Opioid addiction is currently considered an epidemic in the United States, and with this type of drug use being so common it is important to be able to recognize some signs of potential opioid abuse There are several ways that opioid addiction begins, but perhaps the most common is transitioning from prescription medication to harder substances over time. However, this is a look at symptoms of general opioid abuse and not prescription opioid addiction specifically. To learn more about the signs of prescription opioid abuse, you can read one of our other articles on the subject here.

Physical Symptoms

There are physical, psychological, and social symptoms of opioid abuse. All three types can alert others of drug use, but physical signs can be the most concrete in detecting an opioid problem. Here are some of the physical signs of opioid addiction:

-Unmanageable cravings

-Sweating

-Small “pinpoint” pupils

-Dry mouth

-Nausea

-Pain sensitivity

-Headaches

-Constipation

-Changes in sleep patterns and feeling tired more often

-Frequent flu like symptoms

-Sudden weight changes (loss or gain)

-Decreased sex drive

-Decreased hygiene

-Slurred speech

-Shallow breathing

-Slowed breathing

-Coma

The above symptoms can range from relatively mild to extremely severe, and most patients do not exhibit every sign on the list. Please note though that mild signs can worsen and become life threatening very quickly. It is important to recognize when symptoms are progressing and to seek medical attention as soon as you can. This is the same for withdrawal symptoms, and due to the dangerous nature of an opioid drug detox all addicts should receive care at a drug rehab center.

Psychological Symptoms

Psychological symptoms also pose a safety threat to the opioid user, and they should be taken just as seriously as the physical symptoms are. Some of the mental signs of opioid addiction include:

-isolation from friends and family

-sudden problems at work, school, home, etc.

-Depression

-Confusion

-Mood swings

-Feelings of euphoria

-anxiety

-slowed mental function

-Sudden changes in normal behavior

-Paranoia

Therapy during and after drug rehab is crucial, as these psychological symptoms can be long lasting. Dangerous occurances such as suicide or relapse can be potentially avoided, and rebuilding daily routines can be made easier.

Social Signs

Social signs often begin as a result of psychological symptoms and financial problems. They are sometimes easier to spot from an outside perspective; however, and noticing these strange behaviors can allow for others to try and help an addict. Here are some probable social signs of opioid abuse:

-Withdrawal from social activities

-Asking others for money

-Stealing

-Self isolation

-Sudden problems in relationships

-loss of a job or dropping out of school

-Legal issues

Remember that there are numerous resources for those encountering opioid addiction. Rehab centers, addiction specialists, and therapists are all more than willing to help throughout the detox process, and even afterward if needed. It may help to take up things like exercising or new hobbies to curb cravings and keep yourself busy as well. For those with a loved one who is experiencing opioid abuse, therapy and support groups can provide support during difficult times.

Have you ever tried taking workout supplements? If not, perhaps it’s high time to include these substances into your regular workout routine and experience their numerous benefits. Actually, you’ll be provided with your daily nutrient intake without paying detailed attention to your diet.

However, nowadays the online market is overwhelmed with an extensive number of supplements, complicating the choice of potential users. As a first time buyer you’ll probably be puzzled in terms of choosing a single product, which is why you need to take necessary precautions.

It’s essential to spend a considerable amount of time on doing an online research on the vendors’ reputation and the products’ quality. You should check factors like bioavailability, dosage, as well as laboratory certificates.

Regardless of how complicated this search may initially seem, the following tips will help you in making the right choice.

Conduct an online research

Since the online market is doubtlessly the most convenient place to purchase fitness supplements, it’s logical to conduct an online research on the companies selling the drugs. You’re supposed to start your search by visiting their websites in order to learn more about their products and the country of origin. Make sure the ingredients are grown in a non-polluted environment, as otherwise the final products would be toxic.

Apart from learning useful information from the companies’ websites, you should also consider online reviews. Look for objective sites which feature customer reviews and ratings of the most popular fitness supplements. You’ll be able to learn a lot from users’ experience, thus making a selection of the safest and most efficient supplements on the market.

Take a detailed look at the ingredients

Prior to purchasing any fitness supplement, you are supposed to check the list of ingredients. It’s vital to understand all of the listed substances in order to check their genuine quality. In case some of the ingredients doesn’t ring a bell, remember to check its properties and uses.

