By Sam
Rosacea is a common skin condition in both males and females. It typically presents with intense facial flushing which is centered on the nose and cheek area. Besides the skin redness, Rosacea can also present with tiny reddish pimples (blisters) which may sometimes be filled with pus. Many people mistake Rosacea for acne. However, Rosacea is much different from the acne seen in younger individuals. In Rosacea, one never sees blackheads. Other skin disorders which can sometimes mimic Rosacea are dermatitis and some skin allergic disorders.
The reason why facial flushing occurs in Rosacea is not well understood, but has nothing to do with the use of alcohol, medications or illicit drugs.
Rosacea is almost always seen in adults and more common in the 3rd decade of life. It is particularly more common in fair skinned individuals, esp. Caucasians. Even though the disorder is not life threatening, it can create havoc in interpersonal relationships and leads to a lack of self confidence. Most people with Rosacea tend to be loners. In the majority of cases, when Rosacea is left untreated it progresses. The disorder frequently presents as flare ups of facial flushing and acne every few weeks or months.
What causes Rosacea?
Why Rosacea occurs is not well understood but has been linked to a hypersensitivity of the blood vessels to certain stimuli. When the blood vessels are exposed to a triggering agent they become wide open and consequently one sees flushing on the face.
What the trigger factors are remains a puzzle but current research indicates that in some cases the organism h.pylori may be associated. Todate, there are some experts who suggest that perhaps alcohol consumption may be the cause of Rosacea. However, a significant number of non-alcohol drinkers also develop Rosacea.
Various factors have been identified that can trigger Rosacea but the same triggers so not cause Rosacea in all individuals. The factors known to trigger the disorder include:
- Consumptions of hot and spicy foods
- Excessive sun exposure
- Drinking hot beverages
- Excessive use of corticosteroids
- Emotional and physical stress
- Exposure to extremes of hot and cold weather
- Use of harsh creams and soaps
- Frequent use of exfoliating creams
- Use of strong chemical peeling acids
- Frequent hot baths and use of saunas
- Extreme emotional upset or anger
- Certain drugs used to treat angina and blood pressure
Despite control or avoidance of these trigger factors, some individuals still develop Rosacea flare up.
For more questions on Rosacea, please visit http://www.jrapaport.com/askquestion.php
By Sam
Back Acne
Most individuals get acne on the face and the condition resolves over time. However, what is often not appreciated is that many individuals also get acne on their backs. Back acne is believed to be as common as facial acne but is often under reported. While the condition is more common in men, it also affects women. Most individuals realize they have back acne while performing exercise at the gym or at a sports arena.
Athletes and many wrestlers often get acne outbreaks on the back, shoulders and neck area. Often it is the girlfriend/boyfriend who remarks that one has acne on the back. While not as socially devastating as facial acne, back acne is also a major social concern for most young individuals.
Just like facial acne, back acne is also caused by a combination of oily skin, excess perspiration and the constant friction of tight garments rubbing on the skin. Individuals who develop back acne almost always have facial acne.
One of the problems with back acne is that most individuals do not seek help on time. Part of the reason is that one does not know how severe the condition is. Many individuals infact have little idea how to treat back acne. Just like facial acne, back acne also flares up during hot weather, stress and certain foods. There is a strong belief among experts that back acne may have a genetic component and runs in families.
Treatment for back acne
Back acne is treated in much the same way as one would treat facial acne. Before one starts with medications, there are certain self care approaches one can take. The sweat pores in the back are much deeper in the back and thus the acne usually requires stronger medications, longer treatments and patience.
Self Care
Agents like benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be used to clean the back to remove excess oil. These mild acids must be used on a regular basis and one may notice a difference in about 6-8 weeks.
Avoid using fragrant soaps to wash the back. The chemicals in fragrant soaps can irritate the skin more and worsen the acne.
There is no need to buy expensive soaps. Any soap will do. There is no evidence that expensive soaps are better than cheaper soaps at clearing acne. You want a soap that will simply clean the skin, get rid of the oil and dead skin.
Never squeeze the pimples either manually or with any devices. This method of treating acne only leads to development of scars.
If you exercise or sweat a lot, get in the habit of changing your clothes often.
For those who have back acne, it is essential to keep the hair short and clean. Some dermatologists do recommend using shampoos containing pyrithone Zinc.
If you love the outdoors, wear a water based sunscreen. Sun always tends to make back acne worse.
Medications
One has to be realistic when it comes to treatment of acne. With self care measures, back acne can decrease with time. Patience is key and one should not expect overnight results. It is best to wait 4-6 weeks to see if the self care methods are working. When the acne fails to clear up after these methods, it is time to see a skin doctor.
Today, there are many decent medications that can help reduce acne. Many oral antibiotics and Retinoids are used to treat acne. The type of drug that you will need is best selected by your doctor. For all individuals who have back acne, the one thing to remember is that the earlier you treat the acne, the better the results and lesser chance of scarring.
