Anemia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Anemia is not so much a complaint as a diagnosis reached by the doctor after examining the patient. In anemia the blood's power to carry oxygen round the body is reduced by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin. The result is pallor, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath upon exertion. The fingernail beds appear white and an all-pervading fatigue is usually present.

The common causes are inadequate intake or absorption of iron and repeated loss of small quantities of blood, such as from hemorrhoids, a bleeding ulcer or prolonged extra-heavy menstrual flow.

If there is a lack of hemoglobin this will be confirmed by a test on a blood sample of the patient. Do not try to diagnose or self-treat this condition. Consult your doctor!

Behavioral Manifestations of Alzheimer’s Dementia

Article by: Michael G. Rayel, MD

Alzheimer’s Dementia has a combination of cognitive and behavioral manifestations. Cognitive impairment is the core problem which includes memory deficits and at least one of the following: aphasia or language problem, agnosia or problems with recognition, apraxia or motor activity problem, and impairment in executive functioning (e.g. planning, abstract reasoning, and organizing).

As the disease advances, the cognitive decline becomes associated with behavioral manifestations. What are these behavioral manifestations of dementia?

Behavioral syndromes in Alzheimer’s can be grouped into two categories: psychological and behavioral. Major psychological syndromes consist of depression, anxiety, delusions, and hallucinations.

Depression in dementia is very common. Up to about 87% of patients develop some form of depression. It is characterized by tearfulness or crying episodes, feelings of sadness, and neurovegetative signs and symptoms such as inability to sleep, lack of appetite, poor energy, and thoughts of death. Irritability is also common. Depression can occur even in the early or mild phase of the illness.

About 50% of demented patients show delusions or false fixed beliefs. Such delusions include beliefs that a relative is stealing, that a spouse is just an impostor or is having an affair with a neighbor, or that friends and relatives are conspiring to cause trouble.

Moreover, many patients with dementia may experience hallucinations. Most of these hallucinations are visual — seeing strangers in the house, an animal or insects in the living room, people in the bedroom or on top of the TV set. Occasionally, auditory hallucinations may be experienced — hearing footsteps or knocking on the door or even people singing church hymns.

Regarding major behavioral syndromes associated with dementia, these problems include agitation, verbal outbursts, repetitive behavior, wandering, and aggression or even violence. Agitation can be manifested by pacing back and forth, restlessness, and inability to sit still.

Verbal outbursts consist of day-long screaming or occasional yelling at someone. Repetitive behavior is manifested by closing and opening a closet or a purse or a drawer. Asking questions repetitively for instance about a relative’s visit is very common.

Wandering can happen especially at the late stages of the illness. If doors are left unlocked, some patients wander away from the house. Hence, safety level becomes an issue.

Aggression likewise may occur. Hitting the caregiver or throwing things are some complaints. Destroying things although rare can also ensue. A gentleman for example hit the wall with a cane and broke the window by smashing a chair.

Although difficult to deal with, most of these behavioral consequences of dementia can be treated especially if recognized and addressed early.

About The Author
Dr. Michael G. Rayel – author (First Aid to Mental Illness–Finalist, Reader’s Preference Choice Award 2002), psychiatrist, and inventor of Oikos Game: A Personal Development and Emotional Skills Game. To receive free newsletter, visit www.drrayel.com. For more information about Oikos Game, visit www.oikosgame.com. His books are available at major online bookstores.

RESOURCES:

Alzheimer’s AssociationAlzheimer's disease, information for caregivers, research.

Alzheimer’s SocietyThe Alzheimer's Society is the leading UK care and research charity for people with dementia, their families and caregivers.

Alzheimers Disease: Medicine NetCauses and symptoms of Alzheimers disease, information on medication and other treatment options.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Treatment for Stretch Marks
by: Elizabeth Walling



Stretch marks can be a frustrating problem for people who have them. Whether you just have a few stretch marks around your stomach or you’re plagued with these unsightly marks in many places, most likely you are looking for a way to get rid of them.

