Archive for November, 2007

Blackheads – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Blackheads are tiny, dark spots caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore) on the skin. Blackheads are also called open comedomes. A blackhead is a type of acne vulgaris. It is caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland ’s duct. Blackheads are typically caused by excessive oil and makeup, which can facilitate the multiplication of the bacterium propionibacterium acnes, the predominant anaerobe of the normal skin flora. The substance found in these bumps mostly consists of keratin and modified sebum (an oily secretion of the sebaceous gland ), which darkens (resembling dirt) as it oxidizes.

Blackheads are the slightly different sibling of zits, and like zits, squeezing them can be addictive. Composed of the same oil, or sebum, that contributes to the production of pimples, blackheads result from a building up of this oil in pores the difference in appearance is the result of the blackhead’s exposure to the air, the reaction of which with the oil causes the trademark black color of these blemishes. And while blackheads are more easily obscured by makeup, they can seem less offensive to the sufferer, and as a result, less damaging to squeeze. But squeezing is not good for blackhead. It leaves a permanent scar on skin and also infection will occur.

Blackheads and especially whiteheads are promoted by dark appearance is caused by the densely packed skin cells, which take on a dark colour excessive cellular exfoliation. The other name of Blackheads is open comedones, skin coloured are flat, darkened spots that form when pores become clogged with a mixture of sebum (or oil) and dead skin cells. Whiteheads and blackheads, both symptoms of the skin condition acne, commonly appear on the face and shoulders, but they may also develop on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks. They are most common in teenagers but can occur at any age, even in infants. Treatment for whiteheads and blackheads depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment may include lotions or gels placed on blemishes or sometimes entire areas of skin, such as the chest or back (topical medications). Oral medications, such as antibiotics, may be prescribed.

Causes of Blackheads

Blackheads is caused when excess skin oil, sebum and congesting toxins are expelled through your skin from the blood and lymph fluid that supplies your skin with nutrients. These congesting toxins combined with skin oil and sebum clogs your pores causing blackheads, whiteheads, and full blown acne. Dirt also plays a big role in developing skin blackheads. The dirt stored on the face or other parts of body make the bacteria to develop. The dirt with oily skin makes things even worse. Although food id thought not to be the cause of blackhead but doctor believe that there may be some role of food in it too.

Symptoms of Blackheads

Blackheads and whiteheads are a combination of oils, sebum and cellular fragments that form firm to hard plugs within hair follicles. Blackheads are open to the skin’s surface and become darkened at the surface by exposure to oxygen (oxidation). They are called open comedones (or comedo, singular). Whiteheads are closed from the skin’s surface by cellular debris at the follicle opening. Because they are closed from oxygen they do not oxidize or turn brown. They form a light or yellow-white lump and are called milia (or milium, singular). When bacteria is added to these plugs, the condition can lead to acne.

Treatment of of Blackheads

Mild cases of acne can be self-treated with over-the-counter topical (applied to the skin) creams typically with benzoyl peroxide. There are also a varietyof different medications that your family physician might prescribe that come as creams, ointments, and pills. It is wise to start by applying the cream or ointment at night to see how you react, and then if necessary you can go to twice a day. Some of the stronger medications for acne are not to be used if you are pregnant, so make sure you tell your doctor if this is a possibility. Most acne medications work by reducing the next “crop” of acne, so don’t get discouraged if the treatment does not work right away.

Home Remedy for Blackheads

1. In 3-4 cup boiled water, add 2 tsp of soda bicarbonate. Steam a towel with this. Thereafter, place the towel gently on your face. Do it for about 5-6 times. Make a paste by mixing 1 tsp curd and 1 tsp rice flour. Apply the paste on the affected area. After some time, wash your face with cold water.

2. Take about 1 tsp of juice extracted from fresh coriander leaves and add ½ tsp of turmeric powder in it. Apply this mixture while going to bed. Wash your face the next morning with cold water.

