by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
Acne affects people of every age, gender, and race. It usually strikes in plainly visible locations such as the face, neck, chest and back. Acne can be caused by a number of factors such as contact with an oily substance, use of certain medication, steroids, or the secretion of certain hormones.
Over ninety percent of acne patients respond to treatment, although the treatment may need to be continued for months or even years. Here are a few natural remedies that you can use to cure acne.
What Causes Acne?
As mentioned above, acne can be caused by a number of factors. Common causes of acne include contact with an oily substance such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum and the use of certain medication such as steroids or the contraceptive pill.
However, acne is most often caused by the secretion of androgens, or sex hormones that are initially secreted at the onset of puberty. Androgens are male hormones but they are secreted by females as well. They stimulate the production of oil from the skin's oil glands. When these oil glands become overactive and the exit from the gland is blocked, oil builds up in the gland and they begin to swell. This is how acne forms.
A bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes normally colonizes this swollen gland causing the development of inflammation and pus. In particularly severe cases, the glands may burst into the skin and produce cysts. Recently health practitioners are associating acne with a fungus on the face. A clogged colon can also contribute to acne.
We recommend using a colon cleanser like Oxy-Powder to keep the bowel clean.
How Can I Cure Acne?
Home Remedies:
•A non-oily face wash that contains tea tree oil or echinacea can help to reduce the incidence of acne breakouts. Wash your face twice a day in the morning and evenings and rinse thoroughly with warm purified water.
•Avoid oily and chemically ridden cosmetics or any facial products that contain socetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, and sodium chloride, parabens as these ingredients can cause acne.
•Give dry skin extra care, being sure to wash and rinse your face thoroughly and using products
especially made for dry skin.
•Natural astringent cleansers work to remove the oil buildup that may become blocked in the skin's glands. These products may cause dryness, itching, and redness, so be sure to use them only on problem areas.
•Oxy-Skin™ is also a very effective natural remedy for the elimination of acne.Herbal Remedies: Herbs such as chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, and burdock root can be used to reduce toxicity and improve the overall condition of the skin. Echinacea and poke root are often used for their anti-inflammatory properties and red clover may be beneficial for its estrogenic action. Witch hazel has excellent astringent properties and may be very effective on acne. Here are a few natural herbal recipes to cure acne.
•Combine ground ginger with milk and apply to the affected area.
•Make a paste of honey and cinnamon and apply to the affected area at night. In the morning, wash this paste with warm water. Continue for one-two weeks.
•Mix lemon juice with cinnamon and apply to acne
•Mix ground orange peel with water to form a paste and apply to the affected spots. Wash with warm water after twenty to thirty minutes.
•Rub fresh garlic on acne at frequent intervals to acne.
•Use the juice of raw papaya to relieve swelling acne.
•Make a paste of salt and vinegar and wash off after twenty to thirty minutes.
•Rub fresh mint juice over acne.
•Make a paste of turmeric and vinegar and apply to acne. Rinse with lukewarm water after twenty to thirty minutes.
•Drink wheat grass juice to prevent and cure acne.
•Apply a poultice of ground sesame seeds and water on acne to reduce inflammation. Complementary Treatment
•Acupuncture: Stagnant of Chi in the channels of the face is said to be the cause of acne. Acupuncture performed on these points of the face may help relieve acne.
•Homeopathy: For patients with pustules and blind boils, especially on the face, neck, and back, may be helped by Kali brom. Selenium is often used for acne sufferers with oily skin, blackheads, and pustules.
Conventional Treatment- These treatmens we do not recommend.
Medication: Conventional acne medications may be topical- applied directly to the skin- or they may be systemic- taken internally. Medications include benzoyl peroxide, retinoic acid, steroids, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and isotretinoin (Accutane.)
Therapeutic Injections: In severe cases of acne where cysts form and scars have developed, doctors have had some success with injecting steroids directly into the cyst to resolve the cysts and diminish the appearance of scars.Surgery: In moderate to severe cases of acne, doctors may use surgery to open up the blemishes and remove blackheads and whiteheads. Unlike medication treatments, the effects of acne surgery are usually more immediate.