Moreover, the aim of checking the ingredients list is looking for any harmful additives. It’s not surprising for companies to use low-quality substances, which is why you need to have your eyes wide open. Also, check if the product contains any allergens like gluten so as to avoid an unwanted allergic reaction to the drug. Visit this page to see a list of the most common food allergens.

Pay attention to the dosage

When purchasing a supplement, it’s paramount to check the dosage, written on the back of the package. The product dosage has to be compatible with the one you need, as otherwise you’re likely to experience an overdose.

In addition, the most common form of these products on the market is capsules. However, in case have trouble swallowing the capsules, there is no reason to be concerned. In fact, these substances can also be found in the form of sprays, powder, liquids, and topicals. Perhaps the most convenient variant is oral sprays, as these are the easiest to administer.

Don’t forget bioavailability

Another important factor when choosing a drug is checking the bioavailability of the nutrients. Bioavailability is actually the ability of your organism to absorb a greater amount of nutrients, which gradually decreases with the process of aging.

Make sure you look for products with high-quality ingredients, as these have a high absorption rate, unlike additives whose absorption rate is amazingly low. Choose those products that are described as bioavailable or made from active form compounds. Needless to say, the best proof of bioavailability is being provided with a certificate that verifies the drugs’ quality. Visit the following link: https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/jackie-arnett-green-plate-special/are-vitamin-supplements-really-bioavailable/, to read more about the bioavailability of vitamin supplements.

Check certificates and tests

It’s crucial for the supplements to be approved by third-party laboratories, which issue a certificate stating the product’s quality. Vendors are obliged to provide their customers with a proof of such a certificate in order to guarantee for their drugs’ safety.

Also, make sure you check any type of tests and trials that have been done to the supplement. It’s essential for the substances to be tested on humans. Therefore, avoid purchasing the ones solely tested on animals.

Lastly, every product should have a certificate of being organic as well as a certificate of being GMO-free, which means being produced in a non-toxic environment. Naturally, companies should also provide a gluten-free certificate for all users who are gluten-intolerant.

Check the cost

An inevitable factor to be considered when purchasing supplements is their price. These drugs can be rather costly, which is why you need to find one which suits your budget the best. However, make sure you don’t choose the ones with unusually low cost, as these are definitely of low quality.

Although in most cases quality is the factor which dictates the price, there are brands that offer top-notch products to their customers for reasonable prices. In fact, the reviews on Supplement Smarts Website will help you identify the best supplements on the market and make a price comparison in order to choose the most suitable one for you.

Check your needs

Naturally, the ultimate but most significant factor affecting your choice would be your own needs. It’s essential to know if you are using the drug for a medical purpose or for the purpose of bodybuilding. Besides identifying the reason for making a purchase, you are also supposed to determine the right dosage.

Do an online research on the drug so as to learn more about the dosage or have a consultation with your doctor. Beginners are advised to start taking a minimal dose and work their way up. Upon determining the dosage, select a drug that matches your needs.

Wrap up

Considering the long-term usage, it’s vital to be absolutely sure in your choice.

Determine your needs, calculate the right dosage and look for a drug that fits your fitness plan.

Don’t purchase from the first vendor you come across.

Check all the above-mentioned factors before making a decision!

The discovery of medicine has played a crucial role in our lives. Its undeniable power cured millions of diseases and saved thousands of people. But, its misuse poses unimaginable dangers that can destroy a once bright future.

Further innovations in the medical field brought us the wonders of supplements. Unlike medicine, supplements cannot treat illnesses and cure chronic diseases. What they do is point you towards a healthier lifestyle and help you live a quality life. You can read more about this here.

Nutritional supplements fill in the gaps in our daily diet. It supplies us with an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals that we need at a particular time and day. Supplements are not limited to multivitamins alone. There are several kinds of it in the market like herbal, probiotic, fish oil, and steroids.

Contrary to popular belief, steroids are not just performance-enhancing supplements. Its benefits are not limited to growth promotion and muscle building. It enhances bone mineral density and combats obesity and anemia.

Despite its apparent health benefits, many controversies surround the use of anabolic steroids. Due to its abuse and misuse in the sports industry, the FDA banned several steroidal supplements and marked it as a controlled drug. But, with the exception of 4-DHEA.

