January 1, 2008

An Introduction To Acne Scar Laser Removal Techniques

Acne scar laser removal is popular as it can reduce scars by as much as 50%-80% giving you the confidence to enjoy life like others who are acne free. Lasers have been used in treating scars, acne scars since the 1980s. They have successfully treated many people who have been afflicted with acne and left them feeling good when they look into the mirror!

Why Acne Scar Laser Removal Is Popular

People have been given the chance to have a blemish free face due to cosmetic treatments such as Acne scar laser removal procedures. Various types of lasers have been used successfully in removing acne scars and improving the appearance of thousands of people. This procedure is called laser resurfacing of the skin as the laser removes the top layer of the affected area. The treatment leaves the skin with a more even tone as the damage caused by acne has been considerably reduced.
 
The CO2 laser, The Er:YAG laser and erbium-doped fiber laser have been used in treating acne scars. The Er:YAG laser is used to treat people who have mild to moderate acne scarring and is popular as it causes much less thermal damage than other kinds of lasers. They have almost 16 times the water absorption coefficient than the CO2 laser and are said to be more effective. This means that the laser is absorbed by the water present in the tissue which helps in reducing any resulting damage. This laser has successfully treated people with darker complexions such as Asians. The healing time is comparatively faster and the chances of Erythema after the procedure are relatively less. The laser has also successfully improved chicken pox scars by as much as 50%.
 
In acne scar laser removal, many physicians have gone ahead and used a combination of both the CO2 laser and the ER:YAG laser which proved to be more effective than just using the CO2 laser.
 
The erbium-doped fiber laser has successfully been used to treat patients with various degrees of acne and various skin tones. Patients who took monthly treatments for 3 months had a marked improvement of as much as 75% in many patients. They suffered no skin discoloration or wounding and had shorter periods of post-operative swelling and redness.
 
A combination of the Erbium/YAG-CO2 lasers has been tried and found to be very effective too. The acne scar laser removal procedure may last from a few minutes to a couple of hours each sitting, depending on the extent of affected area. The costs range from $4000 to $6000 for such treatments. The patient may experience mild swelling and have the treated area may have a reddish appearance for a few days. It is important that the patients carefully follow the post operative care prescribed by the physician. Do not pick or scratch the treated area as it may result in permanent scarring.
 
It is recommended that you opt for a highly qualified and skilled physician whose credentials you are sure of. It will be helpful if you can get some pictures and testimonials of other patients that have been under his care. Acne scar laser removal can leave your face free of unsightly scars and help you get an almost blemish free face.

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December 31, 2007

Tips on Natural Treatment for Acne Scar

People are opting for natural treatment for acne scar, as certain drugs being used to treat acne may have severe side effects. Many people seek natural options, as they have no known side effects and are relatively safer.

Herbal Treatments for Acne Scar

The best natural treatment for acne scar are herbal remedies such as Aloe Vera gel, as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in addition to having a restorative effect on the skin.
 
A paste of Neem leaf powder and turmeric are said to be very effective for treating acne scar. Herbs such as Yellow Dock, Dandelion Root, Green Tea, Sarsaparilla, Red Clover, Centella Asiatica, and Burdock are natural cleansers and are effective in curing acne and reducing scars to a certain extent.
 
Some people try natural treatment for acne scar like, applying buttermilk on the scars, a paste of red sandalwood and nutmeg, and applying a paste of nutmeg powder in milk on the affected areas until the scars disappear.
 
A paste of sandalwood and rosewater is also said to be effective as it refreshes and rejuvenates the skin. Some people try applying a clay pack, as it removes dead skin and refreshes the skin, giving it a glow.
 
There are ayurvedic remedies such as Guggulu capsules used as a natural treatment for acne scar, as they are powerful purifiers and skin rejuvenators.
 
Some people try rubbing a cut cucumber piece on the affected areas as it is said to reduce the scars. Tomato juice is also said to be effective as is a paste of papaya and honey.
 
