Keratosis, Skin Spots, Warts, Benign Growths and Moles

BENIGN GROWTHS & MOLES

Everyone has skin growths. The dermatologist is the expert on determining which are harmless and which should receive attention.
This article is not a substitute for a medical exam. If you have any serious skin issues or concerns, you need to consult your physician.

Moles

Everyone has moles, from a few to several dozen. Most people think of a mole as being a dark brown spot, but moles have a much wider range of appearance. They can be raised from the skin and very noticeable, or they may contain dark hairs. Having hairs in a mole doesn’t make it more dangerous.

Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or grouped. They usually are brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes.  Special cells that contain the pigment melanin cause the brown color.  Facial moles are probably are determined before a person is born. Many of those that form in childhood and early adult life are now thought to be due to sun damage. Some may not appear until later in life, but moles that appear after age 50 should be regarded with suspicion. Moles may darken, which can happen after exposure to the sun, pregnancy and sometimes during therapy with certain steroid drugs. Moles can be safely removed for cosmetic or medical reasons.

Blood Moles

These are benign growths that consists of small blood vessels. These tumors can be located anywhere on the body. Some of the different types include spider angiomas, cherry angiomas, and angiokeratomas. We do not know the cause of most types of angiomas.

Age Spots

Multiple small brown spots that may appear on wrists, backs of the hands, forearms, and face could be solar lentigos. These are also called “liver spots” or “age spots” and occur later in life. The are flat and evenly colored.

Keratosis

After a person reaches middle age, he or she may acquire other dark areas that are not moles. The brown, wart-like growths that appear on the face or trunk and look as if they have been stuck to the skin may be seborrheic keratoses. Seborrheic keratoses are non-cancerous thickenings of the outer layer of skin. They may be just one growth or clusters. They are usually brown but can vary in color from light tan all the way to black. They’re different sizes as well –anywhere from a fraction of an inch in diameter to larger than a half dollar. A main feature of seborrheic keratoses is their waxy, pasted-on, or stuck-on look. They sometimes look like a dab of warm brown candle wax that has dropped onto the skin. Others have a rough surface.

Actinic Keratoses, also called solar keratoses, are caused by sun damage. They occur on body areas that have been heavily exposed to sunlight or exposed a little bit often for a lot of years. The face, hands, forearms and the V of the neck are the most common areas for actinic keratoses. They may get sore a times. These growths are more common among pale-skinned, fair-haired, light-eyed individuals. They are flatter, redder and rougher than seborrheic keratosis. Actinic keratoses are pre-cancerous, which means they may become skin cancers. The risk has been estimated at 1% per spot, per year,

WARTS
Warts are caused by a viral infection of the cells found in the top layer of the skin. The name of this virus is the human papillomavirus HPV). Warts are skin-colored and feel rough to the touch. Hand warts are usually found around the nails, on the fingers and on the back of the hand. They are more common where skin has been broken and in the areas where fingernails are bitten or hangnails picked. Foot warts are usually on the soles of the feet. These warts are called plantar warts (this has nothing to do with farming-the bottom of the foot is called the plantar side by doctors). Flat warts are much smaller and are less rough than hand or foot warts. They tend to grow in great numbers — 20 to 100 at any one time. They can occur anywhere, but in children they are most common on the face. In adults they are most often found in the beard area in men and on the legs in women. Skin irritation from shaving probably accounts for this.

Watch out for…

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer. Melanomas are often, but not always, very dark brown to bluish-black growths. Melanomas may be confused with seborrheic keratoses or moles because both can become very dark. It is wise to have any growth that turns dark or becomes irritated checked by a dermatologist. Early detection of skin cancer is the best way to assure successful treatment.

Information by : Dermatologist, Robert M Rosen, D. O.

Understanding Hormones and Your Skin

“How to achieve beautiful, supple and young-looking skin”. You almost can’t avoid it - splashed on magazine covers, reported in newspapers and marketed on television and radio, the message to improve our skin would appear paramount to how we and others view our looks.
How does our skin age?  Skin aging is influenced by:

* Genetic differences
* Hormonal changes, e.g. estrogen and thyroxin
* Chronic sun exposure
* Wind, pollution

Blame it on hormones

Hormones are mostly to blame for skin changes as we age. Hormones are chemical messengers produced in organs such as the ovaries, adrenal glands, and thyroid glands, and all have an effect on other tissues.