3. Take a pinch of soft portion of glycerin soap and mix with a pinch of table salt. Apply this mixture on the blackheads. Do it for about a week and see the magical results.

4. Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzyl peroxide, etc. can be counter-productive to softening and dissolving blackheads and whiteheads as they can dehydrate dry, normal and combination skin

5. Make a paste by mixing 1 tsp limejuice and 1 tsp of finely powdered cinnamon. Apply it on the affected area before going to bed. Wash it off in the morning.

How to Apply Eye Shadow

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Many people use eye shadow to simply improve their appearance, but it is also commonly used in theatre and other plays, to create a memorable look, with bright and even ridiculous colors. Applying eye shadow has plagued many a person but with a little care, the end result is worth the effort. Never apply eyeliner or use mascara before applying eye shadow or the concealer for the total effect is ruined. A wonderful eye shadow tip for women who want to make their eyes appear closer is to emphasize the inner corners of the eyes.

Eye shadow is perhaps the most beloved cosmetic of creative makeup artists. Some women prefer to apply eye shadow with a damp brush or applicator. This helps in intensifying the color. Powder eye shadows come in singles or color coordinated sets. Cream eye shadows can be coordinated with powder eye shadows. Eye shadow adds depth and dimension to one’s eyes, compliments the eye color, or simply draw attention to the eyes. The effect of eyeshadow usually brings out glamorous and attention bringing out the eyes.

Tips for applying eye shadow

1. Apply the medium shade on the upper eyelid only. Use a lighter shade under the browbone to highlight the eyes.

2. When you want to apply light shades such as blue, beige, light green and light gray then you should first draw a thin line with the help of liquid eyeliner.

3. Pearly shades are great for highlighting the brow bone and opening up the eye area.

4. You should use brushes to apply eye shadow. And try to avoid those nasty foam applicators that come with it.

5. Apply a lighter eye shadow color above your primary color and below your eyebrow.

Types of Eye Shadows

Dark – This is applied only to the eyelids from the lashline to the crease in the eyelid.

Medium – This is applied from just below the eyelid crease to the browbone. You can, and some techniques do, shade the entire lid with this medium shade first.

Highlight – This is the lightest of the three and is applied to the browbone and extends a little past the outer end of the eyebrow. This usually gives a pearly finish.

Eyebrow Shaping Tips

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Eyebrows are perhaps one of the most under appreciated features of a person’s face, yet eyebrows are a perhaps a person’s most defining feature. Change the shape of your eyebrow with a little plucking, and you can change the personality and perceived mood of your face.

Eyebrow shaping is no simple task though. Pluck too much and you end up with a perpetual look of surprise or worse, like you have no eyebrows at all. Pluck too little, and you go for paint on eyebrow look. Here are a few tips to make sure your eyebrows come out the perfect shape.

1. Never pluck above the eyebrow. Bleach unruly upper hairs instead.

2. Brush the brows upward before plucking so that you have a clear idea of the lower eyebrow line.

3. Always pluck eyebrow hairs in the direction that the hair grows. This way is less painful and the hairs will regrow flat.

4. Tweeze one hair at a time, starting at the inside (near the nose) and working your way out.

5. Don’t over pluck. Take one row of hairs off at a time and examine the eyebrows before deciding if another row needs to come off.

Follow these few simple tips for the eyebrows that will make you stand out.

How to Apply Concealer

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Whether you are fair or dark, your concealer should also have yellow tones.Don’t use a concealer that’s white or more than half a shade lighter than your skin tone. Try for an exact match. Apply before foundation. Set the concealer with powder.

TIP:

Sometimes after the use of concealer, foundation may be avoided.

USE OF UNDER-EYE CONCEALERS

Concealers are applied to cover dark circles around the eyes, thereby grweatly enhancing the appearance of the face.They are matched to the skin tone and are applied before using the harmony foundation.When any product is applied around the eyes, special care must be taken so that the skin is not stretched.

