Category Archives: Acne

Naturopathic Philosophy, Diagnosis And Treatment Of Acne

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Naturopathy’ or ‘natural medicine’ is a largely pseudoscientific approach said to ‘assist nature’ that is ‘support the body’s own innate capacity to achieve optimal health’ and ‘facilitate the body’s inherent healing mechanisms’.

Naturopathic medicine is very safe, natural therapy with services of different alternative therapies. The age old philosophy of naturopathic medicine is based on six important principles which have their roots is Indian [Ayurveda], Chinese [Traditional Chinese medicine], Native American and Greek [Hippocratic] cultures.

The following are the six principles of naturopathic therapy.

1- The healing power of nature naturopathy is basically the body’s inherent ability to treat itself

2- Identify and treat the cause naturopathy believes in finding the underlying cause rather than eliminating it

3- First do no harm naturopathy uses methods and medicines to reduce the further harmful effects

4- Doctor as a teacher naturopathy educates patients and emphasizes self responsibility

5- Treat the whole person naturopathy treats all aspects of body that is physical, mental, emotional and spiritual

6- Prevention is better than cure naturopathy prevents the formation of disease into more severe condition

Although acne seems to be a disorder of skin oil glands, naturopathic philosophy is best suited for diagnosis and treatment of acne.

Naturopathic diagnosis is the best approach for identification of acne and this could be attributed to the following beneficial reasons

– It will help the patient to identify the cause of acne and also help in specific treatment for acne symptoms

– It will help in revealing the underlying conditions that impede body’s ability to function normally

– It will help to determine the proper assessment tools which are most helpful in establishing a treatment strategy specific to patient’s health

– It will help to identify and treat the underlying root cause of acne and avoid further damages to skin

– It will be a comprehensive treatment plan with range of complementary and alternative therapies.

A naturopathic doctor or health care provider will take a complete history of the patient that includes skin care, cosmetic use, diet, factors triggering flare-ups, medications used, occupational and environmental exposures, prior treatment and an examination of the face, chest and other blemishes, lesions and scars. This assessment is oriented towards the determining what is impeding patients body’s ability to function normally.

As far as naturopathic treatment for acne is concerned, from a naturopathic view point acne is an external manifestation of an internal imbalance. Nutrition is the key to treating acne. In 420 BC Hippocrates, the father of medicine said let food be your medicine and medicine be your food’.

The poor quality foods eaten by an individual clogs the pores and attracts bacteria however with consumption of better quality foods the sebaceous glands get all of the nutrients and are bound to produce good quality oil which flows well and nourishes the skin.

In nutrition, a high protein, low carbohydrate diet including vegetables, sea weeds, fish (salmon, sardines, and trouts), whole grains, sprouts and fruits is advisable and avoiding all fried foods, dairy products, processed foods, junk foods, sugar, margarine, nut butters, citrus except [lemon juice] and caffeine is suggested.

In addition, consumption of plenty of water everyday is beneficial; water helps in retaining moisture of the skin keeping it full, fresh and youthful.

Thus, by changing our diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle we can often change or reverse course of illness and restore our health. Thus, the possible lifestyle changes to treat acne in addition to eating diet high in raw vegetables and fruits and avoiding all forms of sugar, alcohol, butter, caffeine, cheese, chocolate, cocoa, cream, fat, margarine, processed food, and drinking plenty of water, beneficiary dietary supplements are also required. The beneficiary dietary supplements are

Alpha-sterol helps open blocked pores
Tea Tree oil is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial substance that will eliminate [Propionibacterium acnes] the causative bacterial strain of acne, thus reducing inflammation associated with skin.
Vitamin B3- improves circulation to surface of skin.
Acidophilus Probiotics helps replenish natural good body bacteria.
Chromium Picolinate reduces skin infections
Colloidal Silver is natural antibiotic can be applied topically or taken internally.

Starting from diet and clinical nutrition, naturopathic treatment covers a myriad of healing practices including

Herbal medicine once naturopathic doctor has diagnosed the lifestyle and dietary factors aggravating acne, they will decide on combination of herbs specific to acne caused and symptoms. Nevertheless, ayurvedic formulations using herbal extracts of plants like Bhavprakasha Nigantu and Charak Samhita have been found successful in treating acne.

Acupuncture Auricular [acupuncture applied to the ear] and electro acupuncture therapies reducing symptoms of acne.

Homeopathy There have been few studies on effective homeopathic remedies. Usually acne based treatments depend on homeopath’s knowledge and clinical experience and also patients physical, emotional and intellectual make up.

Mind or Body medicine Emotional stress can worsen acne therefore relaxation therapies such as hypnosis, biofeedback together with cognitive imagery improve acne symptoms.

Though relaxation using hypnosis an individual becomes relaxed and this positive approach influences the activity of hormones and the immune system contributing to reduced inflammation of acne.

Biofeedback is a technique in which an individual is trained to control certain internal bodily processes that normally occur involuntarily such as hear rate [measured by an EKG] and muscle tension [measured by an EMG].