By Angela
With the U.S. economy having fallen into an official recession, many of us are feeling the burn. From the morning water cooler chat at your office to the nightly news, money is on everyone’s mind. Businesses are feeling the hurt too. Several businesses have begun running special promotions in an attempt to raise profits.
This trend has started to make its way to dermatologist and cosmetic surgeons, with some offices offering price cuts, special deals, and payments plans on their most sought after procedures. With prices being cut up to 50% in some areas, these promotions can mean huge deals and big savings for anyone looking to get a cosmetic procedure.
If you have been thinking about getting an elective cosmetic surgery, suffer from acne scaring, or just want to see what your options are now may be the time. With so many dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons around the country offering incentive deals for new patients, you can make the current economic downtrend work in your favor by taking advantage of the current promotions.
Want to learn more? Many cosmetic surgeons have taken their practice on the web and now offer online consultations. You can use the form provided below to contact a licensed cosmetic surgeon today and find out about the current specials and promotions offered.
You can consult a dermatologist about incentive programs and any other questions you may have at; Ask The Doctor.
By theresa
So after years of struggling with acne even if your skin is clear now you are forced to deal with the unsightly prospect of scarring and can’t decide which is worse. The most important thing to consider is a punishment that fit’s the scars crime. Not every acne scar is responsive to every treatment. The correct solution must be carefully chosen based on the root of the problem. Soon after you will be on the road to the clear and vibrant skin you’ve been hoping for.
1. Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is a hundred hear old procedure perfected over the past century. This is a procedure perfect for treating acne scars and pox marks. It also treats wrinkles, age spots and damage from the sun. The skin is first frozen and then exfoliated or sanded to rejuvenate the look and feel. New skin then replaces the damaged skin giving the patient smooth contours and a refreshed look.
2. Microdermabrasion: While dermabrasion is a very deep exfoliation microdermabrasion only peels off the first 10-15 microns. This procedure is not as effective on deep scarring or wrinkles but is perfect for fine lines and light scars. It will leave your skin with a fresh look, helps build collagen and a more youthful appearance.
3. Laser Therapy: The soft light laser can be a fantastic way to treat fine lines and acne scars. It can heal existing acne as well as deep scarring and redness. The point is to resurface the skin and as it heals the scars should be softened.
4. Chemical Therapy: Chemical peels can be tricky and much thought should go into choosing just the right one to treat your acne scars. There are superficial peels for sensitive skin. Medium peels, which often require sedatives due to the burning and days after the treatment the skin may darken and streak. As the skin heals it may appear red but eventually heal into an improved appearance and pigment. This is recommended for people with darker skin. A deep chemical peel or phenol peel can improve acne scars and wrinkles. The results of this peel are no doubt superior than any other treatment for aging skin. This really helps with discoloration and deep scars. This recovery is by far the hardest and could result in permanent and irreversible skin damage so the procedure must be highly recommended by a professional before you pursue.
5. Surgical Therapy: Surgical therapy is an effective but sometimes costly treatment for scar sufferers. Punch Excision is used to treat stubborn ice pick scars. Very small instruments cut out the scar itself and then the skin is stitched. Skin grafting is also an option though not immensely popular. This is a process where skin that is not healing is replaced with other skin. Surgical therapy for acne is usually costly and has a longer healing time than conventional procedures and should be evaluated with a second opinion before making a final decision.
When perfect skin is not an option and those of us with acne find it hard enough to keep the breakouts under control many are unfortunately faced with the prospect of scarring. There are a few different types of facial scars to deal with:
“The icepick scar.” We know them well don’t we? These are the most classic type of acne scar. They are common among those of us that cant seem to keep our hands from the root of the problem. If you’re prone to popping and picking you probably have a few of these. “The Boxcar Scar.” These are angular with sharp edges and mostly happen on the cheeks. “The Rolling Scar.” These give skin an undulated appearance. These are not treated by resurfacing and can be hard to remove through conventional non invasive techniques. “The Hypertrophic Scar.” These are an abnormal response to trauma. Similar to a keloid the skin will appear risen due to an overgrowth of tissue.
Keeping in mind the type of acne scarring you have and how to deal with skin post Accutane the most important conversation you can have on this topic is with your dermatologist. Make sure to get a second opinion if you are having second thoughts. It is important that you are comfortable with not only the procedure but the after effects of the procedure as well.
By stacy
Acne scar illustrations
Deep Rolling Scar
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Best treated by lifting the scar. Scars can be lifted most naturally with a procedure known as subcision. Another option is using a filler, such as Restylane® or silicone.
