Acne Medicine Man

Much has been written over the years as to why we
have acne. Where does it come from? How do I get rid of it? Which treatments are truly effective and which are pure bunk?

For the most part, finding and treating acne has been heavily dependent on medical science and the scientific way to treat acne. Of course, that is to say treat it with drugs and medications but is there a natural way to treat this menace of our youth and beyond?

Most researchers will tell you that due to the underlying causes of acne, most natural approaches to treatment have very low success rate. My research indicates that this is not true at all.

Yes, there are many different causes that can be associated with an outbreak of acne and it is vitally important that before any treatment program that you check with your physician or dermatologist to determine what they consider to be the root cause but natural treatments do exist and many of them are quite effective.

Finding out which natural acne products are most effective is really just the beginning. Nearly every natural approach to fighting acne involves a plan of action and your ability to follow through.

It’s really not any different than taking powerful antibiotics or other medication prescribed by your doctor. You must have a plan of action and follow it precisely or successful treatment of your acne will never happen.

Remember, there is no cure for acne. It can only be treated and controlled. So no matter which plan of action you decide to take in your battle with it, you must be willing to follow directions. So, in the end, a natural approach may very well be the best decision you can make.

There are many great products out there that will attack the underlying issues you may be having which is responsible for your acne outbreak. Oily skin, blocked pores, inflammation, swelling and pain can all be treated naturally.

You must also consider your diet. There may be foods involved that are not necessarily a root cause of your acne but may be having peripheral or underlying effects which magnify your acne symptoms. More often than not, acne is caused by a variety of different issues.

Also take into consideration your environment. Stress and exposure to certain elements can be a mayor factor when in combination with other things. Knowing how to effectively deal with those issues along with an all natural and herbal method can have a profound impact on treating your acne.

There have been many books and products sold over the most recent years making claims of all sorts on curing your acne forever in 5 minutes. The truth is as I stated earlier that acne cannot be cured. That is just the facts and no product whether chemical or a natural acne product can treat it effectively in 5 minutes or even 24 to 48 hours.

It is not unusual though from the reports that I have received that many people are seeing results in as little as 72 hours. Let me make myself absolutely clear on this point though. They are not completely acne free within this time frame but dramatic results are being seen.

Within a week or two these natural treatment plans when followed as directed are having as much if not more effects on successfully controlling acne as many of the high powered chemical treatments being prescribed every day.

As with any acne treatment plan, especially those who are under the care of a physician and are taking prescription medications, always contact your doctors and discuss the possibility of tying a natural approach. Never, ever discontinue medications without the approval of your doctor. This cannot be stated enough. It is very important that if you consider fighting your acne on a more natural level that your physician advise you on how to make the switch easily and effectively.

If your current treatment is not working as well as you would like, consider going natural. You may be quite surprise at how it can possibly change your life and great natural products are out there…Check out the video then click on the link. This is one product you really should consider.

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Accutane and acne. Two very different words which are now synonymous for trouble. What exactly is Accutane? How does it work and what exactly are the risks involved? Great questions which everyone should be asking themselves when deciding which acne treatment is best to use personally.

Accutane was developed by the pharmaceutical maker Hoffman-La Roche and came on the scene with FDA approval back in 1982. It wasn’t even a year later that the first reports of attempted suicide by those taking Accutane surfaced. In 1984 the first reported suicide associate with the drug made national news. The acne medication is also know as Amnesteem, Claravis and Sotret. This acne medicine is quite simply a form of vitamin A. Although the actual mechanisms of exactly how this drug works is not well known, it does appear to limit the amount of oil produced and actually shrinks the sebaceous glands themselves. This helps speed up the renewal action of your skin.

The hot debate over Accutane and depression has been known now for over 25 years. There have been numerous studies on both sides of the fence as to whether depression does occur when taking this medication. It appears that recent research has provided an answer as to why Accutane does cause depression and even aggressive behavior. Studies indicate that the use of Accutane reduces the levels of serotonin in the brain thereby bringing on these undesirable side effects. Researchers from both Bath University in Great Britain and the University of Texas in Austin have revealed their findings on a battery of tests conducted on mice. They found the mice behaving in a similar manner to depression as those of their human counterparts. After monitoring the effects that Accutane had on cells cultured in a lab, researchers say there appears to be a disruption in the way serotonin relays signals to neurons in the brain. Acting as a chemical messenger, serotonin relays nerve signals between different cells and cells that cause the blood vessels to constrict. Low levels of serotonin in the brain can be mood altering which can lead to depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.