Guided imagery involves formation of mental pictures to promote a variety of favorable physical and emotional effects. This combination of biofeedback and cognitive imagery allows the person to visualize and understand bodily changes when he or she changes form being tense to being relaxed.

Hydrotherapy is the use of water to treat acne and maintain health. Colon cleansing using hydrotherapy is the alternative medicine that has improved the conditions of acne. Many practitioners feel that overall bodily health is achieved once colon is clean and free from toxins.

Physical therapy covering photodynamic therapy and ultrasound Both techniques are safe and painless and its duration varies with the severity of acne.

Photodynamic therapy is improving treatment of acne, using a topical medication called aminolevulinic acid which is effective and ultrasound technique is used to calm and soothe red, inflamed skin, enhancing the healing process.

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The Tip To Be Acne-free Even When You Have Sugar In Your Daily Diet

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Sugar is the first thing you should avoid in your acne-free diet; it is a foe for your general health. The severity of acne differs from every individual. Cutting down your sugar intake definitely would helps, for your acne, as well as your general health. There’s a myth that says about chocolates causing acne is because of the high sugar level in chocolates. Chocolates on its own does not cause acne, but high amount of sugar level and the tiny amount of caffeine in chocolate is the one that cause acne. Sugar is the main cause for many cases of acne!

So how does sugar cause your acne? One of the acne causes is hormonal imbalance. When you large amount of sugar, your BSL (blood sugar level) will rise. As your BSL goes up, your body will produce a hormones called insulin naturally, which would control your BSL. Due to the fact that insulin is a hormone, an increase in insulin production numbers means an increase in your hormones production numbers, and that will cause hormonal imbalance.

The trick to be able to have a sweet tooth without suffering from acne’s agony is to be shrewd whenever you have sugar in your diet. You have learned earlier that an increment in BSL will cause an increment in insulin level. Since insulin is a hormone, a rapid increase in a short span of time would cause an extreme change in hormones level. In another word, can I say that if I take in small amount of sugar at different time intervals equally, the rate of insulin production would be reduced to a large extend?

YES!

Thus, for those who suffer from acne and also like sugary food, it is possible to still take in sugar, but remember, don’t take in large quantity of sugar in a short span of time. Always try to spread your sugar intake over a time period. If you do that, chances are acne will not hit you as frequent as taking in high sugar amount at one go.

Coping With The After Effects Of Acne Scarring

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It may not be instantaneous, but the good news is that you can choose from a number of different methods for getting rid of the scars. The treatments for acne scars differ in terms of effectiveness and quickness as well as in terms of costs so you have to consider each one carefully.

The most basic and least expensive means are the various home remedies, which in many cases will improve your appearance more and more over time. You can help by not exacerbating the problem by not creating additional scarring, such as squeezing any pimples with your hands. You should also continue to clean your face deeply every day. The use of a nourishing moisturizer with a high SPF is also helpful for the fast recovery. In addition, you might also want to use any of the special antibiotic ointments for the fading of the scars and for the prevention or reappearance of acne.

eyond home remedies, the dermabrasion procedure is one of the most effective ways to get rid of scarring caused by acne. This is a procedure performed by a dermatologist in their office. The top few layers of your skin are removed so that new cells can be generated. This procedure requires some numbing and the recovery might be marginally painful, but it is effective for getting rid of acne scars that are relatively shallow. It is said to work best for people with very light or very dark complexions. The downside to dermabrasion treatment is that it can be expensive, and more than one procedure may be necessary for complete results.

Alternatively you can have a chemical peel performed. It is generally about half the cost of dermabrasion, but you will have the top layer of your skin removed only. Still, this method also works well for shallow scars. The recovery period is similar to that of the dermabrasion procedure. Another alternative to dermabrasion is the laser resurfacing. It works in the same fashion the top and some deeper layers of the skin are removed. This type of treatment is considered to be more effective and less painful, but it is around two times more expensive than the dermabrasion. Also, its side effects on the skin are not fully studied yet.

For severe acne scarring, the punch technique is considered to be the most effective for the removal of deep ice pick scars. The dermatologist punches the area with the scar and then replaces it with a skin graft taken from another area of the body usually behind the ear. This is a serious invasive procedure, but it is not extremely costly. Still, if you get this type of treatment, you will have to undergo another one usually dermabrasion. The total costs will be high, but you will get the results you want.

It goes without saying that curing acne should be the first step in treating acne scars. It can be both costly and very disappointing to go through cosmetic treatments only to have new scars appear in place of the old ones. But at least you can take comfort in knowing that you dont have to live with the unsightly scarring and pitting are left behind from pimples.

What Can I Do About Lamictal Acne

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There are so many people that are taking the drug Lamictal for depression or bipolar symptoms who are experiencing lamictal acne side effects. It is such a common side effect that it is causing people to question whether or not they should stop taking the medication. The medication is benefiting their depression greatly but is causing severe rashes or acne breakouts on their face or entire body. What other options or considerations can be utilized to prevent or minimize lamictal acne while taking Lamictal?