Instead of applying the cream from the inside corner of the eye to the outside it should be dabbed on the skin and then gently blended with the finger tips moving from the outside corner to the inside corner.This procedure will not pull the skin.After the product has dried, more can be applied to build up the desired opacity.To remove, use a cosmetic cleanser, instead of vigorously rubbing the skin with soap and water.

1. Apply small dots of concealer at a time.

2. Touch the concealer directly onto the blemish and blend well at the edges. Don’t apply more than two coats of concealer at a time, or it will look obvious that you’re trying to hide a blazing zit. Foundation should further hide the blemish

Concealers Applying Tips

1. In applying concealers, using the right makeup techniques is important. Concealers are of a denser composition than regular foundations and are generally available in sticks, tubes, pots, and creams. Concealers can be used to cover blemishes, dark spots, ruddy areas, marks, veins, freckles or under eye circles.

2. Your concealer should be one shade lighter than your foundation (and only in extreme cases should you use a concealer two shades lighter).

3. Using a concealer that is too light or too pink will give the appearance of `owl eyes’. In other words, it will emphasize the dark area instead of concealing it.

4. Apply concealer with a small fine tipped brush for an accurate application. As with any other application, blending is the key.

5. Always set your concealer with a sheer, translucent powder to prevent creasing.

TIP FOR APPLYING CONCEALERS

Be sure to cover the inside of the nose bridge and the outer corner of your eye where we tend to get dark areas.

Curly Hairstyles Tips and Ideas

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Curly hairstyles present a look that can go with any occasion. Many people with curly hair often desire straight hair and those with straight hairstyles envy curly tresses. Curly hairstyles can be worn by anyone and everyone. If you’ve got curly hair and it tends to frizz, use a heavy-weight gel or a relaxing balm and let your hair dry naturally. There are plenty of hairstyles with curls because the curls append an extra touch to the hairstyles that cannot be duplicated. Hairstyles with curls, can get frizzy, stressed, split ends, and other hair damaging types. Women with medium curly hairstyles will have to keep additional care of their hair because hair is in medium state where damaged edges and poofy hair likes to appear. Short hairstyles and medium hairstyles look superb with the addition of some curly strands. Curly hair is completely different from straight hair. Its structure is different and its needs are different.

Curly hair styles that look wonderful are the natural result of combining those two essential ingredients – the curly hair cut, and the curly hair care. Long curly hair can be styled into bouncy ringlets for a new look. Tight curls can be exotic. Short curly hairstyles can be cut casually to lend a stylish appearance. There are so many ways to create curls. Using a diffuser will give the effect of loose, bouncy curls while a curling iron will allow you to choose the size of your ringlets or for a more textured curl, give the new triple barrel curling iron a try. When styling your curly or wavy hair you will want to use a comb or a pick. It is not a good idea to use a brush, as brushes make your curly hair frizz out. For tighter curls you can wrap your hair around a pencil and dry it with a diffuser, you can use smaller hot roller, or you can use a small barrel curling iron.

Color for curly hair is good. Either lighter or darker to give the hair more dimension. Since curly hair does not reflect light like a smooth surface using color is a wonderful way to create an illusion of shine. Long curly hair can be arranged in an updo. Leave some loose tendrils on the side for a soft and romantic look. With careful styling, even a ponytail can look great on long curly hair. Liven it up with exciting accessories. Longer curly hairstyles call for more maintenance. Shine spray is also good as curly hair does not reflect light like straight hair. For a straight look use Rusk str8 anti-frizz lotion. Comb thru hair and natural dry or blow on a low heat setting.

Hairstyle Ideas and Tips For Curly Hair:

1. Maintain superior hair care with moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and gels to insure outstanding hairstyles.

2. Ringlets are an interesting way add curls to hairstyles without much work.

3. There are many ways to style curly locks for woman without natural curls, try a number of styling practices for distinct hairstyles.