Much of the reason why our skin begins to suffer is primarily due to hormones — and there is a massive industry manufacturing products to try to alleviate the results of these hormonal changes, notably as women reach menopause in their 40s and 50s.

As menopause occurs, estrogen is reduced and while it has a direct effect on thinning bones, it also creates significant changes in the skin. Women find:

* their skin becomes drier with increased wrinkles
* skin becomes more fragile, loses some of its elasticity, and is looser because the production of collagen is reduced
* older skin appears paler as the lack of estrogen reduces the number of blood vessels in the skin
* menopause also causes a reduction in the level of testosterone but not as significant a drop as in estrogen

Hormones and dry skin

Another hormone we have is thyroxin, produced by the thyroid gland, which influences skin appearance. Too much thyroxin shows a warm, smooth, sweaty, flushed skin. Under-activity of thyroxin produces a dry, coarse thickening of skin with reduced ability to sweat.

Hormones affect acne

The oil glands of the skin are in part controlled by the level and activity of the hormone testosterone in the skin. Testosterone is required to produce acne. This outcome can be seen in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, which produce some elevation in testosterone, which in turn causes increased facial hair, irregular periods and acne. It has also been found that some birth control pills can block testosterone skin reactors to improve some of the consequences of increasing hormone levels. (See Acne Guide for more acne information)
Thinning hair

Hair will thin after menopause. In some women, genetic factors produce significant thinning. Abnormalities in the level of a thyroid hormone, in addition to the amount of iron stored in the body, can influence the volume of hair.

Estrogen encourages hair to stay in its growing phase (Anagen hair). This is seen in the significant thickening of hair towards the end of pregnancy. After menopause, however, the lower estrogen amount allows the scalp hair to grow towards the falling out stage (Telogen hair).
HRT and skin

Post menopausal women will notice that unlike their scalp, facial hairs increase. This is thought to be because estrogen — which opposes the effect of testosterone — drops relatively more after menopause than testosterone.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used over the last 20 years to combat the signs of aging. HRT can promote a fuller-looking skin because the skin then becomes thicker with less loss of subcutaneous fat. Thinning and drying of vaginal surfaces is also minimized. This can also be achieved by using topical estrogen. The use of estrogen creams has been shown to maintain the elasticity and fullness of skin after menopause, although at this time it is not used extensively because of concerns about side effects and the variability of absorption into the body.

See your doctor or dermatologist to determine which solutions best suits your experience with aging skin.

By Richard Thomas, MD

Adverse Reactions to Herbal Therapy in Dermatology

There are many herbal therapies available for dermatological diseases that patients have already begun to discover. Dermatologists must be educated not only in the benefits of these therapies, but must also be aware of some of the risks and adverse effects. They need information about the effects of herbal remedies in order to better serve their patients who may be using herbs to treat their dermatological conditions. This brief review summarizes some of the more common herbal therapies used by many dermatology patients for their skin diseases, and the adverse reactions and drug interactions that may occur.

The use of herbal therapy by dermatology patients is on the rise. Because of their convenient availability, many patients with chronic dermatological diseases have attempted to take more control over their health by using herbal remedies along with or instead of conventional treatments. Some patients have lost hope; standard treatments have failed to be effective for them. As a result, they seek newer therapies in an attempt to find a “cure” for their problems.

Government Regulations

The exact frequency of herbal use is not known because of its non-regulatory status. However, some regulations do exist at the federal level in Canada with the Natural Health Products Directorate (est. 03-99). Most of these regulations are still under review. However, regulations do exist with regard to definitions, product licensing, adverse reaction reporting, site licensing, good manufacturing practices, clinical trials, and labeling/packaging.

