Acne Treatments That Work

Acne is the skin condition, that is generally associated with an overactive sebaceous gland. Excess secretion of sebum or oil by the overactive sebaceous glands often clogs the skin pores. Bacteria along with dead skin cells and dirt get trapped inside such clogged skin pores, and create a favorable atmosphere for infection. This eventually causes inflammation and redness, or the development of acne and pimples. An outbreak of acne and pimples can be triggered by several factors including, hormonal imbalance or fluctuation, certain allergens, high level of stress and a wrong diet. Though numerous medications and cosmetics are available to treat this skin condition, most of them fail to address the underlying causes of acne.

Over the Counter Acne Skin Care Products

The most commonly used products are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sulfur and resorcinol. Benzoyl peroxide is available as creams and gels, and it works well for moderate to severe acne. It can destroy the acne causing bacteria, and remove the dead skin cells to unclog the skin pores in order to treat acne. People who have oily skin can benefit from it, though it is not suitable for those with dry and sensitive skin. However, benzoyl peroxide can cause certain side effects like, skin dryness, redness, minor swelling and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Individuals with sensitive skin can try salicylic acid, which can speed up the process of exfoliation of dead skin cells to prevent clogging of skin pores. It is however, effective for mild acne. Some minor side effects like, skin dryness and peeling, and increased sensitivity to sunlight can be experienced with its topical application. Sulfur and resorcinol based acne products, on the other hand, help to remove excess sebum and dead cells from the skin, in order to unclog the skin pores. However, it can cause skin dryness, peeling and redness. Retinoid gels and creams are other options, but can cause some skin peeling initially.

Prescription Medications for Acne

In case of severe acne, where over-the-counter acne fail to control the outbreak, one can opt for prescription medications. These, very obviously, should be taken only under the supervision of a physician. The most common medications used for acne control are, oral and topical antibiotics. Another effective medication is accutane or isotretinoin. It is a very strong medication, that is prescribed only for severe acne, that has not responded to other treatment options. Accutane can cause serious side effects like, nosebleeds, liver dysfunction, headaches and muscle aches. It is not prescribed for pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects. Hormonal acne treatment, on the other hand, can help those individuals that experience severe acne outbreak, mainly due to hormonal fluctuations.

Natural Acne Remedies

Over-the-counter and prescription medications, used for acne can cause several side effects, for which many people prefer to rely on herbs and some simple home remedies to treat this skin condition.

• Aloe vera gel, known for its soothing properties can ensure rapid healing of pimples. Due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera gel can prove beneficial for minor skin abrasions and acne.
• Another effective home remedy for acne is lemon juice. Just mix a small amount of lemon juice with water or rose water, and apply on the affected skin. Leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse with clean water.
• Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial properties and therefore it can destroy the acne causing bacteria and microorganisms.
• Mint, especially peppermint is a well-known herb, used for numerous ailments. It contains menthol, that has strong anti-inflammatory properties and hence, cures inflamed acne and pimples.
• Jojoba oil can also sooth inflamed acne besides, preventing excessive secretion of sebum, which is one of the most important causes of breakout.
• Sandalwood paste is another important natural remedy for acne prevention, that can also improve your skin complexion. It can be mixed with turmeric powder to get a pimple free skin.

It is always better and safe to try out natural acne cures first, for mild acne and other skin problems, as they generally do not cause any adverse effect on the skin. However, the natural remedies may take some time to alleviate this skin condition. Besides this, they may not be very effective for a severe case of acne outbreak, for which you may need to take over-the-counter and prescription medications. However, it is better to have a talk with your physician or dermatologist, before taking any strong medications for acne. Lastly, if you experience any kind of reaction after applying over-the-counter and prescription medications or herbs, be sure to discontinue their use and inform your dermatologist immediately.

Best Acne Treatment Products

So, why are there so many products for treatment of acne? Because, different products suit different people. Every individual has different skin type and can have mild to severe case of acne. There are different creams available for sensitive acne prone skin, oily acne prone skin, dry acne prone skin. Hence, experimenting with a couple of different products and forming a regime of using the right acne products which suit your skin, along with regular cleansing and a balanced diet will help you to prevent and control acne. Here are the top acne treatment products, out of which you can select the one which is best suited for you.

