Acne

Dr. Marybeth Crane asked:


Who ever named it a “bunion?” Probably the same person who named an enlarged thyroid a “goiter”, but seriously, bunions are the common description of a bump on the side of the big toe. Really they are much more than that.

Bunions are known in medical terms as Hallux Abducto Valgus which in English is a crooked big toe joint with a bump on the side. This is actually a progressive misalignment of the big toe joint which starts with a slight leaning of the big toe toward the second and then gradually produces the characteristic bump and joint symptoms. In the late stages of progression, the big toe actually can overlap or underlap the second and cause reactive hammertoes (contracted) of the other toes. Even though they are extremely common, most people wait until they have significant symptoms and deformity before they seek medical attention. Often they have had pain in shoes and with activity for years when they finally come into the office. This is due to the misconception that they always require surgery for treatment.

What causes bunions? No, it’s not always the shoes! (But, they don’t help) Bunions are caused by the faulty biomechanics of your foot structure that you inherited. Couple that with high heeled shoes or even just shoes that crowd your toes (listen up guys who wear cowboy boots!) and you are prone to the formation of bunions.

Symptoms of bunions are the prominent bump with redness from rubbing in shoes, grinding of the joint, pain, swelling, burning and occasionally even numbness.

Diagnosis of a bunion is done by x-ray findings together with physical exam. A bump is not necessarily always Hallux Abducto Valgus, so a complete podiatric exam including x-rays should be done to evaluate your condition. Many people actually have arthritis of the big toe joint or even just a cyst overlying the joint and think they have bunions.

Treatment includes shoe gear modification, an orthotic device to control the abnormal biomechanics, padding, anti-inflammatories or injection therapy to decrease inflammation, and at the later stages, surgery.

When is surgery needed for bunions? If you have pain every day, in every pair of shoes you own (including your athletic shoes) and you have treated your condition with conservative therapy without any relief; it’s time to discuss bunion surgery. Surgery should never be contemplated without pain and activity limitations. There are many advances in bunion surgery and varied procedures depending on your foot type, the stage of your deformity, your activity level, your medical history, and your age. Make an appointment to discuss surgery with your podiatric foot and ankle surgeon if you have progressing symptoms.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons cites a survey that showed 96% satisfaction after bunion surgery with a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. 96% of the survey respondents identified pain relief as a desired outcome of the surgery, and 86% also said they hoped to improve their walking and increase their physical activity following surgery. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 representing “much pain,” the survey respondents averaged a score of 7 when assessing their pain before surgery, and the average score dropped to 2 when they assessed their pain six months after the operation. 92% said they were able to increase their physical activities — walking, running, golf, tennis, exercise — and 90% said they would recommend bunion surgery to others. This is great news! Many people fear the surgery more than pain every day in their shoes! Obviously, this fear is unwarranted!

Fear of surgery should not keep you out of the office because 80% of patients who come in asking for bunion surgery leave with a conservative treatment plan. Call or contact your podiatric foot and ankle surgeon for an appointment today to get your questions answers. Don’t live with the pain of bunions for one more day.



DANTE

Anne P asked:


The majority of people develop acne at some stage in adolescents, often beginning with the development of blackheads on their nose. Children as young as eight regularly visit dermatology clinics looking for acne solutions. The first important point to remember is that the black “dot” at the center of that blackhead isn’t dirt, but a combination of melanin and cells that turn black when surfaced. Unfortunately, acne carries a stigma that often lead to teenagers feeling dirty or embarrassed about the development of acne.

It’s estimated that over ninety percent of teenagers aged between 12 and 17 will be affected by acne and similar skin conditions at one stage or another in life. It may be an occasional pimple, or it could be a full-scale breakout. It may not be limited to the face; acne may also develop on the neck, chest and back.

Adolescence can be a testing time - perhaps the understatement of the year. Bodies develop, hormones are high, and teenagers find themselves facing new social experiences. Acne issues simply add to the mix and can lead to extreme frustration, embarrassment and discontent.

Teenagers are the main age group feeling the affects of acne, due to natural body developments and hormonal changes. Both growth and *** hormones - which, as their names imply, are responsible for physical, mental and sexual development - swing into action during the onset of puberty. For adolescent males, the hormone responsible is testosterone, which is produced in the testes. In female teens, the primary hormones are estrogen and progesterone, which are produced in the ovaries. Androgens, the *** hormones also cause sebaceous glands that secrete more oil, affecting the condition of the skin.

Unfortunately, less than ten percent of all teens affected by acne actual visit dermatology experts for diagnosis and treatment. Many will take the advice of various home cure resources, some offering valuable insights, some less valuable such as the use of toothpaste, dishwashing liquid, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and even Preparation H to reduce pimples. These solutions aren’t developed as a cure for acne, and can have adverse affects on the skin. While you may think hydrogen peroxide and alcohol, as disinfecting agents, would reduce bacteria and cleanse the skin, the tend to dry the skin to an unhealthy extent and can actually make acne worse. There are many products on the market - both prescription and over-the-counter - that are specifically designed for acne treatment that come highly recommended.