For more information on acne remedies go to http://www.acne-answers.org.
About the Author
Dr. Group, the founder/CEO and clinical director for the Global Healing Center, heads a research and development team producing advanced, new, natural health protocols and products. To learn more visit http://www.ghchealth.com.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
An overview of the MRSA problem in the USA by MRSAinfection.org
The Centre For Disease Control (CDC) estimate that there are about 90,000 deaths per annum related to Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI's) most commonly MRSA, also known as Staph infections.
About one in twenty Americans will contract a HAI during a stay in hospital but most states are not required by law to provide this information. Apart from the incalculable human cost the CDC estimate that this adds $5 billion to the national healthcare bill.
Other estimates put the real figure at twice this amount. States where it is mandatory to supply this information include Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Florida and New York.
A recent report from one of these states, Pennsylvania , came up with the following figures. Number of hospital-acquired infections in 2004: 11,668. Number of deaths associated with hospital-acquired infections: 1,510. Extra number of hospital days associated with these infections: 205,000. Additional hospital charges: $2 billion.
The survey was carried out by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4). Incredibly, these figures are almost certainly understated, as sixteen hospitals reported no infections at all! It is all the more unbelievable when it is a matter of record that the hospitals billed for some 115,631 hospital acquired infections whilst only reporting 11,668!
If these figures are mirrored ac ross the country, the scale of the problem would beggar belief.
The Archives of Internal Medicine, estimate that between 40 percent and 60 percent of hospital MRSA infections are resistant to first-line antibiotics and the percentage is increasing. This is based on examined records from 7 million hospital stays at one-fifth of U.S. hospitals.
As in other countries, MRSA infections occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centres) who have weakened immune systems. There is a second type of MRSA infection and it is called Community Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) and d ata from a prospective study in 2003, suggests that 12% of clinical MRSA infections are community-associated, but this varies by geographic region and population.
This is an unusually high figure when compared to a country like the UK , which has a high rate of MRSA but a very low incidence of CA-MRSA. The CA-MRSA infections are defined as infections that are acquired by persons who have not been recently (within the past year) hospitalised or had a medical procedure (such as dialysis, surgery, catheters) are know as CA-MRSA infections. MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boils, and occur in otherwise healthy people.
There have recently been clusters of CA-MRSA skin infections involving Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, men who have sex with men, and prisoners. Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene.
The CDC is implementing a range of measures to prevent the spread of MRSA:
- CDC is collaborating with state health departments and academic medical centres to identify and promote effective strategies to reduce MRSA transmission in healthcare and community settings.
- CDC has launched a national evidence-based educational Campaign to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance in Healthcare Settings .
- CDC is conducting proficiency testing to assist public health laboratories in determining the antibiotic susceptibility of staph bacteria.
- CDC is building a national resource library of MRSA (PulseNet) to identify genetic patterns or relationships among different types MRSA that could be used to take public health action.
- CDC is researching the role of staph toxins that may provide answers to questions about why some MRSA infections are more invasive, or lead to rapid death.
But without an accurate picture of the scale of the problem, how successful can their efforts be?
The UK has a big MRSA problem but it is at least serious in its attempt to tackle it. One of the most effective approached taken so far is the mandatory requirement for all hospitals to publish MRSA infection data.
This has been successful in focussing the politicians and health managers on the MRSA problem. Results are being seen already. More successful again are the Dutch, who had a big MRSA problem but now have it under control. They took it very seriously, very quickly and implemented a rigorous hygiene and segmentation protocol nationwide.
The US needs to follow suit but not everybody thinks so.
The Governor of California has just recently vetoed a bill which would have required public disclosure of hospital infection rates! I guess he's not ready to say hasta la vista to the superbugs just yet!
There is a public campaign underway and you can join their efforts at www.stophospitalinfections.org
About the Author
© MRSAinfections.org 2005
MRSAinfection.org is a website dedicated to bringing you up to date with all the latest information on MRSA and the threat it poses to you
About one in twenty Americans will contract a HAI during a stay in hospital but most states are not required by law to provide this information. Apart from the incalculable human cost the CDC estimate that this adds $5 billion to the national healthcare bill.