The FDA required La Roche to include in it’s packaging suicide warnings after mounting evidence forced their hand in 1999. Various reports indicate that La Roche new serious problems existed long before that but made the decision not to include warnings until directed by the FDA.

Further research indicates that depression and psychological disorders are not the only worry with this drug. It is known that this medication in known to potentially cause severe birth defects in unborn children whose mothers take it for one reason or another. Even as little as one dose can cause defects in the eyes, ears, mouth, heart, brain and skull of the child. Because of this danger this drug is only available under the Ipledge special program. Woman of child bearing age must agree in writing to be using at least 2 approved methods of birth control and to undergo regular pregnancy testing before, during and after taking this drug. Only women who have had total hysterectomies or have been in menopause for at least one year are exempt from the child bearing age rules.

Other sides effects are actually to numerous to list in this short article but it is essential that you be aware that this drug also presents problems with weakening of the bones. You must be careful if you are participating in aggressive sporting activities. Do not donate blood for at least 30 after taking Accutane as this may contaminate the blood supply to pregnant women. Avoid any laser treatments or dermabrasion while taking this drug. It may induce scarring. There are many more side effects that could be potentially hazardous.

In general, Accutane is usually only prescribed in severe cases of acne only after other methods have failed. There are many people who have used this drug successfully without many of the known side effects. You may be one who can take this and have a good outcome in your fight against acne. Making yourself aware of the possible side effects empowers you to take action if you suspect any negative reactions. As always, thoroughly discuss your past medical history with your physician before taking any medications. Visit my website for more on this drug and other medications that I review regularly. You can win the war of suppression of acne by knowing all the different avenues available to you.

Copyright: 2008 Acne Medicine Man All Rights Reserved

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Although acne usually strikes most often in the teenage years and subsides as we get older, for many this is not the case. Things can get complicated for those using medications over many years to treat their zits. The course of suppression may continue for decades beyond your teenage years and because of this you should not only consider how well your treatment is working for you but also the long term effects involved.

Back in the early 1980’s the debate concerning benzoyl gel started to heat up when long term side effects became more of a national concern. Although the FDA reported that the treatment was safe to use the fact that this product produces what is known as “free radicals” was cause for alarm. It has been known for quite some time that free radicals can in fact be a responsible link in the cause of cancer.

There have been literally hundreds of reports manufactured over the years by various medical publications that have done research concerning this product as a link to cancer risk. Although theory plays a major part a good number of them support this risk. Nevertheless, in 1995 the FDA changed their position in categorizing the safety of benzoyl gel from a level 1 to level 3 category “safety unknown.” Due to research done on lab rodents such as hamsters and mice concern has been raised that benzoyl peroxide may promote cancer in these types of animals.

It is important to remember the large amounts of benzoyl gel administered to these creatures. We must also remember that the time in which these amounts were allowed to remain in contact with these animals does not necessarily mirror that type of contact in human beings. During the 1970’s similar types of testing was conducted with the artificial sweetener know as cyclamates. This prompted warnings that the sweetener may be a culprit in the cause of cancer. These warnings were later dismissed as it was highly improbable that most people would never drink 50 cans of soda daily for years in order to reach the level of concentration which equaled the minimal amount of sweetener given to the lab rats. It is not known proportionally how much exposure to benzoyl gel is needed to actually be labeled as a cancer causing risk.

When talking about long term side effects it is important to consider that there are many products one can purchase to treat acne. Of many long term side effects that have been reportedly associated with these medications, benzoyl peroxide appears to be among one of the safest products in the group. Unlike antibiotic medications, resistance by the bacteria that cause acne won’t happen. Because benzoyl peroxide is used externally, there is no risk to any internal organs as there might be associated with medication which would have to be taken orally. Benzoyl peroxide medications come in a variety of strengths which allows you to use only that concentration that helps with the suppression of your acne outbreak.