Stretch marks are caused when the collagen under the skin is damaged. This can happen through the rapid gain of fat or muscle in one area. These marks start as red lines and then fade to whitish scars over time. Because stretch marks are the result of advanced damage to the collagen, it is very difficult to reduce their appearance. It is best to try to avoid developing stretch marks by controlling the pace at which you gain weight or build your muscles.

Many creams and oils are specially designed to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and can be bought over the counter at your local store. These products can help your skin become firmer and more supple, and may help reduce the appearance of some surface stretch marks. Vitamin E oil and cocoa butter are commonly used to treat stretch marks. These products can be massaged into the skin twice a day or more. It is best to start using a cream or oil as soon as you notice stretch marks forming. The sooner marks are treated, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful.

Prescription creams are also available for the treatment of stretch marks. These may be very successful on mild stretch marks and may improve the appearance of deeper stretch marks as well. Retin-A cream is commonly used to reduce the redness in new stretch marks and may help prevent prominent scarring. However, Retin-A can only be used on newer stretch marks that are still red or pink, typically less than one year old.

The most successful treatment of stretch marks is cosmetic laser surgery. Laser treatment is by far the most expensive method available, running well into the thousands of dollars when there is a large treatment area. However, laser surgery is also the best way to achieve results when trying to remove stretch marks. This method can be used on deeper and older stretch marks in addition to newer marks. Laser treatment removes, vaporizes, and breaks down the skin’s tissues. Successful laser surgery depends on the result of a series of treatments over several weeks. Usually between six and eight treatments are needed to see results. Although laser surgery is generally the most effective treatment for stretch marks, this method still may be ineffective for some people. It is important to decide if you can afford such surgery even if it does not provide the results you desire.

It is important to remember that damage to the deep fibers of the skin is difficult and sometimes impossible to repair. That is why it is best to always try to prevent stretch marks before they happen. You can do this by monitoring your weight gain and muscle building closely. A healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and water will also aid in preventing stretch marks.

Best Skin-Care Products

What Skin-Care Products Are Right for You?



The packaging might be pretty, but it won’t do a thing to alleviate troubled acne, reduce fine lines, smooth wrinkles, or replenish moisture and oils to dazzle your complexion. When it comes to cosmetics as with most other things, it’s what’s inside that counts.

If you feel overwhelmed by the scores of product choices available today, and the “miracles” each repute to do, becoming more familiar with terms used in cosmetology and their true meanings might be helpful in distinguishing which products are and are not right for you.

Cosmetic companies are required to accurately divulge all the contents in their products, listing them in the order of concentration, from the most to the least. Certain cosmetic terms, however, can be confusing and misleading to the average consumer; terms such as “all natural” and “fragrance-free,” for instance.

While all natural does mean that ingredients used were derived from natural sources like plants and other organic material, use of the term applied to cosmetics is not regulated by the FDA. Some cosmetic companies not concerned with accuracy or with reputation often mislead consumers by applying the term to their product.

It is noteworthy that according to author and cosmetic expert Paula Begoun, in her book Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, there is no scientific evidence that “natural ingredients” are any more beneficial for skin than synthetic.

Products that advertise they are fragrance-free may still use fragrant plant extracts to mask offensive odor resulting from unrefined materials used. These extracts can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Fragrance-free, then, can mean only that the product is devoid of any “noticeable” aroma. “Irritant-free” is a more reliable term to look for in a product.

Alcohol-free products may be free of “grain alcohol,” which is drying. However, other forms of alcohol such as lanolin alcohol or cetearyl alcohol may still be used. For persons with sensitive skin, Ms. Begoun suggests using products that list any alcohol component just before or just after the list of preservatives.

The wise cosmetic consumer will select products based upon ingredient content and performance, not upon packaging or brand. Higher-end cosmetics will not necessarily work better than those that cost less, and one brand’s product may be excellent, while another product by the same brand ineffective. Therefore, “brand loyalty” will not necessarily benefit the consumer.