There are many herbal remedies that have scientific merit; they may be of clinical benefit and provide safe, effective and reliable alternatives to conventional medicine. However, herbal products cannot be patented.² They are intended for the self-treatment of a self-diagnosed, self-limiting condition. Although there are numerous herbal therapies that are relevant to the specialty of dermatology, many of these have not been studied in proper randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trials. Most herbal treatments have evidence that is based on sparse anecdotal reports and word of mouth.

Drug Interactions and Side-Effects

Many of these therapies are considered “natural” and therefore harmless. However, because of the poor regulations that exist in monitoring these drugs, adverse reactions do occur.³ Herbal therapy, therefore, should be avoided in pregnancy, infants and children because of the uncertainty of adverse reactions that could occur. There is little incentive for pharmaceutical companies to investigate or standardize these preparations because it is unlikely patents would be applicable.

Because of the assumed safety of natural products, many patients believe these products have “fewer” side-effects. Herbal therapies should be regarded as drugs. Since drugs have side-effects, such events can be seen with herbals. Drug interactions although infrequent, can also occur with herbal therapies and conventional medications.^4,8 This may be due to altered absorption, distribution, biotransformation and/or excretion.⁶ These interactions are often patient initiated because of the lack of consultation with a physician. These effects can increase or decrease the activity of the corresponding drugs and lead to untoward or unexpected adverse events or changes in drug efficacy. Some herbals may be contaminated with toxic substances or the herbal can be toxic alone. Others may have traces of potent topical steroids.⁷ This makes it even more important for physicians to take a proper and complete drug history, including herbal medications.

Drug	Side-Effects	Drug Interactions
Zemaphyte (Chinese Herbal Therapy)6,10-14	Diarrhea, increased liver function tests, reversible dilated cardiomyopathy, reversible acute hepatic illness, fatal hepatic necrosis, symptomatic nephropathy & bladder carcinoma, worsening of atopic dermatitis, acute urticaria	Methotrexate
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)(Efamol®)4,6,8	GI upset, headaches	phenothiazines, seizure threshold of phenobarbital, phenytoin
Borage Oil15	Potential for hepatotoxicity orally, no toxicity data for topical use	None Known (NK)
Aloe Vera4,6,8,9,16	Contact dermatitis	corticosteroids, Potassium
Calendula (Calendula officionalis)4,8,9,16	Allergic reactions, ACD	NK
Capsaicin (Zostrix®)8,9,16	Severe burning, intolerability, allergy: can cross react with latex, bananas, kiwi, chestnut, avocado	NK
Goldenseal (Hydratis canadensi)4	Allergic Contact Dermatitis	NK
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabralensis or ura)4,6,8,16	Contraindicated in hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypokalemia, liver/kidney disorders	Cyclosporin A (CyA) , digoxin, prednisone, thiazides
Purple Cone Flower (Echinacea angustifolia or internalpupurea) 4	Recurrent erythema nodosum CAUTION!: in HIV, CTD, TB, MS, ragweed, sunflower allergies	Immunomodulators and CyA, Methotrexate, coticosteroids
Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmas fulva)	Dermatitis CAUTION! Oral form induces miscarriage	NK
St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum)4,6	Oral form can cause photosensitivity, erectile dysfunction	amitriptyline CyA , digoxin, paroxetine, HIV protease inhibitors, oral contraceptives, retrovirals
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)4	Essential oils can be a mucous membrane irritant	NK
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng (Panax ginseng)4,8,17	Can cause spontaneous bleeding	Can potentiate aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin, heparin
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)6,8,9	ext- ACD, burning, dryness, itching, 5 irritation, systemic allergic reactions, can cross react with colophony. int- TOXIC	NK
Bromelain-Pineapple (Ananas comosus)16	ACD, GI upset, diarrhea	Ethyl acrylate
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)16	ACD	NK
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)16	ext-Skin irritation int-Hypoglycemia	Hypoglycemics
Chamomile (Matricaria recuita L)4,6,9,16,18	ACD, anaphylaxis	Hypersensitivity cross-reactions to ragweed, Chrysanthemums (Compositae family)
Arnica (A Montana)8,9	ext-ACD int-TOXIC	NK
Horse Chestnut seed extract (Aesculus hippocastanum)6,8	ext-ACD int-Dizziness, drug induced lupus, GI upset, headache, pruritus	NK

