Posts Tagged ‘treatment’

New Approach Prevents Skin Cancer Using Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Friday, December 18th, 2009

Author: William Nelsonbr
Source: articleage.combr
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Every year there are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and
colon cancers combined. One in 5 Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime.
90% of skin cancers are caused by excessive sun exposure, yet fewer than 33
percent of adults, adolescents, and children routinely use sun protection.
Cancer prevention and early detection techniques could eliminate up to 100,000
cancer cases and 60,000 US cancer deaths each year. New technologies in the
evaluation and treatment of sun damaged skin could have a positive impact on
changing these statistics.
The same sunny weather that attracts so many tourists and new residents to the
sun-belt also increases the risk of skin cancer. The effects of chronic sun exposure
result in superficial sun spots that are visible and also invisible changes that occur
under the skins surface. Ultraviolet photography and photodynamic therapy (PDT)
are two recent developments that should help in the early detection and treatment
of both types of pre-cancerous skin lesions.
Early Detection with UV Photography
Ultraviolet (UV) photography offers a very useful screening tool to help the skilled
physician detect sun damaged skin that may not be visible upon a routine
examination.
Visual inspection can only detect changes on the skins surface, but damage due to
sun exposure occurs beneath the outer layer of skin,
The UV camera briefly shines ultraviolet light on the face. UV light is able to
penetrate 1.5-2.0 millimeters under the visible dead layer of skin and focus on the
actual living portion where sun damage originates. The advantage to the doctor and
the patient is that this technology allows for much earlier detection of skin problems
before they develop into pre-cancers that are visible on the skins surface. After
finishing the treatment plan, the doctor should take another UV photo to verify the
treatment efficacy. UV photography also helps evaluate other skin conditions
including acne, oil balance, hydration, inflammation, growths, fungi, pH, and thin
skin due to reduced collagen which makes it an ideal tool to evaluate all problem
skin.
After the damage to the deeper layers of skin, superficial signs of sun damage may
eventually appear on the surface. The most common surface lesion is known as
actinic keratoses (AK). AKs usually appear as rough or scaly patches. They may also
flake, crust, and may temporarily disappear and then return.
An AK is most likely to appear on the face, ears, scalp, neck, backs of the hands and
forearms, shoulders, and lips – the parts of the body most often exposed to
sunshine. The scaly patch may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, or a combination of
these…or the same color as your skin.
It is estimated that 10-20% of untreated AKs will develop into squamous cell
cancers. If treated early, almost all AKs can be eliminated without becoming skin
cancers. If you have AKs, it indicates that you have sustained sun damage and have
a higher risk for developing all types of skin cancer – not just squamous cell
carcinoma.
The more keratoses a person has, the greater the chance that one or more may turn
into skin cancer. People may also have up to 10 times as many subclinical (invisible)
lesions as visible, surface lesions. These invisible lesions were undetectable until
the development of the UV camera.
Treatment options
The most common treatment options for AKs have traditionally involved topical
ointment 5-FU (Effudex), laser resurfacing, or chemical peels. To avoid the
prolonged recovery period and possible scarring associated with these techniques,
photodynamic therapy has been developed.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the treatment of choice for the invisible deeper sun
damage as well as the visible pre-cancerous AK lesions. PDT involves a two step
process that has been proven effective in clinical testing. This treatment cleared
100% of the AKs in 2/3 of the patients after one treatment.
The first step is the application of a topical solution called Levulan. Abnormal cells
have a much greater affinity for the solution and absorb it while the healthy cells do
not. The solution is left on for an incubation period lasting anywhere from 15
minutes to 18 hours.
The second step of PDT is to apply a concentrated light source to activate the
chemical reaction which destroys the abnormal cells. Since the solution is absorbed
only in the damaged cells, the healthy cells are not affected. This process can cause
a mild burning sensation during the treatment. Usually, this improves immediately
after treatment and ends within 24 hours.
Following the treatment, most patients experience mild swelling, redness, and a
peeling of the AK lesions and the surrounding tissue. Patients choosing a more
aggressive treatment will experience more peeling and/or crusting of the damaged
skin that resolves within in one or two weeks. The doctor can easily control the
severity of these reactions by limiting the incubation period and the amount of
exposure to the light source.
Patients not willing to experience a prolonged recovery time after the procedure
may choose a more mild treatment and return to work after a day or two. The
tradeoff is that they will require more treatments to achieve the same clinical
results.
In addition to eliminating AKs and the subsurface skin damage, PDT has also been
effective in improving the appearance of the skin by greatly reducing moderate to
severe acne (including cystic acne), reducing color splotches, lessening the fine
lines, and decreasing pore size.
Anyone who currently has, has had, or wants to prevent AKs or pre-cancerous skin
lesions should be evaluated and treated using UV photography and photodynamic
therapy (PDT). Once a person has been successfully treated using this approach, it
is recommended they return for a yearly follow up to prevent future problems.
William Nelson, NMD is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and a member of the
American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Nelson specializes in treating
problem skin, reducing cellulite, and obesity by combining the latest medical
advances with safe, non-invasive natural therapies to improve the looks and the
health of his clients. Dr. Nelson is accepting new patients in his Scottsdale. He can
be reached at (480) 612-5048. http://www.iclearacne.combr
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How To Make Home Acne Treatments That Work

