Health Is Wealth.

2008-11-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

5 Facts You MUST Understand if You Are Ever Going to Lose Your Belly Fat and Get Six Pack Abs

1. Many so-called "health foods" are actually cleverly disguised junk foods that actually stimulate you to gain more belly fat... yet the diet food marketing industry continues to lie to you so they can maximize their profits.

2. Ab exercises like crunches, sit-ups, and ab machines are the LEAST effective method of getting flat six pack abs. We'll explore what types of exercises REALLY work in a minute.

3. Boring repetitive cardio exercise routines are NOT the best way to lose body fat and uncover those six pack abs. I'll show you the exact types of unique workouts that produce 10x better results below.

4. You DON'T need to waste your money on expensive "extreme fat burner" pills (that don't work) or other bogus supplements. A special class of natural foods is much more effective. I'll tell you about these natural foods and their powers below.

5. Ab belts, ab-rockers, ab-loungers, and other infomercial ab-gimmicks... they're all a complete waste of your time and money. Despite the misleading infomercials, the perfectly chiseled fitness models in the commercials did NOT get their perfect body by using that "ab contraption"... they got their perfect body through REAL workouts and REAL nutrition strategies. Again, you'll learn some of their secrets and what really works below.

Learn How a 27-Year Old Texas Beautyand a 59-Year Old Grandma Used the Same Secrets to Shed Years of Extra Stubborn Belly Fat and Finally Get a Sexy Flat Stomach...
...and by using these little-known dietary tricks and workout techniques, they are both no longer self conscious about their body, and are finally comfortable showing off their new sexy waistlines in that sexy little dress, or the tight jeans & cute T-shirt that they had been dying to wear!
by Mike Geary - Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
Let me guess...
You've already tried every "miracle diet" that's come along and nothing has worked to help you shed that excess tummy fat, right?
You've probably also done all of the hundreds of crunches, situps, leg lifts, and other useless abs exercises, and that stomach of yours doesn't seem any flatter, does it?
You might also think that anything labeled at the grocery store as "low fat", "sugar free", "low-carb", or "whole grain" are good for you, right? Think again! You've been deceived by the clever marketing of huge multi-million dollar food corporations...
FACT - Did you know that most foods labeled as "sugar free" or "low-carb" actually contain artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and other additives that create a hormonal mess inside your body, actually stimulating your body to STORE more belly fat and stimulate cravings! And foods labeled "whole grain" only have to contain a small fraction of whole grains where the majority can still be refined starches and sugars that spike your blood sugar faster than a sugar-laden soda!
What About Ab Machines?
You may also have tried a couple of those crappy "abdominizer machines" or "ab rocker-roller-lounger" gadgets you saw on the late night infomercial, yet you still see no signs of toned sexy abs developing, right? And don't even get me started on those worthless "ab-belts"!
You've probably also done the hours and hours of boring cardio in the past, and that didn't seem to strip off the unsightly belly fat either, right?
And you were just flat out scammed at the supplement store when you bought those "advanced fat burner" pills that you saw in the clever magazine ad...
FACT - Did you know that supplements like the bogus fat burner pills aren't even regulated in the US to assure that there's even any active ingredients at all in the pills?
Yep, according to US law (ever since the DSHEA Act of 1994), there's no oversight or regulation of supplement companies to assure that their claims are accurate or that they are even honest about what's in the bottle. With several thousand supplement companies, that leaves room for a lot of scam artists and a LOT of worthless products that don't cause any fat loss in your body at all.
Well, that was a waste of money!
So... If Hours of Cardio, Hundreds of Crunches, $100's of Dollars of Wasted Fat-Burner Pills, and the Gimmick Ab-Belts & Abdominizer Machines Don't Work... What Does Work to Get That Tight Sexy Stomach?
I'm going to introduce to you what does work by telling you a real quick story about two women that I personally witnessed make spectacular changes in their bodies by trying something drastically different than what they had done in the past.You see, as a Certified Nutrition Specialist & Certified Personal Trainer, I've trained hundreds of women over the last 10 years in person... and that doesn't even count the thousands of women that have used my programs online over the last few years since I've become an internationally recognized fitness expert.
This isn't about me though, this is about you getting the fat loss and tummy sculpting results you've always wanted, and what you can learn from 2 very different women... Stephanie and Margo.
Stephanie and Margo are 27 and 59 years old respectively. I use them as examples because of their age differences, yet both of them achieving very similar results... and inspiring results at that! When they first came to me, they were spewing a lot of the same old negative beliefs about their body that I see so many women have... they would say things such as:
"Oh, I'll never lose weight... my metabolism is shot and just way too slow!"or"I'll just have to accept my flabby body the way it is because with my genetics, I'll never get a flat stomach."or"I've tried everything and nothing works... I'm doomed to have this pooch-belly and love handle rolls for life!"or"I just don't have time to get in shape... it's just impossible for me with my busy schedule... I should just give up."
The fact is... they both proved ALL of these beliefs DEAD WRONG! And so have thousands of other women that changed their mindset, their workout techniques, and their nutrition habits drastically from their old habits that weren't working.
Stop Making It Harder on Your Bodyand Start Working WITH Your Body
Think about this... if what you've been doing all these years hasn't been getting you the results you want, doing more of that same thing won't get you any further! If doing 4 hours of cardio a week hasn't worked for you, why do you believe that doing 7 hours of cardio will?
If doing 100 crunches a day hasn't gotten you the results you want, why do you think that doing 200 crunches a day will? Of course you remember that doing the same things over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity!
The truth is that all of these techniques are WRONG and ineffective ways to workout. In fact, doing excessive cardio is actually working against your results because you are stimulating excessive cortisol production in your body and breaking down lean muscle tissue... all of which leads to the slowing down of your metabolic rate over time and deposition of even more belly fat on top of what you already have.
Also, wasting most of your workout time with ineffective abs exercises such as crunches, situps, and torso twists actually goes directly against your fat loss efforts as well. You see, the time you waste with doing all of these fairly ineffective abs exercises, is really just keeping you from doing the truly effective full body exercise combinations that actually stimulate your fat burning hormones and increase your metabolic rate for as much as 24-48 hours after each workout. You don't get that with "ab workouts" or "cardio"!
When you get these types of full body metabolic-surge workouts right, the excess belly fat starts to melt off quicker than you ever could have imagined. Yes, it IS going to take a little work though. You're not going to be able to just be lazy and sit on the couch every day hoping for your dream body to come true. Don't worry though, it's a system that can be applied by anyone, regardless of your age or current conditioning.
95% of Women Make These Same Mistakes Over and Over
Over the last 10 years of training and consulting hundreds of women on nutrition, quite a few patterns started to emerge and I noticed most women were falling into many of the same traps. Some of them I mentioned above with the excess cardio, the time wasted doing crunches & situps, the bogus fat-burner pills, the worthless ab gadgets, the grocery store mistakes, and the failed diets time and time again.
Stephanie and Margo had also fallen into the same traps and struggled with their fitness for years due to these mistakes. But something changed immediately when they starting using the workout and dietary techniques that I revealed to them.
They finally started getting results and losing layer upon layer of ugly body fat after years of struggling to lose even a couple of pounds!
Change Your Methods Drasticallyand Your Body Will Change Drastically... Get Out That Bikini!
After finally changing her ways and adopting a new way of thinking about food, working out, and what she can achieve, Stephanie has lost over 70 lbs and literally made herself an entirely new person. She feels more energetic, looks about 10 years younger now, and is finally confident to wear whatever she wants out of the house now, after years of being self conscious. I'll show you Stephanie's pictures in a minute. Wait til you see them... very inspirational.
Margo also lost 23 lbs so far and is feeling the best she has in over 2 decades after implementing these techniques that she learned in my system. She's actually enjoying food more now than ever before, yet still losing weight and firming up her entire body.
So What are Stephanie & Margo Doing DifferentlyThat Has Kick-Started Them Into a Whole New Lifestyle of Feeling Good & Looking Sexy?
Well, what they are doing is a uniquely designed full body program I put together called The Truth about Six Pack Abs.
After years of seeing so many frustrated people struggling with excess body fat and flabby abs and literally wasting their hard-earned money on worthless fat-loss products and six-pack abs gimmicks... I decided it was time to put together my own unique system to solve this problem.
Time and time again I even saw my friends and family just being flat-out scammed by the unscrupulous marketers in the fitness industry selling you all of this garbage that isn't going to do anything at all to change your body for the better... It's only going to make their wallets fatter!
What I did was put together an innovative scientifically-based fitness program that has finally revealed the truth about abdominals, stomach fat & love handles, and is helping tens of thousands of people around the world to finally conquer their struggle.
The Solution to Flabby Abs Was Born!
As I was developing this program, I dedicated myself non-stop to researching as much legitimate information as I could get my hands on for losing body fat (particularly that stubborn fat that covers the abs). I also researched all of the best information on developing the abdominals as best as possible as well as studying the techniques of working the deeper transversus abdominis & multifidus to help "pull-in" your stomach and help to make it flatter over time.
I started immersing myself in some of the best legitimate exercise research journals out there, reading countless books from some of the best strength coaches and trainers in the world, and soaking up the info from some of the best nutritional books and journals from the top authorities in the world on the subject.
I also dedicated myself to being a top-notch fitness professional as I became a Certified Personal Trainer, a Certified Nutrition Specialist, and eventually years later, an international author and authority on the subject of "six-pack abs" and fat loss.
I also used my daily training of fitness clients, as well as my own training methods, to determine "in the trenches", what worked and what didn't for getting rid of that stubborn abdominal fat. The end result is a winning solution for ridding yourself of that extra belly fat and developing flat sexy 6-pack abs the right way! And it's all found in my internationally popular program, The Truth about Six Pack Abs.

Pregnant Women With Bulimia Have More Anxiety And Depression,

2008-11-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

Women who have bulimia in pregnancy have more symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to pregnant women without eating disorders. A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) shows that they also have lower self-esteem and are more dissatisfied with life and their relationship with their partner.The findings come from the world's first major population study of psychosocial factors in bulimia (bulimia nervosa) during pregnancy. Bulimia in pregnancy can have serious consequences for both mother and child.
The new study includes more than 41 000 pregnant women who responded to a questionnaire from the Norwegian Mother and Child Study (MoBa) from the NIPH. Higher incidence of physical and sexual abuse
Out of more than 41 000 pregnant women, 96 (0.2 %) met the criteria for broadly defined bulimia (bulimia nervosa) in the first trimester of pregnancy. 67 of the women reported that they had also had bulimia six months before pregnancy, while 26 had developed bulimia after becoming pregnant. It is unknown whether these women had bulimia earlier in life.
Women with bulimia reported lower self-esteem and less satisfaction with life and their relationship with their partner. In addition, they reported a higher prevalence of symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.
- Women with bulimia reported a higher prevalence of life-long physical abuse, sexual abuse and major depression compared with others, says Cecilie Knoph Berg at the Division of Mental Health at the NIPH. - Women who had bulimia six months before pregnancy but who were symptom-free in the first trimester, experienced higher self-esteem and satisfaction with life compared to other women with persistent symptoms.
Bulimia was measured six months before pregnancy and in the first trimester of pregnancy by completing the questionnaire in the first trimester.
Knoph Berg is the first author of “Psychosocial factors associated with broadly-defined bulimia nervosa during early pregnancy: Findings from the Norwegian mother and child cohort study” which is published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.
Mostly women with bulimia
Eating disorders affect both young and old but often occur for the first time in adolescence. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are about ten times more common among women than men. At any one time, Norwegian women in the age group 15-44 years have an eating disorder: 0.3 percent have anorexia, two percent have bulimia and three percent have binge eating disorder. The figures are based on Norwegian studies, with international studies showing similar results.
Background
Bulimia (bulimia nervosa) is episodes of binge eating combined with various behaviours to compensate for the large intake of food and to avoid weight gain. These behaviours include vomiting, use of laxatives, periods of fasting or training. Vomiting leads to disturbances in the body’s salt balance and enamel erosion of teeth. People with bulimia are often of normal weight or overweight. Approximately 30 percent of persons with bulimia have a history of anorexia.

What To Eat For Glowing Healthy Skin.

2008-11-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

— 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.

Speaking November 8 at the American Academy of Dermatology’s SKIN academy (Academy), dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York, N.Y., and clinical assistant professor of dermatology and associate faculty of the School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa., discussed the importance of eating nutritious foods for optimal skin health and how foods can aggravate common medical skin conditions.

“While there’s no mistaking how our diet affects our overall health, we’re just beginning to understand how certain foods – or lack thereof – can impact our skin’s health,” said Dr. Taylor. “In addition, studies show that some food and beverages can even worsen common skin conditions and cause allergic reactions that manifest on the skin.”

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 dermatologist.

Good Mood Lets You Look Beyond Daily Grind

2008-11-23T08:17:00.001-08:00

When you're in a bad mood and have your nose to the grindstone, all you see is the task at hand. But a good mood lets you see how the task fits into the bigger picture.
This isn't a motivational motto, it's the finding from five psychology experiments by marketing researchers Aparna A. Labroo, PhD, MBA, of the University of Chicago, and Vanessa M. Patrick, PhD, MBA, of the University of Georgia.
Research shows that a good mood broadens your attention and lets you see future opportunities. A bad mood, however, tends to make you focus on where you are right now. But how does your mood affect the kinds of choices you make?
Let's say you're at the fridge and see that picture of your smiling children. It makes you happy, thus giving you a broader perspective. Will your ability to look toward the future mean you'll put off dieting until later and indulge in unhealthy food later? Or will your foresight prompt you to ensure your future health by eating healthy food now?
Good Mood, Bad Mood Experiments
Labroo and Patrick first looked at whether feel-good cues prompted people to take things more broadly, and whether feel-bad cues prompt a more literal focus.
In their first study, they asked 58 college students to describe a list of 10 activities. Next to each activity (painting a room, for example) was a little smiley face, a little frowny face, or a little neutral face.
Sure enough, students used more abstract terms to describe the task if it was marked with a smiley face, and use more concrete terms for the frowny-face tasks.
Going beyond smiley faces, the researchers actually put 129 students into a good or bad mood by having them focus on either the best or worst day of their lives. Those in a good mood saw tasks in the abstract (painting beautifies the environment, for example). Those in a bad mood saw tasks more concretely (painting lets me choose my favorite paint color, for example).
In a third experiment, 40 students reported how good they felt. Half were given an abstract task -- they were asked to focus on why they study for exams. The other half got a concrete task -- they focused on how they study for exams. Then they were asked how important academic goals were to them.
Students in a good mood were more likely to find academic goals important when they focused on the abstract why question. Students in a bad mood were more likely to find academic goals important when the focused on the concrete how question.
Next, 90 students were asked to free associate to 10 positive words, 10 neutral words, or 10 negative words -- a task known to put people in a good, neutral, or bad mood. Then the students watched one of two orange juice ads. One ad said you should drink orange juice because it's an investment in your future health. The other ad said you should drink orange juice because it would ensure your health today.
Sure enough, students in a good mood were more likely to say they'd buy orange juice after seeing the future-benefit ad. Those in a bad mood were more likely to buy based on the immediate-benefit ad.

Finally, the researchers asked 69 students to focus on either academic goals or friendship goals. Then the students were asked to re-experience the best or worst day of their lives. After undergoing a free-association task, the students were given a scenario in which a person must decide between studying for an exam the next day or seeing an old friend who is passing through town on the way out of the country.

When cued to think about academic goals, students in a good mood were more likely than bad-mood students to choose studying for the exam. But when cued to think about friendship goals, students in a good mood were more likely than bad-mood students to choose seeing their old pal.

Good Mood, Big Picture
Taken together, Labroo and Patrick say, the findings show that a good mood makes people see things in more abstract terms. A good mood will lead people to adopt general, long-term goals -- but only those long-term goals seen as accessible.

"We propose that a positive mood, by signaling that a situation is benign, might allow people to step back and take in the big picture," they write. "In contrast, a negative mood, by signaling not only danger but its imminence, might focus attention on immediate and proximal concerns and reduce the adoption of abstract future goals."

Good Mood Lets You Look Beyond Daily Grind

2008-11-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

2008-11-23T07:19:00.000-08:00

Babies born four months before the peak cold and flu season have a 30 percent higher risk of developing asthma, U.S. researchers said on Friday, suggesting that these common infections may trigger asthma.

"All infants are exposed to this and it is potentially preventable," said Dr. Tina Hartert, director of the center for Asthma Research at Vanderbilt University, whose study appears in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

She said it has been known for some time that infants in the Northern Hemisphere born in the fall are at higher risk of developing asthma, but the study is the first to tie this trend to peak viral activity in the winter months.
Hartert and colleagues studied the medical records of 95,000 infants and their mothers in the state of Tennessee.

They found that all babies in the study were at increased risk if they had bronchiolitis, a lung infection usually caused by respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. But autumn babies were at the highest risk.

"What we were able to show was the timing of birth and the risk of developing asthma moves in time almost to the day with the peak of these viral infections each winter," she said.

While genetic risk factors predispose a child to develop asthma, Hartert thinks environmental exposure such as winter viral infection, and particularly RSV infection, may activate those genes.

Nearly every child is infected with RSV early in life, with infections occurring most often between the ages of 3 and 6 months. The virus usually clears up without serious complications.

Hartert said the task now is to prove that preventing such infections could keep infants from developing asthma. "That is where we are now. We need to prove that preventing this infection prevents this lifelong chronic disease," she said.

The easiest way to do that would be a vaccine, but so far, none exists. Vaccine makers GenVec Inc, AstraZeneca's MedImmune unit and others are working on RSV vaccines.

"It's in the pipeline. We just don't have one yet," Hartert said

AIDS

2008-11-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS or Aids) is a set of symptoms and infections resulting from the damage to the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).[1] This condition progressively reduces the effectiveness of the immune system and leaves individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and tumors. HIV is transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, and breast milk.[2][3] This transmission can involve anal, vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated hypodermic needles, exchange between mother and baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, or other exposure to one of the above bodily fluids.

AIDS is now a pandemic.[4] In 2007, an estimated 33.2 million people lived with the disease worldwide, and it killed an estimated 2.1 million people, including 330,000 children.[5] Over three-quarters of these deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa,[5] retarding economic growth and destroying human capital.[6] Most researchers believe that HIV originated in sub-Saharan Africa during the twentieth century.[7] AIDS was first recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1981 and its cause, HIV, identified by American and French scientists in the early 1980s.[8]

Although treatments for AIDS and HIV can slow the course of the disease, there is currently no vaccine or cure. Antiretroviral treatment reduces both the mortality and the morbidity of HIV infection, but these drugs are expensive and routine access to antiretroviral medication is not available in all countries.[9] Due to the difficulty in treating HIV infection, preventing infection is a key aim in controlling the AIDS epidemic, with health organizations promoting safe sex and needle-exchange programmes in attempts to slow the spread of the virus.

Contents

1 Symptoms
1.1 Pulmonary infections
1.2 Gastrointestinal infections
1.3 Neurological and psychiatric involvement
1.4 Tumors and malignancies
1.5 Other opportunistic infections
2 Cause
2.1 Sexual transmission
2.2 Exposure to blood-borne pathogens
2.3 Perinatal transmission
2.4 Misconceptions
3 Pathophysiology
3.1 Cells affected
3.2 The effect
3.3 Molecular basis
4 Diagnosis
4.1 WHO disease staging system
4.2 CDC classification system
4.3 HIV test
5 Prevention
5.1 Sexual contact
5.2 Exposure to infected body fluids
5.3 Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT)
6 Treatment
6.1 Antiviral therapy
6.2 Future research
6.3 Alternative medicine
7 Prognosis
8 Epidemiology
9 History
10 Society and culture
10.1 Stigma
10.2 Economic impact
10.3 AIDS denialism
11 Notes and references
12 Further reading
13 External links

Symptoms

A generalized graph of the relationship between HIV copies (viral load) and CD4 counts over the average course of untreated HIV infection; any particular individual's disease course may vary considerably.
CD4+ T Lymphocyte count (cells/mm³)

HIV RNA copies per mL of plasmaThe symptoms of AIDS are primarily the result of conditions that do not normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. Most of these conditions are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that are normally controlled by the elements of the immune system that HIV damages. Opportunistic infections are common in people with AIDS.[10] HIV affects nearly every organ system. People with AIDS also have an increased risk of developing various cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma, cervical cancer and cancers of the immune system known as lymphomas. Additionally, people with AIDS often have systemic symptoms of infection like fevers, sweats (particularly at night), swollen glands, chills, weakness, and weight loss.[11][12] The specific opportunistic infections that AIDS patients develop depend in part on the prevalence of these infections in the geographic area in which the patient lives.

Main symptoms of AIDS.
Pulmonary infections

X-ray of Pneumocystis jirovecii caused pneumonia. There is increased white (opacity) in the lower lungs on both sides, characteristic of Pneumocystis pneumoniaPneumocystis pneumonia (originally known as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and still abbreviated as PCP, which now stands for Pneumocystis pneumonia) is relatively rare in healthy, immunocompetent people, but common among HIV-infected individuals. It is caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii. Before the advent of effective diagnosis, treatment and routine prophylaxis in Western countries, it was a common immediate cause of death. In developing countries, it is still one of the first indications of AIDS in untested individuals, although it does not generally occur unless the CD4 count is less than 200 cells per µL of blood.[13]

Tuberculosis (TB) is unique among infections associated with HIV because it is transmissible to immunocompetent people via the respiratory route, is easily treatable once identified, may occur in early-stage HIV disease, and is preventable with drug therapy. However, multidrug resistance is a potentially serious problem. Even though its incidence has declined because of the use of directly observed therapy and other improved practices in Western countries, this is not the case in developing countries where HIV is most prevalent. In early-stage HIV infection (CD4 count >300 cells per µL), TB typically presents as a pulmonary disease. In advanced HIV infection, TB often presents atypically with extrapulmonary (systemic) disease a common feature. Symptoms are usually constitutional and are not localized to one particular site, often affecting bone marrow, bone, urinary and gastrointestinal tracts, liver, regional lymph nodes, and the central nervous system.[14]

Gastrointestinal infections
Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the lower end of the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube leading to the stomach). In HIV infected individuals, this is normally due to fungal (candidiasis) or viral (herpes simplex-1 or cytomegalovirus) infections. In rare cases, it could be due to mycobacteria.[15]

Unexplained chronic diarrhea in HIV infection is due to many possible causes, including common bacterial (Salmonella, Shigella, Listeria or Campylobacter) and parasitic infections; and uncommon opportunistic infections such as cryptosporidiosis, microsporidiosis, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and viruses,[16] astrovirus, adenovirus, rotavirus and cytomegalovirus, (the latter as a course of colitis). In some cases, diarrhea may be a side effect of several drugs used to treat HIV, or it may simply accompany HIV infection, particularly during primary HIV infection. It may also be a side effect of antibiotics used to treat bacterial causes of diarrhea (common for Clostridium difficile). In the later stages of HIV infection, diarrhea is thought to be a reflection of changes in the way the intestinal tract absorbs nutrients, and may be an important component of HIV-related wasting.[17]

Neurological and psychiatric involvement
HIV infection may lead to a variety of neuropsychiatric sequelae, either by infection of the now susceptible nervous system by organisms, or as a direct consequence of the illness itself.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii; it usually infects the brain, causing toxoplasma encephalitis, but it can also infect and cause disease in the eyes and lungs.[18] Cryptococcal meningitis is an infection of the meninx (the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord) by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. It can cause fevers, headache, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Patients may also develop seizures and confusion; left untreated, it can be lethal.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease, in which the gradual destruction of the myelin sheath covering the axons of nerve cells impairs the transmission of nerve impulses. It is caused by a virus called JC virus which occurs in 70% of the population in latent form, causing disease only when the immune system has been severely weakened, as is the case for AIDS patients. It progresses rapidly, usually causing death within months of diagnosis.[19]

AIDS dementia complex (ADC) is a metabolic encephalopathy induced by HIV infection and fueled by immune activation of HIV infected brain macrophages and microglia. These cells are productively infected by HIV and secrete neurotoxins of both host and viral origin.[20] Specific neurological impairments are manifested by cognitive, behavioral, and motor abnormalities that occur after years of HIV infection and are associated with low CD4+ T cell levels and high plasma viral loads. Prevalence is 10–20% in Western countries[21] but only 1–2% of HIV infections in India.[22][23] This difference is possibly due to the HIV subtype in India. AIDS related mania is sometimes seen in patients with advanced HIV illness; it presents with more irritability and cognitive impairment and less euphoria than a manic episode associated with true bipolar disorder. Unlike the latter condition, it may have a more chronic course. This syndrome is less often seen with the advent of multi-drug therapy.

