Types Of Cancer Teens Get

Cancer is rare in teens. Certain diseases like breast cancer usually affect adult women - teen girls are unlikely to get this form of cancer. But there are some types that are more likely to occur in teens. Testicular cancer, for example, tends to affect younger guys rather than older men.
The types of cancers teens get have one thing in common: cells, the basic components or "building blocks" of the human body. Cancer occurs when cells develop abnormally and grow in an uncontrolled way. Read on to learn more about some types of cancer that teens may get, including warning signs and symptoms and how these cancers can be treated.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (pronounced: os-tee-oh-sar-koh-muh) is the most common type of bone cancer. In teens, it can sometimes appear during their growth spurts. Osteosarcoma affects twice as many guys as girls and tends to show up in people who are taller than average. In most cases, there is no known cause for osteosarcoma.
The most common symptoms of osteosarcoma are pain and swelling in an arm or leg that is sometimes accompanied by a lump. Some people have more pain at night or when they exercise. Osteosarcoma is most often found in the bones around the knee but can occur in other bones as well. In some cases, a tumor can spread or metastasize to the lungs and other bones. (Metastasize is the word doctors use when cells from a tumor break away from the original cancer site and travel to a different tissue or organ.)
Treatment for osteosarcoma usually involves chemotherapy (medication that kills cancer cells) as well as surgery to remove the tumor. A doctor may perform limb-salvage surgery, where the bone that has cancer is removed and the limb (usually an arm or leg) is saved from amputation by filling the gap with a bone graft or special metal rod. In rare cases, a doctor may need to amputate (remove) part or all of the limb to fight the cancer.
Losing a limb can be devastating, especially for teens who are already dealing with body changes. Counseling and physical therapy (also called physical rehabilitation) can both be helpful in this situation. People who have amputations are usually fitted with a prosthesis (pronounced: prahs-thee-sus), or artificial limb. Most teens with a prosthesis are able to return to normal activities - even sports.
Most people develop side effects, such as hair loss, bleeding, infections, and heart or skin problems, from medicines used in chemotherapy treatment for osteosarcoma. Chemotherapy may also increase the person's risk of developing other cancers in the future. The good news is that most teens with osteosarcoma do recover.

Ewing's Sarcoma

Another type of cancer that affects the bone is Ewing's sarcoma. It is similar to osteosarcoma in that it also affects teens and young adults and is usually located in the leg or pelvis.
Most teens with Ewing's sarcoma receive chemotherapy as well as surgery. Some patients will also need radiation in addition to or instead of surgery to make sure that remaining cancer cells have been destroyed. Ewing's sarcoma generally responds well to chemotherapy and radiation.
Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma share common risk factors and side effects from treatment. Chances for recovery depend upon where the tumor is located, its size, and whether it has spread. But both types of bone cancer respond well to treatment and are curable in many cases.

Leukemia

Leukemia is one of the most common childhood cancers. It occurs when large numbers of abnormal white blood cells called leukemic blasts fill the bone marrow and sometimes enter the bloodstream.
Because these abnormal blood cells are defective, they don't help protect the body against infection the way normal white blood cells do. And because they grow uncontrollably, they take over the bone marrow and interfere with the body's production of other important types of cells in the bloodstream, like red blood cells (which carry oxygen) and platelets (which help blood to clot).
Leukemia causes problems like bleeding, anemia (low numbers of red blood cells), bone pain, and infections. It can also spread to other places like the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, brain, and the testicles in males.
The types of leukemia most likely to occur in teens are acute lymphocytic (pronounced: lim-fuh-sih-tik) leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous (pronounced: my-uh-ladj-uh-nus) leukemia (AML).
Virtually all people with ALL and AML are treated with chemotherapy, and some also receive stem cell transplants, in which they are given new stem cells from another person. Bone marrow transplants are a common form of stem cell transplantation. Some people also receive radiation. The length of treatment and types of medicine given will vary depending on the type of leukemia.
The chances for a cure are very good with certain kinds of leukemia. With treatment, most patients with ALL and many patients with AML are free of the disease without recurrence.

Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are not common in teens.
Two of the most common forms are astrocytomas (pronounced: as-truh-sye-toe-muhz) and ependymomas (pronounced: ep-en-duh-moe-muhz). Astrocytomas are tumors of the brain that originate from cells in the brain called astrocytes. This type of tumor doesn't usually spread outside the brain and spinal cord and doesn't usually affect other organs. Ependymomas are tumors that usually begin in the lining of brain ventricles. The brain has four ventricles, or cavities, that are a pathway for cerebrospinal fluid, a liquid substance that cushions the brain and spine and protects them from trauma.
No one knows the exact cause of primary brain cancer. One possibility is that as the brain and spinal cord were forming, a problem with the cells occurred.
Treatments vary depending upon the type and location of the tumor. If it is possible to remove a tumor, surgery is usually performed, followed by radiation. Some patients receive chemotherapy as well.
The chance of surviving a brain tumor depends on its type, location, and treatment. But there is a very good chance that if the tumor can be removed and additional treatment is given, the cancer can be cured.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma refers to cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, adenoids, tonsils, and bone marrow. The lymph system functions in the body by fighting off germs that cause infection and illness. Most teens with lymphoma have either Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Hodgkin's disease usually occurs in adolescents and young adults. It can show up in lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, chest, or other places. The lymph nodes become enlarged but are usually not painful. Hodgkin's disease is identified by large, unusual cells called Reed-Sternberg cells that are detected under a microscope after a biopsy, a procedure in which a doctor removes a small tissue sample to examine it for cancer cells. Chemotherapy and often radiation are used to treat Hodgkin's disease.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is similar to leukemia (ALL) because both involve malignant lymphocytes (pronounced: lim-fuh-sytes), white blood cells found in lymph nodes, and because many of the symptoms of these diseases are the same. NHL is usually treated with chemotherapy.
Teens with Hodgkin's disease or NHL who have completed their treatment have an excellent chance for cure.

Other Cancers

Other cancers that teens may get - although they are generally rare - include testicular cancer and rhabdomyosarcomas.
Although testicular cancer is actually rare in teen guys, overall it is the most common cancer in males ages 15 to 35. Testicular cancer is almost always curable if it is caught and treated early. Guys should learn how to examine their testicles regularly to detect any abnormal lumps or bumps, which are usually the earliest sign of testicular cancer.
Rhabdomyosarcomas (pronounced: rab-doe-my-uh-sar-koe-muhz), or soft tissue sarcomas, are less common cancers that mostly occur in infants, kids, and teens. With these cancers, cancer cells grow in the soft tissues of the skeletal muscles (the body's muscles that a person controls for movement). Though these cancers can occur anywhere in the body, rhabdomyosarcomas most frequently happen within the muscles in the trunk, arms, or legs. The types of treatment used and chances for recovery depend upon where the rhabdomyosarcoma is located and whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Can I Prevent Acne ?

What Causes Acne?

Contrary to what you may have heard, acne is not caused by dirty skin, eating chocolate, or drinking lots of soda. Acne is caused by overactive oil glands in the skin and an accumulation of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, which leads to inflammation in pores.

Oil glands become stimulated when hormones become active during puberty, which is why people are likely to get acne in their teens. Because the tendency to develop acne is partly genetic, if other people in your family had (or have) acne, you may be more likely to develop it too.

Although there is no surefire way to prevent acne, try these tips to help reduce the number and severity of your breakouts:

• Washing your skin is essential (it helps remove excess surface oils and dead skin cells that can clog your pores), but washing too much can actually cause damage by overdrying your skin or irritating existing acne.

• Remember to wash after exercising because sweat can clog your pores and make your acne worse. If you work around greasy food or oil or if you've been sweating from heat or because you've been working hard, wash your face and other acne-prone areas as soon as possible.
• If you use skin products, such as lotions or makeup, look for ones that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, which means that they don't clog pores.
• If you can't live without your hair spray or styling gel, be sure to keep them away from your face as much as possible. Many hair products contain oils that can make acne worse.
• If you get acne on areas such as your chest or back, avoid wearing tight clothes, which can rub and cause irritation.

Eyes

Eyes: Small But Mighty

We depend on sight more than any other of our senses to maneuver through the space around us. In a single glance, lasting a fraction of a second, our eyes work with our brains to tell us the size, shape, color, and texture of an object. They let us know how close it is, whether it's standing still or coming toward us, and how quickly it's moving. Every day, our eyes give us messages that help us understand the world around us.

