Life With Acne

Acne is a skin disease that affects more than 17 million individuals in the United States alone. Three out of four teenagers suffer from some form of acne. The possibility of severe psychiatric and psychological complications affects many individuals suffering from acne, while affecting a person’s quality of life in a negative manner. Psychiatric and psychological complications are not a serious problem for many of the individuals suffering from acne, but there are enough individuals with these conditions to be alert to the symptoms. This is not a disease that limits itself to the skin only.

If you are suffering from severe acne, be alert to the following symptoms. Seek medical help if you recognize any of these symptoms in your life.

Depression

Depression caused by acne affects how you feel, think, and act. There are many symptoms of depression with the most common being:

> A change in appetite that results in weight loss

> Sleeping a lot or not sleeping at all

> Tired all of the time

> Irritable

> Having a feeling of worthlessness

> Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

> Thoughts of suicide

You may become depressed when your acne is severe, causing scars and not responding to treatment. You should share with your doctor how your acne has affected you emotionally.

Social Phobia

Acne may cause you to become so excessively self-conscious that you fear being around other people. The symptoms of social phobia are an overwhelming anxiety of fear that others are looking at you and judging you. Embarrassed or humiliated by your looks will interfere with everyday activities. Dreading and worrying about upcoming events in your life will take a toll on your health.

Social Phobia is not something that is easily controlled by you. Please share with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Anxiety Disorders

Severe acne can lead to stress, which in turn leads to anxiety disorders. As with social phobia, anxiety disorders have many of the same symptoms. The important factor to remember is that it is treatable and if not treated can lead to poor performance in school, poor social skills, and you are more vulnerable to substance abuse.

As a teenager, social anxiety disorder resembles severe shyness and may not be recognized as a problem. The symptoms of social anxiety are an intense fear of social interactions, avoiding friends and conversations, looking down while speaking to someone, isolating yourself from others, excessively concerned with what others think about you.

Impaired self-image and self-esteem

Are you constantly putting yourself down? Society today is all about the perfect look. The problem with this view is that no one has the perfect look. As a teenager your body is changing rapidly with many hormonal changes affecting your entire body. Acne is a result of some of those changes. You may not be responding to treatment and have allowed yourself to think less of yourself than you should. There are so many internal and external factors in developing a healthy self-esteem.

You are in control of your self-esteem. There are many good things about yourself and you need to concentrate on those attributes instead of those areas that you are not happy with. You may need to talk with your doctor if you feel that you are unable to develop a healthy self-esteem on your own.

Social Dysfunction

Social dysfunction is the umbrella of all of the above conditions. If you are suffering from severe acne and find yourself retreating from others and suffering from the symptoms of depression, it is important that you consult your doctor immediately. Acne is not always a skin disease; it can turn into a psychiatric and psychological disease. Stop it before your quality of life is affected.

Life with acne is not always an easy life. If you are not careful it may reduce your quality of life. When your acne becomes more than you can handle emotionally, your quality of life deteriorates. Acne controls you when it all you think about.

Gaining control may not be easy for you. Seek help when your emotional life is in turmoil. If you are a teenager, your parents may not understand how you feel and may not sympathize with you. If you are an adult suffering with adult acne, you are at greater risk of suffering from these symptoms.

Your first step toward a better life with acne is getting professional help when you are suffering from any of the symptoms in this article.

Visit www.acnescram.com for the latest information and products for acne skin care.

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Beauty and Enlightenment: Laser Light Treatment of Acne

Acne is not a particularly attractive trait of anyone, whether adult or adolescent. Acne, in fact, contributes to lowering one's sense of self, and self-esteem. As acne untreated can scar one's skin, the effects brought on by acne can scar one emotionally for life.

Acne, however, is curable. Called by its formal name Acne vulgaris, acne is characterized by inflammation of the skin in the form of pus-filled bumps. These bumps are actually hair follicles clogged with oil and dead skin cells.