Many department-store cosmetic companies have been merged together. In all probability, cosmetic purchases bearing three different “brand names” might in actuality all be distributed by the same cosmetic company. In fact, over 75% of department store cosmetic lines are presently owned either by Estee Lauder or L’Oreal.

The short and sweet of it is to forget the hype. Everyone’s skin is different. Find out what works for you, and stick with it. Following a daily skin-care regimen tailored for your skin type, using tried and true products, will give your face a healthy glow like none other.

Dry Skin Care

Dealing with Skin Dryness
by: Tania




Dry skin has a parched look caused by its lack of ability to retain moisture. Characteristics of dry skin are fine pores, dryness, fine lines, roughness, tight, uncomfortable feeling, and dull appearance. If your skin feels the same, it's a fair bet you've got a dry complexion.

Dry skin is caused by too little sebum in the lower levels of skin and too little moisture in the upper levels. It feels tight and itchy after washing. It requires soothing care to look its best. It is essential to take proper care to hydrate it. Only then you can begin to enjoy a new, softer skin.

Dry skin is very reactive to the environment and hates extremes of cold, heat and wind. It tends to peel and has a tendency to premature aging with the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles. There is a difference between a dehydrated skin and a dry skin. While the dehydrated skin is simply thirsty, dry skin needs extra care in adapting a beauty regime to nourish the weakened corneal layer. While dealing with dry skin, your objective should always be to restore tone to the lipids in the corneal layer.

Every dermatologist's advice: you must cleanse according to your skin type. Dry skin must be cleansed without removing the skin's protective film. So you should opt for a thick milk cleanser and rinse with flower water. Your moisturizing cream should be rich in repairing agents containing ceramides, which reduce the salt content and slow down the evaporation of water in the skin.

Face masks for dry skin:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

2. Mash apricots, mix it with warm olive oil to form a paste. Apply it on your face and leave it for 10 minutes, then wash off.

Some helpful tips for dealing with dry skin:
1. Drink one and half liter of water every day to retain the hydration rate of your skin cells. Also, it benefits your overall health.

2. Maximize the effects of hydration by adding the essential oil, angelica, to your day and night creams.

3. Make sure to abandon water-based cleansers.

4. Try iris flower, as it is excellent for retaining moisture in the skin.

5. Always opt for creams with ceramides.

6. Eat a balanced diet including fresh fruits and vegetables.

7. Stay away from soft drinks, sugar and other junk foods.

Homemade solutions for dry, flaky skin:
1. Place a sprinkling of sugar in your palm and dampen with water. Gently massage on the flaky areas. Rinse.

2. Rub half of an apple on skin to help even out the texture.

About The Author:
Visit Tania’s website at http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com for makeup and beauty tips, and information on skin care and skin disorders.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Dry Skin
Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels "tight" and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin. Dryness is exacerbated by wind, extremes of temperature and air-conditioning, all of which cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. This type of skin is tightly drawn over bones. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines on these spots and at the comers of the mouth. Read more…
Dry Skin (Xerosis)
Dry skin, also called xerosis, is a common problem. Your skin needs moisture to stay smooth and supple, and retaining moisture is especially difficult in winter. Central heating of home and other buildings is very drying to the skin. Simple daily routines, such as bathing and towel drying, may actually remove moisture from the skin. Modifying your bathing routine will help preserve your skin's moisture. Bathing provides the skin will moisturize temporarily, but it removes the skin's oily lipid layer and in the long run causes more moisture loss than gain. Read more…

Anti-Aging Treatments Will Keep Your Skin Looking Fantastic

by: Scott Gray



We can’t stop time from marching on, but we can stop it from marching all over us, or can encourage it to march with lighter steps at least. With anti-aging treatments, the progress of aging will slow to the extent that you will feel younger and look younger.

The Years Take Their Toll

As we age, our blood no longer circulates as quickly or as well, and our skin dehydrates; the production of collagen slows and our skin becomes less elastic. Years of exposure to the sun and harsh elements helps create lines, wrinkles, spots, and broken blood vessels; hormone production decreases with time and skin becomes thinner and duller, and pores enlarge. The pull of gravity causes aging skin to droop around the mouth and eyes, and the chin begins to sag. We produce fewer melanocytes as we grow older, which means our skin pigmentation changes, and skin color fades or becomes blotchy. Our bodies become less flexible and we become stiff and less active.