Although the eyes are small compared with most of the body's other organs, their structure is incredibly complex. The eyes work together to perceive depth, enabling us to judge distance and the size of objects to help us move around them. Not only do the two eyes work together, they also work with the brain, muscles, and nerves to produce complicated visual images and messages. And our eyes constantly adapt to the changing environment — for example, they are able to adjust so that we can easily move around in a nearly dark room or bright sunlight.

To understand more about how the eyes work, it's important to know about the structures that make up the eye and about conditions and diseases that can interfere with vision.

The Basics on Eyes

Only part of the eye is visible in a person's face. The whole eye — the eyeball — is about the size and shape of a ping-pong ball.

The eye — both the parts that are visible and those that aren't — is extremely delicate. The body has several ways of protecting this vulnerable organ. The eyeball sits in the eye socket (also called the orbit) in a person's skull, where it is surrounded by bone. The visible part of the eye is protected by the eyelids and the eyelashes, which keep dirt, dust, and even harmful bright light out of the eye.

Our eyes are also protected by our tears, which moisten the eyes and clean out dirt, dust, and other irritants that get past the defenses of our eyelashes and eyelids. Tears also help protect the eyes against infection.

Every time we blink, our eyelids spread a layer of moisture over the cornea (pronounced: kor-nee-uh), which covers the front of the eye. The lacrimal (pronounced: lah-kruh-mul) glands in the upper outer corner of each eye socket produce tears.

After they've done their job moistening the eyes, the tears flow into canals in the eyelids, which drain into the lacrimal sac, a pouch in the lower inner corner of each eye socket. Tears then exit through a passage that leads to the nose.

For you to see, the eye has to move. Six muscles, called extraocular (pronounced: ek-struh-ah-kyuh-lur) muscles, surround the eyeball in the skull. These muscles act like the strings on a puppet, moving the eye in different directions. The muscles of each eye normally move together at the same time, allowing the two eyes to remain aligned.

The wall of a person's eyeball is made up of three layers, rather like the layers on an onion:

• The sclera (pronounced: skler-uh) is the outermost protective layer. This tough, fibrous tissue surrounds the eyeball and attaches to the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. What we see as the white of the eye is the sclera. The conjunctiva, a clear mucous membrane that protects the eye from becoming dry, sits over the sclera and also covers the inner surface of the eyelid.
• The choroid (pronounced: kor-oyd) is the middle layer that contains blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the retina.
• The retina (pronounced: ret-nuh), the innermost of the three layers, lines the inside of the eyeball. The retina is a soft, light-sensitive layer of nervous system tissue. The optic nerve carries signals from the retina to the brain, which interprets them as visual images.

The space in the center of the eyeball is filled with a clear jelly-like material called the vitreous (pronounced: vih-tree-us) humor. This material allows light to pass through to the retina. It also helps the eye keep its round shape.

Taking care of your teeth

Dentists say that the most important part of tooth care happens at home. Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
If you're like most people, you don't exactly look forward to facing a dentist's drill. So wouldn't it be better to prevent cavities before they begin?

Giving Plaque the Brush-Off

To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque, the transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth. The best way to do this is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease. Brushing and flossing are the most important things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Toothpastes contain abrasives, detergents, and foaming agents. Fluoride, the most common active ingredient in toothpaste, is what prevents cavities. So you should always be sure your toothpaste contains fluoride.
About 1 person in 10 has a tendency to accumulate tartar quickly. Tartar is plaque in a hardened form that is more damaging and difficult to remove. Using anti-tartar toothpastes and mouthwashes, as well as spending extra time brushing the teeth near the salivary glands (the inside of the lower front teeth and the outside of the upper back teeth) may slow the development of new tartar.
If you have teeth that are sensitive to heat, cold, and pressure, you may want to try a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. But you'll still need to talk to your dentist about your sensitivity because it may indicate a more serious problem, such as a cavity or nerve inflammation (irritation).

5 Ways to Fight Depression

If you feel depressed, it's best to do something about it — depression doesn't just go away on its own. In addition to getting help from a doctor or therapist, here are 5 things you can do to feel better.

1. Exercise. Take a 15- to 30-minute brisk walk every day — or dance, jog, or bike if you prefer. People who are depressed may not feel much like being active. But make yourself do it anyway (ask a friend to exercise with you if you need to be motivated). Once you get in the exercise habit, it won't take long to notice a difference in your mood.
   
   In addition to getting aerobic exercise, some yoga poses can help relieve feelings of depression. Try downward-facing dog or legs-up-the-wall pose (you can find these poses on yoga websites). Two other aspects of yoga — breathing exercises and meditation — can also help people with depression feel better.
2. Nurture yourself with good nutrition. Depression can affect appetite. One person may not feel like eating at all, but another might overeat. If depression has affected your eating, you'll need to be extra mindful of getting the right nourishment. Proper nutrition can influence a person's mood and energy. So eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and get regular meals (even if you don't feel hungry, try to eat something light, like a piece of fruit, to keep you going).
3. Identify troubles, but don't dwell on them. Try to identify any situations that have contributed to your depression. When you know what's got you feeling blue and why, talk about it with a caring friend. Talking is a way to release the feelings and to receive some understanding. If there's no one to tell, pouring your heart out to a journal works just as well.
   
   Once you air out these thoughts and feelings, turn your attention to something positive. Take action to solve problems. Ask for help if you need it. Feeling connected to friends and family can help relieve depression. (It may also help them feel there's something they can do instead of just watching you hurt.)
4. Express yourself. With depression, a person's creativity and sense of fun may seem blocked. By exercising your imagination (painting, drawing, doodling, sewing, writing, dancing, composing music, etc.) you not only get those creative juices flowing, you also loosen up some positive emotions. Take time to play with a friend or a pet, or do something fun for yourself. Find something to laugh about — a funny movie, perhaps. Laughter helps lighten your mood.
5. Look on the bright side. Depression affects a person's thoughts, making everything seem dismal, negative, and hopeless. If depression has you noticing only the negative, make an effort to notice the good things in life. Try to notice one thing, then try to think of one more. Consider your strengths, gifts, or blessings. Most of all, don't forget to be patient with yourself. Depression takes time to heal.

Body Piercing

What Is a Body Piercing and What Can You Expect?

 

A body piercing is exactly that — a piercing or puncture made in your body by a needle. After that, a piece of jewelry is inserted into the puncture. The most popular pierced body parts seem to be the ears, the nostrils, and the belly button.
If the person performing the piercing provides a safe, clean, and professional environment, this is what you should expect from getting a body part pierced:

• The area you've chosen to be pierced (except for the tongue) is cleaned with a germicidal soap (a soap that kills disease-causing bacteria and microorganisms).
• Your skin is then punctured with a very sharp, clean needle.
• The piece of jewelry, which has already been sterilized, is attached to the area.
• The person performing the piercing disposes of the needle in a special container so that there is no risk of the needle or blood touching someone else.
• The pierced area is cleaned.
• The person performing the piercing checks and adjusts the jewelry.
• The person performing the piercing gives you instructions on how to make sure your new piercing heals correctly and what to do if there is a problem.

Taking Care Of Your Hair

We have about 100,000 hairs on our heads. Each hair shaft has three layers, with the cuticle, or outside layer, protecting the two inner layers.

Shiny hair is a sign of health because the layers of the cuticle lie flat and reflect light. When the scales of the cuticle lie flat they overlap tightly, so the inner layers are well protected from heat, sun, chlorine, and all the other hazards that can come from living in our environment. When hair is damaged, though, the scales may separate and hair can become dry. Because the scales on dry hair don't protect the inner two layers as well, hair can break and look dull.
The type of hair a person has — whether it's straight or curly — can also affect how shiny it is. Sebum, which is the natural oil on the hair, covers straight hair better than curly hair, which is why straight hair can appear shinier.
Depending how long a person's hair is or how fast it grows, the end of each hair shaft can be a couple of years old. So the hair at the end of the shaft could have survived a few summers of scorching sun and saltwater and winters of cold, dry air. How well you care for your hair from the time it emerges from the root plays a role in how healthy it looks.

Plastic Surgery

When you hear of plastic surgery, what do you think of? A Hollywood star trying to delay the effects of aging? People who want to change the size of their stomachs, breasts, or other body parts because they see it done so easily on TV?
Those are common images of plastic surgery, but what about the 4-year-old boy who has his chin rebuilt after a dog bit him? Or the young woman who has the birthmark on her forehead lightened with a laser?

What Is Plastic Surgery?