As all teenagers affected by acne know, it can be difficult, but very important to talk to your parents about the psychological effects acne has. A common myth is that teenage acne means ‘bad skin,’ it is actually a simple development stage. In many clinical studies, acne sufferers share feelings of depression and some have even felt suicidal as a result of acne. This is an extremely alarming issue, considering acne can be treated simply by educating yourself about acne and effective treatments. Parents need to be aware if a teenager is becoming anxious, depressed, ashamed, humiliated and embarrassed. Such anxiety affects behavior and attitude that reflect in poor school performance, discipline issues and often effecting social skills. Teens may develop body image problems, and you may start to withdraw from friends, family and generally become more introverted. This can be seen in changes as small as a teen that suddenly stops going to parties, school events and social events.

Acne can often affect family life and create problems within the family unit, as frustrations grow children tend to act out against parents and siblings. It can be extremely difficult when other family members make jokes about the situation and humiliate with subtle remarks.

Needless to say, acne can turn relationships into a nightmare. There’s nothing worse than preparing for a big date and noticing a pimple in the middle of your face. You begin to believe that your date will see nothing other than your acne- you, the Human Zit - and you may even be tempted to cancel.

As you get older, you may become self conscious visiting, or taking part in interviews and meetings. To worsen the situation, some studies have demonstrated that employers may actually discriminate against job applicants affected by acne. It’s undeniably unethical and often illegal, but it just demonstrates how much importance today’s society places on acne-free skin, encouraging the stigma that surrounds acne.

And being stressed out about acne will only cause it to get worse. There is a direct correlation between stress levels and acne flare-ups. In a March 2001 study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology, 10% of teens stated that acne is one of the worst things in their lives. Virtually every teen is obsessed with his or her complexion and disturbed by acne breakouts. Sufferers are convinced that everyone around them is staring at their faces - and we all know that kids can be cruel, inflicting damage with names like “Pizza Face.”

Parents can also be a unintentional negative influence, telling adolescents that they mustn’t be practicing proper hygiene, further fueling the frustration. This creates tension and alienation. The best solution for teenage acne can be an informed parent. A responsible parent that takes his or her teenager to a dermatologist and arrange adequate acne treatment. Parents must remember that acne is a normal part of adolescence - not an abnormality. Perhaps they are reacting to their own teenage experiences and painful memories. Some parents may even be embarrassed by their teenagers’ complexions. A skilled, experienced dermatologist can help both teenager and parent deal with the real issues associated with acne.



TY

W. Darren - asked:


The effect of acne to individuals is alarming. However, there are certain truths that should be made clear so as to avoid wrong treatments and worse skin conditions. Since misconceptions about acne can have dire results, it should be straightened out with following truth:

1. Dirt is the culprit of acne

No! Dirt does not cause acne. Plugs in the follicle of the skin are the causes of acne. These plugs are formed when in the process of skin shedding, the dead cells mix with sebum and clog the pores of the skin. Extreme consciousness in washing and scrubs will do no help because dirt is not the reason for the presence of acne. These actions even increase the possibility of developing acne because they make the skin drier than usual.

2. Direct acne treatment is effective

No! Topical creams applied directly to the acne do not make them disappear. Since visible acne is 2-3 weeks old, they are difficult to treat with direct application of a cream. It is best to avoid the development of acne by preventive treatment of the whole face.

3. Only teenagers have acne

No! Usually, acne appears during teenage years because of hormonal changes. However, acne should not be ignored. If not treated properly, the acne may worsen and consequently result to acne scars, which are much more difficult to treat. It is good to treat acne at its early stages, before it can do permanent damage to the skin.

4. French fries cause acne

No! Actually, there is no solid evidence that certain foods are involved in the development of acne. Not even nuts or chocolates do harm to the skin. But a healthy diet boosts immune system that fights acne. Keep that in mind.

5. Cosmetics can cause acne

Maybe. If the chosen make-up is not “non-comedogenic”, then acne development is more likely. Non-comedogenic products do not result to the clogging of pores. Make-ups should also be hypoallergenic and water-based to prevent any adverse reactions of the skin.

6. Sweating prevents acne

No! Too much exercise can stimulate sebaceous glands of the skin to produce more oil, which when mixes with perspiration and heat worsens the already existing acne.

7. The sun can help

Not really. Little sun exposure can help acne. But too much exposure under the sun can make the skin dry and shed dead cells faster. More dead cells result to more clogged pores. More clogged pores will result to more acne break-outs.

8. ****** scrubs and toners work

No! Scrubs usually tear skin tissue thus resulting to increased probability of bacterial infection and blemishes. Also, toners with contents of alcohol leave the skin dry and stimulate the sebaceous glands to secret more oil that can clog pores and produce acne. Small-grained scrubs and alcohol-free toners are advisable.

