Forces of Nature

The Formation of Shingles is Strongly Associated with Family History

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:28:09 -0400

One report recently published in the Archives of Dermatology points out that patients with shingles are more likely to have family members who have ever suffered from this disease. That is to say, the formation of shingles has a relationship with family history.

Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a disease characterized by a blister-like rash occurring on a specific area or one side of the body. It is caused by the activation of varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes chickenpox) in the spinal nerve cord. While most adults carry varicella-zoster virus, only 10% -30% of people will actually develop shingles.

Shingles can cause nerve pain (this condition is called post herpetic neuralgia, or PHN), and treatment of shingles is very expensive. Elderly people, depressed patients, people with compromised immune systems or other diseases are more likely to suffer from shingles. However, previous studies have shown that gender, race, stress, trauma, and exposure to heavy metals are also risk factors associated with shingles. Recent studies in the field of genetics have pointed out that other risk factors associated with shingles and other infectious diseases also include reduced immunity.

Study also shows that a higher proportion of cases reported a family history of shingles. Compared to people without family history of shingles in the control group, individuals who had shingles were four times to have a first-degree relative with a history of shingles and other blood diseases.

Studies have shown that the formation of shingles is strongly associated with having a blood relative with a history of shingles. Such patients are at higher risk of developing shingles and therefore have a greater need for vaccination. Thus, vaccination for these dangerous individuals based on their family history may reduce their chance of future shingles infection and health care spending due to treatment of shingles.

Can Mom Pass Cold Sores to Her Baby?

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 23:14:43 -0400

Cold sores, also known as oral herpes, are the result of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores are very common and can infect many children even before age 5. In fact, if mother is infected with herpes virus, baby can get this virus at some stage of vaginal delivery. Baby can also be infected with the virus if he/she is exposed to the infectious liquids coming from a person with oral herpes. Thus, although those who are suffering from cold sores can take care of infants, they must be cautious.

Precisely telling when the virus is spread or when a person can infect others is a bit difficult. Many people even do not know they have herpes virus. However, if cold sores have not been fully healed, they are more contagious.

Can Mom Pass Cold Sores to Her Baby? The answer is Yes.

As the cold sore is most likely to infect baby if it has not been completely healed, it is important to know how to recognize it. Unhealed cold sore will show red color and appear bump that is a little painful. It can also show a new scab, which is the sign of active virus. Symptoms that do not appear may still be contagious. People with unhealed cold sores can pass the virus to baby through saliva, which is the most common way of transmission.

Saliva and Infectious Liquids

When baby is exposed to the saliva coming from the person infected with cold sore, the virus will pass through his/her blood and infect him/her. It is also possible to enter the baby’s mucous membranes. Baby tends to put his/her hands or other objects into their mouths. Once the saliva or other liquids of the person infected with cold sores come into baby’s mouth, eyes or nose, babies may be infected with herpes virus.

How Cold Sores are Spread?

There are several ways to pass cold sores to babies. Usually, simply kissing a child can spread the virus. Other ways are holding the baby when sneezing and coughing. Sharing cutlery is a simple way to spread the virus. The risk of spreading the virus from an infected person is higher when holding a child because saliva do not require a great distance to get to the baby and pass the virus to him/her.

Precaution Measures

Although patients with cold sores can take precautions when caring for infants, it is best to keep close contact with child to minimum. This will reduce the risk of virus transmission. However, if it is unavoidable, patients must take certain precautions to avoid the spread of saliva and other infectious fluids to children. Avoid kissing as much as possible.

In addition, make sure that baby does not touch the infected person’s mouth, as this may cause oral herpes. Make sure hands are always clean and wash carefully with soap each time baby must be handled. Covering cold sores for a long time is not a good idea, as this may make it heal more slowly than when it is exposed.

However, it is best to cover it for a period of time, especially when it is exudative and patient is holding a baby. This will reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to child. Do not share personal items with baby, including cutlery, cups, glasses, towels, etc.. By taking these measures, the risk of transmitting the virus to babies will significantly reduce.

If Your Baby Has Signs of Cold Sores

If your baby has signs of cold sore, he/she must be brought to the doctor who can provide treatment recommendations for child. Avoid giving babies adult drugs. Pediatricians know exactly what type of drugs is most suitable for your baby.

Baby is susceptible to various viruses, so it is best to take precautions when a person is infected. Cold sores are highly contagious, which is why nursing infants need to be careful. If you think you may indeed be infected with herpes virus, take preventive measures to keep your baby safe.

Natural Home Remedies for Acne Scars

Wed, 29 May 2013 23:13:18 -0400

Acne is a skin disease. Initially some blackheads and whiteheads begin to emerge on the skin, and eventually become pimples. Blackheads and whiteheads often appear on the face, chest, neck and shoulders, but the symptoms can also be seen in other parts of the body. When grown on the face, they are the most terrible. Excessive use of cosmetics and beauty products is one of the main causes of acne.

Usually a person can experience acne in his/her adolescent, but this problem can even continue into adulthood. Persistent acne can cause acne scars. Acne scar is actually a skin problem that can make lots of people produce extreme anxiety.

Natural Home Remedies for Acne Scars

On earth there are many natural herbs that can cure acne this disease.

1. Sandalwood

For thousands of years, sandalwood has been a very famous herb in Indian culture. Sandalwood is known for its cooling capacity. Applying sandalwood paste along with rose water is an effective method to treat acne scar. It can make the skin glow glory. It can be used in oil, paste and powder form, which makes it a perfect choice for routine skin care.

2. Cinnamon and Honey

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark. Mix cinnamon powder and sufficient amount of honey into a paste and then gently apply the paste on the affected area before going to sleep. After wake up in the morning, wash the affected area with warm water. Repeat this once again in 10-12 days. As time goes by, you can see good results.