Just because the name includes the word "plastic" doesn't mean patients who have this surgery end up with a face full of fake stuff. The name isn't taken from the synthetic substance but from the Greek word plastikos, which means to form or mold (and which gives the material plastic its name as well).
Plastic surgery is a special type of surgery that can involve both a person's appearance and ability to function. Plastic surgeons strive to improve patients' appearance and self-image through both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

• Reconstructive procedures correct defects on the face or body. These include physical birth defects like cleft lips and palates and ear deformities, traumatic injuries like those from dog bites or burns, or the aftermath of disease treatments like rebuilding a woman's breast after surgery for breast cancer.
• Cosmetic (also called aesthetic) procedures alter a part of the body that the person is not satisfied with. Common cosmetic procedures include making the breasts larger (augmentation mammoplasty) or smaller (reduction mammoplasty), reshaping the nose (rhinoplasty), and removing pockets of fat from specific spots on the body (liposuction). Some cosmetic procedures aren't even surgical in the way that most people think of surgery — that is, cutting and stitching. For example, the use of special lasers to remove unwanted hair and sanding skin to improve severe scarring are two such treatments.

What Is Cellulite ?

Cellulite is the lumpy substance resembling cottage cheese that is commonly found on the thighs, stomach, and butt. Cellulite is actually a fancy name for collections of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath a person's skin, which causes the surface of the skin to dimple or pucker and look lumpy.
You can check to see if you have cellulite by pinching the skin around your upper thigh. If it looks a bit lumpy, you probably have it. And if you do have cellulite, you're definitely not alone: Most girls and women — and some men — have cellulite.
Several factors influence whether a person has cellulite and how much they have. Your genes, your gender, the amount of fat on your body, your age, and the thickness of your skin are all associated with the amount of cellulite you have or how visible it is.
Whatever the cause of cellulite, it's important to know that there aren't any miracle products, treatments, or medicines that can make it go away. For example, some fancy salon treatments that promise to get rid of cellulite simply cause your skin to puff up through deep massaging, temporarily reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Treatments like liposuction (surgery to remove fat) and mesotherapy (injection of drugs into cellulite) are either expensive or may produce only temporary improvement. Many doctors even warn that liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite because liposuction is designed to remove deep fat instead of cellulite, which is close to the skin.
If you have cellulite, chances are you won't like it. It's important to remember, though, that almost everyone wishes that something about their body was a bit different. This is particularly true for teens whose bodies are going through all sorts of changes caused by puberty.
If you decide that you want to try to reduce the amount of cellulite you have, the best thing to do is to decrease excess body fat. If you think — and your doctor agrees — that you are overweight, eat fewer calories and exercise more. Experts agree that an exercise routine that combines aerobic exercise with strength training is the best weapon against cellulite. In the meantime, if you want to conceal your cellulite, try using a self-tanning product. Cellulite tends to be a little bit less noticeable on darker skin.

Taking Care Of Your Skin

It keeps your insides from falling out. It helps you warm up when you're cold and can cool you off when you're hot. It lets you feel things by touch. It protects you.

What is this wondrous stuff? Your skin, of course! And what does your skin ask for in return for all the wonderful things it does? Just a little care and consideration. So let's learn how to take good care of the skin you're in.

Why Be Nice to Your Skin?

Like the heart, stomach, and brain, your skin is an organ. In fact, it's the largest organ in your body, but it's still easy to take skin for granted. Unless there's a problem, you may not think about your skin very much. But skin has an important job to do.

Your skin is constantly protecting you. Your skin keeps infections out of your body and keeps you from getting sick. When you take care of your skin, you're helping your skin do its job. And taking care of your skin today will help prevent future problems, like wrinkles and even skin cancer.

Clean Skin Is Happy Skin

One simple way to take care of your skin is to keep it clean. Keeping your hands clean is especially important because your hands can spread germs to the skin on other parts of your body.

When washing your hands, use water that's comfortably warm. Wet your hands, then lather up with a mild soap. You should lather and rub everywhere, including the palms, the wrists, between the fingers, and under the nails. Rinse well, dry thoroughly with a clean towel, and you're done!

You'll also want to use water that's warm, not too hot, when you take a shower or bath. Use a gentle soap to clean your body. Don't forget under your arms and behind your ears! Your face needs attention, especially as you enter puberty and the skin on your face gets more oily. It's a good idea to wash your face once or twice daily with warm water and a mild cleanser.

If you look in the drugstore, you'll see shelf after shelf of skin care products, but kids don't usually need anything more than a gentle soap. Talk to a parent or your doctor if you have questions about what to use on your skin.

If you have dry, flaky, or itchy skin, you might use a moisturizing lotion or cream. When choosing a moisturizer, pick one without a lot of colors and perfumes. Petroleum jelly can work for some kids. If you are worried about pimples, look for a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic (won't cause pimples).

With pimples, you might think that scrubbing your face is the way to get rid of them. But actually, your skin will be less likely to break out if you clean it gently, using your fingertips, not a rough washcloth. If you have trouble with pimples, talk with your doctor about which cleansers are best to use.

Allergies to Skin Care Products

Sometimes when you use a new kind of soap or other skin product, your skin may get irritated or you may get an allergic reaction. If you get a rash or if your skin feels itchy, hot, dry, or like it's burning, tell an adult. Stop using the product and don't forget that it caused a reaction. You don't want to use it again or buy a product with the same active ingredient.

To test a new product, place a tiny bit of it on the inside of your wrist or arm. Watch for any redness or irritation over the next 24 hours. If your skin becomes red or irritated, don't use the product. Sometimes, your skin is fine with a new product the first time, or few times, you use it, but then your skin gets red or irritated later on. You'll want to stop using the product whenever redness or irritation occurs.

Screening Your Skin From Damage

There is one product that everyone needs: sunscreen. Even if your skin is naturally dark, you still need to use a sunscreen. Protecting your skin from the sun prevents sunburn, which hurts and is a kind of skin damage. Sunscreen also can help prevent wrinkles when you get older and can decrease the risk of skin cancer, which is caused by exposure to the sun's harmful rays.

Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or 45, and apply it evenly. Try not to miss any spots, such as your neck or the middle of your back. Have a friend or your parent help you with the hard-to-reach spots. Follow the directions on the sunscreen, which often recommend reapplying it, especially after swimming or sweating.

Because sunscreen cannot protect your skin completely from the sun, it's also a good idea to wear a brimmed hat and use a lip balm containing sunscreen. If you need more protection from the sun, wear long sleeves and pants. Also, avoid the sun between 10 AM and 2 PM.

Soothing Skin That's Sore

Everybody gets little scrapes and cuts on their skin. When this happens to you, be sure to wash the area with warm water and a mild soap. Talk to one of your parents about whether to use an antibiotic (say: an-tie-bye-ah-tik) cream or ointment. This can kill germs at the site of the cut and prevent an infection. Covering a cut with a bandage helps keep it clean.

When you have a more serious cut, you may need to go to the doctor or the emergency department. A deep cut might need stitches to heal properly. Instead of stitching a cut together with special thread, in some cases, doctors can use a special kind of glue.

Hot Stuff

Burns are another serious problem for your skin. Prevent them by staying away from fire (such as matches, candles, and fireplaces) and steering clear of stoves, irons, and other sources of heat. If you accidentally get burned, tell a grown-up so he or she can get you the care you need.

Solving Skin Problems

Bug bites, bee stings, and poison ivy are all common skin problems. Try not to scratch! Scratching can tear your skin and is another way for germs to get in there and possibly cause an infection. Your mom or dad can help you by applying an ointment or cream to fight the itch.

If it's chickenpox that's making you itch, your mom or dad can help you apply some calamine lotion. Taking a bath with a little oatmeal in it - or an oatmeal-based bath powder - also can make you more comfortable. Scratching chickenpox can cause infections. Scratching also can cause scars where your chickenpox were.

Eczema (say: ek-zuh-muh) is another itchy problem. You're more likely to have this dry skin condition if you have asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. If a moisturizing cream doesn't work, you may need to see your doctor or a dermatologist (say: dur-muh-tah-luh-jist), a doctor who specializes in skin care.

Urticaria (say: ur-tuh-kar-ee-ah), also known as hives, is a type of skin rash that causes red blotches or bumps that itch. Hives can be caused by an infection, or an allergic reaction to an insect bite, or something you ate, breathed in, or touched. Your mom or dad might give you medicine, such as an antihistamine, to reduce the swelling or itching related to the hives. If someone has hives and other symptoms, such as trouble breathing, the person needs to go to the emergency department.

