consider using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid on a daily basis. Although they may dry out your skin, they will significantly improve your chances of maintaining clear skin.
Do not think that your acne will go away just because you are no longer a teenager. Although it is a problem for all ages, there are plenty of ways to properly treat the condition and clear up your skin. So whatever you choose, acne is something you don’t have to live with.
http://www.acnehelper.com/laser-treatment.html
Last edited on Thu Jul 28th, 2005 01:24 am by |
Jane
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Posted: Thu Jul 28th, 2005 01:26 am |
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Home Acne Treatments
Using home treatments for mild cases of acne can easily be done if you follow a few guidelines. First off, though, it is important to keep in mind that for more severe cases like cystic acne, a consultation with a dermatologist is advised before beginning an at home regimen. However, home treatment of mild to moderate acne can dramatically reduce the appearance of acne on your face, giving you clearer skin and more confidence in your appearance.
After you decide that you want to treat your acne at home, it is essential that you are patient for the first couple of weeks. Acne medications do not work in a matter of days, as they need to fight deep below the surface to balance your skin, but after a couple of weeks you should start to see results. The same rule holds for prescription medications, as noticeable results will occur after a couple weeks. One of the first steps to improving your complexion is washing your face thoroughly two to three times a day. Wash your hands with an anti bacterial soap and, using a mild bar soap or acne scrub, thoroughly wash your face for about thirty seconds. Make sure that your bar soap is fragrance and color free as these can clog your pores and irritate your skin, causing inflammation and increased redness of your face.
If washing your face is not enough, further measures can be taken for home acne treatment. One of the most common is the use of benzoyl peroxide, which can be found in face wash, bar soap, topical cream or gel. Benzoyl peroxide is typically used once or twice daily, but initially most people should only apply it once a day or every other day to avoid redness and excessive drying. Generally, results will be evident after a few weeks, but if you do not notice a difference by then you should consult your dermatologist for advice.
Another popular home acne treatment is salicylic acid. You can usually find this in medicated facial pads and also in some face washes. Salicylic acid prevents your hair follicles from shedding excess skin and clogging your pores, thereby fighting the cause of most acne and blackheads.
Whichever home treatment you believe to be best for your acne, always keep in mind that the results are gradual and will be noticeable in a couple weeks. Follow the directions for your product and only use it the specified number of times per day. Also, combining treatments at the same time may cause irritation and excessive dryness to your face, so benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid should only be used one at a time. If you do not notice results for your home acne treatment after several weeks, contact your doctor for further advice.
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Jane
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Posted: Thu Jul 28th, 2005 01:26 am |
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Facial Skin Care
Proper facial skin care includes the uses of face wash and possibly the use of other products to prevent excess oil, dryness, acne or other facial blemish. To start off with, everyone should wash their face with an acne wash or face wash two to three times a day. This will allow dead skin cells to slough off and keeps your skin looking rejuvenated. When choosing a face wash you should use one specifically for the facial area, as opposed to body soaps. Body soaps and bar soaps may contain certain ingredients that actually irritate the skin and lead to redness or acne formation. If the face wash says non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog your pores, then it is usually safe to use.
Another great facial product to use is a moisturizer. The moisturizer protects your skin from the air, keeping the water your face needs in your skin. A moisturizer will give you the appearance of softer, better looking skin. Moisturizer can also be used if you have dry skin to keep it looking fresh and avoid dry patches. Those with oily skin or with acne on your face should look for a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic to ensure it does not cause acne. Another benefit of facial moisturizer is that many times it will contain sunscreen, protecting your face from the harmful rays of the sun.
If you have mild acne, using a product with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may be crucial in your facial skin care treatment. You may also consider using one of these products every couple of days to ensure no breakouts occur. If you have severe acne it is recommended you go to your local dermatologist to discuss prescription acne treatments.
Another product you may consider is facial toner. Toner keeps the skin pH balanced and should be applied before a moisturizer. Certain facial lotions will also substitute for toner and will cleanse the skin after washing it.
Another thing to keep in mind for proper facial care is sun treatment. Whenever you go into the sun it is important to wear an appropriate sunscreen for your skin color. It will protect your face from the sun and prevent it from burning. It will also help with the prevention of skin cancer.
There are a lot of options when choosing your facial skin care regimen, but following this guide will help prepare you for a clearer, younger looking face. Stick with your regimen for a few weeks to see how it works. Generally, any facial product may take, at the minimum, two weeks before any effects are visible and may take up to a few months before they are in full effect.
How To Wash Your Face
Face washing is a crucial part to your daily hygiene and facial skin care. Choosing the right face wash and frequency of washing could mean the difference between a clear face and acne. Follow some of these face washing tips and you will be on your way to clear skin.