What is 4-DHEA?

4-Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone in our body. The gonad, adrenal glands, and brain are its main producers. 4-DHEA is the precursor of several hormones in our body namely androgens, estrogens, and testosterone. Our body stores a ton of 4-DHEA and only converts it to specific hormones when needed.

This chemical substance is responsible for the development of masculinization in men. It includes the growth of body hairs, change in body odor, and production of oil in the skin. The normal body output of DHEA is at its maximum during the ages of 20 to 30 years old. It starts to decline, as the person gets older.

The medical use of the 4-DHEA supplement proved to be effective on several health problems like age-related diseases, immune response, and cardiovascular ailments.

Low levels of the hormone can spur the onset of autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the medical benefits of 4-DHEA?

1. Osteoporosis

One health benefit of taking 4-DHEA supplements is the improvement of spinal bone density. A study proved the efficacy of 4-DHEA in strengthening the bone mineral density of older women. It acts by potentiating the effects of calcium and Vitamin D in the bones. It is used during replacement therapy for senior women suffering from osteoporosis and other lumbar spine conditions.

2. Depression and other neurological conditions

As a neurosteroid, 4-DHEA plays a positive role in enhancing the neuronal response of our brain. It enhances the neurotransmitters and protects them from toxins, inflammation, and apoptosis.

In 2013, 4-DHEA was found to improve the connection of our brain’s amygdala and hippocampus. Thus, contributing to the enhancement of our mood, memory, emotion, and other cognitive function.

Due to its cortisol-inhibiting properties, doctors used it to treat severe depression, depressed mood, and fatigue. But, it is not advisable to be used alongside antidepressants and mood-stabilizers.

Aside from depression, it was also suggested to improve other mental disorders like schizophrenia and anorexia nervosa.

3.  Immune system

The supplementation of 4-DHEA also enhances the immune function and response of our body. This is especially true during traumatic hemorrhage, thermal damage, and sepsis. The metabolites of DHEA also increase our immune response against viral and bacterial infections.

4. Systemic lupus erythematosus

SLE or Lupus is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the connective tissues. It is characterized by a systemic organ injury of the kidney, joints, mucous membrane, and nervous system.

This debilitating disease still has no known cure. It only relies on immunosuppressive agents and topical steroids like 4-DHEA to lessen and regulate its symptoms. Only women with SLE reported symptom relief upon the usage of the 4-DHEA supplement.

5. Weight management

The role of 4-DHEA supplements against obesity and weight loss is still in its early research. But, the Washington University School of Medicine indicated that 4 DHEA can reduce fat. You can check out more information about this here: https://anabolicsteroiddrugs.com. It acts by triggering an alpha-receptor that causes a cascade of events to happen, ultimately causing our body to metabolize fat.

4-DHEA also increases the hormone estradiol. Estradiol has anti-fat properties that only take effect on postmenopausal women.

6. Adrenal insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a lethal endocrine disease in which the adrenal glands do not produce the right amount of body hormones. This causes a disturbance in the normal body functions.

Aside from glucocorticoids, doctors also use 4-DHEA during replacement therapies of patients with AI. It is a direct source of androgenic hormones deficient during the onset of the disease. Although side effects like acne, hirsutism, alopecia, and scalp itching may occur.

The clinical use of 4-DHEA as AI treatment is only allowed if the patient does not respond to conventional glucocorticoid treatment.

7. Muscle strength and repair

4-DHEA helps elderly people to regain muscle strength by increasing the production of muscle tissues. It also enhances muscle repair and resistance.

 

Sleep has so many benefits and misconceptions to abound; many people believe that it is impossible to catch up on sleep that you lost by sleeping another time. Well, contrary to this popular belief people can very well catch up on lost sleep by taking some time off their busy schedule to nap, more so in an Avocado Mattress. Some people also believe that they only need sleep for rest, the reason why they train themselves to sleep fewer hours and work more hours.

Well, the above can be very detrimental to one’s health as we will find out below. Sleep like any other activity has both a negative and positive impact on the human body, a lack of sleep could lead to death; however, no human being has ever died of staying awake. But on a research conducted on rat’s they all died after being deprived of sleep for 32 days.