Start Anti-Aging Treatments from the Inside


A balanced diet helps us receive the nutrition necessary for good health, which is reflected in thicker, shinier hair, clearer, healthier skin, and increased energy, all of which helps us look and feel younger. Choose foods from all the food groups to ensure that you are receiving at least minimum amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals necessary for good health. We have an increased need for particular nutritional elements as we age and at various stages in life, and when we have specific health concerns. We also know that soil in which fruits and vegetables are grown is often depleted in nutrients, and more nutrients are lost in food processing, handling, and cooking. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you have to find a plot of land and grow your own produce, nor do you have to chew your way through raw food every day, and, yes, you can treat yourself to fast food and processed food now and then. The solution is to take anti-aging supplements.

Your primary anti-aging supplement should be a multivitamin, and you can add individual supplements as needed. Choose a multivitamin formulation suitable for your age and sex that includes an antioxidant or two, such as vitamins C and E, to protect your skin and vital organs from free radicals. B vitamins are important for healthy hair, skin, and gums; calcium and magnesium protect against osteoporosis; and vitamin A against cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Since collagen is the cellular glue in the fibers that support the outer layer of skin, as well as the main protein in bones, cartilage and connective tissue, adding a collagen supplement makes a lot of sense, too. For best results, take your supplements with meals as they work synergistically with other nutrients.

Don’t forget the importance of water. Drink it — lots of it — at least eight glasses a day.

Exercise is one of the most important elements in your arsenal of daily anti-aging treatments. Get out of that chair, tear yourself away from the television set and start moving. Walking is an easy and beneficial form of exercise, and doesn’t require any special clothing or equipment. Go for it!

Cleanse and Moisturize Skin with Anti-Aging Skin Care Products

Anti-aging skin care products include cleansers and exfoliates that will help keep your skin scrupulously clean. Gently remove your eye makeup and then your face makeup with an oil-based cream or milk lotion before washing your face. Forget the harsh soaps and cleansers and the hot water. Use lukewarm water on your face and pat your skin dry rather than rub it. For extra-deep cleansing, use an exfoliate or a cleansing mask weekly, or if your skin is very sensitive, monthly.

After cleansing, use a toner or a skin firming product and then apply a moisturizer of which there are two types. One is the group of humecants such as glycerin, sorbitol, lactic acid, and urea, which attract and hold moisture; the other is the family of emollients such as petroleum jelly, lanolin, and mineral oil that form barriers to seal in moisture. Both are effective, and you will have to experiment to discover which type you prefer and works best for you. Use a light, easily absorbed moisturizer during the day, and apply a heavier moisturizer at night.

You can find cleansers, toners, and moisturizers designed for oily, dry, and combination skin. Over-active oil glands can cause acne to erupt at various ages, and your skin will become drier with age. Select skin care products suitable for your skin type.

Apart from a toner and the essential moisturizer, you should use anti-aging products designed specifically to lighten age spots, to protect the tender skin under the eyes, to treat dry lips, and to manage acne and blemishes. If you would like to reduce wrinkles, alpha hydroxy acids and Retin A are the modern miracle treatments and they can be prescribed by your doctor.

Whatever cleansing, moisturizing, or problem-solving skincare products you use, if you forget your sunscreen, it is all a waste of money and effort. Skin has no greater enemy than the sun — protect it well from those harmful rays. Use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15, and slap it on summer and winter, on sunny days and under heavy cloud cover. Those damaging rays can reach right through the clouds and find your unprotected skin. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on your lips, too.

