Some conditions may appear to be scars that are not. Macules and other bumps can occur even after acne is treated. Redness may persist for up to a year. But these aren’t true scars. They’re not permanent.

True scars are a permanent change to skin tissue produced by the healing process itself, chiefly creating fibrous tissue. As white blood cells attack bacteria they can produce changes in underlying skin cells in the surrounding area. This is one way scars become permanent.

They may also not be limited to areas under the surface.

So-called icepick scars are small pinholes that form in the surface of the skin. They look as if the skin has been poked with an icepick, hence the name. They’re typically too deep to be treated with simple dermabrasion or even laser resurfacing.

Boxcar scars are similar, except they tend to be flatter on the bottom, rather than narrowing to a point like icepick scars. Since they’re often shallower they can sometimes be treated with resurfacing techniques.

Keloid scars are firm and grow beyond the site of the injury. They’re characterized by an excess production of collagen. They often result in a shiny pink or red scar.

Prevention is the best option, of course. But when that’s not possible, there are a number of standard treatments.

Dermabrasion to treat acne scars

Dermabrasion is used to treat a wide range of skin conditions, including mild to moderate acne scarring. A local anesthetic is given and the professional uses a high speed brush to remove layers of skin. The skin then naturally regenerates, minus the scar in many cases. When it’s not entirely removed, it’s often less obvious.

A variation on the technique is known as microdermabrasion. Instead of a high speed brush, aluminum oxide crystals are moved rapidly through a type of vacuum hose. They carry away skin cells on their way to being collected. It’s less invasive or traumatic to the skin, but the results may, therefore, be less.

Lasers to treat acne scars

Laser treatment can be effective for some patients. Used well, they can change the contour and size of scars. CO2 lasers are often used to remove some tissue. Sometimes a single treatment is enough, but redness can persist for several weeks afterward. Lasers work in these types of treatment, essentially, by burning.

Surgery to treat acne scars

A technique called ‘punching’ can be used to remove some icepick scars. The scar is excised down to subcutaneous fat and the resulting hole repaired. The repair may be done with sutures or a small skin graft.

Subcisions may be performed. These involve actually lifting the scar tissue away from unscarred skin. Results are mixed, but the technique can be effective.

Drugs to treat acne scars

Keloids don’t respond well to these mechanical techniques, since altering the skin often just provokes the formation of more keloids. Sometimes a topical retinoid is applied. In other cases steroid-type drugs are injected directly into the skin around the scar. They’re difficult to treat by any means and results vary widely from person to person.

Whatever treatment method you seek, it’s important to consult a professional for proper diagnosis. That’s the best way to find out about all the available alternatives, and their potential risks and benefits.

Originally posted 2008-04-27 12:40:49. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

I suffered from low self esteem, was shy and nervous around people, I had some scarring and the redness and white heads were bad as well. I tried to take car of my acne in my mid to late teens by taking care of my skin, washing my face twice or three times a day with an anti bacterial soap, used skin creams like Clearasil and took Tetracycline for many years in different dosages as well as Accutane. All of these treatments helped somewhat but none were a magic cure to my fight with acne

In my mid 20′s the acne just naturally went away for me. Now at 39 I occasionally get skin blemishes but not very often and I have not had any acne on my chest or back or shoulders for years now.

I would like to start a little guide here on what is working or not working for acne and hopefully some of the more recent acne discoveries will help people get away from the problems that I had in my late teens and twenties with acne.

Acne no more
Take a look at your acne problems and the good ways and bad ways of fighting the underlying reasons that you have acne in the first place. Acne no more is an ebook and is likely the best acne fighting book on the market. At $39.00 this is the best acne treatment and is a great investment in curing your acne and ultimately in helping you overall health at the same time. Check it out today and let me know if you think that this ebook is the best acne treatment!

Originally posted 2006-04-19 20:40:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

This is because certain acne medications are believed by many sources to cause yeast infection. So taking medication for your acne could make the problem worse instead of better, if yeast is the cause. This especially applies to broad spectrum antibiotics which kill the ‘friendly bacteria’ in our stomachs as well as the bacteria that cause acne.