Other estimates put the real figure at twice this amount. States where it is mandatory to supply this information include Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Florida and New York.
A recent report from one of these states, Pennsylvania , came up with the following figures. Number of hospital-acquired infections in 2004: 11,668. Number of deaths associated with hospital-acquired infections: 1,510. Extra number of hospital days associated with these infections: 205,000. Additional hospital charges: $2 billion.
The survey was carried out by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4). Incredibly, these figures are almost certainly understated, as sixteen hospitals reported no infections at all! It is all the more unbelievable when it is a matter of record that the hospitals billed for some 115,631 hospital acquired infections whilst only reporting 11,668!
If these figures are mirrored ac ross the country, the scale of the problem would beggar belief.
The Archives of Internal Medicine, estimate that between 40 percent and 60 percent of hospital MRSA infections are resistant to first-line antibiotics and the percentage is increasing. This is based on examined records from 7 million hospital stays at one-fifth of U.S. hospitals.
As in other countries, MRSA infections occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centres) who have weakened immune systems. There is a second type of MRSA infection and it is called Community Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) and d ata from a prospective study in 2003, suggests that 12% of clinical MRSA infections are community-associated, but this varies by geographic region and population.
This is an unusually high figure when compared to a country like the UK , which has a high rate of MRSA but a very low incidence of CA-MRSA. The CA-MRSA infections are defined as infections that are acquired by persons who have not been recently (within the past year) hospitalised or had a medical procedure (such as dialysis, surgery, catheters) are know as CA-MRSA infections. MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boils, and occur in otherwise healthy people.
There have recently been clusters of CA-MRSA skin infections involving Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, men who have sex with men, and prisoners. Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene.
The CDC is implementing a range of measures to prevent the spread of MRSA:
- CDC is collaborating with state health departments and academic medical centres to identify and promote effective strategies to reduce MRSA transmission in healthcare and community settings.
- CDC has launched a national evidence-based educational Campaign to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance in Healthcare Settings .
- CDC is conducting proficiency testing to assist public health laboratories in determining the antibiotic susceptibility of staph bacteria.
- CDC is building a national resource library of MRSA (PulseNet) to identify genetic patterns or relationships among different types MRSA that could be used to take public health action.
- CDC is researching the role of staph toxins that may provide answers to questions about why some MRSA infections are more invasive, or lead to rapid death.
But without an accurate picture of the scale of the problem, how successful can their efforts be?
The UK has a big MRSA problem but it is at least serious in its attempt to tackle it. One of the most effective approached taken so far is the mandatory requirement for all hospitals to publish MRSA infection data.
This has been successful in focussing the politicians and health managers on the MRSA problem. Results are being seen already. More successful again are the Dutch, who had a big MRSA problem but now have it under control. They took it very seriously, very quickly and implemented a rigorous hygiene and segmentation protocol nationwide.
The US needs to follow suit but not everybody thinks so.
The Governor of California has just recently vetoed a bill which would have required public disclosure of hospital infection rates! I guess he's not ready to say hasta la vista to the superbugs just yet!
There is a public campaign underway and you can join their efforts at www.stophospitalinfections.org
About the Author
© MRSAinfections.org 2005
MRSAinfection.org is a website dedicated to bringing you up to date with all the latest information on MRSA and the threat it poses to you
Friday, September 23, 2005
Detoxification and Your Skin
by: Lori Stryker
Learn to help your body glow from the inside out. Nourish it with foods that are pure and natural. Remove harmful substances from your diet and you will notice a difference in the way you look and feel.
What is detoxification?
Detoxification is the process of removing toxins or poisons. We all know that toxins are harmful and cause damage, potentially even death if taken in certain levels.
Living cells, whether in plants or in the body, are constantly in the process of bringing nutrients and fresh substrates in while eliminating by-products and waste that is not useful to the organism. Therefore, detoxification is a natural, ongoing process in our bodies.
Keeping your body healthy requires maintaining all of its systems in good working order. Minimizing the amount of toxins you take into your system is one way that we can detoxify our bodies. Benefits of detoxification may include increased energy and improved health, better breath, reduced allergies, and potentially fewer aches and pains.