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Author: Dean Iggobr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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Making home acne treatments that work is not a difficult process if you have a well stocked kitchen. You could spend thousands with a specialized doctor or acne treatment center, but the best acne treatments are those that are all natural. Consider a home made treatment today, and start fighting your acne immediately with the products you keep in your household.

Try making a home acne treatment that works by making your own face wash. Mid together one millimeter of witch hazel, tea tree oil, sweet fennel oil, and essential oil of geranium. Add three hundred milliliters of water and shake. Take a cotton ball and dab your problem facial areas. This will not only clean your skin, it will also create a barrier that the acne causing bacteria cannot penetrate.
If you have a current acne breakout, apply aloe vera juice at least twice a day. It can help to speed up the healing process.

Another one of the best home acne treatments that work starts when you squeeze the juice of one lemon. Add an equal quantity of rose water. Apply this to your face. Let it sit for no less than thirty minutes. Wash your face with fresh, warm water. You want to repeat this process for fifteen days. After that time period, you should not experience problem acne again. If you do, repeat the entire procedure for an additional fifteen days.

Massage your skin with lemon skin each night before bed. Then wash your face with lukewarm water. This will help increase the circulation to the area, thereby fighting the acne causing bacteria.
Crush a garlic glove twice a day. Apply the remains to your face. While it may smell horrible, it will improve your complexion dramatically.

Using one of these acne treatments that work mean you can finally face yourself in the mirror each morning without acne anxiety./pbr
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Remove Whiteheads – Mine Are 100% Gone, Yours Can Be Too