If your nose is up to it, you may also try rubbing raw garlic on the scars as they are said to work wonders. Some suggest rubbing olive oil on the spots/scars on a continuous basis, as a natural treatment for acne scar, as it is said to eliminate them in the end.
 
The most effective and surefire natural treatment for acne scar is to rub vitamin E oil on the scars. Vitamin E tablets can also be taken orally in addition to Vitamin A and minerals. Natural bleaching agents such as lemon are effective in reducing scars.
 
Drinking plenty of water daily can help revitalize the skin and reduce scars. Far-red sauna therapy treatment with Rosehip Seed Oil refreshes skin, giving it essentials to make it glowing and blemish free.
 
Applying carrot juice with oatmeal helps act as a natural scrub that effectively reduces scars, remove dead skin, and leave the skin fresh and glowing. Many people also use mint leaves and basil leaves paste with turmeric as a natural treatment for acne scar.
 
There are numerous herbal remedies available such as gels, face packs, and scrubs. It is better to consult a dermatologist or a physician before starting any kind of treatment. It is better to be on the safer side than to be sorry later. It is true that most of the natural products do not have any lasting side effects but if your skin is sensitive and prone to allergies it is recommended to consult a physician before trying any treatment on your own. Most of the natural treatment for acne scar requires prolonged application and a great deal of patience.

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December 24, 2007

Developing A Good Relationship With Your Dermatologist

As in any ongoing relationship, especially if it may last for a long time, it's important to feel comfortable and have a sense of genuine rapport with your dermatologist. Key points in building this relationship include closely following your doctor's instructions, being patient, and feeling free to ask any questions that you may have.
 
You need to know some very specific information before you start popping those pills or rubbing the acne stuff on your face and body And just like that manual that came with your new iPod or computer, the medication your doctor prescribed comes with instructions. If you're like me, you'll probably find them much easier to understand than your iPod or computer instructions.
 
Read those instructions! Both the instructions that come with each medication and any handouts given to you by your doctor or anyone on her staff contain valuable information about your treatment regimen. If you weren't given an instruction sheet or other handwritten directions regarding medications, call your doctor for any necessary clarification.
 
Some folks expect things to work overnight and don't give the medications a chance. Impatient patients are a very common problem! If you think the stuff your doctor gave you isn't working, often it's because you haven't given it enough time to really kick in. For example, benzoyl peroxide may take four to six weeks to really start working, and some topical medications such as the retinoids can take up to three months before they show their stuff.
 
You see your face in the mirror every day. Your dermatologist only sees it when you come to the office for your appointments. The improvement, or lack thereof, will be much more evident to him.
 
Sure, you'll have some good days and bad days, but overall, it's important to stick with the routine and give it a real chance to work and judge the progress on a monthly rather than a daily basis. Rome wasn't built in a day and your acne won't disappear in a week!
 
Phoning
 
You, your healthcare provider, and her staff should view your acne treatment as a team effort. Like any good team, communication here is important, so don't hesitate to call the doctor's office with questions or concerns you have outside of your normal office visits.
 
Although office policies vary, the best time to call is in the morning after 9 a.m. when most offices are open. Many offices go "on service" during lunch hours and an answering machine (voicemail purgatory) or operator who isn't in the office may answer your call.
 
If you need to cancel or change an appointment, the receptionist can handle that information while you're on the phone. Other procedural-type queries may be fielded by members of the dermatologist's staff. And, if you have a fairly straightforward medical question, the receptionist may have a nurse call you back. But for more complicated situations and real "trouble shooting," ask to speak to the dermatologist or have him call you back directly.
 
Simply tell the person who answers, "I would like to speak to the doctor, and it's very important. Please have him call me back." Leave the times and phone numbers where you can be reached in the next 24 hours. (If it's not an emergency, don't say it is one!) The staff will then pull your chart and leave it for the doctor to review.
 