Acne is caused by a variety of problems. It can be due to a genetic predisposition to acne, a theory supported by the prevalence of acne in Western societies. Acne is also caused by fluctuations in hormonal levels, especially of the male hormone testosterone. Acne, scientists surmise, is the body's reaction to these hormonal changes.

Another cause of acne is stress, which on its own results in hormonal fluctuations due to overworking of the adrenal glands. Other causes include medications containing halogens, androgens, barbiturates, and iodides; exposure to chlorinated compounds such as chlorinated dioxins; and abnormalities in follicle physiology, such as channels that are too narrow, pores that are too wide and deep, among others.

Adult acne is common as well, and may be due to conditions such as ovarian syndromes, pregnancy, or a rare syndrome such as Cushing's.

Although highly unsightly and inconvenient, acne is not without its cures. Several topical ointments, such as those containing retinoic acid and benzoyl peroxide, have been shown to cure acne. These medications, however, do not provide immediate results, and are thus often expensive.

Previous studies on acne have shown that sunlight can improve acne problems, but sunlight actually worsens acne in the long term due to UV damage to the skin. Nevertheless, treatment of acne by other wavelengths of light is now becoming common, as it is a painless, non-invasive, and has been shown to decrease the incidence of acne. One type, light wave therapy, passes a blue light beam of high intensity over the skin. Originally used for cancer therapies, this treatment has shown to be effective in acne removal.

The light of blue light therapy is generated by fluorescent bulbs, lasers, or dichroic bulbs. When applied daily, blue light can reduce acne considerably. This is due to the effect the light has on Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for causing acne.

According to studies, the bacterium produces a set of molecules called porphyrins, which generate harmful molecules called free radicals when porphyrins are exposed to blue light. As these free radicals accumulate, bacteria are killed, and acne is reduced until it disappears.

Blue light treatment has been shown to be safe, and even more effective than benzoyl peroxide, but over a shorter period. Blue light treatment, however, is considered expensive, but is actually cheaper than using benzoyl peroxide over a period of years.

Laser surgery, on the other hand, makes use of a high intensity laser beam passed over the skin to treat acne. This kind of treatment has actually been used to treat acne scars, but is now commonly used to prevent acne.

Laser therapy works by one of the following methods:

• Lasers degrade, or burn away the follicle sac, the opening in the follicle from which hair grows.
• Laser light is strong enough to damage, or completely remove oil-producing sebaceous glands.
• Like blue light treatment, lasers lead to the formation of free oxygen radicals in acne bacteria, which can kill them.

Laser surgery, however, is reputed to have disadvantages, such as damage to skin due to exposure to light. If used improperly, light and laser treatments can dry out skin, or induce the formation of spots.

If you are interested in laser surgery, consult with your dermatologist, and know the advantages and disadvantages of laser surgery. If used well, laser surgery can help you have cleaner, clearer skin free from acne.

About the Author: Elizabeth Radisson is a frequent author on the subjects of acne, and acne treatment products. For more information on ways to treat acne, head to http://www.ForYourPores.com

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Natural Acne Treatments - Essential Fatty Acids

Whilst scientists do not fully understand the cause of acne, the role of essential fatty acids in the body, including the skin, is reasonably understood. This understanding has led to some scientists and natural health practitioners looking at the effects and benefits of essential fatty acids for skin conditions such as acne.

Udo Erasmus is a writer with post graduate studies in genetics, and biochemistry, and a PhD in Nutrition. He believes there are nutritional deficiencies and problems that can cause or exacerbate acne, though they are not as simple as the usual ones about chocolate!

Central to his belief is that: "Hard fats and (hard) protein debris clog narrow pores and channels in our skin, and invite infection by bacteria who feast on the mess". (p346)

He believes acne is a result of "fatty degeneration". Factors in this are:

* fats associating poorly with protein
* too many 'hard' fats
* not enough essential fatty acids

Hard fats are also called saturated fatty acids. These are the fats that are found in most food, including animal fats and dairy. Their name comes from the fact that the fat molecules carry the maximum amount of hydrogen molecules that they possibly can. This has significance in the way these fats act in our body. Some of these saturated fats have a high melting point, like butter and milk fat.
An excess can cause problems for our arteries and heart health.

