Archive for the ‘Acne’ Category

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How to Get Rid of Body Acne

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Body Acne

Body acne is similar in appearance to facial acne. It is not as common as facial acne, but can be equally bothersome and frustrating. Body acne is characterized by painful, pus-filled red bumps on the surface of the skin. It can occur on any part of the body apart from the face. The shoulders, chest and back are the most commonly affected areas of the body. Home remedies for body acne may differ from facial acne remedies as the skin on the body is thicker than facial skin.

Body acne occurs when the sebaceous or oil glands of the body produce excessive amounts of oil. This leads to clogging of the skin pores. The clogged pores attract dead skin, dirt and bacteria and this results in infection and inflammation. If the inflamed pore ruptures, the contents may spill over to other areas of the skin and lead to more infection. Body acne becomes aggravated when there is friction of the skin with clothing. Sweat can also cause irritation and worsening of the acne. The over-production of sebum or oil can occur due to several factors such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, stress, intake of certain medications and poor hygiene.

Body acne treatment could be conducted in a number of ways. One can get rid of body acne by using simple natural treatments. It is very important to maintain good hygiene of the skin. It is advisable to use a special body acne wash instead of regular soap. This will help to cleanse the skin and remove bacteria and excess oil. It is essential to wash the body after any physical activity that leads to sweating. One must avoid touching the affected areas with unclean hands as this can cause aggravation of the infection.

Home Remedies for Body Acne

•    An effective home remedy for body acne is cucumber. Prepare a paste of fresh cucumber and apply it to the affected areas. Allow it to remain for about fifteen minutes and then wash with clean water. Cucumber helps to draw out the oil and dirt from the skin.

•    Tea tree oil is a beneficial natural remedy for body acne as it helps to fight the bacteria. The oil must first be mixed with some carrier oil and then applied to the pimples.

•    Body acne scars tend to persist even after the pimples have cleared up. A good way to lighten these scars is to apply fresh lemon juice to the affected areas.

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Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Acne Marks

Friday, November 12th, 2010

Acne marks can be a very worrisome problem for skin that is prone to acne. The right kind of diet and skin care will help to prevent acne. Acne marks are often because of constantly touching the marks or in some cases scratching them. Getting rid of acne marks is possible with constant care and treating your skin on a regular basis.

Home Remedies for Acne Marks

Home remedies for acne marks are very simple and effective with regular application.

•    One of the easiest ways is by using acne masks of sandalwood. Sandalwood has a lot of medicinal properties along with being a natural component of beauty treatments. Blend together black gram powder, rose water and sandalwood powder to form a past. Instead of rose water you may also use fresh milk to blend the two powders together. Be sure that the paste is not too loose, apply this on all the areas with the acne marks, let it dry and leave it on overnight. You could then wash it off the next day by using a cotton swab dipped in ice cold water. This might make your skin dry and stretched by morning so dab your face with cold milk or you can also use a light moisturizer on the concerned areas.

•    Another remedy to fade acne marks is by grating a cucumber into a pulp and spread that pulp over the affected areas and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also squeeze out the juice of the cucumber pulp and store and use it to dab your skin at regular intervals, this will also help to slowly fade the acne marks.

•    If your skin is oily you can use a tomato instead. Take a cold tomato and cut it in half and rub one part of it onto the area with the acne marks. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then gently wash it off with some lukewarm water.

•    Lime juice acts as a natural skin lightener and helps the new skin to grow. Take some lime juice, dip a wad of cotton in the juice and apply it directly on to the acne scars. Leave it on for 5 minutes and the wash it off.

•    Honey is said to be a natural moisturizer and can be taken orally or applied as a face mask both of which are effective in rejuvenating the skin.

Along with this, the correct intake of fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin A and B with the required amount of water will help to revitalize the skin from within.