Choose Anti-Aging Products When Buying Makeup

People use makeup to enhance their best features and to conceal flaws, such as blemishes and scars. If you wear makeup, choose products compatible with your anti-aging treatments. There are cosmetics designed for people with blonde, brunette, red, or gray hair, and skin tones that range from very pale to black. Many are created specifically for oily, dry, and combination skin. Read labels and shop carefully to receive the benefits of these particular anti-aging treatments. Their use will help you look younger and help protect your skin. There is makeup for long-term use and for emergency fix-ups. It is wonderful to have products on hand that will conceal under-eye dark circles or puffiness, as well as pimples and broken capillaries when these misfortunes strike.

Anti-Aging Treatments Are Simple to Implement:

*Eat balanced meals and drink lots of water;
*Add supplements to your diet;
*Exercise;
*Cleanse, moisturize, and protect your skin;
*Choose makeup that reinforces your anti-aging treatments.
When you look good, your confidence soars and you feel better about yourself. Anti-aging treatments are easy to implement at a very reasonable cost. You can buy all the products you need on the Internet, usually at a discount price. Compare costs online, order what you need, and have everything delivered to your home. Amaze yourself and others. Look younger and feel better. You can do it!

About The Author:

Scott Gray is currently a freelance writer and enjoys providing information and advice to online shoppers who are in who are in the market for anti aging treatments, acne options, and general skin care.

Anti-Aging Skin Care

The aging of your skin may be inevitable. But why rush it? There are ways to slow down sagging and wrinkles. Using skin creams and treatments may already be a part of your daily grooming regimen. However, topical creams cannot be expected to work alone for full efficacy. The best way to start your anti-aging effort is on the inside.

First of all, are you drinking enough water? There are varying opinions about how much water an individual actually needs for good health, but the general consensus remains that you probably aren't drinking enough. If you're thirsty, your skin is thirsty too — which means dryness and wrinkles. Hydrate your skin by drinking water regularly.

Drink water . . . but avoid alcohol and soft drinks. The contents of these beverages — alcohol and caffeine — dehydrate skin, wreaking havoc on its structure. An acceptable alternative to water is green tea, which is low in caffeine (but enough for a pick-me-up). Green tea, as you probably already know, is loaded with antioxidants that destroy free radicals, which cause aging.

A multivitamin is always a good idea, but our bodies most easily absorb nutrients from food. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. In addition to vitamins and minerals, you're fortifying your body with more antioxidants. Blueberries are one of nature's “super foods,” having one of the highest antioxidant values.

Exercise! Exercise helps keep us from aging by keeping weight down, working the heart, toning muscles, and getting the blood flowing (to the skin!). People who exercise look younger and feel younger. It's a most beneficial habit to get into.

People who look younger than their age repeatedly reveal one vital secret: getting enough sleep. If you aren't, find ways to work it in. Instead of sitting up in front of the television, turn it off at a reasonable time and take a book to bed. This quiet practice can lead to an easier time getting to sleep — sometimes the colors and movement of the television keep our brains working even after we've begun to relax.

You may feel that you don't have the time to take care of your skin, but keep in mind: by the time you do “have time,” it will be too late. The time to protect your skin is now! Years later, you'll be thanking yourself for it — and not only will you look younger, you'll feel younger too.

Copyright 2005 Remedium

ALSO ON THIS WEBSITE:Anti-Aging Treatments Will Keep Your Skin Looking FantasticWe can’t stop time from marching on, but we can stop it from marching all over us, or can encourage it to march with lighter steps at least. With anti-aging treatments, the progress of aging will slow to the extent that you will feel younger and look younger. Read more…

Control Your Acne with Effective Acne Treatments

by: Scott Gray



Acne is not a problem confined to adolescence; in fact, more than sixty percent of the population is troubled with blackheads and pimples well beyond the teen years. If acne is your problem, cheer up. While there are no acne cures, with reliable acne treatments, including internal and external therapies, you can keep outbreaks controlled, reduce the possibility of scarring, and lessen that greasy, shiny look. It’s time to feel good about yourself again.