Tumors and malignancies

Kaposi's sarcomaPatients with HIV infection have substantially increased incidence of several cancers. This is primarily due to co-infection with an oncogenic DNA virus, especially Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and human papillomavirus (HPV).[24][25]

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common tumor in HIV-infected patients. The appearance of this tumor in young homosexual men in 1981 was one of the first signals of the AIDS epidemic. Caused by a gammaherpes virus called Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV), it often appears as purplish nodules on the skin, but can affect other organs, especially the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs.

High-grade B cell lymphomas such as Burkitt's lymphoma, Burkitt's-like lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and primary central nervous system lymphoma present more often in HIV-infected patients. These particular cancers often foreshadow a poor prognosis. In some cases these lymphomas are AIDS-defining. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or KSHV cause many of these lymphomas.

Cervical cancer in HIV-infected women is considered AIDS-defining. It is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).[26]

In addition to the AIDS-defining tumors listed above, HIV-infected patients are at increased risk of certain other tumors, such as Hodgkin's disease and anal and rectal carcinomas. However, the incidence of many common tumors, such as breast cancer or colon cancer, does not increase in HIV-infected patients. In areas where HAART is extensively used to treat AIDS, the incidence of many AIDS-related malignancies has decreased, but at the same time malignant cancers overall have become the most common cause of death of HIV-infected patients.[27]

Other opportunistic infections
AIDS patients often develop opportunistic infections that present with non-specific symptoms, especially low-grade fevers and weight loss. These include infection with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare and cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV can cause colitis, as described above, and CMV retinitis can cause blindness. Penicilliosis due to Penicillium marneffei is now the third most common opportunistic infection (after extrapulmonary tuberculosis and cryptococcosis) in HIV-positive individuals within the endemic area of Southeast Asia.[28]

Cause
For more details on this topic, see HIV.

Scanning electron micrograph of HIV-1, colored green, budding from a cultured lymphocyte.AIDS is the most severe acceleration of infection with HIV. HIV is a retrovirus that primarily infects vital organs of the human immune system such as CD4+ T cells (a subset of T cells), macrophages and dendritic cells. It directly and indirectly destroys CD4+ T cells.[29] Once HIV has killed so many CD4+ T cells that there are fewer than 200 of these cells per microliter (µL) of blood, cellular immunity is lost. Acute HIV infection progresses over time to clinical latent HIV infection and then to early symptomatic HIV infection and later to AIDS, which is identified either on the basis of the amount of CD4+ T cells remaining in the blood, and/or the presence of certain infections, as noted above.[30]

In the absence of antiretroviral therapy, the median time of progression from HIV infection to AIDS is nine to ten years, and the median survival time after developing AIDS is only 9.2 months.[31] However, the rate of clinical disease progression varies widely between individuals, from two weeks up to 20 years. Many factors affect the rate of progression. These include factors that influence the body's ability to defend against HIV such as the infected person's general immune function.[32][33] Older people have weaker immune systems, and therefore have a greater risk of rapid disease progression than younger people. Poor access to health care and the existence of coexisting infections such as tuberculosis also may predispose people to faster disease progression.[31][34][35] The infected person's genetic inheritance plays an important role and some people are resistant to certain strains of HIV. An example of this is people with the homozygous CCR5-Δ32 variation are resistant to infection with certain strains of HIV.[36] HIV is genetically variable and exists as different strains, which cause different rates of clinical disease progression.[37][38][39]

Sexual transmission
Sexual transmission occurs with the contact between sexual secretions of one person with the rectal, genital or oral mucous membranes of another. Unprotected receptive sexual acts are riskier than unprotected insertive sexual acts, and the risk for transmitting HIV through unprotected anal intercourse is greater than the risk from vaginal intercourse or oral sex. However, oral sex is not entirely safe, as HIV can be transmitted through both insertive and receptive oral sex.[40][41] Sexual assault greatly increases the risk of HIV transmission as protection is rarely employed and physical trauma to the vagina frequently occurs, facilitating the transmission of HIV.[42]

Other sexually transmitted infections (STI) increase the risk of HIV transmission and infection, because they cause the disruption of the normal epithelial barrier by genital ulceration and/or microulceration; and by accumulation of pools of HIV-susceptible or HIV-infected cells (lymphocytes and macrophages) in semen and vaginal secretions. Epidemiological studies from sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and North America suggest that genital ulcers, such as those caused by syphilis and/or chancroid, increase the risk of becoming infected with HIV by about four-fold. There is also a significant although lesser increase in risk from STIs such as gonorrhea, Chlamydial infection and trichomoniasis, which all cause local accumulations of lymphocytes and macrophages.[43]

Transmission of HIV depends on the infectiousness of the index case and the susceptibility of the uninfected partner. Infectivity seems to vary during the course of illness and is not constant between individuals. An undetectable plasma viral load does not necessarily indicate a low viral load in the seminal liquid or genital secretions. However, each 10-fold increase in the level of HIV in the blood is associated with an 81% increased rate of HIV transmission.[43][44] Women are more susceptible to HIV-1 infection due to hormonal changes, vaginal microbial ecology and physiology, and a higher prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases.[45][46] People who have been infected with one strain of HIV can still be infected later on in their lives by other, more virulent strains.

Infection is unlikely in a single encounter. High rates of infection have been linked to a pattern of overlapping long-term romantic relationships. This allows the virus to quickly spread to multiple partners who in turn infect their partners. A pattern of serial monogamy or occasional casual encounters is associated with lower rates of infection.[47]

HIV spreads readily through heterosexual sex in Africa, but less so elsewhere. One possibility being researched is that schistosomiasis, which affects up to 50 per cent of women in parts of Africa, damages the lining of the vagina.[48][49]

Exposure to blood-borne pathogens

CDC poster from 1989 highlighting the threat of AIDS associated with drug useThis transmission route is particularly relevant to intravenous drug users, hemophiliacs and recipients of blood transfusions and blood products. Sharing and reusing syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood represents a major risk for infection with HIV. Needle sharing is the cause of one third of all new HIV-infections in North America, China, and Eastern Europe. The risk of being infected with HIV from a single prick with a needle that has been used on an HIV-infected person is thought to be about 1 in 150 (see table above). Post-exposure prophylaxis with anti-HIV drugs can further reduce this risk.[50] This route can also affect people who give and receive tattoos and piercings. Universal precautions are frequently not followed in both sub-Saharan Africa and much of Asia because of both a shortage of supplies and inadequate training. The WHO estimates that approximately 2.5% of all HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa are transmitted through unsafe healthcare injections.[51] Because of this, the United Nations General Assembly has urged the nations of the world to implement precautions to prevent HIV transmission by health workers.[52]

The risk of transmitting HIV to blood transfusion recipients is extremely low in developed countries where improved donor selection and HIV screening is performed. However, according to the WHO, the overwhelming majority of the world's population does not have access to safe blood and between 5% and 10% of the world's HIV infections come from transfusion of infected blood and blood products.[53]

Perinatal transmission
The transmission of the virus from the mother to the child can occur in utero during the last weeks of pregnancy and at childbirth. In the absence of treatment, the transmission rate between a mother and her child during pregnancy, labor and delivery is 25%. However, when the mother takes antiretroviral therapy and gives birth by caesarean section, the rate of transmission is just 1%.[54] The risk of infection is influenced by the viral load of the mother at birth, with the higher the viral load, the higher the risk. Breastfeeding also increases the risk of transmission by about 4 %.[55]

Misconceptions
Main article: HIV and AIDS misconceptions
A number of misconceptions have arisen surrounding HIV/AIDS. Three of the most common are that AIDS can spread through casual contact, that sexual intercourse with a virgin will cure AIDS, and that HIV can infect only homosexual men and drug users. Other misconceptions are that any act of anal intercourse between gay men can lead to AIDS infection, and that open discussion of homosexuality and HIV in schools will lead to increased rates of homosexuality and AIDS.[56]

Pathophysiology
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The pathophysiology of AIDS is complex, as is the case with all syndromes.[57] Ultimately, HIV causes AIDS by depleting CD4+ T helper lymphocytes. This weakens the immune system and allows opportunistic infections. T lymphocytes are essential to the immune response and without them, the body cannot fight infections or kill cancerous cells. The mechanism of CD4+ T cell depletion differs in the acute and chronic phases.[58] During the acute phase, HIV-induced cell lysis and killing of infected cells by cytotoxic T cells accounts for CD4+ T cell depletion, although apoptosis may also be a factor. During the chronic phase, the consequences of generalized immune activation coupled with the gradual loss of the ability of the immune system to generate new T cells appear to account for the slow decline in CD4+ T cell numbers.

Although the symptoms of immune deficiency characteristic of AIDS do not appear for years after a person is infected, the bulk of CD4+ T cell loss occurs during the first weeks of infection, especially in the intestinal mucosa, which harbors the majority of the lymphocytes found in the body. [59] The reason for the preferential loss of mucosal CD4+ T cells is that a majority of mucosal CD4+ T cells express the CCR5 coreceptor, whereas a small fraction of CD4+ T cells in the bloodstream do so.[60] HIV seeks out and destroys CCR5 expressing CD4+ cells during acute infection. A vigorous immune response eventually controls the infection and initiates the clinically latent phase. However, CD4+ T cells in mucosal tissues remain depleted throughout the infection, although enough remain to initially ward off life-threatening infections.

Continuous HIV replication results in a state of generalized immune activation persisting throughout the chronic phase. [61] Immune activation, which is reflected by the increased activation state of immune cells and release of proinflammatory cytokines, results from the activity of several HIV gene products and the immune response to ongoing HIV replication. Another cause is the breakdown of the immune surveillance system of the mucosal barrier caused by the depletion of mucosal CD4+ T cells during the acute phase of disease.[62] This results in the systemic exposure of the immune system to microbial components of the gut’s normal flora, which in a healthy person is kept in check by the mucosal immune system. The activation and proliferation of T cells that results from immune activation provides fresh targets for HIV infection. However, direct killing by HIV alone cannot account for the observed depletion of CD4+ T cells since only 0.01-0.10% of CD4+ T cells in the blood are infected. A major cause of CD4+ T cell loss appears to result from their heightened susceptibility to apoptosis when the immune system remains activated. Although new T cells are continuously produced by the thymus to replace the ones lost, the regenerative capacity of the thymus is slowly destroyed by direct infection of its thymocytes by HIV. Eventually, the minimal number of CD4+ T cells necessary to maintain a sufficient immune response is lost, leading to AIDS

Cells affected
The virus, entering through which ever route, acts primarily on the following cells:[63]

Lymphoreticular system:
CD4+ T-Helper cells
CD4+ Macrophages
CD4+ Monocytes
B-lymphocytes
Certain endothelial cells
Central nervous system:
Microglia of the nervous system
Astrocytes
Oligodendrocytes
Neurones - indirectly by the action of cytokines and the gp-120

The effect
The virus has cytopathic effects but how it does it is still not quite clear. It can remain inactive in these cells for long periods, though. This effect is hypothesized to be due to the CD4-gp120 interaction.[64]

The most prominent effect of the HIV virus is its T-helper cell suppression and lysis. The cell is simply killed off or deranged to the point of being function-less (they do not respond to foreign antigens). The infected B-cells can not produce enough antibodies either. Thus the immune system collapses leading to the familiar AIDS complications, like infections and neoplasms (vide supra).
Infection of the cells of the CNS cause acute aseptic meningitis, subacute encephalitis, vacuolar myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy. Later it leads to even AIDS dementia complex.
The CD4-gp120 interaction (vide supra) is also permissive to other viruses like Cytomegalovirus, Hepatitis virus, Herpes simplex virus, etc. These viruses lead to further cell damage i.e. cytopathy.

Molecular basis
For details, see:

Structure and genome of HIV
HIV replication cycle
HIV tropism

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of AIDS in a person infected with HIV is based on the presence of certain signs or symptoms. Since June 5, 1981, many definitions have been developed for epidemiological surveillance such as the Bangui definition and the 1994 expanded World Health Organization AIDS case definition. However, clinical staging of patients was not an intended use for these systems as they are neither sensitive, nor specific. In developing countries, the World Health Organization staging system for HIV infection and disease, using clinical and laboratory data, is used and in developed countries, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Classification System is used.

WHO disease staging system
Main article: WHO Disease Staging System for HIV Infection and Disease
In 1990, the World Health Organization (WHO) grouped these infections and conditions together by introducing a staging system for patients infected with HIV-1.[65] An update took place in September 2005. Most of these conditions are opportunistic infections that are easily treatable in healthy people.

Stage I: HIV infection is asymptomatic and not categorized as AIDS
Stage II: includes minor mucocutaneous manifestations and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections
Stage III: includes unexplained chronic diarrhea for longer than a month, severe bacterial infections and pulmonary tuberculosis
Stage IV: includes toxoplasmosis of the brain, candidiasis of the esophagus, trachea, bronchi or lungs and Kaposi's sarcoma; these diseases are indicators of AIDS.

CDC classification system
Main article: CDC Classification System for HIV Infection
There are two main definitions for AIDS, both produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The older definition is to referring to AIDS using the diseases that were associated with it, for example, lymphadenopathy, the disease after which the discoverers of HIV originally named the virus.[66][67] In 1993, the CDC expanded their definition of AIDS to include all HIV positive people with a CD4+ T cell count below 200 per µL of blood or 14% of all lymphocytes.[68] The majority of new AIDS cases in developed countries use either this definition or the pre-1993 CDC definition. The AIDS diagnosis still stands even if, after treatment, the CD4+ T cell count rises to above 200 per µL of blood or other AIDS-defining illnesses are cured.

HIV test
Main article: HIV test
Many people are unaware that they are infected with HIV.[69] Less than 1% of the sexually active urban population in Africa has been tested, and this proportion is even lower in rural populations. Furthermore, only 0.5% of pregnant women attending urban health facilities are counseled, tested or receive their test results. Again, this proportion is even lower in rural health facilities.[69] Therefore, donor blood and blood products used in medicine and medical research are screened for HIV.

HIV tests are usually performed on venous blood. Many laboratories use fourth generation screening tests which detect anti-HIV antibody (IgG and IgM) and the HIV p24 antigen. The detection of HIV antibody or antigen in a patient previously known to be negative is evidence of HIV infection. Individuals whose first specimen indicates evidence of HIV infection will have a repeat test on a second blood sample to confirm the results. The window period (the time between initial infection and the development of detectable antibodies against the infection) can vary since it can take 3–6 months to seroconvert and to test positive. Detection of the virus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during the window period is possible, and evidence suggests that an infection may often be detected earlier than when using a fourth generation EIA screening test. Positive results obtained by PCR are confirmed by antibody tests.[70] Routinely used HIV tests for infection in neonates, born to HIV-positive mothers, have no value because of the presence of maternal antibody to HIV in the child's blood. HIV infection can only be diagnosed by PCR, testing for HIV pro-viral DNA in the children's lymphocytes.[71]

Prevention
Estimated per act risk for acquisition
of HIV by exposure route[72] Exposure Route Estimated infections
per 10,000 exposures
to an infected source
Blood Transfusion 9,000[73]
Childbirth 2,500[54]
Needle-sharing injection drug use 67[74]
Percutaneous needle stick 30[75]
Receptive anal intercourse* 50[76][77]
Insertive anal intercourse* 6.5[76][77]
Receptive penile-vaginal intercourse* 10[76][77][78]
Insertive penile-vaginal intercourse* 5[76][77]
Receptive oral intercourse*§ 1[77]
Insertive oral intercourse*§ 0.5[77]
* assuming no condom use
§ source refers to oral intercourse
performed on a man
The three main transmission routes of HIV are sexual contact, exposure to infected body fluids or tissues, and from mother to fetus or child during perinatal period. It is possible to find HIV in the saliva, tears, and urine of infected individuals, but there are no recorded cases of infection by these secretions, and the risk of infection is negligible.[79]

Sexual contact
The majority of HIV infections are acquired through unprotected sexual relations between partners, one of whom has HIV. The primary mode of HIV infection worldwide is through sexual contact between members of the opposite sex.[80][81][82] During a sexual act, only male or female condoms can reduce the chances of infection with HIV and other STDs and the chances of becoming pregnant. The best evidence to date indicates that typical condom use reduces the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission by approximately 80% over the long-term, though the benefit is likely to be higher if condoms are used correctly on every occasion.[83] The male latex condom, if used correctly without oil-based lubricants, is the single most effective available technology to reduce the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Manufacturers recommend that oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly, butter, and lard not be used with latex condoms, because they dissolve the latex, making the condoms porous. If necessary, manufacturers recommend using water-based lubricants. Oil-based lubricants can however be used with polyurethane condoms.[84]

The female condom is an alternative to the male condom and is made from polyurethane, which allows it to be used in the presence of oil-based lubricants. They are larger than male condoms and have a stiffened ring-shaped opening, and are designed to be inserted into the vagina. The female condom contains an inner ring, which keeps the condom in place inside the vagina – inserting the female condom requires squeezing this ring. However, at present availability of female condoms is very low and the price remains prohibitive for many women. Preliminary studies suggest that, where female condoms are available, overall protected sexual acts increase relative to unprotected sexual acts, making them an important HIV prevention strategy.[85]

Studies on couples where one partner is infected show that with consistent condom use, HIV infection rates for the uninfected partner are below 1% per year.[86] Prevention strategies are well-known in developed countries, however, recent epidemiological and behavioral studies in Europe and North America have suggested that a substantial minority of young people continue to engage in high-risk practices and that despite HIV/AIDS knowledge, young people underestimate their own risk of becoming infected with HIV.[87]

Randomized controlled trials have shown that male circumcision lowers the risk of HIV infection among heterosexual men by up to 60%.[88] It is expected that this procedure will be actively promoted in many of the countries affected by HIV, although doing so will involve confronting a number of practical, cultural and attitudinal issues. Some experts fear that a lower perception of vulnerability among circumcised men may result in more sexual risk-taking behavior, thus negating its preventive effects.[89]

Exposure to infected body fluids
Health care workers can reduce exposure to HIV by employing precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to contaminated blood. These precautions include barriers such as gloves, masks, protective eyeware or shields, and gowns or aprons which prevent exposure of the skin or mucous membranes to blood borne pathogens. Frequent and thorough washing of the skin immediately after being contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids can reduce the chance of infection. Finally, sharp objects like needles, scalpels and glass, are carefully disposed of to prevent needlestick injuries with contaminated items.[90] Since intravenous drug use is an important factor in HIV transmission in developed countries, harm reduction strategies such as needle-exchange programmes are used in attempts to reduce the infections caused by drug abuse.[91][92]

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT)
Current recommendations state that when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, HIV-infected mothers should avoid breast-feeding their infant. However, if this is not the case, exclusive breast-feeding is recommended during the first months of life and discontinued as soon as possible.[93]

Treatment
See also HIV Treatment and Antiretroviral drug.

Abacavir – a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NARTI or NRTI)
The chemical structure of AbacavirThere is currently no vaccine or cure for HIV or AIDS. The only known methods of prevention are based on avoiding exposure to the virus or, failing that, an antiretroviral treatment directly after a highly significant exposure, called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).[94] PEP has a very demanding four week schedule of dosage. It also has very unpleasant side effects including diarrhea, malaise, nausea and fatigue.[95]

Antiviral therapy
Current treatment for HIV infection consists of highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART.[96] This has been highly beneficial to many HIV-infected individuals since its introduction in 1996 when the protease inhibitor-based HAART initially became available.[9] Current optimal HAART options consist of combinations (or "cocktails") consisting of at least three drugs belonging to at least two types, or "classes," of antiretroviral agents. Typical regimens consist of two nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NARTIs or NRTIs) plus either a protease inhibitor or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Because HIV disease progression in children is more rapid than in adults, and laboratory parameters are less predictive of risk for disease progression, particularly for young infants, treatment recommendations are more aggressive for children than for adults.[97] In developed countries where HAART is available, doctors assess the viral load, rapidity in CD4 decline, and patient readiness while deciding when to recommend initiating treatment.[98]

HAART allows the stabilization of the patient’s symptoms and viremia, but it neither cures the patient of HIV, nor alleviates the symptoms, and high levels of HIV-1, often HAART resistant, return once treatment is stopped.[99][100] Moreover, it would take more than the lifetime of an individual to be cleared of HIV infection using HAART.[101] Despite this, many HIV-infected individuals have experienced remarkable improvements in their general health and quality of life, which has led to the plummeting of HIV-associated morbidity and mortality.[102][103][104] In the absence of HAART, progression from HIV infection to AIDS occurs at a median of between nine to ten years and the median survival time after developing AIDS is only 9.2 months.[31] HAART is thought to increase survival time by between 4 and 12 years.[105][106]

For some patients, which can be more than fifty percent of patients, HAART achieves far less than optimal results, due to medication intolerance/side effects, prior ineffective antiretroviral therapy and infection with a drug-resistant strain of HIV. Non-adherence and non-persistence with therapy are the major reasons why some people do not benefit from HAART.[107] The reasons for non-adherence and non-persistence are varied. Major psychosocial issues include poor access to medical care, inadequate social supports, psychiatric disease and drug abuse. HAART regimens can also be complex and thus hard to follow, with large numbers of pills taken frequently.[108][109][110] Side effects can also deter people from persisting with HAART, these include lipodystrophy, dyslipidaemia, diarrhoea, insulin resistance, an increase in cardiovascular risks and birth defects.[111] Anti-retroviral drugs are expensive, and the majority of the world's infected individuals do not have access to medications and treatments for HIV and AIDS.