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How to Get Rid of Pimples on Scalp

Friday, November 12th, 2010

Pimples are most likely to occur on areas of the body such as the face, neck and back. However, the appearance of pimples on scalp is not unknown as the scalp too is very much part of the skin. The oil glands present in the hair follicles produce oil that reaches the skin’s surface through the pores. The pores may get blocked due to several factors. This blockage can cause the oil to get accumulated within the pores. Dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria tend to adhere to these blocked pores and this leads to inflammation and infection of the hair follicles. The contents of the blocked pores may also spill over to other surrounding areas and cause a spread of pimples on scalp.

Pimples on Scalp

Pimples on scalp may result in considerable discomfort as they cause itching and pain. The pimples may subside and disappear on their own after a few days once the blocked oil is eliminated from the pores. Pus formation often occurs in scalp pimples. The formation of pus is actually part of the natural defense response of the body. Pus consists of white blood cells and cellular debris. There are different types of scalp pimples. A mild form of scalp pimples is called scalp folliculitis and a more severe form is known as acne necrotica miliaris. Pimples on scalp may occur due to various causes. Poor hygiene of the scalp, improper nutrition, excessive stress and hormonal imbalances can all lead to an overproduction of oil by the oil glands. Individuals who tend to sweat excessively on the head are also prone to scalp pimples as the bacteria thrive in the warm and moist environment. Pimples may also be caused by yeast or mites which infest the skin on the scalp.

Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Pimples

Scalp pimples usually disappear by themselves over a period of time. Some cases may require treatment. Scalp pimples treatment also becomes necessary when the condition causes excessive pain and discomfort. Over-the-counter medications are effective in easing scalp pimples and promoting healing. There are some natural remedies to get rid of pimples on scalp.

•    A paste of cinnamon and honey is effective in treating scalp pimples. This treatment may be continued for a couple of weeks.

•    The juice of raw papaya may also be used to reduce pain and itching caused by scalp pimples.

•    Turmeric has antiseptic properties and helps to treat pimples.

•    Mint juice may be added to turmeric powder and applied to the affected areas.

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    How to Reduce Redness of Pimples

    Friday, October 22nd, 2010

    Having acne can be quite an unpleasant experience for just about anybody. What makes the presence of acne even worse is when it causes the color of your skin to change in some places. Pimple redness is very common in people who suffer from acne and can be very unsightly. The first step to avoiding acne as well as pimple redness is taking proper skincare measures. The use of cleansers that are harsh or scrubbing your skin too much could actually cause more harm and could aggravate the pimples, causing the skin to turn more red in color. There are several commercial products available that claim to reduce pimple redness. However, not all these products have permanent and long lasting effects. Moreover, some of the commercial products can be very expensive. Therefore, it is more common for people to use home remedies for pimple redness.

    Home Remedies for Pimple Redness

    Using commercial products may reduce the redness caused by acne for a while, but there may if some adverse side effects experienced, if these products are used for a long period of time. This is why people wonder “how to reduce redness of pimples using natural methods”. It is better to use home remedies for pimple redness, as they are believed to be relatively safer. Given below are some simple remedies that could help reduce pimple redness naturally.

    •    Apply some ice cubes directly on the site of the pimple and hold it there for at least two to three minutes, or for as long as you can take it.
    •    Squeeze a drop or two of a clear eye drop solution on the pimple and let it dry naturally for a few minutes. This is usually very effective in reducing the redness for a couple of hours.
    •    Toothpaste is very effective in reducing the redness on the skin, caused by acne. Clean your face, using a mild, but good face cleanser and then apply a dab of toothpaste on the pimple it could take a day to notice a reduction in the inflammation or redness caused by the pimples.
    •    May outbreaks of acne are caused by stress and therefore, it is best to adopt various techniques, like exercising, yoga and meditation, in order to reduce stress.
    •    Make sure that you eat a healthy diet at all times, which contains more fruit, vegetables and whole grains. The consumption of oily foods, sweets, junk foods, sodas and alcohol, should be limited.

    In case the natural remedies to reduce pimple redness do not yield the desired results, it may be best to consult a dermatologist.

