Greatest facts of Pimples and Acne

Acne is an extremely common skin condition that affects most individuals at least once during their lifetime. The incidence of acne peaks at 18 years of age, but substantial number of men and women aged 20-40 are also affected. Although it does not pose as a severe physical threat, acne should not be ignored since it may cause a great deal of emotional stress, anguish and depression.

WHAT CAUSES ACNE?

Acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous units in the dermis (the inner layer of the skin). These pilosebaceous units consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous glands are connected to the skin surface by: 1 duct through which the hair shaft during puberty, there is an increase in the sexhormones in both sexes under the influence of increased sex hormones, these sebaceous glands increase in size and produce larger amounts of sebum. Also, at the same time, there is an increased bui1d—up of keratin on the outer most layer of the skin. Increased build up of sebum and keratin may lead to clogged pores. The clogging of the pores will result in non-inflammatory acne, also known as comedowns (whiteheads and blackheads). Inflammatory acne is a result of the growth of P acnes bacteria in the sebaceous glands. The inflammatory acne may appear reddened, raised (known as papule), contain pus (known as pustule), and can rupture spontaneously. This inflammatory acne is the one that causes permanent scarring.


TREATMENT

Topical (directly applied to the skin) antibiotics are effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne; an agent such as clindamycin has proven to be an effective treatment. Topical application of antibiotics significantly reduces the number of papules and pustules in patients with inflammatory acne. Topical antibiotics are available in gels and solutions and the medication applied will depend on the patient’s skin type and preference. Individuals with oily skin can use the solution as it has a slightly drying effect and can also reduce oiliness. Those with normal skin may opt for gel as it is non-drying and retains moisture to prevent dehydration. Lastly, if you have inflammatory acne, please seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist before you start treatment as they may be able to provide you with the proper counseling on acne management.

Infantile acne, a rare condition affecting male infants, is associated with subsequent severe acne vulgaris in adolescence. There seems to be a link between increased levels of androgen or male sex hormones, and the heightened secretion of sebum at puberty. Only a qualified medical specialist can assess and treat this seemingly hereditary condition.

The application of oil and grease on the skin, mostly from cosmetics, leads to another common condition known as acne cosmetic. Thus, if you're prone to pimples or whiteheads, look for oil-free makeup and those specifically marked "non- comedogenic" or "non— acnegenic." But even natural oil from the scalp can cause acne around the hairline, which is still classified as acne cosme-tica. And regular contact with mineral and cooking oils among kitchen workers can make the condition worse. isolating the because acne cosmetica can show up on your face within 24 hours after using a new product, or it may take weeks to develop. The rule, therefore, is to introduce new cosmetics one at a time at two—week (or longer) intervals.

Chemical acne affects people who are sensitive to iodine and bromides, and most commonly appears around the mouth as whiteheads, blackheads, or little red pimples. It can also be caused by exposure to certain chemicals and oils in the environs, and results in acne in unusual sites, such as on the legs. Chemical acne can crop up within hours of your having eaten food high in iodine (e.g. seafood and processed foods high in iodized salt), or taken medications or vitamins containing iodine or bromides. — Some drugs can trigger or aggravate existing acne by stimulating oil production in the skin. Among the most commonly used of these drugs are: androgens, barbiturates, ionized, rifampicin, lithium, bromides, and iodides. If topical treatment fails to effect a cure, lorig·term therapy)' (sometimes lasting up to six months) with low-dose antibiotics may be resorted to under a doct0r's supervision. This treatment attacks the bacteria on the skin and lessens inflammation as well as sebum production. Cystic acne can also be injected (in a doct0r's clinic) with a weak corticosteroid solution to "deflate" it and thus avoid scarring. Perhaps the most popular treatment for acne these days involves the use of retinoid. These drugs reduce oil production and have a drying effect on the skin, but must be taken cautiously because they may cause liver damage and other serious problems.

Speed Up Your Brain in 2 hours

The nutrient is called DHA. It is an Omega-3 essential PUFA. Our body can’t synthesize essential fatty acids or EFAs as they are known, so they have to be supplied by our diets. DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid, a type of "good fat" found in abundance in deep- sea fatty fish.


To study the effects of DHA on the brain, Japanese researchers measured the brain waves (the ones linked to learning and memory) of 26 healthy volunteers. The volunteers were given DHA supplements or placebos and two hours later the researchers measured the brainwaves again. The results were impressive. Although the researchers found no change in the placebo group. Those given DHA showed significantly faster brain waves. Researchers concluded, "Here is an exciting substance that can improve brain function."


It seems that DHA and other Omega-3 essential fatty acids are also critical for the early development of infants’ brains. A number of studies have linked DHA deficiency to lower scores on tests of cognition and visual ability. Suggesting a direct link between DHA and intelligence. Bottle-feeding can result in low levels of the essential fatty acids. The World Health Organization is recommending that infant milk formulations be fortified with DHA and other Omega-3 fatty acids equivalent to the levels found in breast milk, Food and infant formula manufacturers are hearing this message, according to Dr, Robert Gibson, Research Director (Pediatric and Nutrition) at the Flinders Medical Center in Australia. Low levels of DHA are also found in many adults. Smoking and alcohol destroys it. A pregnant woman can lose up to a third of her DHA to her growing baby and it can take up to three years for her to replenish her stores. Today, all doctors encourage their pregnant patients to take foliate (iron). Now, some are asking will DHA, too, become essential pregnancy supplements. More studies are needed to assess the DHA levels in Asians who typically eat lots of fish and seafood. Does this make them more intelligent? Westerners who eat little or no fish have been found to have DHA levels so low that they can't be detected.

Quick tips on hygiene care for period

Between tampons and sanitary pads, opt for the latter. Studies done in the U.S. suggest that use of tampons may lead to endometriosis, a painful menstrual disorder.

Change pads or tampons every three hours, even on days when your flow is light. Blood is a good culture medium for bacteria and fungal. Infrequent changing may lead to vaginal infection. It has also been suspected to cause or worsen endometrlesls.

Take an iron supplement during your period and the week afterwards, especially all you suffer from anemia. Symptoms of anemic disorder Include paleness around the lips and the inner side of the lower lids, as well as migraine headaches during your period. Ask your doctor about the right dosage.

If prone to migraine during your period, avoid the three C's-coffee, cheese, and chocolates. And make sure you get enough sleep.