You may not think of it as skin, but you have skin on your scalp, where your hair grows. Sometimes, this skin can get flaky and fall off. This might be dandruff, the little white flakes you can sometimes see if you are wearing a dark-colored shirt. Talk to your mom or dad about this and they can buy you a special shampoo, or talk to the doctor about getting a medicated shampoo to control dandruff.

Super Skin!

We've been talking a lot about the problems your skin can have, but don't forget how super your skin is. Your skin has amazing healing ability. Remember the last time you had a cut? What happened to it? Let us guess - your skin completely healed or left only a small scar? See what we mean? Your skin is simply skintastic!

Botox

Botox, is a byproduct of the bacteria responsible for botulism, and uses the paralyzing properties of the disease on a small scale to reduce wrinkles. The specific form of toxin in Botox is botulinum toxin type A. As of March 8, 2006, the only FDA approved form of Botox is produced and distributed by Allergan (source: Federal Register, Vol. 71, No. 49).

Botox is not the first time humans have used toxic substances for cosmetic and medical benefit. In fact, most drugs and substances, of incorrect dosage, are potentially harmful for the body. Botox is the same way, and should only be administered by a licensed health care professional.

For cosmetic purposes, Botox is administered via injection directly into the desired body area. The most common application is to plump lips, remove smile lines, and diminish wrinkles in the forehead and eye area. Botox is also used by doctors to treat spinal cord maladies and severe underarm perspiration.

While television comedies and dramas have made light of Botox side effects, such as a failure to make expressions or ridiculously swollen lips, there are serious complications that can arise from the injection. If Botox is improperly administered, or an allergy develops, patients may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and even throat closure. Immediate medical attention is a necessity if patients experience any of these side effects.

Patients need to be smart and only accept Botox treatments from a licensed doctor, with FDA approved Botox compounds. Botox is also considered Class C for women who are pregnant, lactating, or may become pregnant while under treatment. This means Botox may cross the placenta and affect the embryo, and possibly transfer to infants from breast milk.

Botox pricing is higher than other wrinkle solutions, like derma fillers and chemical peels. Also, a complete review of your past medical history should be standard practice by the doctor giving you Botox treatments. In reality, Botox is safe for the majority of people looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Like the adage about "A few rotten apples..." Botox has received a bad rap due to unscrupulous treatment providers and the serious nature of the rare side effects. Potential Botox patients should do their homework about their doctor, and learn as much as possible about every cosmetic procedure or treatment before hand.
Botox Cost

The cost of botox can vary from state to state. It normally ranges between $300.00 to $500.00 dollars per treatment.

Mineral Makeup

Ever been baffled by the ingredient list on a shampoo bottle or lipstick? Unless you have a degree in chemistry, the oxides and isopropyls might as well be a foreign language. A movement in cosmetics to simplify matters has hit the shelves: mineral makeup. Touting a back to basics ideology, mineral makeup typically advertises "natural" or "organic" ingredients. Ingredients aside, mineral makeup also takes a slightly different application technique, and can be a suitable alternative for certain skin types aggravated by traditional cosmetic lines.

For a significant portion of the population, department store cosmetics are not an option. Various skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and allergies to specific ingredients limit cosmetic product selections. Mineral makeup is often purported to be a solution for those usually unable to wear makeup. The main draw is the lack of chemically altered ingredients, in hope that this will reduce any irritation or allergic flare up. Mineral makeup is also lighter, and can grant a more sheer sensation. Before trying a new mineral makeup product line, a small amount of research should be done to improve chances of success.

Stick with a reputable company for mineral makeup products. A quick check on the Food and Drug Administration website or the Skin Deep safe cosmetic database can help identify potentially sham companies or dangerous ingredients. Be sure to read company provided literature and information on the product carefully. Look for substitutes of "natural" for "organic" and any asterisks leading to notes at the bottom. A big red flag is if there is an exception to a promise or results statement saying it has not been evaluated by the FDA. While most products will not give you any problems, complications from harsh chemicals or mislabeled cosmetics can cause serious harm, especially those used in the eye area.

The color palette available in mineral makeup lines is as varied as the world around you. Hues in bright blues, deep purples, and soft pinks can be found in a variety of products, such as lipstick, eye shadow, and blush. Some mineral cosmetics contain metallic components, which can cause an unintended shine. Look for products promising a matte finish if shine is not the style desired. Color selection is similar to traditional cosmetic color lines, based on a warm or cool skin tone.

Brushes are the recommended applicator for mineral cosmetics. Cosmetic brushes, not sponges or pads, allow the wearer to "tap" off excess before applying, an important step before blending mineral cosmetics. Colors are usually more concentrated, but blending should be more agreeable to the skin than synthetic products. Also unlike heavily processed products, the natural elements of mineral makeup can make it far easier to remove at the end of a long day.

Mineral makeup products are an appropriate alternative for those allergic or sensitive to other cosmetic lines. Just take care to effectively research and educate yourself about any new cosmetic product used on your skin. Because mineral makeup is a smaller movement gaining momentum, it is easier for unscrupulous businesses to hide amongst the legitimate ones. Use online resources to verify credentials and FDA approval. Finally, enjoy the richer coloring and coverage mineral cosmetics can afford, all with a pure feeling many synthetic products can't deliver.

Adult Acne

Acne that is contracted during adulthood, specifically after eighteen years old is considered adult acne. It commonly appears during the early twenties to even late forties and fifties. Women are the ones frequently affected by adult acne, also known as post-adolescent acne. Hormones are the obvious cause of adult acne since there is no definite pattern to its occurrence as compared to the teenage variety of acne vulgaris. Adolescent girls are often conscious of the growth of this skin condition, especially during their menstrual cycle, although the acne that forms during adulthood comes and goes more easily than the ones contracted during the teenage years.

The appearance of post-adolescent acne differs from that of teenage acne:
Blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) are less commonly seen.
Breakouts are usually mild to moderate.
Significant scarring is unusual.

Lesions more often appear on the lower cheek, the chin, and along and below the jaw line. Although some women may have breakouts on the chest and back, most have blemishes exclusively on the face.

Papules, also known as pimples, zits, bumps, pustules, and small nodules are the most common composition of breakouts. Papules are skin inflammatory elevations that are not suppurative while the pustules are also inflammatory elevations, but are filled with pus. The pustules and papules can be classified as deep or superficial. Superficial papules are those located on the skin surface. The deep papules are described to be palpable, and come from under the skin, since these are probably inflammations that are trapped underneath the skin's surface.

Nodules are described as large papules or cysts. They are firm tender lumps that stay on for several weeks or even months. The largest growth that they can be is about an inch and when healed can leave a noticeable scar. Luckily, nodules are rarely develop in women with adult acne.

There is no exact diagnosis for adult-onset acne since it can be easily confused by a health care provider with other acne-like disorders like rosacea, pseudofolliculitis barbae, keratosis pilaris, and endocrinopathy:
Rosacea: Symptoms of rosacea include facial lesions that consist of acnelike red papules and pustules. Moreover, both rosacea and acne can appear together.
Endocrinopathy: Sometimes what appears to be a simple case of acne vulgaris or adult-onset acne can be due to an underlying hormonal abnormality, called endocrinopathy. At times like this, acne may be difficult to get under control, and other measures such as blood tests to look for higher or lower than normal hormone levels should be evaluated by your doctor.

Women with adult acne do not have levels of androgen that are elevated but may have a amplified response to androgen in its normal levels and to progesterone, a female hormone, although to a much lower degree. On the other hand, estrogen, another main hormone of females, produces an opposite effect on acne production by depressing its release.

Other than the major hormones of women, adult acne may be caused and enhanced by the intake of pills containing hormones and drugs that have hormonal effects like those seen in oral contraceptive medications, food products, steroids and allergy medications.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is very serious. It can kill you. Skin cancer is a extremely serious condition affecting over millions of Americans every year. It is a fatal disease that can render you weak. Its incidence is multiplying every year, and yet, it is found to be preventable. With over a million new cases diagnosed annually in the United States, about eighty percent will be basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma constitutes the sixteen percent and four percent of the cases are melanoma. Skin cancer frequently appears on the areas of the body often exposed to the sun's rays.

Types of Skin Cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma
Is commonly seen in people with fair skin, light hair, and green, blue, or grey eyes although it may also affect dark skinned people. It is a slow growing type of cancer that is usually confined to one area of the body. It is also detected easily, thus increasing its chances of getting cured by 95 percent.