Fatty acids, of the essential and non essential kind, are found in our cell membranes. This includes the membranes of the skin. Erasmus describes the characteristics of saturated fatty acids as tending to stick together. And because they have a higher melting point, they are more likely to be clump together and form deposits when we consume them in excess. So, they are harder for the body to get rid of. And as well as clumping together, they can clump with other things like protein, minerals, and cholesterol. Excess sugar can be a problem because our body converts excess sugar into saturated fatty acids.

Other problems with excess saturated fatty acids includes the fact that the body can convert them into unsaturated fatty acids, which can then oxidize if we don't consume enough fatty acids.

Saturated fatty acids can reduce the supply of oxygen to our tissues, by making blood cells which carry oxygen stick together and so impede that vital transportation system which normally carries oxygen to our cells.

Excess fat, including excess saturated fats, are stored in the adipose cells in our skin. These are fat storage centers.

Erasmus recommends consuming W3 (alpha linolenic acid) and w6 (flax and linoleic acid) essential fatty acids in the correct ratio.

Essential fatty acids have free receptors for hydrogen bonds. This characteristic changes the way the molecules are structured in terms of the shape they have. And it is this different shape, a kinked shape, that means they don't clump together with the affinity that saturated fats do. And they also have a lower melting point - so they are more liquid also. Because of this difference in structure, they also have a slight negative molecular charge, and given that like charges repel, this is another reason why they don't clump together. Erasmus characterizes these properties of unsaturated fats as providing 'fluidity' to cell membranes. He says this allows the cells to fulfill important chemical functions.

Inflammation, a characteristic of acne, is associated with a deficiency in the essential fatty acid LNA, or alpha linolenic acid. Erasmus writes that whilst inflammation is not a classical symptom of LNA, when people take alpha linolenic acid supplements, this symptom can be reversed.

Essential fatty acids as a group are strongly anti-inflammatory. Another essential fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA) has particular reference to acne. When there is a deficiency of linoleic acid, the oil producing glands in the skin make sebum that is mixed with oleic acid. Oleic acid is found in butter and land animal fats. However, in excess, it can interfere in essential fatty acid use. But more importantly for acne sufferers, sebum mixed with oleic acid is irritating to the skin. It lends itself to blockages of the pores that result in acne, blackheads and whiteheads.

For more natural acne treatments and solutions, click here. Rebecca Prescott presents the acne control site, www.acnetohealth.com

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I've Got Acne: Which Acne Medicine Should I Be Using?

Acne is a very common condition and notorious for producing pimples on the face and upper torso. Many will additionally suffer with pimples or spots on the back and neck which can be very uncomfortable. The condition of Acne is so common that it is considered to be a normal part of puberty and usually placed into one of three categories being mild, moderate or severe. However, the bad news is that the condition isn't just restricted to adolescents so it is also possible to develop acne in later life as well.

Should We Be Worried About Getting Acne?

Acne is not a serious health threat but it can cause scars so we need to bare this in mind when considering the seriousness of the disease. Very often sufferers will find their skin inflamed and irritated; subsequently causing them to scratch the infected area/s thus creating additional unease and scarring.

How Can We Treat The Condition Effectively?

There are a number of acne medicines available on the market all of which are designed to help with the treatment of the condition and help clear the skin. One of the most popular agents for treating Acne is 'isotretinoin' which is commonly know as Accutane and will greatly reduce the irritation that acne can cause. You may also consider Acnope acne cream that is an anti-acne, anti wrinkle cream that helps dry acne and fight germs and also Clearasil vanishing cream is also meant to be a great acne cream.

