A wide variety of things can cause scars including sports injuries, surgery, chickenpox and acne but most will fade substantially over time. Some scars may disappear completely but large scars that are indented or raised may persist and cause disfigurement. A variety of therapies are available for the treatment of these types of scars including dermabrasion and chemical peels but for many scars the best option is laser scar removal. Laser treatment for scars is around 80% effective in reducing the scars appearance. This type of treatment however is not usually recommended for sufferers of some skin diseases such as psoriasis, dermatitis or cystic acne. In addition if you are thinking of laser scar removal you should not take isotretinoin for the six months before any treatment.

What are the different types of scars?

Scars vary in their appearance and have been classified accordingly. Hypertrophic scars are firm, raised and often pink and usually disappear over time. Keloid scars develop gradually and often cover more than the original area that was damaged. They are usually firm and raised and may be red or purple. Atrophic scars are the small pits that are caused by a skin disease such as acne or chickenpox.

 What type of lasers are used for laser scar removal?

There are different lasers used for scar removal and the most appropriate one for your skin and scar type will be used by your practitioner. For the removal of acne scars YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) and CO2 lasers are usually used. They work by removing the top layer of the skin, known as ablation. Both will need some healing time after treatment although CO2 lasers recovery is usually shorter than for the YAG lasers. A modification of this technique is to use a fractionated YAG or CO2 laser which works in  a slightly different way by causing damage in small areas underneath the scar and is a controlled method of wound healing. With this type of laser the recovery time is minimal.

For keloid scars a pulsed dye laser may be used. The treatment is also often used with other treatments such as injections of five percent fluorouracil or steroid injections which can help to make the scars flatter. Pulsed dye laser treatment does not require any recovery time.

Who can benefit from laser scar removal?

In general laser scar treatment is best for those with fair skin although recent improvements in fractionated IR (infra red) lasers have allowed their use on acne for those with dark skin. However, at the present time, hypertrophic and keloid scars can still only be treated on fair skin. If you suffer from any form of dermatitis, cystic acne or psoriasis a dermatologist will be able to tell you if there is a laser treatment that is suitable for you.

How does laser treatment work on scars?

There are two types of techniques used for laser scar treatment, ablative or non-ablative. Ablative laser treatment literally peels of the top skin layer and new skin then grows over the scarred area. For non-ablative laser treatment the cells in a deeper layer of the skin are damaged which causes new growth of collagen, the structural component of the skin. Pits and indents are then filled in as the collagen grows.

What happens during laser scar treatment?

Laser treatment can be undertaken as an out-patient and requires a local anesthetic. It Will take between ten minutes and an hour. The area will be washed with a gentle soap solution and antibiotic cream applied. There are also medications that can help to fade the scar which may also be prescribed. For ablative laser treatment a pain medication may be prescribed.

How does the skin heal after treatment?

A few days after treatment the skin will start to regenerate. Healing times will vary depending on a number of factors including the type of laser used and the condition of your skin prior to treatment. Side effects can include a change in pigmentation which can be increased if you expose your skin to the sun.

Conclusion

Laser scar treatment is very successful in minimising the look of a variety of scar types including those caused by acne. It is expensive however, the costs varying depending on the the size of the scarred area and how severe the scarring is. Newer lasers, that do less damage to the skin and involve much less healing afterwards have been introduced recently. Your dermatologist will be able to tell you if your scars are suitable for this type of treatment and which type of laser treatment is most suitable.

Salicylic acid chemical peels are effective for the treatment skin that is affected by acne as it is an excellent exfoliating agent that will help to clear up whiteheads and blackheads and improve the appearance of the skin. They are also effective in the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles and for improving the overall tone of the skin. Salicylic acid chemical peels are among the most well tolerated of the chemical peels and usually have the least side effects.

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a member of the class of acids called beta hydoxy acids which also included beta hydroxybutanoic acid, tropic acid and trethocanic acid. These acids are made in the laboratory in contrast to the alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid which are extracted from sugar cane or fruits. Salicylic acid is similar to acetylsalicylic acid which you will be familiar with as it is more commonly known as aspirin and is synthesised from extracts from willow tree bark.

What is salicylic acid used for?

Salicylic acid is an excellent exfoliating agent and is used in both creams and lotions for the treatment of acne and in chemical peels. For creams and gels the concentration is usually less than 5% and for chemical peels much higher at 20-30%.

