Peppermint is preferable to spearmint as a medicinal herb because it contains menthol. But if you can't find peppermint or aren't sure which type of mint they have at the market, use whatever is available. Peppermint is easy to grow in most climates; consider growing your own supply.
Crushed mint as an herbal acne remedy.
Method
* Take a handful of mint leaves and crush them thoroughly with a mortar and pestle.
* Rub the leaves and juice on affected skin and leave for 5-10 minutes.
* Rinse with cold water.
* Repeat as often as desired to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Why It Works
Peppermint contains menthol which is a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
Precautions
Also, though a strong reaction is unlikely, do not continue this treatment if it irritates your skin.
Mint for Acne
Oatmeal for Acne
Method
* Cook a single serving of plain oatmeal as you would for eating.
* Add approximately ¼ cup honey and mix thoroughly.
* Allow to cool.
* Apply to face, avoiding the eye area.
* Leave for 10-20 minutes. Do not leave it on too long or it will become difficult to remove.
Why It Works
The oatmeal cleanses pores by absorbing oil and exfoliating the skin. Honey eases application and serves as a skin toner.
Best Acne Treatment
Acne
18 Remedies for Smoother Skin
As you wipe the steam off your bathroom mirror, you find yourself face-to-face with a huge pink dot on the end of your nose. This is not a good way to begin the week.
You give the mirror another wipe with your hand, then get up on your toes and lean over the sink to get a better look. It's there all right. But what's this? When you move your chin up to get a better view, you happen to glimpse a couple of whiteheads sprouting under your bottom lip.
You don't like this at all. You place one knee up on the sink and press your face close to the mirror, and there, in the gully between your nose and cheek, you find a lone blackhead staring back at you.
Stunned, you stumble back from the mirror. Sitting on the edge of the bathtub, you place your newly blemished face in your hands. Your thoughts drift back eons to a time of pimples and proms. Rocking back and forth, you wonder: What's going on here?
The answer is simple enough: You have acne. Acne may be the scourge of the adolescent years, but it can follow some people into middle age and beyond. "Women can have flare-ups at 25 or 35 years old and even older. In fact, my mother was still breaking out when she was 62," says dermatologist James E. Fulton, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., founder of the Acne Research Institute in Newport Beach, California.
Acne is really a catchall term for a variety of symptoms such as pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads, says Peter E. Pochi, M.D., professor of dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine. "It's a condition where the pores of the skin become clogged and the person gets inflamed and noninflamed lesions."
So what's the cause of all the clogging?
"Chocolate doesn't cause acne," says Dr. Fulton. "Dirty hair or skin doesn't cause it. Sex, either too much of it or a lack of it, doesn't cause it either."
So what does? Heredity—at least for the most part.
"Acne is genetic; it tends to run in families," says Dr. Fulton. "It is an inherited defect of your pores."
MEDICAL ALERT
Accutane to the Rescue
A huge pimple on the end of a nose can seem like a serious problem to the person connected to that nose. It may even seem serious to the people who find themselves staring at it when they talk to him. But acne can get much more serious than a simple blemish.
Acne is classified in four grades, the first being a mild bout with a few whiteheads and blackheads. The fourth and most serious grade consists of many whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Grade four acne is often accompanied by severe inflammation that becomes red or purple. And it's a sign that you should see a dermatologist.
Severe acne can result in permanent scarring if it isn't treated properly, says Peter E. Pochi, M.D. "The prescription drug Accutane will take care of severe acne very well."
If both of your parents had acne, three out of four of your brothers and sisters will get it, too. But if your sister is pimple-free while your face is a war zone, be aware that other factors can aggravate an acne outbreak. "Stress, sun exposure, seasonal changes, and climate can precipitate an acne attack," says Dr. Fulton. Certain types of makeup and taking birth control pills can also cause a breakout.
"Working women are especially vulnerable," adds Dr. Fulton. "They're prone to lots of stress, plus they tend to wear makeup a lot."
So here's some blemish-free advice, keeping in mind those who need it the most.
Change your makeup. In adult women, makeup is the major factor in acne outbreaks. "Oil-based makeup is the problem," says Dr. Fulton. "The pigments in foundation makeups, rouges, cleansing creams, or night moisturizers aren't the problem, and neither is the water in the products. It's just the oil. The oil is usually a derivative of fatty acids that are more potent than your own fatty acids. Use a non-oil-based makeup if you are prone to acne."
How Hollywood Hides Blemishes
You think that tiny, little pimple on your face is unsightly? Well, imagine how you would feel if that pimple were, say, the size of a 30 gallon garbage can.
That's the size it would appear to be if you were a star of the silver screen. Bette Davis's big, beautiful eyes would go unnoticed compared to the pimple on the tip of her nose if that pimple were allowed to remain in sight.
Ah, but we never see pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads on the faces of the stars. And why is that? Don't these folks break out? "You bet they do," says Hollywood makeup artist Maurice Stein. "The difference is, they can't let their pimples or any other blemish show."
Stein has been a makeup artist for over 25 years and he's touched up the famous faces in such movies as M*A*S*H, Funny Girl, and all five of the Planet of the Apes films.
Guerrilla warfare is the only way you can fight the pimple that always sprouts at the wrong time. So here are a few combat tips from the trenches in Hollywood. Stein says he's used these on "some of the most expensive faces in the world."
Go under cover. you can totally block out the discoloration, whether it's pink, red, or purple, according to Stein. To do that, "a person should look for a foundation makeup that has a high pigment level," he says. The more pigment per ounce, the better chance there is of putting the product on thin and still getting good coverage. "When I cover a pimple on an entertainer's face, I look for a pigment level of 50 to 70 percent. The normal range for most foundations is around 15 to 18 percent."
Do a swatch test. You can't really tell the pigment level by looking at a product, but you can tell by sampling it. "Take a drop of it and rub it on your skin," suggests Stein. "If it's so solid in color that you can't see your own skin underneath it, then you know it has a high pigment level and will do well in covering your blemish."
Read the labels. Cosmetic products that contain lanolins, isopropyl myristate, sodium lauryl sulfate, laureth-4, and D & C red dyes should also be avoided. Like oil, these ingredients are too rich for the skin.
Rinse that rouge. "Wash your makeup off thoroughly every night," says Dr. Fulton. "Use a mild soap twice a day and make sure you rinse the soap entirely off your face. Rinsing six or seven times with fresh water should do it."
Fishing for a Cause?
It may sound fishy, but if you are prone to acne, there is at least one doctor who believes that seafood and other foods containing iodine could bring on an attack.
"Iodine is a factor in some people who are prone to acne," says James E. Fulton, Jr., M.D., Ph.D. " Iodine enters the body and mixes into the bloodstream, with the excess excreted through the oil glands. As it is excreted, it irritates the pores and brings on an acne flare-up."
If you've been fishing around for a clue to the cause of your acne, here's a table of some foods and beverages and the amount, in parts per million, of iodides that they contain.
Dr. Fulton does not currently know at what level the iodides could bring on an acne attack, but he warns that "excessive long-term ingestion can induce acne attacks."
Food/Beverage Iodides (ppm)
Dairy Products
Cheddar cheese spread 27
Butter 26
Homogenized Milk 11
Sour cream 7
Cottage cheese 5
Yogurt 3
Drinking water (U.S. average) 8
Meat and Poultry
Beef liver 325
Turkey 132
Chicken 67
Hamburger 44
Miscellaneous
Tortilla chips 80
Wheat germ 46
Potato chips 40
Pretzels 15
White bread 8
Coca-Cola 3
Sugar 2
Salt
Iodized 54
Seasoned 40
Seafood
Kelp 1,020
Squid 39
Crab 33
Sole 24
Clams 20
Shrimp 17
Lobster 9
Oysters 8
Vegetables
Asparagus 169
Broccoli 90
Onions (white) 82
Corn 45
Brussels sprouts 23
Potato 9
Green beans 7
A Slick Test for Oil
Here's an easy test that you can do at home to find out just how oily your cosmetics really are.