3. Orange Peel

Orange peel is very effective in the treatment of acne scar. Its some natural ingredients are panacea to treat skin problem. Orange peel can be used on the affected area by directly squeezing and rubbing. Usually we mix orange peel powder and water, and then apply the mixture to the affected area for treatment.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is another readily available natural herb. It is very useful in the treatment of a range of skin problem such as acne, pimples, blackheads, dark spots around the eyes, pigmentation and other skin problem. It also helps to slow down the aging process, so it can also be used to reduce wrinkles.

In addition to all the above mentioned natural home remedies, you also need to be very careful about your diet. The best solution to treat acne scars is to let your body hydrated. What’s more, taking in fresh fruit (preferably juice), fiber-rich vegetables and vitamins can make sebaceous glands work better, thus solving the root causes of acne scar.

Can Mother Give Her Baby a Yeast Infection?

Wed, 22 May 2013 23:31:26 -0400

Yeast infection is a fairly common phenomenon, so it is natural for mother to worry if she can pass it along to her baby.

It is quite common for a healthy woman to sometimes show an irritation in the vaginal area. When it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as white, odorless secretions, and swelling, it can cause a lot of trouble, but it is actually normal. This is called vaginal thrush or yeast infection, which is caused by a fungus very similar to yeast referred to as Candida albicans. While it is indeed a fungus, Candida albicans is rarely harmful, and can exist in women’s vagina without causing trouble.

However, during pregnancy or breast-feeding, Candida albicans can grow enough to cause a lot of irritation and swelling. This is due to the fact that estrogen levels often rise when women are pregnant or just had a baby. Although it is not uncommon, it is still a little scary because no mother wishes her baby to be affected by thrush.

Can Mother Give Her Baby a Yeast Infection? The answer is yes.

Unfortunately, a well-meaning mother can pass yeast infection to her baby, if she does not care or didn’t control the symptoms in time. Sometimes, baby can contract vaginal thrush simply by being born. There are some conditions that may affect other parts of the mother’s body, and this will infect a baby due to breastfeeding.

There are many different types of antifungal drugs, so yeast infection is neither harmful nor life-threatening. However, knowing that you were the reason of your baby’s yeast infection can make you feel terrible. Therefore, it is vital to know how a baby can be affected by Candida albicans and how to avoid it.

If the Yeast Infection Occurs During the End of Pregnancy

This can be a very scary situation for a loving mother. There is a great chance that the baby can be affected by the fungal disease if the baby is born when the mother still has vaginal thrush. This is due to the fact that the baby is exposed to Candida albicans when he/she passes through the vagina. At this time, the mother can not do anything but hope that the baby will not be infected.

Treat Yeast Infections that Occur in Late Pregnancy

If a pregnant woman is infected with vaginal thrush, but fortunately there is still time, she can go to see a doctor and get a prescription to treat yeast infection. Although it looks easy to just buy antifungal agents and apply it yourself, the doctor knows exactly which drug is the most effective, and in this case, you want the best drug so that yeast infection will disappear before the arrival of your baby.

Nipple Yeast Infection

Although telling whether a person has vaginal thrush is very easy, it is difficult to tell if a person has nipple yeast infection. This usually occurs during the mother’s nursing stage, when the baby is being breastfed. Telling if a person has nipple yeast infection is difficult, because it usually only appears swollen and painful symptoms. If a mother is worried that her child may contract yeast infection through breastfeeding, this can unfortunately happen. However, most mothers unknowingly stop breastfeeding due to the irritation on their nipples, which can actually let the baby away from harm.

No matter how or where babies get yeast infection, it is a sad time for the mother. Fortunately, applying certain anti-fungal creams and medicines that the doctor prescribes to treat the body will make it easier to handle. Even if a baby gets yeast infection, it is mostly harmless and do not need to worry excessively. If this happens, guilt is difficult to avoid, but only need to remember that yeast infection is a relatively harmless infection.

Stay Away from Vaginal Yeast Infection in Summer!

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:26:45 -0400

There is no way to dance around it: yeast infection is the worst. Many people are plagued by yeast infection, even though they may remain silent. The following is a discussion about the unfortunate disease — vaginal yeast infection.

Candida (the microorganism that causes most yeast infection) usually appear in your vagina and gastrointestinal tract. However, when the vaginal environment changes caused by factors such as certain drugs, mental tension or injury, yeast overgrows, thus leading to yeast infection. Therefore, we want to know, can we unknowingly get yeast infection by accidentally changing the vaginal environment?

The answer is a possibility. The use of antibiotics can kill the beneficial bacteria that inhibits yeast in the vagina, and the number reduction of the beneficial bacteria can cause yeast overgrowth. If you’re sick, or your immune system is low, or you have immune dysfunction due to physical condition or drugs, you’re more likely to get yeast infection. Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood sugar, taking birth control pills or use of vaginal device (such as diaphragms) makes the risk of yeast infection increase. However, in most cases, the occurrence of yeast infection does not have a clear risk factor.

We like to plan ahead, to stay away from yeast infection. Doctor’s advice: let your doctor prescribe some dose of antifungal drugs to take when you start and end the use of antibiotics; if you have diabetes, control blood sugar levels. Even if you do not have diabetes, high-sugar diet can also increase your risk of getting yeast infection. In addition, it is a good idea to take off the wet fitness clothing after exercise. Those lace, synthetic underwear can be very cute, but they are actually the perfect hotbed of Candida, so stick with cotton underwear and other natural and breathable fiber clothing.

Some good news: vaginal yeast infection is not usually acquired through sexual transmission; however, yeast can be transmitted through sexual contact. Personally, when we feel itching, we really do not want to have sexual contact. But just because it is not a sexually transmitted disease does not mean you will not spread it. So, let’s keep our own Candida only for ourselves, okay? Doing so will show your thoughtfulness.

Some sage advice: as long as you start feeling itchy or notice irregular discharge, be sure to call your doctor. Especially since it may not be a yeast infection, correct diagnosis is essential if you want to recover. Let’s welcome a fresh and no itching summer.

