Medicinal values of onions

Onions (Allium cepa) belong to the lily family, the same family as garlic, leeks, chives, scallions and shallots.There are over 600 species of Allium, distributed all over Europe, North America, Northern Africa and Asia. The plants can be used as ornamentals, vegetables, spices, or as medicine.

VALUES

Onions are a very rich source of fructo-oligosaccharides. These oligomers stimulate the growth of healthy bifidobacteria and suppress the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in the colon. In addition, they can reduce the risk of tumors developing in the colon.

Onion extracts, rich in a variety of sulfides, provide some protection against tumor growth. In central Georgia where Vidalia onions are grown, mortality rates from stomach cancer are about one-half the average level for the United States. Studies in Greece have shown a high consumption of onions, garlic and other allium herbs to be protective against stomach cancer.

The World Health Organization (WHO) supports the use of onions for the treatment of poor appetite and to prevent atherosclerosis. In addition, onion extracts are recognized by WHO for providing relief in the treatment of coughs and colds, asthma and bronchitis. Onions are known to decrease bronchial spasms. An onion extract was found to decrease allergy-induced bronchial constriction in asthma patients.

Onions are a rich source of flavonoids, substances known to provide protection against cardiovascular disease. Onions are also natural anticlotting agents since they possess substances with fibrinolytic activity and can suppress platelet-clumping. The anticlotting effect of onions closely correlates with their sulfur content. Onion can improve lung function, especially in asthmatics. The more pungent varieties of onion appear to possess the greatest concentration of health-promoting phytochemicals.

Onions are very beneficial to women with scanty and painful menses. In case of sunstroke, use of onions relieves thirst and mitigates the effects of the sunstroke. Besides, onion has several medicinal uses described by various authors as remedy or cure for different ailments.

Researchers at the University of Utah who carried out the study, examined the health values in onion and discovered that quercetin, the compound most commonly associated with onions, may reduce blood pressure by an average of five millimeters of mercury (Hg) especially if eaten raw. Sulphur compound present in raw onion will also help to prevent the growth of cancer cells. Likewise, onion is also good and effective in the treatment of anaemia, bleeding piles, stomach aches, while the juice can be applied externally as an antiseptic. It also prevents and can treat teeth disorders. The Indians, Chinese and the Egyptians know and appreciate the medicinal value of onion as well as garlic.

Aloe and its values

Aloe vera, which is also known as medicinal aloe is one of the species of succulent plant that has its origin from Northern Africa. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on the upper and lower stem surfaces. 


Values
Prior to its ability to balance the pH of the blood and increase digestion and absorption, aloe vera gel strengthens the immune system. Taken regularly over a period of several
months, it helps to regulate the function of the liver. Results of laboratory tests on animals indicate that aloe vera can prevent and arrest arthritis, improve wound healing, inhibit pain, block inflammation, restore bone growth, and act as a vehicle for the delivery of nutrients to the body. Fresh or commercially preserved Aloe Vera juice can be used both externally and internally. In capsule form, it is used as a natural laxative. It also is beneficial for the hair and scalp

Both the Greek historian Dioscorides and the Roman naturalist
Pliny recommended aloe vera about 2,000 years ago as an effective remedy for constipation, burns, wounds, bruises, skin irritations, kidney problems and more. Aloe vera is one of the oldest known therapeutic herbs and is renowned worldwide as a healing plant. It originated in the Cape Verde islands off the West African Coast.

Among its other healing ingredients, aloe vera contains salicylic acid, which is the main content of aspirin. The salicylic acid and magnesium in aloe are thought to work together for an analgesic effect on burns. Among its other healing ingredients, aloe vera contains
salicylic acid, which is the main content of aspirin. The salicylic acid and magnesium in aloe are thought to work together for an analgesic effect on burns. Modern medicine uses it to treat atomic radiation burns. Applied to wounds, the gel not only reduces pain and infection, it stimulates cell regeneration and therefore the growth of new tissue and skin. Scarring can be reduced significantly by using aloe vera.

Aloe is favored by those looking to maintain a healthy digestive system and a natural energy level with optimum health and nutrition. Taken daily, either alone or mixed with pure fruit juice, it is one of the best nutritional supplements available! Did you also know aloe vera juice is one of the most vitamin and mineral-packed nutrition drinks you can find?