Get a sheet of 25 percent cotton-bond typing paper and rub a thick streak of your makeup onto it. Wait 24 hours and then check for an oil ring. "Within a day the oil will spread out and you'll see a big grease ring," explains James E. Fulton, Jr., M.D., Ph.D. "The bigger the ring, the more oil there is in your makeup. Stay away from makeup that produces big oil slicks."
Go for the natural look. "Whatever makeup you use, the less you use of it, the better," says Dr. Fulton.
Blame it on the Pill. Research conducted by Dr. Fulton indicates that certain birth control pills such as Ovral, Loestrin, Norlestrin, and Norinyl can aggravate acne. If you're on the Pill and have acne problem, discuss it with your doctor. He may be able to switch you to another pill or prescribe another birth control method.
Leave well enough alone. "You shouldn't squeeze pimples or whiteheads," says Dr. Pochi. "A pimple is an inflammation, and you could add to the inflammation by squeezing it. You may cause an infection." You can't do anything to a pimple to make it go away faster, he notes. "Normally a pimple will last from one to four weeks, but it will always go away."
A whitehead is a noninflamed plugged pore, notes Dr. Pochi. "The core of a whitehead is much smaller than the core of a blackhead. When you squeeze the whitehead, the wall of the pore could break and the contents could leak out into the skin and cause a pimple. A pimple naturally forms from the rupture of a whitehead pore wall."
Know when to squeeze. Although most pimples are best left alone, there is one kind that you can squeeze to help get rid of it. "Sometimes a pimple will have a little central yellow pus head in it," explains Dr. Pochi. "Gentle squeezing usually pops these open very nicely. Once the pus is out, the pimple will heal more quickly."
Attack blackheads. You can also get rid of a blackhead by squeezing it. "A blackhead is a very blocked pore. The material inside the blocked pore is solid, and the surface of the pore is widened," explains Dr. Pochi. The black part of a blackhead is not dirt. In fact, dermatologists aren't really sure what it is, but whatever it is, it will not result in a pimple.
Use OTCs to KO acne. You can fight back an acne attack with over-the-counter products. "Use OTCs with benzoyl peroxide in them," says Dr. Fulton. "The benzoyl part pulls the peroxide into the pore and releases oxygen that kills the bacteria that aggravates acne. It's like two drugs in one. The benzoyl also suppresses the fatty acid cells that irritate the pores."
OTC acne products come in various forms, such as gels, liquids, lotions, or creams. Dr. Fulton suggests using a water-based gel. It is the least likely to irritate the skin.
He also suggests using it for an hour or so in the evening, then washing it off very thoroughly at bedtime, especially in the areas around the eyes and neck.
Don't be fooled by the numbers. Acne medications contain concentrations of benzoyl peroxide ranging from 2.5 percent to around 10 percent. The percentage, however, has little to do with the product's effectiveness. "In most tests that have been conducted, the lower-strength products were as effective as the upper-strength ones," says Thomas Gossel, Ph.D., R.Ph., a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Ohio Northern University. "Five percent works as well as 10 percent."
Give dry skin extra care. Dry skin can be sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, so Dr. Gossel recommends you start with a lower-strength product first, then increase the concentration slowly. "You're going to get reddening of the skin when you put it on, but that is a normal reaction," he says.
Stay out of the sun. Acne medications may cause adverse reactions to the sun. "Minimize exposure to sunlight, infrared heat lamps, and sunscreens until you know how you will react," cautions Dr. Gossel, who advises a patch test for sunscreen sensitivity.
Scrub that skin. "Cleanse your skin thoroughly every time before applying any over-the-counter acne medication," says Dr. Gossel. A clean face is a happy face.
Use one treatment at a time. Don't mix treatments. If you are using an OTC acne product, you should stop using it if you are given prescription medication for your acne. "Benzoyl peroxide is a close cousin to Retin-A and other products containing vitamin A derivatives, such as Accutane," says Dr. Gossel. A person shouldn't use both of them together.
Stop the spread of acne. Apply acne medication about a half inch around the affected area, says Dr. Fulton, to help keep the acne from spreading. "The medication really doesn't fight the pimple you already have," he explains. "It acts more like a pimple preventive." Acne moves across the face from the nose out to the ear. You need to treat beyond the red inflammatory area. "When you buy an OTC product, it says to apply it to the affected area. To most people the affected area is where they see the pimples. But that's not the case at all."
PANEL OF ADVISERS
James E. Fulton, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., is a dermatologist and founder of the Acne Research Institute in Newport Beach, California. He is also coauthor of Dr. Fulton's Step-by-Step Program for Clearing Acne and codiscoverer of Retin-A (synthetic vitamin A), a prescription drug used to treat a variety of skin problems.
Thomas Gossel, Ph.D., R.Ph., is a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Ohio Northern University in Ada and chairman of the university's Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences. He is an expert on over-the-counter products.
Peter E. Pochi, M.D., is a professor of dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine in Massachusetts.
Maurice Stein is a cosmetologist and Hollywood makeup artist. He is the owner of Cinema Secrets, a theatrical makeup house in Burbank, California.
Remedies For Acne
A skin disorder, acne is caused by the action of hormones on oil glands and hair follicles. It is not a disease or an ailment, rather a skin condition in which red pimples are seen on the affected areas. Most commonly found on the face, acne may also occur in the other regions of the body, such as neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. It is the most common and chronic skin disease, usually seen in teenagers. However, adults are not totally spared from the disorder. Acne may be hereditary or can result from high stress levels, hormonal changes, menstrual periods or secretion of excessive oil in the skin. However, it can be prevented by resorting to certain home remedies. Know more about the natural ways to cure acne problem.
Home Remedies For Acne
* Mix equal amounts of lemon juice and rose water. Apply this mixture on the affected areas with cotton and leave it for an hour. Continue doing this for about 15 to 20 days to have the desired results.
* Avocado paste, made with the help of water, consists of a natural remedy for getting rid of acne. Use it like a face wash, making sure to gently rub it on your face for 5 minutes. Then, wash it off with water.
* Another option you can go for is a bath with blanch of nettle and rosemary. This will help reduce your acne.
* Mix 1 tsp of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and squeeze 1/2 lemon into it. Drink this every morning, on an empty stomach.
* Combine a tablespoon of dried or fresh yeast with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Apply this combination on your face and keep it on till it dries off. Now, wash it with warm water.
* For getting rid of acne, mix 2-3 tsp tea with some basil. Cook this mixture in boiling water for about 10 to 20 minutes. Then, cool it down and apply on the affected areas with a cotton ball.
* Honey and cinnamon powder are also beneficial for treating acne. Make a paste of the two and apply on the infected area before going to sleep. Wash your face next morning.
* Another option is to blend one tablespoon of groundnut oil with one tablespoon of lime juice. Apply on the affected areas for 15 minutes ans wash off.
* For removing acne, scrub your face with a mixture containing 2 tablespoon white sugar and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Make sure to wet them before rubbing.
* Apply a paste of ripe tomatoes on pimples. Keep it for an hour before you wash. It will prove beneficial in getting rid of acne.
* Mix turmeric powder with mint juice and form a paste. Apply this on the acne-infected area and keep on for 30 minutes. After that, wash it with lukewarm water.
* Make a paste of roasted & powdered pomegranate skin, with fresh lime juice. Apply this mixture on the affected area.