How does salicylic acid act as an exfoliant?

Salicylic acid is a small molecule that can penetrate the upper layers of the skin and reach below the dead cells. Here it can break the bonds that attach the dead cells to the skin thus allowing them to be removed easily. Once the dead cells are removed this leaves behind the newer, healthy cells which leaves the skin looking healthier and fresher. One advantage of the beta hydroxy acids over the alpha hydroxy acids is that they are soluble in fats so acne penetrate skin that is oily more effectively. This makes them more efficient at cleaning the pores of oils and sebum so they are more effective for those suffering from acne.

Are Salicylic chemical peels suitable for those with sensitive skin?

In general salicylic acid peels are well tolerated and can be used by most people with sensitive skin.

Can salicylic acid peels be used at home?

They should be used only by professional trained in their use as it is neccessary to take precautions against inhaling beta hydroxy acids.

How is a salicylic acid peel performed?

Before the peel solution is applied the skin is cleaned thoroughly then the solution applied and left on the skin for ten to fifteen minutes. Once removed mild lotion or cold compresses are applied to minimise any irritation. Over the next few days the top layer of dead skin cells will flake off. There may be some irritation during this time but it should be mild and temporary. After any kind of skin peel it is essential to use a good sunscreen as the skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Your therapist should give you detailed skin care instructions.

How much do salicylic acid skin peels cost?

These types of skin peel are not cheap! One treatment may be as much as $100 and usually two or three treatments are recommended for good results.

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Congested sinuses are a problem for many people, in fact sinus infections are suffered by over forty million Americans every year. Congested sinuses are often caused by chronic sinusitis which may be a result of allergies, such as mold, dust mites or pollen or irritation from environmental pollution. Sinus infections should be treated by your doctor as they cannot be treated effectively at home but if you have chronic sinus congestion then there are some things you can do yourself to help relieve this distressing condition.

Congested sinus remedies

If your sinus congestion is a result of an allergic reaction then you can try anti-histamines. be careful that you buy one that is non-drowsy as you will want to take it during the day, not just at night. Nasal sprays and decongestants are effective but should not be used long term. Decongestants can cause an increase in blood pressure and sleep problems. Oral steroids may be prescribed by your doctor if other treatments are not proving effective but nasal sprays that contain steroids have been known to cause nose bleeds and can have other, more serious side effects if used over a long period.

Home remedies for sinus congestion

What can you do at home to relieve the pressure caused by sinus congestion?

Steam treatments

Steam treatments using eucalyptus oil can help. Use a good quality eucalyptus essential oil and add a few drops to a bowl full of almost boiling water. With a cloth over your head to concentrate the steam, inhale deeply for about fifteen minutes. Use twice a day for badly congested sinuses.

Saline washes

An effective remedy is to use a saline wash to irrigate the sinuses. This works by washing out any allergens, such as mold spores, and also cleans the tiny cilia that beat continuously to move mucus through the sinuses and out the drainage holes. The easiest way to do saline washes is to use a neti pot.

Conclusion

As a long time sufferer of sinus congestion (all my life!) I have tried many different methods including oral steroids and decongestants. These methods all work, at least at first, but I found that all seem to stop working after a time as your body adjusts to them. The one thing I have found that works for me is sinus washes using a neti pot. I don't have to use it all the time but, at the first sign of congestion, I do a wash out twice a day for a few days and this allows me to control the congestion build up. Sinus congestion is a chronic condition that many, many people suffer from and it can cause not only headaches but tiredness and depression. An effective cure would be wonderful but as this does not seem to be on the horizon controlling the condition with congested sinus remedies is essential to improve your quality of life.

If you suffer from rosacea you will have sensitive skin that must be treated very carefully so you should choose very mild, non irritating products. If you find that a skin care product irritates your skin, causes redness or a burning sensation then you should stop using it immediately. Some products that have been reported to cause these kinds of reaction in rosacea sufferers include eucalyptus oil, salicylic acid, peppermint and menthol. Unless you know that your skin does not react to them it would be wise to avoid any preparations that contain these ingredients.

You should also always use a good, high factor sunscreen as your skin may be more sensitive to the damaging effects of the sun and thus more likely to suffer damage. If you find that regular sunscreens irritate your skin then you could try a sun block containing zinc or titanium dioxide.

What is special about rosacea skin care products?