9. Acne can be cured

Not at the moment. Although it is not curable, acne can be treated. Treatments only improve the conditions but will not totally eliminate the occurrence of Acne. The best treatment is prevention. But if the acne has appeared, treatments given by certified dermatologists should be taken.



DOUG

Erick Christopher asked:


What causes acne breakouts?, Worldwide, is estimated that 60 million people suffer from acne. Acne is a major skin problem that affects people all over the world. Please keep reading to learn more about causes of acne and pimples. I did some research and here are the answer that I came up with.

Common Causes Of Acne and Pimples

1) Food We Eat -Some people are likely to have acne outbreak with some diets like carbohydrates and sugars. Consuming a diet high in oils, fats and sugars can interfere with your hormonal balance. These types of foods are known to cause acne breakouts. A good diet for your skin should include fruits, vegetables, skim milk, cottage cheese and lean meats. Oily foods are also what causes acne breakouts.

2) Androgen Body Hormones -These are *** hormones and research shows that they rank to be the top of what causes acne breakouts. These hormones begin during puberty and this is the reason why most individuals who are affected by acne are young people or teens. During menstruation or pregnancy, women tend to have more of these Androgen hormones and this explains why pregnant women or a woman who is on her menstrual cycle is more likely to have pimples on her face or sometimes called ****** acne outbreaks.

3) Personal Stress Is What Causes Acne Breakouts -Yes stress causes acne outbreaks. Stress is related to production hormones like cortisol which has been known to cause acne. When a person is stressed out, their body develops different hormone levels. With these hormone changes, the body starts to produce more oil to the skin. White heads, black heads and pimples types of acnes are caused by these oils on the skin.

4) Heavy Makeups, Oily Makeups/Cosmetics -Heavy makeups are not good for your skin. They cause clogging of pores and adds more oil to your skin. Is even more worse when someone put heavy makeups on their oily existing skin! Moisturizers or cosmetics contains more than one chemical like vegetable oils, alcohol, petrolatum and acids which contribute to causes of acne and pimples.

5) Steroids and Specific Medications -It is wise to stop overusing vitamins. Vitamins are essential to our skin but overusing them can cause acne. Examples of such vitamins are B1, B6 and B12. Abuse or inappropriate use of steroids, especially anabolic steroids can lead to acne breakouts because they stimulate sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands present in the skin secrete a substance called sebum into hair follicles and most of the skin.

6) Doing Harsh and Rough Cleansing -Avoid harsh and rough cleansing to your skin especially on the face. The ****** skin is extremely sensitive to rough cleansing, it can easily be damaged. This kind of cleansing can damage the skin layers and spread infections. When cleansing your skin, use lukewarm water. Water that is too hot can dehydrate your skin and too cold can dry your skin. This is also what causes acne breakouts, Take it easy when doing skin cleansing.

7) Picking and squeezing of the skin plus squeezing and Environmental issues -High humidity causes the skin to swell and pollution of the environment can cause clogging of your pores. Avoid picking and squeezing pimples or acne outbreaks as this can send infections deeper into the skin and cause scarring.

Hereditary Factors Is What Causes Acne Breakouts-As I said earlier some causes of acne are inevitable. This is a good example of a cause of acne that we can’t avoid. Acne can be inherited and some serious acne causes such as Cystic acne do come from heredity like through family members such as our parents and grandparents.

9) Extra Sebum in the Follicle -When androgens stimulates sebaceous gland, it produces extra sebum which mixes with dead skin cells and skin bacteria. This is a normal process but excess sebum in the follicle increases the chances of clogging and acne. There are things that can lead to production of excess sebum like anabolic steroids.

Causes of acne and pimples both include external and Internal factors. There are many other causes of acne and pimples but these are just the major reasons. The best way to deal with what causes acne breakouts is skin hygiene and a good diet. Medications that you take also must be watched out in case of sudden acne breakouts. If you have serious acne problems, I highly recommend that you see a dermatologist. So these are the major causes of acne and pimples. Remember that prevention is better than cure and if you have to treat your acne, Don’t forget to prevent it from coming back.



ROGER

W. Darren - asked:


While growing up, you’ve probably heard of the many speculations and myths about acne. There are numerous myths about the causes of acne as well as treatment for acne. Not surprisingly, you probably grew up not really knowing the cause and the correct treatment for acne. If you are not suffering from acne, you wouldn’t really care but once you are afflicted of this pesky skin disease, you’d likely care a lot.

The Lowdown on Acne

Acne is a skin disorder. It is caused by the activities of hormones and skin elements like your hair follicles and the skin’s oil glands. Acne appears almost everywhere on the skin surface but primarily on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders.