Table 2: Side-effects and drug interactions of some herbal remedies

The most common dermatologic reaction from herbal therapies is allergic contact dermatitis.⁸ Herbs that are known for causing this condition include: aloe, arnica, bromelain, calendula, chamomile, goldenseal, tea tree oil and yarrow.^6,4,9 However, more serious events have occurred including erythroderma and Stevens-Johnson syndrome from combination herbal preparations.⁸ Serious systemic adverse events have been reported with herbal therapies for the treatment of dermatological diseases as well.⁷ Most are hepatotoxic effects and some have been fatal although this is rare.⁸ Herbals that are recommended for topical use should not be ingested and vice-versa. Drug interactions that most commonly occur are due to immunomodulatory reactions, however effects on anticonvulsants and anticoagulants can occur.⁵

Conclusion

A brief search of the literature reveals many therapies used for dermatological disease however there are fewer reports of their side effects in dermatologic or medical literature. Only those therapies relevant to the specialty of dermatology that also have had reports of side-effects are discussed. Those therapies without known side-effects are excluded from this manuscript. It is important for dermatologists to become aware of these adverse events and interactions in order to better educate their patients and possibly prevent potential and unexpected adverse reactions.⁸

The Derma Roller Skin Treatments

What is the Derma Roller or Skin Needling?

Recently, while walking around at the 2009 Beauty Expo in Long Beach, CA, I noticed a large number of booths selling these small rolling devices, covered with many short needles. Curious whether these were new parenting tools to scare unruly children or for skincare, I decided to research it further. The cosmetic representatives claimed these new facial rollers could increase collagen production and reduce wrinkles.

The derma roller is a very small rolling device that contains 192 micro points made of surgical steel. While it goes by different names, ‘skin needling,’ ‘dermaroller,’ or ‘meso roller,’ among many others, it appears to be a simple and natural method that promises to prevent skin aging, restore collagen, smooth out scars, pitted skin, and stretch marks - or your money back in some cases.

Research On Skin Needling

The skin needling device is used along with your normal skincare routine to remove acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, fine lines. Representatives say it can even help with big pores, black heads, and white heads. This micro needling or skin needling anti-aging technique is also used to perform collagen induction therapy (CIT). Studies show that when this device is rolled over the skin, it creates small puncture wounds which cause the body to produce collagen in an attempt to heal the skin. Our collagen production falls dramatically after about age 35 or so.

How the Derma Roller Works

Published instructions say when you roll this device over the skin it creates small puncture wounds into the top layer of the skin. This puncturing will then cause a type of wound-healing reaction for the dermal layer to begin production of collagen fibers, elastin, and other skin cells that helps to fill in lines, wrinkles, remove stretch marks and fill in deep pitted scars – also allowing the derma roller to be a great acne scar treatment.

In addition, the derma roller allows for optimum absorption of any anti-aging cream you may use afterwards. Each time you use the derma roller, the collagen building effects continue for weeks- smoothing stretch marks, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles.

Unlike other skin rejuvenating techniques, the derma roller doesn’t require downtime for healing. And, unlike chemical or laser peels, the derma roller can be used safely by women and men of color because it doesn’t affect skin pigmentation.

The Studies

In 1994, Dr. Philippe Simonin, a Swiss Dermatologist, performed a study on 600 people divided into two groups - the skin-aging group and the scar reduction group. Published results found that in the skin aging group there was a 40% significant improvement and an impressive 60% improvement in scar reduction group.

Another doctor, Dr. Andre Camirand, a plastic surgeon from Canada, found that skin needling improved the texture and depression of scars and also improved over-all skin color and texture. He also found this remodeling process can go on up to 12 months from each treatment.

Further study results by plastic surgeons and dermatologists claim in that addition to reducing the appearance of sun damage and wrinkles, (such as crows feet), skin needling can help lessen or remove stretch marks, cellulite, acne scars, surgical scars and smooth out pitted skin and dimpling.