How to reduce the risk of contracting herpes virus in social contact?

Wed, 08 May 2013 23:28:53 -0400

In order to minimize the spread of herpes virus during intimate physical contact (including but not limited to, sexual activity), there are several things to keep in mind. Unless you give up contact with humans (yes, human contact - not just sexual contact), it doesn’t ensure that you are 100% away from herpes virus. However, you still have the ability to significantly reduce the chance of contracting herpes virus.

A few things are obvious. If someone’s lips have visible cold sores, you should avoid kissing and oral sex until it disappears. Although it’s still possible to spread the virus through asymptomatic shedding, the possibility will become very small. Most importantly, more than half of the people are infected with oral herpes, it would be safer to do so.

The first rule of sexual intercourse is very similar: do not have sex during herpes outbreak. However, when herpes does not break out, you also need to take preventive measures to reduce the chance of spreading herpes virus. Having sex with an HSV+ individual who is aware of their physical condition is safer than that with a complete stranger. In order to avoid confusion or distortion of the word, it is necessary to clarify the word ”complete stranger”; this refers to someone whose sexual health status you do not completely know.

A ”complete stranger” is not necessarily a random person you met in a bar or party. In this situation, it’s just someone whose official health records you have not seen with your own two eyes. This requires some assurance: those health records are confirmed after their most recent sexual intercourse. We know that this is unlikely. However, to tell the truth, this is the reality of sex, and anything you believed is essentially fairy tales or Hollywood propaganda. Therefore, almost everyone, even people you’ve known for years, is likely to be a ”complete stranger”.

If you are concerned about this issue, it should no longer just because of the herpes virus, but for potentially life-threatening infections, such as HIV. Individuals who know that they are herpes virus carriers generally do better than most people in sexual health. This is because they have a ”panic” (herpes simplex virus), thus recognizing how lucky they are to only have the less severe herpes virus (a mostly harmless and often asymptomatic virus), and then become extremely responsible for sex.

At the same time, there are a large part of population continue to have sex in the case of completely unaware of their sexual health status, because they are still living in the fantasy land created by the movies they’ve seen and music they listen to. ”Bad things will not happen to me”, or ”this does not apply to me“ are two common thoughts in most people’s mind. Both thoughts are wrong!

The good news about having sex with people who know they carry herpes virus, is that you can take necessary precautionary measures to effectively destroy any chance of spreading the herpes virus. Ironically, this will actually make having sex with people carry herpes virus safer than sex with someone whose recent medical records you do not check. When herpes outbreak isn’t occurring, the use of antiviral drugs, such as natural herpes treatments, combined with ”protection” (condoms), almost completely kills the chance of spreading herpes virus, especially when used together.

Why herpes virus infection will last a lifetime?

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:23:16 -0400

When you are first infected with the herpes virus, what will happen?

When someone initially encounter HSV, known as primary infection, they will not appear typical herpes symptoms. That is the reason why a lot of people usually do not realize that they are infected by herpes. In contrast, the majority of primary herpes affecting the face present unpleasant sore throat, mouth sores (occasionally ulceration), swollen neck glands and fever. Similarly, the primary infection of the genital area usually produce painful red ulcerative lesions, which can be widely distributed and may involve the perineum and anal area. Genital infection may be associated with temporary numbness of the affected area, inguinal lymph nodes, urinating difficulty and fever. Occasionally, this type of primary infection can also cause viral meningitis.

Why herpes virus infection will last a lifetime?

As the herpes virus spread by infected tissues, it can also penetrate the nerve fiber which inadvertently offers virus a “private car”. In fact, when the immune system enters to control the infection, the virus will hide in nerve cells and flee the scene by hitchhiking the special transport system which nerve uses to carry materials from one end to the other.

In this manner, the herpes virus is brought to nerve’s “cell body” close to the spinal cord, which is called ganglion. The ganglion is called “trigeminal ganglion” in the case of mouth or face infections, and in genital herpes, it relates to “sacral ganglion”. When it reaches the cell body, the viral DNA is added to the neural cell’s DNA in the nucleus. The herpes virus is still there, hidden and inactive in nerve cells for the lifetime of the infected person. The purpose of this process is to provide a container for the virus within the body, which can be regularly reactivated to spread the infection to other susceptible individuals.

How to prevent herpes virus?

As we mentioned earlier, the only trouble-free method to prevent herpes virus is to abstain from sex life. In fact, this is not even entirely correct, because millions of people are infected with oral HSV-1 through friendly kissing from friends and family members (usually young children) So, to be honest, the only way to completely prevent yourself from getting herpes virus is to abandon contact with humans. Unless you intend to move to the jungle sometime in the near (in this case, you will have bigger problems to worry about), it is not realistic to avoid contact with humans. (Ah, animals can also be infected with the herpes virus, by the way.)

The upside is that herpes virus is a normally harmless virus, and the social stigma attached to it is falsely manufactured using the ignorance of the public. If a crazy guy in the street came to you and started yelling doomsday, would you believe him? People have been saying that since the beginning of time, yet here we are. The herpes virus is essentially the same, do not be overly worried. Natural herpes medicine can be used to stop outbreaks and reduce their frequency and severity dramatically.

Once a person is infected with HSV, they carry the virus for Life!

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:23:51 -0400

Most people have heard of Shakespeare’s ”Romeo and Juliet”, and most people know that this is a love story based on tragedy. You might miss the obscure mention of one of the most common infections in human beings:

“She rides over ladies’ lips, and they immediately dream of kisses. Queen Mab often puts blisters on their lips because their breath smells like candy, which makes her mad.”

Act I, Scene 4

The blisters that Shakespeare mentioned are actually cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV has two types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is carried by more than 80% of the population, and it’s the culprit leading to recurrent cold sores; most people get infected in the early years of life, which is usually obtained from parents’ or siblings’ loving kiss. On the other hand, HSV-2 will affect 5%-10% of the population (including many people who are also infected with HSV-1). Each virus can cause similar disease on both anatomic sites, but HSV-2 has a closer relationship with genital herpes.