In order to properly treat acne, you should know the myths surrounding this skin disease. It is a good idea to visit your dermatologist the minute you are plagued with acne to receive proper treatment. Your dermatologist will probably enlighten you to the truth about acne, what causes it and how to treat it.

7 Common Acne Myths

There are actually many kinds of myths about acne. Here are some of them:

1) Frequent washing eliminates acne. Admittedly, while frequent washing may get rid of the bacteria and oil on the skin. It also causes skin aridness which may also cause frequent acne breakouts.

2) Avoid makeup or shaving if you want to prevent acne. You don’t have to totally forego using cosmetics. You just have to learn how to choose your cosmetic products properly. Look for brands that are labeled noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic. You can also shave. Just make sure that you do it properly and with good razors so you’d avoid nicking your skin and causing allergies or irritations.

3) Poor hygiene triggers or causes acne. This might be true to some people but most people who suffer acne are actually quite hygienic. In fact, they almost aggravate their acne more with frequent washing. They develop some sort of obsession to cleanliness.

4) Tanning helps cure the condition. In truth, tanning does not help treat acne. In fact, it may actually aggravate the condition. You may also developed allergy from the chemicals used in tanning.

5) Acne is caused by greasy foods and chocolate. There is actually no scientific proof to this old myth. There is no proof that pizza, cheese burgers and French fries cause acne. Of course, there may be some people who experience acne breakouts with certain foods like chocolates. People’s bodies react differently to foods.

6) Stress causes acne. You need to differentiate the type of stress that may or may not cause acne. Day-to-day stressors do not cause acne. However, severe stress that requires medical intervention or treatment may indeed cause acne breakouts.

7) Let the condition run its course. Often, people suffering from acne, especially teenagers, are advised to let their affliction just run its course. “It’s natural for your age!” Well, perhaps it is but it can be treated and it can clear up with treatment. You don’t have to bear with it for a long time and you don’t have to risk scars from developing. You can seek treatment for it the minute the condition gets out of hand or even before then.



CHADWICK

bcured asked:


The decision whether treatment is necessary depends on the needs of the patient, the recalcitrance of their disease, and the likelihood of treatments to leave pigmentary alteration or scarring. Most of the common treatments consist of various means to traumatize the lesions. The following is a brief summary of some of the more common treatments.

One of the most common, quick, efficient methods of treatment is cryotherapy. Liquid nitrogen, dry ice, or Frigiderm are applied to each individual lesion for a few seconds. Repeat treatments in 2-3-week intervals may be required. Hyper- or hypopigmentation and scarring may be caused by this treatment.

An easy method to remove the lesions is eviscerating the core with an instrument such as a scalpel, sharp tooth pick, edge of a glass slide, or any other instrument capable of removing the umbilicated core. Because of its simplicity, patients, parents, and caregivers may be taught this method so new lesions can be treated at home. This method is simple but may not be tolerated by small children.

Curettage is another method of removal. It can be used with and without light electrodessication. This method is more painful, and it is recommended that a topical anesthetic cream be applied to the lesions before the procedure to decrease the pain. This method has the advantage of providing a reliable tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Another reported treatment involves the use of adhesive tape. The adhesive side of the tape is repeatedly applied to and removed from the lesion for 10-20 cycles. This action effectively removes the superficial epidermis from the top of the lesion. However, repeated use of the same strip has the potential to spread the virus to adjacent, uninvolved skin.

A 25% suspension in a tincture of benzoin or alcohol may be applied once a week. This treatment requires some precautions. It contains two mutagens, quercetin and kaempherol. Some of the listed side effects include severe erosive damage in adjacent normal skin that may cause scarring and systemic effects such as peripheral neuropathy, renal damage, adynamic ileus, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia, especially if used generously on mucosal surfaces.

Podofilox is a safer alternative to podophyllin and may be used by the patient at home. The recommended use usually consists of application of 0.05 ml of 5% podofilox in lactate buffered ethanol twice a day for 3 days. The active agent is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy.

Cantharidin has been used with success in the treatment of MCV. This blister-inducing agent is applied carefully and sparingly to the dome of the lesion with or without occlusion and left in place for at least 4 hours before being washed off. Cantharidin can cause severe blistering. It should be tested on individual lesions before treating large numbers of lesions. It should not be used on the face. When tolerated, this treatment is repeated every week until the lesions clear. Usually 1-3 treatments are necessary.

Besides treatments mentioned above, antiviral and immune-modulating treatments have recently been added to the options. NaturesPharma has investigated hundreds of anti-viral substances from natural sources, including both extracts and pure compounds from herbal medicines as reported in laboratory studies, as well as conducted our own independent trials.

AntiMolluscum-Rx is a powerful antiviral agent which inhibits the signal transduction pathways of molluscum viral proteins. The result is that molluscum viral cells are destroyed and eliminated from infected tissues in a relatively short time with little to no evidence of the virus appearing in conventional microscopic sections of previously infected cells.

