The Health Club

Acne, causes and cure

November 27th 2007 · Read More · Comments(2)

It is almost true for all that they have experienced the wrath of Acne at some point in their lives. So is true for me. As a teen age boy, I used to wake up and stand in front of the mirror for sometime looking at my face and counting the pimples. It used to be very annoying for me but in due course of time the problem vanished.

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that causes spots. These spots result from the Sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. The problem starts with Sebum blocking the Skin pores (Hair follicles), it provide the suitable environment for growth of bacteria ending up in emergence of these spots called Acne. Behind the scene, it’s an inter-play of increased hormonal activity surrounding puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and other such states. Here, it is worthy to mention that the Acne is not contagious at all and few drugs like contraceptive pills and steroid can make it worse. Let’s get to the treatment of Acne.

The main reason behind seekers of treatment to Acne is cosmetic. The teens and young adults are desperate enough to get into trap of advertisement campaigns claiming a perfect cure of this condition but things are not always true. It is reported that mild Acne does not need any treatment at all; keeping the spots clean by washing them with water and proper cleanser twice daily can help. Here, it important to note that any excessive washing and scrubbing of skill can make the inflammation worse.

Some serve cases of the Acne may need treatment and for that matter the main strategy is keeping the pores unblocked. For that, numerous creams, gels and lotions are available in market that can really help by their antibacterial action but self medication is prohibited since you can end up with the worst. Proper medical advice by some qualified professional is important. Moreover, your doctor can even prescribe you oral drugs in case the spots are not leaving.

Having all that said and done, any scar will dampen over time. So, next time if you get these spots, don’t worry because with proper course of action under qualified supervision you can deal with them.

Xolair a hope for Severe Asthamatics

November 25th 2007 · Read More · Comment(1)

The newer drug Xolair (Omalizumab) can save lives of many severe asthamatics. This drug is still in process of getting the required permissions for prescriptions. It is reported that NHS’s drugs watchdog is on course of making final decision about it availability for everybody.

Who can benefit?

• Are 12 years of age and older.
• Have moderate to severe persistent asthma.
• Have asthma that is triggered by year-round allergens in the air. This is known as allergic asthma, and can only be confirmed by a doctor using skin or blood test.
• Continue to have asthma symptoms even though they are taking inhaled steroids.

It is further reported that National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has already agreed in draft guidance that it can be used for over 12s with severe and persistent allergic asthma.

This drug is injected in hospital every two to four weeks and it works by decreasing the intensity of immune response to allergens that once triggered can go out of control in allergic conditions.

Dr Robert Niven, a respiratory consultant at the Wythenshawe hospital in Manchester, said the drug was extremely effective, but stressed that only a “very small percentage” of asthmatics were suitable for it, reported BBC

Caution: For patients, it is imperative not to attempt self medication. Seek advice from your doctor if you are facing any problem.