Wastes leave the body in the form of gases, solids, and liquids. Carbon dioxide is the gas that we exhale. We excrete other waste from the body after it accumulates in the bladder and in the bowels.
Other organs that play a major role in detoxification include the:
skin
liver
kidneys
lungs
Blood also plays a critical role in the detoxification process. It carries dissolved gases like carbon dioxide to the lungs, and then it is traded for oxygen through respiration. Both the liver and kidneys help to detoxify the blood by removing wastes and sending them to the urine. In the form of stool, unused solids are carried away.
Benefits for your skin via detoxification
Your skin is a barrier but it is not impermeable. Just as products that you use on your skin are able to enter your body through this physical barrier, toxins are also able to leave your body through the skin. Free radicals and UV light in the environment also damage the skin which over time cause it to show signs of premature aging.
How can detoxification help your skin? By minimizing the number of chemicals in your body, you help you body to function more efficiently. Eating well is one way to maintain healthy skin with a smooth texture, elasticity, and a proper level of moisturization.
Skin complexions troubled by acne and imperfections can also benefit from the inside out with detoxification methods. For example, vitamin A reduces the amount of sebum produced by the skin cells and therefore pores are less likely to become blocked.
Ways to detoxify your body
Some of the best ways to detoxify include:
eating a balanced diet
juicing organic fruits and vegetables
exercising regularly
exfoliation
using organic products for personal hygiene
Before trying any detox method always be sure to check with your doctor. People with serious medical conditions should also consult a doctor as these methods are not recommended. Pregnant women should not try these methods.
Eating a balanced diet
Nutrients in foods contain many elements that can help your body and especially your skin to remain in good condition. When your body is ‘happy’ and ‘efficient’, through detoxification, it will show on the outside.
Your skin needs:
essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) found in oily fish and flax seeds
antioxidants vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene to retaliate against the damaging effects of UV light and free-radicals
minerals zinc and selenium to build tissues and heal wounds. Find these minerals in foods like seafood, nuts, grains, and vegetables
vitamin B6 to balance hormone levels, particularly for women that have pre-menstrual break-outs
vitamin A to help reduce sebum levels on the skin
potassium to help maintain elasticity, water to maintain hydration and flush toxins from the body
water to maintain hydration and flush toxins from the body
Juicing organic fruits and vegetables
Have you ever tried freshly squeezed juice? It is delicious and nutritious. You get a truckload of vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. The enzymes contained in vegetables and fruits help to digest your food so try drinking these natural cocktails with meals.
One important thing to remember is that you should always start with organic fruits or vegetables. Because most fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides, using non-organic products means that you will be ingesting harmful pesticides too. Keep these toxic chemicals away from your cells in order to maintain their proper functioning.
Exercising regularly
Oxygen is vital to life. Incorporating exercise into your lifestyle brings this element into your body and skin. Studies at the University of Wisconsin have shown that oxygen reduces the effects of free radical damage and premature aging.
Sweating encourages the release of toxins from the skin. Working up a good sweat during your exercise program will help in the detoxification process. You could also try saunas and steambaths to encourage the excretion of toxins.
If you are not currently exercising choose something that you enjoy doing. Walking is a great way to increase your heart rate and pump oxygen through your lungs. Other ideas include yoga, swimming, cycling, and running. Whatever you do, choose an activity that you will be motivated to do on a regular basis.
Exfoliation
Shedding skin cells is a continual process. Dead skin cells sit on the uppermost level of the epidermis and they make the skin look dull and less healthy. Our clothes play a big part in helping to remove cells on a daily basis.
By sloughing off dead skin cells from time to time, you can stimulate the skin renewal process. Try any of the following methods once a week to naturally exfoliate your skin:
briskly towel off after a shower
use an organic scrub during your shower
use a washcloth during your shower
use a loofah (Important: keep it dry when it’s not in use to minimize bacterial count)
Using organic products for personal hygiene
Decreasing the number of synthetic chemicals entering your body through your food and personal products is yet another way to help detoxify. Modern research at the Herb Research Foundation found that the skin absorbs up to 60% of the chemicals in products that it comes into contact with directly into the bloodstream.