Future research
It has been postulated that only a vaccine can halt the pandemic because a vaccine would possibly cost less, thus being affordable for developing countries, and would not require daily treatments. However, even after almost 30 years of research, HIV-1 remains a difficult target for a vaccine.[112]

Research to improve current treatments includes decreasing side effects of current drugs, further simplifying drug regimens to improve adherence, and determining the best sequence of regimens to manage drug resistance. A number of studies have shown that measures to prevent opportunistic infections can be beneficial when treating patients with HIV infection or AIDS. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is advised for patients who are not infected with these viruses and are at risk of becoming infected.[113] Patients with substantial immunosuppression are also advised to receive prophylactic therapy for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP), and many patients may benefit from prophylactic therapy for toxoplasmosis and Cryptococcus meningitis as well.[95]

Researchers have discovered an abzyme that can destroy the protein gp120 CD4 binding site. This protein is common to all HIV variants as it is the attachment point for B lymphocytes and subsequent compromising of the immune system.[114]

Alternative medicine
Various forms of alternative medicine have been used to treat symptoms or alter the course of the disease.[115] Acupuncture has been used to alleviate some symptoms, such peripheral neuropathy, but cannot cure the HIV infection.[116] Several randomized clinical trials testing the effect of herbal medicines have shown that there is no evidence that these herbs have any effect on the progression of the disease, but may instead produce serious side-effects.[117]

Some data suggest that multivitamin and mineral supplements might reduce HIV disease progression in adults, although there is no conclusive evidence on if they reduce mortality among people with good nutritional status.[118] Vitamin A supplementation in children probably has some benefit.[118] Daily doses of selenium can suppress HIV viral burden with an associated improvement of the CD4 count. Selenium can be used as an adjunct therapy to standard antiviral treatments, but cannot itself reduce mortality and morbidity.[119]

Current studies indicate that that alternative medicine therapies have little effect on the mortality or morbidity of the disease, but may improve the quality of life of individuals afflicted with AIDS. The psychological benefits of these therapies are the most important use.[115]

Prognosis
Without treatment, the net median survival time after infection with HIV is estimated to be 9 to 11 years, depending on the HIV subtype,[5] and the median survival rate after diagnosis of AIDS in resource-limited settings where treatment is not available ranges between 6 and 19 months, depending on the study.[120] In areas where it is widely available, the development of HAART as effective therapy for HIV infection and AIDS reduced the death rate from this disease by 80%, and raised the life expectancy for a newly diagnosed HIV-infected person to about 20 years.[121]

As new treatments continue to be developed and because HIV continues to evolve resistance to treatments, estimates of survival time are likely to continue to change. Without antiretroviral therapy, death normally occurs within a year.[31] Most patients die from opportunistic infections or malignancies associated with the progressive failure of the immune system.[122] The rate of clinical disease progression varies widely between individuals and has been shown to be affected by many factors such as host susceptibility and immune function[32][33][36] health care and co-infections,[31][122] as well as which particular strain of the virus is involved.[38][123][124]

Epidemiology
Main article: AIDS pandemic

Estimated prevalence of HIV among young adults (15-49) per country at the end of 2005The AIDS pandemic can also be seen as several epidemics of separate subtypes; the major factors in its spread are sexual transmission and vertical transmission from mother to child at birth and through breast milk.[4] Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS pandemic claimed an estimated 2.1 million (range 1.9–2.4 million) lives in 2007 of which an estimated 330,000 were children under 15 years.[5] Globally, an estimated 33.2 million people lived with HIV in 2007, including 2.5 million children. An estimated 2.5 million (range 1.8–4.1 million) people were newly infected in 2007, including 420,000 children.[5]

Sub-Saharan Africa remains by far the worst affected region. In 2007 it contained an estimated 68% of all people living with AIDS and 76% of all AIDS deaths, with 1.7 million new infections bringing the number of people living with HIV to 22.5 million, and with 11.4 million AIDS orphans living in the region. Unlike other regions, most people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa in 2007 (61%) were women. Adult prevalence in 2007 was an estimated 5.0%, and AIDS continued to be the single largest cause of mortality in this region.[5] South Africa has the largest population of HIV patients in the world, followed by Nigeria and India.[125] South & South East Asia are second worst affected; in 2007 this region contained an estimated 18% of all people living with AIDS, and an estimated 300,000 deaths from AIDS.[5] India has an estimated 2.5 million infections and an estimated adult prevalence of 0.36%.[5] Life expectancy has fallen dramatically in the worst-affected countries; for example, in 2006 it was estimated that it had dropped from 65 to 35 years in Botswana.[4]

History
Main article: AIDS origin
AIDS was first reported June 5, 1981, when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded a cluster of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (now still classified as PCP but known to be caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii) in five homosexual men in Los Angeles.[126] In the beginning, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did not have an official name for the disease, often referring to it by way of the diseases that were associated with it, for example, lymphadenopathy, the disease after which the discoverers of HIV originally named the virus.[66][67] They also used Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections, the name by which a task force had been set up in 1981.[127] In the general press, the term GRID, which stood for Gay-related immune deficiency, had been coined.[128] The CDC, in search of a name, and looking at the infected communities coined “the 4H disease,” as it seemed to single out Haitians, homosexuals, hemophiliacs, and heroin users.[129] However, after determining that AIDS was not isolated to the homosexual community,[127] the term GRID became misleading and AIDS was introduced at a meeting in July 1982.[130] By September 1982 the CDC started using the name AIDS, and properly defined the illness.[131]

A more controversial theory known as the OPV AIDS hypothesis suggests that the AIDS epidemic was inadvertently started in the late 1950s in the Belgian Congo by Hilary Koprowski's research into a poliomyelitis vaccine.[132][133] According to scientific consensus, this scenario is not supported by the available evidence.[134][135][136]

A recent study states that HIV probably moved from Africa to Haiti and then entered the United States around 1969.[137]

Also see AIDS origins opposed to scientific consensus

Society and culture

Stigma

Ryan White became a poster child for HIV after being expelled from school because of his infection.AIDS stigma exists around the world in a variety of ways, including ostracism, rejection, discrimination and avoidance of HIV infected people; compulsory HIV testing without prior consent or protection of confidentiality; violence against HIV infected individuals or people who are perceived to be infected with HIV; and the quarantine of HIV infected individuals.[138] Stigma-related violence or the fear of violence prevents many people from seeking HIV testing, returning for their results, or securing treatment, possibly turning what could be a manageable chronic illness into a death sentence and perpetuating the spread of HIV.[139]

AIDS stigma has been further divided into the following three categories:

Instrumental AIDS stigma—a reflection of the fear and apprehension that are likely to be associated with any deadly and transmissible illness.[140]
Symbolic AIDS stigma—the use of HIV/AIDS to express attitudes toward the social groups or lifestyles perceived to be associated with the disease.[140]
Courtesy AIDS stigma—stigmatization of people connected to the issue of HIV/AIDS or HIV- positive people.[141]
Often, AIDS stigma is expressed in conjunction with one or more other stigmas, particularly those associated with homosexuality, bisexuality, promiscuity, and intravenous drug use.

In many developed countries, there is an association between AIDS and homosexuality or bisexuality, and this association is correlated with higher levels of sexual prejudice such as anti-homosexual attitudes.[142] There is also a perceived association between AIDS and all male-male sexual behavior, including sex between uninfected men.[140]

Economic impact
Main article: Economic impact of AIDS

Changes in life expectancy in some hard-hit African countries.
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Kenya
South Africa
UgandaHIV and AIDS affects economic growth by reducing the availability of human capital.[6] Without proper nutrition, health care and medicine that is available in developed countries, large numbers of people are falling victim to AIDS. They will not only be unable to work, but will also require significant medical care. The forecast is that this will likely cause a collapse of economies and societies in countries with a significant AIDS population. In some heavily infected areas, the epidemic has left behind many orphans cared for by elderly grandparents.[143]

The increased mortality in this region will result in a smaller skilled population and labor force. This smaller labor force will be predominantly young people, with reduced knowledge and work experience leading to reduced productivity. An increase in workers’ time off to look after sick family members or for sick leave will also lower productivity. Increased mortality will also weaken the mechanisms that generate human capital and investment in people, through loss of income and the death of parents. By killing off mainly young adults, AIDS seriously weakens the taxable population, reducing the resources available for public expenditures such as education and health services not related to AIDS resulting in increasing pressure for the state's finances and slower growth of the economy. This results in a slower growth of the tax base, an effect that will be reinforced if there are growing expenditures on treating the sick, training (to replace sick workers), sick pay and caring for AIDS orphans. This is especially true if the sharp increase in adult mortality shifts the responsibility and blame from the family to the government in caring for these orphans.[143]

On the level of the household, AIDS results in both the loss of income and increased spending on healthcare by the household. The income effects of this lead to spending reduction as well as a substitution effect away from education and towards healthcare and funeral spending. A study in Côte d'Ivoire showed that households with an HIV/AIDS patient spent twice as much on medical expenses as other households.[144]

AIDS denialism
Main article: AIDS denialism
A small group of activists, including several scientists who do not study HIV/AIDS, question the connection between HIV and AIDS,[145] the existence of HIV itself,[146] or the validity of current testing and treatment methods. Though these claims have been examined and thoroughly rejected by the scientific community,[147] they continue to be promulgated through the Internet[148] and have had a significant political impact, particularly in South Africa, where former President Thabo Mbeki's embrace of AIDS denialism has been blamed for an ineffective response to that country's AIDS epidemic.[

Tuberculosis

2008-11-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or Tuberculosis) is a common and often deadly infectious disease caused by mycobacteria, mainly Mycobacterium tuberculosis [1]. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs (as pulmonary TB) but can also affect the central nervous system, the lymphatic system, the circulatory system, the genitourinary system, the gastrointestinal system, bones, joints, and even the skin. Other mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium africanum, Mycobacterium canetti, and Mycobacterium microti also cause tuberculosis, but these species are less common.

The typical symptoms of tuberculosis are a chronic cough with blood-tinged sputum, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Infection of other organs causes a wide range of symptoms. The diagnosis relies on radiology (commonly chest X-rays), a tuberculin skin test, blood tests, as well as microscopic examination and microbiological culture of bodily fluids. Tuberculosis treatment is difficult and requires long courses of multiple antibiotics. Contacts are also screened and treated if necessary. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in (extensively) multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. Prevention relies on screening programs and vaccination, usually with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG vaccine).

Tuberculosis is spread through the air, when people who have the disease cough, sneeze, or spit. One third of the world's current population have been infected with M. tuberculosis, and new infections occur at a rate of one per second.[2] However, most of these cases will not develop the full-blown disease; asymptomatic, latent infection is most common. About one in ten of these latent infections will eventually progress to active disease, which, if left untreated, kills more than half of its victims. In 2004, mortality and morbidity statistics included 14.6 million chronic active cases, 8.9 million new cases, and 1.6 million deaths, mostly in developing countries.[2] In addition, a rising number of people in the developed world are contracting tuberculosis because their immune systems are compromised by immunosuppressive drugs, substance abuse, or AIDS. The distribution of tuberculosis is not uniform across the globe with about 80% of the population in many Asian and African countries testing positive in tuberculin tests, while only 5-10% of the US population testing positive.[1] It is estimated that the US has 25,000 new cases of tuberculosis each year, 40% of which occur in immigrants from countries where tuberculosis is endemic.[1]

Contents
1 Other names
2 Symptoms
3 Bacterial species
3.1 Evolution
4 Transmission
5 Pathogenesis
6 Diagnosis
7 Progression
8 Treatment
9 Prevention
9.1 Vaccines
10 Epidemiology
11 History
11.1 Folklore
11.2 Study and treatment
12 Infection of other animals
13 See also
14 References
14.1 Notes
14.2 Further reading
15 External links

[ Other names
In the past, tuberculosis has been called consumption, because it seemed to consume people from within, with a bloody cough, fever, pallor, and long relentless wasting. Other names included phthisis (Greek for consumption) and phthisis pulmonalis; scrofula (in adults), affecting the lymphatic system and resulting in swollen neck glands; tabes mesenterica, TB of the abdomen and lupus vulgaris, TB of the skin; wasting disease; white plague, because sufferers appear markedly pale; king's evil, because it was believed that a king's touch would heal scrofula; and Pott's disease, or gibbus of the spine and joints.[3][4] Miliary tuberculosis—now commonly known as disseminated TB—occurs when the infection invades the circulatory system resulting in lesions which have the appearance of millet seeds on X-ray.[3][5] TB is also called Koch's disease after the scientist Robert Koch.[6]

Symptoms
Further information: Tuberculosis classification
When the disease becomes active, 75% of the cases are pulmonary TB. Symptoms include chest pain, coughing up blood, and a productive, prolonged cough for more than three weeks. Systemic symptoms include fever, chills, night sweats, appetite loss, weight loss, pallor, and often a tendency to fatigue very easily.[2]

In the other 25% of active cases, the infection moves from the lungs, causing other kinds of TB, collectively denoted extrapulmonary tuberculosis[7]. This occurs more commonly in immunosuppressed persons and young children. Extrapulmonary infection sites include the pleura in tuberculosis pleurisy, the central nervous system in meningitis, the lymphatic system in scrofula of the neck, the genitourinary system in urogenital tuberculosis, and bones and joints in Pott's disease of the spine. An especially serious form is disseminated TB, more commonly known as miliary tuberculosis. Although extrapulmonary TB is not contagious, it may co-exist with pulmonary TB, which is contagious.[8]

Bacterial species
Main article: Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Scanning electron micrograph of Mycobacterium tuberculosisThe primary cause of TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is an aerobic bacterium that divides every 16 to 20 hours, an extremely slow rate compared with other bacteria, which usually divide in less than an hour.[9] (For example, one of the fastest-growing bacteria is a strain of E. coli that can divide roughly every 20 minutes.) Since MTB has a cell wall but lacks a phospholipid outer membrane, it is classified as a Gram-positive bacterium. However, if a Gram stain is performed, MTB either stains very weakly Gram-positive or does not retain dye due to the high lipid & mycolic acid content of its cell wall.[10] MTB is a small rod-like bacillus that can withstand weak disinfectants and survive in a dry state for weeks. In nature, the bacterium can grow only within the cells of a host organism, but M. tuberculosis can be cultured in vitro.[11]

Using histological stains on expectorate samples from phlegm (also called sputum), scientists can identify MTB under a regular microscope. Since MTB retains certain stains after being treated with acidic solution, it is classified as an acid-fast bacillus (AFB).[1][10] The most common acid-fast staining technique, the Ziehl-Neelsen stain, dyes AFBs a bright red that stands out clearly against a blue background. Other ways to visualize AFBs include an auramine-rhodamine stain and fluorescent microscopy.

The M. tuberculosis complex includes three other TB-causing mycobacteria: M. bovis, M. africanum and M. microti. M. africanum is not widespread, but in parts of Africa it is a significant cause of tuberculosis.[12][13] M. bovis was once a common cause of tuberculosis, but the introduction of pasteurized milk has largely eliminated this as a public health problem in developed countries.[1][14] M. microti is mostly seen in immunodeficient people, although it is possible that the prevalence of this pathogen has been underestimated.[15]

Other known pathogenic mycobacteria include Mycobacterium leprae, Mycobacterium avium and M. kansasii. The last two are part of the nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) group. Nontuberculous mycobacteria cause neither TB nor leprosy, but they do cause pulmonary diseases resembling TB.[16]

Phylogenetic tree of the genus Mycobacterium.
[edit] Evolution
Tuberculosis has co-evolved with humans for many thousands of years, and perhaps as much as several million years,[17] but the oldest human remains are 9,000 years old.[18] During this evolution, M. tuberculosis has lost numerous coding and non-coding regions in its genome, losses that can be used to distinguish between strains of the bacteria. The implication is that M. tuberculosis strains differ geographically, so their genetic differences can be used to track the origins and movement of each strain.[19]

Transmission
Further information: Transmission (medicine)
When people suffering from active pulmonary TB cough, sneeze, speak, or spit, they expel infectious aerosol droplets 0.5 to 5 µm in diameter. A single sneeze can release up to 40,000 droplets.[20] Each one of these droplets may transmit the disease, since the infectious dose of tuberculosis is very low and the inhalation of just a single bacterium can cause a new infection.[21]

People with prolonged, frequent, or intense contact are at particularly high risk of becoming infected, with an estimated 22% infection rate. A person with active but untreated tuberculosis can infect 10–15 other people per year.[2] Others at risk include people in areas where TB is common, people who inject drugs using unsanitary needles, residents and employees of high-risk congregate settings, medically under-served and low-income populations, high-risk racial or ethnic minority populations, children exposed to adults in high-risk categories, patients immunocompromised by conditions such as HIV/AIDS, people who take immunosuppressant drugs, and health care workers serving these high-risk clients.[22]

Transmission can only occur from people with active — not latent — TB [1]. The probability of transmission from one person to another depends upon the number of infectious droplets expelled by a carrier, the effectiveness of ventilation, the duration of exposure, and the virulence of the M. tuberculosis strain.[8] The chain of transmission can, therefore, be broken by isolating patients with active disease and starting effective anti-tuberculous therapy. After two weeks of such treatment, people with non-resistant active TB generally cease to be contagious. If someone does become infected, then it will take at least 21 days, or three to four weeks, before the newly infected person can transmit the disease to others.[23] TB can also be transmitted by eating meat infected with TB. Mycobacterium bovis causes TB in cattle. (See details below.)

Pathogenesis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (stained red) in sputumAbout 90% of those infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis have asymptomatic, latent TB infection (sometimes called LTBI), with only a 10% lifetime chance that a latent infection will progress to TB disease.[1] However, if untreated, the death rate for these active TB cases is more than 50%.[24]

TB infection begins when the mycobacteria reach the pulmonary alveoli, where they invade and replicate within the endosomes of alveolar macrophages.[1][25] The primary site of infection in the lungs is called the Ghon focus, and is generally located in either the upper part of the lower lobe, or the lower part of the upper lobe[1]. Bacteria are picked up by dendritic cells, which do not allow replication, although these cells can transport the bacilli to local (mediastinal) lymph nodes. Further spread is through the bloodstream to other tissues and organs where secondary TB lesions can develop in other parts of the lung (particularly the apex of the upper lobes), peripheral lymph nodes, kidneys, brain, and bone.[1][26] All parts of the body can be affected by the disease, though it rarely affects the heart, skeletal muscles, pancreas and thyroid.[27]

Tuberculosis is classified as one of the granulomatous inflammatory conditions. Macrophages, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and fibroblasts are among the cells that aggregate to form a granuloma, with lymphocytes surrounding the infected macrophages. The granuloma functions not only to prevent dissemination of the mycobacteria, but also provides a local environment for communication of cells of the immune system. Within the granuloma, T lymphocytes (CD4+) secrete cytokines such as interferon gamma, which activates macrophages to destroy the bacteria with which they are infected.[28] T lymphocytes (CD8+) can also directly kill infected cells.[25]

Importantly, bacteria are not always eliminated within the granuloma, but can become dormant, resulting in a latent infection.[1] Another feature of the granulomas of human tuberculosis is the development of cell death, also called necrosis, in the center of tubercles. To the naked eye this has the texture of soft white cheese and was termed caseous necrosis.[29]

If TB bacteria gain entry to the bloodstream from an area of damaged tissue they spread through the body and set up many foci of infection, all appearing as tiny white tubercles in the tissues. This severe form of TB disease is most common in infants and the elderly and is called miliary tuberculosis. Patients with this disseminated TB have a fatality rate of approximately 20%, even with intensive treatment.[30]

In many patients the infection waxes and wanes. Tissue destruction and necrosis are balanced by healing and fibrosis.[29] Affected tissue is replaced by scarring and cavities filled with cheese-like white necrotic material. During active disease, some of these cavities are joined to the air passages bronchi and this material can be coughed up. It contains living bacteria and can therefore pass on infection. Treatment with appropriate antibiotics kills bacteria and allows healing to take place. Upon cure, affected areas are eventually replaced by scar tissue.[29]

Diagnosis
For more details on this topic, see Tuberculosis diagnosis.

Mantoux tuberculin skin testTuberculosis is diagnosed definitively by identifying the causative organism (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in a clinical sample (for example, sputum or pus). When this is not possible, a probable diagnosis may be made using imaging (X-rays or scans) and/or a tuberculin skin test.

The main problem with tuberculosis diagnosis is the difficulty in culturing this slow-growing organism in the laboratory (it may take 4 to 12 weeks for blood or sputum culture). A complete medical evaluation for TB must include a medical history, a physical examination, a chest X-ray, microbiological smears and cultures. It may also include a tuberculin skin test, a serological test. The interpretation of the tuberculin skin test depends upon the person's risk factors for infection and progression to TB disease, such as exposure to other cases of TB or immunosuppression.[8]

Currently, latent infection is diagnosed in a non-immunized person by a tuberculin skin test, which yields a delayed hypersensitivity type response to an extract made from M. tuberculosis.[1] Those immunized for TB or with past-cleared infection will respond with delayed hypersensitivity parallel to those currently in a state of infection, so the test must be used with caution, particularly with regard to persons from countries where TB immunization is common.[31] Tuberculin tests have the disadvantage in that they may produce false negatives, especially when the patient is co-morbid with sarcoidosis, Hodgkins lymphoma, malnutrition, or most notably active tuberculosis disease.[1] New TB tests are being developed that offer the hope of cheap, fast and more accurate TB testing. These use polymerase chain reaction detection of bacterial DNA and antibody assays to detect the release of interferon gamma in response to mycobacteria.[32] These tests are not affected by immunization, so generate fewer false positive results.[33] The development of a rapid and inexpensive diagnosis would be particularly valuable in the developing world.

Progression
Progression from TB infection to TB disease occurs when the TB bacilli overcome the immune system defenses and begin to multiply. In primary TB disease—1–5% of cases—this occurs soon after infection.[1] However, in the majority of cases, a latent infection occurs that has no obvious symptoms[1]. These dormant bacilli can produce tuberculosis in 2–23% of these latent cases, often many years after infection.[34] The risk of reactivation increases with immunosuppression, such as that caused by infection with HIV. In patients co-infected with M. tuberculosis and HIV, the risk of reactivation increases to 10% per year.[1][24]

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of contracting tuberculosis,[35] and they have a poorer response to treatment, possibly due to poorer drug absorption[36]

Other conditions that increase risk include IV drug abuse; recent TB infection or a history of inadequately treated TB; chest X-ray suggestive of previous TB, showing fibrotic lesions and nodules; silicosis; prolonged corticosteroid therapy and other immunosuppressive therapy; head and neck cancers; hematologic and reticuloendothelial diseases, such as leukemia and Hodgkin's disease; end-stage kidney disease; intestinal bypass or gastrectomy; chronic malabsorption syndromes; vitamin D deficiency;[37] and low body weight.[1][8]

Twin studies in the 1940s showed that susceptibility to TB was heritable. If one of a pair of twins got TB, then and the other was more likely to get TB if he was identical than if he was not.[38] Since then, specific gene polymorphisms in IL12B have been linked to tuberculosis susceptibility.[39]

Some drugs, including rheumatoid arthritis drugs that work by blocking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (an inflammation-causing cytokine), raise the risk of activating a latent infection due to the importance of this cytokine in the immune defense against TB.[40]

Treatment
For more details on this topic, see Tuberculosis treatment.
Treatment for TB uses antibiotics to kill the bacteria. The two antibiotics most commonly used are rifampicin and isoniazid. However, instead of the short course of antibiotics typically used to cure other bacterial infections, TB requires much longer periods of treatment (around 6 to 12 months) to entirely eliminate mycobacteria from the body.[8] Latent TB treatment usually uses a single antibiotic, while active TB disease is best treated with combinations of several antibiotics, to reduce the risk of the bacteria developing antibiotic resistance.[41] People with latent infections are treated to prevent them from progressing to active TB disease later in life. However, treatment using Rifampin and Pyrazinamide is not risk-free. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notified healthcare professionals of revised recommendations against the use of rifampin plus pyrazinamide for treatment of latent tuberculosis infection, due to high rates of hospitalization and death from liver injury associated with the combined use of these drugs.[

Drug resistant tuberculosis is transmitted in the same way as regular TB. Primary resistance occurs in persons who are infected with a resistant strain of TB. A patient with fully-susceptible TB develops secondary resistance (acquired resistance) during TB therapy because of inadequate treatment, not taking the prescribed regimen appropriately, or using low quality medication.[41] Drug-resistant TB is a public health issue in many developing countries, as treatment is longer and requires more expensive drugs. Multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) is defined as resistance to the two most effective first line TB drugs: rifampicin and isoniazid. Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) is also resistant to three or more of the six classes of second-line drugs.[43]

Prevention
TB prevention and control takes two parallel approaches. In the first, people with TB and their contacts are identified and then treated. Identification of infections often involves testing high-risk groups for TB. In the second approach, children are vaccinated to protect them from TB. Unfortunately, no vaccine is available that provides reliable protection for adults. However, in tropical areas where the levels of other species of mycobacteria are high, exposure to nontuberculous mycobacteria gives some protection against TB.[44]

The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) declared TB a global health emergency in 1993, and the Stop TB Partnership developed a Global Plan to Stop Tuberculosis that aims to save 14 million lives between 2006 and 2015.[45] Since humans are the only host of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, eradication would be possible: a goal that would be helped greatly by an effective vaccine.[46]

Vaccines
Many countries use Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine as part of their TB control programs, especially for infants. According to the W.H.O., this is the most often used vaccine worldwide, with 85% of infants in 172 countries immunized in 1993.[47] This was the first vaccine for TB and developed at the Pasteur Institute in France between 1905 and 1921.[48] However, mass vaccination with BCG did not start until after World War II.[49] The protective efficacy of BCG for preventing serious forms of TB (e.g. meningitis) in children is greater than 80%; its protective efficacy for preventing pulmonary TB in adolescents and adults is variable, ranging from 0 to 80%.[50]

In South Africa, the country with the highest prevalence of TB, BCG is given to all children under age three.[51] However, BCG is less effective in areas where mycobacteria are less prevalent; therefore BCG is not given to the entire population in these countries. In the USA, for example, BCG vaccine is not recommended except for people who meet specific criteria:[8]

Infants or children with negative skin test results who are continually exposed to untreated or ineffectively treated patients or will be continually exposed to multidrug-resistant TB.
Healthcare workers considered on an individual basis in settings in which a high percentage of MDR-TB patients has been found, transmission of MDR-TB is likely, and TB control precautions have been implemented and were not successful.
BCG provides some protection against severe forms of pediatric TB, but has been shown to be unreliable against adult pulmonary TB, which accounts for most of the disease burden worldwide. Currently, there are more cases of TB on the planet than at any other time in history and most agree there is an urgent need for a newer, more effective vaccine that would prevent all forms of TB—including drug resistant strains—in all age groups and among people with HIV.[52]

Several new vaccines to prevent TB infection are being developed. The first recombinant tuberculosis vaccine entered clinical trials in the United States in 2004, sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).[53] A 2005 study showed that a DNA TB vaccine given with conventional chemotherapy can accelerate the disappearance of bacteria as well as protect against re-infection in mice; it may take four to five years to be available in humans.[54] A very promising TB vaccine, MVA85A, is currently in phase II trials in South Africa by a group led by Oxford University,[55] and is based on a genetically modified vaccinia virus. Many other strategies are also being used to develop novel vaccines. In order to encourage further discovery, researchers and policymakers are promoting new economic models of vaccine development including prizes, tax incentives and advance market commitments.[56][57]

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been a strong supporter of new TB vaccine development. Most recently, they announced a $200 million grant to the Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation for clinical trials on up to six different TB vaccine candidates currently in the pipeline.[58]

Epidemiology

Annual number of new reported TB cases. Data from WHO.[59]
World TB incidence. Cases per 100,000; Red => 300, orange = 200–300, yellow = 100–200, green = 50–100, blue =< grey =" n/a.">

Skin care: Top 5 habits for healthy skin

2008-11-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

Proactive skin care, from skin protection to proper shaving technique, will help you keep your skin youthful and healthy.
Your busy lifestyle leaves little time for pampering skin care. The result: Your skin isn't the baby-soft body glove you were born with. As you age, your skin gradually becomes thinner and finely wrinkled. Oil-producing (sebaceous) glands grow less active, leaving your skin drier. The number of blood vessels in your skin decreases, your skin becomes more fragile, and you lose your youthful color and glow.