First off, the most important thing in your face washing regimen is to choose the proper face wash. Always make sure the face wash is non comedogenic so it does not clog your pores and lead to acne. Choose a fragrance free wash that will not irritate your skin. If you are washing your face specifically to prevent acne look for a face wash that contains salicylic acid. The proper face wash should make your skin feel fresh and soft, stay away from a face wash that makes your face feel oily.
Before you begin to wash your face you should always wash your hands with an anti bacterial soap. Using warm water splash your face to prepare it for the cleanser. Next, put an appropriate amount of cleanser on your hands (usually a few squirts from your bottle will do) and then gently rub the cleanser on your face. It is important that you do not rub your face harshly or it might become irritated and may lead to redness or acne. Rub it softly and gently so the skin beneath the cleanser does not move much. After rubbing your face with the clean for thirty seconds wash your face off with water. Dry off your face with a towel by patting it gently.
When washing your face do not use washes that contain beads in it. Other things to look out for are loofahs and other harsh scrubbers. The process should be gentle and leave your face feeling refreshed.
It is important that you do not over wash. Your skin produces natural oils and if you wash too often it will lead to over production of these oils and can lead to acne. Washing your face two to three times a day is the appropriate amount. After a matter of a few weeks you should begin to notice increased softness in your skin.
The Sun and Your Skin
The sun can have damaging effects on the skin if precautions are not taken. Exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer (melanoma), premature aging and acne. While sun worshippers claim that the sun clears up their acne, it is actually causing more harm than good. At first it may appear that the sun is drying out their pimples, but it is actually just making their skin darker and the blemishes less visible. In time, however, more acne can develop.
The acne is actually spreading as the sun dries out the face, causing dead skin cells to get caught in the pores. Some web sites claim that the sun kills acne-causing bacteria under the skin. But even if this could be verified, the long term damage done to the skin far outweighs the possible short term benefits. Along with premature aging, wrinkling and cancer, fair skinned individuals may also incur excessive freckling.
If you are planning on going out into the sun, always wear a minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen or sun block. And if possible, avoid being directly in the sun for extended periods of time. If this cannot be helped, apply more sun block if you start to get sunburned or get into the shade immediately. When choosing a sunscreen, choose a product that is non comedogenic so you can use it on your face and also oil free, so it does not lead to acne on other parts of the body.
If you are using a prescription acne medication, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or other acne fighting medicine, take extra precautions to avoid prolonged sun exposure. This could lead to excess redness, dryness and other negative effects. If you are going to be in the sun then use a non comedogenic sunscreen on your medicated areas.
Whenever possible, sun exposure should be kept to a minimum with maximum sunscreen protection. The immediate and long term benefits of sunscreen usage will help protect you from unseen damage and skin disorders in the future.
Last edited on Thu Jul 28th, 2005 01:29 am by |
Jane
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Posted: Thu Jul 28th, 2005 01:27 am |
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Cystic Acne Treatments
Cystic is the most severe form of acne and is generally characterized by hard, semi-liquid bumps below the skin. This type of acne is most known because it is the most common type of acne that results in permanent scars. If you experience regular breakouts involving cystic acne it is important that you see your dermatologist right away so he can prescribe an antibiotic to prevent scarring.
One of the more popular antibiotics to take in order to prevent cystic acne is accutane, however, there are a lot of risks involved with accutane so it is important that you do your research and talk to your doctor about the side effects. Women should be especially careful as it may lead to birth defects.
If you are experiencing regular cystic acne and do not want to take prescriptions, you should begin washing your face at least twice a day. Liberally apply benzoyl peroxide approximately five minutes after any time you wash your face. This should help most people with their ace problems. However, in more severe cases where nothing seems to work, talking to a doctor may be the only solution. Accutane has been known to stop 90% of acne among those who have taken the treatment. No matter what course of action you choose, it is important you immediately start a regimen to prevent scarring from cystic acne.
Acne Rosacea
Rosacea is a type of acne that is usually recognized by rosy or reddened cheeks. This form of acne may also cause an increased amount of pimples, burst or inflamed blood vessels and may cause your nose to look bumpy. A lot of times when you have rosacea as an adult it may lead to pimples referred to as "adult acne."
When rosacea effects your face it is known as flushing. This is when a large amount of blood flows to the area where the rosacea occurs causing increased redness. Without proper treatments, this form of acne may be permanent and lead to permanent redness on your cheeks.
Rosacea is commonly triggered by sunlight so it is important to wear sunscreen whenever you go outside, especially if you already have signs of rosacea. Redness and pimples that are commonly a result of rosacea can be treated with topical creams and typical acne pills.