This means that chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens, are entering your body and potentially causing unnecessary harm.
The next time you need to stock up on personal hygiene products, look for alternatives to the chemically items offered in most stores. Using organic products decreases the number of preservatives and chemical additives your skin comes into contact with and therefore, that may enter your body.
References:
http://www.meriam-webster.com/, accessed October 26, 2004.
www.detox.org/skin.aspl, accessed October 26, 2004
www.saga.co.uk/health_news/article/D2164785-92E3-11D6-B8AC-00508BAEC55C.asp?bhcp=1, accessed Oct. 26, 2004.
Farley, Josephine. Organic beauty: look and feel gorgeous the natural way. Dorling Kindersley, London, 2001, page 66.
By OMC author http://www.organicmakeup.ca/
About The Author
Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.
You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.
info@organicmakeup.ca
Learn to help your body glow from the inside out. Nourish it with foods that are pure and natural. Remove harmful substances from your diet and you will notice a difference in the way you look and feel.
What is detoxification?
Detoxification is the process of removing toxins or poisons. We all know that toxins are harmful and cause damage, potentially even death if taken in certain levels.
Living cells, whether in plants or in the body, are constantly in the process of bringing nutrients and fresh substrates in while eliminating by-products and waste that is not useful to the organism. Therefore, detoxification is a natural, ongoing process in our bodies.
Keeping your body healthy requires maintaining all of its systems in good working order. Minimizing the amount of toxins you take into your system is one way that we can detoxify our bodies. Benefits of detoxification may include increased energy and improved health, better breath, reduced allergies, and potentially fewer aches and pains.
Wastes leave the body in the form of gases, solids, and liquids. Carbon dioxide is the gas that we exhale. We excrete other waste from the body after it accumulates in the bladder and in the bowels.
Other organs that play a major role in detoxification include the:
skin
liver
kidneys
lungs
Blood also plays a critical role in the detoxification process. It carries dissolved gases like carbon dioxide to the lungs, and then it is traded for oxygen through respiration. Both the liver and kidneys help to detoxify the blood by removing wastes and sending them to the urine. In the form of stool, unused solids are carried away.
Benefits for your skin via detoxification
Your skin is a barrier but it is not impermeable. Just as products that you use on your skin are able to enter your body through this physical barrier, toxins are also able to leave your body through the skin. Free radicals and UV light in the environment also damage the skin which over time cause it to show signs of premature aging.
How can detoxification help your skin? By minimizing the number of chemicals in your body, you help you body to function more efficiently. Eating well is one way to maintain healthy skin with a smooth texture, elasticity, and a proper level of moisturization.
Skin complexions troubled by acne and imperfections can also benefit from the inside out with detoxification methods. For example, vitamin A reduces the amount of sebum produced by the skin cells and therefore pores are less likely to become blocked.
Ways to detoxify your body
Some of the best ways to detoxify include:
eating a balanced diet
juicing organic fruits and vegetables
exercising regularly
exfoliation
using organic products for personal hygiene
Before trying any detox method always be sure to check with your doctor. People with serious medical conditions should also consult a doctor as these methods are not recommended. Pregnant women should not try these methods.
Eating a balanced diet
Nutrients in foods contain many elements that can help your body and especially your skin to remain in good condition. When your body is ‘happy’ and ‘efficient’, through detoxification, it will show on the outside.
Your skin needs:
essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) found in oily fish and flax seeds
antioxidants vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene to retaliate against the damaging effects of UV light and free-radicals
minerals zinc and selenium to build tissues and heal wounds. Find these minerals in foods like seafood, nuts, grains, and vegetables
vitamin B6 to balance hormone levels, particularly for women that have pre-menstrual break-outs
vitamin A to help reduce sebum levels on the skin
potassium to help maintain elasticity, water to maintain hydration and flush toxins from the body
water to maintain hydration and flush toxins from the body
Juicing organic fruits and vegetables
Have you ever tried freshly squeezed juice? It is delicious and nutritious. You get a truckload of vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. The enzymes contained in vegetables and fruits help to digest your food so try drinking these natural cocktails with meals.