From a chemical standpoint, the fight against molluscum is actually a battle of microparticles. The Molluscum contagiosum virus is infinitely small, and as a result, we need infinitely small naturally occurring antiviral agents to penetrate cell membranes of infected cells to attack and destroy the molluscum virus.

NaturesPharma have identified a significant number of naturally occurring small molecules, like phenolics, polyphenols, terpenes (e.g., mono-, di-, tri-), and flavonoids which have incredible antiviral action, used medicinally to eliminate molluscum, and heavily concentrated in AntiMolluscum-Rx.

A large number of sesquiterpenes concentrated in AntiMolluscum-Rx exhibit quantifiable antiviral activities against pox viruses such as molluscum. AntiMolluscum-Rx has excellent antiviral activity against hulled viruses as it causes their cellular death upon exposure. To learn the effectiveness of this treatment against molluscum, please go to http://www.naturespharma.org.



BRYON

Darrell Miller asked:


Whether you are a child or an adult you are as susceptible to the damage done to skin and soft tissue by hard activities as anybody else. So what can you look for if you decide have a day outdoors and face the dangers that you will come across that want to leave you bruised ,scratched, scraped, cut and itching from all the falls, knocks, stings and bites that most people experience when they are more used to spending their time indoors?

Bruises are caused by a knock, and can happen without you even being aware of it. The blood vessels get damaged and leak. If you notice it right away, you can lessen the degree of bruising by applying ice or cold water to constrict the capillaries and cut down the flow of blood leaking from them. Some people bruise easier than others, and excessive bruising for no apparent reason could be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition and you should see your doctor.

A bump, or lump, can appear for many reasons, but generally settles down after a while. It can simply be the body’s reaction to a hard knock that did not damage the blood vessels, but prompted a natural swelling to protect the area. They can also be caused by insect bites. You don’t always see these little pests - they have lunch then zip off without you even being aware of it until the area begins to itch and swell. However, if you have a lump under the armpit, in your neck or behind your ears it could be a swollen gland and you should contact your physician.

Everybody gets minor scrapes now and again, and when you spend any time outside you can get bitten by insects such as mosquitoes, midges, blackflies, horse flies - you name it, they will lunch on you as on any other animals. You can also get stung by vegetable nasties, though if you do then look around for a remedy. Strangely, many stinging plants have another plant close by that can be used as a remedy. This is likely because, after being stung, people just rubbed whatever was handy on the area and eventually these remedies were discovered.

Thus, dock leaves are often found beside nettles, and touch-me-not beside poison ivy. These are good natural remedies for stings caused through contact with these particular plants, and there are many other natural remedies that can be used for the other everyday hurts that people receive just for carrying out normal activities outside in a natural environment. Let’s have a look at some of the natural remedies that people have used through the ages, and that are still used to this day, even in proprietary creams and salves.

Calendula, or marigold, is very effective in relieving skin irritations and inflammation. It can be applied topically to relieve the symptoms of bruises, cuts and scrapes, and also for the initial treatment of burns and scalds. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used on inflamed or infected cuts and skin lesions. These properties are believed to be due to the high level of flavonoids found in calendula that have anti-oxidant properties and help the immune function to do its work. Among these is the powerful Quercetin with its strong anti-histamine properties.

It also appears to possess anti-viral properties, though the reason for this is not clear and is still under investigation. Marigold also contains carotenoids and triterpene saponins, both of which will contribute to the medicinal effects. The dried flowers or leaves, or the fresh flowers, can be used and it is an old adage that pus will not form where marigold is used. It is also good for the treatment of insect bites and boils, where it appears to either prevent infection or clear up any that are there. It has also been proven to prevent the seeping of blood from the capillaries in scrapes, and to promote blood clotting.

Calendula was used during the First World War by British doctors to dress wounds and prevent infection. A dressing steeped in a mild solution of calendula extract was enough, and it likely saved many lives.

Another plant with similar properties is the alpine Arnica, which is useful to reduce the swelling and pain of bruises. It works simply by rubbing the leaves on the area when you have a fall or a hard knock. The active ingredients here are again flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones along with tannins, carotenoids and thymol. These, along with the flavonoids, stimulate the circulation and carry away any fluids trapped in bruises and swellings.

The sesquiterpene lactones act as anti-inflammatories and boost the immune system, helping to reduce swelling and pain. In fact terpenoid chemicals are common to many of the herbs and flowers that have found a use in the relief of pain in swelling and bruises. The same is true of Ledum, better known as Rosemary, traditionally used for the treatment of burns, ulcers dandruff, and dry skin and to get rid of lice among many other internal and topical applications.

The active ingredients of rosemary (ledum) include mono-, di- and triterpenes and also the ubiquitous flavonoids and camphor and linalool. If you wash down burns, grazes and cuts with a wash of ledum extract, then you will protect the patient from infection at the time when they are most vulnerable to infectious agents.