If you have a sensitive skin then select milder acne products, and avoid using harsh soaps. If you have oily skin, then use products which are in a gel or water based formula. For people with dry skin, use cream based products.

Best OTC Creams/Ointments/Gels

• DDF BP Gel 5% with Tea Tree Oil is one of the best acne treatment gels which comes with the natural ingredient tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide, which helps to destroy blemishes and fight new breakouts.
• DermaClear, helps in clearing up pimples, blackheads and whiteheads by clearing up the pores.
• Johnson & Johnson Persa Gel, has been used since a long time for acne breakouts. It is excellent for sensitive skin.

Best OTC Overnight Products

• Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Patch contains 2% salicylic acid which prevents and minimizes acne blemishes.
• Clean & Clear Overnight Acne Patches are tiny patches which help to control the acne breakouts.
• Acne Dry Spot is a very effective overnight acne skin care product, which helps to reasonably shrink the breakouts.

Best Scrubs for Acne

• DDF Pumice Acne Scrub, is an excellent exfoliant which helps prevent acne inflammation and eliminate razor bumps. This is a gentle scrub too, which makes it ideal for guys and girls.
• Stridex Acne Super Scrub, is another excellent scrub which is mixed with the convenience of a pad. You just need to rub it on the affected acne region, and it will help to exfoliate the skin.
• You can also make a homemade scrub with plain yogurt and fine rice powder, and use it for scrubbing your face for acne control.

Best Face Masks for Acne

• Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask is an acne face mask, which works great for getting rid of pimples overnight, and reduce blemishes. It contains gentle scent of lavender, and is to be dabbed on the affected areas.
• Fuller earth with rose water is a good homemade mask for acne prevention. It works best for oily skin to control acne.
• Neutrogena Cooling Gel Mask helps to clear up the pores, and thus helps in deep cleansing of the skin, and control the breakouts.

Best Natural Acne Treatment

• Tea tree oil is one of the most powerful essential oils and the best natural acne cure. To use tea tree oil for treating pimples, mix this oil with jojoba oil in a 3:10 proportion, and apply on the affected area.
• Lavender oil in the similar way can be used to treat acne. Lavender also has a pleasing smell, that help to control stress and thus prevent worsening of acne.
• Carrot juice, when had everyday helps to clear up acne and reduce blemishes. So, have a glass of fresh carrot juice everyday.

Best Natural Acne Scar Treatment

• Rosehip oil is one of the most beneficial oils for natural acne scar removal. Mix jojoba oil and rosehip oil in a 10:4 proportion and apply on the blemishes.
• Aloe vera gel from the plant or from a bottle can be used to clear up blemishes.
• Sandalwood powder with rose water makes a wonderful pack, that helps to clear up acne scars.

So, pick a few OTC or natural acne treatment products, follow a balanced diet to keep your stomach clean, and keep regularly cleansing the acne prone skin, to get rid of acne and prevent it.

Nosebleeds and High Blood Pressure

Nosebleeds are a very common problem amongst children. In medical terms, nose bleeding is known as epistaxis . Although they look scary and terrible, staying calm is the immediate requirement for dealing with nose bleeding. There are many reasons for nose bleeding such as calcium deficiency, exposure to irritating chemicals, sinusitis, high altitude, excessive use of illegal drugs and high blood pressure. High B.P. is a medical condition which has no symptoms. The condition can only be diagnosed by a doctor by regularly monitoring your blood pressure.

Causes
The nose has large number of blood vessels located at vulnerable points. Thus it is very easy for the nose to get hurt and start bleeding. The most common nose bleeding causes are dry weather conditions. Dry conditions can be caused by extreme winters or summers. The dryness in the air dries up the nasal membranes, which causes the nose to bleed. This kind of bleeding is more of a nuisance than a medical condition but when nosebleed is associated with high blood pressure, it can be a serious problem.