Part of the reason why herpes infection is so common, and so easy to transfer is that up to 30% of people previously infected with HSV shed virus in their saliva or genital secretions (depending on the site of infection) on a regular basis without showing any symptoms. These people are called ”asymptomatic viral shedders”, and can transmit the virus to other susceptible individuals, but they do not show any obvious signs of herpes.

Shedding and recurrent herpes will occur, because once a person is infected with HSV, they will carry the virus permanently. This is because the herpes simplex virus has evolved a clever strategy, which is called incubation period, to enable it to evade the immune system by hiding inside the nerve cells. Then, in about 15% of people who carry it, the virus periodically reactivates, leading to recurrent and painful infection sores, such as cold sores and genital herpes.

The herpes virus consists of a tiny particle. It is so small that 100 million of them can be accommodated in a needle. Each particle is composed of a core containing viral DNA, enclosed in a protein-mosaic coat which is called envelope. These proteins are viral equivalent of something like Velcro, and can help herpes virus to lock and invade target cells. Virus is the ultimate parasite, only containing infectious packets of genes. To propagate, they hijack healthy cells and turn them into virus production lines, producing millions of new virus particles, which is the spread of infection.

4 Tips for Repairing Skin with Acne Scars

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:29:42 -0400

When you’re trying to to prick pimples or acne, acne scars may occur. Moreover, the more serious acne is, the severe scars are. Typically, skin discoloration is the most common type of acne scars, which may lead to unbalanced and unevenly toned skin. However, acne scars can be treated by application of several soothing and deeply healing materials on the skin. Here are tips on how to repair acne scarring skin.

Tip 1: Prepare the material that you need

Prepare the following things: washcloth, olive oil, lemon and oats. These ingredients or items can make the treatment process more easily.

Tip 2: Soak scarred skin in oils that are less likely to cause acne

To soften the scar tissue and tough skin cells, you have to soak the scarred skin in oil that is less likely to cause acne. Pour at least 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil on your hands and then apply the oil on your skin. Massage the skin with your fingers to make it deeply into the skin, focusing more on the area with scars and skin pigmentation. Let the oil stay on the skin for 10 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Repeat this step at least three times a day.

You must use oils that are less likely to cause acne to soak the scarred area, so that the skin will not clog or cause acne. Olive oil, castor oil and jojoba oil are good choices for the treatment of acne scars.

Tip 3: Use oatmeal mask

Pour half a cup of raw, ground oats into a bowl and mix it with 1 cup of boiling water. Before using oatmeal mask to treat scarred skin, let the mixture cool completely. Before wiping the oats, let them stay on your face for at least 10 minutes, and then rinse skin. This process should be repeated at least three times a day, but be sure to soak the skin with olive oil.

Oats is a nutrient-rich and soothing substance which can reduce inflammation and irritation of the skin to minimize the appearance of acne scars. Use only raw and unprocessed oats, and should not contain sugar, artificial flavors or preservatives.

Tip 4: Use lemon juice

You can use lemon juice as a toner because it helps to reduce skin pigmentation and make your skin tone even. Simply cut a lemon into halves, then rub the open end of one half on the affected area of discoloration. Let the skin air-dry for 1-2 minutes. This process should be repeated at least 3 times a day after using oatmeal mask on the skin.

Lemon juice is an acidic substance which is rich in vitamin C. Lemon juice can be used on the skin to accelerate the growth of new skin cells, and at the same time to increase the number of dead and scarred cells that have been removed. This process can reduce the appearance of skin pigmentation and scars.

These scar treatment methods will surely bring comfort to your skin which was once plagued by acne scars. You can use these methods.

3 Non-Surgical Therapy to Treat Acne Scars

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:01:00 -0400

As pointed out by the American Association of Dermatology, one therapy effective for certain kind of scar may be invalid in removing other acne scars . Another thing is that the insurance does not include the cost for acne scar removal, so it’s best to estimate before choosing any therapy. If you choose surgery to remove acne scars, you must know that it requires several treatments and may need recovery time. Here are several non-surgical therapy you may consider to treat acne scars.

Therapy #1: Chemical Peels

Chemical peel is another way to treat acne scars. The therapy can be carried out by dermatologists in their office. The therapy can not only eliminate or reduce acne scars and freckles, but also remove pre-cancerous skin growths and help fight acne breakouts. Usually, chemical peels may only take 10-15 minutes to complete. For stubborn acne and acne scars, several treatments are required. In some cases, insurance will cover a part of the cost of chemical peel but it is better to check first before any therapy. The chemical peels therapy uses three kinds of chemical substances, that is, α-hydroxy-acid, trichloroacetic acid and phenol. The dermatologist will determine which chemical is to be used and the concentration of each chemical for specific patient.

Some websites said that there are some places that do not require professional physician to carry out chemical peels. However, we recommend that patients ask a professional physician with adequate training and experience to carry out this therapy.

Therapy #2: Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive therapy that uses non-allergenic micro crystals to remove the surface layer of dead skin cells. This will also promote the generation of collagen and elastin during new skin growth process. This new growth will improve the appearance of the skin, so as to improve the appearance of acne scars and fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. According to the number of treatments, the cost of microdermabrasion will be different. In addition, doctors may charge additional fee. In short, microdermabrasion cost is far less than surgery. The therapy may take 30 minutes to an hour each time. To achieve maximum effect, 5-12 treatments are required to carry out with an interval of 2-3 weeks. Skin may experience mild irritation and may become pinkish after treatment, but these can subside in a few hours.