Sleep makes you smarter

People who get enough sleep tend to perform better than individuals who are sleep deprived, therefore, by getting enough sleep people tend to be more alert, and can grasp a lot of what they are being taught. The above, therefore, means that one of the simplest ways to boost our memories is by getting enough sleep. Besides afternoon naps have been established to boost happiness, improve behavior as well as academic excellence.

Catnaps are, therefore, encouraged once in a while especially when you are on a break at work, or in the afternoon as it has been established to improve mood and encourage productivity.

Sleep helps improve memory

Napping is believed to trigger changes in the brain that help solidify memory; the above strengthens connections between the brain cells and aids in the transfer of information from one brain region to another. Besides, it is believed that people who sleep after learning new information they are better placed to retain information. So, while you sleep at night your brain is busy processing and making connections to the events of the day.

Important to note is that the more fulfilling your sleep time is, the easier it will be for you to retain information.

Sleep helps reduce stress

Sleep has also been determined to help control blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels, which plays a significant role in encouraging the development of heart disease. Many people think that sleeping for fewer hours has no effect on their overall well being; the thing here, however, is that the human body quickly goes into stress once it is sleep-deprived.

In which case the body functions are put on high alert, the above then causes a spike in blood pressure and an increase in the production of stress hormones. Remember that when your blood pressure is too high then you risk suffering from a heart attack and consequently stroke. Even worse is that with the release of stress hormones then, it becomes very hard for one to fall asleep.

Sleep helps in weight loss

Growth hormones are normally produced when one is sleeping, which in turn burns fat and in the process repairs and builds muscles while increasing strength and encouraging weight loss. People who are on the weight loss journey therefore, better watch their sleep patterns simply because the hormone that regulates appetite (ghrelin and leptin), get disrupted by poor sleep patterns.

And by consistently disrupting your sleep patterns and sleeping only for a few hours you will end up being obese or overweight.

Sleep helps reduce inflammation

Sleep, as we have established above, helps reduce stress levels, which is a known cause for chronic inflammation. The above, therefore, creates a path for the heart-related conditions to arise; including cancer and diabetes, and worse still is that the body deteriorates faster as we age. Thus taking some good time to sleep helps to protect the body from inflammation by avoiding pro-inflammatory cases that take place when one engages in poor sleep patterns.

With the above information in hand, it will be of help if we understood the various stages of sleep, and know-how best we can maximize our allocated sleeping times.

The wake stage (0)

Wake stages are two, the time before you sleep and after you have woken up, but it can also be stretched to include the brief moments that you get up in between sleep at night. Getting up in the middle of the night briefly and regaining your sleep is completely normal for older people and kids, who might be woken by dreams or nightmares.

The Light sleep stage (1 & 2)

This is the exact stage that you transition into heavy sleep. It is at this stage that your muscles start to relax, your heart rate and breathing also go down, your body temperature may drop and consequently sleeping begins.

The Deep Sleep stage (3 & 4)

The deep sleep stage is where the restorative activities take place, at this stage, your body’s blood pressure will have dropped, but blood flow to the muscles will increase. The repair hormones are then released promoting muscle growth and repair, tissue growth also takes place at this precise time. It is also the period that if someone tries to wake you up, they will find a completely disoriented version of you.

The REM sleep stage (R)

Also known as the Rapid Eye Movement stage, when you go to sleep, you will enter the REM stage at least 90 minutes after falling asleep, each of the REM stages lasts up to one hour, and this is the time of the night that the human brain also becomes very active; REM is, therefore, the period that you are active in dreamland, it is also at this time that memory consolidation takes place.

And the two major activities that take place in your body at this time are that your body is disabled thus you will be unable to act out your dreams; people also experience blood flow to their genitals. And given that adults encounter at least six REM cycles every night, the cycles tend to reduce with age.

 

 

When you’re ill, it’s easy for you to feel irritated. You complain about everything. When you’re at the hospital, you can’t help it but be difficult for the medical professionals helping you out. You always find a way to complain about the services you’re getting. You can’t even thank them for helping you out.

With the rise of coronavirus patients all over the world, it’s only now that we recognise how vital these medical professionals are. Each day is like going to war for all of them. They have to work hard while everyone else needs to stay home. Some of them fell ill or even died because they had to fight the virus. Therefore, we can only be grateful to the services offered by these people. Not even all of them receive enough payment for what they do. They work for several hours a day, or even more now due to the pandemic. Despite that, some of them have to live from paycheck to paycheck.