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Author: Audrey Malonebr
Source: articlesbase.combr
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Dealing with the annoyance of whiteheads is something that really is not necessary if you are using an effective whitehead treatment and facial routine.What Exactly Are Whiteheads? Whiteheads are nasty looking pustules that can appear just about anywhere on the body, but mostly you see them on peoples faces.ÂThey are basically infected hair follicles that form bumps that are filled with oil, bacteria and dead skin cells.ÂWhen this all rises to the surface of the skin and cannot escape, it completely blocks the pores, causing the white pus-filled lesions calledÂclosed comedones or whiteheads.Should You Remove Whiteheads By Popping Them? It is a popular notion that popping whiteheads is a bad thing because popping them could spread the infection to other areas of the skin and cause the existing whiteheads to become worse and leave more scarring. Treatments to Remove Whiteheads Some treatments for whitehead removal which are popular include the following: Treating the whiteheads with products such as Benzoyl Peroxide or Retin-A – although not a cure, these products have been known to offer relief.ÂHowever, they can be irritating to the skin or cause excessive dryness and peeling. Using prescription antibiotics (topical or oral) is another common treatment which helps with infection, but it does little or nothing to actually get rid of the whiteheads. Accutane, also known as Isotretinoin, is another prescribed medication for comedones, but it is usually not prescribed for milder acne, like whiteheads, but for severe cystic acne.ÂThis medication is also known for inflicting very serious and dangerous side effects on people. Extracting the whiteheads (closed comedones) is a procedure that should be done by a qualified Dermatologist, but some people do it themselves with a comedone extractor.ÂBe careful.ÂIf this procedure is not performed correctly, it can cause damaging effects to your skin and not even remove the whiteheads, making them worse. The real key to success for removing whiteheads is following an effective facial routine which includes a system that works.ÂThe right skin care method is essential to getting rid of whiteheads and should be a high priority in your daily routine. Im Audrey and I had a face full of whiteheads and after trying a number of things to get rid of them that did not work, I found a way to remove whiteheads myself and now my face has been clear for over 5 years. Your face can finally be clear too with the treatment regimen I used. Get it right now by visiting: http://AcneControlTreatment.com/site – you dont have to suffer anymore.br
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pAudrey Malone is an administrative and communications specialist who loves to write. She has also discovered the way to cure her past severe acne problems and has written an eBook about how she did it. It is called, The Acne Control Treatment Guide to Clear Skin.

Whatever your endeavors, whatever your dreams, whatever your goals are, you are wished all the best with an abundance of love, peace and happiness!

Thanks for visiting./pbr
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Best Natural Acne Treatments For You

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Author: Dean Iggobr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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Finding the best natural acne treatments for you can be a bit difficult, but there are a number of them that you should try before you write them off all together.

bTea Tree Oil/b

One of the best natural acne treatments is tea tree oil. This can be found in a number of different products, including creams that can be applied topically. Holistic health professional hail tea tree oil as one of the great cures for acne. It helps to soothe your face while killing the bacteria that is known to cause acne. It is fairly fast acting, too, so you should be acne free in no time.

bBergamot Oil/b

Bergamot oil is one of many acne remedies that has been around for a long time. This naturally occurring product has a wonderful fragrance. It is the perfect spot treatment for annoying white heads, black heads, and red blemishes. It will calm the mind as well as the acne. It should not, though, be used at full strength unless you are under the guidance of a professional.

bClove Oil/b

Clove oil is certainly one of the best natural acne treatments. Mystics have known the medicinal properties of cloves for centuries, but in the Western world, we seem to be just discovering them. Clove must be paired with another oil to be applied to the skin, but once you apply it, it is very fast acting. If you feel a breakout coming on, applying some clove oil will take care of it quickly.

bLavender Oil/b

Lavender oil works as an antibacterial agent. It fights the bacteria on your skin to prevent future breakouts. It is very soothing as well.

If you intend to use one of these best natural acne treatments, you might want to consult a homeopathic professional for detailed instructions prior to use./pbr
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Finding The Best Treatment For Adult Acne

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Author: Dean Iggobr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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Finding the best treatment for adult acne is not always an easy process, but if you suffer from adult acne, you may find that searching for treatments is completely necessary. Unlike the eighty five percent of teenagers who suffer from acne, only eight percent of adults have problem acne. As a result, it is an embarrassing affliction that causes most sufferers a low self-esteem level. Just like in high school, you may even feel teased by those around you because of your problem skin condition. Most adults who suffer from this horrible affliction have been treating their problem for years with various products. Some work, and some dont. Curing it is just a matter of finding the best treatment for adult acne.

One of the best methods of treatment is a holistic approach. Including concerns like diet, nutrition, and stress levels in your approach to acne means fewer outbreaks to deal with. You can control your acne through your diet by including as many servings of fruits and vegetables in your diet as you can. You should switch to whole grains whenever possible, and be sure to drink as much water as you can hold. Moreover, you should consider adding Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and zinc to your line up of supplements. Lowering your stress level with a weekly massage is also the best treatment for adult acne, as it can increase circulation, which can help your body fight acne causing bacteria.