Therapy #3: Non-Prescription Therapy

The American Academy of Dermatology points out that some of the existing non-prescription therapy helps to reduce the appearance of acne scars. These non-prescription products may contain glycolic acid and vitamin C. These ingredients help flatten raised scars, reduce acne scars that are not too deep and lighten skin discoloration caused by acne. If dark spots are caused by discoloration of the skin instead of scars, a freckle cream will help. You can also use silicone bandages or tape to smooth raised acne scars.

Now, who can say that you have to undego the scalpel to get rid of acne scars? You can remove acne scars by utilizing the above methods.

Issues you need to be aware of when Removing Acne Scars

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:25:41 -0400

The acne can usually leave a scar on the face, which is called acne scars or pock marks. The deep or shallow spots are very annoying and indelible. Regardless of taking any treatment, acne scars can not return to their original condition, and can only be improved.

1. Prevention is better than cure

Some people think that it doesn’t matter if they get acne when they are young, and as long as puberty is over, the skin is naturally restored. In fact, acne scars, once formed, will leave permanent marks on the face. The dermatologists repeatedly stress that all acne scars treatments are not more effective than prevention of acne.

2. Grasp prime time to remove acne scars

In order to rescue the pale skin, patients must grasp the prime time of the first two months when acne scars just generate. The inflammation of acne will destroy the skin’s epidermal structure, and in more serious condition, it can also affect the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. At this time, skin activates the repair mechanisms. Within the first two months after the formation of acne scars, the tissue damage can be minimized with early treatment, and it can even restore the original smooth and detailed skin.

3. Do not forget to improve the old acne scars

The uneven and large acne scars can be polished using a laser, in order to remove the excess skin. However, for the old acne scars, laser is not the only way. If it was sharp and deep, it can be cut off with surgical methods, or it can be filled with skin transplanted from the patient.

4. Pay attention to the special physical fitness

When dealing with acne scars, people with keloid physique should be particularly cautious. Keloid is more likely to appear in the position of chin, chest, back, and arms. As this physique is prone to scarring, if not handled properly, the wounds will grow red lumps after the acne heals. What’s more, the area of the red lumps may be even bigger than that of the original acne scars.

Scars No More is an all natural Certified Organic treatment proven to minimize or eradicate scars and keloids. The main therapeutic action of this product is its ability to stimulate the formation of new cell tissue when treating damaged skin. As a result, Scars No More is successful to reduce scarring following surgery and is used to minimize or eradicate scars and keloids.

Unlike other creams or ointment-based products, often filled with impermeable substances and fillers that sit on your skin, Scars No More is composed of 100% pure and natural essential oils and plant resins, with the unique ability to penetrate into the cells to heal damaged skin.

How to Use Vitamin E to Treat Acne Scars?

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:40:49 -0400

The frustrating acne can cause ugly scars. This is a thorny issue. Some people choose cosmetic surgery to remove acne scars, and there are some people who spend a lot of money to buy different types of skin care products. In addition to these, some people may also benefit from the use of some simple and inexpensive home remedies, such as Vitamin E. The use of Vitamin E does not make acne scars disappear completely, but can improve the appearance of the skin.

The main reason for Vitamin E in the treatment of acne scars is due to its powerful antioxidant properties. It helps protect your body cells from free radical damage of UV radiation and pollution. Vitamin E can also enhance the blood vessel wall, and protect the red blood cells. Vitamin E can prevent certain types of skin cancer, reducing the damage caused by the sun on the skin. Therefore, all of these benefits can improve acne scars.

How to use Vitamin E to treat acne scars:

Clean your face, then smear the cream or lotion on your fingertips, and gently massage on facial acne scars. Be careful to prevent contact with your eyes. After the massage, wait for 3-4 hours, and then wash your face with warm water.

Common foods containing Vitamin E include: vegetables, such as asparagus, sweet potatoes, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, kale. Fruits, such as kiwi fruit, raw mango and papaya are also rich in this vitamin. Other sources include wheat germ, oregano, parsley, sage, egg yolks, dry roasted almonds, sunflower oil, corn oil, olive oil and canola oil.

In summary, the use of Vitamin E, although can not completely cure acne scars, can improve the appearance of acne scars. You can take in Vitamin E in the diet, and you can also use dietary supplements. Keep in mind, using Vitamin E prudently to treat acne scars. If you have any unusual symptoms, it is best to stop using, and to seek the help of your skin care specialist.

HPV is the Culprit of Cervical Cancer

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 22:41:00 -0400

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of female reproductive system, and its incidence rate is second-highest female malignancy, only after breast cancer. Women are afraid to cervical cancer, but do not know what causes cervical cancer. Now it has been clear that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the culprit of cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. In other words, if not infected with HPV, cervical cancer would not have happened.

HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual life, but also can be infected by the reproductive organs’ contact with unclean utensils, such as using unsterilized public water closet, bathtub, ect. Many women think that only dirty sex can cause HPV infection, but actually HPV is widely present in our environment. Even if it is a one-to-one relationship between sexual partners, HPV can be infected through sex or contact with each other.

In recent years, the incidence of cervical cancer has a age-forward tendency, and it is more and more common in clinical patients under the age of 35. A lot of girls become sexually active before they are 18-year-old, and some have multiple sexual partners. Beginning sex life prematurely, having multiple sexual partners or male partner has multiple sexual partners, will increase women’s risk of infecting with HPV.

Thus, once found women are infected with HPV, it means they will get cervical cancer? This view is wrong. Being infected with HPV is like infection with the flu virus; as long as the body’s immune system is normal, most women can clear the virus, which is similiar to a cold self-healing. However, about 10%-15% of women will be manifested as persistent infection, and the risk of suffering from cervical precancerous lesions and even developing into cervical cancer will significantly increase.

Warts No More is an all natural topical wart remover proven to eliminate warts painlessly without scarring within days of application. Warts No More is comprised of certified organic anti viral plant extracts, including thuja, which has demonstrated to be an effective wart remover. The organic extracts in Warts No More exhibit the highest level of anti viral activity against the wart virus (HPV) as supported by published medical studies.