The five symptoms of basal cell carcinoma:
An open sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and remains open for more than three weeks.
A reddish patch on chest, arms, shoulders, or legs. May itch or hurt, or may not.
A shiny bump or nodule that's translucent. Can be any color, from white. pink, or red to tan, black, or brown. May be confused with a mole.
A pink growth with a slightly elevated rolled border. Has a crusty center indentation. Tiny blood vessels may develop on the surface.
A scarlike area with poorly defined borders. Color is white, yellow or waxy.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Is frequently seen on areas that are always exposed to the sun's radiation although it may also be seen on any part of the body. They are often found on the skin but in some cases, it spreads to nearby tissues and organ systems, rendering it fatal. It commonly occurs on injured skin, like burns, scars, sores that have not yet healed for several weeks, or areas exposed to chemicals and radiation from x-rays. Sometimes, carcinomas appear just for no reason. Squamous cell carcinomas may also be genetically inherited.

People with fair skin are predisposed to develop this type of carcinoma although about two thirds of dark skinned individuals with skin cancer are of the squamous cell type.

The symptoms of squamous cell carcinomas:
A wartlike growth that crusts and may bleed.
A red, scaly patch with irregular borders that bleeds of crusts.
An open sore that bleeds and crusts for weeks and doesn't heal.
An elevated growth with a central depression that may bleed and could grow rapidly.

Squamous cell carcinoma has a better than 95 percent cure rate if detected and treated early.

Melanoma
The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma which is easier to cure when detected in its early stage but fatal when the cancer spreads. The number of Caucasians affected with melanoma has tripled in the last twenty years. For women aged 25 to 29, melanoma is responsible for almost eighty percent of skin cancer fatalities.

Melanoma originates in the melanocytes, where the body's pigmentation is produced. Most melanomas are dark in color, either black or brown, but they can also be devoid of pigmentation, and become skin-colored, pink, red, or purple.

In situ melanoma cells responsible for the production of melanin, the body's pigment. Most melanomas are either black or brown but may sometimes be pink, red or purple. In situ melanoma are localized melanomas while invasive melanomas are those which have spread to other parts of the body, making it harder to treat.

Melanomas are usually brown, black, or multicolored patches, or nodules with an irregular outline. They may crust or bleed and often form on top of existing moles.

If a mole changes or you have any odd growths on your body, go immediately to the dermatologist or family doctor. Don't hesitate and don't delay.

Image Source: NCI Visuals Online. http://visualsonline.cancer.gov/about.cfm

What To Eat For Glowing Healthy Skin

The old adage “you are what you eat” not only applies to our overall health and nutrition, but how our skin looks and feels as well. As the largest organ in the body, our skin can benefit from the same nutrition we get from foods that have a positive effect on our heart and other major organs. In fact, new research suggests that eating foods rich in protein and certain vitamins and minerals might provide valuable anti-aging effects.
Good Food, Good Skin

Perhaps the simplest way to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and ensure the skin is getting optimal nutrition from the foods we eat is to follow the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Daily Food Guide, commonly referred to as the food pyramid.

These include:

* Choosing and eating at least three ounces of whole grain breads, cereals, rice, crackers or pasta.
* Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including more dark green and orange vegetables.
* Consuming calcium-rich foods, such as fat-free or low-fat milk and other dairy products.
* Opting for a variety of low-fat or lean meats, poultry and fish.

“The foods recommended by the USDA as part of a healthy diet contain valuable vitamins and minerals that have proven health benefits for our bodies,” said Dr. Taylor. “Research has shown that the antioxidants in vitamins C and E can protect the skin from sun damage and help reduce damage in skin cells caused by harmful free radicals, which contribute to aging skin. Similarly, we have long known that the B vitamin biotin is responsible for forming the basis of skin, hair and nail cells, and vitamin A – found in many fruits and vegetables – maintains and repairs skin tissue. Without an adequate supply of these vitamins, you may notice it in the appearance of your skin, hair and nails.”

While the direct link between food consumption and skin damage has not been widely studied, one study comparing the correlation between food and nutrient intake with skin wrinkling found a positive relationship. The study, “Skin Wrinkling: Can Food Make a Difference?”, published in the February 2001 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, determined that Swedish subjects aged 70 and older had the least skin wrinkling in a sun-exposed site among the four ethnic groups studied. This cross-sectional study, which analyzed the pooled data using the major food groups, suggests “that subjects with a higher intake of vegetables, olive oil, and monounsaturated fat and legumes, but a lower intake of milk/dairy products, butter, margarine and sugar products had less skin wrinkling in a sun-exposed site.”

“More studies need to be done to determine the long-term benefits of food on our skin,” said Dr. Taylor. “Eating a variety of healthy foods and drinking plenty of water so the skin stays hydrated should help most people improve the appearance of their skin.”

Foods That Can Worsen Skin Conditions

For the millions of Americans affected by medical skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema or psoriasis, eating certain foods or consuming alcohol could aggravate their symptoms or trigger an unexpected flare-up. Dr. Taylor recommended that patients affected by these chronic skin conditions should be aware of certain food interactions in order to better manage their treatment regimen.

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by the foods we eat. Although numerous studies have not found a link between diet and acne, emerging research now suggests there may be a link between a low-glycemic diet and an improvement in acne. The study, “Low-Glycemic-Load Diet May Improve Acne in Young Men,” published in the July 2007 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined whether male acne patients aged 15 to 25 who followed a low-glycemic diet (25 percent of energy from protein and 45 percent from low-glycemic-index carbohydrates) had a reduction in acne lesions vs. a control group that consumed a diet rich in carbohydrates.

“The study found that at 12 weeks, acne lesions had decreased more in the young men in the low-glycemic group than their counterparts in the control group whose diet had no consideration for the glycemic index,” said Dr. Taylor. “This suggests that there could be a relationship between limiting carbohydrate-rich foods in acne patients’ diets and an improvement in their acne, but more studies need to be done to confirm this finding before we consider any future dietary modifications for our patients.”

On the other hand, some acne patients have noticed that certain foods worsen their symptoms – particularly chocolate, greasy foods, soft drinks, peanuts or foods high in fat.

“Patients who notice a cause-effect relationship between eating certain foods and acne flare-ups should avoid those foods,” said Dr. Taylor. “However, following a strict diet will not clear acne either. The best advice is to eat a well-balanced diet and follow the treatment plan recommended by your dermatologist.”

Rosacea, characterized by facial redness and swelling, commonly can be triggered by spicy foods or alcohol. In fact, a survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society found that the most common rosacea triggers are alcohol (52 percent), spicy foods (45 percent) and heated beverages (36 percent).

“Patients with rosacea should keep a journal to track their food and beverage triggers, so they can record how the experience made them feel and remind themselves to avoid these items in the future,” advised Dr. Taylor. “They also should read the labels at the grocery store and proceed with caution when it comes to spices, such as cayenne, red, black and white pepper, curry, chili powder, and even salsa.”

In addition, foods such as liver, vinegar, soy sauce, dairy products, certain fruits and vegetables, hot chocolate, cider, tea and coffee have been known to cause flare-ups in some rosacea patients.

Another chronic skin condition that can be aggravated by food is eczema, which is commonly characterized by dry, red and itchy patches on the skin. Foods that have been known to worsen eczema symptoms include eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, wheat and fish, while some patients even report that chocolate, coffee, alcohol, tomatoes and sugar can trigger a flare-up. Dr. Taylor added that juices from meats and fruits can irritate already-sensitive skin when they come in contact with the skin, and she suggested that eczema patients also should keep a trigger journal as a reference for what foods or drinks may have caused a flare-up.

Research has shown that psoriasis, a serious medical condition affecting the immune system and characterized by patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scales, can be triggered by heavy drinking and that alcohol consumption may even inhibit the effectiveness of psoriasis treatment.

Dr. Taylor cautioned psoriasis patients who drink to do so in moderation and to avoid alcohol if they suspect it is worsening their symptoms.

“While certain foods also can trigger psoriasis, patients should avoid any radical diets that claim to ‘cure’ psoriasis,” explained Dr. Taylor. “There is not a cure for psoriasis and extreme changes in diet actually can worsen symptoms.”