These ‘friendly bacteria’ keep the yeast growth in our system down to a healthy level, so without them, yeast can flourish and cause all types of yeast infection in the body. These can include thrush in the mouth or genital area as well as general candidiasis (overgrowth of candida or yeast) which has many wide ranging symptoms including lack of energy, skin rashes especially in skin folds and armpits, athlete’s foot, food allergies, weight gain or loss, bloated stomach, and sensitivity to airborne substances like tobacco smoke or perfume, as well as pimples due to yeast infection.

Where pimples are caused by yeast overgrowth, they often appear in the same places as the yeast skin rash which is known as cutaneous candidiasis, or candidiasis of the skin. Again this will be in skin folds, armpits, under breasts, genital area etc. The pimples are usually red and may have pustules.

If you have candidiasis it is vital to cut down or eliminate sugar from the diet. This means most fruit as well as refined sugar. Additionally it is important to stop eating foods that contain yeast, including most bread, mushrooms and alcoholic drinks.

However, do not self diagnose but see a doctor to check whether you have a yeast overgrowth. You would not want to cut healthy foods like fruit out of your diet unnecessarily.

If you have pimples due to yeast infection or any other symptoms of yeast infection it can also be helpful to take probiotic supplements. These food supplements available from health food stores help to repopulate the stomach with the friendly bacteria that feed on yeast.

Live yogurt is also helpful because it contains some of these bacteria. You can eat it to help reduce candida in the mouth, throat and intestines, and also apply it topically to the infection in some cases.

The bottom line is that if your pimples are caused by yeast, you should never treat them with an antibiotic cream. Pimples due to yeast infection need anti fungal medication like that used to treat athlete’s foot.

Originally posted 2010-01-22 21:57:33. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

While it’s not common to see due to medical advances in treatment, cystic acne still affects a lot of people. Cystic acne is the type of acne that creates small boils or cysts inside the areas of the skin where the person is affected by the acne. Despite previous beliefs, cystic acne actually has very little to do with a person’s hygiene. It may be a more advanced and tragic form of acne, but it is still acne so the causes of cystic acne are mostly the same.

Genetics plays the most important role in causing cystic acne. Typically, if a person’s family is prone to the disorder then the person is much more likely to get it than someone who doesn’t have it in their family genetics. Of course, everyday hygienic habits may also play a part in causing the cystic acne for those who are more susceptible to it based on genetics.

Hormones can be another cause of cystic acne. This is why most people who will develop cystic acne will start showing signs of it right around the time of puberty. The hormones not only affect the acne itself but also cause a change in the sweat glands, facial oil glands, and stress levels. All of these things can make the acne worse.

Another possible cause is too much cleaning. Because most people relate acne to being dirty they will usually start washing their face more often and even use various face cleaners. This can take regular acne and cause it to damage the skin more while irritating the pores and stimulating oil production, turning it into cystic acne. When a person washes their face, especially with harsh cleaners, they are making their skin dryer. The skin needs certain amounts of natural oils to be healthy, which is why most people balance out the moisture on the skin by washing their face one-to-two times a day. A moisturizing soap used on the face once a day may help, as well.

Internal medication can be one of the causes of cystic acne. Some medication will automatically dry out the skin and will cause cystic acne as a side effect. The best way for anyone to avoid this is to check with his or her doctor before trying a new medication. If the medicine has a side effect of producing eruptions of acne, perhaps the doctor can recommend other medications. A dermatologist can also help with determining what the cause of the cystic acne is and how to treat it.

Originally posted 2009-11-15 11:29:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

For many, the psychological trauma of that time was a passing problem. But unsightly depressions and scars that remain are another matter. Fortunately, there’s now a way to remove them.

Acne affects up to 85 per cent of young people and 11 per cent of adults 25 and older. There are few diseases more aggravating for both adults and teenagers. It’s a time when young people need acceptance and self-assurance. And for both, the daily embarrassment of a face and neck peppered with blackheads and pimples can make life miserable.