You should always use products that include anti inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Willowherb is often used in these products as it can reduce redness and has healing properties and has been successfully used for a long time. Another ingredient found to be effective is vitamin K which helps to heal the broken capillaries present in the skin of rosacea sufferers. Women should always use cosmetics that do not contain oil and which will not block the pores so avoid heavy make up which can clog the pores and provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Products specifically marketed for rosacea sufferers are mild and non irritating and contain ingredients to help treat the redness that is a result of this condition.

What ingredients are used in rosacea skin care products?

As we said earlier willowherb is an excellent ingredient to use for anyone suffering from the redness associated with rosacea. It has a long history of use for this condition and is well tolerated. It is mild and soothes the skin as well as providing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory actions.

Bio-Maple is an extract derived from maple trees and is gentle on the skin. It works by keeping the pH of the skin in the correct range, thus helping to prevent bacteria from growing. It also helps to reduce redness and irritation and rehydrates the skin effectively.

How should I look after my skin if I suffer from rosacea?

It is important that you keep your skin clean as this will help to reduce flare ups but you should only use very mild cleansers to avoid irritation. You can buy cleansers specially made for rosacea sufferers that will not be irritating. Also, don't use a harsh wash cloth on your face, hands are enough and can be thoroughly cleaned before use, unlike a washcloth which could easily harbour germs! Always use a sun screen, even on overcast days as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.

There are a huge number of anti-aging and anti-wrinkle over the counter preparations available today as it seems everyone wants to look younger and have wrinkle free skin, but do they work? Are there some that are a waste of money? Finding an anti-aging cream that is effective, suits your skin and is not too expensive is a challenge but we hope to help you find just that in this article.

Before you go out and buy an OTC anti-aging cream you should find out the type of skin you have and what condition it is in. Do you have dry skin, oily skin or a combination skin? Most people as they age find that their skin becomes drier so will need a more effective treatment. if your skin is still young looking or less dry then it will have fewer deep lines and perhaps more fine lines so you will need a less intense skin treatment.

There are a wide variety of products supposed to prevent or reduce wrinkles and not all of them are effective or have been clinically tested. Which ingredients are useless and which have been shown to have a beneficial effect on fine lines and wrinkles?

What ingredients are ineffective in anti-aging creams?

Collagen is often added to skin creams and purported to reduce lines but it does not have any effect when applied to the skin. Collagen is a component of the deeper layers of the skin where it acts as a support for the top layers. Although it is important for the health of the skin and to prevent the skin sagging applying it to the surface of the skin does not have any effect as collagen is a very large molecule that cannot penetrate the skin. Preparations that repair damaged collagen however are effective. 

Do not be persuaded to buy an anti-aging cream just because it is expensive! there is no correlation between how much a preparation costs and how effective it is. Instead look at the ingredients in the cream and choose one that has ingredients that have been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles.

What ingredients are effective in anti-aging creams?

Retinol had been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in many clinical trials. Over the counter anti-aging preparations containing retinol are available and a similar ingredient, tretanoin, is found in prescription only preparations. Over time it will be effective in reducing wrinkles on the skin but the effect is temporary so you will need to keep on using it or your skin will slowly revert back to the way it looked before you started.

Coenzyme Q is also an effective ingredient as it has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eye. It is also useful for protecting the skin from damage by the sun.

Copper peptide may be included in anti-aging preparations. It has been used for a long time for healing wounds and has been shown to stimulate collagen production which is important for the health and youthful looks of the skin.

Using retinol skin care products

One precaution we should mention for retinol containing products is to be careful in the sun as they can increase the skin's sensitivity. They are best applied at night rather than in the morning but if you do apply them during the day always use a good sun screen. They can cause some irritation to the skin when first used but this should clear up in a few days.

When can I expect to see results?

None of these products, or any others, will perform miracles overnight! You will have to use them regularly for at least six weeks before you start to see any effect. You should see a real improvement in your skin's appearance if you persevere for a few months but remember that the effects will slowly disappear after you stop the treatment.

Glycolic acid has been used for moisturising, softening and exfoliating the skin for a very long time. It is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) similar in structure to lactic acid and tartaric acid and is extracted from sugar cane for use in over the counter glycolic acid products. Salicylic acid is another similar chemical (it is known as a beta hydroxy acid) and is also used in skin care preparations.

How does glycolic acid work?