4. There are many curly hairstyle goods available, use high quality items that are favorable for your hair.

5. If you can, visit the curly hair institute, it is an institute just for curly hairstyles.

6. Do not let the curly strands get too frizzy or poofy unless that’s the style you are looking for.

Various types of Pain Disorders

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Pain Disorder is a somatoform disorder in which the predominant area of focus is painful bodily complaints in which psychological factors are determined to be central to the onset, severity, exacerbation or maintenance of the complaint. Pain disorders are classified into several categories based upon their cause. Neuropathic pain is a particularly severe pain disorder that results from damage to the central and peripheral nervous system. Ion channels play an important role in the detection, transmission and cognitive recognition of pain signals. Ion channels are critical at each step in the pain pathway, including the detection of local stimuli, the transmission of the electrical impulses to the brain and the interpretation of electrical impulses as pain signals. Pain Disorder (like conversion disorder) is a form of somatoform disorder. Pain Disorder does not mean that the person has no biological reason for pain. It suggests that there are psychological factors that appear to have contributed to the onset, severity, maintenance or exacerbation of the pain. In pain disorder, it is important that the patient be assisted in determining what factors play a role in the experience of the pain.

Pain disorder may come after surgery, hospitalization, or injury; when the wound heals, the pain doesn’t go away. It sometimes comes in conjunction with an addiction as well, and may be a symptom of hypochondrism or another depressive disorder. Pain disorder is marked by the presence of severe pain. Pain disorder is relatively common in the general population especially amongolder adults; the ratio is more nearly equal. It appears to affect men and women with equalfrequency. Inflammatory pain results from the effects of inflammatory mediators and cellular debris that are released into surrounding tissues as the immune system is activated, whether appropriately to fight infection, or inappropriately, such as in auto-immune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with body dysmorphic disorder often try to have plasticsurgery or other procedures to repair or treat the supposed defect. Both neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain are types of chronic pain. Because of the many different reasons pain disorder manifests, it may or may not be successfully treatable. If it comes in conjunction with another mental illness, it should be treatable and the patient should recover fully.

Symptoms of Pain Disorders:

1. Lightheadedness or dizziness.

2. Skipping heartbeat.

3. Chest pain.

4. Excessive sweating

5. Nausea or stomach problems.

6. Feelings of unreality.

Treatment of Pain Disorders:

Surgical complications and addictions to prescription pain medications can develop if used inappropriately to treat this condition. Psychiatric referrals may be helpful, though many people with this disorder resist psychiatric interventions. Pain Disorder associated with a General Medical Condition may be treated with a course of general pain killers. This term is used for any patient who has pain that is mainly caused, worsened or maintained by a general medical condition, so long as any psychological factors play at most a minor role. Prescription and non-prescription pain medications are usually not effective and can make matters worse due to potentially serious side effects.

Various types of Anxiety Disorders

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Anxiety is a feeling of unease. Anxiety is only considered to be a mental health problem when it is prolonged, severe and is interfering with everyday activities. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders are highly treatable with psychotherapy, drugs, or a combination of both. There are at least nine identified types of anxiety disorders, include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, specific phobia, separation anxiety, school avoidance, and agoraphobia. Anxiety disorders in children can range from a simple adjustment disorder to more difficult and debilitating disorders such as panic disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. It’s normal to feel anxious when facing something difficult or dangerous, and mild anxiety can be a positive and useful experience. Excessive anxiety is often associated with other mental health problems, such as depression. Unfortunately, many people with anxiety disorders don’t seek treatment because they do not believe they have a legitimate illness, or they fear the reaction of family and friends.

Sometimes anxiety can be associated with a physical illness, such as thyroid disorder. For this reason it’s advisable to see your GP in order to rule out a physical cause. Symptoms occur with varying frequency and intensity but may include all of those listed above as well as trembling, chest pain, nausea, and fear. You may fear you are going crazy or dying. Some people may also have a sense of being detached from reality. Anxiety can be a long-term disorder where you feel worried most of the time about things that might go wrong. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used, as is psychotherapy and stress management techniques. Drugs used to treat anxiety include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Often, a combination of therapies works best.

What are the types of Anxiety disorders?

There are several major types of anxiety disorders:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder feel anxious nearly all of the time, though they may not even know why.