/ Wave-like appearance
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Shallow Rolling Scar
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These scars are not as depressed as deep rolling scars and can therefore be improved by lifting the scar with subcision or filler and can smoothed out with a Fraxel™ laser
/ Minor wave-like appearance
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Best treated by Fraxel™ laser. These scars will also respond to a TCA Cross.
/ Rectangular scars with vertical edges
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These raised scars are most common on the nose and chin and are usually treated by techniques which flatten them. Laser skin resurfacing with the Erbium:YAG laser is commonly used or radiofrequency ablation.
/ Small bumps
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Depending upon the width and depth, these scars can be treated with
TCA Cross, excision or Fraxel™ laser.
/ Sharp and deeply indented
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Also known as a superficial pit scar, best treated by the Fraxel™ laser. This is a formerly clogged pore which was never healed. Enlarged pores can be found on the face, specifically on the central cheeks and around the mouth and nose.
/ Appears as a tiny hole on the face
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By Zara
Many seek acne scar skin care after an acne lesion heals as it often leaves a red mark on the skin. This is a post-inflammatory redness or hyper-pigmentation that shows through the skin as it goes through healing and remodeling. This healing process can often take 6 to 12 months.
If the healing process is not hindered by further lesions, then the skin can heal normally and if any colour change or mark is still present after a year, then this is considered a permanent mark. Successful treatment to get rid of acne scars may be more difficult to achieve at this stage. So which are the best acne scar removal treatments?
To avoid the scenario of having seek acne scar treatment, there are certain steps and medication you can take to help the post-inflammatory healing process.
- When going outdoors, use sunscreen and avoid direct exposure to the sun. Unprotected exposure to sun rays damages skin and delays healing.
- Use a medication that contains Retin-A, Renova or Avita helps heal post-inflammatory changes to skin and speeds up the skins’ remodeling process. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), also known as Thioctic Acid, is a universal antioxidant found in effective treatment medication. It is both fat and water soluble. As a result, ALA can travel more widely through the body than most antioxidants.
- Use dermatologist prescribed formulations of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) in correct concentrations and at appropriate pH help in skin remodeling.
- Do not pick at scabs. Scabs protect the skin during its healing process and pulling a scab off before it is ready interrupts the healing and remodelling process. It makes the post-inflammatory healing time longer and increases chances of deeper and more prominent acne scars, making them harder to get rid of.
The use of antibiotics for acne scar treatment is promising. Antibiotics decrease the amount of bacteria in and around the follicle by reducing chemicals produced by white blood cells that irritate skin. Antibiotics also reduces the concentration of free fatty acids in the sebum and as a result, reduces the inflammatory response as well.
There are several types of antibiotics being used for acne scar treatment and care, each with their own strengths and side effects. Certain antibiotics may not be suitable for children or pregnant women.
Therefore, always seek professional consultation from dermatologists who will be able to determine the most suitable kind of antibiotic treatment for acne scar skin care on an individual basis. To get an answer to your acne or acne scar questions, contact us by clicking here
By Zara
Their has been an influx of at-home chemical peel kits popping up on the internet recently, but do they work, and more importantly, are they safe?
What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are a solution of chemicals applied to your face for a short period of time and then removed. The chemicals in the peel work to remove the top outermost layers of your skin. This process is helpful in refining the small lines and wrinkles on your face, as well as, removing age spots, hyper pigmentation and lessening the appearance of acne scars.
Should You Try An At-Home Peel?
Typically, the peels are applied in multiple sessions by a licensed dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. There is very little risk associated with chemical peels when they are applied by a professional as any swelling or infection can be monitored and treated. When you apply the chemical peel solutions at home you are running the risk of doing permanent damage to your skin.
Chemical peels can be difficult to apply and must be timed perfectly to avoid damage to the skin. For this reason it is not uncommon for a person attempting a chemical peel at home to cause a permanent scar in the application area. The scaring is caused by leaving the peeling solution on for too long and removing too much of the skin. The scars often look like scars left by previous acne.
The Benefits of Professional Chemical Peels
Having your Chemical Peel performed by a licensed dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will reduce the risks associated with scarring and infection. A dermatologist will also provide you with a customized solution for your skin as well as the number of treatments needed. These custom solutions provide the best overall outcome.
Chemical peels can be a very effective solution for treating what were once thought of as permanent skin care problems such as acne scaring and fine wrinkles. If you think a chemical peel may be right for you, be sure to consult a professional dermatologist before attempting any home treatment.