* Application of a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves in water would prove effective in getting rid of acne. Sleep with the mixture on your face and wash it next morning with warm water.
Face care for men
Would you believe that face care for men isn’t a new-fangled fad but something that has been routinely practiced for thousands of years? Facial grooming has been an important part of a men’s daily custom from the Egyptian Pharaohs to Alexander the Great and even during the Roman Empire.
Thankfully, in current times there are far more then simply lip balm and aftershave available; today’s well-groomed man has an enormous range of choices for face care and grooming. Take for instance, oily skin or blocked pores. This is not a problem exclusively a woman’s problem so why should she have all the cures? For those of us who have that problem of oily skin, Cliniqueicon offers a complete line of men’s facial skin care products
highlighted by a moisturizer called Oil Control Hydrator, which is an oil free gel that is applied once in the morning and once before bed to clean exfoliated skin. There are many deep cleaning facial masks on the market today that will guarantee the careful purging of those impurities from your masculine skin and leave it feeling deep clean and smooth to the touch. So many men make the mistake of getting themselves a six pack abdomen and forget about their face care. There is nothing better then the seductive coo of a woman rubbing her cheek to yours when it is soft as a baby’s bottom.
Face care for men should start off with good deep cleansing facial scrubs, which will remove that dead skin and clean out those pores. If you wet shave then use a shaving cream that has both vitamins and Aloe Vera if possible so that the cream hydrates your skin for a smooth soothing shave. A man’s leathery skin is much thicker then his female counterparts and it requires special handling, especially after a shave when it can become irritated quite easily and need a soothing, cooling touch. Follow your smooth shave up with a moisturizer. You will be protecting the facial skin and keeping it smooth and soft. Moisturizer is one for the basic needs of your skin to push back the signs of aging. Though men tend to show aging in their faces much later then women it is a fact that when the wrinkles appear it is a dramatic and sudden change. A pound of prevention, as they say is far better then ten pounds of cure.
Lancome has a delightful range of men’s face care products with reasonable pricing.� The Lancome Homme ultra soothing after-shave balm is a favorite of many well-groomed men. Check out the gift packs that are sometimes offered at unbelievable discount prices. This is a wonderful way to try out several products by a single manufacturer before committing yourself to the full price of a costly yet well needed men’s facial skin care regime. The name Clarinsicon is one and the same with being one of the most excellent suppliers of skin care products so it’s no bolt from the blue that Clarins also have an exclusive men’s face care line. Clarins offers non-oily moisture balm and gel products for soothing the skin after shaving and also keeping the grime out of your pores during the lengthy workday. Do you hate those stress lines? Clarins even produces a cream gel that will aid reducing the appearance of those lines we all dread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My kid got a deep nail scratch on her face recently. It got clotted but the scar is visible, I am very much worried about this scar. Can you plzz advice me anything (home remedy) which can clear the scar properly.
ranjana ()
A: Aloe Vera is excellent for treatment of fresh wounds and scars. If you can find the plant, squeeze the leaf and apply the juice to the scar. Else, apply Aloe Vera Gel. Also, apply lemon juice to the scar. Lemon juice is a natural bleach and should help.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I have some strech marks on my hips because of obesity,will u plz suggest any oninment or any home made product to remove this marks
Renu ()
A: Unfortunately there is not much you can do to get rid of stretch marks. Your best bet in this case is prevention. If you make sure your skin is well moisturised all the time, you will not develop stretch marks as your skin will not 'tear' when it stretches, since it is supple. Keep your skin very well moisturised all the time, to prevent further stretch marks.
Vidula Chopra
Q: How to get rid of scars from spots?
Sarvahni (Mumbai, India)
A: Please refer to this link: Click here.
Vidula Chopra
Q: My son has some scars in face? He is very worried for this scars. How can remove the scars from face? Please require me any medicine?
Centhil (LA, USA)
A: For medication, show your child to a dermatoligist, who will prescribe something after personally examining your son. Homemade remedy: Let your child apply cucumber juice to his face daily, and wash off after fifteen minutes.
Vidula Chopra
Q: Hi, I have a discolouration on a small area of my lower stomach. I had ingrown hairs so I tried to plucked them with the tweezer and that caused that area of my skin to turned red and then brown. I have a very light skin and the brown spots that caused by plucking is preventing me to use short t-shirts. I'm embarrassed to show my stomach because of the brown spots. Help! Thank you!!
Veronica (Newyork, USA)
A: Scars caused by squeezing/meddling with stomach skin sometimes seem to take forever to fade. Apply lemon juice to the area everyday. Don't pluck or touch the area again. Bleach the hair if required - removing it may cause in-growths again. Until the scar fades, apply concealor to the area before wearing short tops.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I'm really impressed by lookin' @ the feedbackz that people have posted for you (seriously). Well, as I was readin' I thought since u've been helping other people you could help me a little too. So, my question is I've been using creamz for acne and they r not really working. Now, I've tried to use Besan+milk+lemon juice+haldi in the morning n @ nite and in the between I use lemon juice and let it dry for 10 min and 5 mins for honey b4 I wash my face the 2nd time. It's actually really worrking but I'm more stressed about is about the scars...is there a fast and better home remedy treatment that can be used for my scars. I'm actually askin you this Q from all the way Detroit, MI. hopin' to hear from you soon. Once again, thanking you for taking out the time for my solution. Karishma Sharma
Karishma (New Delhi, India)
A: The best home remedy for scars is actually lemon juice, since it is a natural bleach and will lighten scars. Since you are using lemon juice in any case, there is really nothing else you can do. Please don't stress about the scars. Once you have your pimples under control, the scars will gradually fade. Also, you could consider laser treatment as a final option - but only after your pimples are under control, or else they will keep reappearing and you will keep getting fresh scars. As soon as a pimple bursts, gently squeeze it completely till all the pus and blood comes out - with clean hands - and then apply cotton soaked in lemon juice to the spot. Leave it on for 10 - 15 mins. You will not get a scar.
Vidula Chopra
Q: Can lemon juice + honey lighten scars? Is it ok to use lemon juice alone?
Vita (Mumbai, India)
A: Yes, lemon juice can be applied alone and used to lighten scars, but if you apply it when the scar is still fresh it is much more effective. Apply the juice only to the scar, not to the entire face as it stings.
Vidula Chopra
Q: Hi Ms vidula. I am writing to you after several disappointment in hope that u wull be able to help me out. 4 years ago i started getting imples with puss on my face. I pricked them and took the pus out. Althought now i don't have pimples but i have scars all over the face because of pricking. I don't prick anymore but i need help in getting rid of scars. Please help me out by giving me a good effective home remedy that will get rid scars. I am 23 year old and i know miracles don't happen overnight but i want something that will keep on getting rid of scars and ready to give it a try. I have a dry skin and i have stopped using all products since none has helped. Please help me out as i badly need your help. I will be grateful to you because i am losing confidence sue to face appearance
Samreen (Mumbai, India)
A: First, if in future you ever burst a pimple, gently squeeze out all the bad blood with clean hands, and then apply ten drops of lime on cotton and place it on the pimple. You should not get a scar. Put cucumber juice on your face and leave on overnight. Do this every night. The scars will gradually fade. The cucumber juice should be freshly squeezed each time. You will get enough juice from just one or two thin slices.