A study conducted in 1991 by the University of Miami to weigh the associated risks of using benzoyl gel. The results of that study were negative for skin cancer among people who use benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. Skin color, nationality and family history of skin cancer were the determinable factors in that study. One interesting note is that those who seem to raise the biggest questions concerning benzoyl peroxide are usually those who are selling products that do not contain it. This is not to insinuate that there is no risk involved.

There are many opinions circulating when it comes to treating zits. Make it a part of your routine to check them out.

Do not hesitate to seek the advice of your physician and ask serious questions. Do a little research on the products that are available for fighting zits. It is only by making informed decisions and testing products to find out which works best that you will achieve the radiant skin you desire.

Copyright: 2008 Acne Medicine Man

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One of the many questions I get lately is: “Should I be afraid of an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide and should I use it?” Good questions! This product has been used for decades and is available over the counter and prescription strength. So, inquiring minds want to know! How good is it, how does it work and are there allergies?

Ok. Let’s talk a little bit about benzoyl peroxide and how it works. It’s a great product so lets check it out. Benzoyl peroxide, Resorcinol, salicylic acid and sulfur are all FDA approved over the counter active ingredients designed particularly to fight your acne. They all work quite well. Benzoyl peroxide should be generally thought of as an antibiotic of sorts which is topically applied as an acne treatment. It is rated just below the number one treatment, oral tetracycline in it’s effectiveness.

The “benzoyl” part acts like a propellant for the “peroxide” to get deep into the follicle where it releases oxygen that effectively kills the Anaerobic Acne P. bacteria. This is the bacteria that is specifically responsible for causing all the pain and suffering you experience from acne lesions. Specifically acne vulgaris. Anaerobic just means that the Acne P. bacteria cannot survive in an environment that is rich in oxygen. Oxygen is what we what then! It will provide a toxin environment.

Keep in mind that since your body provides the living quarters and food for the bacteria to survive, you can pick a treatment designed to follow suit. There are products such as Retin-A, azelaic acid or glycolic acid (consult your physician on these) that will actually help clear the follicle and prevent unsuitable living quarters. A product such as benzoyl peroxide actually kills off the bacteria thereby keeping the them in check or even eliminating the breakouts altogether. If you are using the topical antibacterial method in fighting your acne you must remain diligent. Missing even a day or two can result in a whole new onslaught of acne by allowing the bacteria to regroup. You don’t want that to happen. One of the really great attributes of benzoyl peroxide is that the bacteria cannot become resistant to the treatment. Where there is oxygen, they will die. This is the “toxic” effect it has on the bacteria rather than a “true” antibiotic effect. Because of this the bacteria cannot develop resistance to it.

It is also a great anti-inflammatory preparation which also helps to reduce swelling and redness associated with it. This is of course unless you are hypersensitive to the product. That is not the same as an allergy and I will discuss that in another article. Depending on the severity of your acne outbreak, it could take weeks or even a couple of months for improvement to occur so don’t give up! Just use the product as directed. You should start to see results within a few days.

Now, let me ask you a question. Do you really think you can eliminate your acne overnight buy some of the “miracle” products I see selling all over the net? Huh? Come on people. Don’t buy into that scam.

Now that we have defined exactly what and how benzoyl peroxide works lets talk about the side effects just briefly. Some people experience them and some don’t.

If you use a very high concentration of benzoyl peroxide you may experience very dry, red or scaly skin. This will also happen if you apply it way more often than is necessary. Now, if these type of symptoms become severe it may signal an allergic reaction to the product. Allergic reaction of this type will usually include some swelling and itching and most probably some tenderness of the affected area. If that should occur try using an over the counter hydro cortisone based cream. This usually works wonders in counteracting minor allergic reactions.

Overall clinical studies have shown that less than one percent of the population actually shows any type of contact sensitization to benzoyl peroxide over time at low strength levels. It has been proven to be one of the most effective acne treatment there is and these clincal tests have occurred over many decades. That doesn’t mean that you cannot be that one person who does experience some type of reaction. So, be aware of how the product is working for you. If you do experience swelling or severe crusting of your skin after using benzoyl peroxide discontinue it’s use and consult your physician. There are many other products you can try and something will work for you.

Hope this answers your question on this topic. Stay tuned as my next post will deal more specifically on the long term effects of benzoyl peroxide. If you have suffered from acne for many years you need to be aware of the latest finding on long term use.

Copyright 2007 Acne Medicine Man

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