You can contact a dermatologist for free via e-mail to answer any questions you may have by following the link here
By Zara
There are a wide range of treatment options for acne scars. Some more effective than others. Only a cosmetic dermatologist with access to a variety of treatments can advise you on what may be right for you. Each patient has a unique set of conditions and this will play a major factor in the overall cost of acne scar treatment. During your consultation your dermatologist will discuss the range of methods and techniques used, and what may work with your skin. The price ranges below are based on survey data and may not accurately reflect your particular cost of treatment. For precise information on acne scar treatment, it is best to contact a physician for a consultation.
| Treatment Type |
Cost Range
(Per Treatment) |
| Laser Treatment (nonablative)* |
$300 to $1,500 |
| Fractional Laser |
$1,500 to $2,500 |
| Plasma High Energy |
$3,000 to $5,000 |
| Plasma Low Energy |
$1000 to $2000 |
| Erbium Laser Therapies* |
$1,500 to $4,000 |
| CO2 Laser Resurfacing |
$2,000 to $5,000 |
| IPL |
$400 to $700 |
| Radio Frequency |
$1,000 to $3,000 |
| Microdermabrasion |
$75 to $300 |
| Dermabrasion |
$1,000 to $4,000 |
| Chemical Peel** |
$600 to $900 |
| Superficial (AHA) |
$75 to $350 |
| Medium (TCA) |
$500 to $2,000 |
| Deep (Phenol) |
$1500 to $6,000 |
| Blue Peel |
$400 to $700 |
* Various lasers fall into these categories and can be used for a variety of treatments. These are meant to give a range and may vary dramatically based on region, condition treated, laser, and other factors.
**Overall Nationwide Average for all Peels
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By Zara
Laser acne treatment is very beneficial and is a boon to the field of cosmetic dermatology. You can say that it is costly. But even you are valuable and deserve anything to make yourself beautiful again. Acne treatment with laser therapy is the latest and is gaining grounds. It has become very popular now- a-days, as it is painless therapy. People wants to get treated fast and laser treatment falls in their good books.
The working of laser acne treatment is not complex. It deals with the dead cells on the upper tissue of the skin. You are given a localized anesthesia. Laser light is moved on the affected area and due to this the dead cells are removed. The new layer is then given a touch up. This is collagen. The resurfacing of skin takes place. It is painless and most effective method. It has cured millions of people.
A good cosmetic dermatologist should be consulted for carrying out laser acne treatment. The treatment mainly depends on the dermatologist’s experience and the advancement of the machines used for the therapy. The doctor should be experienced enough to carry out your treatment. He or she should have good and modern laser machines. This will make you secure about the treatment. Even under the head laser acne treatment, falls many types of laser therapies. You can ask the dermatologist as regards to the procedure of each one and get a feedback from him as to which will suit you the best. He or she will guide you for this. People with dark skin are not given this treatment, as the marks on their face will be prominent due to more levels of collagen in them.
The side effects of laser acne treatment are mild. Redness remains on skin for around ten to fifteen days after the treatment. After some days skin becomes clear. The result of laser acne treatment will be beautiful blemish and acne free skin.
You can contact a dermatologist for free via e-mail to answer any questions you may have by following the link here
By Zara
Recently, the FDA cleared a new treatment for acne called Isolaz™. Isolaz™ uses a breakthrough technology called Photopneumatics™ that purifies your pores from the inside out.
How does Isolaz work?
Isolaz is actually an aesthetic device that combines vacuum and laser for their synergistic benefits. The vacuum helps to loosen and extract dirt, blackheads and excess oil from deep within your pores. The specialized wavelength of light delivered to your skin helps to destroy acne causing bacteria. This combined treatment process, called Photopneumatic therapy, is unique to the Isolaz. Additional benefits include a more even complexion and revitalized skin tone.
How does Isolaz feel?
Isolaz is very comfortable. You will feel a gentle and warm sensation as your skin is drawn into the treatment tip. A very gentle light energy will be applied to the treatment area, immediately after which you will feel your skin being gently released back into normal position. Patients describe the sensation as being similar to that of a warm massage. No anesthetic or numbing creams are required.
Do I need to take time off from work or school to recuperate?
Isolaz is a fast, no down-time procedure. You can resume normally activities including going back to work immediately post treatment. Tanning and sun exposure should be avoided before and after treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
For acne, we generally recommend an initial series of 4 treatments, provided at 1-2 week intervals. We then do two more treatments, spaced a month apart. A schedule for maintenance is then customized for you, based on severity of your acne.
Can topical or oral medicines be used concurrent with the Isolaz treatments?
Yes. We can further enhance results when topical or oral medicines are combined with Isolaz treatments. We can often simplify and decrease the number of medicines patients have been accustomed to take for their acne.
Can I use Isolaz to keep pores clean and open if I don’t have acne?
Yes. This is called deep pore cleansing and this is a welcomed by many patients who previously had no options for this type of treatment.
Can I combine Isolaz with other acne or acne scar laser treatments?
Yes, most definetly. We use Isolaz in combination with Smoothbeam laser, Fraxel for the added benefit of pore purification and acne reduction offered by the Isolaz.
Can Isolaz be used in patients with darker skin?
Yes, the Isolaz is safe to use in all skin types. For patients with darker skin, we use a specialized tip designed especially for this use.