Based on medical research, it is believed the success in using Warts No More results from the product stimulating CD4 T-cells. CD4 T-cells are responsible for scavenging virus-infected cells. Warts No More accomplishes what surgery attempts to achieve (stimulus to the antibody recognition of the HPV infection) without any of the tissue damage, discomfort, and general distress when treating warts.

Classification and Characteristics of Warts

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:51:10 -0500

Warts are benign epidermal neoplasm caused by human papilloma virus or HPV, which can selectively infect skin or mucosal epithelium. Warts are clinically divided into four types, namely common warts, flat warts, plantar warts and genital warts.

1.Common Warts

Common warts are also known as “thorn wart” or ”verruca vulgaris”, occurring on adolescents hand and foot back, fingers, toes, etc. Common warts are circular keratotic papules with the size of needle to soybean. They have rough surface and are slightly hard. The debut lesions usually have large size, known as ”mother wart”, while lesions around the mother wart are smaller with a satellite appearance.

Common warts occurring around the nail are called ”periungual warts”, and warts occurring in the nail bed are called subungual warts, where nails can be jacked up and become distorted. Common warts with elongated protrusions and hyperkeratotic top are called ”filiform warts”, which usually occur in the neck and eyelids. Common warts with uneven finger-like projections on the surface are called ”finger warts”, which usually occur in the scalp and between the toes.

Common warts can bleed easily after impact or friction. Lesions may be unhealed a few years, but most lesions can fade away spontaneously within 2 years. In addition to the impediment of activities in friction parts and tenderness, common warts have no other symptoms. If sufferers get sudden itching and lesions at the bottom become red and swelling, warts may gradually subside.

2.Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are verruca vulgaris occurring on plantar. They usually appear on the pressure part of forefoot and can also be dispersed throughout the foot. Plantar warts have clear boundary, slightly concave center, and rough horny plaque on surface; they may cause tenderness when walking. Plantar warts can bleed easily.

The cuticle around lesions are squeezed by warts, and thus thicken obviously, causing the formation of horny ring. If scraping the surface of the cuticle with a knife, the ring border between cuticle and warts can be seen. If old blood exudes, atropurpureus blutpunkte can be seen. The lesions can be single, multiple, and sometimes a few warts become confluent.

The surface of plantar warts are covered with thicker cuticle. After the cuticle are slashed, several reddish severed horny soft core can be seen, which are called ”mosaic warts”. Mosaic warts usually occur in hands, heel, head of metatarsal and the squeezed skin between toes. Warts occurring in the palm are called ”palm warts”. Plantar warts are chronic disease; some patients can heal naturally, and it’s generally believed that children can subside more easily than adults.

3.Flat Warts

Flat warts usually occur in young people. They can appear on face, the back of the hand, neck, chest, forearm and leg flexor side. Rashes are flat normal skin color or light brown papules with the size of needle to a grain of rice. They are scattered or gathered with large number.

By scratching, autologous vaccination can happen, and flat warts can rank like beads along the scratch, which is called Koebner phenomenon (isomorphism reaction). Flat warts have no symptoms or occasional micro-itch, and can be self-healing. However, flat warts can last for many years before fading. They usually leave no scars after healing.

4.Genital Warts

Genital warts, also known as venereal warts or condyloma acuminatum, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases(STDs). The virus types causing genital warts are HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18. Genital warts usually occur in young adults, more men than women. The incubation period is 1-8 months, with an average of about three months.

Genital warts usually occur in external genital and perianal area. At the beginning, there are only a few small reddish papules. Gradually, these papules increase and have the tendency to fusion.

Genital warts are verrucous, papillary, or cauliflower-like, have no symptoms or mild itching. However, giant genital warts have canceration tendency. Thus, the treatment of genital warts is essential.

The Difference between Corns and Plantar Warts

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:36:00 -0500

Plantar warts and corns are skin diseases occurring at the foot. They are more likely to occur in adults clinically. Although these two diseases have some similar symptoms, they are actually two different disease. What’s the difference between corns and plantar warts?

Different Causes

Plantar wart are caused by human papilloma virus(HPV) and it’s a disease infecting the mucous membrane of plantar skin, so plantar warts is a viral skin disease. Corns are caused by cuticle hyperplasia due to long-term mechanical stimulation; thus, it is a physical dermatosis.

Different Location

Plantar warts only occur on sole; corns usually occurs on the front and middle part of toes, the outside of the little toe or hallux medial edge, it is also visible on the dorsum of feet and heel, and occasionally on the hand.

Different Lesions

Plantar warts are soybeans or larger size, round or oval sallow keratosis plaque; they have rough surface, clear boundaries, slightly higher horny ring around the edge, and dented center. Corns are pea grain size yellowish hyperkeratosis; they are round and slightly transparent, have smooth surface and clear boundaries, and resemble a chicken’s eyes.

Different Infectivity

Corns are not contagious while plantar warts have strong infectivity. Thus, the treatment of plantar warts is essential to patients. Natural medicine can provide quick, effective, and safe removal of genital warts, plantar warts, facial warts, and body warts.

Epidemiological Factors of Human Papilloma Virus Infection

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:34:40 -0500

As HPV infection usually has no obvious clinical symptoms, the detection rate differs due to various methods; as a result, it is difficult to determine the analysis of epidemiological factors for HPV infection. HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease and relevant to sexual behavior factors, which has been made clear. Good individual health status, paying attention to menstrual hygiene and health before and after intercourse, and using IUDs can reduce the chance of HPV infection.

1. Sexual Behavior

Most studies show that the number of women’s recent sexual partners, frequency of intercourse, and sexual partners suffering from genital warts are all closely related to HPV infection. Although some studies have shown that the age of first intercourse is related to HPV infection, this factor is influenced by the number of sexual partners; after adjusting the number of sexual partners, its risk has no significant meaning.