Hypericum has uses as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, and is therefore useful for exactly the same conditions as all of the above. It also has astringent properties, so that like Calendula, Hypericum can be used to prevent the capillary seepage that frequently leads to infections. The active ingredients here are apparently flavonoids again, with their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Considering that they are among the most common antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in the plant world; it is no coincidence that flavonoids just happen to be contained in the vast majority of natural treatments for scratches, grazes and bruises. They reduce swelling, pain and inflammation, and also act as antiseptics by disrupting the cell walls of bacteria.

Hypericum is well known by its alternative name St. John’s Wort, where it is used in the treatment of depression. However, the active ingredients here are mainly hyperforin and hypericin, which have little to do with the topical benefits of the plant.

If you have suffered from insect bites and stings, then you would have been thankful had you brought some Apis Mellifica with you. Obtained from bees, this again contains terpenes among many other chemicals, and is used paradoxically in the treatment of bee stings and other insect stings and bites. It’s amazing how many of these old remedies contain terpenes of various types and also flavonoid chemicals. It is useful for most rashes that have raised puffy lumps, such as hives.

Finally, if you manage to stay out without getting any bruises, abrasions, scratches or bites, you will be very lucky. However, if you get sunburn through being out in the sun too long, just look around for some stinging nettle, or Urtica. The leaf contains polysaccharides and lectins that stop the production of prostaglandins in the body that cause inflammation. Your sunburn will ease and you be able to return home relatively symptom free from your day outdoors.

These natural remedies can be hard to find growing naturally due to many factors such as the time of year or your geographical location these herbs may grow in. Alternative sources are available at your local health food store where you can find all the above mentioned herbs in ointments and creams specifically formulated for your needs.



CHRIS

Dr. Randy Wysong asked:


The premise of vaccines is a good one: modify an infective agent (bacteria, virus) in the laboratory so it is no longer virulent (disease-producing) without destroying its antigenic characteristics (immune-stimulating). When administered, a vaccine will then theoretically not produce the disease but will create immunity to it.

The approach is similar to that used in homeopathy whereby the toxin responsible for the disease condition is diluted and administered to stimulate the body to fight the disease. Like fighting like.

But, as always, there are slips between the theory and practice of vaccines. For one thing, because large, not homeopathically small, doses of modified infective agents are in vaccines, the immune system can be taxed. Give several different vaccines and repeat them periodically and the immune system can be exhausted. The immune system has finite, not infinite capacity. The net result can be increased vulnerability to cancer, autoimmunities and other infective agents.

There is also the problem of route of administration. The normal point of entry for disease agents is across oral, digestive or respiratory mucous membranes. The exposure is usually only to a small number of organisms, maybe even one. In contrast, vaccines are commonly given by injection, bypassing several layers of important immune-stimulating mechanisms with the mucous membrane barriers and can contain tens of thousands of modified disease agents.

Some vaccines are modified, but are still living. Who is to say what such living creatures do over time when injected into the body in enormous quantities? Viruses are very clever and capable of remarkable change and adaptation. I’m not sure I like the idea of these guys floating around in my body trying to decide how best to attack me. When we take such vaccines, we are volunteering for an experiment.

I will not go into a litany here of all the proven dangers of vaccines or enumeration of tragic results. This has been done elsewhere.

But here are a couple of new problems. Some vaccines contain high levels of thimerosal mercury. Mercury is a potent toxin and its level in some vaccines exceeds Federal Safety Guidelines. Problems linked to thimerosal include autism and speech disorders, as well as heart disease.

J Am Physicians Surgeons, 2003; 8(1):6-11

http://www.jpands.org/vol8no1/geier.pdf

A new vaccine is being developed for Alzheimer’s based upon the theory that increased brain plaque is the cause of the disease. However, plaque is not the likely cause, but a symptom (similar to high cholesterol in atherosclerosis), and initial trials of the test vaccine caused 6% of the participants to suffer from severe brain swelling.

In the recent effort to prepare the population for bioterrorism, almost 26,000 people were vaccinated with small pox. So far, seven cases of cardiac problems and ten cases of myopericarditis have been associated with the vaccine. Although this temporal association is being downplayed (like smoking being associated with respiratory disease), it is reason for caution. Additionally, the smallpox vaccine is known to cause hypercoagulability, a condition particularly threatening to those with vessel narrowing atherosclerosis. Some researchers believe that the pox vaccine virus (along with a host of other pathogens) has the capability of adhering to the endothelium (lining) of blood vessels. These nodules stimulate an inflammatory response resulting in platelet adhesion, thrombin release and fibrin formation. When this occurs, the vessel is narrowed depriving distal (downstream) tissue from oxygen and creating the ideal anaerobic (oxygen devoid) environment for proliferation of pathogens (infection), neoplasia (cancer) and sclerotic plaque (heart attack, stroke).