Acne begins in the skin’s oil glands found in large numbers on the face, neck and back. But unlike Saudi Arabia’s oil wells these secrete a waxy substance called, “sebum.” And although our world has diminishing supplies of oil, our oil glands can be too active. It’s this overabundance of sebum that blocks the opening of the glands causing a “whitehead.”
If pressure becomes too great, sebum forces its way to the surface forming a “blackhead.” The colour is due to pigment, not dirt. Bacteria add to the problem. One bacterium called “P acnes” multiplies, resulting in varying degrees of inflammation.

Victims often add to the trouble. It’s been said that, “He who treats himself has a fool for a patient.” All too often anxious patients use unproven remedies or the wrong cosmetics that plug the skin’s openings. This is understandable, as who wouldn’t want to hide such a public offence?

Another major mistake sets the stage for future trouble. It’s hard to keep acne sufferers from picking at uncomfortable, scaly, sore and itchy lesions. In severe cases this constant picking of large blackheads leads to permanent scarring. Small wonder this condition often leads to clinical depression.

Topical treatments such as lotions, creams and glycolic acid peels may be all that’s needed for mild to moderate cases of acne. These agents help to decrease the activity of follicles and lessen the impact.

But for years the major question has been how to rid the face of these unsightly holes and scars. Unlike patching pot holes in a road, there’s never been an easy answer. Some patients have been helped by glycolic acid peel treatments. Fortunately, there’s now a filler called ArteSense.

ArteSense contains polymethyl methacrylate, an inert material that’s been used for more than 60 years in ocular lenses, dental work, bone repair and artificial hips. The microscopic beads of PMMA are suspended in a solution of collagen. This solution, along with a minute amount of anesthetic, lidocaine, is inserted by a fine needle into the skin’s lower layers.

Collagen is a vital skin protein that gives bulk and structure to skin, but is gradually lost with aging. Like mortar that binds bricks, collagen is also the glue that holds cells together. After ArteSense is injected it triggers a response by the body to form its own collagen and fill unwanted scars. This process of producing new collagen requires two to three months. And unlike Botox injections, ArteSense lasts 10 years or longer.

Dr. Peter Adamson, one of Canada’s top plastic surgeons says, “ArteSense has a high satisfaction rate of 80 to 90 per cent when used judiciously.”

ArteSense has now been used safely in more than 400,000 patients worldwide. As with any injectable implant there can be redness, swelling, bruising and itchiness, which normally subside in a few days. Cold compresses usually ease the symptoms. And always remember the doctor with the most training and experience gets the best results.

One caution following the injection. You don’t walk on cement until it dries. So following the procedure, don’t look at humorous material that would make you smile or laugh for 48 to 72 hours. This allows the implanted material time to settle into place.

So if I repeated my question, with ArteSense now available, would you like to be 16 again?

Gifford-Jones is the pen name of Toronto physician Ken Walker. He can be contacted through his website at: www.mydoctor.ca.

Originally posted 2008-09-21 11:56:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Acne lesions occur mostly on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. It is the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring and permanent scarring.

Women actually have more and different issues than men with acne.

How does acne affect women?

Most young women and men will have at least a few pimples over the course of their lives. But acne seems to affect men and women in different ways. Young men are more likely to have a more serious form of acne. Acne in young women tends to be more random and linked to hormone changes, such as the menstrual cycle.

As women get older, acne often gets better. But some women have acne for many years. Some women even get acne for the first time at age 30 or 40.

For many women, acne can be an upsetting illness. Women may have feelings of depression, poor body image, or low self-esteem. But you don’t have to wait to outgrow acne or to let it run its course. Today, almost every case of acne can be resolved. Acne also can, sometimes, be prevented. Talk with your doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in treating skin problems) about how you can help prevent acne and if treatment would help you.

To find out about the the Acne No More Book read my review.

What are the different types of acne lesions?

* Comedo (whiteheads or blackheads) or papules. The comedo is the basic acne lesion, which is a plugged pore. If the plugged pore stays under the skin, it’s called a closed comedo and forms a white bump or whitehead. Blackheads are comedos that open up and appear blackish on the surface of the skin. This black color is not due to dirt, but because the air reacts with the excess oil.