Read this article:
Pimple SOS
Vidula Chopra
Q: Hello, My name is Shain, I have lots of scars from pimples on my forehead and its been there for a year and half and there dark black. I have tried so many products that said it will get it off but hasn't gone away I have tried the lemon and cotton ball method for about a month but hasn't faded please tell what product will get it clear with in a 2-3 months please e mail me back, how to get rid of it. Thank u for all help
Shain (Boston, USA)
A: Lemon and cotton ball helps if you apply it immediately when the pimple bursts, after squeezing out all the blood with clean hands. This helps prevent the formation of a scar. Already existing scars are harder to get rid off. They will fade gradually over a period of time. Applying a mixture of lemon and cotton juice may help lighten the skin slightly becuase it is a natural bleach. You could try using 'No Marks' cream and see if it helps lighten your scars.
Vidula Chopra
Q: Dear Dr. Two week back, my son fell on stairs and had a deep cut on his forehead resulting in 4 stitches. Now, there is a deep scar. Someone has suggested an ointment by the name "Contratubex". Is it really effective, I mean, scars will go or not. Kindly suggest something because the scar is very prominent and on the forehead, very much visible. with kind regards Shailendra Nath
Shailendra (New Delhi, India)
A: The best person to advise you on this would be the doctor who performed the stitches on your son. Contratubex helps restore elasticity to movement-restrictive scars and it speeds up the healing process to an extent. It also requires prolonged, regular use. Such treatments should be applied depending on the nature of the wound, in consulatation with the doctor. Your son should avoid exposure to the sun, as it will darken the scar. Stitches don't completely fade, but over a period of time they grow less noticable and take on the colour of surrounding skin.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I would like to no how to remove chicken pox scars from my face please help me out with a home remedy.
Mary (Mumbia, India)
A: Chicked pox rash needs to be tended to at the time you are ill, to ensure that you don't get a rash. If you still have a rash many years later, chances are slim that you will be able to get rid of them. Apply a mixture of lime and cucumber juice to your face, which is a natural bleach. Wash off after ten minutes. Do this daily - it should help. If the scars are very prominent you may consider laser resurfacing.
Vidula Chopra
Q: Few months ago, I accidently scraped off my pimple. Now I have a scar and its kind of like a small pothole, from scraping off the pimple. It's like the usually scar one gets when scraping off a pimple. Is there a way to make it go away and make it look like it was never scraped off or anything?
John (NY USA)
A: Certain scarring can be permanent, especially if it is a few months old. Squeeze around ten drops of lemon juice on a cotton ball and place this on the scar for at least ten minutes. Do this daily. The scar should fade and get lighter, although the surface may remain a little dented.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I am 17 and have had severe acne. I have dent type scars on my cheeks and sides of my face and open pore looking scars also. What should I do to smooth out these type scars?
Cortney (LA, USA)
A: Usually these 'dent-type' scars fade over time. Laser treatment is a more immediate solution, but I don't suggest you go in for it until your pimples have cleared and you have taken care of your acne problem. Make sure you wash your face with a face wash for oily skin, at least three times a day - more, if your skin gets oily. Don't drink soft drinks, fried foods or heaty foods. Apply cucumber juice to your face and wash off after fifteen minutes. Do this everyday. This should lighten the scars. Avoid using face scrubs.
Vidula Chopra
Q: Dear Vidula, Someone applied kumkum on my 15 month old daughter's forehead more than 3 weeks ago. unfortunately it has left a scar on her fair skin. I am very upset and would like to know what is a safe home remedy that I can use. I have tried besan and haldi with milk but it did not work. Grateful for your reply. Please get back to this worried mother. Regards Samika
Samika (Mumbai, India)
A: The scar will go away on its own, don't worry about it. Try day-old malai and a little lemon.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I have these spots in one area and i picked them.there know healing but i cover them up with fandation will this make me have more spots love lound mouth
Lound (Mumbai, India)
A: Don't pick spots. The scars will fade over time. Foundation will not cause more spots, but remember to wash your face clean before turning in for the night.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I`m 14 years and since I was 5 years old I already have a scar..how can you take off my scars on my legs?
Marielle (Goa, India)
A: Your scar seems to be permanent, since it has not faded over time. It can be removed by laser therapy.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I have dark scars on my legs how do I get rid of them?
Emy (USA)
A: Apply lemon juice to your legs daily, and wash off after ten minutes. Also, make sure you keep legs well moisturised. After showering, when your skin is still damp, rub a little body oil on your legs to lock in the moisture. Get your legs massaged regularly to improve circulation. Certain yoga poses like the sarvangasana should also help.
Vidula Chopra
Q: How can i get rid of chicken pox scars? they are all over my feet and some can be found in my legs and tummy. what should i do please help
Aisa (Mumbia, India)
A: Chicken pox scars are apparently permanent. There is no known natural remedy for them. You could get rid of them through laser treatment. It is a good thing that the scars are not on your face. You could try applying multani mitti to the scars, and also scrub lemon (nimbu) on the scars. Applying Vitamin E oil to the scars is also believed to help reduce them.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I've uneven body skintone,dark knees and elbows,backskin and face covered with scars left by acne,i've small dark hair all over my body,please sugest me some remedies
Tiru (Mumbai, India)
A: Fine hair over the body is completely normal. Try scrubbing your body GENTLY with a pumice stone every day when in the shower, after applying soap. This retards hair growth over an extended period of time. Wax arms, armpits and legs, consider bleaching your stomach if you wear short tops, sari blouses. Rub dark elbows, knees with lemon daily. Apply cucumber juice to your face to erase the scars. Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water everyday.
Vidula Chopra
Q: Is it safe to use hydrocortisone cream on pimple scars if so how often should it be used and how effective is it??
Aasima (Lucknow, India)
A: Yes, it is safe to use hydrocortisone cream on pimple scars. Apply it to the scarred spot everyday for a week. Stay out of the sun, as the sun can increase discolouration.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I have got scars on my face which has been left by my nails,i scratched my face and it left red nail marks on my face and i am finding it hard to clen those scars,could u suggest me something
Ganga (Mumabai, India)
A: The marks will fade away on their own, there is nothing to worry about. Don't scratch the area again. Apply a soothing lotion like Lacto Calamine.
Vidula Chopra
Q: About a month ago I had a zit right between my eyebrows. I didn't know much about zits so I just hacked it off, about 2 weeks later there was a scar. I figured that if I scratched it, it would bleed scab and go away. I don't know what I was thinking. Anyway now it turns bright red whenever I touch it and I don't know how to get rid of it. It looks really bad. thanks
Jack (USA)
A: First of all, never burst a pimple. On the off chance that a pimple does burst by itself or by mistake, gently squeeze out all the muck and a little bad blood, until nothing further comes out. Then, squeeze around ten drops of lemon juice on some cotton wool, and place it on the burst pimple for around ten minutes. There will be no scarring. Regarding your present situation, I recommend you apply a soothing calamine lotion to the spot. Alternatively, apply a little cucumber juice at night and wash off the next day. Other than this, don't touch the spot. you don't touch the spot at all, to avoid further irritation
Vidula Chopra
Q: I use to have a pimple that I don't touch. Now I know it's not a pimple anymore but the bump is still there, plus the fact that it's dark. Hope you can help me. Thank you.
Taj (Mumbai, India)
A: At times pimples leave scars. Apply lemon (nimbu) to the dark mark regularly, it should fade. If the bump doesn't go away in some time, you could show it to a dermatologist. In the meantime drink a glass of lime water (nimbu paani) without sugar everyday, if you are not prone to acidity.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I am suffering from pimple scares on full face please advise me something.
Sisiliya (U. S. A.)
A: Lemon and cucumber are natural bleaches. Apply the juice of cucmber on your face at night, and wash it off in the morning. Before long you will see a great difference. Or, you could apply a mixture of lemon and honey or lemon and cucumber to your face everyday, and wash off in ten minutes. Avoid keeping lemon on overnight as it is strong and drying.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I have some facial hair that grows around my chin and neck. I periodically tweeze the hairs. Sometime they are ingrown and I get small black bumbs and black scars in the area how can I remove these scars how can I keep the hair from growing back?