If the redness from rosacea doesn’t seem to fade no matter what you have tried, you may want to speak to your dermatologist about further, more severe treatments. The most common type of treatment that can get rid of rosacea is laser resurfacing, although it may require more than one visit to your doctor for full effects.
Like all forms of acne, rosacea can be very troublesome, effecting your self esteem and appearance. It is important that you take an active stance towards treating your rosacea or it may become permanent. Like other forms of acne, there are treatments available, so it is important you talk to our doctor to discuss you options.
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Zenmed offers a unique solution to help get rid of your rosacea. If you are looking for an effective rosacea treatment you should try out Zenmed's rosacea products.
Back Acne
Back acne can be very severe, often times more acute than on the face. Since there are thousands of pores on the back, there are a lot more places where acne can surface. Since back acne, commonly referred to as “bacne” can often times be cystic and leave scars, a topical treatment alone may not work as well as it does on the face.
Some doctors insist that acne found on the back should be treated with prescription medications. Other people insist the benzoyl peroxide (bp) is the only thing needed to treat this form of acne. One thing you must be careful about when using benzoyl peroxide is that it may cause stains on your clothing, much like bleach. It is advised, therefore, that white clothing be worn immediately after applying bp to your body. Another option some people recommend is to use benzoyl peroxide 2.5% in conjunction with another form of back acne treatment, such as glycolic acid of salicylic acid.
Since the back has much tougher skin than the face, it can handle using two different forms of treatments. It is highly recommended that you do not use two of these treatments on your face, as it is much more sensitive and may result in extreme redness if combined.
Back acne can be prevent or treated like other forms of acne or blackheads. However, it may take some additional work on your part to find the cause of the acne. Try switching detergents to a more sensitive brand and washing your bed sheets more frequently. This may help reduce the irritations on your body and reduce your overall bacne.
Blackhead Treatments
Blackheads can plague your skin and never seem to disappear. Like other forms of acne, you can effectively treat them by using the appropriately designed product.
Generally, blackheads dwell deeper below the skin, thereby making their removal more difficult. The annoying black dots that most commonly appear on the nose, cheeks and ears last longer than other pimples and lead people to seek remedies literally in their own hands.
Many people deal with blackheads on their nose by squeezing them out, only to find that this is a temporary solution. If you cannot resist the impulse and to squeeze them, make sure your hands are as sterile as possible to minimize the possibility of infection. Wash your face before and after you squeeze and make sure you wash your hands before touching your face to avoid depositing oils into the pores. Another possibility for blackhead removal is purchasing nose strips that dry on your face and are then quickly removed to unclog the pore. Special tools are available at your pharmacy designed to extract blackheads using a depression technique.
Removing blackheads from other parts of your face can be a bit tricky and I would not recommend self removal. You may be digging a hole in your face without successfully removing the blackhead, creating a bigger problem. In these situations, it is recommended that you consult your dermatologist.
Last edited on Thu Jul 28th, 2005 01:31 am by |
Jane
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Posted: Thu Jul 28th, 2005 01:28 am |
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Prescription Acne Treatments
If you do not achieve your desired results through home treatment and you feel a more aggressive approach is necessary, it may be time to consider a prescription cream, pill or other method. When you talk to your doctor about the goals you have for your skin, it is important to consider the side of effects. Ask yourself if possible redness and irritation are an acceptable trade off for clearer skin.
When you discuss possible treatment options, it is important to express your concerns and expectations to your doctor. There is such a variety of pills, creams and face washes available, that you want to assist your doctor in order find the one that is right for you. The severity and type of acne that you are trying to combat (i.e. whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, etc.) will factor in to determine the acne prescription that will be the most effective for you.
Although prescription medications may be stronger than over-the-counter treatments, they may take up to several weeks to work. Your dermatologist can give you a more accurate estimate of how long it will take to see results, based on your particular treatment plan. If you are hesitant to use a topical cream multiple times a day for fear of irritation, then a pill might be a better choice for you. Remember, just because a doctor recommends a certain prescription, it is not your only option. Do your research and talk to your doctor about the prescriptions you think will work best for you. Generally, doctors will take your opinion into account before designing a prescription acne treatment.
One drug to keep in mind if you have cystic acne and are beginning to scar, is accutane. Accutane is considered one of the most effective and powerful prescription acne solutions available today. There is a long list of side effects associated with accutane, therefore it is necessary to have blood tests monthly. If you are considering this route, it is important to fully weigh both the benefits and consequences. Research the prescription on your own and talk to your doctor about your concerns before starting.
Whatever prescription acne treatments you and your doctor decide on, make sure you are comfortable with all the possible outcomes. There are so many viable treatment options for people today, that there is no longer any reason to suffer with acne.