In addition, it allows maximum absorption of your best wrinkle creams or any anti aging creams. Each rolling session can stimulate collagen to reduce wrinkles and scars - like a mini-instant face lift.

End of Summer Skincare and Zinc Sun Protection

By Van Le | Labor Day can be bittersweet since it offers an always-welcomed three-day weekend, but it also marks the unofficial end of summer. In other words, after one last frolic at the beach, it’s time to put away the swimming suits and flip-flops, and wake the winter coats and boots from their hiatus. The seasonal closet makeover is a no-brainer, but there’s another place that needs attention: your makeup and skincare cabinet. Towards the end of the year, your skin needs protection from cold weather and reduced humidity. Switching to winter-friendly products can keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful.

Hot, humid weather during the summer can cause pores to expand because sebum is more fluid in this environment. As a result, deep cleansers and foamy cleansing products are appropriate, since they are able to reach deep into the pores, eliminating dirt and oil buildups. During the winter, however, cold temperatures can lead to dry and cracked skin. Switch to a mild soap, and your skin will feel smooth and soft as opposed to dry and tight after washing. Products that contain natural moisture such as Aloe vera are also excellent, since they are not harsh on dry, winter skin.

Winter air literally sucks moisture from your skin, so moisturizing is a crucial step in winter skin care. Even more important to moisturizing is choosing the right product. Products containing mineral oil, almond oil, or avocado oil work especially well since they keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores. Flaxseed oil is another beneficial ingredient, since it is not only rich in omega-3 fatty acid, but also has the ability to hydrate the skin from the inside out. Moisturizing right after a warm shower will help seal in the water and prevent dry skin. Also consider using a humidifier in your room or office, since it returns the moisture into the air and help the skin stay hydrated.

Just because it is cold outside does not mean you should toss your sunscreen tube. Even when you can’t feel the heat, the sun is still emitting harmful UVA and UVB rays, so it still important to protect your skin. Apply a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15, or use products containing zinc oxide, which acts as a natural barrier between your skin and the sun. Surprisingly, the sun’s reflective power on snow can be as high as 80%, so it is possible to be sunburned after spending a day on the ski slopes without sun protection. Moreover, don’t forget to help your lips battle harsh winter conditions with plenty of lip balm. Packaging is also important when deciding on a lip balm. Little tins and jars can spread germs since you are using your fingers to apply. Tubes can be a healthier and more convenient option. Remember to keep your skincare products readily available in your purse, car or desk so you can reapply throughout the day.

Winter skin care may differ from summer skin care in the type of products used, but the regimen for healthy skin is the same year round: cleanse, moisturize and protect.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU paper the Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare link to http://www.bestnaturalsoap.net

Treatments for Chapped Lips

By Van Le | We have all experienced occasional chapped lips, but for those who experience this condition year-round, the pain and irritation can be frustrating.  Medically known as “cheilitis,” chapped lips can have several causes, including dehydration and excessive exposure to elements such as wind, sun, cold or dry air.  While most cases of chapped, dry lips are results of environmental factors, in some cases, they may be an indication of an underlying medical or nutritional problem.  There are several ways to prevent dry lips from escalating into a bigger health issue.

Dehydration
Chapped lips are often a sign that there is not enough water in the body for proper hydration.  The number one cause for dry lips is dehydration, therefore, it is important to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day and avoid dehydrating fluids like caffeine and alcohol.  Also try to avoid licking your lips, since saliva dries quickly and leaves your lips even more dry.  In addition to keeping your body healthy, water keeps your lips looking moist and attractive.

Avoid extreme weather exposure
Just like our skin, our lips are exposed to external factors 24/7, but unlike our skin, our lips lack the melanin that protects the skin from sun exposure.  We moisturize our face daily to protect against dry air, put on sun block to protect your skin against harmful UV rays, but we often forget about protecting our lips against the very same elements.  Wear a lip balm that contains SPF protection and apply it several times a day when in the sun or exposed to extreme temperatures.  Use a humidifier when indoors to help get rid of dry air inside your house or room.