The nutrition properties of aloe vera come from the 18 amino acids, mineralsand vitamins it contains. It is used to soothe skin that has been damaged. A common usage is to soothe dry, chapped and sunburned skin. Aloe vera can also be made into juices, skin lotions and salves. Aloe vera can be found in cosmetics, shampoos, lotions and many other common household aloe vera products. The many benefits of aloe vera are not fully researched as of yet.

Neem tree and its uses

Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15-20 m (about 50-65 feet), rarely to 35-40 m (115-131 feet). It is evergreen, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, but in severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are wide spread. The fairly dense crown is roundish or oval and may reach the diameter of 15-20 m in old, free-standing specimens.

Uses
Neem parts are widely used in veterinary medicine and helps to cure different animal diseases. Neem is said to have anti viral properties, which in turn helps to cure many animal diseases. Neem is also used as an animal feed because it contains significant amount of protein, minerals except zinc, carotene etc. Neem leaf extracts are used by manufacturers in making poultry immuno stimulants.

Neem is being used to manufacture what is known as the natural or bio insecticide, that are environmental friendly and do not have any toxic effects on plants and soil. Neem insecticide are used to protect both food as well as cash crops like rice, pulses, cotton, oils seeds etc. Great for use on all crops, trees, plants, flowers, fruits, veggies round the home as well as organic and commercial growers. Active ingredient Azadirachtin, found in neem tree, acts as an insect repellent and insect feeding inhibitor, thereby protecting the plants. This ingredient belongs to an organic molecule class called tetranortriterpenoids. It is similar in structure to insect hormones called "ecdysones," which control the process of metamorphosis as the insects pass from larva to pupa to adult.

Uses of Neem Oil in Various Industries
Cosmetic Industry : Neem bark, seed and leaf oil is being increasingly used in manufacturing a large number of skin products, body lotions, beauty care facial packs in combination with other natural ingredients. The herbal cosmetic industry is in the boom stage, this is an open invitation for the neem oil manufacturers to produce high quality neem oil for use in the cosmetic industry, all around the globe.
Agricultural Industry : The principle ingredient in Azadirachtin found naturally in neem seed oil is being used the world over for manufacturing :

Herbal Medicine Industry : Neem seed, leaf and bark oil is used to manufacture herbal medicines. It can be used as raw neem oil, oil extract to be used in wide medicinal applications.
Natural Pesticide
Natural Insecticide
Natural Fungicide

Parts of Neem Used to Manufacture Soap
Neem leaf extract
Neem oil
Neem Bark extract

There has been a long history of use of plants to maintain oral hygiene and cure periodontal diseases. Traditionally, neem twigs were used in raw form to clean teeth and maintain oral hygiene. The anti bacterial property of neem helps to fight germs and prevent cavity. It is being used by leading manufacturers all over the world to make herbal toothpastes, tooth powders, mouth wash and other dental hygiene products.

Neem extracts are used as active ingredients by FMCG companies and herbal product companies as they have anti bacterial properties and also have no side effects.

Neem oil is also used on a commercial basis to manufacture and export oral care products. Neem is sometimes also blended with other herbs and natural products in medicated toothpastes and powders to ensure maximum efficacy.

Neen in production of soap
Neem finds Neem tree and its derivatives are used to manufacture neem based soaps. Neem has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties which helps to keep the skin soft and supple, helps to protect the skin from eczema, infections, acne and nourishes it. Neem soap is also recommended by doctors to prevent and treat acne. These soap bars are vegetable based and contain pure essential oils to rejuvenate and soothens the skin. Neem soaps are beneficial for super sensitive skins. These premium 100% natural soaps are animal fat free and do not make use of any chemical compounds or artificial fragrances. Leading FMCG companies are venturing into and coming out with neem soaps to cater to the ever increasing demand of neem based soap.

Tips for your skin

Ginger has been shown to suppress colon cancer production in rats. Curry, which contains turmeric, is a very strong antioxidant which has been shown to decrease cancer production. Basil, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, oregano and thyme have also been shown to have strong antioxidant activity.