Acne Scar Treatments
There are many ways to treat acne scars. Determining your treatment depends on the type of scar and quantity of scarring. Before you consider a scar treatment you should have an in depth conversation with your doctor. It is very important you only use this information as an introduction to scar treatments and not a final guide. Your dermatologist and you can discuss the proper treatment after you have basic knowledge.
For very mild acne, a chemical peel might be all that you need. Different types of acid are used in this procedure. It is recommended that you choose another method of treatment, if you have very noticeable or deep scarring. The chemical peel procedure takes about fifteen minutes. The resultant facial redness may last up to a few weeks.
There are a few choices available to treat moderate acne scarring. The most popular are dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. Dermabrasion is a scar treatment in which a diamond plated wheel is used to “sand” your face. This technique has been around for a long time and sandpaper was once used instead of the new machines that utilize the diamond plated tool. Generally, this procedure takes around an hour to perform. You should expect some scabbing and redness for a few weeks. This method is most effective for individual with very pale or very dark complexions.
The other treatment for mild acne scars is laser resurfacing. This treatment involves removing old skin with a carbon dioxide (CO2) or erbium laser. Depending on the size and frequency of the scars, the treatment may last only several minutes or in excess of an hour. This treatment is not advised for people with darker skin pigment, because it may result in uneven skin color. After treatment, redness should be expected for a few weeks and a mild pinkish tone may be evident even longer.
For very deep, pitted scars, physicians utilize a "punch technique." There are several "punch" treatments available depending on your doctor, type of acne and other factors. The first type is a punch replacement in which a tool is used to remove the scar. Then a skin graft from another part of your body is transplanted over the site. Another technique is the punch excision where the scar is surgically removed and the area allowed to recover. Finally, there is a technique where the physician removes the scar at the bottom. The skin at the treated area is allowed to rise and fills the cratered area. Usually a punch technique is combined with dermabrasion or laser resurfacing for optimal results. Healing may take up to several weeks.
Another type of acne scar treatment is subcision. With subcision the scar is detached from the lower tissue, which allows a blood clot to form under the skin. The clot forces the scar up to the surface of the skin. Similar to the punch techniques, combining subcision with dermabrasion or laser resurfacing yields the best results. This type of treatment can be effective for all types of scarring, but is best for deeper and more prominent scars.
The last type of treatment is augmentation. Augmentation uses a material similar to collagen which is injected under the skin to bring the scar to the surface. Recovery is immediate and no time off work is necessary. The drawback, however, is that results are temporary and only last up to six months.
Whatever acne scar treatment you decide upon, keep in mind that some may require more than one session with a doctor. Always consult your dermatologist to decide which treatment is best for you. There is a wide variation with the costs associated with the various treatments. Make sure you consider the financial ramifications with your treatment plan before you proceed. Remember, more than one treatment plan may be effective in your particular situation. Each plan has benefits and drawbacks so make sure you discuss all your concerns with your doctor.
Laser Acne Treatments
Laser acne treatments first became popular in 2003 after a study showed that cases of mild acne were improved after just one laser treatment. Nowadays, a lot of dermatologists are offering these treatments, such as the smoothbeam laser acne treatment.
Some people have claimed, however, that the laser burnt their face unless they used a special cream beforehand. Others have criticized the treatment because the results were not worth the price. Like most acne treatments, the response is personal and may be wonderful for some, yet ineffective for others. If nothing seems to be going right it may be worth a shot to try, however, be reminded that it may take up to three sessions before any results are evident.
If you are interested in pursuing this type of treatment make sure that your dermatologist has done it before and ask him what the typical results were. If you have not tried other methods of acne treatment, such as a topical benzoyl peroxide cream, you may want to try that for a few months first. Since the laser can be harmful to the skin, those with sensitive skin may have redness for a while. If you do choose to go through with the acne laser treatment, make sure the person performing the treatment knows what they are doing and is fully trained with the machine.
Last edited on Thu Jul 28th, 2005 01:32 am by |
Jane
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Posted: Thu Jul 28th, 2005 01:39 am |
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ACNE Prevention
While acne cannot ultimately be prevented, there are many steps you can take at home to keep it from getting worse.
- Gently wash and care for your skin every day. Avoid scrubbing too hard or washing too often.
- Avoid excessive sweating if you think it causes your acne to get worse. Wash soon after participating in activities that cause you to sweat.
- Wash your hair often if your hair is oily. Try to keep your hair off of your face.
- Avoid hair care products such as gels, mousses, cream rinses, and pomades that contain a lot of oil, which can make your acne worse.
- Wear soft, cotton clothing or moleskin under sports equipment. Parts of equipment such as chin straps can rub your skin, making your acne worse.