Good skin care — such as avoiding the sun, washing your skin gently and applying moisturizer regularly — can help delay the natural aging process and prevent many skin problems. These simple skin-care habits will help you protect your skin to keep it healthy and glowing for years to come.

1. Protect yourself from the sun
The most important way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. Ultraviolet light — the invisible but intense rays from the sun — damages your skin, causing deep wrinkles, dry, rough skin, liver spots, and more serious disorders, such as noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) skin tumors. In fact, most of the changes seen in aging skin are actually caused by a lifetime of sun exposure.

For the most complete sun protection, use all three of these methods:

Avoid the sun during high-intensity hours. The sun's rays are most damaging from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reduce the time you spend outdoors during these hours.
Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also, keep in mind that certain clothing styles and fabrics offer better protection from the sun than do others. For example, long-sleeved shirts offer better protection than short-sleeved shirts do. And tightly woven fabrics such as denim are better than are loosely woven fabrics such as knits. Several companies now make sun protective clothing (SPF clothing), which is specifically designed to block out ultraviolet rays while keeping you cool and comfortable.
Use sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 15. Apply liberally 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Sunscreen: Answers to your burning questions
Sunburn
Age spots (liver spots)

2. Don't smoke
Smoking accelerates aging of your skin and increases wrinkles. Skin changes from smoking can appear in young adults after 10 years of smoking.

Smoking causes narrowing of the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin. This decreases blood flow, depleting the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health. All of these factors increase damage to the elastic fibers (elastin) and collagen, which give your skin strength and elasticity.

In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles. It's also possible that repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes may damage your facial skin over time.

3. Wash your skin gently
Cleansing is an essential part of caring for your skin. The key is to treat your skin gently.

Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time to about 15 minutes or less, and use warm, rather than hot, water.
Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps — those most capable of stripping oil from your skin — can leave your skin dry. Instead, choose mild soaps or detergent substitutes with added oils and fats. Good choices include Dove, Vanicream, Cetaphil and Purpose.
Avoid irritating additives. If your skin is sensitive, avoid products containing perfumes or dyes. These can irritate your skin and may trigger an allergic response.
Remove eye makeup carefully. Use a soft sponge, cotton cloth or cotton balls when removing eye makeup to avoid damaging the delicate tissue around your eyes. If you wear heavy, waterproof makeup, you may need to use an oil-based product, such as Eucerin, Aquaphor or petroleum jelly, to remove makeup.
Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream.
4. Moisturize regularly
Moisturizers help maintain your skin's natural moisture levels. They work by providing a seal over your skin — to keep water from escaping — or by slowly releasing water into your skin.

The moisturizer that's best for you and the frequency with which you need to moisturize depend on many factors, including your skin type, your age and whether you have specific conditions such as acne. A good way to test if you need a moisturizer is to wait 20 minutes after bathing. If your skin feels tight, you should apply a moisturizer.

Select a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 to help protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays. If you have sensitive skin, look for products free of heavy dyes, perfumes or other additives. If your skin is very dry, you may want to apply an oil, such as baby oil, while your skin is still moist. Oil has more staying power than moisturizers do and prevents the evaporation of water from the surface of your skin. If your skin is oily, you may want to skip moisturizing.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Moisturizers 101: The basics of softer skin
Dry skin

5. Shave carefully
Shaving is a common and inexpensive way to remove unwanted hair. But shaving can cause skin irritations, especially if your skin is thin, dry or very sensitive. For a smooth shave:

Press a warm wash cloth on your skin before shaving to soften the hair. Or shave after a warm bath or shower.
Don't shave dry skin, which can cause razor burn. Apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving to protect and lubricate your skin.
Use a clean, sharp razor. If using an electric razor, don't use the closest setting, which can aggravate the skin.
Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
Rinse your skin afterward with warm water.
If irritation does occur, apply a lotion that doesn't contain ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. Though alcohol and alcohol-based products may feel cooling, they don't really soothe irritated skin because the alcohol evaporates rapidly from the skin.

Dandruff

2008-11-11T06:55:00.000-08:00

If dandruff is the only thing standing between you and a closet full of basic black, you're not alone. Many people have this chronic scalp disorder, which is marked by itching and excessive flaking of the scalp. Although dandruff isn't contagious and is rarely serious, it can be embarrassing and surprisingly persistent.

The good news is that dandruff can usually be controlled. Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. And stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos. What's more, researchers have identified a yeast-like fungus that may cause or aggravate dandruff, a discovery that may lead to better treatments.

Symptoms

For most people, the signs and symptoms of dandruff are unmistakable: white, oily looking flakes of dead skin that dot your hair and shoulders and an itchy, scaling scalp. But it's not quite that simple — many conditions cause excessive skin scaling, including:

Dry skin. Simple dry skin — the kind you get in winter when the air is cold and rooms are overheated — is by far the most common cause of itchy, flaking skin. But flakes from dry skin are generally smaller and less oily than those caused by dandruff.
Seborrheic dermatitis. This condition, a frequent cause of dandruff, is marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Seborrheic dermatitis affects not only your scalp but also other areas rich in oil glands, such as your eyebrows, the sides of your nose and the backs of your ears, your breastbone, your groin area, and sometimes your armpits.
Psoriasis. This skin disorder causes an accumulation of dead skin cells that form thick silvery scales. Psoriasis commonly occurs on your knees, elbows and trunk, but it can also affect your scalp.
Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp). This disorder, which causes a scaling, crusty scalp, is most common in newborns, but it can occur anytime during infancy. Although it can be alarming for parents, cradle cap isn't dangerous and usually clears up on its own by the time a baby is a year old.
Contact dermatitis. Sometimes sensitivities to certain hair-care products or hair dyes can cause a red, itchy, scaling scalp.

Causes

At one time or another, dandruff causes have been attributed to dry skin, oily skin, shampooing too often or not often enough, a poor diet, stress, and the use of too many fancy styling products. Although some of these factors may exacerbate or contribute to scalp flaking, the real culprit may be a fat-eating, yeast-like fungus called malassezia, formerly known as pityrosporum.

Malassezia lives on the scalps of most healthy adults without causing problems. But sometimes it grows out of control, feeding on the oils secreted by your hair follicles and causing irritation that leads to increased cell turnover. The result is a large number of dead skin cells. As the cells fall off, they tend to clump together with oil from your hair and scalp, making them appear white, flaky and all too visible.

Exactly what causes an overgrowth of these organisms isn't known, although increased oil production; hormonal fluctuations; stress; illness; neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease; a suppressed immune system; infrequent shampooing and extra sensitivity to the malassezia fungus may contribute to the development of dandruff.

Risk factors

Almost any adult is a candidate for dandruff, but certain factors can make you more susceptible:

Age. Dandruff usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age. That doesn't mean older adults don't get dandruff, however. For some people, the problem can be lifelong.
Sex. Because more men than women have dandruff, some researchers think male hormones may play a role in dandruff. Men also have larger sebaceous glands that produce an oil called sebum.
Oily hair and scalp. Malassezia feeds on oils in your scalp. For that reason, having excessively oily skin and hair makes you more prone to dandruff.
Certain illnesses. For reasons that aren't clear, adults with neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, are more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. So are people recovering from stressful conditions, particularly heart attack and stroke, and those with compromised immune systems.

Treatments and drugs

Dandruff is a chronic condition that can almost always be controlled, but dandruff treatment may take a little patience and persistence. In general, mild scaling can often be helped by daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oiliness and cell buildup.

When regular shampoos fail, OTC dandruff shampoos may succeed. But dandruff shampoos aren't all alike, and you may need to experiment until you find one that works best for you. Dandruff shampoos are classified according to their active ingredient:

Zinc pyrithione shampoos (Selsun Salon, Head & Shoulders). These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione, which has been shown to reduce the fungus that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Tar-based shampoos (Neutrogena T/Gel). Coal tar, a byproduct of the coal manufacturing process, helps conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis by slowing cell turnover.
Shampoos containing salicylic acid (Ionil T). These "scalp scrubs" help eliminate scale, but they may leave your scalp dry, leading to more flaking. Using a conditioner after shampooing can help counter dryness.
Selenium sulfide shampoos (Selsun Blue). These shampoos help prevent cell turnover and may also reduce the number of malassezia. Because they can discolor blonde, gray or chemically colored hair, be sure to use them only as directed and to rinse well after shampooing.
Ketoconazole shampoos (Nizoral). The newest addition to the dandruff armamentarium, ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that may work when other shampoos fail. It's available over-the-counter as well as by prescription.
Try using one of these shampoos daily until your dandruff is controlled, then cut back to two or three times a week. If one type of shampoo works for a time and then seems to lose its effectiveness, try alternating between two types of dandruff shampoos. Be sure to leave the shampoo on for at least five minutes — this allows the ingredients time to work.

If you've shampooed faithfully for several weeks and there's still a dusting of dandruff on your shoulders, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. You may need a prescription-strength shampoo or more aggressive treatment with a steroid lotion.
Lifestyle and home remedies
You can't prevent dandruff, but you can take steps to reduce your risk:

Learn to manage stress. Stress affects your overall health, making you susceptible to a number of conditions and diseases. It can even help trigger dandruff or exacerbate existing symptoms.
Shampoo often. If you tend to have an oily scalp, daily shampooing to remove the excess oil may help prevent dandruff.
Cut back on styling products. Hair sprays, styling gels, mousses and hair waxes can all build up on your hair and scalp, making them oilier.
Eat a healthy diet. A diet that provides enough zinc, B vitamins and essential fatty acid may help prevent dandruff.
Get a little sun. Sunlight may be good for dandruff. But because exposure to ultraviolet light damages your skin and increases your risk of skin cancer, don't sunbathe. Instead, just spend a little time outdoors. And be sure to wear sunscreen on your face and body.

Alternative medicine

While there are many purported home remedies for dandruff, one therapy that seems to be effective is daily shampooing with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil, which is extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), has been used for centuries as an antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal agent. It's now included in a number of shampoos found in natural foods stores. The oil is generally well tolerated but may cause allergic reactions in some people.

2008-06-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

Nutrition and Diet for hypertension control

Crunch the veggies and dump the meat . Throughout all
researches done in the 1980s and 1990s. It was found out that vegetarians are
healthier and have lower blood pressures than those who are meat lovers. Eating
a lot of veggies can lower blood pressure and can contribute to the prevention
of other diseases and health disorders such as heart disease, diabetes,
osteoporosis, and several cancers.

Cut on that salt. Salt or sodium
chloride tends to make our body retain more fluid. More fluid doesn’t
necessarily mean you have more blood. Having excess body fluids circulating in
our body in one way or another may contribute to an increase of high blood
pressure.

Based on a study conducted by the National High Blood Pressure
Education Program, an average American needs only about 2,000
milligrams of salt per day. But Americans consumes more than the limit
of about twice the amount.

To actively reduce your salt intake and also your high blood pressure, read
the labels of the food you take. Steer away from processed foods, canned soups,
frozen diners, snack foods and fast foods. Better for you to start developing
your taste buds to adjust to blander taste.

Consume more potassium. Potassium is a mineral that helps to
control your blood pressure level. If suspected develop high blood pressure
consume foods that are high in potassium and low on sodium. You may try to eat
more bananas, potatoes, apples and carrots.

The “C” factor. Vitamin C rich foods can
help lower high blood pressure. Make sure that what you are eating is rich in
vitamin C. This includes broccoli, bell pepper, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach,
strawberries, and citrus fruits.

Calcium can also help in controlling your high blood
pressure. Calcium has somewhat a complicated effect on our nervous system,
hormones, and blood vessels. Having a good level of calcium in our body is found
to shield us from developing high blood pressure. Eat a lot of calcium rich diet
– green leafy vegetables, tofu, salmon, sardines, shrimp and feast on those
nonfat, low fat dairy products.

Another important mineral that has an effect in lowering high blood pressure
is magnesium. Magnesium plays a vital role in the muscle tone
of our blood vessels. This has a relaxing effect to the blood vessels, which
helps to reduce the blood pressure.

The Omega 3 Factor. Omega 3 is known to cut cholesterol
levels in our blood. This helps in lowering the blood pressure and generally
improves blood circulation. Foods that are rich in Omega-3 are fresh water
salmon, mackerel or herring.

Another compound called 3-n-buty phthallide can lower blood
pressure dramatically. A small amount of 3-n-butyl phthallide has been found in
laboratory animals can lower blood pressure to as much as 12%. This also lowers
the cholesterol level as well. 3-n-butyl phthallide can be found in celery. To
improve your blood pressure, crunch about 4 celery stalks per day.

Avoid those sweets. Several studies have suggested that table sugar or
sucrose raises high blood pressure considerably. If you have high blood
pressure, definitely sugar is not for you. To satisfy that
sweet tooth of yours, try sinking your teeth to a healthier sweet fruits which
by the way contains a different kind of sugar called fructose.

vitamin and mineral Supplements for
hypertension

As has been mentioned above, maintaining a good level of minerals in our body
may actually lower our blood pressure. So when you drop by at your local health
or drug store, look on the labels of those vitamins and mineral
supplement and look for those that contain potassium,
magnesium, calcium and vitamin C. Be though careful when taking in
potassium, too much potassium may do have some side effects, if you are not sure
about the safe level you can take in consult your doctor. On the way out, don’t
forget to drop by at the fish oil section. Grab one that contains
Omega-3 fatty acids. When taking vitamins and minerals
supplements, be sure to read and follow the instructions given in the
labels.

EXERCISE for hypertension OR HIGH BLOOD
PRESSURE

Exercises can help lower high blood pressure by making us
trim and slim. Studies have shown that people who adapted to regular exercises
after having high blood pressure have a dramatic improvement in lowering their
high blood pressures.

Exercise also helps in reducing stress,
which oftentimes contributes to high blood pressure. By engaging in a regular
physical activity of exercise, such as walking, you actually stimulate the
release of our body’s natural tranquilizers, called endorphins. That’s why
exercise feels calming. If you are already in high blood pressure medications,
exercise can reduce your dosage intake. It is recommended that you do at least a
daily half-hour endurance-building exercise. Or a more physical 1-hour session
three times a week.

HBP

2008-06-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS High Blood Pressure or
Hypertension ?

About one in every four Americans has high blood pressure or hypertension.
You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without a single
symptom. But silence isn't golden. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases
your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.

Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the
amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart
pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

To understand how blood pressure works, imagine that your blood vessels are
interlocking garden hoses. The water flowing through the hose is your blood and
a water pump as your heart. As you turn on the pump you may notice that the
garden hose would eventually harden as the pressure inside increases.

High blood pressure or hypertension typically develops without signs or
symptoms. And it affects nearly everyone eventually. If you don't have high
blood pressure nor hypertension by age 55, you have a 90 percent chance of
developing it at some point in your life, according to the National Heart, Lung,
and Blood Institute. Fortunately, high blood pressure (hypertention) can be
easily detected. And once you know you have high blood pressure, you can work
with your doctor to control it.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF high blood pressure

Signs of high blood pressure or symptoms of hypertension are not usually
noticeable. To most people with high blood pressure, there are no significant
signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high
levels.

Though to a few people at an early-stage high blood pressure may have
dull headaches, dizzy spells or a few more
nosebleeds than normal, these signs and symptoms of high blood
pressure typically don't occur until high blood pressure has reached an advanced
— possibly life-threatening stage.

CAUSE OF high blood pressure or hypertension

The American Heart Association says there's no single
identifiable cause for 90 to 95% of high blood pressure cases. This type of high
blood pressure, called essential hypertension or
primary hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many
years.

The other 5 percent to 10 percent of high blood pressure cases are caused by
an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, called
secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause
higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension. Various conditions can
lead to secondary hypertension, including kidney abnormalities, tumors
of the adrenal gland or certain congenital heart defects.

Secondary high blood pressure can also be caused by certain medications —
including birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants,
over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs. In a 2005
study, women who took an average of 500 milligrams or more of
acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) daily over several years were
more likely to develop high blood pressure than were women who didn't take any
acetaminophen. It's not known if the same holds true for men.

Various illicit drugs, including cocaine and
amphetamines, also can cause high blood pressure.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS FOR hypertension

High blood pressure or more generally blood pressure is measured with an
inflatable arm cuff and a pressure-measuring gauge. The blood pressure reading,
given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), has two numbers. The
first, or upper, number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart
beats (systolic pressure). The second, or lower, number
measures the pressure in your arteries between beats (diastolic
pressure).

The latest blood pressure guidelines, issued in 2003 by the National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, divide blood pressure measurements
into four general categories:

Normal blood pressure. Your blood pressure is normal if
it's below 120/80 mm Hg. However, some data indicate that
115/75 mm Hg should be the best standard. Once blood pressure rises above 115/75
mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease begins to increase.
Prehypertension. Prehypertension is a systolic pressure
ranging from 120 to 139 or a diastolic pressure ranging from
80 to 89. Prehypertension tends to get worse over time. Within
four years of being diagnosed with prehypertension, nearly one in three adults
ages 35 to 64 and nearly one in two adults age 65 or older
progress to definite high blood pressure.
Stage 1 hypertension. Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic
pressure ranging from 140 to 159 or a diastolic pressure
ranging from 90 to 99.
Stage 2 hypertension. The most severe hypertension, stage 2
hypertension is a systolic pressure of 160 or higher or a
diastolic pressure of 100 or higher.

At the age of 50, the systolic reading is even more significant.
Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) — when diastolic pressure
is normal but systolic pressure is high — is the most common type of high blood
pressure among people older than 50.

A single high blood pressure reading usually isn't enough for a diagnosis.
Because blood pressure normally varies throughout the day — and sometimes
specifically during visits to the doctor — diagnosis is based on more than one
reading taken on more than one occasion. Your doctor may ask you to record your
blood pressure at home and at work to provide additional information.

If you
have any type of high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend routine tests,
such as a urine test (urinalysis), blood tests
and an electrocardiogram (ECG) — a test that measures your
heart's electrical activity. More extensive testing isn't usually needed.

Cause of Acne

2008-06-06T10:18:00.001-07:00

Cause of Acne

Skin Pore Blockage: as cause of acne.

One cause of acne is the blockage of skin oil secretions (sebum) that
normally pass out of the skin through the hair follicles and then through the
skin pores together with dead skin cells.

The clogged skin pore is one of the primary cause of acne, this is when the
pore of the skin is clogged with dried sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria.

There are two types of blockage that is the cause of acne;

Black Head (open comedone)- this is a cause of acne as
black head develops as the dried sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria
partially blocks the pore of the skin.
White Head (closed comedone)- this is a cause of acne as
white heads develop when the dried sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria
completely blocks the pore of the skin.

In both instances, the blockage of the skin pore promotes the growth of
bacteria propionibacterium acne which is normally present in the hair follicles
and a cause of acne. When this happens the bacterial growth breaks down the
sebum creating a substance irritating the skin. The resulting irritation
inflames the skin resulting to skin eruptions called acne pimples. When
irritation worsens, an abscess will form causing skin rupture, resulting to more
inflammation.

Cosmetic use can also be the cause of acne. Cosmetics blocks the skin pores
preventing the flow of oils and dead skin cells from the skin. This becomes the
cause of acne.

Hormones as cause of acne

Increase in hormone levels is also considered as a cause of acne. Hormone
imbalance aggravate the development of acne. That is why most teenagers suffer
more from acne. But as the hormone level stabilizes by mid 20's acne usually
disappears. Other conditions that involves hormonal changes such as menstrual
periods and during pregnancies may also be the cause of acne. The taking of oral
contraceptives and menopausal hormone replacement therapy may also be a cause of
acne.

Drugs can also be a cause of acne

Certain drugs such as corticosteroids and anabolic steroids can also be a
cause of acne pimples. These drugs stimulate the sebaceous glands secreting more
oil or sebum. When these oil or sebum are blocked this may be the cause of acne.

Others cause of acne

Other cause of acne maybe exposure to sunlight, stress and other skin
irritants that continuously comes in contact with the skin.

What is Acne

2008-06-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

What is Acne

Acne is a common skin disorder normally
found on the face and the upper torso. This is a cause of embarrassment to most
people but it is seldom serious. Acne is caused by an interaction between
hormones, skin oils, and bacteria that results in the inflammation of the hair
follicles.

Majority of the cases responds pretty well with personal care.
With combination of personal hygiene, over-the-counter
acne treatments and alternative remedies, you may have
a clearer and fairer skin

Acne is in the form of pimples, cysts and
sometimes abscesses. Cysts and abscesses are pus-filled pockets
of skin where the hair follicles grow. Hair follicles are connected to the
sebaceous gland that are located in the middle layer of the skin or the dermis,
these glands secretes an oily substance called sebum that the body uses to keep
the skin from drying.