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    Microdermabrasion for Acne Scar Treatment

    Friday, October 22nd, 2010

    Microdermabrasion can be described as a procedure in which the top layer of the skin on the face gets sandblasted by aluminum oxide crystals, in order to get rid of the dead skin on the face. This procedure promotes the newer, fresher skin to move to the top of the skin. It cannot remove deep scars, tattoos, birthmarks or wrinkles. However, there are several people who have successfully tried microdermabrasion for acne scars, sun damage, uneven skin texture, skin discoloration and superficial lines. In fact, regular microdermabrasion acne scar treatment could also help clean the pores on your skin, which prevents the future outbreaks of acne.

    It is best to undergo microdermabrasion for acne scars treatment through a dermatologist or a surgeon that uses a microdermabrasion machine. It is also possible for a microdermabrasion session to be conducted by a spa or a salon. In this procedure, at first a cleansing toner needs to be applied to the skin, to get rid of all the excessive oil. Then sanitary aluminum oxide crystals are delivered to the face, to sand blast away the dead skin and the other impurities. Based on the strength of the peel, the procedure could last anywhere between twenty to thirty minutes. Next, a soothing toner is applied on the face and finally a sun block and a re-hydrating cream are applied on the skin.

    Microdermabrasion Home Treatments

    Aside from professionally conducted procedures, there are certain microdermabrasion home treatments and kits that can be easily purchased. There are other ways to perform microdermabrasion for acne scars, using a combination of home remedies such as lemon or lemon juice, baking soda, olive oil, fruits, salt and sugar. Several people prefer microdermabrasion home treatments, mainly because they are believed to have fewer side effects and are much more economical. Moreover, because of the convenience factor, they can probably be administered more often, as a result of which they become more effective than commercial treatments.

    However, it is important to consult a dermatologist or an experienced skin specialist before making use of any of the microdermabrasion home treatments, as there are certain side effects that can be associated with some of them. Lemons, lime juice and certain fruits could cause the skin to become sensitive to sunlight, for some people. Moreover, for people who have sensitive skin, the use of sugar or salt may lead to redness and skin irritation. Therefore, it is best to check with a professional, before adopting any form of microdermabrasion for acne scars treatment.

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    Treating Acne | Face Wash for Acne

    Friday, October 22nd, 2010

    Acne is a skin condition that causes redness and inflammation of the skin. It usually affects the face although it often affects the back and the chest as well. Acne is associated with teenagers who are going through adolescence as this is the period when this condition is most active. There are many causes for acne, the most common being linked with hormonal changes that occur during puberty. As girls and boys develop their adult sexual characteristics, their bodies are full of different hormones that are responsible for the many changes that occur in the body during sexual development. Research has shown that this hormonal barrage often causes acne or contributes to a worsening of existing acne conditions. Stress is a known trigger for acne because of the hormonal component associated with that condition as well.

    Natural Ways to Treat Acne

    There are many different ways in which an individual can treat acne. Acne could be treated using medications and face creams. One simple method of helping with acne is the washing of the face either with regular water or also applying some face wash for acne. Regular washing of the face helps to clean the pores of the skin and remove any oiliness that has occurred on the skin. It also helps the skin if one uses a nourishing face wash. A face wash for acne will help with oiliness and nourishment of the skin as well. It should be noted that an acne face wash is only effective if other treatments are used as well. Individuals suffering from acne must address stress and dietary related triggers for this skin condition. A failure to do so will result in the recurrence of the condition, once the individual has stopped using the face wash for acne.

    In many cases, the nature of the skin is not oily. Individuals can have acne with dry skin or with moderate skin as well. One can easily purchase a face wash for acne over the counter. There is no real recommendation of which face wash for acne is the best to use but one should mainly opt for a natural face wash for acne. In this situation, it is more trial and error than anything else as far as the patient is concerned. If the face wash helps to clean the skin without causing any perceivable irritation, then the individual can use that face wash to achieve the desired results of clearing the skin up. There are some options for a homemade face wash. Oatmeal is often used as a face wash to help with acne and other dry skin conditions.