- Avoid exposure to oils and harsh chemicals, such as petroleum.
- Avoid long periods of time in sunlight. Use sunscreens when you are out in the sun.
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What is acne vulgaris?
Acne vulgaris (acne) is a common skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin's pores. Acne primarily affects teens; more than 85% experience at least a mild form of this condition. The most severe cases can be both emotionally and physically scarring. While most people outgrow acne by their early 20s, some—especially women—have acne into their 40s or 50s.
What causes acne vulgaris?
During puberty, elevated hormone levels stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil, also called sebum, which is normally released through the hair shaft to lubricate and protect the skin. Sebum combines with dead cells, forming a plug in the skin pore. The plug clogs the pore and bacteria grow under the surface of the skin in the mixture of sebum and cells. The trapped mixture leaks into adjacent tissues and causes inflammation, redness, and pus.
Contrary to popular myth, acne is not caused by chocolate or greasy foods.
What are the symptoms of acne?
Symptoms of acne include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples, which usually occur on the face, neck, shoulders, back, or chest. Pimples that are large and deep are called cystic lesions. Cystic lesions can cause painful infections and lead to scarring.
How is acne treated?
Treatment for acne depends upon its severity. The goal of treatment is to reduce or eliminate outbreaks and to prevent scarring. Gentle cleansing with soap or nonprescription products, such as benzoyl peroxide lotions, often controls mild acne cases and prevents new outbreaks. If these treatments do not work, your doctor may prescribe topical creams or lotions containing antibiotics or other kinds of medication.
For moderate to severe cases,antibiotics are often used. Topical benzoyl peroxide lotions are usually used along with antibiotics because the combination increases effectiveness and decreases the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.
If you have acne nodules—solid, dome- or irregular-shaped, inflamed, painful lumps—your doctor might first prescribe a topical retinoid, a cream or lotion that contains a form of vitamin A, and a topical antibiotic, along with an oral antibiotic.
If your acne does not improve or if you develop deep nodules and cysts, your doctor may recommend an oral retinoid, such as Accutane. This medication is usually used as a last resort, because it has some rare but serious side effects and is expensive.
Light wave therapy, which uses a narrow-band, high-intensity blue light, has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This therapy has shown to be helpful in treating mild to moderate acne that has not responded to other treatments.
What can be done about acne scars?
Several treatments are used to improve the appearance of acne scars. These treatments range from collagen injections, to removing damaged layers of skin by various methods, to surgically cutting out the scar and repairing the hole. The best treatment for you depends upon the severity of scarring. Sometimes a combination of treatments is used.
Last edited on Thu Jul 28th, 2005 01:47 am by |
Jane
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Posted: Thu Jul 28th, 2005 02:56 am |
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THE UPS AND DOWNS OF BLOOD SUGAR
IF U HAVE DIABETES, SIMPLE CHANGES IN YOUR DAILY ROUTINE CAN CAUSE SWINGS IN YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL.
Here r some tips to help u handle common things that affect blood glucose.
FOOD:
It is important to be consistent about both WHEN u eat and HOW MUCH u eat. This consistency will help u know when your blood sugar is higher ( such as after meals) and makes it easier to control how high or low your blood sugars level gets. If u take diabetes medications, coordinating your eating habits with your medicaton schedule will increase your chances of keeping blood sugar levels under better control.
EXCERCISE:
Excercise usually lowers blood sugar levels for several hours; however, under certain circumstances excerise can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Until u know exactly how your body reacts to excercise, it is wise to test your blood sugar immediately after excercising and then again after several hours later.
STRESS:
Both psychological stress and the physical stress of an illness (even something as simple as a cold) can cause your body to produce hormones that prevent insulin from working properly. Major medical problems ( like a heart attack) can increase your blood glucose level dramatically.. Therefore during times of stress or illness it is particularly important to monitor your blood sugar levels frequently and to take your diabetes medications ON SCHEDULE.
ALCOHOL:
Alcohol prevents the release of glucose from the liver, thereby increasing the risk of blood sugar falling too low. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so only in moderation and be sure to eat something first. Test your blood sugar during and after drinking alcohol so you can determine exactly how it affects your body.
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Jane
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Posted: Tue Aug 23rd, 2005 03:34 am |
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IRON...................
Teen girls need 30% more than boys.....
IRON QUIZ:
ARE U FEMALE?
DO U AVOID RED MEAT?
DO U OFTEN SKIP MEALS?
DO U DRINK TEA OR COFFEE WITH YOUR MEALS?
DO U OFTEN HAVE HEAVY MENSTRUAL PERIODS?
If U answered "YES" to 2 ormore questions, u MAY not have enough iron in your body.
WHAT DOES IRON DO IN MY BODY?
