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How to Naturally Get Rid of Blackheads

admin — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 06:02:43 +0000

A dermatological term for a blackhead is an open comedo. It is basically a mixture of skin debris, sebum or oil and bacteria on the skin that become solidified and finally protrude from a wide open pore. Once exposed to oxygen in the air, the top part of it gets oxidized and turns black. Blackheads do not necessarily become serious problems. In some cases, however, the bacteria may multiply and cause inflammation in the surrounding skin tissues.

Blackheads are ugly plugs of hardened oil and dead skin cells that may appear if the skin is not cleansed thoroughly every day. Proper and regular cleansing of the skin will help remove impurities and blackheads.

A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle help prevent the formation of blackheads. A blackhead is best left alone to go away on its own. However, you may feel the need to personally remove them and there are many natural methods available to help you get rid of blackheads.

There are many homemade recipes for blackhead removers. One of the easiest and most effective ways is to mix 1 tbsp. of unflavored gelatin with 1 ½ tbsp. of milk. Heat the mixture in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, then remove promptly and stir until well-blended. Wash your face with warm water to widen the pores and dry it with a clean towel. Apply the cream over blackheads. Avoid the areas around your eyes. Leave it on your face for about 15 to 30 minutes or until the cream is completely dry. Then carefully peel it off and wash your face with cold water to close the pores.

If your blackheads are located on your nose (a common site for blackheads) you can purchase blackhead remover strips that work to lift layer after layer of skin until the blackhead is successfully removed. These blackhead remover strips can be purchased at drugstores everywhere.

Green Tea mixed with a little bit of water makes a great scrub for sensitive skin that suffers from blackheads. I suggest using this for those hard to clean areas, like the edges of the nose.

Astringents also work well to prevent and reduce episodes of blackheads. You can also try basic rubbing alcohol applied using a Q-tip to attack problem areas.

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Treatment for Acne

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 22:06:41 +0000

Antibiotics used in the treatment of acne

Some of the common antibiotics that are used in the treatment of acne are tetracycline and erythromycin. Tetracycline is the most widely prescribed antibiotic for acne. This antibiotic must be taken on an empty stomach. Tetracycline is never prescribed to children under the age of nine years. It is not prescribed to women during their pregnancy.

Another antibiotic that is commonly prescribed by the physician in the treatment of acne is erythromycin. The anti-inflammatory properties of erythromycin play a significant role in reducing the irritation of the skin and the redness associated with the acne. It also helps in killing the acne causing bacteria present on the skin. Another advantage of this antibiotic is that it can even be prescribed by the dermatologist to pregnant women. But it is known to cause nausea in some people.

Other antibiotics used in the treatment of acne are minocycline and doxycycline. Doxycycline is often used to treat people who do not respond to erythromycin or tetracycline or in some cases where the person suffering from acne cannot tolerate erythromycin or tetracycline.

Topical antibiotics used in the treatment of acne

Topical antibiotics are extensively prescribed by the dermatologists in the treatment of acne. Topical antibiotics are highly effective as they work by killing the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. These bacteria are present on the surface of the skin and they are present in all individuals. However, research has found that people suffering from acne show increased numbers of these bacteria on the skin. The bacteria cause an increase in the number of the white blood cells and this result in an inflammatory response causing redness and acne. Topical antibiotics kill the acne causing bacteria and reduce the redness and inflammation of the skin. Some of the widely used topical antibiotics are clindamycin, erythromycin and metronidazole.

Face washes can be used in the treatment of acne

Another line of treatment is the use of face washes. Some dermatologists can prescribe face washes that are available in supermarkets or in the pharmacy. These face washes when used regularly help to keep the face clean and oil free and may help in reducing the severity of the acne.

Natural remedies in the treatment of acne

One of the most popular natural remedy used in the treatment of acne is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is applied to the skin topically in its diluted form. It acts on the acne by killing the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. Another natural remedy used to treat acne is turmeric. Turmeric powder is mixed with a few drops of milk and applied to the acne. Turmeric has anti bacteria properties which help to kill the acne causing bacteria on the skin. Another treatment that is highly recommended by the herbalists is aloe vera. Aloe Vera is applied topically to the acne. It has a soothing effect on the skin and helps in reducing the redness and the inflammation. Many soaps and gels containing aloe vera are now available in supermarkets.