Use the right products
Fight the urge to hide dry, flaky lips under thick layers lip gloss, since some ingredients in these products can contribute to the problem.  Instead, choose a moisturizing lipstick that contains Vitamin E, shea butter, or macadamia nut oil, and avoid matte, ‘last-all-day’ products since they can be very drying.

Exfoliate
Buff away the dead skin on your lips with a lip exfoliator and soft toothbrush or warm washcloth.  Then, use a moisturizing lip product or simply apply honey to your lips and wash away after five minutes.  Honey is an excellent moisturizer and a common ingredient in most natural skin care products.  Exfoliate your lips at least once a week.

Herbal remedies
There are several herbal alternatives to help treat dry, chapped lips without exposing them to harsh chemicals.  Aloe vera gel has been a great remedy for inflammations, and drinking Aloe vera juice can help relief pain associated with dry lips.  Applying a zinc oxide treatment before bed can also help heal and lubricate lips.

A healthy diet
Chronic chapped lips can be a sign of vitamin deficiency, specifically Vitamin B.   Foods such as cauliflower, wholegrain cereal, and soy bean are great sources of this vitamin, and can help fight dry lips from the inside out.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestorganicnaturalskincare.com

Do It Yourself Facials

By: Van Le

There is nothing as relaxing as getting a professional facial, but they can run a high tab (from $50-200 dollars.) While the economy continues on its downward spiral, your skin does not have to suffer the same fate. A “DIY facial” may sound like an oxymoron, but it truly is a way to revive and rejuvenate your skin at a fraction of the cost. There are several at-home facial remedies that you can try, and all the ingredients can be gathered at your local grocery store. Even better, “at-home” does not always mean you have to do it alone. Turn it into a bonding experience by calling a few friends over, and you can chat and laugh your way to healthier skin. You can even ask each friend to bring an ingredient to further cut down on the cost. Ready to indulge? Here’s how to get started:

Create a relaxing atmosphere

You can’t relax if you are constantly staring at your “to-do” list. Clear the space of any clutter or things that remind of you the tasks you must do. Your mind needs to escape from your everyday tasks before you can truly enjoy the experience. First, create a calming atmosphere by using candles instead of turning on the lights. Next, fill the room with a soothing scent such as lavender or chamomile. Then, turn off the television and turn on soft music. Unplug your land line and once all your friends arrive, agree to turn off all cell phones. If you decide to have food, choose healthy and light options such as mini muffins, a tray of fresh fruits and vegetables, or cheese and crackers. Add cucumber or lemon slices to a pitcher of water for a healthy drink.

Facial treatments

Start by washing your face to get rid of dirt and residue makeup, using a gentle soap like Vivoderm’s Rosemary & Chamomile facial cleanser, which is filled with Vitamins A and E. Then, grab a hot towel and place it over your face, taking extra precaution as the skin on your face may more sensitive to temperature. You can also pour hot water in a bowl, place your face a few inches away from the top of the bowl, and cover your head with a towel to capture the steam. It takes about 10-15 for the steam to open your pores. Next, apply an exfoliator and massage in a circular motion using your middle and ring fingers. After exfoliation, apply a toner to bring your skin back to the proper pH. Then, moisturize your skin using a mask. Depending on your skin type and desire, there are a wide variety of masks available, such as Vivoderm’s anti-aging or anti-acne mask. You can also whip up your own Avocado Moisture Mask* using natural ingredients. Mix ½ avocado, ¼ cup French green clay, and 15 drops of spike lavender. As you stir, add water until you reach the desired texture. Apply the mask and leave on your face for 10 minutes, after the mask has dried, rinse off using warm water. Finally, complete your at-home facial by applying a moisturizing cream on your entire face.

After your DIY facial, your skin will feel lighter, but your wallet won’t.

*recipe from www.apothecarytinctura.com

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestorganicnaturalskincare.com

Acne Treatments

Acne treatment consists of reducing sebum production, removing dead skin cells, and killing bacteria. Treatment methods differ depending on how serious the acne is. Topical drugs are applied directly to the affected areas of the skin. They are available in the form of creams, gels, lotions, or pads. They are used primarily to treat mild forms of acne in which there is little or no inflammation.