Dr. Taylor added that individuals who have any questions about how their diet can affect the health and appearance of their skin should discuss their concerns with a dermatologis

ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE - RESTORING YOUR SKIN'S YOUTH

Why is anti-aging skin care a significant concern with today’s population? Well, quite simply, it is because of the numbers. The baby boomers (individuals born between 1946 and 1964) are collectively aging. This means that there is a very large segment of the population showing the signs of aging. Skin is one of the body’s elements that reflects this in a dramatic way. Therefore, a lot of emphasis is being placed nowadays on anti-aging skin care treatments and products.
As our bodies age, our skin also ages and like the rest of our body, it is impossible to stop the skin aging process or reverse it. However, with proper care, skin aging can be slowed and visible effects reversed to some degree. It is possible to have healthy and younger looking skin. The signs of aging skin are very noticeable in an elderly person, but the onset of these symptoms is evident in younger people as well. Basically, symptoms of skin aging can be split into the following age categories: pre-teen, 13 to 20 years, 20 to 30 years, 30 to 40 years, 40 to 55 years, and greater than 55 years. So, there is no big surprise here, your skin ages. What can be done about it?
Before discussing which anti-aging treatments are necessary, it is important to understand the causes of skin aging. What factors are responsible? There is no single cause that leads to older looking skin, but rather a combination of many day-to-day factors that individuals are subjected to.
Once the causes of skin aging are understood, the next logical step for anti-aging skin care is prevention. Prevention is the most effective of all treatments. Remember this old saying – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. No doubt, this is true for your skin. Anything you don’t do right in your younger years with your skin, will end up costing you a lot of anxiety, effort, pain, and money later on, as you age. This is why it is important, or perhaps it should be said with more emphasis, VERY IMPORTANT, to follow proper anti-aging skin care precautions. These precautions should be adhered to as early as possible in a person’s life, so that the skin can maintain it’s youthful beauty and health for many years. Prevention is important even if the skin has aged, in order to limit further damage. It should not be taken for granted at any time.
Unfortunately, history and experience tells us that even for people who are extremely careful with avoiding the causes of skin aging, it is not possible to stop it. It will occur to some degree. The good news is that many anti-aging skincare treatments are available. The treatments are generally focussed on the face and hands because these are the areas of our skin that are exposed to the aging elements day after day. The facial area and hands are also the most visible parts of our skin and therefore, tend to get the most attention. Effective anti-aging skin care treatments are an essential aspect to obtaining good overall skin health.
What are the options available for anti-aging skin care treatment? There are several possibilities, from basic to more costly, complex, and painful. For the basic anti-aging skin care treatments, the decision of which to use is fairly easy. Try a variety of products until you find one that provides the results you are satisfied with. Not all products work. Some products may work, but not specifically for you. However, there are some very effective products available that can provide great results without having to endure a lot of pain. A reasonable amount of experimentation is the key. For the more complex options, you should consult with your doctor, a dermatologist, or a plastic surgeon to determine which treatment is right for you.
Anti-Aging Skin Care Treatments


Anti Wrinkle Cream
Botox Treatments
Botox Alternatives



Non-Surgical Face Lift
• Effective wrinkle treatment. Make your skin look younger and healthier. Specially priced at healthy-skincare.com.
Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peel, Laser Rejuvenation, etc.
Stretch Marks
Stretch Marks Treatment
Cellulite and Cellulite Treatment
Spider Veins and Varicose Veins
• Causes of Spider and Varicose Veins
• Complications with Varicose and Spider Veins
• Varicose and Spider Vein Treatment
Acne Scars
Hair Removal
Tattoo Removal

MENS SKIN CARE

Mens Skin Care and Grooming Secrets

The Ultimate Guide For Men - Skin Care, Shaving, Body Hair Trimming, Diet, Exercise - Loaded With Lots Of Tips For Men To Help Them Look Their Best.
Historically, mens skin care has not been a large market. The reason for this is because men generally have not been concerned about skin care and face skin care. It has not been a priority for men and any thought of paying attention to their skin was mistakenly viewed as being unmanly.
However, times are changing. In 2004, the men's skin care market was only one to two percent of the total skin care market. Over the past year, mens skin care has been the fastest growing segment in personal care. Some statistics show that men’s skincare products grew by 16% last year, compared to only 5% for all other skin care product lines.
Men are realizing that care of skin is not only essential for overall good health and for preventing diseases, but it can also lead to a happier and more successful life (career, relationships, etc.)
The first important point to realize when discussing men’s skin care is that the skin of men and women differs in several ways. For a skin comparison of the two sexes.

When you mention men and skin in the same breath, the first topic that comes to mind is shaving. For a majority of men, shaving is a daily ritual. It is no wonder that most mens skin care products and information for men is focussed on the face and shaving. Men are always trying to find the best way to get the perfect pain-free shave. Shaving is a stressful procedure for the face to endure. However, following proper face skin care shaving procedures can minimize damage and irritation.
In addition to following the correct procedures, proper shaving also involves other elements. What type of shaving razor should you use? What type of shaving cream is best? Are aftershaves recommended for proper mens skin care? All of these questions are important to consider for proper face skincare for men.
The last element of shaving and problems associated with shaving is ingrown hair.
A growing trend nowadays for men is male hair removal. More and more men are keeping body hair trimmed or removed completely and there are various hair removal methods that can be used.

OILY SKIN CARE - RESTORING YOUR SKIN'S OIL BALANCE


Oily skin care is a difficult topic to address. On one hand you need a certain amount of oil on your skin to keep it healthy and young looking. Natural skin oils are necessary to prevent problems such as dry skin. Oily skin is also less susceptible to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, discolouration, and freckles.
On the other hand, skin that is oily attracts more dust and dirt to the skin surface and excessive oil build-up can clog pores leading to problems such as acne breakouts. Oily skin leads to the development of larger than normal skin pores (often mistaken as acne scars) that give the skin a rough appearance. Therefore, because oily skin has some advantages, but also disadvantages, proper skincare (especially on the face) is a challenge.
As skin ages, the tendency is for dry skin to be more of a problem. However, skin that is too oily can occur at any age, for any gender, or for any race group. It is a problem that cannot be ignored.
Before discussing skin care for oily skin, it is important to identify your skin type. Is it oily or is it just normal? This is necessary information to know in order to diagnose that you actually have an oily skin problem. You do not want to treat a condition that may not actually exist.
The next step is to examine the causes of oily skin. There are many reasons why skin becomes oily. It could be genetics or diet. Understanding the causes is essential before undertaking treatments, because simply avoiding some of the causes may actually be the only treatment necessary.
When treatments are required, please take note that remedies to restore skin to its natural oil balance can vary substantially. For example, oily skin can be managed by following a set of basic treatments for oily skin care such as proper washing and use of common products for skin that is oily. However, many people prefer all natural remedies in dealing with this problem. Finally, diet and nutrition (what you eat or don’t eat) can play a significant role in a treatment plan.
Proper care of oily skin involves diagnosing your skin type, focussing on the causes, and experimenting with a variety of treatments. Oily skin is generally not a serious problem that requires a visit to a dermatologist (unless more serious complications arise). However, this condition does require proper attention to ensure your skin remains beautiful and healthy.

LIP TREATMENTS

Lip treatments are an important aspect in face skin care because the lips are a very noticeable facial feature that among other things convey sensuality and attractiveness.

Lip treatments are an important aspect in face skin care because they are a very noticeable facial feature that among other things convey sensuality and attractiveness. This sensuality is due to their look, sensitivity, and feel when the lips are in a good healthy condition. Lips tend to be the focal point of the face during social interactions.

In technical terms, the lips are the transition state between facial skin that can be considered dry and moist skin that resides inside the mouth. Because of this, the lips have certain properties that differ from the skin on the rest of the body. It is important to note these differences in order to pursue effective lip treatments.

Properties of Lips
• lips contain no sebaceous (oil) glands
• lips contain no sweat glands
• the skin on the lips does not contain hair
• lips are composed of very thin skin layers (3 to 5)
• lips contain no skin pigment and therefore blood vessels are able to show through the thin skin and the lips appear red
• people with darker skin have some pigment and therefore the red lip colour is less prominent
• lips have many nerve endings making them sensitive to touch, warmth, and cold
• lips are very elastic and pliable because they do not have any direct bony attachments
• lips aid in the eating function by holding food and drink in the mouth
• lips help keep unwanted objects out of the mouth
• lips visibly express an individuals emotions and play a key role in facial expressions



COMMON LIP SKIN CARE PROBLEMS AND LIP TREATMENTS
LIP TREATMENTS FOR CANKER SORES
Canker sores are an annoying and painful skin problem of the lips and mouth for many people.

COLD SORES AND FEVER BLISTERS
A common lip related problem that can occur in about 20 to 40 percent of the adult population is the appearance of cold sores or fever blisters. This cold sore treatment link provides information on how to deal with cold sores.