One important thing to remember is that you should always start with organic fruits or vegetables. Because most fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides, using non-organic products means that you will be ingesting harmful pesticides too. Keep these toxic chemicals away from your cells in order to maintain their proper functioning.
Exercising regularly
Oxygen is vital to life. Incorporating exercise into your lifestyle brings this element into your body and skin. Studies at the University of Wisconsin have shown that oxygen reduces the effects of free radical damage and premature aging.
Sweating encourages the release of toxins from the skin. Working up a good sweat during your exercise program will help in the detoxification process. You could also try saunas and steambaths to encourage the excretion of toxins.
If you are not currently exercising choose something that you enjoy doing. Walking is a great way to increase your heart rate and pump oxygen through your lungs. Other ideas include yoga, swimming, cycling, and running. Whatever you do, choose an activity that you will be motivated to do on a regular basis.
Exfoliation
Shedding skin cells is a continual process. Dead skin cells sit on the uppermost level of the epidermis and they make the skin look dull and less healthy. Our clothes play a big part in helping to remove cells on a daily basis.
By sloughing off dead skin cells from time to time, you can stimulate the skin renewal process. Try any of the following methods once a week to naturally exfoliate your skin:
briskly towel off after a shower
use an organic scrub during your shower
use a washcloth during your shower
use a loofah (Important: keep it dry when it’s not in use to minimize bacterial count)
Using organic products for personal hygiene
Decreasing the number of synthetic chemicals entering your body through your food and personal products is yet another way to help detoxify. Modern research at the Herb Research Foundation found that the skin absorbs up to 60% of the chemicals in products that it comes into contact with directly into the bloodstream.
This means that chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens, are entering your body and potentially causing unnecessary harm.
The next time you need to stock up on personal hygiene products, look for alternatives to the chemically items offered in most stores. Using organic products decreases the number of preservatives and chemical additives your skin comes into contact with and therefore, that may enter your body.
References:
http://www.meriam-webster.com/, accessed October 26, 2004.
www.detox.org/skin.aspl, accessed October 26, 2004
www.saga.co.uk/health_news/article/D2164785-92E3-11D6-B8AC-00508BAEC55C.asp?bhcp=1, accessed Oct. 26, 2004.
Farley, Josephine. Organic beauty: look and feel gorgeous the natural way. Dorling Kindersley, London, 2001, page 66.
By OMC author http://www.organicmakeup.ca/
About The Author
Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.
You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.
info@organicmakeup.ca
Dermatologist: The Most Qualified Physician for Skin Problems
by: Michael Sanford
The skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body. It reflects the health of the body and acts as a barrier against injury and bacteria. Sadly, at one time or another, nearly everyone has some type of skin disease that only a skin doctor can absolutely give the scientific explanation for those skin problems.
Dermatologist is a medical doctor specializing on the study of the skin, diseases of the skin and the relationship of cutaneous lesions to systemic disease. Dermatologist is a medical doctor trained to usually combine several activities like seeing patients in public hospitals and/or in private practices, acting as consultants to other specialists, teaching and delving into clinical or basic research.
The dermatologist must have expertise in basic sciences including pathology, biochemistry, physics, physiology, microbiology and endocrinology. Because skin diseases are often associated with internal conditions, dermatologist must also be familiar with all the other medical specialties because of their consultant work.
Dermatologist likewise perform skin surgery in several situations like preventing or providing early control of disease such as skin cancer; improve skin’s appearance by removing growths, discolorations or damage caused by ageing; and to establish a definite diagnosis.
There are several responsibilities that dermatologist has including examining patients, performing biopsies and other diagnostic techniques of dermatology, interpreting test results and evaluating examination findings before prescribing treatments, including x-ray therapy, physical therapy and medication.
Dermatological services are as well managed by dermatologist like formulating plans and procedures for dermatological services, scheduling operation of diagnostic and treatment facilities, and assigning nurses, physical therapists, x-ray therapists and other medical technicians. The dermatologist advises on the types and quantity of dermatological supplies and equipment, coordinate dermatological services with other medical activities.