There are two types of nose bleeding, namely, anterior and posterior. One of the reasons for posterior bleeding of nose is high blood pressure. High B.P. is defined as the pressure exerted by the blood on the arteries. Hence, high B.P. nosebleeds are a result of blood pressure exceeding the normal level of 120/80.

Chronic Cases
Chronic nosebleeds can be dangerous and require immediate treatment. The anterior ones occur from the front and hence are not very dangerous. The posterior ones occur from the top, which is what makes them frightening. Generally, older people are more prone to posterior nosebleeds. Medical help should be sought immediately in case of chronic nose bleeding. Chronic nosebleeds can create panic as they are excessive and look gruesome. The person can suffer from weakness due to blood loss. In worse conditions, it may even lead to anemia.

How to Stop a Nosebleed
It is very important to stop a nosebleed as soon as possible. Here are a few tips to equip you better to stop a nosebleed.

Sit straight and Lean Forward to reduce the pressure on the veins of your nose. Leaning forward will also prevent you from swallowing the blood, which often causes panic and irritation.

Lightly Pinch Your Nose just above your nostrils, with your index finger and thumb. Lean forward and breathe through your nose. This will stop the blood flow from the septum, if done for five to 10 minutes.

Lie Down on Your Back with your head straight. Pour some cold water on your head if the bleeding is caused due to hot and dry conditions. Once the head is cooled down, the bleeding will stop in a while. As far as possible, keep your mouth open while sneezing as it de-stresses your nostrils from the pressure built up on the inside.

Preventing High Blood Pressure Nosebleeds
Nose bleeding may occur due to abnormal blood pressure. Controlling and lowering the blood pressure can help prevent frequent bleeding through nose. Following a healthy eating pattern, avoiding smoking and alcohol, adequate sleep, time management, avoiding tensions and maintaining a healthy weight with exercises are some of the ways to prevent high blood pressure.

Causes of nose bleeding are many. However, nosebleeds with high blood pressure is a dangerous combination. Consult an ENT doctor immediately if it's a case of chronic nosebleeds that keep recurring.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Wife

"All I want for Christmas is you
You're the gift that's made my dreams all come true
All I need for Christmas is here
Finding every sweet surprise wrapped up in your eyes
Waiting there for me underneath the tree
We'll the spend the day exchanging kisses
Smile and say What a Christmas this is
Long before the snowflakes appear
Without bells or mistletoe or the tinsel silver glow
You just look at me and Oh!
Christmas is here!" "A Christmas Love Song".

Words strong enough to make the heart go pitter-patter even after staying with one another for years. What if your Christmas gift to your wife could also reflect the same emotions. Well, honestly it is very much possible to get your wife something special and unique even after all these years of living together. Below are some great Christmas gift ideas for wife that will reassure her that even when life's pattern has put on a much repeated rhythm, she still remains the queen of your heart's castle!

A 'Circle of Life' Trinity ring You can get your wife a trinity ring made out of three different metals such as silver, gold and platinum. Then get the words 'past', 'present' and 'future' calligraphically etched behind the silver, gold and platinum bands respectively. The silver would thus indicate how she stood beside you during your struggling days, the aurum band would reflect how she fills your life with a golden aura of joy and contentment and the platinum stria would tell her that not only do you see a most cherished and enigmatic future ahead with her by your side but also how rare and precious an experience shall your journey together appear at the end of the road. On the outer surfaces of the ring you could get the words 'Circle', 'of', 'My Life' engraved on the three bands one after the other to sum up the concept. Also, you could write the meaning of the three bands and leave it inside the ring box and get the following lyrics embossed on the cover or inside of the box.

"It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life".

One unique Christmas gift ideas for wife that will surely bring a tear to her eye and a smile on those crimson lips.