Symptoms of Acne

There are 2 major categorization of symptoms of
acne

Mild acnes. This is one of the symptoms of acne and are
mostly superficial, these symptoms of acne are characterized with the
development of few noninflammed blackheads or a moderate number of small mildly
irritated pimples. Symptoms of acne includes blackheads which
appear as tiny black dots at the center of the small swelling of normal colored
skin. Other symptoms of acne are called pimples. Pimples on the
other hand have white centers surrounded with moderately reddened skin. Pimples
are moderately uncomfortable and irritating. Mild acnes rarely leaves scars on
the skin.

Severe acne. Symptoms of acne that is
categorized as severe acne include several large, red, painful pus-filled lumps
(nodules) that develops on the skin. These symptoms of acne are usually deep and
cystic. At times these lumps join together under the skin forming a giant lump
where it ruptures and oozes abscesses. Severe acnes usually leaves scar in the
skin depending on the depth of the acne. Scars maybe tiny deep holes (ice pick
scars), wide pits of varying depths or large irregular identations. Scars
resulting from severe acnes lasts a lifetime. To some people this is
cosmetically disturbing and a source of psychologic stress.

treatment of fibroids

2008-06-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

treatment of fibroids

Doctors agree that
there is no single best approach to fibroid treatment. There are many treatment
options that exist. The best action to take after discovering fibroids is simply
to be aware they are there. Since fibroids are non-cancerous and if fibroids are
small and are not causing any symptoms, they do not need to be treated.

Being aware means a regular trip to the gynecologist for pelvic examination.
This should be done every six months to a year to make sure that the fibroids
are not growing rapidly.

The following alternative approach does not guarantee a cure for fibroids. To
some it may work and to others may not. There are no concrete scientific bases
that may support the suggested therapies. It is still best that you discuss your
medical condition to a certified gynecologist.

causes of fibroids

2008-06-06T10:10:00.001-07:00

causes of fibroids

To what is the real cause of fibroids is still unknown. Although some women
are more likely to get fibroids, including black women, women who have never
been pregnant and women who have a mother or sister with fibroids.

The female hormones estrogen and progesterone seem to make fibroids grow. The
female body makes the highest levels of these hormones during menstrual
years.

Upon reaching the menopausal period, the body tends to produce less of
estrogen and progesterone and usually, fibroids shrink and stop causing
symptoms.

signs and symptoms of fibroids ?

2008-06-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

signs and symptoms of fibroids

Fibroids do not present noticeable symptoms. Some women never realize that
they have fibroids because they have no symptoms. In other women, uterine
fibroids are discovered either during a routine gynecologic exam or during
prenatal care.

When symptoms of fibroids occur, they can include:

Pelvic pain or pressure
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Abdominal swelling
Low back pain during intercourse or during menstrual periods
Fatigue or low energy from heavy periods and excessive bleeding
Infertility, if the fibroids are blocking the fallopian tubes
Constipation
Repeated miscarriages Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
Unusually frequent urination

what is Fibroids ?

2008-06-06T10:00:00.001-07:00

what is Fibroids

Fibroid is also known as a uterine leiomyomata or “myoma,”. Fibroid is a lump or growth in the uterus that is not cancerous. Fibroids can be as small as a pea to as large as a basketball. They are usually round and pinkish in color, and they can grow anywhere inside or on the uterus. While some women have only one fibroid, they typically are present in groups of two or more.

About 30% of women older than 30 years have fibroids, and they usually appear between the ages of 35 and 45.

Uterine fibroids are the most common female pelvic tumor, affecting up to 30% of women. These non-cancerous tumors arise from smooth muscle cells within the uterus and can result in symptoms such as pelvic pain, pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, abdominal fullness, infertility and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Fibroids can be microscopic or weigh several pounds. While it is unclear what causes them to form, we do know fibroids depend on estrogen to grow and are more common in African-American women.

Treatment options vary upon the severity of symptoms, a patient's age and medical history, as well as her desire to maintain fertility. Simple treatment options include monitoring with ultrasound, oral contraceptive pills or hormone injections to control fibroid growth. A myomectomy, or surgical removal of fibroids, can be performed hysteroscopically, larparoscopically or abdominally.
In addition, uterine artery embolization (UAE), performed by an interventional radiologist, is designed to restrict the fibroid's blood supply. The benefit of UAE is avoidance of surgery, but long-term results are unknown, as is the affect on future pregnancies.

fibroids

2008-06-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

fibroids

fibroids articles:

What is Fibroid Fibroid is a lump or growth
in the uterus that is not cancerous...

Signs and Symptoms of Fibroid Fibroids do
not present noticeable symptoms. But some symptoms include...

Causes of Fibroids Although some women are
more likely to get fibroids, including black women, women who have never been
pregnant...

Treatment of Fibroid There are many
treatment options that exist. The best action to take after discovering fibroids
is simply to be aware they are there...

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

2008-06-06T09:54:00.001-07:00

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

A person with CFS feels completely worn-out and overtired. This extreme
tiredness makes it hard to do the daily tasks that most of us do without
thinking — like dressing, bathing, or eating. Sleep or rest does not make the
tiredness go away. It can be made worse by moving, exercising, or even
thinking.

CFS can happen over time or come on suddenly. People who get CFS over time
get more and more tired over weeks or months. People who get CFS suddenly feel
fine one day and then feel extremely tired the next. A person with CFS may have
muscle pain, trouble focusing, or insomnia (not being able to sleep). The
extreme tiredness may come and go. In some cases the extreme tiredness never
goes away. The extreme tiredness must go on for at least 6 months before a
diagnosis of CFS can be made.

What causes CFS?

No one knows for sure what causes CFS. Many people with CFS say it started
after an infection, such as a cold or stomach bug. It also can follow a bout of
infectious mononucleosis (mono), the “kissing disease” that drains your
energy. Some people with CFS say it started after a time of great stress, such
as the loss of a loved one or major surgery.

It can be hard to figure out if a person has CFS because extreme tiredness is
a common symptom of many illnesses. Also, some medical treatments, such as
chemotherapy, can cause extreme tiredness.

What are the signs of CFS?

The signs of CFS can come and go or they can stay with a person. At first,
you may feel like you have the flu. As well as extreme tiredness and weakness,
CFS symptoms include:

forgetting things or having a hard time focusing
feeling tired even after sleeping
muscle pain or aches
pain or aches in joints without swelling or redness
feeling discomfort or "out-of-sorts" for more than 24 hours after being
active
headaches of a new type, pattern, or strength
tender lymph nodes in the neck or under the arm
sore throat

Many people with CFS report other symptoms too, ranging from a constant cough
to feelings of depression. If you think you may have CFS, talk to your
doctor.

How common is CFS? Who gets it?

Experts think as many as half a million Americans have a CFS-like condition.
The exact number of people with CFS is not known. CFS can affect people of all
ages, racial/ethnic backgrounds, and economic statuses.

More women than men are diagnosed with CFS. But, it is not known for sure
that this illness affects more women than men. It may be that women talk to
their doctors more often about things like tiredness and pain.

How would my doctor know if I have CFS?

It can be hard for your doctor to diagnose CFS because there is no lab test
for it. And many signs of CFS are also signs of other illnesses or medical
treatments.

If you think you may have CFS, see your doctor. Your doctor will:

ask you about your physical and mental health
do a physical exam
order urine and blood tests, which will tell your doctor if something other
than CFS might be causing your symptoms
order more tests, if your urine and blood tests do not show a cause for your
symptoms
classify you as having CFS if:

you have been extremely tired for 6 months or more and tests do not show a
cause for your symptoms

AND
you have 4 or more of the symptoms listed in the section “What are the
signs of CFS?” in this FAQ

This process can take a long time (even years), so try to be patient with
your doctor. While these tests are being done, talk to your doctor about ways to
help ease your symptoms.

How is CFS treated?

Right now, there is no cure for CFS. But there are things you can do to feel
better. Talk to your doctor about ways to ease your symptoms and deal with your
tiredness. You might also try these:

Lifestyle changes:

Try to stop or do less of the things that seem to trigger your
tiredness. For a week or two, write down what you do each day and note when
you feel really tired. Then, look over this list to find out which activities
tend to tire you out. An occupational therapist can help you by looking at your
daily habits and suggesting changes to help you save energy. Your doctor can
help you find an occupational therapist near where you live.
Regular exercise can lessen body aches and joint and muscle pain and
increase your energy level. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting an
exercise plan. Your doctor can help you create a plan that is right for you.
Don't exercise too much. Too much exercise can cause more tiredness.

Medications:

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil, Motrin, or Aleve can
help with body aches, headaches, and muscle and joint pain.
Nondrowsy antihistamines can help with allergy symptoms, such as
runny nose and itchy eyes.
Antidepressants can help improve sleep and ease pain.

Some people say their CFS symptoms get better with complementary or
alternative treatments, such as massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care, yoga,
stretching, or self-hypnosis. Keep in mind that many alternative treatments,
dietary supplements, and herbal remedies claim to cure CFS, but they might do
more harm than good. Talk to your doctor before seeing someone else for
treatment or before trying alternative therapies.

Also, keep in mind that your doctor may need to learn more about CFS to
better help you. If you feel your doctor doesn’t know a lot about CFS or has
doubts about it being a “real” illness, see another doctor for a second opinion.
Contact a local university medical school or research center for help finding a
doctor who treats people with CFS.

What can I do to cope with CFS?

It’s normal to feel cranky, sad, angry, or upset when you have an illness
like CFS. Here are some things you can do that may help you to feel better:

See the "For more information..." section at the end of this FAQ for a list
of organizations that can help you cope with CFS.
Talk therapy can help you learn how to deal with your feelings.
Join a CFS support group. Sometimes it helps to talk with people who
are going through the same thing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) developed guidelines
to help you find a good CFS support group. Also see the "For more
information..." section at the end of this FAQ for a list of organizations that
can help you find CFS support groups.

Autoimmune Diseases:

2008-06-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Autoimmune Diseases: Overview

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What are autoimmune diseases?
Who is at risk
for getting autoimmune diseases?
What are the most common
symptoms of autoimmune diseases?
Are chronic fatigue
syndrome and fibromyalgia autoimmune diseases?
What are
flare ups?
Are there medicines to treat autoimmune
diseases?
How can I manage my life now that I have an
autoimmune disease?
What are some things I can do to feel
better?
What kinds of doctors will I need to treat my
autoimmune disease?

What are autoimmune diseases?

Our bodies have an immune system that protects us from disease and infection.
But if you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks itself by
mistake, and you can get sick. Autoimmune diseases can affect connective tissue
in your body (the tissue which binds together body tissues and organs).
Autoimmune disease can affect many parts of your body, like your nerves,
muscles, endocrine system (system that directs your body’s hormones and other
chemicals), and digestive system.

Who is at risk for getting autoimmune diseases?

Most autoimmune diseases occur in women, and most often during their
childbearing years. Some of these diseases also affect African American,
American Indian, and Latina women more than white women. These diseases tend to
run in families, so your genes, along with the way your immune system responds
to certain triggers or things in the environment, affect your chances of getting
one of these diseases. If you think you may have an autoimmune disease, ask your
family members if they have had symptoms like yours. The good news is that if
you have an autoimmune disease, there ARE things you can do to feel better!

What are the most common symptoms of autoimmune diseases?

There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases. Learning the symptoms of
some of the more common autoimmune diseases can help you recognize the signs if
you get one. But some autoimmune diseases share similar symptoms. This makes it
hard for doctors to find out if you really have one of these diseases, and which
one it might be. This can make your trip to doctors long and stressful. But if
you are having symptoms that bother you, you need to persist to make sure you
get relief. Below are descriptions of some common autoimmune diseases.

Disease	Symptoms	Tests to help find out if you have it
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (underactive thyroid)	tiredness depression sensitivity to cold weight gain muscle weakness and cramps dry hair tough skin constipation sometimes there are no symptoms	blood test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Graves’ disease (overactive thyroid)	insomnia (not able to sleep) irritability weight loss without dieting heat sensitivity sweating fine brittle hair weakness in your muscles light menstrual periods bulging eyes shaky hands sometimes there are no symptoms	blood test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Lupus	swelling and damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain “butterfly” rash across the nose and cheeks rashes on other parts of the body painful and swollen joints sensitivity to the sun	exam of your bodylab tests (antinuclear antibody [ANA] test, blood tests, and urine tests)
Multiple sclerosis (MS)	weakness and trouble with coordination, balance, speaking, and walking paralysis tremors numbness and tingling feeling in arms, legs, hands, and feet	exam of your body exam of your brain, spinal cord, and nerves (neurological exam) x-ray tests (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and magnetic resonance spectroscopy [MRS]) other tests on the brain and spinal cord fluid to look for things linked to these diseases
Rheumatoid arthritis	inflammation begins in the tissue lining your joints and then spreads to the whole joint (hand joints are the most common site, but it can affect most joints in the body) muscle pain deformed joints weakness fatigue loss of appetite weight loss becoming confined to bed in severe cases	blood tests may show that you have anemia (when your body does not have enough red blood cells) and an antibody called rheumatoid factor (RF). (Some people with RF never get this disease, and others with the disease never have RF.)

Are chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia autoimmune
diseases?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are not autoimmune
diseases, but they often have symptoms—like being tired all the time and
pain—that may seem like other autoimmune diseases.

CFS can cause you to be very tired, have trouble concentrating, feel weak,
and have muscle pain. Symptoms of CFS come and go. The cause of CFS is not
known.
FM is a disorder with symptoms of widespread muscle pain, fatigue (feeling
tired and having low energy), and multiple tender points. Tender points are
located in the neck, spine, shoulders, hips, and knees and are painful when
pressure is applied to them. FM mainly occurs in women of childbearing age, but
children, the elderly, and men are sometimes diagnosed with FM. The cause is not
known.

What are flare ups?

Symptoms of autoimmune diseases can come and go, ranging in how bad they are,
or all go away for a while (called remission). Flare-ups, or the sudden and
severe onset of symptoms, can also happen. It’s best to work closely and often
with your doctor and other members of your health care team to manage your
illness. If you have a flare-up, it is best to first call your doctor. Don’t try
a “cure” you heard about from a friend or relative.

Are there medicines to treat autoimmune diseases?

You can take medicines to help your symptoms, which your doctor(s) will talk
with you about. The type of medicine you take depends on which disease you have
and what your symptoms are. Some people can take over-the-counter drugs, like
aspirin and ibuprofen for pain. Others with more severe symptoms may have to
take certain kinds of prescription drugs that can help with pain, swelling,
depression, anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue, or rashes. You also might be able
to take medicine to help slow the progress of your disease. New treatments for
autoimmune diseases are being studied all the time.

How can I manage my life now that I have an autoimmune
disease?

Although there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, you can treat your
symptoms and learn to manage your disease, so you can enjoy life! Women with
autoimmune diseases lead full, active lives. Your life goals should not have to
change. It is important, though, to see a doctor who specializes in these types
of diseases.

What are some things I can do to feel better?

If you are living with an autoimmune disease, there are things you can do
each day to feel better:

Eat a healthy diet. Keep your immune system as healthy as
can be! The list of nutrients that you need for a healthy immune system is long.
But don’t try to overload on vitamins because that could be worse for your
health. Try to get all you need from food, rather than from vitamin pills. Eat
balanced meals with foods from all of the food groups. Include yummy fruits and
vegetables and whole grains. Also eat calcium-rich foods, such as fat-free or
low-fat milk and yogurt. Avoid fatty foods.
Get regular exercise (but be careful not to overdo it).
Thirty minutes most days of the week is best, but talk with your doctor about
what types of exercise you can do. A gradual and gentle exercise program often
works well for people with long-lasting muscle and joint pain. Some types of
yoga or tai chi exercises may be helpful.
Get enough rest. Rest allows your body tissues and joints
the time they need to repair. Sleeping is a great way you can help both your
body and mind. If you don’t get enough sleep, your stress level and your
symptoms could get worse. You also can’t fight off sickness as well when you
sleep poorly. With enough sleep, you can tackle your problems better and lower
your risk for illness. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep every night.
Reduce stress and try “self” pain management. You also
might be able to lessen your pain or muscle spasms and deal with other aspects
of living with your disease if you try meditation or self-hypnosis. You can
learn to do these through self-help books, tapes, or with the help of an
instructor. You also can use imagery (use the power of your thoughts to
“destroy” your pain) or distract your focus on your pain by doing a hobby or
something else you enjoy.

You have some power to lessen your pain!

Try using imagery for 15 minutes, two or three times each
day.

Put on your favorite calming music.
Lie back on your favorite chair or sofa. Or if you are at work, sit back and
relax in your chair.
Close your eyes.
Imagine your pain or discomfort.
Imagine something that confronts this pain and watch it “destroy” the pain.

What kinds of doctors will I need to treat my autoimmune
disease?

Juggling your health care needs among different doctors and other types of
health care providers can be hard. But visiting other types of health care
workers, along with your main doctor, may be helpful in managing some symptoms
of your autoimmune disease. If you are visiting many types of health care
workers, make sure you have a supportive main doctor to help you. Often, your
family doctor may help you coordinate care. Here are some other kinds of health
care workers that may be useful.

Nephrologist. A doctor who will look at how well your
kidneys are working. Kidneys are organs that clean the blood and produce urine.
Rheumatologist. A doctor who specializes in arthritis and
other diseases.
Endocrinologist. A doctor who specializes in diseases that
affect your glands (organs in your body that make hormones). Glands help control
the body’s reproduction, energy levels, weight, food and waste production, and
growth and development.
Physical therapist. A health care worker who can help you
with stiffness, weakness, restricted body movement, and with finding out the
proper level of exercise for your body.
Occupational therapist. A health care worker who can help
you find devices or make changes in your home or workplace to make life easier
for you. They also can teach you ways to do all you have to despite your pain
and other health problems.
Speech therapist. A health care worker who can be helpful
for people with MS who have speech problems.
Vocational therapist. A health care worker who offers job
training for people who cannot do their current jobs because of their illness or
other health problems. You can find this type of person through both public and
private agencies.
Counselor for emotional support. A health care worker who
is specially trained to help you to find ways to cope with your illness. You can
work through your feelings of anger, fear, denial, and frustration.
Support groups. Some women find that talking with others
who have the same health problem is helpful in finding new ways to cope with it.
Chiropractor. A type of doctor who might be helpful in
relieving some of your symptoms, such as muscle spasms and backaches. But you
should only see this type of doctor along with your regular autoimmune disease
doctor, not in place of him or her.

2008-06-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

Women &
Infectious Diseases

Women's infectious
disease burden is varied and vast, with many negative impacts throughout the
life span. The Office of Minority and Women's Health supports research,
education, training, and advocacy to reduce the infectious disease burden among
women. The Office works to focus attention on the particular ways infectious
diseases impact women, and on the appropriate gender-specific responses for
prevention and education. Of particular concern is the impact of infectious
diseases on conception, pregnancy, birth, and both maternal and infant
mortality. Areas of women's health research and prevention supported by NCID and
the Office of Minority and Women's Health include, among others, sexually
transmitted diseases, HIV, toxoplasmosis, Group B strep, viral hepatitis, and
HPV-associated diseases.

For information on
these and other infectious diseases that affect women, see the Infectious
Diseases Information Index at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/index.htm.

Healthy Life

2008-06-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

Tips for a Healthy Life for Women

Eat Healthy

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." There's more truth to this saying than
we once thought. What you eat and drink and what you don’t eat and drink can
definitely make a difference to your health. Eating five or more servings of
fruits and vegetables a day and less saturated fat can help improve your health
and may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Have a balanced
diet, and watch how much you eat.

Keep a Healthy Weight

Obesity is at an all time high in the United States, and the epidemic may be
getting worse. Those who are overweight or obese have increased risks for
diseases and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease,
and stroke. Eat better, get regular exercise, and see your health care provider
about any health concerns to make sure you are on the right track to staying
healthy.

Be Active

More than 50 percent of American men and women do not get enough physical
activity to provide health benefits. For adults, thirty minutes of moderate
physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week is recommended. It
doesn’t take a lot of time or money, but it does take commitment. Start slowly,
work up to a satisfactory level, and don’t overdo it. You can develop one
routine, or you can do something different every day. Find fun ways to stay in
shape and feel good, such as dancing, gardening, cutting the grass, swimming,
walking, or jogging.

Be Smoke-Free

Health concerns associated with smoking include cancer, lung disease, early
menopause, infertility, and pregnancy complications. Smoking triples the risk of
dying from heart disease among those who are middle-aged. Second-hand smoke -
smoke that you inhale when others smoke - also affects your health. If you
smoke, quit today! Helplines, counseling, medications, and other forms of
support are available to help you quit.

Get Check-Ups

Sometimes they’re once a year. Other times they’re more or less often. Based on
your age, health history, lifestyle, and other important issues, you and your
health care provider can determine how often you need to be examined and
screened for certain diseases and conditions. These include high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases, and cancers of the
skin, cervix, breast, and colon. When problems are found early, your chances for
treatment and cure are better. Routine exams and screenings can help save lives.

Get
Vaccinated

They’re not just for kids. Adults need them too. Some vaccinations are for
everyone. Others are recommended if you work in certain jobs, have certain
lifestyles, travel to certain places, or have certain health conditions. Protect
yourself from illness and disease by keeping up with your vaccinations.

Manage Stress

Perhaps now more than ever before, job stress poses a threat to the health of
workers and, in turn, to the health of organizations. Balancing obligations to
your employer and your family can be challenging. What’s your stress level
today? Protect your mental and physical health by engaging in activities that
help you manage your stress at work and at home.

Know Yourself and
Your Risks

Your parents and ancestors help determine some of who you are. Your habits, work
and home environments, and lifestyle also help to define your health and your
risks. You may be at an increased risk for certain diseases or conditions
because of what you do, where you work, and how you play. Being healthy means
doing some homework, knowing yourself, and knowing what’s best for you...
because you are one of a kind.

Be Safe - Protect Yourself

What comes to mind when you think about safety and protecting yourself? Is it
fastening seat belts, applying sunscreen, wearing helmets, or having smoke
detectors? It’s all of these and more. It’s everything from washing your hands
to watching your relationships. Did you know that women at work die most
frequently from homicides, motor vehicle incidents, falls, and machine-related
injuries? Take steps to protect yourself and others wherever you are.

Be Good to Yourself

Health is not merely the absence of disease; it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s
getting enough sleep, relaxing after a stressful day, or enjoying a hobby, it’s
important to take time to be good to yourself. Take steps to balance work, home,
and play. Pay attention to your health, and make healthy living a part of your
life.

2008-06-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Facial Skin Care

There are various types of treatments for the face that you can see offered
in salons and spas. From the rejuvenating facial, purifying facial, European, oxygen facial,
balancing, alpha-beta peels, and deep cleansing to the more invasive treatments
like laser dermabrasion and
such. It may be confusing to decide which one you need since these treatments
have different effects on the skin.

To figure out what you need, consult a skin care expert on what treatment is
to be done. Your dermatologist will
be asking you several questions pertaining to the condition of your facial skin
as well do some physical checkup. If an expert is not available, some salons ask
you to fill out a questionnaire regarding your skin condition and what you want
to do about it. The questionnaire will be their guide as to what procedure and
treatment they will recommend.

