Out, Out, Damn Spot! No One Likes a Pimple
Unfortunately, pimples are not just a teenage problem
We've all got hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and most of the time, they work just as they should. But sometimes a blockage occurs, and infection follows, and then you've got yourself what we in the biz like to call a "zit." Though most of us associate acne with teenagers, people of all ages get pimples — and people of all ages hate them.
You've heard the old wives' tales; now it's time for some solid facts. If you're struggling with acne, here are six solutions modern medicine can offer you.
- Benzoyl peroxide: This is the active ingredient in most over-the-counter acne products. It might take the form of a topical gel, a cream, a foaming cleanser, or a bar of soap. Higher concentrations are available with a prescription.
- Antibiotics: Since acne is a bacterial infection, removing the bacteria can clear up the infection. Antibiotics may be taken orally or applied topically.
- The Pill: Though obviously not an option for males, oral contraceptives can help regulate hormones and control acne, particularly for teenage girls.
- Retinoids: Like antibiotics, these can be taken orally or applied topically. Retinoids are typically very effective. Howver, the potential for side effects is high, so it's important that the doctor consider the patient's total health.
- Phototherapy: Cutting-edge science suggests that exposure to certain wavelengths of light can reduce acne. Some methods use red light, while others focus on violet.
- Lasers: No, we're not going to laser your blackheads away! But if you've got scarring from past acne, lasers may be a cosmetic option for you.
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May 22nd, 2009 at 5:15 am
[...] Out, Out, Damn Spot! No One Likes a Pimple | Health and Wellness … [...]
March 4th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Generally, it is believed that 15 percent of couples meet with failure when attempting their first pregnancy, since 80-85 percent of couples achieve pregnancy within twelve months of unprotected sexual intercourse. There is evidence from clinical data to show that in 30 percent of cases of infertility, the problem is with the man alone. While in another 20 percent, the man and the woman both share the ‘reason’ for the couple’s infertility. Therefore in 50 percent of infertility cases, the problem is wholly or partly from the man. This fact might be too much for persons to believe, but it should be understood that the male reproductive system is almost as complex as that of the females. Also, from conception to menopause, the male stands almost the chance of reproductive malfunction or abnormality as the woman.
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