Platinum Hoops for Monkey Business Jewelry and women being best friends, you can never fail with a piece of trinket. So buy her those very in vogue platinum hoops. But presentation is always very important and just giving it to her in just a jewelry box is so clichd. So here's what you can do. Buy a black, suede finished monkey mannequin in a seated posture, knees pressed against the chest. It should be black because it will make the white platinum stand out. Now get the words 'Your love makes me wanna monkey around with joy' inscribed on the backside of the mannequin and place the earrings on the ears of the monkey. Leave this on your wife's dresser and she'll go from "Oh!" to "Oh wow!" with bliss.

A Family on the Finger-top A woman never feels complete without her entire family about her and here's what you can do to ensure that she feels close to all of them at all times. Just find out what is your, your better half's and your kids' birthstones as per the zodiac signs. You can then go to the jeweler and get two complementary stackable rings made with two stones at each end. Also get the name of each member inscribed beside his/her birthstone. Place it in front of the family picture when and your wife will never part it from herself ever again. You can also keep adding the number of rings with increase in the family members' number!

Candles of Peace Christmas is essentially a time that floods our life with light and warmth. So, making aromatic Christmas candles for your wife will surely rekindle that love and affection in your lives. To strengthen the allusion to joy and contentment, you can make one of the Chinese ideograms of 'Zen', 'spirit', 'love' and 'peace' on the surface of each candle with a small, personal phrasal message below. Something to keep your wife aglow for sometime.

A Heart to Rest On How often have you told your wife "you fill up my heart"? Here's how you can actually allow her to fill it up figuratively. Just buy her a huge crimson, heart-shaped bean bag to rest upon when after a hard, long day. Not only will it go with the Christmas color of red but also help her to unwind peacefully in the warm realm of your heart everyday!

So, there you go, five awesome Christmas gift ideas for wife that'll leave her breathless and you all complete and content. So go ahead and show your resolution as the man of the household, as you follow the Christmas traditions, to keep the family together and your queen pampered and radiant!

How to Get Rid of Body Acne

Body acne mostly occurs in the neck, chest, back, upper arms, buttocks and shoulders. In fact, it can develop anywhere in the body excluding the palms and the soles. Body acne is more or less similar to facial acne. It is also observed that those with facial acne are shown to develop body acne to some extent. Nevertheless, as the body skin is thicker than the facial skin, body acne tends to develop severe lesions and scars. Even though not many people report body acne cases, it is so common that majority of the people worldwide get body acne at some point of their life.

The causes of acne are hyperactive oil glands, excess accumulation of dead skin cells and infestation of bacteria, which are responsible for development of acne. It is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Hence, it is obvious that body acne runs in families. Irritation on the skin, especially when wearing tight, and/or sweaty and damp clothes, may trigger the development of body acne. Regarding the best acne treatment, proper skin care along with over-the-counter medications respond effectively.

Speaking about the ways to get rid of body acne, they are different in comparison to facial acne. This is due to the fact that the number of pores and sweat glands are more in the body than the face area. Regarding the best way to get rid of body acne, there is no simple and fast tip as such. However, having better knowledge about caring for body acne and tips to get rid of body acne will help in acne control and also in preventing recurrent body acne outbreaks.

Frequent Bathing: The best way to get rid of body acne is frequent bathing with lukewarm water. Soaking the acne affected areas in warm water will help in loosening dead skin cells and opening the pores. Do not irritate the skin by scrubbing the affected areas with a loofah or body scrubber. If possible, take shower baths several times a day to wash off perspiration. Doing so will minimize the chances of bacterial infestation over the portions that are prone to development of body acne.

Use Mild Cleansers: Regular usage of fragrant soaps are not advisable for cleaning body acne. Rather, a mild cleanser can be used for cleaning the affected areas several times a day. There are also specific skin care cleansers that are formulated for body acne. Such products contain active ingredient, which help in the removal of accumulated oils and dead cells. Use the skin cleanser as per the directions provided with the product.

Exfoliate Skin: Skin exfoliation helps in the removal of dead skin cells, which are one of the major reasons for clogging of pores and development of body acne. Use a prescription skin product with exfoliation beads to exfoliate the affected skin area. According to beauty experts, skin exfoliation should be done at least twice a week.