Here are some of the most common scenarios that call for a quick call to your dermatologist instead of sitting back and waiting for your next appointment, which may be three months away:
 
  • Your medication isn't working. If a medication is causing you problems, not working, or for some reason you can't or won't use it, call the dermatologist about it — or if you're a kid ask your parent to call. Don't wait.
  • You forgot to ask certain questions during your appointment. Call the dermatologist rather than waiting until your next appointment.
  • You need refills or you lost a prescription or medication. Possibly you lost the actual prescription or you left the medication at your grandparents' house, at a camping trip site, or your dog ate it. Often the receptionist or nurse can take care of refills over the telephone. (If your dog ate your prescription, you may also need to call or visit the vet!)More often that not, when you call to ask for a refill, you'll find that there is a specific policy that is carefully followed. Most dermatologists, as well as many other healthcare providers, are more liberal when it comes to refilling topical medications. However, oral drugs carry greater risks and the policy regarding refilling them will necessarily be much stricter.Many dermatologists insist that you be seen in their office if more than a year has elapsed since your last office appointment before mailing you or telephoning your pharmacy for a refill. This is especially the case when the dermatologist isn't very familiar with your case and perhaps has only seen you on one or two occasions.
  • You need a different prescription. Maybe you can't afford the prescription and need a generic substitute.
  • You lost information about the medication. Maybe you forgot how often to take the pills or your PCP wants to give you a medicine for another condition and you want to know if that drug can be taken along with your acne medication.
  • You're concerned about side effects. Maybe the stuff the dermatologist gave you smelled horrible, made your dog sick, upset your stomach, gave you a yeast infection, bleached your nice blouse, irritated your skin, or made you itch like crazy!
  • You need a referral. For instance, you're moving to Albuquerque and you want the name of a dermatologist in that city.
 
You can switch dermatologists if you don't have a good communication with the dermatologist you're seeing or if you're not satisfied with the progress of your treatment. You or your parent might speak to the dermatologist about these issues and maybe give her and the medication(s) more time or another office visit or two before deciding to change doctors.

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Natural Acne Cures Remove Acne Permanently

Want a cheaper and more effective cure for acne, minus side effects? Go for natural acne cures. Medications are okay for a certain period of time. However, they harm your liver and also your pocket. Besides, you can’t always pop a pill as and when a zit appears on your face.

 Acne is a type of skin problem. It is believed to occur due to hormonal changes that influence the sebaceous glands present in the skin. The glands are stimulated to secrete excess oil, which mixes with the daily dirt and grime and blocks your pores. The glands are abundant on the face, back, chest, neck, and shoulders. Hence, acne usually occurs on these areas.
 
Now, you can’t just sit and let those hormones play havoc with your skin. You can control acne with your diet and lifestyle. Read further to know how.

Tips for Natural Acne Cures

  • First of all, kick all the junk food from your plate. They accumulate toxins in your body that come out through your skin.
  • Include fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet. A balanced diet comprises of 4-5 servings of vegetables and fruits. Once you start eating fresh and natural food, your skin will start showing its effects.
  • Rose water is a good facial cleanser. Soak cotton wool in rose water and wipe your face with it, twice or thrice a day. Watch your skin glow!
  • Pimples don’t sprout suddenly. They show signs. As soon as you catch them, place ice on that area. It prevents swelling. The easiest and the most effective way of controlling acne are during its early stage.
  • Take multi-vitamins with zinc supplement, along with a balanced diet. Zinc contributes in making your skin healthier and resistant to acne.
  • Cucumber is a good skin toner. It keeps your skin and fresh and improves your complexion. Make a paste of cucumber with water and apply on the face as a facial mask. Leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse off with water. Feel the difference!
  • Refrain from using petroleum based products and soaps that contain animal ingredients. It dries and irritates your skin.
  • Use alcohol-free facial cleansers, as alcohol dries up your skin.
  • Have mercy on your skin. Apply light make-up, preferably oil-free. Use the least amount of chemicals on your skin while carrying out natural acne cures.
  • Last but not the least; gulp down 8-10 glasses of water daily. It flushes out all the toxins from your body and reduces acne. When your digestive system is clean, your skin will become clean too. So, as soon as you read this, go have a glass of water!
 