Be more polite

Given how much help these medical professionals offer, the least you can do is to be polite. The next time you go to a hospital to ask for medical help, you have to be nice. It doesn’t matter how irritated you are with your symptoms; you have to remain calm. Choose the right words and be friendly to your doctors and nurses.

When you get admitted to a hospital, you also have to be courteous to your nurses. Thank them for looking after you. Some of them have to get back to you time after time to determine if you’re okay. They will monitor your progress and remind you to take your medicines. Don’t forget to offer them a smile for what they do. Leave them a thank you note as you make your way out of the hospital.

Medical professionals save lives all the time

We might now see the massive help offered by these medical professionals. The truth is that even before the pandemic, they’re already doing a lot. They save lives all the time. They study different cases. Some of them keep working at home to research about their patients who still don’t recover. Others become devastated if their patients end up dying.

Listen to your doctor

Aside from thanking your doctors, another thing you can do is to listen to them. When you’re ill, you can show respect by listening to the advice given to you. Make sure that you follow the instructions on how to take your medicines. You also need to avoid eating foods that your doctor told you not to. When you disobey these instructions, it will take more time before you recover.

Even if you only seek medical advice from an online doctor, you still have to listen carefully. If asked to buy antibiotics online UK to recover from your illness, you have to do it. When you recover soon, your doctor can spend more time helping out other patients.

 

 

You’ve gone to all the appointments, and you have the perfect plan for your plastic surgery operation. There’s one thing left to be done. You have to prepare your body to go under the knife.

Taking good care of your vessel before surgery is a good way to up the odds of everything going just fine. Take a moment now to consider these tips and prepare yourself for surgery as soon as possible.

Give your body essential vitamins and nutrients

Giving your body the right vitamins and nutrients before going under the knife will help to assure that it has all it needs to withstand the invasion of a surgeon and foreign materials.

Make sure your body has enough of these essential vitamins in your body before you’re scheduled to go under the knife.

• Vitamin A – Vital for healing, it helps the body produce collagen.
• Vitamin C – This is a well-known immune booster, but it also promotes collagen production.
• Zinc – Zinc helps the skin to maintain its durability. It can also boost the immune system to help fight off infection after surgery.

Eat plenty of protein before surgery

In general, it’s good to make sure your diet is on track for a while before surgery. Dietary recommendations should be among the top questions you ask your surgeon, but there are some simple guidelines to get you started.

Protein is an essential component of building new tissue and blood vessels in the body. You will need that ability after the surgeon rearranges a few things. Eat foods that are rich in protein like beans, fish, lean meats, and chicken.

Avoid drinking alcohol before surgery

Alcohol isn’t a good additive to surgery of any type. Drinking alcohol before surgery can cause your blood pressure to rise. Alcohol thins your blood, making it harder for your body to clot naturally during surgery.

Drinking alcohol can also impede your body’s natural healing abilities. You’ll want to start drying yourself out at least a month before surgery to give your body the best shot at a flawless recovery.

Stop smoking before having plastic surgery

Smoking cigarettes negatively affects nearly every area of the body. It’s well known that smoking compromises the immune system and the body’s ability to heal. After the shock plastic surgery can cause to your body, you’ll need all the help you can get to boost your body’s natural ability to fight off intruders.

Smoking cigarettes restricts blood vessels, causing your body’s tissues to get only a fraction of the life-giving oxygen they need to thrive. It’s always a good time to quit smoking cigarettes, even if you aren’t planning a surgery anytime in the near future.

The term “collagen” has generated a lot of recent buzz in the world of health and wellness. Within the last decade or two, medical researchers have uncovered more about collagen, despite being discovered almost a century back. With breakthroughs in medical research, scientists have recently been able to test and substantiate many of the claims surrounding the use of collagen supplements.

What Exactly is Collagen?

Collagen is an abundant protein in the human body that gives structure to several connective tissues, including skin, bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. For this reason, some refer to collagen as the “glue” that holds the body together. There are almost 30 types of collagen, beginning with Type 1. Each category offers unique collagen benefits.

While the human body naturally produces its own collagen, collagen production slows once you reach your mid-twenties. At this point, many people choose to increase collagen levels with supplements to maintain peak health.