Most of the facial treatments are based on just a few specific processes and
principles, which will always lead to a better skin condition and appearance,
when used properly. Those functions are:
Facials generally moisturize and
hydrate the skin by using steam, masks, humectants and hydrating creams.
To
cleanse, facials employ the extraction of blackheads, pimples and
whiteheads using a
facial clay mask.
For deeper cleansing, extractions are done using a needle
and lens. The skin of the face is first relaxed and softened in preparation for
extraction. Skin care technicians are learned in doing these procedures
hygienically and accurately so there is no danger of complications.
Peeling
methods use the help of enzymes, chemicals like glycolic acid, lactic acid and
salicylic acid, scrubs and sometimes electric brushes.
Microdermabrasion
is a machine is used for procedures that removes dead skin cells using mineral
crystals and a vacuum type wand.
Facial masks can also firm the skin, which
is usually used for aging skin.
Sometimes, vitamins and antioxidants are
added on to the mask mixture to be used for the skin's nourishment.
Skin
lighteners such as licorice or hydroquinone are also placed in the mixture to
give the face a lighter look.
To complete the whole facial spa
treatment, a facial massage may be incorporated into the procedure, with
hand and shoulder massages as bonus.

Salon and spa facials can include everything except medical treatments, botox, heavy phenol peels,
and collagen
injections. Those are done only in medical offices, and with the supervision of
a doctor.

2008-06-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

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

Basal Cell Carcinoma Photo:
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

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Photo:
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

Melanoma Photo:
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.

2008-06-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

Beauty Tips

Very few women look great with little effort. Even Supermodels have to drink
plenty of water and get their sleep. The following are the top beauty tips every
woman wanting to look her best should heed. Drink at least two liters (eight
glasses) of water a day. Water helps keep your skin hydrated. It also helps keep
your body in good working order including your metabolism and digestive system,
and helps to flush toxins from your body. Drinking water is good for internal as
well as external beauty.

Get enough sleep. Even models will tell you that while they might be able to
get away with not eating their vegetables and drinking too much coffee, if they
don't get enough sleep, then they pay for it with their looks. Inadequate sleep
has been shown to be a risk factor in weight gain, hypertension, and type-2
diabetes. And if that's not enough, your skin will suffer, too. Our bodies use
sleeping time to restore dead skin; if you don't get enough of it, your skin
will look pale and gray, and you'll probably get black circles under your eyes.
It's not called beauty sleep for nothing!

Don't spend too long in the sun. This is a lot easier said than done. With
all the sun's positive connotations, it's difficult to acknowledge that it can
be harmful. When spending any significant length of time in the sun, always wear
a sunscreen with a
minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 30. And always moisturize your
skin after you've been in the sun. Remember that a suntan is a sign that
your skin has been damaged. And premature aging has never been a good look!

Don't smoke! Where do we start...? Dull, tired skin; premature
wrinkles; yellow teeth; nicotine-stained fingers; and foul smelling breath
are just a few of the effects of smoking. Quitting smoking is the number one
beauty boost any woman can give herself.

Eat a healthy and varied diet. Eating a healthy diet isn't just important
where your weight's concerned; your skin, eyes, teeth, nails, and hair can all
benefit from foods rich in nutrients. You don't need to spend a fortune on
products that claim they will make your hair shine; foods rich in omega-3 fats
can do it! Dark green vegetables, flax seed oil, and fish such as tuna and
mackerel can all help to give you a head of shiny hair (as well as being good
for anyone on a weight-loss diet given the relatively low calories these foods
contain).

Get regular exercise. Not only will regular exercise help your body look
good, but it will improve blood circulation which in turn will deliver more
oxygen and nutrition to your skin cells. Exercise doesn't have to take place in
a gym, either -- a brisk 20-minute walk every day is enough to get the blood
pumping and deliver results.

Watch your alcohol intake. While alcohol doesn't have to be avoided
completely, it's wise to remember that too much of it can leave skin dehydrated,
looking dull and puffy. It can also leave toxic by-products in the body
resulting in premature aging (not to mention the calories it carries -- one
glass of red wine has around 100 calories). The odd glass now and again is
probably the best beauty tip where alcohol's concerned.

It's a wise woman who remembers that beauty begins from within. Start from
the right place and you can look gorgeous with the minimum of effort and
fuss.

Organic Skin Care

You do all of the right things: you limit your fat intake, take your
vitamins, exercise daily, drink plenty of water, eat plenty of organic fruits
and vegetables, and stay out of the sun. But what about the products you slather
on your skin in your quest for moist, wrinkle-free skin? Are you using as much
care in selecting skin care
products as you do the rest of your life. If you are trying to live a
green or vegan lifestyle, organic skin care is an eco-friendly choice that's
good for the earth, the animals, and your skin!

Earth-friendly natural skin care products are better for the environment
because they are made with organic ingredients without pesticides (think herbal
and plant-based products), synthetic preservatives, mineral oil, artificial
colors and fragrances, or other harmful substances. In addition, companies
dedicated to promoting an organic line are generally dedicated to operating
"green" businesses. You'll find that the organic skin care industry has embraced
green packaging, soy inks, and other eco-friendly business practices.

For those concerned about living a vegan lifestyle, choosing skin care
products that do not use animal byproducts or engage in animal testing is
important. While not all organic skin care products will pass the vegan test,
you'll find plenty of organic choices that do. Read labels carefully to ensure
that your organic choices meet your vegan lifestyle. Many organic skin care
product lines are 100% vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Organic skin care products leave a smaller footprint on the earth and leave
animals alone but what can they do for you and your skin? By eliminating the
synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colors, chemicals, acids, solvents, and
other harsh ingredients and using only natural ingredients such as distilled
water, safflower oil, seaweed extract, herbal infusions, avocado, and aloe vera,
organic products naturally care for your skin using Earth's bounty.

People have been using natural ingredients since ancient times to care for
their skin. From the healing and soothing properties of the aloe vera plant to
the antiseptic properties of natural astringents such as rosemary and the
moisturizing goodness of essential oils, your skin will love it when you make
the switch from over-processed, harsh skin care products to pure and natural
organics.

The organic movement is growing. Not only can you go to the local supermarket
and buy organic bananas and tomatoes, you can now find a variety of natural,
organic skin care products ranging from moisturizers, facial toners, masks, eye
creams, toners, cleansers, body creams, and topical medicinal products.

Your skin offers the world a snapshot of your overall health. Does your skin
look clean and healthy? Or dry and worn out? Many beauty products claim to be
the ultimate in science and suggest that they can stop the aging process.
There's no such thing as a 'Fountain of Youth" but you can give your skin the
care it needs by choosing natural ingredients and shunning the harsh chemical
concoctions.

Skin Care Lines

It will require the services of a skin care expert to be able to know which
type of products will be best used on your skin. Because of the vast number of
products out in the market, it is going to be a very hard decision to make. You
can research about it through product inserts, magazine reviews, and even from
friends who have tried it, but it will really require your cooperation as to
what is good for your skin. Starting with the products your mother uses can help
you get started in choosing what is good for you. You most probably have
inherited some of her skin traits so this may be a good place to start. You may
want to ask the aesthetician if that particular product has already evolved into
a different product since they usually revise their product lines every couple
of years.

A way to discover what product is best for you is to test it on your skin. Do
not test it immediately on your face but on some inconspicuous part like the
inside of your arm so if ever there is an allergic reaction, then at least your
face will not be affected. If you get to find a product that doesn't have
immediate adverse effects on your skin, they try it out at least for a couple of
weeks to see if it really works well on your skin.

While selecting different skin care
products, ask first the sales person if they take returns on their products.
If they decline, then it is not worth testing their product. Some companies even
offer samples that you may use for a certain period of time. At least you don't
have the hassle of coming back to return the product.

When you get to decide on which line of products you are going to use, make
sure that you get most of your products from the same line so as to get uniform
results since their concentrations are made in such a way that when mixed
together, they give out the best results as compared to using different brands
of product which may have a different formulation, and not blend with others.
The cleanser, toner and moisturizer work in sync to normalize the pH of the skin
and hydration. As to other products such as exfoliants, gels, creams for the eye
and hand, these can be from other brands as it won't affect the skin as much as
the previous products mentioned.

At some point in your life, you may want to change your skin care products
especially as one grows older their skin demands more nutrients and care. Some
lines cater to needs of different age groups so as to not lose your loyalty as a
consumer. It will still be up to you if you would like to change or retain what
you are presently using.

Also be sure to use the same products every day. Don't use one product line
one day, and another the next. In a sense, this confuses your skin and it won't
want to behave.

Here are some reasons you may have to change skin care lines:

You have a skin condition that requires special treatments.
You're no
longer satisfied with your current brand and want to try something new.
You
want to use cosmeceuticals you've read about.
You're making more money and
want to use more expensive products.
You want to save money and know you can
still get great skin results for less money.
Your skin has matured and you
need more nourishing skin care products.
You want to use the skin care system
recommended by a skin care technician or friend.
For no good reason at all.
You just want to change.

Oftentimes, you may just want to change skin care products just for no reason
at all but to change. Always remember to practice caution and better judgment in
choosing what is best for you.

Day Spas How to Choose

Inhale deep, hold, and exhale. Feel the tension in your neck lessen slightly?
Good, now multiply that relief by thousands and you have the worth of a perfect
day spa experience. Our world is plugged in, turned on, and blaring stress at us
non stop. So, how do you find a day spa to act as a private oasis? Just a bit of
legwork and you too can choose a day spa offering gifts of relaxation, health,
and peace of mind.

Drink at least two liters (eight glasses) of water a day. Water
helps keep your skin hydrated. It also helps keep your body in good working
order including your metabolism and digestive system, and helps to flush toxins
from your body. Drinking water is good for internal as well as external
beauty.

Choose a day spa with top marks in the following three areas: fair pricing,
considerate staff, and refined products and facilities.

Start by finding a spa with prices in your budget. You are less likely to
find a day spa's services fulfilling if you don't also feel you are getting a
fair price from the start. Expect more expense for highly technical and
specialized services, but shopping around may also uncover a great deal. Don't
forget to include tax and gratuity into the charge if not already included. Many
day spas are independently owned-- an open door to establishing a closer
business relationship. Day spa owners and spa therapists are always on the
lookout for repeat and consistent clients. It never hurts to inquire about
discounts for multiple bookings or service packages.

After calling a handful of day spas and finding one within your means, now
weigh the team serving you. One phone call can give mounds of information to
determine if the spa is worth the next step, a preliminary visit. Choose a day
spa that wants your business. Snobbery, difficulty in booking an appointment,
and unwillingness to answer questions are all warning signs to go some where
else! Incredible customer treatment comes from a need to keep clients. Don't
discredit any first impressions from the booking phone call. Also, be sure to
ask about the credentials of the specialist working with you. Lack of experience
may not necessarily equal an impending bad experience; absences of training and
appropriate education are though!

Once you have an appointment, be sure to discuss an opportunity to view the
facility and review products used. Quality day spas will stick within one
specific product line or brand to prevent adverse reactions by crossing
products. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or allergies
to herbal ingredients. A short tour shouldn't take more than ten minutes, and
will afford you the opportunity to walk through the process. Take note of how
the atmosphere feels and the cleanliness of the common areas. Check the walls
and literature for any claims of affiliation or licensing by day spa trade
associations. Follow up with those organizations to learn what that affiliation
means for your day spa visit, or if there have been any client complaints about
a particular location.

On the day of your appointment be sure to arrive twenty to thirty minutes
before your scheduled appointment to complete questionnaires. A vast majority of
spa services have multiple personal preference components. Intake staff will use
this information to set up any aroma therapies or specialized products needed
for your day spa service. Plus, waiting at a day spa is not dreary like a
dentist or doctor office! Serenity rooms or conservatories are important ways to
begin removing stress and unwanted worries before meeting with other spa
staff.

Spa treatments are not a luxury to just waste money. A day spa performs
services to help reduce stress, improve skin and muscle conditions, and enhance
mental well-being. Men and women need to reinvest in themselves, especially as
the forty hour work week is consistently stretched to mean fifty. Our bodies are
the most expensive job equipment owned. Similar to vehicles receiving periodic
maintenance to keep the engine running, our bodies also need upkeep to stay in
top producing condition. Choose the day spa focused on providing for the
customer, you! Finally, feel secure in rewarding your hard work and enjoy the
"ahhhh" to follow.

Seborrheic Dermatitis - Seborrhea

Seborrheic dermatitis (Seborrhea) is a common skin condition that can affect
people of any age. Recognized as a scaly, red, itchy rash that is commonly found
on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, sides of the nose, behind the ears and on the
chest, it is an uncomfortable and often embarrassing condition. Seborrheic
dermatitis affects millions of people in the United States alone - fortunately,
it is more embarrassing than it is a health risk, and this disturbing skin
condition is easily treated. While there is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis,
one can learn more about it and lessen the effects, discomfort and
embarrassment.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Photo:

What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic Dermatitis occurs
when the sebaceous glands (the body's natural oil glands) begin to produce too
much oil, also known as sebum. While for some people, this just results in oily
skin, people who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis have the problem with the
oily skin, but a pityrosporum yeast begins to grow in the sebum, and this can be
further complicated by the presence of bacteria. When you mix the abundance of
sebum with the unnatural yeast growth, your body creates the ideal surface for
seborrheic dermatitis to set in.

Seborrhea is caused by yeast that's present in the hair follicle. You can
control the growth of seborrhea, but it can recur from time to time. Consult a
dermatologist if you have more than mild symptoms.

While seborrheic dermatitis is commonly seen on the scalp, chest and facial
areas, it can also be found in the ear canals, under the arms, or even in the
groin area. In truth, seborrheic dermatitis can strike just about anywhere, can
affect people of all ages and ethnicities, and can be further complicated by a
person's mood, their environment, and their personal hygiene.

Who is at Risk?
This embarrassing condition is commonly seen
amongst people of 3 different ages: Found in infants, seborrheic dermatitis
often affects the scalp and, for this reason, is commonly called "cradle cap."
This usually happens simply because the body is getting used to working properly
and it takes it some time to adjust and know how much oil to produce.
Fortunately, most children grow out of their cradle cap by the time they're 3
years old.

Many middle-aged people begin to develop seborrheic dermatitis and, finally,
this condition is commonly found amongst the elderly, particularly those who are
in hospitals or nursing homes. In addition to the age factor, seborrheic
dermatitis affects people who are suffering from extreme fatigue or stress,
those who are obese, and the risk of developing this condition can also increase
for those who have relatives with the condition.

Weather conditions, such as those found in the cold northern climates, can
further irritate seborrheic dermatitis, and this condition is commonly
associated with people who have also suffered head injuries, heart attacks,
stroke, or have autoimmune disorders. Seborrheic dermatitis is commonly found in
people who suffer from AIDS, as well as those who have Parkinson's Disease.

How is it Diagnosed?
For most people, seborrheic dermatitis merely
requires a visit to the doctor. In most cases, there is no need for blood or
urine tests, though your doctor may decide to do a scraping or skin biopsy, just
to rule out the presence of another disease, but this is mainly done if the
patient's condition seems to resist treatment. While many commonly confuse
seborrheic dermatitis with other conditions, such as dandruff or psoriasis, most
doctors are able to make a quick diagnosis without much ado.

What Treatments are Available?
While there is no cure for
seborrheic dermatitis, there are methods of treating the symptoms and lessening
the discomfort. For infants, simply using a mild shampoo will help, as well as
applying a thin layer of mild corticosteroid cream or lotion to the affected
areas. Anti-fungal topical ointments may also provide relief.

Adults who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis may require a special, medicated
shampoo or a stronger corticosteroid medication to control their conditions. In
more severe cases, the doctor may prescribe a cream, gel, or foam to use on the
skin, or they may give you a prescription for a special shampoo that's not
available over the counter. In many cases, seborrheic dermatitis is lessened
when people go outside, especially during the summer, and engage in a little fun
in the sun.

If you suspect you may have seborrheic dermatitis, the best thing that you
can do is get in to your doctor and have it diagnosed. While this condition is
not contagious, there's no reason to suffer the discomfort and embarrassment
that seborrheic dermatitis may cause. Follow your doctor's advice and you're
sure to be feeling better in no time.

Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hair is a hair that has not broken through the surface of the skin.
The ingrown hair continues to grow under the skin. When this happens, bacteria,
pus, and dead skin cells get trapped along with the hair. Ingrown hairs are
common anywhere there is curly hair. The area under your chin, pubic area, upper
neck or cheeks can be subject to an uncomfortable cluster of papules and
sometimes pustules, which can make shaving very difficult. This condition is
known as pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB); more commonly called ingrown hairs or
razor bumps. This reasons for this are the follicles are tightly curved and
sometimes grow right back into the skin.

First and foremost, refrain from picking at ingrown hairs. You may create
bigger problems, such as infection and scarring. Instead, apply salicylic acid
(BHA) to the ingrown hair with a Q-tip. An effective product for ingrown hairs
is Tend Skin, which is available at most drug stores. At any time, you can use a
plastic net or natural loofah to gently exfoliate the ingrown hair area. You can
also dry brush the area daily before your bath or shower. Benzoyl peroxide is
the most commonly used over the counter acne medication, and is also the most
effective method for treating ingrown hair. A cream or water based product may
be gentler if your skin is very sensitive; however, alcohol based products may
be more potent if you're able to tolerate them.

Virtually all hair removal methods can cause ingrown hairs, with the possible
exception of depilatories. Depilatories are lotions that contain strong
chemicals. These chemicals dissolve hair growth above the surface of your
skin.

Ingrown Hair Treatment

If you have ingrown hair, you need to establish proper shaving techniques.
Allowing you hair to grow long enough so they won't grow back into the skin can
be helpful. Here are some tips to help prevent ingrown hairs while shaving:

Soften your hairs before shaving. After a warm shower or bath is the best
time to shave. Steaming helps to soften your hair. Washing helps to remove all
the oil and helps the skin to stand more erect, making them easier to cut.

Use creams or gels to moisten your hairs and to help lubricate the razor
blades on your skin.

Shave with the grain. Using downward strokes. You will have less pull on the
hairs if you shave in the same direction the hair lies. This will also minimize
irritation as well as help in preventing ingrown hair.

Try to not to go over the same area twice. Repeated shaving of the same area
may result in the hair being cut to short.

Don't stretch the skin while shaving. This leads to a closer shave and
increases the chances of ingrown hairs.

Try not to shave daily unless you have to.

Don't use aftershave or cologne on the shaved areas. Instead, after shaving,
rinse thoroughly with warm water and apply a mild lotion such as Cetaphil
Lotion.

Rinse your razor as often as possible while shaving. Change the blades at
least once a week.

2008-06-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

Reduce Wrinkles

It is inevitable to develop wrinkles as we age. We can only do so much to
slow down the process. There are several procedures employed that can help
diminish the effects of aging such as microdermabrasion,
chemical peels,
and laser
resurfacing, each with its own advantage and disadvantage.

It is always best to consult your skin care professional or dermatologist as to
what procedure is best for you to achieve encouraging results on your skin.
Reactions to the various procedures differ for each person. The positive effect
that one may achieve with a certain procedure may instead aggravate your
condition. Your doctor should know what is best for you and it is imperative
that you trust them completely.

To repair prematurely aged skin, most specialists will recommend several
nutritional supplements which have antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals
that revitalize the skin. Aged skin can cause wrinkles since they lack the
flexibility of the cells found in younger skin. This causes it to sag and
wrinkle. Thus, the goal of this type of treatment is to remove the old skin
layer to be able to make room for the new skin layer to surface. This is
achieved by increasing the rate of cell turnover until it is consistent with the
turnover rate of healthy skin which is 21 to 28 days. Then, when the top layer
of dead skin cells is removed and indentations occur, removers are relaxers or
fillers such as botox, restylane, and collagen.

Consult a skin care expert for advice on how to fix aged skin and which
supplement is best for your body and skin's metabolism. Ask for advice on
nutritional supplements that contain antioxidants and revitalizing vitamins and
minerals.

The purpose of any skin treatment program will be to increase the cell
turnover so that it's rate is more consistent with that of healthy skin.

Wrinkle Treatments

The rate of healthy skin turnover is every 21 to 28 days. Here are some
suggestions:
A rejuvenating facial
employs deep cleansing with the addition of antioxidants and serums made for the
reduction of the visible aging signs.
A glycolic acid
peel removes dead skin cells through the exfoliation of the skin which in
turn stimulates the production of new collagen for the growth of new
cells.
Microdermabrasion is the mechanical way of shedding the old layer of
skin by using a machine to exfoliate the dead skin cells, thus increasing cell
turnover.

Skin treatments should be made a regular habit, practiced every four to six
weeks which is as often these skin cells turn over. Nothing will be gained with
just one treatment. It should be a constant thing and done with the supervision
of your skin care specialist because if not, then it is useless to even start
treatment.

Nail Care

So often nail care is relegated to the category of luxury, not need. Many men
and women neglect nail care either due to a lack of time or inclination that
effort is better spent elsewhere. How awful then that most first impressions
come from handshakes? Inevitably, new acquaintances and potential business
clients glance at the hand extended to them. Well manicured fingers are not only
inviting, but nonverbally communicate an attention to detail more powerful than
any boasting of past deeds. But how do you achieve flawless nail care when you
are on a tight schedule as most of us are?

The significant steps for well manicured finger nails are: soaking to remove
dirt and grime, trimming cuticles, filing nails, and applying a clear coat for
protection and shine. To maximize efficiency, begin by multitasking! Instead of
soaking hands for five to ten minutes in warm water in an act on its own, take
advantage of the times when hands are already spotless. After a shower or
finishing the evening dishes is a perfect time to jump to step two. If there is
any residue under nails after the shower or dishwashing, simply ease an orange
stick or tip of a pointed nail file under the edge of the finger nail.

Hand soaking does not only remove dirt from the day's activities; it also
softens cuticles for trimming. For really soft hands, soak hands in a water bath
mixture of gentle soap and a moisturizing lotion. If you used the orange stick
to clean under your nails, quickly wash it to remove any bacteria before using
it on your cuticles. Use the stick to ease back any wayward cuticles, also known
as the skin around fingernails that is painful when pulled. Only use the stick
to make the skin stand up, and try not to pull up living skin as that will be a
big "Ouch!" Using a nail clipper, or you can purchase a special cuticle clipper,
snip the dead skin away. This leaves nails looking larger, and reduces the
likelihood the skin will rip and bleed at a later date.

You will need to wait a bit between steps two and three, as filing wet nails
is a good way to cause unintended ripping. Only once nails are thoroughly dry
should a nail file or emery board be used to file. If nails have grown too long
to be comfortable, use a nail clipper first to trim down the nail and the nail
file only for fine tuning. Men should keep a boxier look to their nails, keeping
a clean, neat appearance, but not necessarily an overly manicured one. Women can
shape finger nails into a more rounded tip, a nice trick to make fingers look
longer and more slender, or keep a square edge to draw attention to the
nail.

Unless it is a special occasion, skip the nail color and only apply a clear
coat of polish. Almost worse than neglected nail care is half-hearted nail care,
and chipped bright nail polish screams half-hearted effort. A simple clear coat
or two of polish is all that is needed for attractive, professional hands.
Polish is not simply an aesthetic. A strong nail polish will also help protect
nails from the daily abuse of finger jamming, snags, and breaking. It won't
prevent damage if you slam a hammer on your finger, but normal wear and tear
shouldn't be a problem. Nail polish has a pretty short shelf life once opened,
so after a few weeks, replace it with a new bottle. If the polish is chunky and
resists spreading from the brush, it has expired. Apply in two to three broad
strokes to prevent unflattering streaks. If a large glob of polish lands on a
finger nail, simply wipe it away and begin anew. Heavy coats of polish won't
cure or harden in time to prevent a smudge or finger nail print.

Finally, receiving a manicure can be relaxing and stress reducing, but the
expense and needed time are often in short supply for many of us. Don't forsake
all your nail care for those reasons. With only about a weekly twenty minute
time investment, hands can keep the look of a professional manicure.
Well-manicured hands are a sign of class and professionalism. Use multitasking
to reduce the overall time investment needed, and only hit on the important
steps. If you have more time to devote to nail care, then by all means use a
neutral color requiring more coats, or add a tasteful decoration to the tips.
Just remember to refresh the color or design as appropriate to prevent it from
looking shabby. Keep up this small detail of personal care to wow anyone on a
first impression.