* Pustules or pimples. Pustules or pimples are acne lesions that contain pus and are red at the base.
* Nodules. These are more serious acne lesions. They lodge deeper in the skin, are painful, and can cause scarring.
* Cysts. Like nodules, these lesions are deep within in the skin, are painful, and are filled with pus, and can cause scarring.

Many things can trigger acne in women:
* Hormone changes during puberty. During puberty, girls have an increase in male sex hormones called androgens. This increase causes the glands to get larger and make more sebum.
* Hormone changes as an adult. The menstrual cycle is one of the most common acne triggers.

Acne lesions tend to form a few days before the cycle begins and go away after the cycle is completed. Other hormone changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, improve acne in some women. But some women have worse acne during these times. Stopping use of birth control pills can play a role as well.

* Medicines. Certain medicines, such as those used to treat epilepsy and types of depression.
* Make-up.
* Pressure or friction on the skin. Friction caused by bike helmets or backpacks can make acne worse
* Family history. If other people in your family have acne, there is a greater chance you will have it.

Does poor hygiene cause acne?

It is a myth that women get acne because they don’t wash enough. Too much washing or scrubbing the skin harshly can make acne worse. And washing away surface oils doesn’t do much to prevent or cure acne, because it forms under the skin. The best way to clean the face is to gently wash it twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Be careful to remove make-up without harsh scrubbing.

Can stress cause acne?
Stress does not cause acne. But, acne may be a side effect of some medicines used to treat stress or depression. And in some cases, the social and emotional impact of acne lesions causes stress. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

Can eating chocolate or greasy foods cause acne?
While many women feel that eating chocolate or greasy foods causes acne, experts have not found a link between the diet and acne. Foods seem to have little effect on acne in most people. But, it’s important to eat a healthy diet for good health.

How is mild acne treated?
There are many treatments for mild acne. Mild acne can consist of whiteheads, blackheads and small pustules. At home, you can wash your face twice per day with warm water and a gentle cleanser or soap. Your doctor may suggest you also try an over-the-counter lotion or cream. These medicines may make your skin dry if you use them too much. Be sure to follow the directions.

If these medicines dont work, your doctor may prescribe a cream or lotion with benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur.

* Benzoyl peroxide works to reduce oil made by the glands.
* Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help breakdown whiteheads and blackheads.

If your acne does not get better after six to eight weeks, talk with your doctor about changing your treatment.

Can more serious forms of acne be treated?

Yes. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment for you.

Moderate to moderately severe acne. This type of acne consists of several whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules that cover the face and/or other parts of the body. It can be treated with antibiotic lotions or gels, as well as retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is an altered form of vitamin A. It helps prevent whiteheads and blackheads. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic pill, such as erythromycin. If you take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, antibiotics can affect how well they work. Be sure to use a second method of birth control with the pill, such as a condom. Retinoic acid and antibiotic pills can make the skin sensitive to the sun. So, wear sunscreen and stay in the shade while using them.

Severe acne. Severe acne consists of deep cysts, redness, swelling, extreme damage to the skin and scarring. You should see a dermatologist to care for this type of acne. Scarring can be prevented with appropriate treatments. Your dermatologist can prescribe oral antibiotics and oral contraceptives. Large inflamed cysts can be treated with an injection of a drug that lessens the redness, swelling, and irritation, and promotes healing.

Your dermatologist may prescribe Accutane, if other treatments have not worked. This is a strong medicine that can help prevent scarring and treat active disease. But, Accutane also can cause birth defects. It is important that you are not pregnant and do not plan to get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use two methods of birth control at the same time. This is done for one month before treatment begins, during treatment, and for a full month after stopping the drug. Talk with your dermatologist about when it’s safe to get pregnant. Other side effects of this drug may include dry eyes, itching, mood changes, and changes in the blood and liver. You and your dermatologist can decide whether this medicine is right for you based on the pros and cons. Use any prescribed medicine exactly as you are advised. Taking more medicine than you are supposed to take may make acne or your general health worse. Ask your doctor what to do if you miss a dose.