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Causes of Acne

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:03:26 +0000

Acne is a common skin disease which is characterized by the appearance of pimples on the face, chest, and back. It is an inflammatory condition involving the sebaceous glands of the skin.

Mechanism in the formation of acne

The hair follicle of the skin is surrounded by the sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland secretes sebum. Sebum is an oily and waxy secretion that protects the skin and keeps the skin waterproof. The sebaceous gland is connected to the hair follicle by the sebaceous duct. The sebum secreted by the sebaceous gland is released into the sebaceous duct. The sebaceous glands are distributed over the entire body except the palms and soles. They are present most abundantly on the scalp, face and the neck. When the production of the sebum increases it may lead to the blocking of the sebaceous duct. This results in the production of the acne.

Acne commonly occurs during puberty

The sebaceous glands are large and well developed at birth. They gradually shrink in size during childhood but enlarge again at the time of puberty. They secrete excess amount of sebum during puberty. This may lead to the blocking of the sebaceous duct, thereby resulting in the formation of acne. Studies have suggested that excessive production of sebum during puberty may be triggered by increased levels of a hormone called testosterone. Testosterone surge occurs during puberty. This hormone plays an important role in stimulating the growth and the development of the penis and testicles in boys. Testosterone is also necessary for building up muscle and bone strength in girls. The sebaceous glands are particularly sensitive to hormones. So it is thought that the increased testosterone causes the glands to produce much more sebum than the skin actually needs.

Women are more likely to suffer from acne than men

According to some dermatologists many cases of adult acne are a result of the changes in hormone levels that many women will experience at certain points during their life. Possible causes of acne in women are listed below:

Menstrual cycle

Some women experience flare up of their acne just before their periods are due. This may be caused as a result of increased levels of the hormone progesterone and estrogen.

Pregnancy

Many women experience flare up of their acne during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is again attributed to the hormonal changes in the pregnant woman.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

This is a common condition and it may lead to weight gain and formation of acne in some women.

Acne may be caused due to increased numbers of bacteria present on the skin surface

Propionibacterium acnes, is a bacteria that is normally present on the surface of the skin. The bacteria use sebum as a nutrient for its growth. Hence it is a normal inhabitant of the skin surface. Research has found that people suffering from acne show increased numbers of these bacteria on the skin. Due to the increased numbers of the bacteria, there is an increase in the number of the protective white blood cells which is an immune response of the body to fight these bacteria. These white blood cells, in the process of fighting the bacteria, secrete various enzymes. This results in an inflammatory response which in turn causes the formation of papules, pustules and acne.

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How to Remove Blackheads

admin — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:23:05 +0000

Tretinoin is used to treat blackheads

One of the most commonly used medications in the treatment of blackheads is tretinoin. Tretinoin is an acid form of vitamin A. Tretinoin is also known as Retin-A, Avita or Renova. It helps expel the plugged material thereby returning the blocked pore to normal.

Treatment for blackheads with the help of benzyl peroxide

Benzyl peroxide is known for its anti-bacterial properties. Regular use of benzyl peroxide may help to reduce the chemical reaction that plays a significant role in changing the lining of the hair follicle. This may also help to reduce the plugging that results in the formation of the comedones. Benzyl peroxide may be used in the treatment of a mild case of blackheads. It can also be used in the early stages in order to cure the existing blackheads and to help prevent formation of others.

Extraction of blackheads

A dermatologist or a heath care professional may also suggest extraction as a treatment for blackheads. Extraction can be used to remove open comedones. It is a surgical process and it is performed by the dermatologist with the help of an instrument known as comedone extractor.

Home remedies used in the treatment of blackheads

Some home remedies can be used with excellent results in the treatment of blackheads. The most commonly used home remedies are listed below.

1. Turmeric

One of the most effective and commonly used home remedy is turmeric. A pinch of turmeric is mixed with a few drops of milk and applied to the blackheads. It helps to reduce the clogging of the pores and has anti bacteria properties.

2. Cinnamom

Another commonly used remedy is cinnamon. A paste of cinnamon is made by mixing cinnamon powder with a few drops of honey. It is applied to the blackheads and washed off after it dries.