Flawless Makeup Tips

No professional make up team on standby? No problem. Just a few simple
techniques yield a fresh and flawless face to put forward. A good make up look
radiates class, sophistication, and enhances the wearer's natural pleasing
features. In addition to bringing out the best of the face, make up works double
duty in disguising any blemishes or break outs. With so many brands, shades, and
types of cosmetics flooding the market, it can be a Herculean task to correctly
apply make up. Use the following tips to create a polished, practiced, and new
make up look for any occasion.

Foundation
Foundation should only be applied to healthy, clean
skin. Never test a color on the back of your hand to determine the right tone, a
hand is typically a few shades darker than a jaw line. The perfect foundation
shade will disappear when applied, and shouldn't be used to conceal blemishes.
Instead, find a concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone and apply it in
a blotting motion with a small make up brush. This technique ensures the
concealer covers all three dimensions of a blemish, and doesn't just skim the
surface like a sponge would.

Beauty Tools
Utilize make up brushes for application when possible.
These can easily be washed, spritzed with disinfectant, and safely used over and
over again. Sponge applicators quickly harbor a breeding ground for bacteria.
Keep separate brushes for products to prevent dark color residue from destroying
an intended lightening effect. Greater blending can be accomplished with a 100%
cotton ball, swab, or pad. Poly blend cotton products will only smear. True
blending requires the cotton to absorb the excess cosmetics which a synthetic
fiber will not do.

Eyes
Branch out from black and brown eyeliner. Buying an eyeliner
brush, a firm and narrowly angled bristle brush, will allow you to use your
darker eye shadow as eyeliner. Simply dampen the tip of the brush and run it
through the eye shadow. Try lining with a lighter shade for the inner corners of
your eyes to open them up. Be sure to use at least three tones of shadow
gradually blended from eye lid to brow. Using only one color is very
unflattering and fake. To prevent bold colors like purples from appearing harsh
or theatrical, try blending with a coppery brown to diminish the contrast.

Lips
Exfoliating lips of dead skin cells can bring a natural lush
red only needing clear lip gloss coverage. Also, by removing the bumps and
creases, lipstick applies more evenly and is less likely to seem blotchy.
Full-bodied lips come from using a slightly darker lip liner around than the
lipstick selected. Improve the richness of a shade and longevity of the color by
filling in the entire lip area with liner before applying lipstick. Prevent
lipstick from moving to areas it does not belong with a coat of lip moisturizer
or lip gloss. A plumper pout can be simulated by only applying a high sheen
gloss on the middle of your lips, directly where your finger crosses if you were
to motion someone to be silent.

Finishing Touches
Blush should never be applied only to the cheeks.
Brush it liberally along the cheek bones, upper forehead, the narrow of the
nose, and lightly on chin to create a natural bloom. Follow with a loose powder
to "set" the look. Loose powder is an imperative fighter against oil shine and
keeps make up from wandering from your face to your clothing. Save mascara for
your final step to prevent any powder or blush from becoming trapped on your
lashes before it dries. Unless you are going out for the night, stick with brown
or brown/black mascara for a more natural look. Try using mascara more heavily
on the outer third of lashes for a flirty look, or on the bottom lash line to
open eyes up.

Make Up Expiration
Before using and applying make up,
check its condition for quality. Mascara that is constantly clumping the brush
is trash, as it is only going to clump even worse on your eyelashes. Eye shadows
with oil spots in the center from frequent use are likely ripe with bacteria
growth. All make up should be kept out of direct light or heat higher than room
temperature. These products are chemicals, and heat or light exposure can cause
unwanted reactions or experiments with color you never intended! Any sign of
ingredient separation such as watery layer on top, or stratifying pigmentation
also indicates the product should be tossed out. Best rule of thumb is if you
can't remember when you purchased a cosmetic product, then its shelf life is
probably up.

Use these tips in addition to normal make up application techniques to make a
drab look sparkle. Increase the ease of make up selection by remaining within
one brand- you won't have to worry about interactions among products and
complimenting color palettes are more likely to be offered in the same season.
Experimenting with color, products, and designs can open up new make up looks.
Just remember to concentrate on exclusively one or two features at a time. Even
starlets follow this rule- as you glance at any red carpet photo immediately one
feature will pop out screaming "Look at me!" Finally, keep your face looking
simple and natural. Very few people think "My god, that person should wear more
make up." But so often we are all guilty of privately urging a woman to go wash
the make up off her face.

2008-06-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

Skin Care...

Articles, tips and reviews on treatments, products and the general
care for acne, rosacea, eczema and more. We also
have information for anti aging, natural and men's
care. Please also be sure to check out our forums to discuss any and
all aspects of the care for you skin including what works best for
you.

Skin Care Tips

Wear a sunblock every day... The primary cause of premature
aging is exposure to the sun without adequate care and protection.
Don't wash your skin too often... Washing strips oil and moisture.
Besides, tap water contains chlorine which causes oxidative damage.
Washing your face twice a day is sufficient. Do not smoke...
Smoking can cause the skin to age prematurely, as well as take on an
unflattering sallow tone. Nicotine will reverse your anti aging
routine quicker than anything else. Wear sunglasses... This
will protect the eyes as well as the delicate skin around them. Take
care in checking the products label and make sure they provide UVA and
UVB protection. Warm water over hot... When bathing choose warm
water over hot. It is not as drying and is more natural. Get ample
sleep... Most of the body's repair and rejuvenation occurs while
you sleep. Follow a nightly regimen... Apply products 1 hour
before bedtime to allow ample time to penetrate the skin. Exercise
regularly... It increases the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the
skin, which will give skin a natural, healthy glow. Choose products
carefully... Everyone's skin is different, so try several to see
which products work best for you and which produce an anti effect.
Never sleep with makeup... Sleeping with makeup is not natural for
your skin. It may also have an adverse effect with your anti aging
routine.

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.

Chemical Peel

Skin is a dynamic, growing organ. Every day cells divide at the basal layer
of the epidermis and begin their journey upward to the uppermost layer, the
stratum cornea. As new cells continue to grow, old cells from the stratum cornea
slough off. This exfoliation
of cells from the stratum cornea is a normal daily event.

Chemical peeling is basically an accelerated form of exfoliation induced by
the use of a chemical agent. Very light peeling agents induce a faster sloughing
of the cells in the stratum cornea, whereas deeper peeling agents create
necrosis and inflammation in the epidermis, papillary dermis, or reticular
dermis.

Chemical peeling creates changes in the skin through three
mechanisms:
Stimulation of the epidermal growth through removal of the
stratum cornea. Even very light peels that do not create necrosis of the "living
epidermis" can induce the epidermis to thicken.
Destruction of specific
layers of damaged skin. By destroying the layers and replacing them with more
"normalized" tissue, a better cosmetic result is achieved. This is especially
true in the treatment of pigmentation abnormalities and actinic
keratoses.
Introduction of inflammatory reaction deeper in the tissue than
the necrosis induced by the peeling agent. Activation of the mediators of
inflammation is able to induce production of new collagen and ground substance
in the dermis. Epidermal wounds are capable of inducing deposition of collagen
and glycosaminoglycans in the dermis.

Because deeper peels involve a greater risk of complication and a longer
period of recovery, or downtime, the goal is to create as little necrosis as
possible while inducing as much new tissue formation as possible. This is the
concept behind repetitive superficial and medium depth peels. They have low
risk, but they create cumulative benefits that far exceed the results of on
lighter peel.

Levels of Peels

Very superficial (exfoliation): These peels thin or remove the stratum
corneum and do not create a wound below the stratum granulosum.

Superficial (epidermal): These peels create necrosis of part of all of
the epidermis, anywhere from the stratum granulosum to the basal cell layer.

Medium (papillary dermal): These peels create necrosis of the
epidermis and part or all of the papillary dermis.

Deep (reticular dermal): These peels create necrosis of the epidermis
and papillary dermis, which extends into the reticular
dermis.

Classification of Peeling Agents

Very Superficial: Glycolic acid 30% to 50% applied briefly (1 to 2
minutes)
Jessner's solution applied in 1 to 3 coats
Low-concentration
resorcinol 20% to 30% applied briefly (5 to 10 minutes)

Superficial: Glycolic acid 50% to 70% applied for a variable time (2
to 20 minutes)
Jessner's solution applied in 4 to 10 coats
Resorcinol 40%
to 50% applied for 30 to 60 minutes.
TCA 10% to 30%

Medium Depth: Glycolic acid 70% applied for a variable time (3 to 30
minutes)
TCA 35% to 50%
Augmented TCA (Jessner's solution plus TCA 35%,
glycolic acid 70% plus TCA 35%)

Deep: Phenol 88%
Baker Gordon Phenol Formula

Complications of a Chemical Peel

Some of the reported complications from getting a chemical peel
are:
Premature Peeling
Infection
Postinflammatory
Infection
Hypopigmentation
Allergic
Reactions
Scabbing
Scarring
Ecchymoses
Acneform Eruptions
Tears
Dripping Onto the Neck

The cost of a chemical peel is determined by depth, location, and type.

Dry Skin Care

Dehydration is the loss of water in the body, sometimes severe enough to
cause shock since the human body is composed of seventy five percent water. To
address this problem you first need to know its main cause. Several factors like
the environment, weather, health situation, or lifestyle is making the skin dry.
Some of them are easily remedied and others will take more time and effort.

To avoid dehydration, you should drink at least eight glasses of water a day,
approximately 64 ounces of water, more in really hot weather. If you do not get
enough water in the body, dehydration may set in. The eight glasses do not
include other beverages you drink during the day, such as tea, coffee, milk,
soda or juice. These beverages should be limited in intake since some of them
may further dehydrate your skin and contribute to other skin conditions, such as
acne.

Unnatural air conditioning from home or office heating and cooling systems
keeps the air dry by removes moisture from your skin. Room humidifiers can be
employed to keep air moist. Humidifiers can also be installed on the home
furnace to help retain moisture in the atmosphere of the home. Installing such
can be a bit expensive but helpful in avoiding dry skin especially in
places with dry climate such as the Midwest states. A helpful tip in keeping the
house humid is to fill several pots with water and place it in strategic places
in the house. They need to be refilled when the level of water becomes low.

Living in a dry climate, such as Colorado, Alaska, Utah, Arizona, and
elsewhere. You can't make the air outside more humid, but you can use
humidifiers indoors. Fill a pottery crock with water and place several around
your house. Refill when the water has evaporated.

Excessive use of exfoliants can also dry out the skin, making it reddish and
rough. Treatment is just to decrease the frequency of use of the exfoliant. Use
scrub exfoliants with polyurethane beads or cornmeal since this does not dry out
the skin. Also, the excessive use of topical medications prescribed for the skin
like Retin-A and
hydroquinone can also cause inflammation of the skin. Use should be cut down to
every three days until the skin becomes normal.

Overuse of topical prescription medications for skin, such as Retin-A,
benzoyl peroxide, or hydroquinone. They can make the skin dry, red, and
inflamed. Cut back on use to every other day or every third day until your skin
normalizes and redness is healed.

Before using any skin care product on yourself, you should try to consult a
skin expert or a certified skin technician. Since there are a lot of skin care
products in the market today, you should always test what will work best on
your skin. If it feels too dry or flaking occurs, then it probably isn't the
best product for you. Foundations used either powder or fluid, should nourish
the skin, and not cause it to dry up. It will help to know the type of facial
skin you have, if either oily or dry, to be able to choose the right foundation
for your skin type.

Using foundation or powder that is too drying for your skin. If your skin
feels tight at midday, consider switching your foundation or powder to one with
more moisture and less oil absorption.

Salon treatments are a delight to indulge in. But too much of a good thing
can lead to its destruction. Treatments at a salon should be done every six
weeks, at the least, especially for skin peels. Consult your aesthetician for
suggestions on the proper skin regimen for you.

There are several medications that can lead to dehydration. If these
medications are not really necessary for your body, like if it is just a
supplement and not for the cure of an underlying illness, then stop using it. If
this is not possible, then just try to avoid other causes of skin
dehydration.

Some illnesses can also lead to skin dehydration like flu, and cancer. Flu
discourages water retention thus leading to dehydration. Cancer treatments, like
chemotherapy and radiation treatments can also dehydrate the skin. The best
thing to do is to keep your skin hydrated even when sick by drinking lots of
fluids.

Travel by plane can also cause your skin to get dehydrated. Since the cabin
air is drier, especially at a height of thirty thousand feet, moisturizer should
be applied before the plane takes off. Spritzing your face with a toner solution
that contains humectant or much simpler, purified water, can help moisturize
your skin during flights.

Pollution also plays a role in skin dehydration. You can either opt to stop
pollution or just take care of your own skin by following the proper and
prescribed skin regimen for you regularly.

Drinking alcohol also leads to dehydration since alcohol is a diuretic.
Diuretics draw water from the body, and lower the water level in the body. A
hang over is usually the result of dehydration of the body. If you are prone to
dry skin, alcoholic drinks should be avoided. Smoking also produces the same
effect on the body. Even if you are just the recipient of second hand smoke, it
can still cause dehydration. Therefore to avoid dehydration, stop smoking.

Smoking. Smoking dries out the body both internally and externally. This
affects both smokers and people subject to second hand smoke. The only solution
is to stop smoking.

Drinking sodas, either the regular kind or the diet ones can result in
dehydration. These types of drinks have sodium as their ingredient which causes
acidity. Avoid sodas and increase your intake of purified water. Carbonated
water has dissolved carbon dioxide in its composition, which is also highly
acidic, so avoid other bubbly drinks as well.

A good sleep during the night helps greatly in maintaining moisture in the
skin. At least six to eight hours of sleep is needed for the body to function at
its peak. Avoid eating starches, white sugar, junk food, french fries, and
potato chips since this may also lead to skin dehydration.

There are still several causes that may lead to skin dehydration, all of them
seen in our daily routine. If only people are aware of this, then complaints of
dry skin can be avoided. Our modern and carefree lifestyle contributes to this
skin condition. It is only by changing our regular habits that we can avoid
having dry skin. After changing our lifestyle and environment, here are several
tips on how to take care of your skin.

Dry Skin Treatment

After you go to work on the lifestyle and environmental changes suggested,
it's time to go to work on your skin. Follow these suggestions:

Correcting dehydrated skin begins with faithfully completing your daily skin
care ritual. Be sure to cleanse, tone, and moisturize twice a day- morning and
evening.

Exfoliate
gently and regularly using mild alpha hydroxyl acids to dissolve dead skin cells
that buildup in the skin because of its dryness and keratinization. Improvement
of the skin's natural moisturizing factor can be achieved by the use of lactic
acid, squalene, glycerine, and urea treatments. For special treatment for your
skin, a hydrating mask can be applied to make the skin remain moist but make
sure that it will not unintentionally dry the skin.

For a special skin treatment, apply a hydrating mask that stays moist on the
skin. Be sure your mask isn't intended to actually dry while on the skin.

Use sunscreen with
the right sun protection factor and moisturizer
when going outdoors. Select a foundation that keeps moisture in place like those
that contain glyconucleopeptides, silicone, or silica. Drink fish oil capsules
that contain essential fatty acids, or flax seed oil, every day. They will make
your skin soft and supple. A dosage of 10 capsules or 2 tablespoons can suffice.
Eating five to ten servings of vegetables and fruits daily with each meal also
helps in hydrating the skin.

Choose a foundation that seals in moisture, such as one that contains
silicone, silica, or glyconucleopeptides.

Take essential fatty acids, those found in fish oil capsules or flax seed
oil, every day. Take about 10 capsules or 2 tablespoons. They will make your
skin soft and supple. Eat 5 to 10 servings of vegetables and fruits dailt, or at
least 2 with each meal.

Electrolytes should also be balanced to help regulate the hydration levels of
the body. These can be found in fruits like bananas and oranges instead of so
called energy drinks like Gatorade since it is composed of a lot of sugar and
artificial ingredients.

Skin Care Treatments

Thank goodness, most skin conditions are only temporary. But that doesn't
mean you don't want to correct them as quickly as possible. We hope the
following articles will help you with treating, and caring for your skin. And
also help with making decisions on what treatments may be right and which may be
wrong for your skin.

Dermabrasion
Going through puberty
with severe acne can be very traumatic. Acne is bad, but one of the worst things
about cystic acne is the scars it leaves behind. Why live with scars and the
emotional trauma they bring?...

Scabies Treatment
Scabies is a
common itchy skin condition caused by a microscopic mite known as Sarcoptes
scabei. No matter what you call it, the resulting rash, pimple-like irritations,
and intense itching can leave you miserable...

Rosacea Treatment
Rosacea
seems like a mysterious condition, especially if you have it. The very
treatments that a person would normally use for breakouts or acne won't work for
rosacea. In fact, they can aggravate the condition and make it worse...

Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis
affects 80 million people worldwide. At least two per cent of people have the
skin condition to a degree, whether it's in one toe nail or over most of the
surface of the skin. It's caused by acceleration in the skin's replacement
process...

Accutane
Accutane or Isotretinoin is
very effective because of it has the ability to target specific areas at the
root of acne. Normally accutane is prescribed after all other treatments have
failed. Accutane is prescription only and can only be prescribed by a doctor or
dermatologist...

Thermage
Thermage also know as a thermal
lift will give you many of the same benefits of a surgical face lift. It will
also renew the texture of your skin by creating new and denser collagen,
creating an increase in the thickness of your skin...

Eczema Treatment
Eczema is a
broad term for a number of inflammatory skin diseases with the most prominent
being Atopic Dermatitis. Eczema is not curable per se so treatments are designed
to bring relief or to put the disease into temporary remission...

Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a very
popular option for people looking to permanently remove unwanted body hair. The
process works by using electricity to destroy the hair's growth center,
preventing it from growing again. Invented over 100 years ago to remove ingrown
eyelash hairs, electrolysis has endured the test of time and continues to be one
of the most effective methods for removing unwanted hair...

Laser Hair Removal
You are
most likely to be successful with laser hair removal if you have light skin and
dark hair. If you have light skin and light hair, ask for a laser removal
treatment that combines radio frequency waves with pulsed light. If you have
darker skin and dark hair, laser hair removal is more likely to cause skin
discoloration and dark pigmentation...

Chemical Peel
Skin is a dynamic,
growing organ. Every day cells divide at the basal layer of the epidermis and
begin their journey upward to the uppermost layer, the stratum cornea. As new
cells continue to grow, old cells from the stratum cornea slough off. This
exfoliation of cells from the stratum cornea is a normal daily event...

TCA Chemical
Peel
Trichloroacetic (TCA) has become the gold standard of chemical
peeling agents. It has been well studied, it is versatile in its ability to
create peels of different depths, it is stable, inexpensive, and nontoxic. TCA
is a chemical cauterant, which coagulates proteins in the skin. This is
presumably the basis for the formation of the white frost seen when TCA is
applied to the skin. The deeper the peel performed with TCA, the faster and more
intensely white the frost...

Glycolic Acid Peel
Alpha
hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of organic acids, some of which are derived
from fruits, hence their name "fruit acids". Despite the fact that glycolic acid
can be found in sugar cane, the glycolic acid used in your practice is not
derived from processing sugar cane. It is created in a laboratory from chemical
reagents, that is, bubbling carbon monoxide through...

Facials for Skin
Conditions
A good time to schedule a facial is when you're
experiencing temporary skin conditions, such as congestion or breakout. In fact,
it's great to schedule facials every month for your skin, regardless of its
condition. Inform your skin care specialist of your needs, because the standard
facial for your skin type needs to be modified to help correct your condition...

Facial Skin Care
Reading
through a list of facial offerings at a salon or spa can be confusing. There are
literally thousands of different types of facials. You'll find rejuvenating,
purifying, balancing, oxygen, European, deep cleansing, alpha-beta peels, and
many more. To tell the truth, it's sometimes confusing to know what to ask
for...

Oxygen Facials
Your skin receives
benefits from oxygen every time you breathe. And since the air around you is
composed of 18 percent oxygen, you receive adequate oxygen to sustain life and
remain healthy. Your skin benefits from the very oxygen you breathe...

Light Therapy
Using light is
helpful for some people in correcting the skin conditions of psoriasis and acne.
You can purchase light therapy equipment for home use, or visit a salon or
dermatologist for light treatments. The lights used in light therapy, for
psoriasis stimulate natural sunlight, so it comes as sun exposure...

Facial Exercisers
The devices
give you a non-surgical face-lift by using light electrical currents to
passively contract the muscles of the face and neck. The contractions cause the
muscles to tighten, as if through exercise. Facial exercisers are widely
available for home use through the internet and infomercials...

Photorejuvenation
Systems
Also known as Foto-Facial Rejuvenation with Intense Pulsed
Light ( IPL ), this procedure is noninvasive and can correct skin concerns such
as pigmentation, age spots, very fine lines, sun damage, and can improve skin
texture. But that's not all...

Laser Resurfacing
Consider this
treatment only if you have severe wrinkling, significant abnormal pigmentation,
or deep acne scars. Laser resurfacing is a medical procedure that's invasive and
requires downtime for healing. As it resurfaces the skin, the laser burns away
outer layers. This triggers the fibroblasts that produce collagen to replace
what's been burned off...

Microdermabrasion
Think of
microdermabrasion as polish taken to the extreme. It's a deep skin scrub
performed using finely ground mineral crystals. You can have microdermabrasion
done at a salon and intense microdermabrasion performed at a doctor's office.
You can also purchase a home use microdermabrasion machine and perform this
treatment for yourself. The machine is far more gentle than those used by
professionals...

Botox
Botox injections are seemingly a
miracle for erasing furrows between the eyebrows and the nasal labial folds and
corners of the mouth. Botox is purified botulinum bacteria. This is the same
bacteria that causes severe and often fatal form of food poisoning. The
difference is that the bitulinum bacteria in Botox are a purified form that
won't cause illness...

A Facial Suited to Your
Skin Type
Receiving a facial means that the skin care technician
knows your skin type. Each skin type requires specifically tailored treatments.
The following recommendations are for skin that isn't affected by a more serious
skin condition...

Collagen Injections
Collagen injections
take mere moments to perform but can take years from your face. Collagen is a
natural protein that provides texture, resilience and shape to your skin and
face. The collagen used for facial injections comes from human tissue as well as
bovine (cow) tissue...

Restylane
The FDA recently approved
Restylane for injection to correct moderate to severe facial folds and wrinkles.
It's made from biodegradable, nonanimal, and stabilized hyaluronic acid, which
is found in human skin tissue. Hyaluronic acid naturally provides volume and
fullness to the skin. It can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, but its
presence decreases as a person ages...

Retin A
Retin-A is the trade name for
retinoic acid. The topical form of this synthetic derivative of vitamin A is not
to be confused with vitamin A which is taken by mouth. Topical Retin-A was
developed in the late 1960's and is used for external application only...

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a scrub for the skin to penetrate the deep pores using
finely ground mineral crystals. It is usually done at a salon although an
intensive treatment should be done in the doctor's office. A microdermabrasion
machine is also available for use at home to allow you to do the treatment for
yourself. There are fewer risks involved since the machine is gentler than those
used by professionals. Some skin care treatments offer exfoliating scrubs that
also contain mineral crystals. They are called microdermabrasion scrubs, but in
reality are still scrubs for exfoliation since they cannot produce the same
results.

Your skin will improve temporarily with this treatment since it does not act
on removing deeply colored pigmentation. On the other hand, this procedure can
help minimize the appearance of fine lines and bring up the turnover rate of
skin cells. This procedure is not that labor extensive, needing only 20 to 30
minutes of your time to make you skin healthy and glowing. The recommended
number of treatments is five to ten times at two to three week intervals.
Results are noticeable usually after the fifth session.