Some large cysts do not respond to medication and may need to be drained or removed. Your dermatologist is the only person who should drain or remove these. You should never try to drain or remove your acne by squeezing or picking. This can lead to infection, worsen your acne, and cause scarring.

Overall, if you dont see a change in your skin in six to eight weeks, talk with your doctor about your treatment plan.

Can birth control pills help treat acne?

For women who break out mainly around their menstrual cycle, some birth control pills can help. Research shows that these pills can clear acne by slowing down overactive oil glands in the skin. Sometimes, birth control pills are used along with a drug called spironolactone to treat acne in adult females. This medication lowers levels of the hormone androgen in the body. Androgen stimulates the skins oil glands. Side effects of this drug include irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, headache and fatigue. Spironolactone is not appropriate therapy for all patients.
When is surgery used for acne scarring?

If you have scarring, your dermatologist may suggest surgery to help heal acne lesions and remove scarring. A laser can reshape scar tissue and reduce redness. Dermabrasion is a type of surgery that can remove surface scars and reduce the depth of deep scars. Another option is to transfer fat from one part of the body to the face. In some cases, a single treatment can help scarring. But for lasting results, several are often needed. There are also topical treatments for acne scarring.

Photodynamic therapy is a new acne treatment. It begins with light microdermabrasion. This is used to remove dead skin cells on the faces surface. Then, an acid is put on the skin for 30 to 60 minutes. After this period, the acid is taken off. Lastly, the skin is treated with a laser. This treatment is still being researched, but seems to give positive long-term results.
How can I help prevent acne and acne scars?

You can help prevent acne flare-ups and scars by taking good care of your skin:

1. Clean your skin gently with a mild soap or cleanser twice a day?once in the morning and once at night. You should also gently clean the skin after heavy exercise. Avoid strong soaps and rough scrub pads. Harsh scrubbing of the skin may make acne worse. Wash your entire face from under the jaw to the hairline and rinse thoroughly. Remove make-up gently with a mild soap and water. Ask your doctor before using an astringent.

2. Wash your hair on a regular basis. If your hair is oily, you may want to wash it more often.

3. Do not squeeze or pick at acne lesions. This can cause acne scars.

4. Avoid getting sunburned. Many medicines used to treat acne can make you more prone to sunburn. Many people think that the sun helps acne, because the redness from sunburn may make acne lesions less visible. But, too much sun can also increase your risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. When you’re going to be outside, use sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Also, try to stay in the shade as much as you can.

5. Choose make-up and hair care products that are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic. These products have been made in a way that they don’t cause acne. You may also want to use products that are oil-free.

6. Avoid things that rub the skin as much as you can, such as backpacks and sports equipment.

7. Talk with your doctor about what treatment methods can help your acne. Take your medicines as prescribed. Be sure to tell your doctor if you think medicines you take for other health problems make your acne worse.

Is rosacea the same as acne?

Rosacea (ro-ZAY-she-ah) is a common skin problem often called adult acne. Faired skinned and menopausal women are more likely to have rosacea. Rosacea also seems to run in families. It causes redness in the center parts of the face and pimples. Blood vessels under the skin of the face may enlarge and show through the skin as small red lines. The skin may be swollen and feel warm.

Women with rosacea don’t have the same lesions as seen with common acne. They may have flushing of the face, when they are hot, drink alcohol or hot drinks, or eat spicy foods. This flushing causes the face to appear red. In the most severe form, this redness does not go away. The eyes may become swollen and nodules in the skin may be painful.

You can help keep rosacea under control by keeping a record of things that cause it to flare up. Try to avoid or limit these triggers as much as you can. Antibiotic lotions or gels can also help. Sometimes, you may need to take antibiotic pills. Your dermatologist may treat you with laser surgery. If you think you have rosacea, talk with your doctor about these treatments.

Originally posted 2007-04-15 07:38:51. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Originally posted 2009-07-18 07:25:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Originally posted 2009-07-28 01:25:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Self esteem can be viewed as a little voice. A person’s self esteem tells him or her “You are a person who adds something to the world.” When that voice becomes stilled, then the self-esteem disappears, and the person without that sefl esteem starts to pay attention to all the unkind comments that might be made about him or her.