There are however several types of health care providers who can take care of your skin conditions aside from dermatologist. The first thing that you need to know about picking a skin specialist is the probability that you are really badly in need to see a specialist as sometimes your condition may not need the specialist. Therefore, it is important that you know when you really need to see a dermatologist.
Some conditions are exclusively treated by a dermatologist especially with severe forms of common diseases such as acne, rosacea and atopic dermatitis. Most skin cancers are treated by dermatologist, sometimes in conjunction with a surgeon. There is also the dermatologist who utilizes various specialized laboratory procedures to diagnose disorders characterized by defective responses of the body’s immune system.
Getting a referral from your physician is a great help and of high importance in finding the right dermatologist who will be working with you. It is important that you are assured that the dermatologist has the right credentials for the medical procedure(s) that your skin demands. You may have to do some preliminary check that will enable you to be prepared and educated prior to your consultation.
Such steps are critical as it will help you achieve a successful outcome. You have to have a give-and-take dialogue assuring that you and your dermatologist have the same vision of what you want the end result to be as well as your expectations are realistic. The communication between you and the skin doctor is of most importance as you are considering things about your skin or associated problems.
About The Author
Michael Sanford
For more infoormation on acne skin care please visit http://www.no-more-acne.org
The skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body. It reflects the health of the body and acts as a barrier against injury and bacteria. Sadly, at one time or another, nearly everyone has some type of skin disease that only a skin doctor can absolutely give the scientific explanation for those skin problems.
Dermatologist is a medical doctor specializing on the study of the skin, diseases of the skin and the relationship of cutaneous lesions to systemic disease. Dermatologist is a medical doctor trained to usually combine several activities like seeing patients in public hospitals and/or in private practices, acting as consultants to other specialists, teaching and delving into clinical or basic research.
The dermatologist must have expertise in basic sciences including pathology, biochemistry, physics, physiology, microbiology and endocrinology. Because skin diseases are often associated with internal conditions, dermatologist must also be familiar with all the other medical specialties because of their consultant work.
Dermatologist likewise perform skin surgery in several situations like preventing or providing early control of disease such as skin cancer; improve skin’s appearance by removing growths, discolorations or damage caused by ageing; and to establish a definite diagnosis.
There are several responsibilities that dermatologist has including examining patients, performing biopsies and other diagnostic techniques of dermatology, interpreting test results and evaluating examination findings before prescribing treatments, including x-ray therapy, physical therapy and medication.
Dermatological services are as well managed by dermatologist like formulating plans and procedures for dermatological services, scheduling operation of diagnostic and treatment facilities, and assigning nurses, physical therapists, x-ray therapists and other medical technicians. The dermatologist advises on the types and quantity of dermatological supplies and equipment, coordinate dermatological services with other medical activities.
There are however several types of health care providers who can take care of your skin conditions aside from dermatologist. The first thing that you need to know about picking a skin specialist is the probability that you are really badly in need to see a specialist as sometimes your condition may not need the specialist. Therefore, it is important that you know when you really need to see a dermatologist.
Some conditions are exclusively treated by a dermatologist especially with severe forms of common diseases such as acne, rosacea and atopic dermatitis. Most skin cancers are treated by dermatologist, sometimes in conjunction with a surgeon. There is also the dermatologist who utilizes various specialized laboratory procedures to diagnose disorders characterized by defective responses of the body’s immune system.
Getting a referral from your physician is a great help and of high importance in finding the right dermatologist who will be working with you. It is important that you are assured that the dermatologist has the right credentials for the medical procedure(s) that your skin demands. You may have to do some preliminary check that will enable you to be prepared and educated prior to your consultation.
Such steps are critical as it will help you achieve a successful outcome. You have to have a give-and-take dialogue assuring that you and your dermatologist have the same vision of what you want the end result to be as well as your expectations are realistic. The communication between you and the skin doctor is of most importance as you are considering things about your skin or associated problems.