Causes of Acne

Acne has never been completely understood, but hormonal imbalances and heredity are certainly major factors, and breakouts can be aggravated by stress and lifestyle choices. The chief catalyst seems to be overactive sebaceous glands which secrete too much sebum, the lubricant that helps retain moisture and then becomes too much of a good thing. The oil clogs the pores of the skin causing breakouts, mostly on the face if it is adult acne, and on the face and sometimes on the back, chest, and upper arms in the teen years. Oily skin, pimples, blackheads, enlarged pores, and redness are acne symptoms, and these can be exacerbated by diet, pregnancy, birth control pills, cosmetics, and humidity.

Acne is not to be confused with rosacea, another facial skin condition which usually strikes in the middle years and causes blotchy red skin and small bumps, but rarely whiteheads or blackheads.

Your Diet Affects Your Skin

There is no scientific proof that certain foods, like chocolate or colas, can cause breakouts, but if something seems to act as a trigger for you, avoid whatever it is. Choose a healthy, balanced diet high in fiber and high in zinc, which means shellfish, nuts, egg yolks, and whole grains; and natural raw food rich in oxalic acid, such as almonds, cashews, and beets. The whole range of B vitamins will help keep your skin clear, and too little vitamin B2 can actually cause oily skin. B vitamins are found in wheat germ, Brewer’s yeast, organ meats, nuts, and beans. Remember that one of the functions of the skin is to eliminate toxins through perspiration. This means you should drink lots of water to flush out most toxins via the kidneys and the liver and keep your system clear. Water is also necessary to keeps your skin hydrated. A good diet encourages clear, healthy skin, and works as an anti aging treatment as well.

Supplements Can Assist with Acne Control

Food grown in nutrient-depleted soil will be lacking sufficient nutrients to optimize good health and healthy skin, and so it makes sense to add one or more supplements to your diet. Supplements are also useful if you eat a lot of processed food and occasionally feel the urge to gorge yourself on fast food. The best supplement is a multivitamin suitable for your age and sex, and then you can add zinc and possibly a B vitamin complex or Brewer’s yeast to help meet your special requirements. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid which is known to benefit skin cells, and you might find it helpful to add this supplement as well.

Acne Skin Care is Needed Daily


Any acne treatment should begin with a common sense procedure such as cleansing the skin with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh cleansers and astringents, which make the oil glands more productive. An antibacterial astringent is perfect for wiping away excess oil between cleansings. Avoid squeezing and picking which can spread inflammation and cause acne scars, and use hot compresses and then an extractor for blackhead removal if needed. Antibacterial lotions that dry the skin, mild, pure soap, and a medicated cream is useful for treating oily, acne-prone skin. If you wear makeup, choose water-based acne products rather than oil-based products. Avoid anything that makes your skin feel tight and dry. If the upper layer of skin has been treated so harshly that it has become dry and shrunken, the flow of oil will be restricted and even more blockages and breakouts will occur.

Good Medical Options are Available for Acne Sufferers

A dermatologist should be consulted if your acne is severe, and this will give you access to tretinoin (Retin-A cream) or accutane for acute cases, both of which are available on prescription. You can also get prescriptions for a range of antibiotics in pill form, such as tetracycline, as well as antibiotic salves and creams. Effective over-the-counter acne treatments include topical salves and creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, or a five-percent solution of tea tree oil, or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Blemishes can be dried up with a variety of acne products that contain salicylic acid, sulfur, or resorcinol.

More Useful Information and Advice

*Exercise is good for the skin since it increases circulation and blood flow, but when you are exercising, avoid wearing cosmetics or moisturizers, which keep perspiration from flowing freely and cause pores to clog. Sweatbands also hold perspiration and oil against the skin and shouldn’t be used.
*Keep your hair off your face so that you are not adding to your problems with scalp oil. Avoid using hair products that are oily or greasy for the same reason.
*Prolonged exposure to the sun or sunlamps might dry acne but can result in a whole host of new problems, such as damaged, leathery skin and skin cancer. There are better solutions.
*Use caution about taking saunas and steam baths as they may aggravate your acne condition. You can’t do much about heat and humidity — nature’s version of saunas and steam baths — but keeping your skin clean and removing excess oil frequently will assist in the prevention of breakouts.
*Remember that stress makes acne worse. Don’t let emotional upsets get under your skin, so to speak. Try meditation or relaxation techniques to prevent stress-induced breakouts. Your skin isn’t the only organ that will benefit.
Acne treatments are of vital importance to acne sufferers and can make a big difference in the lives of people who have to cope with this very real problem. Both internal and external acne remedies can be found on the Internet. Compare prices and brands, and place your order from the comfort of your home. Products are usually shipped the same day that you order. Shop with confidence online, and see an improvement in your appearance within days.