How Does Collagen Work in Your Body?

The most prominent collagen type in the entire human body is Type 1 collagen. It accounts for more than ninety percent of the body’s collagen count and provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, and teeth. Type 1 collagens are made up of densely-packed muscle fibers. Type 2 collagen forms the elastic cartilage that cushions joints from repetition stress and Type 3 collagen provides structural support to your muscles and bones.

When you take collagen supplements, the powder form being the most popular, the ingested supplements travel to different parts of the body. The body then absorbs the collagen as amino acids.

What Does Collagen do to Help Your Bone and Joint Health?

To put it simply—a lot! As previously mentioned, collagen provides structure to the bones and joints, and research shows that taking supplemental collagen may have significant positive effects. Collagen promotes cartilage growth by keeping the skeletal structure smooth and functional as you grow older. It also replenishes bone density, preventing bone loss, which happens naturally as the body ages. And last but not least, it helps prevents joint paint after large bouts of physical stress.

How Can You Add Collagen into Your Daily Routine?

Now that you know all about collagen and how it functions let’s dive into how you can add collagen to your daily routine. You can increase your body’s collagen levels by using serums and powders or by increasing your intake of collagen-rich foods. Keep in mind that depending on how you ingest it, collagen interacts with the body differently.

For a collagen-rich diet, you can eat foods like bone broth, fish, eggwhites, leafy greens, and citrus fruits. Any food that contains a lot of Vitamin C, proline, glycine, and copper are great sources of collagen. You can also increase your collagen intake with powdered collagen supplements. These supplements can be quickly absorbed and spread across the body.

The Wind-Up

With so many potential benefits for bone and joint health, increasing collagen intake is a popular wellness practice for those showing the signs of aging. A major contributor to the popularity of these supplements is that they make getting enough collagen quick and easy. If you plan to collagen supplements to your daily routine, be sure to check in with your doctor before getting started.

 

Just when you are finally leaving childhood behind and entering the less-forgiving world of adults, that’s when you your formerly baby-smooth skin starts erupting in embarrassing blemishes. For most of us, this is a humiliating period of our lives that we are more than happy to leave behind with our puberty, never to be thought of again, unless we look back at our unfortunate high school yearbook photos.

However, for some people, the scars from embarrassing acne episodes are not just emotional ones. Many people go on to carry scars from past acne breakouts on their faces for years—or without treatment, possibly for the rest of their lives. Acne scarring appears as bumps, dents, and discoloration that mars the surface of the skin, resulting in skin that isn’t smooth or clear.

Why is it that some acne clears up without a problem, but other pimples leave scars? And is there something we can use to treat acne scars to minimize their appearance?

What Causes Acne Scarring?

While it’s possible for small pimples on the surface of the skin to leave scars—especially if you pop them, allow them to become infected, or pick at the scabs—most surface acne clears up and eventually vanishes without a trace, leaving smooth skin behind. With surface acne, the red or brown marks that linger behind—known as post-acne hyperpigmentation—will eventually fade away. However, deeper, cystic acne is much more likely to leave scars behind.

Cystic acne mostly concerns the face, though it’s also possible to develop cystic acne on the back, shoulders, and upper arms. Cystic acne is less common than surface acne, and it’s the most serious form of acne. With cystic acne, cysts or nodules of infection may form deep below the surface of the skin. Bumps from cystic acne are large and may be sore or painful. They may start out with a firm, sore spot deep below the surface of the skin which later becomes a large, white, pus-filled bump with surrounding redness.

Cystic acne is more common in those with oily skin. Scarring occurs when inflammation in the cyst destroys the surrounding tissue, triggering the skin to develop scar tissue.

Treating Cystic Acne to Prevent Scars

Cystic acne can be treated effectively with any of the best acne treatments available today. Early treatment and management of cystic acne is the best way to reduce the likelihood of scarring.

You can also help to prevent or minimize breakouts by washing your face with a gentle cleanser for acne-prone skin. Wash no more than twice per day and avoid heavy scrubbing.

Over-stripping the oils from your skin can cause oil glands to go into overdrive to produce more protective sebum, which can exacerbate the problem.