Comfortable Clothing: As skin irritation worsens body acne, wearing loose and comfortable clothes is a good tip for body acne prevention. The fabric of the clothes should be such that it will absorb sweat and perspiration effectively. Woolen clothes should be strictly avoided, as these materials tend to scratch skin, which in turn aggravates body acne.

Diet Plan: As far as the diet plan is concerned, it should include ample amounts of fruits and vegetables. Since these food items contain a high amount of antioxidants, they are effective for combating free radicals and improving the immune system. Also, refrain from eating too much of oily food for getting rid of body acne. In order to flush body toxins, it is advisable to drink plenty of water everyday.

In case of painful, large and persistent body acne, it is advisable to consult a qualified dermatologist for proper diagnosis and correct treatments. The physician may prescribe topical ointments as well as oral medications to treat moderate to severe cases of acne.

Bright Orange Urine during Pregnancy

Every new sign during pregnancy can make you feel anxious and give you jitters. These jitters are difficult to deal with, as you are obviously taking utmost care of yourself and most essentially the baby. This may be all the more frustrating when you see signs bothering you rather than making you feel comfortable and at ease with your body. The most prominent sign that disturbs mums-to-be is the change in the urine color. The color may go through a number of changes in terms of color and odor that it emits, when thrown out of the system. It is due to this very reason that one needs to know what the changing urine color means.

Why Urine Color Changes

The kidneys are responsible for producing urine. Kidneys filter the blood and thus processes blood plasma, allowing water, sugar, amino acids, vitamins and other vital substances to re-enter the blood stream. As this filtration continues, this process in turn sorts out waste substances like urea, uric acid, hormone waste and toxins. These are toxins and waste matter that is excreted out in the urine. In normal circumstances, the color of urine is pale yellow, and this color is due to the pigment urochrome. The cause of concern is when the pale color of urine is altered. This generally happens when there is a detection of kidney diseases. It is during this stage that the filtration process of urine production becomes faulty. Due to this, certain elements like red blood cells, white blood cells, proteins, dyes, etc., also get filtered through, thus passing into the urine. This leads to a change in the urine color. In certain cases, you may also witness traces of blood in the urine. This is a condition causing hematuria. It's this meaning of urine color that is used to reach a temporary diagnosis.

Causative Factors of Bright Orange-colored Urine

If the urine color during pregnancy is orange, thus making you anxious, the first thing that you need to do is to relax. The orange color of the urine does not mean that something is necessarily wrong. The reasons could be as elementary as drinking considerably less water or something that you have been eating that is contributing to the color. It may also be due to the fact that you have been consuming prenatal vitamins that has been causing the urine color to change. To make you feel all the more comfortable, let this article state that many women experience the same signs of urine color changing, yet have had an absolutely normal and healthy pregnancy.

Dehydration
You might have observed that when you are not pregnant, your urine color changes from clear to pale yellow when you have not had enough water to flush out the system. During pregnancy, the scenario remains unchanged. All you need to do is to keep yourself well-hydrated and ensure that you are getting enough water to drink throughout the day. Make a conscious effort to drink water even if you are not very religious with your habit of drinking water. You may notice that the urine could just be more concentrated than usual, thus resulting in a darker yellow color. Thus, it is very important that you get enough water during your pregnancy.

What You Eat
What you eat can also cause bright orange urine during pregnancy. Asparagus, beets and carrots can also change the color of your urine. Follow a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and don't worry about the effect it has on the color of your urine. It is important that you have a good and well-balanced diet, so that the urine color does not change.

Prenatal Vitamins
Vitamins play a major role in changing the color of urine. What your body does not absorb from the vitamins with the current intake, is instead removed from the body via the urine. Prenatal vitamins are no exception. Vitamins are packed with very beneficial ingredients that promote the well-being for you and your baby. But your body probably doesn't need to absorb all of them. Vitamin B12 is the primary factor that causes bright orange or yellow urine during pregnancy. Don't stop taking your prenatal vitamins just because of the change in the color of the urine.