3. Cucumber juice

Cucumber juice can also be applied to the blackheads. Cucumber juice is refreshing and has a cleansing effect on the comedones.

4. Egg white

Egg can be used in the removal of the blackheads. Egg white can be applied to the face. Once the face becomes dry ,then gently wash the face with lukewarm water. While washing, the face can be scrubbed gently to remove the blackheads.

5. Orange peel

Some people recommend the use of an orange peel to remove the blackheads. Orange peel can be used as a facial scrub.

Use of face washes in the treatment of blackheads

The main aim in the prevention of the blackheads is to keep the skin oil free and clean. This can be achieved with the frequent and regular washing of the face with the help of face washes or even plain water. Face washes with antibacterial properties can also be used in the treatment of blackheads. These face washes are now available in supermarkets and can also be purchased over the counter in pharmacies. Regular exfoliation of the skin also helps to prevent blackheads by opening up the pores.

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Causes of Blackheads

admin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:39:51 +0000

Blackheads are also called open comedones. Blackheads are follicles or pores which have an opening that is wider than normal. These openings are filled with sebum, keratin and dead sloughed off cells. A blackhead is a type of acne vulgaris.

Causes of Blackheads

Blackheads are caused by hormonal imbalance

The hair follicle on the surface of the skin is is surrounded by the sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland secretes sebum. Sebum is an oily and waxy secretion and it contains fats. The main function of the sebum is to protect the surface of the skin and to keep the skin waterproof. The sebaceous glands are distributed over the entire body except the palms and soles. They are present most abundantly on the scalp, face and the neck.

The sebaceous gland is connected to the hair follicle by the sebaceous duct. The sebum secreted by the sebaceous gland is released into the sebaceous duct. When the production of the sebum increases it may lead to the blocking of the sebaceous duct. As a result the excess amount of the sebum is accumulated in the sebaceous duct as well as the hair follicle. Along with the sebum the sloughed off dead cells also get accumulated in the blocked duct and the clogged pore. When the pore is exposed to the air or the sun the melanin inside it gets oxidized. Melanin is a pigment secreted by skin cells known as melanocytes. Melanin is responsible for the color of the skin. Due to the oxidation of the melanin the pore becomes black or darkish in color. As a result the blackheads appear as yellowish dark or black little bumps embedded into the pores of the skin.The skin surrounding the blackheads may appear rough and of an uneven texture.

Blackheads often appear during pregnancy or when a woman is nearing her periods. Blackheads also affect women suffering from polycystic ovarian disease due to the hormonal imbalance.

Blackheads are a common occurrence during puberty

The sebaceous glands in the skin are large and well developed at the time of birth. They gradually shrink in size during childhood but enlarge again at the time of puberty. They secrete excess amount of sebum during puberty. This may lead to the blocking of the sebaceous duct, thereby resulting in the formation of blackheads. During puberty there is hormones imbalance as the body undergoes many changes in terms of growth of the sexual and the reproductive organs. These hormonal surges can also cause the sebaceous glands to go into an overdrive and secrete increased amounts of sebum. This causes blockage of the duct and clogging of the pores.

Blackheads may occur due to application of makeup

Application of makeup and excessive use of moisturizers and sunscreens can make skin very oily thereby causing clogged pores and development of blackheads.

Blackheads may be caused as a result of oily and unhygienic skin

Blackheads are commonly caused on an oily skin. If the skin is kept unclean it also leads to accumulation of the dead skin cells in the hair follicles thereby leading to clogged pores and formation of blackheads.

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What are Blackheads

admin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:19:15 +0000

What are Blackheads?

Blackheads are also called open comedones. Blackheads are tiny, dark spots which are caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle or pore on the skin. A blackhead is a type of acne vulgaris.

Appearance of Blackheads

Blackheads are follicles or pores which have an opening that is wider than normal. These openings are filled with sebum, keratin and dead sloughed off cells. Sebum is an oily waxy and fatty secretion that is produced by the sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland releases the sebum into the sebaceous duct. This sebaceous duct is connected to the hair follicle. The sebum is a fluid that is secreted in order to protect the skin and make it waterproof. The sebaceous glands are distributed over the entire body except the palms and soles. They are present most abundantly on the scalp, face and the neck.