Iron is an important mineral found in every cell in your body.
IRON:
- builds red celss
-helps create work in the body
-carried oxygen from the lungs to allparts of your body
-helps the brain work at its best
WHY IS IRON IMPORTANT FOR ME?
All teens need iron to grow and to maintain health. Teen girls need more iron than boys because they lose iron during their menstrual periods. Girls with a heavy flow need more iron than girls with a light flow. Teen girls, 14-18 yrs of age, should aim to have 15 mg of iron each day.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T GET ENOUGH IRON?
You may:
-look pale
-feel tired
-have trouble studying or concentrating on your work
-feel out of breath
-no thave enough energy to do the things u want
-feel irritable
WHAT DO I NEED TO EAT TO GET ENOUGH IRON?
It is important to get enough iron from a variety of foods. Iron comes in 2 forms:
1. HEME iron:----which is very easily absorbed by your body
Foods with HEME iron :
Beef, Lamb, Pork, Liver, Veal, Turkey and chicken (dark meat has more iron) , fish and seafood.
2. NON-HEME iron..which is not absorbed as well as heme iron.
Foods with non-heme iron :
Breakfast cereals( fortified with iron)
breads and pasta (whole grain and enriched)
lentils, dried peas and beans
seeds and nuts ( pumpkin, sesame, peanuts)
dried fruit ( raisins, apricots)
dark green, leafy vegetables, eggs
DID U KNOW...? TEEN GIRLS WHO DO NOT EAT ANY MEAT, FISH OR POULTRY NEED ALMOST TWICE AS MUCH IRON AS GIRLS WHO DO!!
WAYS TO GET THE MOST IRON FROM MY FOOD.
1. Go for HEME:
Heme iron is easier to absorb than non-heme iron. Eating meat fish or poultry also helps the body to use non-heme iron from other foods.
( Did u know ...? If u add meat/fish or poultry with lots of vitamin C to your meal, u can INCREASE your absorption of non-heme iron by up to 4 times.)
2. Include vitamin C-rich foods with your meals
Foods that contain vitamin C help the body absorb non-heme iron.
3. Avoid tea or coffee during meals
Tea and coffee contain polyphenols which lower the amount of non-heme iron your body can absorb.
Good sources of vitam C are:
- Green, yellow and red eppers
- oranges, grapefruits, mandarins
- strawberies, raspberries, kiwis
- tomatoes, turnips
- cauliflower, brocoli, brussels sprouts
- 100% juices ( orange, tomato, apple --with vitamin C added)
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Jane
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Posted: Fri Sep 2nd, 2005 01:19 am |
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Fish Fuss
Health Specialist Laura DiBattista discovered there isn’t much of a difference between farmed and fresh fish.
Many people already know that including a good dose of seafood in your diet is great for your health. But even though the benefits are clear, some Canadians have been flip-flopping on the idea of eating farmed fish over concerns of high levels of toxins and chemicals found in the food, especially in salmon.
“We're actually being a little more careful with our diet now that we're watching what we eat,” conscientious consumer Carol Dobko said. "There’s high levels of mercury sometimes in there.”
But a new report will put some fish lovers’ hearts, and stomachs, at ease. Researchers at the University of Laval studied both farmed and fresh salmon and trout and discovered the levels of mercury, P.C.B.s and other toxins were far below the allowable levels – they went as far as to say you could eat farmed product every night of the week and still be safe.
“It's very clear that eating fish does make a difference,” Dr. Khurseed Jeejeebhoy, a gastroenterologist at St. Michael’s Hospital said.
The omega-3 fatty acids found in our friends from the sea can greatly reduce heart disease.
But if you’re still a little wary, and need your seafood fix, go for the canned alternative. Salmon in the tin is almost always wild, but there’s a downside – it’s very high in salt.
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Jane
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Posted: Fri Sep 2nd, 2005 01:21 am |
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To Eats His Own
You are what you eat. But do you know what it is you’re actually eating? There are a lot of myths surrounding our diets. Some are spread by word of mouth, while others create an impression through advertising. Health Specialist Laura DiBattista invites you to test your knowledge to separate food fact from fiction.
1) True or False: A fast food muffin has more calories than a quarter pounder
True. The muffin, which is normally eaten as a snack between meals or with a coffee, has 450 calories. The hamburger clocks in at only 420. Both have about 19 grams of fat. “The best option really is to make your own muffins at home or mini-muffins,” suggests registered dietician Zannat Reza.
2) True or False: A vanilla milk shake has more fat and calories than a frappaccino with whipped cream.
True. The milk shake is thick with an astounding 830 calories, and 27 grams of fat. The coffee clocks in at about half that, with 420 calories and 16 grams of fat. Take out the whipped cream, and you’re down to 290 and four, respectively.