Rather than being overly concerned about something that may be unavoidable, learn what Acne medicine ingredients offer effective treatment and then take it from there. It is all too easy to get caught up in the stigma of having acne and forget to pay attention to the actual underlying concern.

What About Topical Medications?

Topical acne medications may contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or tretinoin, or retinoic acid. It is therefore imperative that before commencing any such treatment that you seek professional guidance from your Doctor. Particularly for women as the use of a topical acne cream during pregnancy may be questionable and as such should only be take on the advice of a medical practitioner. However, the amount of topical acne cream during pregnancy that is absorbed through the skin is really quite minimal.

Is There A Cure?

Acne Medical researchers are working on new drugs to treat acne, particularly topical antibiotics to replace some of those in current use. With this in mind it is optimistic that researchers of acne may very well introduce a solution to greatly alleviate the condition. It seems however, that people will do almost anything to sell an acne cure these days so you need to be particularly careful with when shopping around. When it comes to zits and finding the acne cure it can be quite a challenging task so proceed with caution. And, by the way, don't buy a suggested acne cure, apply it for a week and expect that your acne will be gone forever. If only life was that simple!

Your first point of call in any instance is a visit to your family Doctor who will assess the situation and advise accordingly. Your Doctor may even refer you to a specialist dermatologist for further help. Remember, don't be too worried or overly concerned if you have acne as you are not alone; it is one of the most common skin disorders and can easily be treated with the right medication.

If you suffer from or know of a person affected by Acne then be sure to visit the Acne Medicine Site. Clive thoroughly recommends this site so please check it out today here: - http://www.acnesmedicine.com. For comprehensive and immediate, acne and skin care information.

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Finding An Acne Cure

Acne can significantly impact the lives of its sufferers – lowering self-esteem and dramatically decreasing social interaction. The truth is that our faces are the first thing to which other people react. And when our face is less than perfect – and at the mercy of a difficult skin affliction – it can be challenging to fully engage in the world around us.

Acne occurs when our pores become clogged with dirt and bacteria. Oil which we naturally produce and normally flows easily from our pores suddenly has nowhere to go. Trapped oil results in acne. Those who suffer from acne can tell you that they will often stop at nothing to find a successful acne cure for their specific condition.

But why does dirt and bacteria congregate in some people’s skin and not others? The reasons are varied and many. Hormonal changes and imbalances, heredity, diet, environmental components, and even stress are some of the more prominent culprits.

Of course, the most obvious acne cure results from lifestyle change if you are able to pinpoint those factors that cause acne breakouts for you. Changing your diet, getting more sleep, reducing stress, and increasing exercise can all go a long way towards bettering your skin.

But along with these changes, most sufferers of acne will agree that some topical intervention is required such as cleansing systems, medications, and creams. Luckily, there is a huge market devoted exclusively to acne treatments.

Because of the hormonal factor, teenagers are most often the victims of acne. As such, they are bombarded on a daily basis by all forms of media promising them the latest and greatest acne cure. Subsequently, teenaged sufferers spend hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly on acne cures.

Adults – the often forgotten sufferers of acne – generally have more complicated and serious conditions. And it is often attributed to a wider array of causes.

When searching for an acne cure, you can look for over-the counter remedies including cleansers and topical creams. These are often less expensive than their prescribed counterparts but are also meant for milder cases of acne. Look for products that contain acne fighting ingredients such as benzoil peroxide or salicylic acid. Or search out those products geared towards reducing oil for those with oily skin.

For more complicated cases, sufferers can find more assistance through a licensed dermatologist. A dermatologist can prescribe acne remedies that meet the needs of your specific skin type. Further, your affliction will be followed medically until you achieve the results you want.

Whichever way you chose to go for an acne cure, time and determination will help you locate the remedy that’s right for you. Before long – with a little patience - you’ll have clear and healthy skin.

For easy to understand, in depth information about acne visit our ezGuide 2 Acne.