Try lowering your dosage. If your doctor has recommended a certain dosage for you but you are noticing lamictal acne symptoms, take the initiative to lower your own dosage. If you go back to your doctor thist is what he is going to do. Most drugs have side effects that you can alter by simply reducing the required dosage without having to stop taking the medication. Lamictal will still have the same effect on depression but maybe will not be as rapid.

Investigate the foods you are eating for allergic reactions. If you are taking Lamictal remember you are introducing a new drug to your body. It may have negative reactions to certain foods or other drugs you may be taking. If you are breaking out with acne consider maybe you are having an allergic reaction. Have you thought about Lamictal not mixing well with dairy products or other foods? Keep a journal of your acne breakouts. When they occur assess what you ate within the past 24 hours? Is there a pattern?

Try an acne diet (remove the toxins from your body). The occurrence of lamictal acne is really an allergic reaction to the medication. So, trying other acne medications to counter the acne is not really the way to fight this acne. You do not want to mix in other medications because the results may be worse. Try an alternative acne remedy. An acne diet is completely safe and requires no medications. Lamictal is obviously adding toxins to your body so you really want to try acne methods that will rid the body of toxins. An acne diet is a great alternative to fighting acne without using acne medications.

A common side effect with lamictal acne is skin sensitivity around the jawline. Many people are getting acne breakouts around their jawline. It seems to reason that this area of the face is become highly sensitive as a result of lamictal. One thing to consider is pay attention to what comes into contact with your jawline. It could be your shirt collars irritating your skin due to this hypersensitivity. It could also be a dirty pillowcase that you are sleeping face down on every night. Be sure to change your pillowcases every night. Another suggestion is hair growing in this area. You may need to stop shaving and just use hair trimmers.

These options are practical but could be very helpful in preventing lamictal acne from ruining your appearance and self esteem. Try them before you try acne medication. You may see results from these inexpensive methods.

The Best Acne Scar Cream Ingredients

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Living with acne scars can be one of the most frustrating endeavors some people have to go through. They are unsightly, and in some cases can develop into self conscious and embarrassing social issues. Of the plethora of different procedures and treatments meant to reduce or erase acne scars, your best bet is to search for the best all natural acne scar cream. The best scar fading creams are made with the finest ingredients in the skin care world as well as being the most effective in terms of price, results and safety. Before considering laser surgery or chemical peels take a look at what makes the best acne scar fading cream and see if the all natural path is the road for you.

The number one cause of acne scars is popping or picking your acne. If you want to prevent acne scars to the fullest do not touch your acne for any reason what so ever. Acne scars can come in all shapes, sizes and colors all of which dont match the skins natural tone. Discoloration from scars can range from brown to white and can be quite difficult to diminish. Many acne scar creams contain bleaching agents or acids to tone the sin that actually prove to be more harmful to the skin causing sever irritation, the last thing you need when trying to get rid of acne scars.

When looking for the best acne scar treatment, try to find one made with a time honored ingredient like Rosehip Oil. Rosehip Oil is a world renowned extract harvested from special roses grown in Chile. It has been used for hundreds of years due to its fantastic healing properties and high vitamin C content and people often travel many miles just to obtain a few drops of this amazing all natural extract. The best acne scar creams will contain Rosehip for its amazing ability to aid in the reduction of discoloration from acne scars.
Collaxyl is one of the biggest players in the skin care world right now. An all natural peptide based compound, Collaxyl begins to stimulate cellular regeneration basically through tricking the skin. When the skin is damaged and cells die, messages from the body to heal the skin are no longer sent and that is where Collaxyl comes in. Collaxyl sends messages to the skin telling it to begin healing itself, therefore effectively reducing and eventually eliminating acne related scars. Not only does Collaxyl heal reduce acne scars it also further eliminates discoloration, negating the need for chemical toners or bleaching agents.

Certain vitamins that our bodies dont produce naturally have been shown to offer tremendous force when it comes to reducing acne scars and discoloration. A derivative of vitamin B3, Niacinimide is another fantastic ingredient found in the best acne scar treatments and is well documented as a potent anti inflammatory. Inflammation is one of the biggest causes to the appearance of acne scars. Not only does Niacinimide reduce inflammation, it also effectively and permanently eliminates discoloration and bruising while soothing the skin.

When looking for the absolute best acne scar fading cream try and avoid any product with harsh or irritating chemicals or artificial fragrances. Synthetic fragrances dont offer anything other than a nice scent and are known to cause severe skin irritation or allergic reactions, again, something you dont need when trying to get rid of acne scars. Try your best to avoid getting any laser surgery or chemical peels unless you feel there is no other option, and even then think about it long and hard. Surgery and peels are sure to be costly; ranging from $700-$5000, painful; often resulting in swelling , formation of sores, dryness, peeling, and burning, and time consuming; with recovery times averaging about a week. Search product review sites, talk to friends and family or consult a dermatologist and see if they can point you in the right direction to the best all natural acne scar fading cream there is.