Parents should start to build a child’s self-esteem while he or she enjoys the early childhood years. In that way, a child enters the teenage years with at least some self-esteem. Due to the social pressures that invade the life of a teenager, self-esteem offers the teen an important guiding post.

Self-confidence encourages the development of self-esteem. Unfortunately, teens frequently lack self-confidence when they suffer repeated acne flare-ups. They never feel confident that they will “look good.” That explains why the effects of acne can eat into and possibly destroy, the growing layers of self-esteem.

Think about the activities that fill the life of the average teenager. After school, he or she might take part in sports, or other extracurricular activities. Almost all after school activities involve socializing. A student with acne might shy away from socializing with others. He or she might refrain from taking part in any of the after school activties.

Think about the sort of magazines that interest teens. They usually like to look at magaiznes that have pictures of sports stars or Hollywood celebrities. Each of the pictures in those magazines shows an acne-free face. Teens soon begin to feel that no one with acne is apt to enjoy a celebrity status. Teens with acne can feel that they lack all prospects for an exciting and rewarding life.

When teenagers begin to feel that their prospects for a rewarding life have dimmed, then they rapidly loose self-esteem. Society has found that teenagers who lack self-esteem tend to take part in destructive activities. They could grow into adults who do not exhibit productive efforts on the job. They could become adults who lack the expected level of self-sufficiency.

That possibility emphasizes the importance of self-esteem. It underlines the benefits that can come from a public readiness to identify and to tackle acne-related psycholgical problems.

Originally posted 2008-04-09 09:10:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Diet Effects Skin and Cures Acne:

Research work has shown that food plays a big role in acne and other skin problems rather it has a direct influence. Some foods can actually flare up acne lesions such as animal fats that are rich in saturated fatty acids. Abundant use of water is good for keeping the skin healthy and so is the use of vitamins, appropriate minerals and proteins. So is acne detox diet a good help to acne?

Acne Detox Diet

If we keep in mind the outcomes of research works about the effect of diet on skin, mentioned above we may anticipate that the best patent search Diet for acne should include moderate use of water, proteins, vitamins and minerals and the saturated fats in the food should be kept to the minimum in the best acne detox diet.

Proteins and acne

It has been proved that the liberal use of proteins in diet helps in preventing flare ups of acne lesions. There are some enzymes in the body that stimulate the production of fats in lubricating glands (sebaceous glands) of skin and this is an important feature our best acne Detox Diet accounts for. Formation of these enzymes is controlled and upholstery cleaners in diet is rich enough in proteins, in turn controlling the production of fats by these glands so that it should not reach the extent that make clog the pours and start acne.

Water and acne

It is one of the best cleansing agent and important ingredient of all best acne detox diet. Best Detox Diet for acne flushes out the poison Substances from the body and decreases skin problems. So it is a must ingredient of the best Detox Diet for acne.

Citric Acid and acne

Grapes and citric foods are all rich in citric acid and are one of the most important ingredients of any acne detox diet. For that matter they are also vital content of an acne detox diet.

How to Handle Undesired Effects

Even with an acne detox diet, one may experience undesired effects which include even the flare up of acne lesions but that does not mean that it should lead to the termination of the diet plan rather it should be taken as an expected reaction of the body. It should give hope that the diet is going to achieve the expected results. The person should be encouraged to continue the engraved memorial stones acne detox diet with the hope that acne shall rapidly clear after this reaction. These reactions are quite common even with the best acne detox diet although most of them last for brief periods.

Long Term Diet plan for Acne:

If we want a permanent cure for acne and other skin problems by nutritional management then short term acne detox diet plans do not perform satisfactory. The patients should be educated to stick to a healthy diet plan like best Detox Diet for pet memorial stone for the rest of their life. Also high motivation will be needed. An acne detox diet off and on will complement dietary schedule by cleansing body system

Originally posted 2008-08-19 21:05:49. Republished by Blog Post Promoter