2. Phobias: A phobia is an unrealistic or exaggerated fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that in reality presents little to no danger. Common phobias include fear of animals such as snakes and spiders, fear of flying, and fear of heights.

3. Social Phobia: Social anxiety disorder can be thought of as extreme shyness.

4. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): It  is characterized by unwanted thoughts or behaviors that seem impossible to stop or control.

5. Separation Anxiety: Separation anxiety is a normal part of child development.

6. Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is characterized by repeated, unexpected panic attacks.

Symptoms of Anxiety:

The symptoms can include:

1. Abdominal discomfort.

2. Rapid heartbeat or palpitations.

3. Shortness of breath.

4. Frequent urination

5. Feeling worried or uneasy all the time

6. An inability to concentrate

7. Depersonalisation.

Treatment For Anxiety disorders:

The treatment will depend upon which type of anxiety you are experiencing and how severe it is. Cognitive-behavior therapy is very effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Tranquilisers, such as benzodiazepine tablets, may help to relieve some short-term stress-related anxieties. However, they shouldn’t be taken for long periods because of the risk of addiction. For this reason they aren’t usually prescribed. Antidepressants can treat certain anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia, OCD, and anxiety associated with depression.

Role of vitamins in Mood Disorders

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Mood disorders are also called affective disorders. Mood disorders have a major economic impact through associated health care costs as well as lost work productivity. A mood is an emotion or feeling that lasts a long time. Moods affect how we act. Your mood also affects how you feel about yourself and life in general. Mood disorder problems may be caused by changes in your life. Chemical changes in your body can also cause a mood disorder. Moods range from feeling sad to feeling happy. Women who have a mood disorder are more likely to get depressed than men. Signs and symptoms of mood disorder start very slowly. Other people may see changes before you see or feel them. However, sometimes depression can occur due to another disorder or as a drug side effect, and in these cases it is known as secondary depression. The effects of exercise in improving the symptoms of depression are well-documented. Inadequate intake of zinc, vitamin B6, iodine, vitamin B12 and folic acid during early life may impair nervous system development and permanently alter function and behavior.

Having a mood disorder can affect your ability to function at work and at home. Treatment of mood disorders such as depression is a complex process and may involve psychotherapy and drug treatment. Where there is no clear physiological cause, the disorder is known as primary depression and it seems likely that the disorder will have several contributory causes. Research has focussed on biological factors such as heredity, hormonal abnormalities, medication side effects, disease-related effects, nutritional deficiencies and psychological and social causes. Drugs which have antidepressant effects usually alter levels of neurotransmitters, serotonin and noradrenaline, which are involved in the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain. An appropriate exercise program is an important part of any treatment of depression.

Causes of Mood disorder

Some common causes of Mood disorder are as follows:

1. Family history of mood disorder.

2. Changes in your life.

3. Chemical changes in your body.

4. You use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol.

Signs or Symptoms of Mood disorder

Following are signs and symptoms of a mood disorder:

1. Changes in your eating habits, energy level, weight, or sleeping patterns.

2. Inability to function effectively.

3. Fatigue.

4. Sense of Inferiority.

5. People may have trouble getting along with you.

6. Loss of interest.

The Role of vitamins:-

1. Vitamin A: Vitamin A helps protect the mucous membranes of the nose, eyelids, mouth, throat, stomach, intestines, thereby reducing susceptibility to infection.

2. Vitamin B Complex: Vitamins B complex provide the body with energy by aiding in the conversion of carbohydrates to glucose, which the body “burns” to produce energy.

3. Vitamin C Complex: Vitamin C plays a role in healing wounds and burns because it facilitates the formation of connective tissue in the scar.

4. Vitamin D: Vitamin D can be acquired either by ingestion or by exposure to sunlight.

5. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is necessary for all forms of oxygen-consuming life forms. It is also an antioxidant, which means it opposes oxidation of substances in the body.