With natural acne cures, it might take some time to see the results, but once the improvement starts, it is going to be permanent. Natural cures eradicate acne from the root. And the root lies within your body. No matter how many times you wash your face, if your internal systems are filled with toxins, it’s useless.
Somebody has truly said, “Beauty comes from deep inside”! Change your erratic lifestyle and develop a schedule. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Take meals on time. Exercise for good circulation. And yes, keep stress at bay. These are a part of natural acne cures. Try it – your acne will vanish!  

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December 23, 2007

Your Dermatologist Meeting - Making The Most Of It

Your first visit with your doctor will involve a review of your medical history, focusing on the acne angle, an examination of your skin, and treatment recommendations. In addition to checking out your face, he may want to look at your chest and back because acne often occurs there as well. If your acne only involves your face, then there's no need for you to undress.
 
The following are the typical first-visit questions about acne. You will undoubtedly be asked some or all of them. To ensure that you don't forget anything and that you and your doctor can make the best use of your time together, you may want to spend a few minutes thinking about these questions before the visit:
 
  • How long have you had acne?
  • Does it run in your family?
  • Is there anyone in the family with severe scarring acne?
  • What do you do to your skin each day — such as how many times a day do you wash your face?
  • Are you applying or taking any medications?
  • Do you pick at lesions?
  • What seems to make it worse? Diet, exercise, medications, stress?
  • What has been helpful? Sunlight, vacations, medications, winning the lottery?
 
And if you're a female, you'll also get these old standbys:
 
  • Does it get worse before your period or at midcycle?
  • Does makeup make it worse?
  • Are your periods normal?
  • Are you taking birth control pills and do they seem to help or worsen your acne?
  • Have you noticed any unusual or excessive hair growth?
 
Based on a physical exam and your discussions with your dermatologist, she will recommend treatment options, which will likely include some sort of medication.
 
Before leaving the examining room, make sure that all your questions have been answered. Your doctor is there to help you through the process, and questions are always welcome. You should know what to expect from your treatment and get a clear sense of its goals.
 
For example, make sure that your doctor has answered these questions, and if not, ask them:
 
  • What are the side effects of the medication you are prescribing?
  • How long will it take for the treatment to work?
  • How long do you think my acne will last?

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December 22, 2007

Preparing For Your Dermatologist Appointment

With your medical history in hand, there are a few additional steps you can take to make the most out of your first office visit:
 
  • Arrive 15 minutes early: On your first visit to any healthcare provider's office, you're generally expected to fill out a form or two. Your new doctor will need — at a minimum — your name, address, medical history, drug allergies, and current medication. You will also need to provide information about your insurance coverage and how you expect to pay for your visits (such as with cash or credit card). Arrive at the office earlier than your scheduled appointment to take care of these issues.
  • Bring a parent: If you're a minor, you should come in with a parent or guardian. A minor is a person under the legal age of consent, which is generally 18. Certain procedures or medications will require parental consent, so be sure, especially on that first visit, that an adult or legal guardian is present.
  • Bring your insurance card: You will be asked for your insurance card or the card of the policy holder if coverage isn't in your name. If you don't have a card with you, you should at least know the name and date of birth of the cardholder.
  • Remove your makeup: When you see a dermatologist and expect a careful examination of your face, you shouldn't be wearing makeup to conceal the reason you went there in the first place — your face!

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December 21, 2007

What Exactly Is A Dermatologist?

All dermatologists aren't created equal. Some are very talented and up-to-the-minute on the latest knowledge for treating your acne, while others may lag in their capabilities. Start by asking your regular PCP for the person who might best treat your acne. You may want to ask him whom he would send a member of his own family to if they had acne.
 