Stephanie (USA)
A: The only way to prevent the hair from growing back is to have it permanently removed by electrolysis or laser therapy. A good, reputed parlour should charge around Rs. 7,000 to Rs 10,000 for removing hair from the chin. To prevent in-growths, scrub your chin and neck with a face scrub everyday. Alternatively, thread your chin instead of using a tweezer. Threading doesn't lead to as many in-growths.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I have some scars on my face which i accidently scratched my pimples.
Neha (Mumbai, India)
A: The next time as soon as a pimple bursts, squeeze out all the excess blood and pus gently. Squeeze around ten drops of lime onto a cotton ball and apply that to the spot for ten minutes. You will not develop a scar. For now you could try applying cucumber juice to your face, and wash it off after fifteen minutes.
Vidula Chopra
Q: I have a combination skin type, i get pimples sometimes and they leave a mark on my face . Please tell me some home remedy to get rid of these scars.
Shreya (Mumbai, India)
A: Apply a mixture of lemon juice and honey to your face, and wash it off after ten minutes. Lemon is a natural bleach, and should reduce your pimple scars. You could also try applying lemon juice with cotton, just on your scars.
Vidula Chopra
Q: i am meenakshi and i have a skin query to clear it is like this i have some considerable amount of hair growth on my chin so i get my chin waxed but now the problem is the dark scar which has appeared on the chin due to waxing so are there any ways to eliminate the dark scar there both natural and chemical means if you suggest some of the ways to do the same it will be great.
thanks again meenakshi
Meenakshi (Mumbai, India)
A: Meenakshi, I presume the dark scar you are referring to is the hair under your skin. After waxing, when the hair is growing back, it is often visible as the hair is hard and dark, and facial skin is often transparent. Thus the area under your chin often looks quite a few shades darker than the rest of your face. There is really not much you can do about this, unless you opt for laser therapy or electrolysis for your chin hair. This will kill the hair root, and your 'scar' will disappear. You could try threading the hair instead of waxing it.
Vifula Chopra
Q: How do I get rid of zit scars? I had a big zit on my nose and now, a long, long time after, I still have a red dot. But it is not a zit - it is the scar. Please suggest a home remedy.
Seema (Mumbai, India)
A: Often, when a large pimple subsides, it leaves in its place a scar. Unfortunately, even if the pimple subsided on its own and you were very careful not to burst it, it could still leave a scar. At times these scars take weeks or months to vanish, and some never do vanish completely, though the scar lightens considerably. Take a cotton ball, and squeeze around 10 drops of lime (nimbu) in it.
Q: I have acne and bug bite scars mostly on my chin and forehead how can i get rid of the scars. I have already used Vitamin - E and pure cocoa butter nothing seems to work. I also have zits and bites that take forever to get rid of.
Kiran (Ahemdabad, India)
A: If you have oily skin, stay away from butter and greasy moisturisers. Cleanse and tone your skin twice a day, or wash your face with a face wash. Apply cucumber juice mixed with a little lemon juice twice a day. If you ever burst a zit, squeeze about 10 drops of lemon on a cotton swab, and apply it to the area for about 10 minutes. The scar will disappear. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day, and stay away from soft drinks, fried foods and heaty foods.
Getting Rid Of Pimple Scars - The Old Fashioned Way
There are many products available for the treatment of acne and pimple scars. Some can be purchased over the counter, while others are available by prescription. Other treatments even involve surgical type procedures, which are expensive and painful - and not necessarily effective. However, the best solution is often home made remidies to get rid of pimple scars.
There are several home made remidies to get rid of pimple scars that you can try for yourself. These remedies do not cost alot of money, and they are often just as effective as what you would buy from the store, and in many cases, they are even more effective.
The use of many different essential oils are quite effective for getting rid of pimple and acne scars. These oils are applied directly to the skin, however, if the skin is sensitive, the oils can be diluted with grapeseed oil.
Rosehip seed oil, applied directly to the acne scars, is very beneficial. Rosehip seed oil contains essential fatty acids that heal scars - even scars from wounds. It can even help reduce wrinkles! Aloe Vera gel is also a great help in reducing or eliminating acne scars. You can also drink aloe vera juice, which is also beneficial. Essential oil of lavender seems to be the most commonly used essential oil in the treatment of acne scars. You can also try applying corsica to the acne scars, as it is known for it's skin regenerative properties.
Other home made remidies to get rid of pimple scars include making a paste of sandalwood with rose water. Apply it to the scars before going to bed, then wash it away in the morning. You can also apply cucumber juice to the scars. Wash it off after about 20 minutes.
The important thing to realize is that getting rid of pimple scars may take a little time - whether you are using a commercial product, surgical type treatments, or home made remidies to get rid of pimple scars. If you don't give your method enough time to work, you will be jumping from one method to the next without ever seeing any real results. Give it up to two months.
How to Erase a Pimple Scar
Pimple scars can be embarrassing and long lasting. Everybody's skin is different, and there are different causes of scarring. Luckily, there are just as many remedies. Erasing your pimple scars can be easy with some common facial cleaning supplies and daily diligence. Here are some useful steps you can take to erase a pimple scar.
Step
1 Wash your face with soap and water twice a day and immediately apply moisturizer. Washing your face more than twice a day can result in dry skin that can become flaky and cracked. Washing the proper amount helps remove unhealthy oils that prolong scarring.
Step
2 Scrub your face at night with warm water and immediately wash with cold water. Warm water will open your pores. Cold water helps close pores, which in turn keeps oils out of your skin so your pimples and scars become healthy.
Step
3 Apply vitamin E oil to your skin once a day. Vitamin E provides a natural oil that helps restore elasticity and regenerate skin cells. Applying more than once a day can leave your face oily and oversaturated.
Step
4 Purchase scar removal cream from your local pharmacy. There are several over-the-counter options available that help erase scars. Ask the pharmacist for recommendations before you purchase a cream. Read the instructions carefully as some of these treatments contain chemicals and oils that may be harmful if used improperly.
How to Erase a Acne Scar
Do you have pimple scars on your face or body that don't want to go away? Follow these five simple steps and eliminate scars forever.
Leave your pimples alone. Do not pop a pimple or scratch it, this will cause the scars. Instead, leave them alone, and you will reduce scarring to your face.
Keep your face clean. Wash your face with a facewash twice a day and apply moisturizer.
Wash your face with a facewash or scrub, at night with warm water, then splash with cold water to close your pores.
Pour a small amount of tissue oil (try using one with natural ingredients in it) on a piece of cotton wool. (You can also put the tissue oil on your hands, but make sure they are clean.)
Apply the tissue oil to your face, applying it equally to each part of your face.Massage it in for 5 minutes, and then leave it until you go to bed.
Before getting into bed, take a tissue, and dab your face to remove the oil
Tips
It is best to apply tissue oil every night, for about two weeks. If your scars are not fading, apply it until you see a change.
If you are applying tissue oil on your face, use a headband to prevent oil from getting into your hair.
Tissue oil is not the only thing that removes scars; other creams and moisturizers are available. Use what suits you
Acne Pimples
If you eat pizza, your face will look like a pizza. Popping those pimples will make them dry up and go away faster. Wash your face and keep your hair off your forehead to keep from getting pimples. Eating chocolate will make your acne worse.
When you consider the number of acne myths circulating, it's sometimes hard to know what the best acne skin care regimen is. Knowledge of which factors actually cause acne can help you separate acne myths from practices that really help to keep your skin acne free. When it comes to what can really clear your complexion, here are some tips.