Treat your skin to lightweight, oil-free moisturizer after washing. While it may seem counterproductive to add moisture to oily, acne-prone skin, one reason your skin may overproduce oils is in an attempt to seal hydration into dehydrated skin. Drinking plenty of water and moisturizing your skin will help to seal hydration into your skin cells your skin won’t need to produce as much protective oil.

Exfoliating your skin with a gentle exfoliating scrub once per week will not only give your skin a healthy glow, it can also reduce breakouts. Dead skin cells can contribute to acne by clogging pores and causing pimples. Gentle exfoliation removes the dead skin cells that clog pores and give your face a dull, grayish appearance.

Avoid squeezing or popping pimples. As tempting as it can be to try to pop a pimple, squeezing them greatly increases the chance of scarring. Squeezing can cause the pimple to become inflamed deep below the skin’s surface, making it more likely to scar. Squeezing a pimple can cause surface acne to become cystic acne. Popping pimples actually interferes with the body’s healing process and can make it take longer.

If you absolutely can’t resist popping a pimple, at least wait until the pimple has a white head. If it doesn’t pop easily, stop! Wait a few more days before trying again—or better yet, resist completely. The pressure produced by popping a pimple can also cause a larger hole to appear in the head of the pimple, which makes it more likely to scar. Popping your pimple can also spread the bacteria into surrounding pores and cause more pimples to appear, which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve.

Treating Acne Scars

While the best treatment is prevention, it isn’t always possible to prevent breakouts and scarring. If you do have acne scars, it doesn’t mean that you have to live with them. There are many treatment options available. Some of the best acne scar treatments contain ingredients like retinol, which encourages the sloughing-off of dead skin cells and the growth of newer, healthier cells. This can help to fade discoloration and smooth out roughened skin texture.

Salicylic acid is another common ingredient found in the best acne scar treatments. It’s the same ingredient commonly used to treat active acne breakouts, but salicylic acid can also help to smooth and fade acne scars.

Other Treatments for Serious Acne Scars

If you find that your acne scars are having a negative impact on your self-esteem and over the counter products are not enough, there are treatment options available that can be performed as outpatient procedures in your dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s office. Treatment for scars should not be attempted until after your skin has stopped breaking out, or when your breakouts are being managed and minimized.

Dermabrasion is one of the most highly recommended treatment options for more serious acne scarring. In the dermabrasion process, the doctor uses a wire brush or rotating wheel with a diamond exfoliator to deeply exfoliate the surface of the skin. This improves discoloration and smooths the skin’s surface.

Laser resurfacing can also be performed in your doctor’s office. In laser resurfacing treatments, a laser removes the top layer of skin and tightens the middle layer to form a new, smoother surface.

For deep “rolling” scars that make the skin’s surface appear uneven, a doctor can inject collagen or fillers under the skin to lift the depressed areas for a more even, smooth appearance.

There are many effective treatments available today for both acne prevention and acne scarring correction. Don’t be afraid to speak to your dermatologist about your skin and seek a solution to stop the scarring before it starts!

Skin cancer is a leading cause of illness and ultimately death of white Australians. It is caused by over-exposure to the sun and tanning. This article will tell you about this disease so that you can take preventive action.

According to many reports, people having light skin, hair and eyes are more likely to contract this disease. This doesn’t mean that dark-toned people don’t get skin cancer; even they can get it due to overexposure to the sun. Tanning beds may also cause skin cancer.

The other high-risk people of skin cancer are;

• People living in high altitudes
• People living in sunny areas
• People who have had a family history of this disease
• People who had skin cancer earlier
• Those people who have been exposed to the sun since their young age.
• Lastly, people who have weak immune systems might also get this disease.

Males are more likely to get skin cancer than females. There are three kinds of skin cancer- basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. The first two make up more than 90 percent of all cases of skin cancer. These cancers are easy to diagnose and treat. Melanoma is difficult to detect and treat.

Skin cancer can manifest on head, neck, face, lips, inside the mouth, abdomen, thighs, palms, arms, soles, and even on testicles. Some skin cancers occur inside the rectal opening as well. The main symptoms of skin cancer are.

• There are changes in the color and size of warts
• Affected skin becomes dry, peach or pink colored
• There might be festering wounds on the skin
• Wounds and injuries are painful to heal

Skin cancer can be treated in several ways. These are.