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    How to Get Rid of Chin Acne

    Friday, October 1st, 2010

    Acne on Chin

    Acne is a condition where the skin becomes red and appears irritated. This usually happens on the face and is a common symptom among adolescents. It is not uncommon for acne to affect the chest and the back as well. Acne often results in the development of pimples and cysts on the skin surface. These are filled with pus like fluid and may become infected, particularly if they occur in bunches or groups. Acne can cause irritation to the skin and can also be painful if the pimples burst or are damaged in some way. Chin acne is simply a condition where acne is most aggressive in the chin area of the face. It is possible for the individual to suffer from acne in other parts of the body as well while suffering from chin acne. Chin acne can be particulary irritating while shaving and may result in young males being unable to shave the area. When suffering from acne on chin care should be taken as this could also lead to an aggravated condition of cystic acne on chin.

    Causes of Chin Acne

    The causes of chin acne are similar to the causes of any other form of acne. There is a hormonal component associated with acne which is why it tends to affect teenagers as often as it does. Teenagers are passing through puberty when their bodies are being bombarded with various sex hormones. This could cause acne to develop on the skin. Stress is a psychological condition that could also cause acne. This is because it leads to the production of certain hormones within the body which affects this condition. Finally, acne can occur or be aggravated by infections on the skin surface. This happens when the skin is not properly cleaned. Teenagers often suffer from oily skin and this can further affect the condition.

    Chin Acne Treatment

    Acne treatment and, in fact, chin acne treatment is a long term process. The first step in treating skin conditions is to ensure that the skin is properly cleaned and properly nourished. Many soap brands have a drying effect on the skin and these should be avoided as they will aggravate acne on the skin. A face wash with cleaning and nourishing agents would be preferred. The face should be washed often throughout the day, particularly after returning home. A good healthy diet is another important factor. A healthy diet helps to improve body chemistry and this is essential for chin acne treatment. In severe cases, patients may seek advice from a dermatologist and use the treatments recommended by them.

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    How To Treat Acne Conglobata

    Friday, September 24th, 2010

    Acne conglobata

    Acne conglobata refers to a severe and rare type of acne. It is characterized by comedones or lesions that usually develop in clusters. Inflamed nodules also start occurring around the lesions. These then enlarge and become filled with pus. In time they rupture and the pus is discharged. The pus is usually foul smelling and tends to collect again after the nodule is drained. In severe acne conglobata, ulcers may also develop beneath the nodules. These attach to each other beneath the skin surface and abscesses are formed. The abscesses can be very painful and often leave behind deep scars.

    Acne conglobata is an infectious condition. It generally occurs in individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Once acne conglobata develops, it can persist for many years. Some individuals are even known to suffer from the condition up to the age of 40 years. Those people who already have active acne are more prone to developing acne conglobata. However it could also appear in people who have recovered from acne. Males are more susceptible to this condition than females. This type of acne is also known to occur in infants. Areas of the body that are likely to be affected include the thighs, buttocks, back, chest, shoulders, arms and face.

    Acne Conglobata Treatment

    The most common acne conglobata treatment is isotretinoin which is derived from vitamin A. Pills containing isotretinoin are usually prescribed for those with acne conglobata. The course may continue for about 15 to 20 weeks. Most people experience complete recovery after one course of medication. These pills work by restricting the oil production of the sebaceous or oil glands. However there are some side effects of this medication. Individuals taking these pills have experienced mild muscle and joint pains, dry skin, dryness in the mouth and nose and cracked lips. Along with the pills, topical applications and facial cleaners may also be prescribed.

    A strong immune system is important in order to fight acne conglobata. Vitamin and mineral supplements such as those of vitamins A, C, E, B6 and zinc are often prescribed to boost immunity. The diet must also be healthy and must incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Regular exercise is also essential as this helps to enhance blood flow through the body and keeps the skin healthy. Those prone to acne must also ensure that their skin is kept clean at all times so that further aggravation of the condition is prevented.