Don't be afraid to cook with spices for fear of decreasing their health benefits. One study looked at the effect of heat and cooking on the antioxidant properties of these spices and found that heating them to 180°C in the cooking process for 10 minutes did not affect the efficacy of antioxidant activity. In fact, when nutmeg was heated, it became an even stronger antioxidant.

Antioxidants are everywhere in your kitchen. Many oils such as olive oil and safflower oil contain antioxidants. Other sources include red wine, green tea, dark chocolate, berries, pomegranate, almonds and coffee.

Dermatologists are embracing the role of nutrition in good skin care. The role of nutrition, antioxidants and skin aging is discussed at length in my new bestselling book Cosmetic Dermatology. A diet rich in spices and fruit is a good idea in summer to combat the increased sun exposure. However, don’t forget the sunscreen!

Controlling chocolate cravings

Whether you’re celebrating a religious festival, eating out, or even staying in watching television, for many chocoholics it's incredibly hard to avoid temptation. You can find ways to distract yourself from chocolate in a journal Written by Alice Smellie

But too many chocolate treats and you could risk serious sugar overload
How much do we consume? Sugar makes up more than 30 per cent of the average British diet. That's three times the maximum recommended intake set by the World Health Organisation.
The Food Standards Agency advises that men eat no more than 65g of added sugar a day and women no more than 50g.

With the average bar of milk chocolate containing around 30g of sugar, that doesn’t leave you much of a chocolate allowance. ‘Sugar in excess starts to act more like a drug than a nutrient, stimulating the same biochemical pathways as heroin, and producing endorphins. 'If you need a substance in order to feel good and have withdrawal symptoms when you don't have it, you may be addicted.’

In childhood, chocolate is often used as a reward or treat, and we often continue to associate it with comfort and security.

Snack attack

Many of us use low blood sugar as an excuse for a mid-afternoon chocolate snack. ‘There are plenty of alternative foods that will boost your blood sugar and energy levels,’ says Ursula Arens, spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. ‘A peanut butter sandwich or a banana is much better, as it increases blood sugar gradually, rather than the quick fix hit of chocolate. Learn to anticipate your weak moments and have healthy alternatives, such as nuts or fruit.’ You could even try getting your chocolate fix with a low calorie hot drink.

Take up exerciseIt may not be as immediately satisfying as munching on a bar of chocolate, but exercise creates serotonin, a neurotransmitter which promotes feelings of happiness. It also releases endorphins in the same way that a bar of chocolate will, only exercise is far better for you in the long run. After a good workout, you won't have as much need for sugar, and the same goes for sex. Supplements.

Muscle recovery

A study from James Madison University presented at the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting show that post-exercise consumption of low fat chocolate milk provide equal or possibly superior muscle recovery compared to a high-carbohydrate recovery beverage with the same amount of calories. Athletes consuming Chocolate milk had significantly lower levels of creatine kinase - an indicator of muscle damage compared to drinkers of carbohydrate beverage. Sweating cause loss of fluid and also important minerals including calcium, potassium and magnesium. The 2-hour window after exercise is an important but often neglected opportunity to recover.

Serotonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan, so you could try taking the natural amino acid 5-hydroxy tryptophan supplement to help remove the craving for sweet foods. Chromium helps regulate blood sugar levels by making you more sensitive to insulin, so the body craves fewer sweet foods. However, too much chromium can be toxic, and the doses recommended by the manufacturers are very small and unlikely to have much of an affect.

Blood glucose levelsA low glycaemic load (GL) diet will help keep your blood sugar level balanced. The glycaemic index (GI) ranks carbohydrates according to their effect on blood glucose levels.

Low GL carbohydrates produce only small fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
Eating quality lean proteins and the right fats with low GL carbohydrates, such as wholemeal bread, will make you feel full and you won't be as likely to crave a sugar rush. Why chocolate is 'good for you'

1. Heart disease: Cocoa is the highest natural source of magnesium, which may help those at risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The magnesium may also help sufferers of premenstrual tension.
2. Energy: Dark chocolate has a low GI - similar to that of oats - so it won't send your blood sugar skyrocketing.
3. Circulation: The antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to boost circulation.
4. Blood pressure: Research has shown that eating a 100g bar of chocolate every day may reduce high blood pressure.
5. Libido: Dark chocolate contains phenylalanine, which has been shown to increase the desire for sex.Alternative therapies

‘It only takes me around 35 minutes to associate chocolate with something the patient dislikes and has a physical aversion to - maybe cabbage, or prawns,’ says hypnosis expert Elliot Ward.
‘I create an aversion to chocolate that’s so strong that when offered it, you may feel physically sick.'