One group of topical drugs used for acne includes antibiotics. These drugs kill the bacteria that contribute to the disease. Another group of drugs is called comedolytics (pronounced KO-mee-do-LIE-tiks). These drugs loosen hard plugs and open pores. Still another group of drugs works by increasing the rate at which new skin cells form. These drugs prevent the formation of new comedos.

Topical drugs are applied once or twice a day after washing with mild soap. Treatment may have to continue anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to a few years. Side effects such as mild redness, peeling, irritation, dryness, and an increased sensitivity to sunlight may occur.

Oral Drugs

Oral drugs are taken by mouth. Doctors sometimes prescribe oral antibiotics for moderate cases of acne. These antibiotics prevent the formation of new comedos and reduce inflammation. They are usually taken once a day
for two to four months. Side effects may include allergic reactions, stomach upset, vaginal yeast infections, dizziness, and tooth discoloration.

A drug that is used for severe cases of acne is isotretinoin (pronounced i-so-TRET-uh-no-un, trade name Accutane). This drug reduces the production of sebum and the stickiness of skin cells. It is used when cysts and nodules are present. The drug may be used alone or with other topical or oral antibiotics.
Isotretinoin treatment usually lasts for four or five months. It is effective in about 60 percent of all patients. If the acne reappears, another course of treatments may be necessary. Some side effects that may accompany the use of isotretinoin include nosebleeds, dry skin, a temporary worsening of the acne, vision disorders, and increased production of liver enzymes, blood fats, and cholesterol. It may also cause birth defects and cannot, therefore, be used by pregnant women.

Women who do not respond to any of these treatments may be given another type of oral drug, an anti-androgen. Anti-androgens reduce the production of androgen and therefore reduce the formation of comedos. Certain types of oral contraceptives are also effective as anti-androgens.

The most serious forms of acne require other types of drugs, including oral corticosteroids, or anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs are often used for the treatment of a form of acne known as acne fulminans, which occurs mostly among adolescent males. They are also used with acne that produces numerous deep, inflamed nodules that heal with scarring.

Acne Treatments

There are two main methods of acne treatment that you can follow: topical treatment and oral treatment.

Before selecting a treatment, you must have a solid understanding about acne, and determine the exact type of acne that you have. In addition to this, it is also important to set goals for your acne treatment. Here are some points to keep in mind when thinking about acne, and when selecting the best acne medication for yourself.
Goals of acne treatment:

* You should understand how much acne and what type of acne you have.
* To stop new acne blemishes from developing with appropriate treatment.
* To treat acne scars and prevent new scars from forming.

Points you should remember:

* You can control and cover the visible lesions and avoid embarrassment.
* Treatment is available that can prevent acne scarring.
* You should get help for your acne as soon as you notice it. Early treatment minimizes the severity of acne. This is important especially if one of your parents had severe acne.
* Treatment may last for months and often years.
* You should understand that improvement can be slow, and will often take months (not weeks) to work. There may even be an initial flare of your acne.

Points To Remember For Selecting Your Best Acne Treatment:

* The severity level of your acne
* Your personal goals for therapy
* The effectiveness of the treatment and possible side effects
* Your personal preference.

Other Circumstances Specific To Girls And Women:

* Pregnancy: is it possible you could become pregnant during treatment, or are you already pregnant?
* Breastfeeding: Will you be breastfeeding during treatment?
* Are you in the childbearing age range?
* The acne treatment that you select will depend on the factors listed below:

* The severity of your condition
* The type of acne (comedonal vs. inflamed) lesions you have
* Any previous experience you have had (and your skin’s response) to other treatments
* The degree of oiliness or sensitivity of your skin
* Any history you may have of sensitive skin or extreme irritation to specific products.

Note: Acne may flare in the initial stages of treatment. However, this is not necessarily an indication of unsuitable treatment. On average, you’re likely to see about a 20% improvement per month.

Are Chemical Peels Right for You?