MMWR, 2003; 52(12):248-50

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5212a2.htm

Vaccine mania is caused by misinformation, fear and profit motives. If you believe we have been saved thus far by vaccines for polio, diphtheria and the like, please think again. In almost every case, the vaccine was introduced only after the disease had already naturally declined in the population. Giving credit to the vaccine is like saying the crowing rooster is responsible for the sunrise.

If you or your children are under pressure to take a vaccine, get fully informed. The safest vaccine would be one that is killed (trusting that has really happened) and is given by the same route (oral or aerosol) that the street form of the disease agent would use to attack.

Microbes are ubiquitous. They are in constant contact with us. We cannot escape them by hiding in our homes or wearing facemasks, nor will we eradicate them with disinfectants. In spite of propaganda to the contrary (vaccines are really big money), vaccines will never be the savior of humankind. Their potential risks may even outweigh their benefits when all is said and done. The only cases of polio today, for example, are those caused by the vaccine.

Disease has not wiped out all life on the planet because within any given population there is natural resistance. That resistance is optimized in healthy bodies living a healthy lifestyle and that have proper natural nourishment. Health will never be something somebody else gives to us with a pill or injection; it is something we do to ourselves.

For further reading, or for more information about, Dr Wysong and the Wysong Corporation please visit www.wysong.net or write to wysong@wysong.net. For resources on healthier foods for people including snacks, and breakfast cereals please visit www.cerealwysong.com.



CHARLEY

Mike H. Walden asked:


Acne that affects millions of Americans today has created such a widespread market for ‘Vitamins for Acne’ that a regular industry has sprung up throughout the continental USA which is spreading its tentacles all over the country like never before. And I, as a lifelong acne researcher, now find it as one of my duties to shed some valuable light on the subject.

Primarily, I do not consider any vitamin for acne supplement will ever be able to cure your acne alone. It matters little whether it consists of b5 overdose therapy, vitamin a or zinc or a combination of both - the result is the same. However, to know more about the friendly ‘vitamins for acne’ and their role in curing acne, I need a few of your valued moments. Stay with me for a couple of minutes or more if you wish to gain a first hand knowledge about the topic but remain rest assured that a couple of sugar-coated vitamin pills every morning can never rid you of your adolescent acne how much you may **** or love it.

Though it may sound a bit discouraging, the statement made above is not aimed at disheartening you from taking this option of becoming acne free for the rest of your life since there are quite a few vitamins and minerals that often play crucial roles in the process of curing acne naturally. Also, if taken in the right proportion synergistically, vitamins can prove fairly effective in helping the system to clean itself of biological debris faster than prescription medications. They also help restore the long lost hormonal balance, bringing back the healing process of your skin much more rapidly than any other known resources.

However, wanton use of vitamins without the aid of professional consultation may prove perilous and its overdose can be lethal in the long run. So, if you are serious, go visit a medical doctor or a dermatologist, take his or her opinion and then go for a course of vitamin for acne. But whatever you do, follow the instructions carefully, taking the medications according to timings set by the specialist.

Meanwhile, I shall also try to converse about the true relationship of the vitamin for acne supplement and the natural holistic method of treatment that cures acne naturally for good.

Vitamins for Acne - how do they interact with each other?

Hormonal imbalance in the body and undue build up of toxic matters in the blood and lymphatic glands are said to be two major factors that cause acne formation in human beings. These are the two internal causes because of which acne gets formed. No vitamins for acne can tackle both the issues in its singular capacity, they nevertheless can help the body in releasing most of the toxicity and thus becoming internally cleaner.

How are vitamins for acne necessary? They supply the nutrients that can regulate the hormones. And when these nutrients are not there, the body’s own hormonal regulation system may end up malfunctioning, and this will naturally lead to an imbalance of the hormones.

Furthermore, vitamins for acne can also boost up your body with significant nutrients vitally useful for restoring the lost hormonal balance that the body desperately craves for. Curiously enough, studies have proved that most acne sufferers are deficient with those nutrients where the supplements come handy in restoring them in their proper perspective. Of particular significance are some fatty acids in the form of vitamins that really work wonders in most people suffering from acne.

There are a few more secondary factors that cause acne and the vitamins for acne supplements can take care of them too. They ensure that the body’s internal mechanism to fight these factors is strengthened and this aids in healing.

Some common Vitamin for Acne

Save and except some types of vitamins that are usually not so user-friendly, there are quite a few vitamins like vitamin A, B (B- complex more) and C, E, magnesium and zinc which are beneficial to acne sufferers in a great way. Those who have acne are often deficient in them.

These combo vitamins are said to have numerous positive properties which include stabilizing the hormones, fighting the free radicals, strengthening of the immune system, controlling the sebum production and improving the skin healing process. As an added bonus, they are said to have special agents that reduce stress, the major cause of hormonal imbalance in men and women.