Acupuncture is another solution. 'When spleen energy becomes tired through overwork, worrying or overdoing then the digestive system is weakened and people may crave chocolate,’ says Marian Rose of the British Acupuncture Council. ‘A traditional acupuncturist works to correct this imbalance resulting in improved energy and even craving healthy food such as vegetables.’ Choose your chocolate with care. Dark chocolate has lower sugar content and contains more antioxidants. If you choose chocolate with nuts in it will contain more protein, leaving you feeling more satisfied. Limit yourself to a few squares of dark rather than a whole bar of creamy milk and you’ll cut calories too.

But remember, dark chocolate may contain some good stuff, but it also contains lots of fat and calories. If you have to have some every day, then try cutting back on other treats to avoid weight gain.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthyliving/controlling-chocolate-cravings.htm

Blood Pressure Measurement

Blood pressure is measured by inflating a cuff around the arm.

Most people have had their blood pressure taken at some time. It is a simple and painless procedure that gives a lot of useful information about the heart and the condition of the blood vessels.

What is measured?
The doctor measures the maximum pressure (systolic) and the lowest pressure (diastolic) made by the beating of the heart. The systolic pressure is the maximum pressure in an artery at the moment when the heart is beating and pumping blood through the body.
The diastolic pressure is the lowest pressure in an artery in the moments between beats when the heart is resting.

Both the systolic and diastolic pressure measurements are important - if either one is raised, it means you have high blood pressure (hypertension).
How is blood pressure measured?

To take a blood pressure reading, you need to be relaxed and comfortably seated, with your arm well supported. Alternatively, you can lie on an examination couch. A cuff that inflates is wrapped around your upper arm and kept in place with Velcro. A tube leads out of the cuff to a rubber bulb. Another tube leads from the cuff to a reservoir of mercury at the bottom of a vertical glass column. Whatever pressure is in the cuff is shown on the mercury column. The mercury is held within a sealed system – only air travels in the rubber tubing and the cuff. Air is then blown into the cuff and increasing pressure and tightening is felt on the upper arm.

The doctor puts a stethoscope to your arm and listens to the pulse while the air is slowly let out again. The systolic pressure is measured when the doctor first hears the pulse. This sound will slowly become more distant and finally disappear. The diastolic pressure is measured from the moment the doctor is unable to hear the sound of the pulse. The blood pressure is measured in terms of millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Blood pressure can be measured in other ways, such as using an automatic blood pressure gauge that can also be used at home.

Electronic Measuring Devices
Electronic blood pressure measuring devices are becoming the norm now mercury is being phased out because of its hazardous nature.

Most of these are now accurate enough for routine clinical use and are relatively inexpensive.

They eliminate many of the errors in blood pressure measurement that human beings can generate.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) involves measuring your blood pressure for 24 hours as you go about your daily routine and when asleep.

You wear a device that measures your blood pressure at regular intervals. The information is recorded on a chip in the device and allows the doctor to get a detailed picture of blood pressure variation in a normal environment.

Average daytime ABPM blood pressure is lower than equivalent blood pressure readings.

A high reading using ABPM is:
above 135/85 for the general population
above 130/80 for people with diabetes.

ABPM may be used:
when blood pressure levels show unusual variability
when high blood pressure is resistant to drug treatment - three or more drugs
when symptoms suggest the possibility of low blood pressure due to over-treatment
to aid the diagnosis of high blood pressure related to anxiety in the clinical setting, known as 'white coat hypertension'.

Ref: by Dr Patrick Davey, cardiologist and Dr Stephen CP Collins, GP

Bleaching, The Bad Way For The Black Skin

Do you have patches on your skin and feel embarrassed by it or are you black and have considered using a bleaching cream? If yes, have also considered the consequences it can have on your skin? If no, then I believe you’ve got to read this article.