3) True or False: If you have a choice between a Wendy’s spring salad and a pepperoni pizza, pick the pizza.
Incredibly enough, it’s true. The pie has only 156 calories and five grams of fat, while the salad, smeared with dressing, rings up 510 calories and 42 grams of the artery clogger. Add extra items like toppings and they’re even higher.
“Check out the dressing,” advises Reza. “Are you using the whole package of dressing? That's a lot of calories. Even things like the crunchy noodles or the extra nuts that are added on. Again, it all adds up in terms of calories.”
4) True or False: You can lose weight by skipping meals.
False. In some cases, skipping meals will only make you eat more when you finally do sit down to dinner. The body also slows down when it’s hungry and that can cause you to conserve fat – not lose it.
5) True or False: It’s a good idea to eat between meals.
True, depending on what your goal is. Eating healthy snacks between meals may mean you’ll eat less at dinner and you may want to gorge less on the kinds of food you probably shouldn’t eat in the first place.
It might be better for you in the long run, but your mom likely still won’t approve.
6) True or False: Your diet should be as close to fat free as possible.
False. Not only is it impossible to achieve a completely fat free diet, you need some fat in your daily meals to stay healthy. Fatty acids, found in fish and some plants, are essential to good health.
7) True or False: Some foods, like vegetables and celery, can actually help you lose weight.
False. No food helps you ‘lose’ weight or burn fat. But eating healthy can help keep you from taking in junk foods that will add to your waistline. Exercise is a key factor, too.
8) True or False: Eating fast food is always bad for you.
False. While they’ll never be mistaken for health food, the occasional burger or fries won’t kill you. The problem comes when you super size them, have them all the time, or put heavy toppings that add fat and calories. Exercise is also a key.
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Jane
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Posted: Fri Sep 2nd, 2005 01:22 am |
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Managing Migraine
A new drug promises to cut the number of these extreme headaches in half.
Health officials have approved a new drug that can put an end to one of the most disabling chronic health problems. One in 12 Canadians suffer from migraines, but now there’s some consistent relief in sight for sufferers.
When taken once a day, Topamax can cut the number of headaches in half, and the ones you do have to endure will be significantly less severe. That’s good news for Jennifer Mclarty. She said she gets the blinding head pain about once a month.
“It feels horrible. I have a piercing pain right behind my eyes, and it goes pretty much all the way around the back of my head,” she explained.
The preventative pill isn’t only a welcomed relief for migraine sufferers, employers will surely benefit from this medication as well. On average, employees miss 19 and a half days of work because of the debilitating pain.
This isn’t the first migraine pill to come on the market, but patients are glad to have another option if others don’t do the trick.
“When you get somebody who's been crippled by migraine and get them back on their feet and back at work, you know, they're very pleased,” Dr. John Edmeads, a headache specialist at Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences Centre, said. “It's a nice feeling to be able to do that.”
But, like many other medications there are side effects. If you’re interested in this drug you should discuss it with your doctor.
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Jane
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Posted: Fri Sep 2nd, 2005 01:25 am |
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Kale & Hearty
Health Specialist Laura DiBattista knows kale may not be a vegetable that's to everyone's taste. But your body loves it. Here's why.
It doesn’t have the cachet of broccoli. It doesn’t get the publicity that Popeye gave to spinach. And it doesn’t receive credit for what it does for your eyes, like carrots.
In fact, the only thing kale may be missing is a good publicity agent.
The form of cabbage is one of the healthiest you can eat, but few people realize its potential. “It has 80 milligrams of Vitamin C per cup. That is more than an orange!” enthuses nutritionist Julie Daniluk. “For women who can’t necessarily drink milk, this is an excellent source of calcium.”
Kale is high in phytochemicals, a substance researchers believe helps reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, cataracts and the toxic effects of smoking.
Add to that some folic acid, more beta carotene than carrots and only 36 calories a cup, and you have the perfect vegetable almost no one’s heard of.
And as a bonus, it’s less likely to wilt than your basic lettuce or other leafy greens.
Kale has a glorious history - it was first used as a food crop as early as 2000 B.C. But to have it as part of your meal, you have to know how to prepare it. According to the experts at The Big Carrot on the Danforth, there are two preferred methods.
Recipe #1:
- Blanch it off, (boil it for just a minute) sautee it with a little bit of onions and garlic with some olive oil.
- Add a little bit of tomato, and some miso and cook it for about five minutes after it’s blanched.
Recipe #2:
- Blanch it first and then stir fry it with some boch choy, shitaki mushrooms, garlic, a little toasted sesame oil and ginger.
In the end, kale is the Kermit the Frog of your veggie choices. It ain’t easy being this green – but it sure is worth the effort.