Natural sulfur or MSM is yet another supplement that is crucial to acne prone skin. They ensure that the body has the essential fatty acids like Omega 3, 6 and 9 - all obtained from natural sources which contribute towards regulating hormone secretion and so can improve one’s acne condition overnight.

But you will still need to remember a few points. Do keep in mind that you should never take more vitamins for acne supplement than what has been prescribed to you. What is important is to take the right combination and that too at the right quantity - this will ensure that the results are optimized. You need to also take them at the right time. This will ensure that the level of absorption is correct so that they can efficiently help you get rid of the acne.

The last word

Given the proper perspective, vitamins for acne can do their job well. However, there are precise classes of vitamins to suit various needs. Some vitamins are needed for nutritional purposes and for improving the healing process of the skin, while others are meant for balancing the hormones and stimulating the organs of elimination to a fine degree so that the detoxification becomes perfect. Vitamin supplements can also help in skin repair, collagen formation, improving the immune system and in keeping stress under control

However, it should always be remembered that acne is never caused by lack of vitamins in the body and so it may be wrong to deduce that its replenishment would automatically rid the body of this distressing disease condition. Acne is basically quite a complex type of ailment that can be triggered by numerous factors, some of which are internal, some external. It, therefore, requires an equally complex therapeutic procedure to release its hold on the affected person in which vitamins at best can work as catalytic agents.

But, in most cases they are quite dutiful agents, doing their part well. And in this complex procedure, choosing a holistic method of treatment is indeed the last word since it is comprehensive, all-inclusive and probably the broadest spectrum healing procedure ever known to humanity. Vitamins for acne and the holistic approach has to work together to create the right environment that can fight acne successfully.



BURTON

Mike H. Walden asked:


Whatever your doctor might say, conventional treatments for acne cannot cure acnes. The only way to cure acnes safely and permanently is by using holistic and natural treatments. I have myself benefited from it and ever since then I have been able to help of thousands of people suffering from acne to get completely rid of acnes by adopting the holistic way.

I am Mike Walden. And I used to suffer from severe acne problems. At the age of 22 I decided that I had to find a way to cure acnes permanently and find a solution to prevent them as well. I researched and read every book I could find on skin care, acnes, detoxification, nutrition and hormones.

I have gone through hundreds of books on medicine. I have talked with innumerable acne sufferers and have tried to gain knowledge from homeopaths, doctors, herbalists and naturopaths.

Tried Tested Almost All Acne Treatments

I wanted to gain experience on my own, just reading books and theories was not enough for me. I underwent hydrotherapy, macrobiotics, blood type diet, no-mucus diet, Wai diet, vegetarianism, Accutane, Antibiotics, Proactive, Oratin, Zenmed, Benezoyl, reflexology…I went to healers too…

Tried Tested and Disappointed!

Most of these treatments just didn’t have any effect on my skin; a few did have some short term result. It took me seven years of research to finally solve the problem and now I am completely ACNE FREE!

Cure Acne Naturally!

We live a very “unnatural” life! Research has proved we have around 300 synthetic industrial chemicals present in our body now which were not there 50 years ago. These do not exist in traditional societies like the hunzas…and they never had acne. Our bodies are filled with toxins that we take in from medicines and food. We are simply out of balance. And the truth is effective natural cures do exist that can cure the problem.

Your problem or condition is actually only a symptom of some basic fundamental reason, but the conventional treatments only deal with the surface level - the symptom.

The ‘holistic’ ways of treatment have been existent in this world for ages and they really work. And they not only are able to cure acne but almost any chronic condition.

In order to cure your acne you have to fix your internal condition. And you can do so by adopting a healthy life style (adopting a healthy diet and mind set, cleansing and detoxifying your body, achieving the right hormonal balance etc), it will holistically put your back in balance. And not only will you acnes be cured permanently but you’ll feel healthy as wee as attractive like never before!

100% Natural Holistic Acne Treatment Can Cure Your Acnes Permanently

Permanently cure your acnes - Yes you can cure your acnes permanently. Research has proven that around 95% of people who have used conventional treatments to cure their acnes have only been able to do so, on a temporary basis. But you can now learn how you can be one of the fortunate 5% who learnt how to permanently get rid of acnes.

Holistically cure your acnes - It is not possible to cure your acnes by just taking care of one of the many factors that cause acnes. If you have already tried antibiotics or even detox diets and failed you should understand that it was so because they were one-dimensional in their approach. Now you can know how to approach the problem in its totality and learn not only how to prevent acnes but also to cure them permanently - the holistic way.

You can cure your acnes without using the conventional drugs or acne treatments. The conventional treatments though do work sometimes but the effects are temporary and the side effects are dangerous. There’s a very small group of people who have realized how to keep their skin clear from within and without using any drugs. Only they have been able to own a blemish free acne free clear skin. You too can now learn these secrets from a nutritionist who himself was an acne sufferer and who has learnt it all from his own experience.



CLIFF