ADHD and ADD Treatment

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a group of symptoms that affect concentration and a person’s ability to focus . Side effects may be troublesome depending on the child, which is why the child must have follow-up visits to your doctor. These may include weight loss, appetite changes, insomnia and nervous tics. It can also cause mood swings, impulsiveness, and behavioral and social problems. Children with these problems have difficulty completing their school work and are often in trouble with parents and teachers. Other treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include “tutoring and special education, behavioral therapy and family-group psychotherapy.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should cause severe impairments in different areas of life and has to be present since early childhood. But many adults have developed functional or dysfunctional ways to cope with the everyday problems of this disorder. To consider different treatment options for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder needs an individual diagnostic process evaluating the personal resources and deficits of the person. Treatment options for adults with ADHD include psycho-education about symptoms and consequences of this disorder. Sometimes this is already the most important part of therapy, because the client can now accept some common problems of life and already uses appropriate ways to handle these problems.

Treatment For Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder:

1. Psychotherapy allows older children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to talk about issues that bother them, explore negative behavioral patterns and learn ways to deal with their symptoms.

2. Family therapy can help parents and siblings deal with the stress of living with someone who has ADHD.

3. Drugs known as psychostimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults.

4. Another medication that works in a similar manner, but is not a stimulant, is atomoxetine.

5. Antidepressants also may be used – especially for adults and for children who don’t respond to stimulants or who are depressed or have other problems.

6. Sometimes a combination of therapy and medication may be the most helpful treatment.

Role of Exercise in Mental Problems

Monday, November 12th, 2007

The term, ‘mental health problem’ covers a wide range of problems which affect someone’s ability to get on with their daily life. Causes of mental illness also vary, but may result from genetics, trauma, biological factors such as infections or toxins, or neuroplasticity resulting from psychological or anthropological factors. Mental health problems can affect anyone, of any age and background, as well as having an impact on the people around them such as their family, friends and carers. Symptoms of mental illness greatly vary dependent upon the specific disorder, but may include mild to chronic forms of depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, difficulties with attention, loss of cognitive abilities, or the presence of hallucinations or delusions. Mental health professionals will treat mental disorders differently using one or a combination of psychotherapy, psychiatric medication, case management, or other practices.

Mental health problems result from a complex interaction of biological, social and psychological factors, but are still usually discussed in medical terms. Multiple sclerosis does cause mental illness and psychiatric conditions, other than depression, and these psychiatric conditions are relatively common. Most people recover from their mental health problems. Long -term problems can lead to considerable disruption and difficulty in people’s lives, but many of the people affected find ways of managing their problems and are able to lead active lives. People with mental health problems need help and support to enable them to cope with their illness. There are many treatment options, including medication, counselling, psychotherapy, complementary therapies and self help strategies.

Sometimes people with mental health problems are discriminated against. This can lead to social problems such as homelessness, and may make the mental health problem worse. Environmental events surrounding pregnancy and birth have been linked to an increased development of mental illness in the offspring. This includes maternal exposure to serious psychological stress or trauma, conditions of famine, obstetric birth complications, infections, and gestational exposure to alcohol or cocaine. Minority ethnic groups, including first or second-generation immigrants, have been found to be at greater risk for developing mental disorders, which has been attributed to various kinds of life insecurities and disadvantages, including racism. Mental health professionals treat mental disorders differently using one or a combination of psychotherapy, psychiatric medication, case management, or other practices. The major treatment options for mental disorders are psychiatric medication and psychotherapy.

Exercise In Mental And Other Problems

Exercise helped to relieve the symptoms of depression and more than half said it helped to reduce stress and anxiety. Regular aerobic exercise will clear the cobwebs and help your brain to function more efficiently. Physical fitness does not come easy. The best strategy is to gradually increase the duration of your exercise sessions and, along with enhancing your physical fitness, your mental muscle will also begin to take shape. Many people with mental health problems use physical exercise to make them feel better, a survey has found. Mind found that people with mental health problems were more likely to get their exercise from everyday activities like walking, housework and gardening.