Fairness creams sell in countries where people are predominantly dark skinned, but aspire towards lighter complexions. This very basis is wrong. They are also very bad for the skin. I read that there can be no fairness cream without skin-bleaching agents such as hydroquinone, steroids, mercury salts, and a number of other ingredients, including bismuth subnitrate, hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide and zinc peroxide -- all of which have negative effects. These range from irritation, allergies and sun sensitivity to even cancer!

Then Why bleach?
Black skin renews itself quickly, rapidly producing new skin cells, this ability for regeneration keep our skin looking younger for longer. Whenever Black skin is traumatised, it produces an excess of melanin in the area. This hyper-pigmentation can eventual cut producing a dark patch where it is healed. Skin bleaches are often used in an attempt to even out skin tone or remove dark patches caused by injury. However, in some sections of the society, particularly in African communities, skin bleaches are used to lighten the skin in the misguided belief that a lighter complexion is better.

Hydroquinone is a very powerful chemical that it used as the key ingredient in the photographic process of development, but is also used in the rubber industry as an antioxidant, and as an agent in hair dyes. Mercury is another product often used in some cosmetic products as a bleaching agent. Severly toxic, it can cause skin to go grey or blue black, rather than lighter, and in many cases has resulted in the user suffering from mercury poisoning.


The production of the most commonly used bleaching agent, hydroquinone (chemical formula C6H6O2), came into existence by accident, after Black workers in a rubber plant found that when a certain chemical came into contact with their skin it caused light patches of skin. The workers sued for damages as a result of their injuries, but their ‘discovery’ led to the commercial production of cosmetic creams containing hydroquinone as a bleaching agent.


How does bleaching cream work?
Bleaching creams work by stripping the skin of its natural pigmentation. However, in dark skinned people, the pigmentation is the skin’s natural protection from the sun. Bleaching doesn’t just superficially lighten the skin, it alters the skin’s ‘natural’ structure, removing and inhibiting the production of the colour creating melanin.

Once the skin has been ‘bleached’ it loses its natural protective barrier, making it susceptible to damage by the sun’s rays. This is also why many bleaching products contain either sunscreen, or come with instructions advising people to use sun protection creams along with the product. Prolonged use of these bleaching products can also prevent the formation of melanin in the deeper basal layers of the skin, which will leave the skin lighter, but also leave it more vulnerable to damage. Hydroquinone in particular, has been found to damage the connective tissue in the skin and cartilage, hence its removal from skincare products. People who use bleaching products can end up with rough and blotchy skin, and then get caught up in the ‘bleaching trap’ by using more cream to try and correct the problem, and by doing so, find themsevles causing even more damage to their skin. Alternatively, they may find that because of exposure to the sun, their ‘lightened skin’ gets darker.

Bad Side of Bed Sharing

Bed sharing 'bad for your health'

Couples should consider sleeping apart for the good of their health and relationship, say experts.

Sleep specialist Dr Neil Stanley told the British Science Festival how bed sharing can cause rows over snoring and duvet-hogging and robs precious sleep.

One study found that, on average, couples suffered 50% more sleep disturbances if they shared a bed.

Dr Stanley, who sleeps separately from his wife, points out that historically we were never meant to share our beds.

He said the modern tradition of the marital bed only began with the industrial revolution, when people moving to overcrowded towns and cities found themselves short of living space. If you've been sleeping together and you both sleep perfectly well, then don't change, but don't be afraid to do something different


Before the Victorian era it was not uncommon for married couples to sleep apart. In ancient Rome, the marital bed was a place for sexual congress but not for sleeping.

Dr Stanley, who set up one of Britain's leading sleep laboratories at the University of Surrey, said the people of today should consider doing the same.

"It's about what makes you happy. If you've been sleeping together and you both sleep perfectly well, then don't change, but don't be afraid to do something different.

"We all know what it's like to have a cuddle and then say 'I'm going to sleep now' and go to the opposite side of the bed. So why not just toddle off down the landing?"

Tossing and turning

He said poor sleep was linked to depression, heart disease, strokes, lung disorders, traffic and industrial accidents, and divorce, yet sleep was largely ignored as an important aspect of health.