About The Author:
Scott Gray is currently a freelance writer and enjoys providing information and advice to online shoppers who are in the market for anti aging options, acne treatments, and general skin care.

Acne Treatment and Remedies

Remedies and Treatment Methodsto Relieve Acne
Article by: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN

Acne can be caused by a number of factors. Common causes of acne include contact with an oily substance such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum and the use of certain medication such as steroids or the contraceptive pill. However, acne is most often caused by the secretion of androgens, or sex hormones that are initially secreted at the onset of puberty. Androgens are male hormones but they are secreted by females as well. They stimulate the production of oil from the skin's oil glands. When these oil glands become overactive and the exit from the gland is blocked, oil builds up in the gland and they begin to swell. This is how acne forms. A bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes normally colonizes this swollen gland causing the development of inflammation and pus. In particularly severe cases, the glands may burst into the skin and produce cysts. Recently health practitioners are associating acne with a fungus on the face. A clogged colon can also contribute to acne. We recommend using a colon cleanser like Oxy-Powder to keep the bowel clean.

How Can I Cure Acne?

Home Remedies:

*A non-oily face wash that contains tea tree oil or echinacea can help to reduce the incidence of acne breakouts. Wash your face twice a day in the morning and evenings and rinse thoroughly with warm purified water.
*Avoid oily and chemically ridden cosmetics or any facial products that contain socetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, and sodium chloride, parabens as these ingredients can cause acne.
*Give dry skin extra care, being sure to wash and rinse your face thoroughly and using products especially made for dry skin.
*Natural astringent cleansers work to remove the oil buildup that may become blocked in the skin's glands. *These products may cause dryness, itching, and redness, so be sure to use them only on problem areas.
*Oxy-Skin™ is also a very effective natural remedy for the elimination of acne.

Herbal Remedies:

Herbs such as chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, and burdock root can be used to reduce toxicity and improve the overall condition of the skin. Echinacea and poke root are often used for their anti-inflammatory properties and red clover may be beneficial for its estrogenic action. Witch hazel has excellent astringent properties and may be very effective on acne. Here are a few natural herbal recipes to cure acne.
*Combine ground ginger with milk and apply to the affected area.
*Make a paste of honey and cinnamon and apply to the affected area at night.
*In the morning, wash this paste with warm water. Continue for one-two weeks.
*Mix lemon juice with cinnamon and apply to acne.
*Mix ground orange peel with water to form a paste and apply to the affected spots. Wash with warm water after twenty to thirty minutes.
*Rub fresh garlic on acne at frequent intervals to acne.
*Use the juice of raw papaya to relieve swelling acne.
*Make a paste of salt and vinegar and wash off after twenty to thirty minutes.
*Rub fresh mint juice over acne.
*Make a paste of turmeric and vinegar and apply to acne. Rinse with lukewarm water after twenty to thirty minutes.
*Drink wheat grass juice to prevent and cure acne.
*Apply a poultice of ground sesame seeds and water on acne to reduce inflammation.