DRY OR CHAPPED LIPS
The lips are one of the most exposed skin areas and therefore very vulnerable to dry skin related problems. Effective lip treatments for dry or chapped lips are therefore very important to have on hand.

SUN DAMAGE
The skin on the lips is very thin and does not produce much melanin, a natural skin pigment that helps to filter out damaging UV rays from the sun. Therefore, because of these two factors, the lips are vulnerable to sun damage. The lips do not tan. Instead lips will burn repeatedly when exposed to the sun. This is unlike skin on other parts of the body, which will not burn once sufficient melanin has been produced to protect the skin from the sun. Children and teens are particularly vulnerable to burning of the lips caused by sun overexposure.
Other types of damage to the lips are possible as a result of sun exposure. For example, the sun can damage collagen, which is the protein responsible for giving lips their fullness and resilience. Collagen also stops wrinkles from developing on and around the lips. Too much sun exposure will lead to premature aging of the lips. Skin cancer is always a concern with sun exposure and the lips are no different than skin on other parts of the body in this respect. Finally, a breakout of cold sores may be triggered by too much sun exposure.
Effective lip treatments for sun-damaged lips involve keeping the lips moisturized. However, it is best to avoid the problem in the first place. Lip treatments for sun damage involve prevention by using a lip balm when out in the sun. This is necessary on sunny or cloudy (on cloudy days protection from UV is necessary since clouds do not filter UVB rays) summer days or when outdoors in the winter (snow reflects 80% of the suns rays). Lip balms should have a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, but the higher the better. Protection should be for UVA and UVB rays. Application of the balm should be at least half an hour before going outside and should be reapplied regularly. When using lip balms as lip treatments for sun damage, avoid the use of products with PABA. This product can cause photo-allergies to develop resulting in the lips burning more easily.

AGING
In some ways the aging of the skin on the lips is similar to skin aging on other parts of the body. Specifically for lips, aging results in a thinning of the lips. Lips also loose their smoothness and become less plump due to collagen damage and the loss of subcutaneous fat within the lips. Fine lines and deeper wrinkles become more evident on and around the lips. In addition, some of the bright redness is reduced. Scaling occurs more often and precancerous and cancerous lesions may become evident.
As lips get older, effective lip treatments emphasize moisturization and conditioning. Lip treatments such as revitalizer products can help reverse the signs of skin aging. These product types can contain mild concentrations of alpha-hydroxy-acid for exfoliation purposes, vitamin A, vitamin E, sun block protection, and various moisturizers.

LIP PLUMPERS OR LIP AUGMENTATION TREATMENTS
Some people are willing to undergo invasive lip treatments to reverse the signs of aging. For these individuals, lip augmentation may be an option.

COSMETIC DERMATITIS
Cosmetic Dermatitis is an unpredictable condition resulting in an itchy, red reaction to a cosmetic applied to the lips. This is caused by skin irritating chemicals such as dyes in the product.

PHOTOSENSITIVITY
This condition is caused by the reaction between sunlight and a cosmetic product leading to lip irritation characterized by redness, burning pain, and swelling.

ANGULAR CHEILITIS
Angular Cheilitis is a fairly common skin problem that affects the lip area of the face. It is found at the corner of the mouth at the lip and facial skin junction.

Sensitive Skin Care

Sensitive skin care is an important topic for many people. Why? Unfortunately, it is because sensitive skin is fairly common in today’s population.

Sensitive skin is a condition that can be quite vague. For example, some people do not care for their skin properly or use harsh products. Usually, this results in some sort of ailment, leading the individuals to think that they have sensitive skin.

However, the above example is not the type of problem that this page is concerned with. Instead, this page deals with individuals who have skin reactions with only minor exposure to some sort of irritant. In this situation, the skin condition is very frustrating because the individual may be following healthy skin care procedures, but yet still suffer problems.

So then, what is sensitive skin? This condition is difficult to define. Dermatologists view it one-way, scientists another, and affected individuals another way as well. However, in general terms, sensitive skin can be defined as skin that is easily irritated and the results can range from mild to severe.

How do you know you have sensitive skin and require sensitive skin care? This is another difficult question. In fact, dermatologists often have a difficult time diagnosing and treating this condition. Nevertheless, there are common signs or symptoms that lead one to conclude that they have sensitive skin.

Once it has been established that your skin is more sensitive than the average person, the next step is to deal with it. Unfortunately, many individuals get very frustrated with this problem. They don’t seek professional advice for sensitive skin care because this is a very difficult condition to cure or even manage.

First of all, a dermatologist or doctor should be consulted to determine if the sensitive skin is a result of a more serious underlying health problem. If no other problems are found, then it becomes a situation where a dermatologist may try different sensitive skin care treatments to ease the condition. However, many times this is not enough. Individuals need to note on their own what triggers a reaction. They need to keep a close account of skin products they use, what they eat, etc. and come armed with this information when visiting a specialist. Treatment also involves the individual managing their own condition by eliminating certain irritants or trying different products after consultation with a doctor.

There are various skin diseases (or conditions) that can be linked to sensitive skin. Examples of these are: urticaria, dermatographism, and rosacea. These conditions tend to be present in individuals with overly sensitive skin.

Manufacturers have taken notice of this problem. There are many sensitive skin care products available. Experimentation with a variety of these products is the best way to find what may or may not work for you.

Below are hypoallergenic dry sheets and an example of a senstive skin care product. These are a must for anyone with sensitive skin. In fact, even those without sensitive skin will get benefits from these sheets. You get all the benefits that dryer sheets provide without the many chemicals that are present in regular dryer sheets.

Tips To Increase Height

It is a bitter and true fact that taller people have the upper hand in this world as they are performing well in almost all fields of life. Life literally becomes miserable for anyone who has a disadvantage of short height as he starts feeling the complexion and loss in confidence. Most of us would have experienced our good olden days when we have witnessed big boys playing around with the short ones. But the most important concern is that how would you make sure that your height is less than expected? Is there any measuring scale that would say your ideal height and by how far you are missing the peak?

The answer is YES, there is a reference index i.e. the BMI table that indicates the ideal height for growing kids according to their ages. You can always refer these tables and find out whether you are growing with perfect pace. If in any case you discover that your growth is less than the ideal mark, you need not worry too much. There are ways to speed up your vertical growth and along with that maintain your health so that you can acclaim the balance between them. Here are some tips for you to follow:

a) Exercise is the best approach. You can blindly rely on the fact that regular and correct exercise can help you a lot to revise your height and increase it with greater pace. The most effective exercise is to practice with horizontal bars and keep yourself busy with it as much as possible. Realize that these bars are your best friends, the more you play with them, the more is the probability of growing in height. The most appropriate time for pull up exercises is in the morning, as the entire body is relaxed at this moment. With correct postures for exercise and regularity you can be amazed to see your height increasing as never thought of before.

b) Stretching exercises. Apart from the pull up exercises, it is important that other body parts are given equal importance. Learn some stretching exercises, more favourable for stressing the height increase activity.

c) Along with sufficient exercise, it is important that the nutrition level of the entire body is maintained. The best and recommended approach is to visit some dietician who can advise with the appropriate nutritional food items. In case there is any imbalance in maintaining nutritional values and physical structure, do not ignore it anymore and take necessary actions immediately.

d) There are other alternatives for those who have crossed their growing stage, in the form of surgery. If you are badly concerned with your short height and want a solution as soon as possible, the surgery process is the most helpful.

e) Further some advisors, experts and doctors can suggest you some postures like, sitting postures, walking postures. Correct positioning of the body while practicing some exercises can work wonders for you..
Remember that you can always bring some changes to your body structure but provided that the circumstances are good and you have a strong determination.

Natural Detoxification With A Body Cleanse Diet

A body cleanse diet aids your body in ejecting harmful toxins such as caffeine, food additives, nicotine and alcohol. In case you have been consuming a poor diet, you might want to try a cleanse diet that is bound to change the way your body system works. The importance of a detox cannot be underestimated. It is the surest cure for such maladies as indigestion, bloating, fatigue, weight gain and headaches.

Even individuals with a defunct or low immunity could benefit from a detox diet. A body cleansing diet ranges from a mild levels to an extreme level based on the volume of toxins accumulated in the body. It is however advisable to begin from a basic diet and build on it slowly as you progress.