While the best treatment for adult acne is a holistic approach, the prescription medications that are on the market also get good marks. Visit with your doctor to see if one of them is right for you. They can have some pretty serious side effects, but they do seem to work, according to most consumer review websites./pbr
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Causes Of Cystic Acne

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

Author: Dean Iggo
Source: articledashboard.com

It took scientists years to determine the causes of cystic acne. Cystic acne works when tiny holes in your skin, called pores, become plugged with bacteria, sweat, and dirt. For most people, the cycle stops at a pimple, but for some, the pimple goes on to form a deep rooted, painful cyst. These can be seen on the face and the trunk of the body. The most common cause is heredity.

If your parents had cystic acne, you are destined to get it too. However, it could also be cause by odd levels of certain hormones in your body. Many women experience cystic acne around the time of their menstrual cycle. Extensive sweat can also be a factor in cystic acne. Certain medications you may be taking can also contribute to cystic acne. The causes of cystic acne are varied, but no matter what the cause, those painful cysts on your face simply aren’t going to disappear by themselves.

Cystic acne has a number of different treatments. One of the most popular methods of remedy is Isotretinoin. It is a pill that is taken for fifteen to twenty weeks depending on the severity of the acne. It does, though, cause some serious side effects. In women, it can cause birth related side effects like miscarriages or birth defects. It cannot be used in conjunction with a pregnancy, and if a girl is using Isotretinoin, she must also use two types of birth control to ensure that no fetus is conceived. Other serious side effects can occur, so if you are considering this remedy, talk to a doctor first.

There are a number of natural home remedy products that fight the causes of cystic acne. From facial scrubs to creams, you should investigate all of them before you make your final purchase.

Acne Treatment For Beginners

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

Author: Riana Jones
Source: ezinearticles.com

Acne is such a common problem amongst teenagers – but it can also affect people of any age. It is caused by a complicated problem involving the sebaceous gland and hair follicles which are found in higher densities on the skin and neck which is why this is the most common region of acne outbreaks. Is there anything you can do about acne though or is it something you just have to put up with?

Luckily there are loads of acne products that can help you to get clearer skin. There is no outright cure – although most people tend to get over their acne when they reach around the age of 20 – but there are lots of treatments that can help minimize outbreaks to help you feel more comfortable with your skin.

The type of treatment you get should be recommended by your dermatologist and will depend on the severity of your outbreak. Mild and moderate acne are usually treated with the over the counter products that you see in the shop while severe or cystic acne must be treated directly by a dermatologist.

It’s important to remember that nearly everyone will have acne at some point in their lives so it is nothing to be ashamed of. If you feel that you need more information about it or think that you need treatment it is always a good idea to go and visit your doctor who will be able to give you sound medical advice and refer you to a dermatologist if required.

To find out more about acne in general as well as the quickest home acne remedies please visit quickhomeremediesforacne.com.

A New Look At Natural Acne Treatments

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Author: Nathan James
Source: isnare.com

There’s a confusing array of product claims and treatment methods for acne that make it difficult for acne sufferers to determine their best course of action. The fact that there are several forms of acne, including cystic acne and the common acne vulgaris, complicates the picture. While the medical community does not have a cure for severe acne, there are a variety of products that will subdue moderate cases of acne and provide the sufferer with clear skin once again. Among these effective products are natural acne treatments that provide viable alternatives to the use of antibiotic medicines and ointments.

Natural remedies are derived from plants that have been used for generations because of their medicinal properties. The prestigious National Institutes of Health recently formed the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Health to evaluate the efficacy of herbal remedies by funding controlled scientific studies. Herbal remedies can be effective natural acne treatments.