When the pore is filled with sebum and sloughed off cells it becomes clogged. The sebum plug then undergoes a chemical reaction. This results in the oxidation of melanin. Melanin is a pigment which is responsible for the skin color. Oxidation of melanin gives a black appearance to the comedone. So it is known as blackhead. Blackheads appear as small, flesh-colored black bumps. They can also appear as yellowish little bumps embedded into the pores of the skin .The skin surrounding the blackheads may appear rough and of an uneven texture.

Blackheads most commonly occur on the nose, ears and other parts of the face.

Mechanism in the formation of Blackheads

According to some medical practitioners, blackheads are the first stage in the development of acne. Propionibacterium acnes, is a bacterium that is normally present on the surface of the skin. These bacteria use the sebum as their main source of nutrition. During puberty or during hormonal changes in the body the sebaceous glands enlarge resulting in an increased production of sebum. The excess amount of sebum then gets deposited into the sebaceous duct. From the sebaceous duct it is transferred into the hair follicle. This results in clogging of the pore and the sebaceous duct. When the pore is exposed to air then it turns black in color due to the oxidation of melanin. There are many conditions that may cause blackheads or lead to the aggravation of the existing blackheads. Some of these causes are the use of topical oils and also the use of makeup which may lead to the blocking of the sebaceous duct and clogging of the pore. Blackheads are more likely to develop on an oily skin. They also occur commonly during pregnancy and puberty when the body is going through hormonal changes which lead to the excessive production of the sebum. Blackheads are more common in women than in men. Blackheads affect people more commonly in their teenage years.

Many people tend to remove the blackheads by squeezing them with fingers. This may result in the blackhead getting infected and further blocking of the sebaceous duct.

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Treatment for Rosacea

admin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:44:31 +0000

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. It is not contagious. It occurs as a result of inflammation of the capillaries or the blood vessels that are present under the surface of facial skin. It causes redness and flushing of the face. It commonly affects the forehead and the cheeks. This condition is usually harmless unless it affects the eyes.

Diagnosis of Rosacea

There are no specific procedures or laboratory tests to diagnose rosacea. The doctor reaches a diagnosis after examining the facial skin and asking about the symptoms and factors that trigger the onset of these symptoms.

Rosacea treatment is mainly targeted at symptomatic relief

There is no permanent cure for rosacea. But the attacks of rosacea can be reduced simply by avoiding the trigger factors.

Treatment is mainly targeted at relief of the symptoms.

Many cases of rosacea are mild. The patchy redness on the face can usually be treated with the help of normal cosmetics or antibiotic creams and lotions.

Topical ointments

These are used to relieve the inflammation and redness of the face. They are applied to the skin once or twice a day,

Oral antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are prescribed mainly because of their anti inflammatory properties. They are more effective in reducing the redness and inflammation of the skin as compared to the topical creams.

Treatment for Ocular Rosacea

When the rosacea affects the eyes and eyelids it is called ocular rosacea. It causes inflammation and redness of the eyes and the eyelids. There is burning pain and excessive lacrimation or watering of the eyes. The symptoms can be relieved by washing the eyes frequently with warm water. Some eye drops can be prescribed by the doctor in order to reduce the redness and burning pain of the eyes.

A rare but extremely serious complication of ocular rosacea is keratitis. Keratitis is the inflammation of cornea. If left untreated it may lead to corneal damage, resulting in visual impairment and even blindness. See a doctor urgently if you develop any eye pain or visual problems.

There is no cure for rosacea. Some steps can be taken in order to avoid the triggering factors that lead to the onset of rosacea.

Stress is one of the leading trigger factors in the onset of rosacea. Practicing relaxation techniques and meditation helps in reducing stress. If stress and embarrassment are a result of rosacea symptoms you can consider the option of talking to a professional counselor.

·   Avoid exposure to sunlight. Use broad spectrum sunscreen while going out in the sun.
·   Avoid hot and spicy food if that is one of the trigger factors for your rosacea.
·   Avoid excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol if that leads to flare up of the symptoms of rosacea.
·   Avoid the use of over the counter steroid creams unless they have been prescribed to you by your doctor.
·   Avoid using saunas and hot baths. Also avoid getting too hot which may cause the existing symptoms to flare up.