Make sure that during your pregnancy, you drink more water, follow a well-balanced diet, and keep taking your prenatal vitamins. If however you experience any discomfort during your pregnancy, along with dark orange urine, make it a point to let your doctor know about the issue. Generally, bright orange urine occurring while pregnant should not be an issue requiring an urgent concern.

Pulmonary Hypertension: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Pulmonary hypertension is a disorder which is caused when the blood pressure in the lungs' arteries, also known as the pulmonary arteries, is very high and at an abnormal level. If a person is suffering from this condition, he generally has a truncation of breath after travail and energy loss. Some may even feel weak and exhausted, or may lose consciousness. Chest X-rays and scans, electrocardiography, and echocardiography are needed to diagnose this disease. However, the mensuration of the level of blood pressure in the right heart ventricle and the pulmonary artery is required for confirmation.

What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

The lungs' arteries are responsible for carrying blood from the heart's right side into the lungs, after which carbon dioxide is removed from the blood and oxygen is put into it. Generally, these arteries have a low pressure, which makes the heart's right side less muscly than the left one. The heart's left side is more muscly as it pumps blood to the whole body. Pulmonary hypertension is caused when the blood pressure in the arteries rises to an abnormally increased level. In such a condition, the heart's right side has to take extra efforts to pump the blood through the arteries into the lungs. If the heart functions in such a manner for a considerable amount of time, the right ventricle thickens and expands, thus causing the heart to fail.

Causes

There are various causes which contribute to pulmonary hypertension, such as HIV, drugs, lung diseases, and hypoxia. Left-sided heart failure is the most common cause, and occurs if any valve in the heart doesn't work normally, the pressure of the blood is abnormally high in the left ventricle, or due to previously experienced heart attacks. It can also be caused due to a disease which disables the heart muscles in their pumping function. If the lungs are affected by any disease, an extra effort is required to pump blood through them. Low levels of oxygen in the blood can make the pulmonary arteries narrow, which may contribute to pulmonary hypertension. If a person stays at a place which is at a higher altitude for a longer time, it can lower the level of oxygen in the blood.

Symptoms

If a person is unable to breathe properly after exerting his body, it is considered as a primary symptom of pulmonary hypertension. One who has breathing problems immediately needs to be checked and diagnosed for this disease. He may also feel weak or dizzy after exercising or a workout. It is because of the body tissues not getting sufficient amounts of oxygen. He may even experience cough and sneezing due to a lung disorder, and swelling due to a leakage of the fluid in the blood vessels into the tissues. Swelling normally occurs in the legs, and is a signal that the heart's right side is about to stop functioning.

Treatment

The treatment for this disease is to be commenced immediately after the disease has been diagnosed. Vasodilators, medicines to dilate blood vessels, like calcium channel blockers and prostacyclin analogs are helpful for individuals suffering from HIV, dermatosclerosis, and chronic liver diseases. However, these medicines have not proven to be helpful for individuals suffering from an underlying lung disorder. Those with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension can take vasodilators such as prostacyclin which drastically lower the blood pressure in the lungs' arteries. If prostacyclin is given to the patient through his vein using a catheter (a thin flexible tube inserted into the body), it meliorates the survival chances and sustains the time until lung transplantation is needed. However, before treating the patient with prostacyclin, physicians check its effectiveness on the patient, as it can also be harmful to some individuals. Nowadays hypodermic and inhaled forms of prostacyclin are also available.

People who are mildly affected with pulmonary hypertension are treated orally with endothelin receptor blockers, bosentan, and ambrisentan. 'Iloprost', a medicine which has effects similar to prostacyclin may also be used by inhalation. For patients who have a low amount of oxygen in the blood, oxygen may be supplied through nasal prongs or oxygen masks which may lower the blood pressure in the arteries, and may help the patient to breathe normally. Anticoagulant medications may be used as well to prevent blood clots. Though lung transplantation is a recommended procedure for treating patients with this disease, it can only be carried out with patients who are healthy enough to withstand the potential effects and hardships of the process.

If one is experiencing the above mentioned symptoms, he needs to immediately consult a doctor and undergo a medical examination to find traces of pulmonary hypertension.