Dr Robert Meadows, a sociologist at the University of Surrey, said: "People actually feel that they sleep better when they are with a partner but the evidence suggests otherwise."

He carried out a study to compare how well couples slept when they shared a bed versus sleeping separately.

Based on 40 couples, he found that when couples share a bed and one of them moves in his or her sleep, there is a 50% chance that their slumbering partner will be disturbed as a result.

Despite this, couples are reluctant to sleep apart, with only 8% of those in their 40s and 50s sleeping in separate rooms, the British Science Festival heard.

For more on this, logon to:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8245578.stm

How To Handle Acne (Pimples)

Acne Vulgaris (pimples) is a common skin condition, caused by changes in pilosebaceous units, skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland, via androgen stimulation Acne vulgaris affects the areas of skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, blemishes, spots, zits, or simply acne.

Symptoms of Acne
Greasy skin
Blackheads (open comedones)
Whiteheads (closed comedones)
Red or yellow spots (pustules)
Deep inflamed lesions (nodules and cysts)
Scars

Causes of Acne
Acne is caused by overactivity of the sebaceous glands that secrete oily substances on to your skin.

The surface of your skin has lots of small sebaceous glands just below the surface. These glands make sebum (a natural oil) that keeps the skin smooth and supple.

Tiny pores (holes in the skin) allow the sebum to come to the surface of your skin. Hairs also grow through these pores.

The sebaceous glands of people with acne are especially sensitive to normal blood levels of a hormone called testosterone, found naturally in both men and women.

If you are prone to acne, testosterone triggers the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the openings of the hair follicles (the tubes that hold the hair) aren't shed properly and clog up the follicles.


The combination of these two effects causes a build-up of oil in your hair follicles. This causes blackheads and whiteheads to form.For some people, their acne doesn't progress beyond this stage. However, in other people the build-up of oil in the hair follicles creates an ideal environment for a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes to grow. These bacteria usually live harmlessly on your skin but when the conditions are right, they grow. They feed off the sebum and produce substances that cause an immune response. This inflames the skin and creates the redness associated with spots.

In more severe inflammatory acne, cysts develop beneath the skin's surface. If these cysts rupture, the infection can spread. This can result in scars. Contrary to popular belief, acne isn't caused by diet or hygiene. However, acne can be hereditary.

You should also know that acne isn't infectious, so you can't catch it.

Treating Acne
Do you feel like your beauty or handsomeness is being overtaken by acne? Well, there are a few things you should know about treating acne such that you don’t worsen your look: Chronic constipation is one major cause of acne in adolescents; the food we eat plays a very important role. You will have to cut down the fried food, chocolates, cheese and aerated drinks. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and green vegetables with a lot of water.

Instead of washing the face with soap, use orange peel powder. Dry Orange peels in the shade for 4-5 days. Powder finely and store. Wash your face with this 3-4 times a day. It clears the face and feels very refreshing.

Popping a pimple prematurely, before you can see the puss about to burst the skin, can cause a mild skin infection, a cyst, or even worse, a terrible scar. Wait until you can see the yellow puss about to break through the skin.

It'll bite just a little, but that's a good thing. Use alcohol on the mature popped pimple; the alcohol will kill most of the bacteria in and around the wound, helping you to avoid an infected pimple. If you wish, you can put a small, sterile bandage on the area.

Valuable Medicines
Benzoyl peroxide can cause redness and peeling, especially to start with. This tends to settle down if you reduce the number of times you use it. You can then build up your use gradually.

As well as its antibacterial effects, benzoyl peroxide can dry out the skin and encourage it to shed the surface layer of dead skin. Together, these effects make it harder for pores to become blocked and for infection to develop.

Home treatments for acne won't work immediately. It can take weeks, sometimes months, for significant effects to be noticeable. If home treatments haven't worked after two months, or you have severe acne, you should visit your GP.

There are a number of over-the-counter remedies available from pharmacies to treat mild acne. These usually contain antibacterial agents such as benzoyl peroxide (eg Oxy and Clearasil Max).