A dermatologist must have a degree in medicine, either as a Medical Doctor (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Dermatologists first go to medical school and then to a residency program for their specialized training. They're experts in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin (including hair and nails) in both pediatric and adult patients.
 
Depending on the doctor's specialty and interest, a dermatologist may also receive very specialized training in one or more of the following procedures:
 
  • The use of lasers and other special light delivery systems to help treat acne
  • Surgical corrective resurfacing procedures to reduce acne scars
  • Various cosmetic techniques such as Botox and "filler" injections to improve the appearance of the face

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December 20, 2007

Homeopathy - Is It A Useful Alternative Acne Treatment?

The word "homeopathy" comes from the Greek words homoios (similar) and pathos (disease). The first homeopathic principle states that anything that is capable of producing symptoms of disease in a healthy person can cure those symptoms in a sick person. Homeopathy uses a system that treats a disease by the administration of minute, micro-dosages of a remedy that would in large amounts produce symptoms similar to those of the disease.
 
The following are just a few of the numerous homeopathic treatment suggestions for acne:
 
  • Antimonium tartaricum: This remedy claims to be helpful for acne with large pustules that are tender to touch.
  • Calcarea carbonica: This remedy is supposed to help improve the skin's resistance to infection, especially in individuals with frequent pimples and skin eruptions, who get chilly with clammy hands and feet, are easily tired by exertion, and are flabby or overweight.
  • Pulsatilla: This remedy can be helpful if acne is worse from eating rich or fatty foods, and aggravated by warmth or heat. It is indicated especially around the time of puberty, or when acne breaks out near menstrual periods.
  • Silicea (also called Silica): This is intended for a person with deep-seated acne. Infected spots are slow to come to a head, and also slow to resolve, so may result in scarring.
  • Sulphur: This remedy is meant for itching, sore, inflamed eruptions with reddish or dirty-looking skin.
 
You can find these items at your local health food store; select the remedy that most closely matches your symptoms. Treatment is taken by mouth in the form of tiny tablets, powder, granules, or liquids.
 
There have been few studies examining the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies for acne. Homeopathic remedies are usually harmless, and its supposed "cures" are probably due to the natural healing tendencies of our bodies. However, if serious acne or an illness strikes you, it's best to see a conventional physician rather than a homeopath.

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Aromatherapy As An Alternative Acne Treatment

Aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicine. It uses aromatic essential oils such as jasmine, orange, and rose, which are extracted from plants. The oils are either inhaled or applied directly on the skin. They're supposed to modify the immune system as well as promoting calmness and a sense of well-being. Aromatherapy has been reported to be helpful in treating acne, rosacea, and wrinkles through an ability to harmonize moods and emotions.
 
Some of these plant-derived essences are incorporated into bath products or used for inhalation. For example, ylang-ylang oil, derived from a fragrant tropical flower, has been used for many years in the tropics to induce feelings of tranquility and relaxation.
 
You can expect aromatherapy will smell good and — not much else! But if stress seems to make your acne worse, I guess you may see some improvement if you find the smells relaxing.

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December 19, 2007

Using Vitamins As An Alternative Acne Treatment

For those of you who wish to try natural products, the mineral zinc and the B vitamin nicotinamide both are believed to have antiinflammatory effects on acne. Their true effectiveness remains to be proven. Here's some further info on these possibly helpful items:
 
  • Topical zinc is found in certain topical erythromycin ointments. It is possible, but not entirely clear, that the zinc oxide contained in the ointment may contribute to the effectiveness of the product.
  • Oral zinc may be an effective treatment for inflammatory acne. It's available over the counter. Zinc may cause an upset stomach and nausea and it may decrease the absorption of various antibiotics including the tetracyclines.
  • Topical vitamin B3 is found in Nicomide-T cream and gel. They're both available over the counter.
  • Oral nicomide, which is available only by prescription, contains vitamin B3 as well as zinc oxide, cupric oxide, and folic acid.

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