Glycolic acid is a small molecules, in fact it is the smallest AHA, which allows it to penetrate the skin easily. It can go under the layer of dead or damaged skin on the surface to deep within the skin where it the binds that hold dead skin cells in place can be found. The acid then breaks these bonds so that the dead skin cells can be easily removed. This is how it works as an exfoliating agent, removing the top layer of dead skin cells to give you a smoother, more youthful looking skin. You can buy over the counter glycolic acid preparations as gels or creams to use for exfoliation. They are often sold in complete packages which include moisturisers and neutralisers as the acid can be drying to the skin. Many acne preparations include glycolic acid because it is such good exfoliator so it excellent for cleaning out the pores.

Glycolic acid chemical peels

A more drastic treatment than exfoliation is to use a chemical peel and glycolic acid chemical peels can be very effective. Chemical peels are applied to the skin to induce blistering which allows the top layer of the skin to peel off. OTC glycolic acid peels are available with a higher concentration of the acid than the exfoliating agents but they can leave you skin red and irritated for a few days after use. It would be a good idea to have one applied by a professional the first time you use one so that you know how your skin will react and what to expect. glycolic acid chemical peels are effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving the texture of skin damaged by the sun or from acne.

AHA chemical peels are milder than many other types of peels but may cause some irritation to the skin for a day or two after use. You may also experience dryness or stinging. These effects are not long lasting, they should clear up in a day or two. You should be careful however if you also use a product containing retinol as this can make your skin more sensitive to these types of peels.

Anti-aging preparations containing glycolic acid

Many anti-aging skin preparations include both retinol and glycolic acid as they are both effective in reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. However, as they contain both ingredients some people find their skin is too sensitive and experience soreness or irritation which leaves their skin red. If this happens to you try replacing the preparation with one that contains only retinol or glycolic acid instead of both.

Skin lightening products

For the treatment of small areas of discoloration products containing glycolic acid plus a number of other ingredients such as kojic acid, azelaic acid can be used. They should not be used for large areas, just for small areas that have become dicoloured by sun damage or aging.

Conclusion

Glycolic acid skin care products are among the mildest products for exfoliating and for use as chemical peels but they are very effective. Although they do have some side effects, especially when used in higher concentrations in chemical peels but these should be relatively mild and only last for a short time. Over the counter glycolic acid products are easily available and a good choice to help you achieve a younger, healthier looking skin.

If you are starting to get fine lines or wrinkles you may be wondering what is the best way to treat them to keep your skin young looking and wrinkle free. Have you thought about using a retinol skin care product but are not sure exactly how retinol works, if it is safe will it really help to keep your skin looking young. In this short article we hope to answer some of your questions. Over the counter retinol products are freely available and are safe to use as long as you take the precautions outlined here.

What is retinol and how does it work?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is classed as a retinoid. This group of chemical also includes tretinoin which is also used in the same way as retinol but is stronger and only available in prescription creams and lotions. Retinol and the other retinoids are very small molecules, so small in fact that they can easily penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin which contains elastin and collagen which act to support the skin. When these are damaged by environmental effects or simply by aging the upper layers of the skin begin to sag and wrinkles develop. Once retinol penetrates to this layer it starts to repair this damage which results in firmer, younger looking skin.

Has research shown that retinol products are effective?

There have been many research studies on the use of retinol to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. One recent study by the University of Michigan involved elderly people that were healthy applying retinol containing lotion to the skin on their upper arms for a period of six months. After this time biopsies were taken which showed a clear reduction in wrinkles and lines. However some of the people in the trial found that the effects were slowly reversed over the next six months so the effect is temporary.

Can retinol be used to treat acne?

As retinol products can be used for exfoliating the skin they are very useful in the treatment of acne as they help to clean the pores. Instead of using harsh chemical peels many people find that exfoliating products containing retinol are just as effective.

Are retinol products good moisturisers?

Retinol products are excellent moisturisers and can be used to treat very dry skin.

Are retinol products safe to use?

Retinol products are safe but you may experience some itching and redness when you first use them until your skin becomes accustomed. This is generally only temporary and nothing to worry about as long as it is mild. In very rare cases the irritation may be more severe in which case you should stop using the product. One thing to be careful of, however, is that retinol can increase your skins sensitivity to the sun so you should always use a good sunscreen, a good idea anyway! Preferably apply the products before bed rather than in the day to minimise this effect.