With so many beauty products, facial treatments and surgical procedures available these days, it can be overwhelming to choose a treatment that is right for you. First off, when trying any new skincare treatment or procedure, it is always important to do your research, seek out reputable sources and never be afraid to ask questions, after all, it is your face – you only have one, so treat it accordingly. Selecting the right specialist or understanding details of a surgical procedure will be time consuming, be prepared to put in the time necessary to make the best choice. Below are some tips to help you get started.

­

Choose carefully. The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery recommends you:

· Check educational, training, background credentials and experience to ensure that he or she is well-qualified

· Ask how many times they have performed this procedure

· Ask to see before and after photos of patients who have had chemical peels - in some cases offices will give you contact information of previous patients as referrals.

Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, licensed estheticians and registered nurses can all perform chemical peels. However, depending on the type of peel, you might need to see a doctor. Ensure your procedure is both safe and effective.

Schedule a skin consultation. A chemical peel is an aggressive treatment, it’s important that you get an in-depth analysis of your skin beforehand. When at the consultation, make sure the specialist knows your medical history and any prescriptions you may be taking. Be prepared to ask questions, such as what is my skin type? What are my skin concerns? How can chemical peels improve my skin? What kind of peel is best for my skin type?

Become a peel expert. There are three types of chemical peels: superficial, medium and deep. In addition, they increase substantially in cost depending on the peel. The cost ranges from $150 to $300 for superficial peels; $1,000 to $2,000 for medium peels and $2,500 up to $5,000 for deep peels, according to Smart SkinCare:

Superficial: The mildest of chemical peels, superficial peels treat fine lines, discoloration, dryness, roughness and mild acne. Results are subtle and you will need regular maintenance sessions. Estheticians typically perform superficial peels. Common solutions: Alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid), salicylic acid

Medium: These peels penetrate deeper into the skin, producing a second-degree burn. Medium peels treat wrinkles, pigmentation problems, sun damage and blemishes. You will need at least a week to recover. You’ll also need several peels to achieve desired results. Common solution: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)

Deep: These peels target deep wrinkles, dramatic discoloration and skin lesions. Deep peels are the most effective, providing pronounced and long-lasting results. However, they are also riskier with longer recovery time—most people take two weeks off from work. A certified, experienced plastic surgeon must perform these peels. This peel is performed once. Common solution: Phenol

Consider your skin type. Be aware that a chemical peel is not always the best option for your skin type. These are several examples when a chemical peel isn’t appropriate or can be helpful. In most cases, a chemical peel should not be used on dry or sensitive skin. A peel might cause dryness, flakiness, itching and further inflammation. If you have inflammatory acne and deep cysts, you should also consult a dermatologist, as a chemical peel might not be the best treatment for those conditions.

Chemical peels are a good choice if you experience mild to moderate acne or acne scars: The acids in the peel work to both kill active blemishes on the surface and to prevent new blemishes from forming. By accelerating the exfoliation process, a chemical peel delivers clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Become an expert on your chemical peel. Before having the chemical peel, make sure you ask every question possible to ensure you are aware of the entire procedure and its potential complications.

Examples like; what strength is the peel? How many sessions will I need? What are the pros and cons? What kind of discomfort, pain and other reactions can I expect during the procedure? How should my skin react after the chemical peel?

Communication is key in making your chemical peel a safe experience. Clarify you are experiencing normal reactions or seek immediate attention if you think you are not. Remember if something doesn’t feel right, only you can speak up about it.

About two to four weeks prior to your chemical peel, the specialist will ask you to incorporate pre-care products into your daily regimen. These products are designed to thin out the skin’s surface, allowing the peel to penetrate deeper and evenly. Your medical expert might prescribe Retin-A, an AHA product or hydroquinone cream.

When using these new products, you might have to discontinue your old ones. Your specialist will give you specific information about what products to use and avoid.

Depending on the type of peel, your results might be subtle or dramatic. Every skin type reacts a bit differently. Be realistic about the results and fully understand to what degree the peel will improve your skin and whether you will need additional sessions to maintain results.

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