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Jane
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Posted: Fri Sep 2nd, 2005 01:29 am |
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Diabetes Danger
Diabetes is one of those rare diseases that can cause so many others. Here's a brief primer.
It can cause you to lose your sight. It can leave an able bodied person unable to walk. It can put you in a coma. And it can cause a myriad of other medical complications. What is this insidious disease that can cause so much damage? It’s diabetes. And to many, it’s a medical mystery.
And while it can be managed and allow patients to live relatively normal lives, not even years of research has managed to come close to a cure. People suffering from diabetes can’t make or use insulin properly. That’s a hormone that lets the body process sugar, starches and other foods. And when it can’t deal with them, you wind up without the energy you need. The unmetabolized sugar, or glucose, is then stocked up in the blood, which injures the body's systems.
There are different kinds of the disease: Type 1 and Type 2. Studies have shown that lifestyle (diet and exercise) can either stop or stall Type 2 in high-risk grown-ups. But so far, no one knows how to prevent Type 1.
That form of the illness is more common among kids and young adults. But it can still attack at any age. It makes up about 10 per cent of all instances of the disease. If you suffer from Type 1, your body doesn’t produce insulin. That means you have to have injections every day to metabolize the glucose you take in.
Type 1 Symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger and thirst
- Weight loss
- Weakness and tiredness
Type 2 is the most common form of the illness, striking about 90 per cent of the diabetes population. The causes vary and can include age, weight and heredity. Most people suffering from this other form of the ailment actually do produce enough insulin. But their bodies can’t use it correctly.
Type 2 Symptoms
- Feeling tired
- Blurred vision
- Dry, itchy skin
- Increased hunger and thirst
- Increased urination
- Tingling or loss of feeling in hands or feet
- Non-healing infections of skin, vagina and/or bladder
- Vaginal yeast infections
Possible Dangers
- Kidney disease
- Blindness
- Nerve damage
- Heart disease
- Foot problems
- Blood vessel diseases
- Amputations
- Sexual problems
- Early death
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Jane
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Posted: Fri Sep 2nd, 2005 01:35 am |
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SOFT DRINKS AND DIABETES WARNING
Sugar Is Spiced
Health Specialist Laura DiBattista finds there may be some hard consequences from those soft drinks.
You’d probably never drink a glass full of sugar. But you likely never think twice about downing a sweetened soft drink. According to a Harvard study, you should.
Researchers looked at 50,000 women over a period of nearly a decade. Their findings? Drinking pop is a recipe for becoming a diabetic.
“Women who were drinking sugared soft drinks every day, or more than once a day, had an 80 percent increase in risk of diabetes compared to women who hardly ever drank sugared sodas,” notes the university’s Dr. Meir Stampfer.
How bad are those fizzy fillers that seem so refreshing on a hot day? Consider this: there are at least 13 teaspoons of sugar in each can. And those who aren’t worried about diabetes should be concerned about their bulging waste line.
“There is no nutrient value in soft drinks at all,” cautions dietician Andrea Miller, a long time opponent of the sugar-laden sweets. The Harvard results don’t come as any surprise to her.
“When people drink beverages that have calories, soft drinks or sport drinks or otherwise, they don't compensate by eating less food.”
She wants parents to realize the dangers of the drinks, especially for kids who are still young. “Choose something that doesn't have calories and get nutrients from other foods,” she suggests. Her replacement? Bottled water or, better yet, skim milk. It's got only a few calories and some calcium - and it's good for you.
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Jane
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Posted: Fri Sep 2nd, 2005 02:03 am |
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ASTHMA AND DUST
Mighty Mites
As the weather gets colder, some people's asthma can get much worse. Health Specialist Laura Di Battista says there's a good reason for that--and there's a good way to stop it.
It's hard to believe that something as cute as a stuffed animal could have potential health hazards for your child but if your kid has asthma, these little guys can be dust magnets. It's not so much the dust, it's critters called dust mites that live in it, and it's not really the mites, it's their droppings that trigger asthma.
Dust mites actually live in the mattresses, upholstered furniture and stuffed toys. Dr. Kay Khan suggests letting your child keep a couple of the stuffies and popping them into the freezer periodically to kill the mites. Here's more advice:
- Don't have lots of feather quilts and feather pillows that tend to catch dust
- Have hard-surfaced floors rather than wall-to-wall carpet that tends to catch dust.
- Air cleaners help some asthma sufferers
- Increase the frequency of household vacuuming. And don't forget to vacuum your mattress regularly.
Mattresses and pillows can also be enclosed in special covers that will keep the mites away. Another tip: try to wash your sheets at least once a week and in hot water to kill those dust mites.
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