2. Immune Factors

Host immunity plays a great role on HPV infection and the progress of the disease. Studies have found that the HPV infection rate of immunosuppressed patients with renal transplantation is 17 times that of normal population. The HPV infection rate of HIV infection people also increases. As people with HIV infection usually have chaotic sexual behavior, more sex partners, and younger age of first sexual intercourse, the HPV infection risk increases.

However, some research can not prove that immunosuppression has a direct correlation with HPV infection. People with HIV infection may have higher rate of HPV infection due to higher risk of body exposing or lower capability against latent virus. The HPV DNA detection level of these people is higher than that of normal population, suggesting a reduced ability of the body against HPV infection.

3. Pregnancy

Studies have shown that an increase of women pregnancy number, delivery times, and abortion frequency does not increase the risk of HPV infection, but the teratogenic number is associated with HPV infection. Some studies have shown that pregnant women have higher HPV infection rate and virus detection also increases, but the higher detection efficiency may be due to higher virus levels during pregnancy. One study applying PCR method to detect HPV has confirmed this view; PCR method does not rely on the content of the virus to detect HPV virus and finds that the infection rate of pregnant and non-pregnant women has no significant difference (9.6% -10.9%).

4. Oral Contraceptives

Although oral contraceptives can increase the risk of cervical cancer, whether it can affect HPV infection or not is still controversial. Studies have shown that oral contraceptives can really increase the risk of HPV infection, but some people think that oral contraceptives had no effect on the incidence of low-grade cervical lesions, but can increase the risk of HSIL. Thus, we can say that oral contraceptive can change the progression state of disease rather than have a direct impact on HPV infection rates.

How to Deal With Baby Yeast Infection?

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 22:16:00 -0500

Baby yeast infection, also known as ”baby thrush”, is characterized by the accumulation of bacteria in the private place and oral. Newborns and children are likely to be affected by this disease. Although baby yeast infections do not need to be worried about too much, they are enough to make patients feel uncomfortable.

Symptoms of Baby Yeast Infection

Figuring out whether they are infected with this disease or not is very challenging because baby yeast infections are asymptomatic. However, by observing their behavior, you can draw definite conclusions. Infants infected with yeast are often bad-tempered, easy to get angry and frustrated, especially when they are being fed. White or gray spots on tongue and mouth are also signs of yeast infection. In addition, baby tends to spit out the pacifier frequently.

Causes of Baby Yeast Infection

Baby yeast infection may be caused by the use of antibiotics. As we all know, antibiotics are easy to break the immune system, leading to the overgrowth of Candida (the yeast that causes the growth of bacteria). Mother can pass on her infection to her child. Another possible reason is that baby uses bottles and teats that have not been cleaned enough. Thus, we must ensure that bottle and pacifier have been cleaned thoroughly before they are put into your baby’s mouth. When the weather is warm and humid, bacteria also tends to thrive.

Harm of Baby Yeast Infection

In the beginning, yeast infection will not harm the baby. However, as time goes on, the side effects can be very serious, such as dehydration and malnutrition. Sucking and swallowing may become difficult, and your baby will feel very unwell. If the situation continues to worsen, thrush will spread to baby’s intestinal system and lead to diaper rash.

Treatment of Baby Yeast Infection

Disinfecting bottles, pacifiers and other baby products is an effective way to treat yeast infection. Because bacteria can grow in moist environments, try to keep the baby as well as the environment dry. Once the baby’s diaper is dirty, change it as soon as possible. Baby’s private area should be kept clean and dry. Before changing a new diaper, let baby’s butt dry. In addition, avoid tightening diaper too much and doing so can prevent bacterial from growth. If the thrush does not disappear, go to see a pediatrician. They can provide baby yeast infection treatment, and give you more information.

What are Symptoms of Yeast Infection?

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:31:18 -0500

Yeast infection symptoms are often confused with many other types of diseases. For example, vulva or penis yeast infections both have similar symptoms with other venereal diseases. In addition to female genitals and male sex organs, yeast infection can also develop on oral area, skin and other parts of your body.

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection

For women with vaginal yeast infection, itching and raised rash appears around the vaginal opening. These symptoms will spread along the vagina, and can pass through the vaginal opening, and even into the urethra. Scratching situation is normal, but it makes infection more painful and can cause lesions and damage, and sometimes even bleeding. Genital area sometimes have some white and smelly excrement.

Symptoms of penile yeast infection

Symptoms of male yeast infection are very similar to that of the female yeast infection. Raised rash appears around the base of the patients’ penis, and in the most serious situations, they can appear on the edge or the top of the male organ. The disease can be easily passed to other male genital organs including the scrotum. In more extreme cases, the male organ will have blisters, lesions or bleeding. Despite the yeast excrement is not very common, it can occur. Patients often want to scratch the blisters and ulcers, but doing so may lead to more serious problems.

Symptoms of oral and skin yeast infection

If you have yeast infection in your mouth, it’s often referred to as ”thrush”. The mouth area of thrush patients prone to have spot film, including the gums, tongue and oral upper. In more severe cases, painful blisters may occur in the tonsils and esophagus. Skin yeast infection symptoms are very similar to that of the male sex organs or female vaginal yeast infection. The lesion area will appear itching and lumps. It should be noted that the skin yeast infection usually appears on pores and skin folds too wet, and lack of light or air.

How to treat yeast infection?

The key to treat yeast infection is to resolve the factors that lead to the excessive growth of yeast. Antifungal drugs can not solve this problem, though they can reduce some of the symptoms. Although this treatment can play a role in many women, especially in their first infection yeast, but nearly three-quarters of women will get re-infection within two weeks. This will be very frustrating. The yeast propagation may cause other symptoms, such as muscle aches, severe headaches, bowel problems, and skin allergies.