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    How to Treat Mild Acne

    Friday, September 24th, 2010

    Mild acne basically includes small lesions in the form of whiteheads, blackheads or even pustules which tend to appear near or at the surface of the skin. Treating mild acne is relatively simple and not much of a problem as it is considered to be just the beginning of acne. The key to successful mild acne treatment is to always keep the skin clean or else bacteria settles down on the skin which could further aggravate the acne.

    Treatment for Mild Acne

    • Mild acne treatment can be practiced at home itself by gently washing the affected area of the skin with some warm water and a mild soap at least twice a day. This will help in removing any excess oil as well as the dead skin cells.
    • One may also use a topical acne cream that is available commercially and that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for treating mild acne.

    One should remember that treating mild acne at home would require around 4-8 weeks for any noticeable improvement and it is recommended that even after the acne clears the mild acne treatment should be continued. This would then help to prevent new lesions form forming.In some cases, even mild acne may leave behind noticeable scars on the skin which may adversely affect one’s beauty and complexion. Hence in such cases of mild acne, mild acne scar treatment may be required by a qualified dermatologist who will asses the skin and the scars and then recommend the appropriate treatment. In some cases the dermatologist may even recommend a combination therapy which involves two or more mild acne scar treatment. Such a combination treatment for treating mild acne includes the use of a topical retinoid and a prescription topical microbial which are known to be very effective in clearing mild acne. Those suffering form mild acne should avoid using harsh skin cleansing agents or medicated scrubs as this may further worsen the condition and even leave behind some mild acne scars.

    Home Remedies for Treating Mild Acne

    • One of the home remedies for treating mild acne is to wash the skin with some fresh buttermilk and then rinsing it with some warm water. This treatment helps the skin to maintain its pH balance which in turn makes it difficult for the bacteria to thrive.
    • Mild acne scar treatment at home can be done by applying  a pack made up of a teaspoonful of milk, a tablespoon of ground lentils along with  pinch of camphor.

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    How to Get Rid of Acne Papules

    Friday, September 3rd, 2010

    What are Acne Papules?

    Acne papules are some kind of acne lesions, which appear in the form of tiny, red or skin colored bumps on the surface of the skin. They are rounded, circumscribed as well as solid and are generally without pus or any other fluid. When touched or pressed, they can be a bit painful. Acne Papulus are often caused when the pores get clogged. Therefore, when the skin produces excessive oil, dead skin and bacteria get trapped within the layer of the skin, leading to the formation of papules and other forms of acne. Acne papules can also be very unsightly, which makes them a constant source of embarrassment for most people.

    Treatment for Acne Papules

    Some people squeeze or pop the papules, in order to get rid of them sooner. However, that is the worst thing to do, as it only causes the bacteria to spread, which leads to the formation of more acne papules. Therefore, in order to deal with this problem, it is best to undergo a proper treatment for acne papules. The most common acne papules treatment options are:

    •    Cleansing your skin thoroughly, with a branded oil-free cleanser or a face wash, twice a day.
    •    Applying a clean and warm compress topically on the face
    •    A glycolic and salicylic acid peel can be very helpful for some people who suffer from acne.
    •    Using an oral antibiotic that contains doxycycline, tetracycline or minocycline which can eliminate the presence of acne-causing bacteria. However, antibiotics should only be taken on the doctor’s recommendation of a doctor.

    While the acne papules treatment options mentioned above are a good way of getting rid of the papules, they do not eliminate or prevent the problem from occurring. Acne papules treatment may take a while and it requires a lot of patience, commitment and perseverance, for the treatment to be successful. You need to start off with one goal in mind, that is, the reduction in the number of papules. Set up a detailed skin care regime that you follow every day. Your daily routine should include the use of skin cleansers, sun screens, as well as medication and ointments.

    In case of severe forms of acne papules, it may be best to undergo treatment through a professional dermatologist, who may even suggest certain dietary and lifestyle changes. Even once you manage to get rid of the acne papules, you should not deviate from your routine. Instead proper skin care is a lifelong procedure and should be followed by everybody. Advice from an experienced dermatologist is always considered important and useful when seeking acne papules treatment.

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