In the initial stages, a detox diet could be unpleasant. That however is a perfect indication that you require a detoxification since the body is opposing the status quo. You have to tread carefully on any body cleanse diet you come across though. It can be dangerous in case it is not structured in the right way. Consulting with your physician prior to beginning the detoxification is a smart idea. Once you have made up your mind to follow a detox diet, you must commit yourself to the whole body cleanse program from the first day. When it comes to a mild cleansing diet, consistency is the key to absolute success.

A body cleanse diet is not that hard to formulate. You only need to understand the elements involved. You have to start the process by drinking one or two glasses of warm water some hours before a breakfast. You can add some freshly squeezed lemon juice to the water. This aids in increasing the flow of bile into the stomach. Bile aids the liver in the breakdown of excessive fat. The glass of water and lemon is also important since it helps the body in the elimination of toxins. Having jump-started the metabolism process, whatever else you eat during the day will be broken down fast and efficiently.

During the afternoons, you can add some chlorophyll to a glass of water and have it as it is. This is because chlorophyll is a wonderful detoxifier. A derivative of the alfalfa, chlorophyll appears mostly in antioxidant products. It is known to support the body cell health as well as increasing the production of red blood cell. Besides that, chlorophyll boosts your energy levels.

While following a body cleanse diet, ensure that include eat a lot of fiber-rich foods in the daily diet. This will help to regulate your bowel movements and also in eliminating excess toxins. Bran, ground flaxseed and oat are great sources of natural fiber that you can add to cereals or blend with applesauce. You can consider tossing a little bran or oat into the blender for some more fiber if you enjoy smoothies. Don't forget to use the foods that benefit the liver during a cleansing diet. These foods include celery, carrots, lemons and beet roots.

Laser Eye Surgery

Are you thinking about Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery has become a popular means of correcting vision. Over 100,000 people a year in the UK elect to have their vision corrected through laser eye surgery.

If you are thinking about eye laser surgery there is a greater chance than ever before through Accuvision that a corrective laser eye surgery treatment plan can be developed that will help you with your future vision.

However, you have to be in the right mindset to consider laser eye surgery treatment.

Are you willing to undergo an elective surgical procedure?

Today, laser eye surgery is sometimes mentioned alongside cosmetic enhancements and treatments. Whilst the procedure itself takes a matter of seconds there are, as with all surgical procedures a very small but real risk of complications.

Could corrective laser eye surgery affect your career?

Some careers are still concerned about the potential effects of eye laser surgery. The armed forces in the UK still have reservations, whilst in the USA eye laser surgery has been approved for US Air force pilots.

Is laser eye surgery affordable?

Corrective laser eye surgery is not normally covered by medical insurance. There is much confusion about the cost of laser eye surgery. Unfortunately this has been brought about by ‘Bait and switch’ tactics used by clinics who advertise a low price of say, £395 per eye on TV to attract interest and then ask for well over £1,000 per eye at the consultation.

Many clinics apply ‘add on charges’ for aspects of the treatment plan like; wavefront and intralase rather than offering an inclusive price for a treatment that will give you the very best outcome possible.

Is your prescription stable?

There are a number of factors that affect the stability of your prescription. This is commonly called refractive instability and may delay your decision for laser eye surgery.

1. Up to the age of 20 years, an eye prescription could still be changing and so it is inadvisable to undergo eye laser surgery before the age of 20 years.

2. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may have unstable vision at this time.

3. People whose hormones are altering due to diabetes or disease or if medication is being taken that has an effect on vision.

4. People who regularly participate in contact sports such as boxing, rugby, martial arts where jarring of the head is possible. Accuvision have developed a special corrective laser eye surgery treatment plan called Accuwave™ surface treatment that overcomes these problems.

5. People who have thin corneas. Accuvision have developed a special corrective laser eye surgery treatment plan to overcome the limitations of thin corneas.

6. People who have large pupils. Accuvision use a specially designed laser that is able to offer a much wider treatment zone, overcoming the side effects that some people with large pupils experience after laser eye surgery.

If any of the above applies, you may wish to discuss these with a consultant optometrist when you enquire about laser eye surgery.

More serious conditions that may prevent a person progressing to laser eye surgery include;

1. A disease or medication where the effects may inhibit wound healing such as; rheumatoid arthritis or lupus or HIV or diabetes. Some medications like; steroids may also prevent efficient healing after laser eye surgery.

2. Other conditions include; glaucoma, hypertension, dry eyes, inflammation of the eyelids, uveitis, iritis (inflammations of the eye), previous laser eye surgeries or shingles.

A clinic like Accuvision will make a thorough assessment of the condition of your eyes and then determine what is possible for your future vision. In many cases where people have been refused treatment at other clinics, Accuvision, because of its advanced technology and skilled surgeons will be able to provide a corrective laser eye surgery treatment plan for you.

Staying Young with Antioxidants

Increasingly people are becoming aware of antioxidants and their potential positive role in helping people "Stay Young." While the largest wave of attention is focused on nutritional supplements, antioxidants claims are being made on everything from breakfast cereals to hand lotions and beyond. To understand the role of antioxidants play in your body we first need to understand the "free radical enemy" they are intended to fight.

Free Radicals Defined

Free radicals were first identified in 1900 by Moses Gomberg. They are individual molecules that for various reasons are lacking one or more electron, which in turn makes them highly volatile. This volatility may last just milliseconds, until they are able to strip a way an electron from a neighboring molecule.

The damage occurs when the molecule that lost the electron changes its chemical character as a result of the lost electron(s). Within an individual cell in your body, be it a heart cell, or lung cell, or skin cell you have a huge number of molecules. So the loss of one or two isn't a big deal, but over a lifetime, the constant assault of free radicals on the make up of your tissues is directly tied to the processes we experience as aging.

Where do these free radicals come from?

Well the vast majority come from natural body processes of burning oxygen within each cell in little furnaces called mitochondria. The body takes the oxygen we breathe, and carries it to the cells in the blood stream. There it is absorbed into each and every cell in your body, and it is used as fuel to help each cell fulfill its role in our bodies. When our immune systems are fully functioning, and when we have a well balance diet with adequate levels of vitamins and other phyto-chemicals and antioxidants in our system, the body naturally neutralizes the majority of thse free radicals.

If we are stressed, exposed to toxins from the outside environment or our systems are undermined by disease, these antioxidant good guy forces can become overwhelmed. And out bodies suffer free radical damage. Its as if we suffer thousands to tens of thousands of very tiny cuts. All microscopic, but all adding up over the years and decades.

Our heredity, tends to provide some people with good genes that protect some parts of out body quite well. Just which parts vary by genetics. And while some systems may have superior protection, others may have less protection. Its thought that these less protected systems are the ones that suffer the most damage and become diagnosed as a degenerative disease like rheumatoid arthritis, or Chrons disease, or cancer, etc.

Antioxidants to the rescue.

Antioxiants are essentially molecules that have excess electrons that they can freely give to quench free radicals looking for a charge.

When they are present in the cell in adequate numbers, they can dampen the free radicals like water on fire. But if there aren't enough in the right place, the free radicals will find one where ever it can. Be it from part of your DNA within the cell, or other functioning parts of the cell. Its like a spark from an unprotected fireplace escaping and burning a tiny hole in the rug. One might not matter much, but after a while the damage is evident.

Antioxidants can help you look younger, live longer, and be at your optimum health.

Foods rich in antioxidants like fruits and vegetables can give you protection from coronary heart diseases, and age-related diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

Antioxidants can also strengthen our immune resistance to diseases such as influenza and other bacterial and viral infections.

These substances also reduce a person's risk of acquiring cancer. Antioxidants also prevent glaucoma and the age-related degeneration of our macula, the part of the eye that is dedicated for superior acuity vision.

Antioxidants are also extremely valuable in keeping out bodies largest organ, our skin healthy and youthful looking.

Carotenoids, zinc, selenium, and the Vitamins A, C, and E are some of the main antioxidants. Glutathione is said to be the most powerful among all forms of antioxidants. These are naturally present in our body since we were young but depletes as we get older. They need to be supplemented by diet and many recommend high potency supplements to provide additional protective support well beyond that possible from diet alone.

If antioxidant supplements are not your style, you may want to incorporate foods with high levels of antioxidants. Some o fthe so called super fruits like blueberries and Strawberries and plums are excellent sources.

The battle to stay young looking and feeling, as well as to live a long life is fought in tiny skirmishes at the molecular level or our bodies. The science of molecular biology is making great strides in understanding some of these processes, but there is still much to learn. In the meanwhile, understanding the value of a diet rich in antioxidants remains out best hope of staying young as we grow older. It may also be the key to growing older healthy as well.