Conclusion

Retinol products are safe to use and effective, although to see the best effects you will need to use them for some time. Don't expect instant results! You should start to see a reduction in wrinkles and lines after a few weeks regular use but you will have to continue to use the products as the effect is not permanent.

For many people with chronic pain increasing the level of drugs to deal with the pain may not be the best solution. Have you considered using a TENS unit instead? I first heard of TENS units for pain when I was looking for something to help my elderly father who loves his garden but finds that he can't work longer than twenty minutes without being in severe pain from his back. To try to find a solution we tried a few different methods but the one he has come to rely on is his TENS unit. He now works in the garden until the pain starts to become unbearable, comes in and puts on his machine for twenty minutes then is able to return to his garden again.

What is TENS?

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. 'Transcutaneous' means that it works by applying 'electrical nerve stimulation' directly to the skin in the area where there is pain. The electrical stimulation sends low voltage pulses through the nerves which are transmitting the pain messages to the brain, effectively blocking the pain signals. When applied the stimulation feels light a mild tingle at low levels but can be felt as pain if you set the voltage too high.

How does a TENS unit relieve pain?

TENS machines can be used in two ways. As above to block the pain or at a lower pulse rate to encourage the production of endorphins, the body's own pain killers. This allow the effect of using the machine to last after you switch it off. Hand held TENS machines usually have controls to change the pulse rate, pulse intensity and an automatic timer to switch off the machine after a pre-set time. For effective pain relief around thirty minutes is usually recommended.

Can I use a TENS unit for all types of pain?

The most effective use of these types of machines is for chronic pain from muscles, joints or nerves. many people use them for the relief of chronic back pain which is very widespread. They can also be used for the pain arising from arthritis, RSI (repetitive strain injury) fibromyalgia and even for labour pain. They should not be used for pain arising from medical conditions such as appendicitis or hepatitis.

How safe are TENS units?

Tens machines are very safe as long as you follow a few simple safety rules. You should not place the electrodes on any area with broken skin or on wounds, on numb areas, in the mouth, on each temple, directly on the groin or near the eyes. They have not been tested for safety before 37 weeks of pregnancy although they can be used during labour under medical supervision.

Can I use a TENS unit during labor?

These machines are becoming more and more popular to relieve labor pains without the use of drugs. They are used in two ways, on a high pulse rate during a contraction to dull the pain and on a low pulse rate between contractions to stimulate endorphin production. It is best to begin the use right at the beginning of labour to encourage endorphin stimulation before the pain becomes intense. As noted above however they should always be used with your medical practitioners consent.

Are TENS units expensive?

You can buy a simple machine for around $20 although you will have to replace the electrodes regularly. Units that include muscle stimulation as well as nerve stimulation are more expensive and can be up to about $400. They are widely available and you don't need a prescription to buy one.

Conclusion

TENS units are a safe, cheap alternative to drugs for the relief of chronic pain. Although not everyone finds them effective many people, including my father, wouldn't be without one! If you are looking for relief and don't want to rely on ever increasing dosages of pain medication then you should give one a try.

Image attribution http://www.flickr.com/photos/physio/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

This old fashioned gingerbread recipe is easy and quick to make. The sticky gingerbread is best left for a few days in an airtight tin before eating.

Old Fashioned Gingerbread Recipe

Ingredients

8oz (2 cups) plain flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4oz (1/2 cup) butter
2 teaspoons freshly ground ginger
5oz (2/3 cup) molasses (black treacle)
4oz (1/2 cup) brown sugar
5 tablespoons milk
2 eggs

Method

Turn on the oven and set to 160C or 325F. Place the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and ginger in a mixing bowl. In a pan place the butter, molasses and sugar and heat gently until melted. Pour the melted mixture onto the flour and stir then add the eggs and milk and mix well. Pour into a greased, lined pan and cook for about an hour. Test with a toothpick or skewer to make sure it is cooked right through.

Sticky Gingerbread Recipe

Ingredients

10 oz plain flour
1 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice
3 teaspoons freshly ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 1/2 oz black treacle
5oz butter
3 oz brown sugar
5oz golden syrup
1/4 pint milk
2 eggs

Method

Turn on the oven and set to 160C or 325F. Place the flour, baking powder, ginger and mixed spice in a bowl. Heat the butter, sugar, syrup and black treacle gently in a pan until melted then add to the flour mixture. Add the milk then beat the eggs and add. Mix well. Pour into a greased and lined pan and bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours until cooked right through.