First, eating pizza in itself is not enough to give your acne. Although eating a high fat, greasy diet is not good for your health or your skin, your eating habits are not the sole cause of your acne.
For good skin health it is advisable to eat a healthy balanced diet and drink lots of water. When you do eat greasy foods, especially those eaten with the fingers - such as pizza or French fries - but careful not to touch your face with your greasy fingers. In fact, greasy fingers on your face may be more responsible for breakouts than eating the greasy food. Acne skin care tip number one - try to eat a healthy diet and keep greasy fingers off your face.
Popping your pimples does not necessarily make them go away faster. In fact, the squeezing and pinching that goes along with popping pimples can actually damage the skin. These actions can push the bacteria in the pimple further into the pore causing infection and possibly even scarring. Acne skin care tip number two - popping pimples can damage the skin and make acne worse. The best advice is not to pop your pimples.
Washing your face at least twice daily is one thing you can do that will help to improve your acne. Your doctor or dermatologist can suggest an over-the-counter cleaning product or prescribe a prescription cleanser if necessary. Cleaning your face helps to wash away excess oil, dirt, old skin cells and bacteria. Some experts even suggest exfoliating acne prone skin regularly. This is because dead skin cells left on the face can block the pores, causing pimples. Acne skin care tip number three - wash your face at least twice daily to keep dead skin cells, oil, dirt and bacteria from building up.
When planning out your acne skin care regimen, there are things you can do to help prevent breakouts. While what you eat does not entirely decide whether or not you will get acne, it is always best to eat a healthy diet. Don't make popping your pimples a practice. Popping can actually damage the skin and make acne worse. Washing your face at least twice daily, however, is something you can do that will truly help your skin stay clearer. So, when weighing the myths about acne skin care, remember, keep it clean.
Get Rid off Acne Scars
Following are excellent and wonderful home treatment of acne or pimple scars using ingredients from your kitchen.
Large pores on facial skin can be treatred with paste of sandalwood (chandan) powder with black gram (masoor) dal. Keep it overnight and wash it with cold water the next day. This is an excellent and wonderful remedy to get rid of acne scars. Make a sandalwood paste with rose water and apply on the scars. Keep it overnight and wash it with cold water the next day. If you find that your skin becomes dry in the morning, you leave it only for a few hours on your face or you may try adding some milk while making paste. Rub ice cubes on the face for 10-15 minutes. It will tighten the pores. Apply cucumber juice on the face. Wash it off after 15 minutes. It will tighten the pores. Cut the tomato in half and rub on the skin. Leave on for fifteen minutes. Wash it off with water. This will reduce open pores and blackheads. This treatment is good particularly for oily skin.
You may discuss with your dermatologist about different treatments available for acne scars. These acne scar removal teatments are Collagen injection, Autologous fat transfer, Dermabrasion, Microdermabrasion or Chemical Peel, Laser Treatment, Skin Surgery and Skin grafting.
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Just like you, Simon and Sindy have to deal with the trouble of acne. Find out what advice they have for this Kidzworld member about acne, blackheads and how she can start getting rid of 'em!
I Can't Get Rid of my Acne!
I was wondering if you could give me some advice? I need help with acne and blackheads. I don't have that many pimples - they come and go and it's fine with me cuz I have cover-up. I need help on the blackheads. I've had blackheads on and around my nose, around my lips and on my chin. None of them have gone away and they have been there for over a year. Is there anything I can do to get rid of them?
Sarah
Battling Blackheads
Both blackheads and whiteheads form because of excess skin cells being shed and plugging your pores. In order to prevent blackheads from forming in the first place, exfoliate your skin on a regular basis with something like a basic apricot scrub. This will help remove the dead skin cells before they get the chance to clog your pores.
For those blackheads or whiteheads that already exist, there are many products on the market that claim to be able to help you remove those pesky blemishes. Try pore strips from companies like Ponds or Neutrogena. They can remove debris from the pores without risk of damaging the skin. Avoid pushing on the blocked pores as you might push the blackhead or whitehead deeper into the pore and that can result in infection.
Attacking Acne
Acne is the result of an infected whitehead. Bacteria manage to get trapped underneath your skin and then cause an infection. The best way to treat acne is by applying a cream or ointment with a drying agent like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These can be found in a number of products at your local drugstore.
Time To See The Dermatologist
If you have tried several products and acne removal techniques with no results, it's probably time to see a dermatologist. They can assess your skin condition and might have to prescribe special medication for your acne problem. Remember that you are not going to see results within days of using any particular treatment, so do give things a chance before rushing off to see a doc.
Acne
Acne
What is acne? What are the different types of acne?
Acne (acne vulgaris, common acne) is not just a problem for teenagers; it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. It is not unusual for women, in particular, to develop acne in their mid- to late-20s, even if they have not had breakouts in years (or ever). On the positive side, those few individuals who have acne into their 40s may well grow out of it. Acne can appear on the skin as any of the following:
* congested pores ("comedones"),
* whiteheads,
* blackheads,
* pimples ("zits"),
* pustules, or
* cysts (deep pimples, boils). The pus in pustules and cysts is sterile and does not actually contain infectious bacteria.
These blemishes occur wherever there are many oil (sebaceous) glands, mainly on the face, chest, and back.
You can do a lot to treat your acne using products available at a drugstore or cosmetic counter that do not require a prescription. However, for tougher cases of acne, you should consult a physician for treatment options.
What causes acne?
No one factor causes acne. Acne happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life around puberty, stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Sebum (oil) is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin, and under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria (which live on everyone's skin and generally cause no problems) to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed.
Inflammation near the skin's surface produces a pustule; deeper inflammation results in a papule (pimple); deeper still and it's a cyst. If the oil breaks though to the surface, the result is a "whitehead." If the oil accumulates melanin pigment or becomes oxidized, the oil changes from white to black, and the result is a "blackhead." Blackheads are therefore not dirt, and do not reflect poor hygiene.
Here are some factors that don't usually cause acne, at least by themselves:
* Heredity: With the exception of very severe acne, most people do not have the problem exactly as their parents did. Almost everyone has some acne at some point in their life.
* Food: Parents often tell teens to avoid pizza, chocolate, greasy and fried foods, and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don't cause acne or make it worse. Although some recent studies have implicated milk and dairy products in aggravating acne, these findings are far from established.
* Dirt: As mentioned above, "blackheads" are oxidized oil, not dirt. Sweat does not cause acne, therefore, it is not necessary to shower instantly after exercise for fear that sweat will clog pores. On the other hand, excessive washing can dry and irritate the skin.
* Stress: Some people get so upset by their pimples that they pick at them and make them last longer. Stress, however, does not play much of a direct role in causing acne.
* Hormones: Some women break out cyclically, but most women (and men) don't. Some oral contraceptive pills may help relieve acne, but unless a woman has abnormal menstrual periods and excessive hair growth, it's unlikely that hormones play much of a role in causing acne. Pregnancy has a variable effect on acne; some women report that they clear up completely, and others get worse, while many others see no overall change.
* Cosmetics: Most cosmetic and skin-care products are not pore-clogging ("comedogenic"). Of the many available brands, those which are listed as "water-based" or "oil-free" are generally a better choice.
In occasional patients, the following may be contributing factors:
* Pressure: In some patients, pressure from helmets, chinstraps, collars, suspenders, and the like can aggravate acne.
* Drugs: Some medications may cause or worsen acne, such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids (either the medically prescribed prednisone or the steroids that bodybuilders or athletes take). Other drugs that can cause or aggravate acne are anticonvulsant medications and lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder. Most cases of acne, however, are not drug-related.
* Occupations: In some jobs, exposure to industrial products like cutting oils may produce acne.
Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne. Acne vulgaris lesions include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.
Mild to Moderate acne vulgaris consists of the following types of acne spots:
Whiteheads: Whiteheads result when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface. Whiteheads are normally quicker in life cycle than blackheads. You can view a diagram of a whitehead on the what is acne page. The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat whiteheads.
Blackheads: Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is not caused by dirt. Rather, it is the skin's own pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air. A blackhead tends to be a stable structure, and can often take a long time to clear. You can view a diagram of a blackhead on the what is acne page. The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat blackheads.
Papules: Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head. Do not squeeze a papule. It will do no good, and may exacerbate scarring. The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat papules.
Pustules: A pustule is inflamed, and appears as a red circle with a white or yellow center. Pustules are your garden variety zit. Before you pop or squeeze such a lesion, be sure to read about how to pop a pimple. The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat pustules.
Acne Vulgaris - Severe
Severe acne vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts:
Nodules: As opposed to the lesions mentioned above, nodular acne consists of acne spots which are much larger, can be quite painful, and can sometimes last for months. Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin's surface. Scarring is common. Unresolved nodules can sometimes leave an impaction behind, which can flare again and again. Absolutely do not attempt to squeeze such a lesion. You may cause severe trauma to the skin and the lesion may last for months longer than it normally would. Dermatologists often have ways of lessening swelling and preventing scarring, such as injecting the lesion with cortisone.
Cysts: An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but is pus-filled, and is described as having a diameter of 5mm or more across. They can be painful. Again, scarring is common with cystic acne. Squeezing an acne cyst may cause a deeper infection and more painful inflammation which will last much longer than if you had left it alone. Dermatologists often have ways of lessening swelling and preventing scarring, such as administering a cortisone shot.
Acne Rosacea
Acne Rosacea can look similar to the aforementioned acne vulgaris, and the two types of acne are sometimes confused for one another.
Rosacea affects millions of people, most of whom are over the age of 30. It appears as a red rash which is normally confined to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. The redness is often accompanied by bumps, pimples, and skin blemishes. Blood vessels may also become more visible on the skin. Blackheads are not part of rosacea. It is more prevalent in women, but often more severe when found in men. Left untreated, it can cause swelling of the nose and the growth of excess tissue, a condition called rhinophyma. Treatment is often different for rosacea than for acne, and it is important that you consult a dermatologist if you suspect you are experiencing rosacea.
Acne Rosacea message board
Severe forms of acne
Severe forms of acne are rare, but they inflict great hardship to the people who experience them.
Acne Conglobata: This is the most severe form of acne vulgaris and is more common in males. It is characterized by numerous large lesions, which are sometimes interconnected, along with widespread blackheads. It can cause severe, irrevocable damage to the skin, and disfiguring scarring. It is found on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs. The age of onset for acne conglobata is usually between 18 to 30 years, and the condition can stay active for many years. As with all forms of acne, the cause of acne conglobata is unknown. Treatment usually includes isotretinoin (Accutane), and although acne conglobata is sometimes resistant to treatment, it can often be controlled through aggressive treatment over time.
Acne Fulminans: This is an abrupt onset of acne conglobata which normally afflicts young men. Symptoms of severe nodulocystic, often ulcerating acne are apparent. As with acne conglobata, extreme, disfiguring scarring is common. Acne fulminans is unique in that it also includes a fever and aching of the joints. Acne fulminans does not respond well to antibiotics. Isotretinoin (Accutane) and oral steroids are normally prescribed.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis: This condition is a bacterial infection characterized by pustules and cysts, possibly occurring as a complication resulting from a long term antibiotic treatment of acne vulgaris. It is a rare condition, and we do not know if it is more common in males or females at this time. Fortunately, isotretinoin (Accutane) is often effective in combating gram-negative folliculitis.
Pyoderma Faciale (Rosacea Fulminans): This type of severe facial acne affects only females, usually between the ages of 20 to 40 years old, and is characterized by large painful nodules, pustules, and sores, all of which may scar. It begins abruptly, and may occur on the skin of a woman who has never had acne before. It is confined to the face, and usually does not last longer than one year, but can wreak havoc in a very short time. Doctors often prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane) and systemic corticosteroids are sometimes use an an adjunct.
How to pop a pimple
If you must pop, pop safely
Common advice is to let your body heal a pimple on its own without popping. But in the real world, some people absolutely refuse to go around with a bulging white zit for the world to see. Plus, when done properly, popping a pimple can actually be beneficial to the healing process. Reserve this technique only for pimples that are absolutely begging to be popped—all the way at the surface and white. After a shower is best, when the skin is supple.
1. Disinfect a needle with rubbing alcohol. A basic sharp sewing needle is a good choice.
2. Gently prick the pimple’s surface.
3. Take two tissues and wrap your index fingers with them.
4. Squeeze from the sides, confidently but gently, using a down-and-in motion. Don’t force it. If the pimple is ready, it’ll pop. If it doesn’t, leave it be. Be sure to stop if clear fluid or blood starts to come out.
5. Continuing to work at a lesion that is not ready to be popped can lead to scarring. Walk away from the mirror!
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Please check if you have any allergies or sensitivity with some ingredients; such as glycerin, lemons, orange, garlic, papaya, eggs, etc. The following acne treatment and cures are good for all body acne including scalp acne. After you have successfully treated your acne, you will need to treat your acne scars, if any.
Acne usually begins with blackheads. Blackheads are formed when oil and dead cells get trapped in a pore. They then turn black when exposed to air. When blackheads become inflamed, they become red (pimples). They multiply when touched with dirty hands. So to get rid of acne, you should try blackhead remedies.
1. Zinc, Vitamin A, B & E, echinacea, thyme and tea tree oil can cure acne. Vitamin B complex can improve your acne dramatically. Take vitamin B tablet containing all the B viramins, you should see results in a few weeks.
2. Carbohydrate foods with low glycemic index or a low GI diet can improve acne by 50 percent.
3.
Grind nutmeg (jaiphal) with unboiled milk and apply on acne for 1-2 hours. This works as a magic. Pimples should disappear without leaving a mark.
4.
Make a paste by mixing honey and cinnamon powder. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. Repeat for two weeks, pimples will disappear forever.
5.
Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder. Note that this remedy is not for sensitive skin.
6.
Make orange peel paste by grinding it in some water. Apply on and around pimples.
7.
Rub fresh garlic on and around pimples. Pimples will disappear without a mark with regular applications.
8.
Mix 1 tablespoon groundnut oil with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and acne .
9.
Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.
10.
Ground drumstick pods and leaves and mix mixed with fresh lime juice, and apply on pimples. This is also good for blackheads and dark spots.
11.
Apply a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and washed with warm water. This will prevent pimples, blackheads, and wrinkles.
12.
Mix groundnut oil with an equal amtount of fresh lime juice and apply on face. Leave for 10-15 minutes and wash. It may be applied daily to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples (acne).
13.
Apply juice of raw papaya (including the skin and seed) on swelling pimples or acne.
14.
Apply fresh lime juice mixed to a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for pimples, blackheads, and cracked skin.
15.
Mix lime juice and rose water in equal portions. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
16.
Apply ripe tomato or cucumber pulp on acne pimples and keep upto 1 hour, then wash.
17.
Make a paste of roasted & powdered pomgranate skin with fresh lime juice and apply over boils,acne, pimple, blackheads and whiteheads.
18.
Apply grated potatoes as poultice to treat skin blemishes, wrinkles, boils, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads , etc.
19.
Make a paste of sandalwood with rose water. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
20.
Make a paste of ground radish seeds with water and apply on face to remove blackheads.
21.