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for acne because there is a known bacterial component to cases of acne but certain herbs like Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolio) have known antibacterial properties as well. A soap made from Echinacea and other herbal ingredients is a viable antibiotic facial cleanser that helps fight and clear acne. This type of soap is also used for eczema, psoriasis, and acne rosacea. Scientific studies show that Echinacea helps the body provide the proper enzymes at the cellular level to protect cells against invasion by bacteria. Echinacea’s ability to aid in wound healing is beneficial not only for acne but also for insect bites and burns.

Echinacea is the hardy purple coneflower that is a staple of roadside plantings and home gardens. A more exotic and expensive herbal acne treatment is tea tree oil. There are over 300 species of tea tree but only one species (Melaleuca Alteronifolia) found in New South Wales, Australia is known to have antibacterial properties. Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the tree and is four to five times stronger than household disinfectants in killing bacteria. At the same time, tea tree oil is gentle to the skin. Tea tree oil is effective in killing the bacteria even in pus and will cause the body to eliminate pus from inside a pimple. Tea tree oil also acts as a mild local anesthetic which reduces discomfort and also helps to eliminate the red irritation from the skin, improving appearance and reducing acne social problems. Tea tree oil is readily available from herbal suppliers and is simply applied to the affected area with a Q-tip. Tea tree oil is used sparingly.

Witch hazel is not just a brand name but an actual herb (Hamamelis virginiana) that is still recommended as a topical astringent and natural acne remedy. When using these topical acne treatments it is important to be gentle. While it seems to make sense to attempt to vigorously scrub away the offending acne, both medical doctors and herbalists recommend a gentle face washing with even just the fingers as the best approach. Scrubbing merely dries the skin and causes it to produce more oils that are implicated as one of the causes of acne. Don’t over-wash either; specialists recommend washing the face just twice a day.

Along with topical products, herbal dietary supplements can be beneficial as a natural acne treatment as well. Burdock root (Arctium lappa) has long been used to treat boils and abscesses and is an acne treatment. One of the reported properties of burdock root is that it will bring problem-causing agents out of the bloodstream, thus potentially making a condition seem to worsen rather than improve. However, the theory behind its use states that it is simply eliminating toxic elements from the body and providing healing properties. When used as an acne treatment, herbalists recommend that topical burdock root be applied as well as taking a supplement that contains burdock. Burdock is typically combined with dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) and golden seal root (Hydrastis Canadensis). Golden seal root was once used to prevent pitting of the skin caused by smallpox. Herbalists also recommend red clover (Trifolium pratense). All of these ingredients are implicated in improving skin conditions. Be sure to take these supplements only in the dosage indicated by the manufacturer or your herbalist.

Diet plays an important role in overall health and maintenance of healthy skin. A balanced diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits provides the necessary vitamins and minerals to support clear skin. A diet containing lots of vitamin A may lower sebum production and excessive sebum is one of the contributing causes of acne. The various B vitamins, especially vitamin B-6, can be beneficial as it is needed for proper metabolism of steroid hormones and sexual hormones are implicated in acne. Zinc is promoted as a cure for acne but there seem to be as many studies against zinc supplements as there are ones that promote zinc as an acne treatment. These vitamins are available as supplements but again, more isn’t always better; follow label dosing instructions.

There are plenty of old wives tales surrounding diet and acne outbreaks. Chocolate and fried foods have long been blamed for acne but there is no evidence to support this. However, the link between acne and dairy products is being subjected to scientific studies. A study published in the medical journal Dermatology in early 2005 found a link between teen acne and consumption of dairy products. For those whose acne is aggravated by dairy consumption, eliminating dairy products promotes clear skin. Another misconception is that acne is caused by dirt because the pores are clogged. Thinking that dirt is a cause of acne prompts sufferers to possibly over-wash the face and further aggravate the acne condition. Wearing make-up doesn’t cause acne either; look for modern cosmetics that are non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), oil-free (water-based) and hypoallergenic (no added fragrance).

Acne isn’t just a teen-age condition and adults suffer from acne as well. The natural acne remedies have provided relief from acne symptoms for people of all ages.