Treatment for Rosacea

Diagnosis of Rosacea
There are no specific procedures or laboratory tests to diagnose rosacea. The doctor reaches a diagnosis after examining the facial skin and asking about the symptoms and factors that trigger the onset of these symptoms.

Rosacea treatment is mainly targeted at symptomatic relief
There is no permanent cure for rosacea. But the attacks of rosacea can be reduced simply by avoiding the trigger factors. Treatment is mainly targeted at relief of the symptoms.
Many cases of rosacea are mild. The patchy redness on the face can usually be treated with the help of normal cosmetics or antibiotic creams and lotions.

Topical ointments
These are used to relieve the inflammation and redness of the face. They are applied to the skin once or twice a day,

Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are prescribed mainly because of their anti inflammatory properties. They are more effective in reducing the redness and inflammation of the skin as compared to the topical creams.

Treatment for Ocular Rosacea
When the rosacea affects the eyes and eyelids it is called ocular rosacea. It causes inflammation and redness of the eyes and the eyelids. There is burning pain and excessive lacrimation or watering of the eyes. The symptoms can be relieved by washing the eyes frequently with warm water. Some eye drops can be prescribed by the doctor in order to reduce the redness and burning pain of the eyes.
A rare but extremely serious complication of ocular rosacea is keratitis. Keratitis is the inflammation of cornea. If left untreated it may lead to corneal damage, resulting in visual impairment and even blindness. See a doctor urgently if you develop any eye pain or visual problems.

There is no cure for rosacea. Some steps can be taken in order to avoid the triggering factors that lead to the onset of rosacea.
· Stress is one of the leading trigger factors in the onset of rosacea. Practicing relaxation techniques and meditation helps in reducing stress. If stress and embarrassment are a result of rosacea symptoms you can consider the option of talking to a professional counselor.

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Causes of Rosacea

admin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:07:25 +0000

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by facial redness and development of papules and pustules on the face.

The capillaries or the small blood vessels that are present beneath the surface of the skin become engorged. As a result of which they become visible on the skin in the form of small red lines. This gives the appearance of a permanent blush and facial redness. In this condition scarring does not occur.

The exact causes of rosacea are yet to be determined. But some of the risk factors are as follows:

Disorders of the facial capillaries causes rosacea

Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that are present in the surface of the skin. Inflammation of these facial capillaries leads to their enlargement. This results in a flushing appearance of the face and red patches. What causes the inflammation of the facial capillaries is not known. Some studies have suggested that the inflammation of the blood vessels may be caused as a result of abnormal immune reactions.

Rosacea is more common in fair skinned people

People with a Caucasian background and light skinned people have shown a higher incidence of rosacea compared to other races and ethnicity.

Rosacea is linked to higher numbers of demodex folliculorum

Demodex follicularum is a tiny mite that lives on the human skin. It is usually harmless and does not cause any problems.But in people affected by rosacea the presence of demodex follicularum has been found in significantly high numbers.

Rosacea is known to run in some families

Genetic predisposition may play a role in the development of rosacea. In many cases of rosacea there is usually a close relative who also suffers from the same condition.

Helicobacter pylori may cause rosacea

Some studies have suggested that H. pylori, a bacteria found in the intestine may be linked to the inflammation of the blood vessels of the face leading to the development of rosacea. This bacteria stimulates the production of bradykinin, a protein known to cause dilation of the blood vessels, thereby increasing the blood flow and leading to their enlargement.

Rosacea is triggered by a number of factors. Some of the common aggravating factors for rosacea are detailed as below:

Hot foods and hot drinks may aggravate the existing symptoms
Excessive intake of caffeine may worsen the facial erythema or redness.
Dairy products have been linked to the attack of rosacea in some people.
Hot baths and saunas may trigger rosacea symptoms.
Consumption of spicy, greasy and oily food has been linked to the attacks of rosacea.
Exposure to sunlight or bright light may bring on the inflammation and engorgement of the facial blood vessels thereby triggering the attack of rosacea.
Use of corticosteroids is also associated with the triggering of the symptoms of rosacea.
Symptoms of rosacea may appear after vigorous exercise
Stress and anxiety flare up the inflammation of facial capillaries and cause redness of the face.
Some acute medical conditions like fever, cough and cold are also the known trigger factors for rosacea.

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