About The Author
Michael Sanford
For more infoormation on acne skin care please visit http://www.no-more-acne.org
I am struck down by a plague of boils, but saved by a free health service - Columns
Found this article at http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FQP/is_4620_132/ai_96892372
I am currently very ill indeed, so much so that, if there is any lapse in care, I shall be headed for disaster. As you may recall, I went on holiday to the Caribbean island of Tobago. Now Tam in the island's only hospital, in Scarborough, the capital -- though, as I lie in bed, I am barely able to distinguish between Scarborough, Yorkshire, and Scarborough, Tobago.
I arrived here last Monday, my entire system poisoned by a marauding pack of boils. They had latched on to my left buttock, and spread from there, causing havoc throughout my physical system.
I have spent nights in howling pain. I applied a local remedy of pepper leaves and soft candle. But the boils appeared to thrive on these local medicines. I turned to a professionally qualified pharmacist, who drew up a poultice according to modern medical practice, but again to no avail. What began as boils turned to abscesses and finally to carbuncles. Mrs Howe worked tirelessly to find remedies from all over the computerised globe.
After 14 days, including Christmas and New Year, I had lost so much weight that I was hardly recognisable. To Mrs Howe and me, the abscesses had assumed a collective social personality -- a Norse god, Viking maybe.
Finally, there was no avoiding the surgeon's blade. My friends, all of them, warned me against the local health service. The local hospital was a deathtrap, they said. Yet on every occasion I probed their complaints to get more precise details, the truth dissolved into thin air.
A Victorian hospital it certainly is, and ramshackle, too.
Asbestos predominates in the architecture, and everything that is backward in third-world hospitals exists here. But I am an NHS man. I called the dingy place and got an appointment for three hours later. I arrived on time. After a few questions, an examination of the crucial organs was carried out immediately.
Mrs Howe, who works in middle management at a hospital in London, confirmed that the pre-operative procedures were fine. Within half an hour of arriving, I was being wheeled into the theatre and an anaesthetist was stroking my face into oblivion. Ten minutes later, the mother of all battles against carbuncles was won -- under the local health service, all for free.
COPYRIGHT 2003 New Statesman, Ltd.COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
I am currently very ill indeed, so much so that, if there is any lapse in care, I shall be headed for disaster. As you may recall, I went on holiday to the Caribbean island of Tobago. Now Tam in the island's only hospital, in Scarborough, the capital -- though, as I lie in bed, I am barely able to distinguish between Scarborough, Yorkshire, and Scarborough, Tobago.
I arrived here last Monday, my entire system poisoned by a marauding pack of boils. They had latched on to my left buttock, and spread from there, causing havoc throughout my physical system.
I have spent nights in howling pain. I applied a local remedy of pepper leaves and soft candle. But the boils appeared to thrive on these local medicines. I turned to a professionally qualified pharmacist, who drew up a poultice according to modern medical practice, but again to no avail. What began as boils turned to abscesses and finally to carbuncles. Mrs Howe worked tirelessly to find remedies from all over the computerised globe.
After 14 days, including Christmas and New Year, I had lost so much weight that I was hardly recognisable. To Mrs Howe and me, the abscesses had assumed a collective social personality -- a Norse god, Viking maybe.
Finally, there was no avoiding the surgeon's blade. My friends, all of them, warned me against the local health service. The local hospital was a deathtrap, they said. Yet on every occasion I probed their complaints to get more precise details, the truth dissolved into thin air.
A Victorian hospital it certainly is, and ramshackle, too.
Asbestos predominates in the architecture, and everything that is backward in third-world hospitals exists here. But I am an NHS man. I called the dingy place and got an appointment for three hours later. I arrived on time. After a few questions, an examination of the crucial organs was carried out immediately.
Mrs Howe, who works in middle management at a hospital in London, confirmed that the pre-operative procedures were fine. Within half an hour of arriving, I was being wheeled into the theatre and an anaesthetist was stroking my face into oblivion. Ten minutes later, the mother of all battles against carbuncles was won -- under the local health service, all for free.
COPYRIGHT 2003 New Statesman, Ltd.COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
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