Apply a paste of ground seasame seeds with water as poultice for inflammation of the skin due to allergies, skin rashes, and pimples - acne.
22.
Apply a paste of fresh fenugreek - methi leaves in water over the face every night and washed with warm water in the morning for preventing pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, dryness, and wrinkles.
23.
Make a paste of ground orange peel with water and apply on the affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
24.
Make a paste of salt in vinegar. Rub it on the pimples. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
25.
Make a paste of turmeric powder in mint juice. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
26.
Make a paste of neem leaves with turmeric powder. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water. This is a good cure of acne.
27.
Apply fresh mint juice over face every night for pimples or acne prevention.
28.
Drinking of wheatgrass juice may remove acne.
Acne on Scalp
Scalp acne is treated in the same manner as the acne on face.
1. Try any of the remedies given above.
2. Dip a cotton ball in a skin cleanser containing salicylic acid and apply on the acne area.
3. Do not use any acne cream/oil containing benzoil peroxide or other peroxide ingredients on the scalp because it may change the color of your hair.
4. Mix 4 parts tea tree oil to 1 part lavender oil in olive oil or any other oil and apply to the scalp as a shampoo. This works as a wonder if your scalp problem is due to any infection.
5. Boil a cup of neem leaves in water. Wash your head with this water when it is warm.
The term acne is derived from the Greek word Acne which means skin eruption. In medical circle, it is known as Acne Vulgaris. Acne or pimples is a disorder that causes your skin to inflame due to changes in the sebaceous or oil glands found on your skin and hair follicles. The inflammation can either be small or large, tender or hard, soft or dull, red, black or white. It usually occurs on the face, neck, shoulders, back and chest, but eruption of acne all over the body is not unusual.
Acne is commonly known as pimple or zit. It develops when the pores on your skin get plugged. This happens due to the action of hormones and other substances on your skin's oil glands. It is the most common among teenagers in puberty, but can also affect infants, teenagers and adults alike. It is also not limited to any creed or race.
If you are also an acne sufferer, you would have noticed that the 'T zone' of your face was the first acne-invaded area. The 'T-zone' includes the forehead, the nose and the chin. Apart from the T-zone, acne may also appear on your cheeks and other parts of the face. The second most common area for acne to appear is the back, followed by the neck, the chest, and the shoulders.
Though acne, over time, diminishes gradually and then disappears entirely, some people suffer from this infliction throughout their lives. They develop acne as late as in their 40s or 50s. In fact, acne affects a large portion of the world's population at some time or the other in their lifespan.
Actually, acne is such a common condition that it affects approximately 85% people between the ages of 12 and 24. 25% of this 85% suffer from acne in other places besides the face. As a matter of fact, acne can be so severe that you can be forced to seek medical help, which is done by at least 40% of all acne sufferers.
Unfortunately, acne has been surrounded by myths and misconceptions since decades. You might believe that a particular type of diet, stress, anger, frustration, and similar feelings would lead to acne. But, this is not true. You might also believe that exposure to sun would cure your acne. This is again not true.
However, there are several medications, therapies, techniques, and tips available to help cure your acne. But, the type of treatment you chose would depend on your stage of acne, skin color, and the type of acne you have. In addition to finding out more about your particular type of acne, you will also have to take special care of your skin. While acne is not a life-threatening disorder, it can cause permanent scars. Though you can undertake treatment for scars, these might have a psychological effect and social impact. But, you do not need to worry as today acne is not something that happens to only a particular type of people. In fact, it has become a global phenomenon.
Acne (Acne)
W hen dealing with the phenomen of pimples it is usually youth pimples that comes to mind. Youth pimples stands out from pimples in grown ups in that the latter variant is more likely to be accompanied by seborrheic (greasy) skin. On the other hand is it less often that the problem first arise after the individual is grown up. Adults is considered to respond better to treatment with antibiotics (teracyclines/penicillin) than what youths does. In both cases the inflammations certainly decrease, but they usually come back fast in youths after finished course of treatment. A state of numerous pimples is called acne. The emergance of acne has its reasons in the production of tallow in the skin on one hand, but also due to the fact that the openings of the surface of the skin of the sebaceous glands is stopped up, usually by horn cells (skin cells). The preliminary stage of a pimple is the comedone. (a so-called blackhead. Divided into "whiteheads" and "blackheads" it is usually said that the white ones is the most dangerous.) Far from all comedons is possible to see with the naked eye. In addition to the large comedons is there small rascals, as well, which is called micro comedons.
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Sulphur preparations
I n the old days it was common to treat acne with sulphur preparations. This leads in the short term to a desiccation of the skin, after which the proportions of the inflammations seems to decrease. However, the obstruction of the sebaucous glands is increased so that more micro comedons occur. In the long term the acne returns with a vengeance.That is why sulphur preparations is preferably used in combination with other preparations nowadays.
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Non-prescription preparations
T he most common preparations on the market contains benzoyl peroxid or salicyl acid. Benzoyl peroxid works in a germicidal and deobstructing way, but stimulates renewal of cells in the horn layer of the skin. Salicyl acid is deobstructing and germicidal. However, it is uncertain whether it is effective in the frequently used concentrations.
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Prescription preparations
A -vitamine acid preparats that is common at drug stores, like Aberela, is available on prescription only (Sweden). Otherwise is a-vitamine acid the presumably most effective common prescription ingredient in salves and suchlike things. The one who searches can find salves and creams with a-vitamine acid or a derivative from a-vitamine in the free supplies of the shops. The concentrations may then be significantly higher than the for the drug store salve usual 0,05 per cent. The risk with a-vitamine acid is that skin irritation may occur, especially in connection with sun-bathing. Very often the skin needs to get used to the salve through an initially escalated treatment. A-vitamine acid must not be used in connection with pregnancy!
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Tea tree oil
E very once in a while you hear that so-called tea tree oil is supposed to be just as effective against acne as benzoyl peroxid. Perhaps, and especially when the skin is washed in an aromatherapy. To let concentrated tea tree oil sink into the skin without accompanying washing irritates it with likely undesired effects such as increased secretion of tallow etc. as a result. In an aromatherapy can concentrated oil be effective, especially together with a-vitamine acid preparats.
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Combinative effects
S alves with a-vitamine and salves with benzoyl peroxid should not be applied to the skin together. The benzoyl peroxid oxidates the a-vitamine and makes it ineffective. Benz oylperoxid should be used separately on the whole. Yet does it work perfectly well to alternate between benzoyl peroxid and a-vitamine acid, for example, between night and day or the like.
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Sun-bathing
S un-bathing and ultra-violet radiation have a favourable effect on acne, at least temporally. All preparats should be washed off where the skin is exposed to radiation.
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Diet etc.
T he current recommendations advice the affected to avoid foods that seem to make the acne worse. In spite of the fact that no scientific examinations have been made to support the importance of food is it, however,unquestionable that food do play an important role. Milk products and iodic foods constitutes classic risk factors. Fat foods and choclet may be of subordinated importance by themselves. However, the risks are accentuated by other risk food that is consumed together with these. Deep cleansing of the skin affects the condition in a positive way by decreasing the amount of stagnant material in the skin, in which infection can occur. Note that only "silent" comedons may be driven out with mechanical influence. Inflamed pimples should not be touched as the bacterial material can spread between sebaucous glands and depth-wise, as well. A visit at a cosmetologist can be a good idea for a proper treatment , even if those surely will charge a criminal amount of money for the service.
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Internal treatment
I n more serious cases of acne can a-vitamine be used as well as antibiotics for internal treatment. This should take place under the supervision of a responsible skin doctor. A-vitamine is toxic in large quantities. Especially noticeable is its foetus-damaging effects, in particular if any lack of essential nutriments seems to exist.