1. Skin cancer cells are spliced off the body and later examined under a microscope. The process is continued further until there are no more cancerous cells on the skin.
2. A high beam of energy is directed toward the affected body part. This beam of light kills cancerous cells and stops the spread of this disease to other parts of the body. This treatment is effective and inexpensive.
3. In some instances, the topmost cancerous tissue is removed, and the underlying cells are treated with an electric needle. These cells are later frozen by liquid nitrogen. This way, the spread of cancer is halted.
4. Cancer cells can also be frozen by liquid nitrogen to halt the disease.
5. Some drugs are given to the patients; these drugs work along with the light. This treatment is also called photodynamic therapy.
6. In a few cases, this disease is treated by boosting the body’s immune systems. This is done by administering vaccines like interferon.
7. Certain skin cancers are treated with chemotherapy. Lotions and creams are applied to the patient’s affected body part if skin cancer is superficial. If the disease is widespread, then the nature and scope of this treatment changes.

Please note that each of these treatments depends upon the nature and scope of the disease. Skin cancer can be treated entirely if the disease is diagnosed well in advance. If you suspect you or anyone else has this disease, contact cancer specialists like Sundoctors immediately. You can prevent this disease by doing these things;

1. Avoid working long hours in the sun.
2. Cover up while working or walking in the sun.
3. Apply sunscreen while walking, working, etc. in the sun.
4. Don’t use tanning beds; these may cause skin cancer.

Above all, please monitor your skin frequently. Watch your warts, moles, etc. If they are changing their appearance, visit a doctor.

Motherhood is a journey towards making another human. At the end of it, one would have created life, and one would have also transformed into a more nurturing human yourself. An emotional rollercoaster, pregnancy comes with its trials and tribulations.

However, if an expecting mother is well informed on what changes follow, she would be less over-whelmed and stress, which is a must for the safety of the child just as crucial as it is for the mental and physical wellbeing of the mother too. Thus, to help you ease into the groove, we have compiled a list of things that you, our mommy-dearest-to-be, need to take care of. So, are you ready for an all comprehensive digest? Let’s begin:

1. Monitor your body:

Your body may undergo severe and sudden changes during these nine months. Changes such as fat accumulation face and other parts that used to be relatively slim to changes in your behavioral pattern, everything is pretty reasonable! However, if something bothers you, it is best to bring it to a qualified professional’s notice. It is always recommended getting in touch with an expert such as Dr Rahul Sen to minimize this stress.

 

2. Take care of your hygiene:

With a gain in body mass and shape changes, you may not feel energetic. However, this lethargy should not hamper your glow. You should make the most of your pregnancy skin with regular baths. Not only would the showers help you feel refreshed but will also avoid the chances of developing infections.

3. What are you eatin’?

This is crucial since your diet now provides the nutrients to you as well as your bay, both of whom need the right extensive care. Include a healthy balanced diet in your plat, and occasionally, pamper your baby’s taste buds with your cravings. Intake of juices should be increased, and items such as alcohol, oily greasy sugar food, etc. should be dismissed.

4. What you thinkin’?

The best way to not complicate your pregnancy is to be cautious but also carefree. This is not a good time to be stressed. Downgrading mental state could further ruin your child’s development. Thus, pretty future mommies, you must always be happy!

• Work out:
  
  Yes, we mean it! You can still exercise during your pregnancy. However, heavy weight lifting and extensively tough workout are out of the picture. Before you choose on the workout, you should consult an expert on what would be the right exercises for you. After all, pregnancies are all unique and different from each other, treat yours with utmost caution.
  d
• Wait:
  
  Ah, this is probably the toughest of them all! When you are overwhelmed with all the changes happening inside of you, always remember that it is going to be more comfortable with time, and whatever is happening is relatively manageable. At the end of your nine months, you may be desperate for the labor to happen. However, desperation would only make things worse. You should relax. Go for a relaxing massage often, and let mother nature take care of you as well as your babe’s biology.
• Regular consultations:
  
  By consultations, we condone taking every Tom, Dick, and Harry’s wife’s advice on how to go about your pregnancy. We request you only to trust an expert since we already mentioned, every pregnancy is unique, and you need to make the most preparations for yours. Please be regularly visiting a clinic to ensure that your delivery happens complication-free.

Wishing you a happy pregnancy, and healthy life to you as much as to your little munchkin!