Complementary Acne Treatment:

*Acupuncture: Stagnant of Chi in the channels of the face is said to be the cause of acne. Acupuncture performed on these points of the face may help relieve acne.
*Homeopathy: For patients with pustules and blind boils, especially on the face, neck, and back, may be helped by Kali brom. Selenium is often used for acne sufferers with oily skin, blackheads, and pustules.
*Conventional Treatment: These treatments we do not recommend.
*Medication: Conventional acne medications may be topical- applied directly to the skin- or they may be systemic- taken internally. Medications include benzoyl peroxide, retinoic acid, steroids, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and isotretinoin (Accutane).
*Therapeutic Injections: In severe cases of acne where cysts form and scars have developed, doctors have had some success with injecting steroids directly into the cyst to resolve the cysts and diminish the appearance of scars.
*Surgery: In moderate to severe cases of acne, doctors may use surgery to open up the blemishes and remove blackheads and whiteheads. Unlike medication treatments, the effects of acne surgery are usually more immediate.
About The Author:
Dr. Group, the founder/CEO and clinical director for the Global Healing Center, heads a research and development team producing advanced, new, natural health protocols and products. To learn more visit http://www.ghchealth.com.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Acne Treatment InformationWebsite of the Acne Treatment Information Organization, an organization that ranks the most popular acne products, medicines, and treatments, including acne rosacea, cystic acne, adult acne, and acne scars.
Acne.orgInformation on acne, acne medications, and treatment of scars.
Acne TreatmentExplains the three key points to getting rid of acne and preventing new lesions from forming.

Acne Cures: Are You Tired of Looking forThe Acne Cure?

by: M.D. Stacener
When it comes to zits and finding the acne cure it can be quite a difficult task. Everyone claims their product to be the one, but are they? The acne cure is the product that works for you, and what works for you might not work for someone else.

So how do you determine the acne cure that’s right for you? Well, I wish I could tell you it’s very simple: just buy product A or product B. But the truth is you are going to have to experiment and try different products until you find the one that works for you.

I could fill you full of bull and tell you Neutrogena is the one or Proactive is the one. For some that would be true, for others however it would not.

When trying a new product, try to buy the smallest quantity available. Many acne products offer a trial size, which is perfect! If no trial size is available, then you’ll have to buy the next smallest size you can find.

Remember price has no bearing on what works. For some the cheapest acne products do the job; for others it’s the most expensive. Trial and error is the only way you’ll find out.

There are some general things you can do that help almost all sufferers to some degree.

*Increase the amount of water you drink daily. It should be at least ten 8-ounce glasses. Water helps flush your system and that includes your skin, which then can better move impurities and toxins out of the body.
Increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables you eat.

*Exercise. Exercise helps boost the immune system, which can then better fight your acne outbreaks.
Take a zinc supplement. Zinc has shown great results for many acne sufferers. If you want more information on zinc visit us at the acne cure center or do a quick search and you’ll find other sites providing valuable information.

*Reduce stress. Stress can trigger an outbreak, so try to keep your stress under control. I know this can be easier said than done, but there are many relaxation techniques available. Give one a try.

Contrary to the old wives tails floating around, acne is not caused by sugar or greasy foods. Although they don’t directly cause acne, they are overall not healthy for the body and can reduce the body’s ability to build a strong immune system, so you should consume in moderation. But cutting them out of your diet won’t make your acne magically disappear.

Many acne outbreaks are a result of hormonal imbalances. That’s why acne is so prone in teens. There are hormonal treatments available that you can talk to your doctor about.

There are also many other treatments available from your doctor or dermatologist. This is certainly a route worth exploring if you suffer from severe acne.

But for the occasional outbreak you can find the acne cure that works for you over the counter. So why not start now?

About The Author:

M.D. Stacener from The Acne Cure has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing valuable information to keep you beautiful and healthy. Visit http://www.acnel.com/ for more information.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Questions and Answers About AcneA fact sheet containing general information about acne. It describes what acne is and how it develops, the causes of acne, and the treatment options for various forms of acne. Information is also provided on caring for the skin.
Acne.comInformation on acne, medications and treatment of scars. Includes a regimen for keeping skin clear.
Acne Treatment InformationWebsite of the Acne Treatment Information Organization, an organization that ranks the most popular acne products, medicines, and treatments, including acne rosacea, cystic acne, adult acne, and acne scars.
Acne.orgInformation on acne, acne medications, and treatment of scars.
Acne TreatmentExplains the three key points to getting rid of acne and preventing new lesions from forming.