A light glycolic peel
can also be done by your aesthetician without having the redness or
inflammation. It is frequently done during the lunch hour thus coining the term
"lunchtime peel".

Microdermabrasion, if prolonged, may lead to redness and irritation,
especially when done with a light glycolic peel. Mistakes can also occur when
the skin care technician gets too aggressive with the procedure. Open lesions
and scarring may occur. Microdermabrasion should not be used if you are prone to
cold sores. Herpes simplex complications can also be triggered by
microdermabrasion so it is contraindicated. It should also never be used on open
sores or blemishes. If you plan to do the procedure at home using your own
device, make sure that you are gentle with your skin and go slowly to get the
feel of the instrument as well as your skin. Knowing your skin type will aid you
in how you use the microdermabrasion device.

Its advantages include having a fresher and more radiant skin after several
sessions, being able to avail of the procedure either at the salon or at the
comfort of your home, and when it is done properly and with a gentle touch, it
is quite safe. On the other hand, when it is used by someone with a heavy hand,
scarring and lesions may occur. It may also trigger a herpes simplex outbreak
when the instruments get in contact with a patient's lesions. It is also
temporary and requires much maintenance to get results.

Microdermabrasion has a lot of benefits especially when used properly. It
should be avoided when the skin becomes red, flaky or dry after use. Following
the correct directions will help avoid any complication when doing the procedure
at home.

According to product claims, microdermabrasion:
Reduces sun
damage.
Brightens complexions.
Is safe.
Eliminates early signs of
aging.
Improves dull, oily, or leathery skin textures.
Contracts large
pores.
Reduces fine lines.
Smoothes mild pigmentation
irregularities.
Requires no downtime.

The Pros:
After four to five sessions, the skin will appear fresher and
more radiant.
The procedure can be done at home or at the salon.
It's safe
when used properly and gently.

The Cons:
Aggressive use can lead to scarring and open lesions.
The
procedure can trigger a herpes simplex outbreak.
It's temporary and requires
maintenance to sustain results.
Microdermabrasion can be beneficial when used
correctly. Stop using it if you skin gets red, flaky, or dry. For home use,
follow the directions carefully and keep in mind that with this type of
procedure, less if often more.

Acne Control

Often the result of hormonal changes in the body, acne is common condition
ranging in severity from occasional pimples to serious cystic acne that requires
the intervention of the dermatologist. If
you suffer from acne, you may experience pimples around your forehead, nose, and
chin, blackheads, whiteheads, and to a
lesser degree, occasional more serious infections.

Because the symptoms vary widely, there are a number of treatments for acne
ranging from topical over-the-counter ointments to more serious prescription
drugs and laser treatments.

The root cause of acne is a blockage in skin pores and hair follicles that
leads to infection. Hormonal imbalances that result in the overproduction of oil
by the sebaceous glands in the skin worsens the problem, as does the presence of
any bacteria on the skin's surface. The most effective acne treatments
work to reduce the amount of oil on the skin, keep pores and hair follicles open
and clear, and keep affected areas free of bacteria.

Natural Remedies:

Scrubs
Natural methods of treatment include mild scrubs with oatmeal or
other abrasives designed to open clogged pores. They are often combined with
cleansing creams that work to kill bacteria.

Antibacterial Agents
Many ointments, balms, and lotions sold to treat acne
are mild antibacterial agents designed to kill bacterial colonies and keep them
from reforming. Tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and sulfur have excellent
antibacterial properties and have been used effectively alone and in combination
with other acne treatments.

Skin Repair
Aloe Vera, vitamin A, and vitamin E are useful in healing
blemishes, repairing skin cells, and reducing inflammation. They are also used
in combination with antibacterial agents to heal skin after an acne
outbreak.

Treat Oily Skin
Preparations used to reduce the amount of oil on the skin
often contain benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial and drying agent. There are
also non-prescription masks and peels designed to remove excess oil from the
skin.

Mild scrubs, antibacterials, drying agents, and skin conditioners work
together to open clogged pores and keep skin healthy and clear of infection. For
minor skin problems they are very effective, and regular treatment using these
products will reduce acne flare-ups.

Resistant Acne:

Cosmetic Procedures
More resistant acne often responds to chemical peels and
abrasive techniques like micro-dermabrasion.
These techniques are administered by a dermatologist in his office and can also
be effective in reducing the acne
scarring that may result from prolonged acne conditions.

Vitamin A Derivatives (Retin-A)
Therapies using concentrated vitamin A
derivatives like Retin-A have had success
in treating whiteheads, blackheads, and cystic acne. Used topically over a
period of weeks, vitamin A derivatives increase skin production and help in
keeping skin pores clear.

Oral Contraceptives
For women, often oral contraceptives have the side
benefit of having a positive impact on problem skin.

Laser Treatment
Light therapy is a
very effective treatment for acne. Reaching deep into the skin, lasers kill
bacteria, help improve the skin's texture, and are effective at helping to
reduce oil production.

Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin(Accutane) is reserved for
the most serious skin conditions. Usually administered in pill form, it works
internally to help reduce the skin's oil production and combat infection.
Available only through prescription, it can have serious side effects, so
discuss any treatment plan carefully with your doctor.

Acne can be a complicated condition, and it may require some trial and error
to determine what type of treatment is going to work best for you. Even the most
severe forms of acne respond to treatment, and with some experimentation you
will discover a method that will provide the results that you are looking for.
In the meantime, keep your skin as clean as you can, and never be tempted to
squeeze blemishes. Although satisfying, damaging your skin invariably prolongs
the healing process and can lead to deep and permanent scars.

Dry Skin

Nowadays, you see millions of Americans that have dry skin. There are also
numerous products being invented to address this situation concerning the skin.
Genetically speaking, there is no such thing as dry skin. You may either have
dehydrated skin or an oil skin type which is also hydrated or dehydrated.

Mostly everyone is afflicted by dehydrated skin. When you feel your skin and
it is dry and tight, and your skin tone is ashen and dull, you most probably are
dehydrated.

Unfortunately, the moisturizers and treatments claiming to alleviate dry skin
do nothing to cure it. To be able to correct dehydrated skin, a drastic change
in lifestyle and environment is required.

What does a dehydrated skin feel like? It is usually dry to the touch, itchy,
with flaky patches and rough spots, and blotchy patches when you look in the
mirror. Your skin tone is dull and pale. The skin loses its elasticity wherein
when you apply a bit of pressure on the skin, it does not revert back to its
original state.

When you leave your skin dehydrated for a long period of time, keratinization
occurs. Take for example the feet. The skin on the bottom of your feet is
subjected to much heat, friction and dirt. The dead skin cells that build up on
the surface of your skin forms a coat covering it, making it nearly impossible
for moisturizer to reach your skin. Your skin will further get dehydrated. Then
keratinization occurs with breakouts since your skin is badly in need of
water.

Fortunately, dehydration is easily treated and is very temporary. The skin
just needs to rehydrate and vitamins given to be able to have healthy skin.

Related Articles:
Dry Skin Care

2008-06-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

Male Hair Loss - The Types

Men lose their hair in several ways. The most common are:
Receding
Hair Line (Thinning Hair)
Centralised loss on the top back of the head
(vertex)
Diffuse thinning where hair thins all over without losing the shape
of the hair line

The Norwood scale is the most common way of identifying which type of hair
loss, and the level of hair loss you are suffering. It also shows you what is
the likely outcome should your hair loss remain untreated. It is also good once
you have started treatment to evaluate the results of that treatment to see if
the treatment has been a success or not.

Different treatments are better at treating different types of hair loss and
we will examine those in the next section - Types Of Hair Loss
Treatments.

Extent of Male Hair Loss

The extent of your current hair loss is probably the most deciding factor on
how well you will respond to treatment. A practically bald scalp with only
microscopic hair follicles will not respond well to any treatment especially if
it has been that way for several years. If your hair has only just started to
succumb to male patterned baldness then you have an excellent chance of treating
the condition successfully.

How Long Have You Suffered Hair Loss?

The longer you wait to treat your hair loss the harder it will be to achieve
good results. This is the hard and fast rule. The process of losing your hair
takes years to progress so the sooner you do something about it the better your
chances of achieving a successful outcome. Fighting hair loss is about
prevention as well as reversal and this should always be understood. If you are
a young man in your twenties then you have a great chance of having a full head
of hair in the next 20-30 years as the balding process has not had as long to
progress yet. However, don't lose hope if you have been suffering from hair loss
for more than 5 years - a successful combination of treatments can reverse this
process. We will examine these treatments in the next step to this guide - Types of Hair Loss Treatment

Types of Hair Loss Treatment

Now you should have identified the type of hair loss you are suffering;
receding hair line, vertex loss or thinning hair. You should also be able to
identify the extent of your hair loss from the Norwood Scale above. The next
step is to examine the types of treatments available to you.Click here to proceed to
"Types of Hair Loss Treatments" page

Female Hair Loss

As with any change in your body, hair loss may be a symptom
of an underlying disease such as anemia or hormonal imbalance. If hair loss
perists or worsens you should consult your dermatologist who can refer you to
the appropriate physican. Blood tests can be useful but frequently they will not
provide any more information than can be provided through a medical examination;
your physican or specialist will advise you accordingly.

Evaluating Female Hair Loss

There is a visual representation of female hair loss that will allow you to
assess your own situation. It is called the Ludvig Scale of Hair Loss.

You can now compare your hair loss to that Ludvig scale above. It
is also useful in understanding where you fall within this scale to assess any
treatments you might participate in and their levels of success.

Preparation before Visiting Your Doctor/Specialist

Before you visit your Medical Practitioner/Specialist you should understand
you need to prepare the facts for him/her so that they can refer you accordingly
and your Alopecia can be diagnosed properly. These two things are:

Clinical History
- How long have you been suffering this
hair loss?
- Is the hair falling out in full lengths or breaking off (partial
hairs)?
- Have you recently commenced the menopause or given birth?
- What
medications are you on if any?
- Do you have a family history of diabetes,
asthma, arthritis, vitiligo, anemia lupus or Addison's disease?

Blood Tests
There are a series of blood tests that maybe
required to help diagnose your Alopecia. The results need to be analysed by a
specialist and your scalp examined accordingly. Your physician will be able to
advise you if you need these tests.
- Hormone levels (DHEAS, Testosterone,
Androstenedione, Prolactin, Follicular Stimulating Hormone, and Leutinizing
Hormone)
- Serum Iron, Serum Ferritin, TIBC (Total Iron Binding
capacity)
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- VDRL
- Complete Blood
Count

Solutions to Female Hair Loss

Again, we need to reiterate that female hair loss should be examined by a
specialist in the field and all the tests should be done before treatment
begins. Once you have the results you can look to treatments. If your levels are
normal or you want to kickstart your hair growth then Click here to proceed to
"Types of Hair Loss Treatments" page

Hair Loss

2008-06-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

Normal Hair Growth

About 90 percent of the hair is growing at any one time, and the growth
phase lasts between two and six years.

Ten percent of the hair is in a resting phase that lasts two to three
months, and at the end of its resting stage the hair is shed.

When a hair is shed, a new hair from the same follicle replaces it and the
growing cycle starts again.

Scalp hair grows about one-half inch per month, but as people age their rate
of hair growth slows.

Most hair shedding is due to the normal hair cycle, and losing 50 to 100
hairs per day is expected and is no cause for alarm.

Causes of Excessive Hair Loss

Excess hair loss can have many different causes. Hair will regrow
spontaneously in some forms of hair loss. Other forms can be treated
successfully by a dermatologist. For the several forms of hair loss for which
there is no cure at present, there is research in progress that holds promise
for the future. Talk to your dermatologist about the best options for you.

Improper Chemical Treatments

Many men and women use chemical treatments on their hair, including dyes,
tints, bleaches, straighteners, and permanent waves. These treatments rarely
damage hair if they are done correctly. However, the hair can become weak and
break if any of these chemicals are used too often. If hair becomes brittle from
chemical treatments, it is best to stop until the hair grows out.

Hereditary Thinning or Balding

Also known as androgenetic alopecia, this is the most common cause of hair
loss, and can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side of the
family. Women with this trait develop thinning hair, but do not become
completely bald. Hereditary hair loss can start in one's teens, twenties, or
thirties. While there is no cure, medical treatments are available that may help
some people, including:

Minoxodil, a lotion applied to the scalp twice a day, which can be used by
men and women

Finasteride, an oral prescription medication used by men only which blocks
the formation of the active male hormone in the hair follicle

Alopecia Areata

The cause of alopecia areata is unknown, but it is thought to be an
autoimmune condition (the body makes antibodies to its own hair) that may affect
children or adults of any age. The affected persons are generally in excellent
health. This type of hair loss usually causes totally smooth, round patches
about the size of a coin or larger. Although rare, it can result in complete
loss of scalp and body hair. In most cases the hair regrows; however,
dermatologists treat many people with this condition in order to make hair
regrow faster.

Treatment includes:

cortisone injections in the scalp where the hair loss occurred

topical medications

a special kind of light treatment

pills

Telogen Effluvium

Illness, stress, and other factors can cause too many hairs to enter the
resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle, and it produces a dramatic
increase in the amount of hair shed (effluvium), usually without bald patches.
In many cases, telogen effluvium usually resolves in a few months on its own.
Causes of telogen effluvium include:

High Fever, Severe Infection, Severe Flu

Major Surgery/Chronic Illness

Thyroid Disease

Inadequate Protein in Diet

Low Serum Iron

Medications

Birth Control Pills

Cancer Treatments

Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)

Caused by a fungal infection, tinea capitis is characterized by patches of
scaling that can spread and result in broken hair, redness, swelling, and even
oozing on the scalp. This contagious disease is most common in children, and
oral medication will cure it.

Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling)

Children, and sometimes adults, will twist or pull their hair, brows, or
lashes until they come out. Oftentimes this is just a bad habit that gets better
when the harmful effects of that habit are explained. Sometimes hair pulling can
be a coping response to unpleasant stresses and occasionally is a sign of a
serious psychological problem.

Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia

This rare disorder can cause patchy hair loss and associated itching and/or
pain. Inflammation around the hair follicle causes damage, scarring, and
permanent hair loss in the affected area. The cause or trigger of cicatricial
alopecia is unknown. Treatment focuses on stopping the spread of
inflammation.

Hair Restoration Surgery

Dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons perform hair restoration surgery to
correct hair loss and create a natural-looking hairline. Patients with
well-defined baldness, thinning hair, and those with limited hair loss due to
scalp injury or burns are generally good candidates for hair replacement
surgery.

The type of hair replacement surgery chosen depends on the extent
and pattern of hair loss. To achieve the best results, a dermatologist may use
one or more of the following procedures:

Hair Transplants

Hair transplant surgery is based on the principle of donor dominance, which
means that hair from healthy donor sites will take root and grow normally when
transplanted into balding, recipient sites. Hair transplantation involves:

removing small strips of hair-bearing scalp from the back and sides of the
head, known as the "donor region," which contains hair that will grow throughout
a lifetime

repairing the donor region, usually resulting in a very narrow scar which is
hidden by overlying hair

harvesting strips of hair-bearing scalp and dividing into grafts for
placement in the balding areas

The amount of coverage varies depending on the extent of baldness and the
specific procedure performed. Within one month, much of the transplanted hair is
shed. About two months later, hair starts to grow and continues to grow at a
normal rate. After six months, the transplanted hairs begin to take on a natural
appearance.

Scalp Reduction

Scalp reduction offers a special benefit to patients with extensive balding.
In this procedure, bald areas are reduced or even eliminated by removing several
inches of the bald skin, then pulling the sides together and suturing them.
Scalp reduction surgery can be performed alone or in conjunction with a hair
transplant.

Scalp Extenders or Tissue Expanders

These devices are inserted under the scalp for about three to four weeks to
stretch hair-bearing areas, and may be used to increase the effectiveness of
scalp reductions. The extender acts like a large rubber band, and the expander
works like a balloon, allowing for an even greater reduction in the balding
area.

For hair restoration surgery, the patient can expect:

Treatment performed using local anesthesia in the dermatologist's office, an
ambulatory surgery center, or other outpatient facility.

To resume their normal activities, avoiding strenuous physical exercise
until further notified.

Mild side effects which may include: some swelling and brusing around the
eyes after two or three days (which can be minimized by ice compresses and
sleeping in a semi-reclined postion), and some numbness at the donor and
recipient sites which usually disappears within three months.

Multiple sessions at various intervals are usually required, and the entire
process can take months to years to complete.

As with all surgical procedures, there is always some risk. However,
complications from the surgical treatment of hair loss are rare and generally
minimal.

A dermatologist is a physician who specializes in treating the medical,
surgical and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair and nails. To learn more
about hair loss and hair restoration, log onto www.aad.org or call toll-free (888) 462-DERM (3376) to find
a dermatologist in your area.

To Learn More:
Contact the American Academy of Dermatology
(AAD), which represents almost all dermatologists in the U.S. and has more than
15,000 members worldwide.Â Most of the Academy's members are board-certified in
dermatology, which means they have completed a three-year residency and passed a
rigorous two-part test administered by the American Board of Dermatology.

Bladness

2008-06-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

People who notice hair falling out, thinning, or appearing in large amounts on their comb or brush should consult a dermatologist. With correct diagnosis, many people with hair loss can be helped. A dermatologist will evaluate a patient's hair-loss problem to find the cause so they can determine whether the problem will resolve on its own or medical treatment is needed.

Normal Hair Growth
About 90 percent of the hair is growing at any one time, and the growth phase lasts between two and six years. Ten percent of the hair is in a resting phase that lasts two to three months, and at the end of its resting stage the hair is shed. When a hair is shed, a new hair from the same follicle replaces it and the growing cycle starts again. Scalp hair grows about one-half inch per month, but as people age their rate of hair growth slows. Most hair shedding is due to the normal hair cycle, and losing 50 to 100 hairs per day is expected and is no cause for alarm. Causes of Excessive Hair Loss
Excess hair loss can have many different causes. Hair will regrow spontaneously in some forms of hair loss. Other forms can be treated successfully by a dermatologist. For the several forms of hair loss for which there is no cure at present, there is research in progress that holds promise for the future. Talk to your dermatologist about the best options for you.

Improper Chemical Treatments
Many men and women use chemical treatments on their hair, including dyes, tints, bleaches, straighteners, and permanent waves. These treatments rarely damage hair if they are done correctly. However, the hair can become weak and break if any of these chemicals are used too often. If hair becomes brittle from chemical treatments, it is best to stop until the hair grows out.

Hereditary Thinning or Balding
Also known as androgenetic alopecia, this is the most common cause of hair loss, and can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side of the family. Women with this trait develop thinning hair, but do not become completely bald. Hereditary hair loss can start in one's teens, twenties, or thirties. While there is no cure, medical treatments are available that may help some people, including:

Minoxodil, a lotion applied to the scalp twice a day, which can be used by men and women Finasteride, an oral prescription medication used by men only which blocks the formation of the active male hormone in the hair follicle
Alopecia Areata
The cause of alopecia areata is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune condition (the body makes antibodies to its own hair) that may affect children or adults of any age. The affected persons are generally in excellent health. This type of hair loss usually causes totally smooth, round patches about the size of a coin or larger. Although rare, it can result in complete loss of scalp and body hair. In most cases the hair regrows; however, dermatologists treat many people with this condition in order to make hair regrow faster.

Alopecia Areata

Treatment includes:
cortisone injections in the scalp where the hair loss occurred topical medications a special kind of light treatment pills Telogen Effluvium
Illness, stress, and other factors can cause too many hairs to enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle, and it produces a dramatic increase in the amount of hair shed (effluvium), usually without bald patches. In many cases, telogen effluvium usually resolves in a few months on its own. Causes of telogen effluvium include:

High Fever, Severe Infection, Severe Flu Major Surgery/Chronic Illness Thyroid Disease Inadequate Protein in Diet Low Serum Iron Medications Birth Control Pills Cancer Treatments Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)
Caused by a fungal infection, tinea capitis is characterized by patches of scaling that can spread and result in broken hair, redness, swelling, and even oozing on the scalp. This contagious disease is most common in children, and oral medication will cure it.

Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling)
Children, and sometimes adults, will twist or pull their hair, brows, or lashes until they come out. Oftentimes this is just a bad habit that gets better when the harmful effects of that habit are explained. Sometimes hair pulling can be a coping response to unpleasant stresses and occasionally is a sign of a serious psychological problem.

Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia
This rare disorder can cause patchy hair loss and associated itching and/or pain. Inflammation around the hair follicle causes damage, scarring, and permanent hair loss in the affected area. The cause or trigger of cicatricial alopecia is unknown. Treatment focuses on stopping the spread of inflammation.

Hair Restoration Surgery
Dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons perform hair restoration surgery to correct hair loss and create a natural-looking hairline. Patients with well-defined baldness, thinning hair, and those with limited hair loss due to scalp injury or burns are generally good candidates for hair replacement surgery.

48-year-old male with male pattern baldness

Seven months later after three sessions

The type of hair replacement surgery chosen depends on the extent and pattern of hair loss. To achieve the best results, a dermatologist may use one or more of the following procedures:

Hair Transplants
Hair transplant surgery is based on the principle of donor dominance, which means that hair from healthy donor sites will take root and grow normally when transplanted into balding, recipient sites. Hair transplantation involves:

removing small strips of hair-bearing scalp from the back and sides of the head, known as the "donor region," which contains hair that will grow throughout a lifetime repairing the donor region, usually resulting in a very narrow scar which is hidden by overlying hair
harvesting strips of hair-bearing scalp and dividing into grafts for placement in the balding areas The amount of coverage varies depending on the extent of baldness and the specific procedure performed. Within one month, much of the transplanted hair is shed. About two months later, hair starts to grow and continues to grow at a normal rate. After six months, the transplanted hairs begin to take on a natural appearance.

Scalp Reduction
Scalp reduction offers a special benefit to patients with extensive balding. In this procedure, bald areas are reduced or even eliminated by removing several inches of the bald skin, then pulling the sides together and suturing them. Scalp reduction surgery can be performed alone or in conjunction with a hair transplant.

Scalp Extenders or Tissue Expanders
These devices are inserted under the scalp for about three to four weeks to stretch hair-bearing areas, and may be used to increase the effectiveness of scalp reductions. The extender acts like a large rubber band, and the expander works like a balloon, allowing for an even greater reduction in the balding area.

For hair restoration surgery, the patient can expect:

Treatment performed using local anesthesia in the dermatologist's office, an ambulatory surgery center, or other outpatient facility. To resume their normal activities, avoiding strenuous physical exercise until further notified. Mild side effects which may include: some swelling and brusing around the eyes after two or three days (which can be minimized by ice compresses and sleeping in a semi-reclined postion), and some numbness at the donor and recipient sites which usually disappears within three months. Multiple sessions at various intervals are usually required, and the entire process can take months to years to complete. As with all surgical procedures, there is always some risk. However, complications from the surgical treatment of hair loss are rare and generally minimal. A dermatologist is a physician who specializes in treating the medical, surgical and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair and nails. To learn more about hair loss and hair restoration, log onto www.aad.org or call toll-free (888) 462-DERM (3376) to find a dermatologist in your area.

To Learn More:
Contact the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), which represents almost all dermatologists in the U.S. and has more than 15,000 members worldwide.Â Most of the Academy's members are board-certified in dermatology, which means they have completed a three-year residency and passed a rigorous two-part test administered by the American Board of Dermatology.

Log on to the Academy's Web site at www.aad.org and you can:

Locate a dermatologist in your area; Read information on skin conditions, including more than 65 brochures on individual dermatology topics; Get advice about skin cancer prevention and detection, and other ways to care for your skin; and Learn about the latest dermatologic procedures and how to make informed decisions about ha

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