Common drugs are antibiotics; antibiotics can destroy beneficial bacteria, making the environment suitable for yeast growth. Supplying your body with antibiotic, you provide a good environment for yeast growth, which will undoubtedly produce a vicious cycle. In order to prevent the excessive growth of Candida, you should stop the use of antibiotics. Re-set your diet plan, cancel or reduce food that lead to yeast infection, including: all sugary foods, caffeine, alcohol, beverages, dairy products, and high-carbohydrate foods, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.

What are Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:56:27 -0500

Three-quarters of women will get at least one vaginal infection due to yeast overgrowth in their life, and half of women will have yeast infection more than once. In other words, this type of vaginal infection is extremely common.

What is yeast overgrowth?

Yeast infection can occur in several places of your body. The most common infection site is the mouth portion and yeast infection here is referred to as ”thrush”; other parts include foot (the infection is called ”athlete’s foot”) and genitals. When yeast infection develops in woman’s vagina, it will lead to a vaginitis or vaginal swelling. The yeast can also overgrow and cause infection in obese people because they have wrinkled skin rubbing against each other, which can create a dark and moist environment in the skin folds.

The entire body usually has yeast, which co-exists with bacteria and plays an important role. When the normal flora balance of an area is broken, yeast will grow rapidly, resulting in the well-known symptoms of yeast infection. These symptoms usually include itching, discharge, redness and burning in the vagina.

Why the vaginal yeast infection occur?

Your body is usually quiet good at self-regulation, to maintain the correct chemical levels for good operation. However, if something occurs and changes the normal level of the chemical, some features of your body will be out of balance.

The inside of vagina is acidic. This environment allows the right amount of yeast to grow on the inside, and will not cause any problems. However, when certain things change the environment and reduce the acidity levels, yeast can quickly grow. This is the so-called yeast overgrowth causes vaginal yeast infection.

Lifestyle that can cause vaginal yeast infection

A variety of factors can lead to vaginal yeast infection. For example, wearing tight underwear or synthetic fabric underwear, can make the region not be able to ”breathe”, resulting in yeast overgrowth.

The use of non-prescription feminine hygiene products, such as douches, scented spray, and even bath, may lead to acidity decline and as a result the vaginal yeast infection.

Being overweight can lead to yeast infection of the vagina and genital folds part. Eating food containing high sugar can also lead to yeast infection.

Medical conditions that can cause vaginal yeast infection

Many women have their first yeast infection when they are pregnant or taking birth control pills. Some women have vaginal infections due to yeast overgrowth during menstruation. This may be because the hormonal changes break the balance of acidity of the vagina.

If you have diabetes, you may also find that you will often encounter yeast infection. This is particularly likely to occur when the blood glucose is not well controlled. Diseases that can reduce immunity, such as HIV / AIDS, can also lead to frequent yeast infection.

Drugs that can cause vaginal yeast infection

As is well known, certain antibiotics can lead to yeast overgrowth by reducing vaginal acidity. This might be because they kill the normal genital bacteria, making yeast survive easier.

Steroids is another drug that can lead to women’s vaginal yeast infection. The higher the dose and the longer you use it, the greater the risk. Even a low-dose topical steroid cream may also cause vaginal yeast infection more likely.

The good news is that yeast infection can be successfully treated by natural medicine. If you think you have a vaginal yeast infection, please discuss with your doctor for your treatment option.

How to Get Rid of Pock Marks?

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 22:46:33 -0500

Pock marks are uneven scars on skin surface. Although they may appear in any part of the body, they are most common on face. Initially, pock marks are scars left by chicken pox. Today, this word is used to describe any type of pitted scars, whatever its cause is. In addition to chicken pox, people may get pock marks due to acne, rashes or other skin problems. Fortunately, now there are various methods to treat pock marks.

1. Exfoliating

Use gentle exfoliating mask to remove skin keratinocytes, twice a week. Exfoliating not only helps skin cells regenerate rapidly and makes your skin firmer and more youthful, but also contribute to a more uniform complexion.

2. Apply scar cream

Under normal circumstances, pock marks contain different levels of pigment. Scar treatment cream helps scars fade, and enable them to integrate into the surrounding skin. Use scar cream 2-3 times per day. In about eight weeks, you’ll see significant improvement.

3. Micro-dermabrasion surgery

Since pock marks are pitted scars on skin surface, dermabrasion can effectively make your skin smooth. A little polishing equipment is used to remove the upper layer of your skin, and the smooth skin below will be exposed. In general, repeated surgery are needed if you want to achieve the desired effect.

4. Consider laser surgery

During surgery, laser light shine the upper layer of your skin, burning them away. Once skin is restored, it will look more smooth, more youthful, and the damaged skin part will become less. The laser is also beneficial to break the scar tissue with darker pigmentation and makes your pock marks become less obvious.

5. Try to use chemical peels

The qualified professionals use chemicals to burn the upper layer of your skin. After stripping, your skin looks like a sunburn. By regular ”skinning”, the tone and texture of your skin will become more attractive. Discuss with your dermatologist which strength peel is right for you.

6. Massages pock marks

Use circular motions to massage pock marks for at least 90 seconds several times a day. Regular massage helps to break the scar tissue and promote smooth complexion. It can also promote blood circulation and help your skin recover faster.

Tips: Maintain a healthy lifestyle; a healthy diet and regular exercise can help skin recover from injury faster. Do not squeeze pock marks because it can make scars more serious.

Scars No More is an all natural Certified Organic treatment proven to minimize or eradicate scars and keloids. The main therapeutic action of this product is its ability to stimulate the formation of new cell tissue when treating damaged skin. As a result, Scars No More is successful to reduce scarring following surgery and is used to minimize or eradicate scars and keloids.

This scar treatment is known for its ability to speed cellular growth and assist in regenerating skin tissue. Scars No More is comprised of pure and natural medicinal plant extracts well established for their therapeutic effect in tissue regeneration. Application of Scars No More effectively reduces the size of scars and keloids, eliminates the purplish color of a scar, and improves elasticity of skin tissue.