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When To Seek Medical Help For An Acne Related Condition

Acne is a condition that affects people of all ages. Young and old are affected by acne. Acne also does not discriminate. Regardless of race or ethnicity, acne impacts anyone. Acne brings with it serious physical and psychological effects on those who are affected by it. An acne breakout may not have the severity of country-wide famine or a deadly epidemic, but for the acne sufferer, it can seem like it's the end of the world.

Regardless of the severity of acne you have, it is important that the condition be looked by a medical professional. Acne can have visible scarring. However, it can also create psychological scars. So even if you have a light case of acne, don't hesitate to seek treatment.

Consider seeking help from a doctor if:

You are embarrassed by your acne condition and don't want to be seen.

Your face is scarred by acne and this makes you shy about your physical appearance.

Your self-esteem has become low since your acne condition began.

You have tried every over-the-counter acne medication and they failed to improve your acne condition.

Your pimples result to scarring.

Your acne condition causes you pain, especially when you touch your face or wash it.

The area where breakouts frequently occur is severely inflamed or infected.

Not all acne condition can be completely treated. However, it is still important to seek medical help for an acne condition. While treatment may not be able to completely erase acne scars, your doctor may be able to provide you with information on how you can lessen the frequency of acne breakouts as well as future scarring.

If you have insurance coverage, check to make sure that your insurance covers visits to a dermatologist. If you are covered then visit a doctor and have your acne condition checked out. A doctor can give you advice on how to lessen the frequency of acne breakouts as well as prescribe medication that can help minimize the scarring.

If you don't have a severe case of acne but your particular acne condition is interfering with your life or you are getting acne scars more frequently, it's to your best interest to visit a doctor.

For more acne fighting information including tips, advice and acne myths try visiting Best-Acne-Solutions.com, a website that specializes in providing acne skin cleaning resources and treatments for the different types of acne.

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Have You heard Of Acne Vulgaris?

One of the most important factors we all are concerned with every single day is our appearance. We all want to look presentable, be healthy and have skin that glows. However, at times, our skin suffers; different types of diseases such as acne vulgaris, which is hard, painful and hard to cure often occur

How Does The Term Acne Vulgaris Occur?

Our skin releases natural oils (also known as sebum) through the pores (also known as follicles), when these pores are blocked for reasons still not clearly known by doctors, acne is formed.

Acne vulgaris is the most common type of acne and it manifests in various forms such as: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. You may have one or all of the above mentioned forms of acne vulgaris as they all form the same way but are each treated very differently.

Treatment Pattern For Acne Vulgaris

The first thing to do when you have an acne outbreak is to determine what type it is as well as your skin type in order to proceed for a treatment pattern. Even if many insist that acne can be cured, the truth is as research found out that there is no cure but only treatment which will help you out grow the outbreak; this does not mean you may never have an attack again.

There are many treatments for acne vulgaris some of which include natural remedies and others the traditional drugs and creams. Determining what is right for you should not be done through word of mouth or through other’s experiences but with precise diagnosis from your doctor. Only your doctor can test your skin type and decide what combination of creams and medications may work best in your case. Remember we are all different and what may work great on some may in fact have no effect on your skin.

The Old Saying - Prevention Is So Much Better Than Cure.

Research shows that it is better to prevent acne vulgaris even before it outbreaks and thus, keeping it under control is a lot easier than dealing with the full-blown acne vulgaris outbreak. So, if you had acne before or your doctor suggests you are predisposition to the diseases, it may be a wise choice to start a prevention treatment.

It is also very important that you don’t stop a treatment mid way because the acne cured or because you don’t see any change, in both cases you must finish the treatment and then decide on the next step otherwise you may cause yourself more damage and pain in the process.

Acne vulgaris can be kept under control and can be prevented as well as it can be out grown naturally with patience and perseverance, which I know we must impose on ourselves if we want that glowing healthy skin back.

If you want to read more about back acne click over to Christain's site at the-healthguide.com

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