Your GP may start your treatment by prescribing a preparation containing benzoyl peroxide. If this doesn't work, or if you have more severe acne, there are a range of other treatment options. These come as creams or lotions that you can rub on to your skin, or as tablets.

Tablets
Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, can be prescribed for inflammatory acne. You should take these daily for around three months, although it might take four to six months for you to see the benefits. The success of this treatment can be limited because the strains of bacteria are often resistant to the common antibiotics. Antibiotics don't prevent pores from becoming blocked so treatment to prevent blackheads, such as benzoyl peroxide, is often also prescribed at the same time.

Acne Vulgaris (pimples) is a common skin condition, caused by changes in pilosebaceous units, skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland, via androgen stimulation Acne vulgaris affects the areas of skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, blemishes, spots, zits, or simply acne.

Symptoms of Acne
Greasy skin
Blackheads (open comedones)
Whiteheads (closed comedones)
Red or yellow spots (pustules)
Deep inflamed lesions (nodules and cysts)
Scars

Causes of Acne
Acne is caused by overactivity of the sebaceous glands that secrete oily substances on to your skin.

The surface of your skin has lots of small sebaceous glands just below the surface. These glands make sebum (a natural oil) that keeps the skin smooth and supple.

Tiny pores (holes in the skin) allow the sebum to come to the surface of your skin. Hairs also grow through these pores.

The sebaceous glands of people with acne are especially sensitive to normal blood levels of a hormone called testosterone, found naturally in both men and women.

If you are prone to acne, testosterone triggers the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the openings of the hair follicles (the tubes that hold the hair) aren't shed properly and clog up the follicles.


The combination of these two effects causes a build-up of oil in your hair follicles. This causes blackheads and whiteheads to form.For some people, their acne doesn't progress beyond this stage. However, in other people the build-up of oil in the hair follicles creates an ideal environment for a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes to grow. These bacteria usually live harmlessly on your skin but when the conditions are right, they grow. They feed off the sebum and produce substances that cause an immune response. This inflames the skin and creates the redness associated with spots.

In more severe inflammatory acne, cysts develop beneath the skin's surface. If these cysts rupture, the infection can spread. This can result in scars. Contrary to popular belief, acne isn't caused by diet or hygiene. However, acne can be hereditary.

You should also know that acne isn't infectious, so you can't catch it.

Treating Acne
Do you feel like your beauty or handsomeness is being overtaken by acne? Well, there are a few things you should know about treating acne such that you don’t worsen your look: Chronic constipation is one major cause of acne in adolescents; the food we eat plays a very important role. You will have to cut down the fried food, chocolates, cheese and aerated drinks. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and green vegetables with a lot of water.

Instead of washing the face with soap, use orange peel powder. Dry Orange peels in the shade for 4-5 days. Powder finely and store. Wash your face with this 3-4 times a day. It clears the face and feels very refreshing.

Popping a pimple prematurely, before you can see the puss about to burst the skin, can cause a mild skin infection, a cyst, or even worse, a terrible scar. Wait until you can see the yellow puss about to break through the skin.

It'll bite just a little, but that's a good thing. Use alcohol on the mature popped pimple; the alcohol will kill most of the bacteria in and around the wound, helping you to avoid an infected pimple. If you wish, you can put a small, sterile bandage on the area.

Valuable Medicines
Benzoyl peroxide can cause redness and peeling, especially to start with. This tends to settle down if you reduce the number of times you use it. You can then build up your use gradually.

As well as its antibacterial effects, benzoyl peroxide can dry out the skin and encourage it to shed the surface layer of dead skin. Together, these effects make it harder for pores to become blocked and for infection to develop.

Home treatments for acne won't work immediately. It can take weeks, sometimes months, for significant effects to be noticeable. If home treatments haven't worked after two months, or you have severe acne, you should visit your GP.

There are a number of over-the-counter remedies available from pharmacies to treat mild acne. These usually contain antibacterial agents such as benzoyl peroxide (eg Oxy and Clearasil Max).

Your GP may start your treatment by prescribing a preparation containing benzoyl peroxide. If this doesn't work, or if you have more severe acne, there are a range of other treatment options. These come as creams or lotions that you can rub on to your skin, or as tablets.

Tablets
Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, can be prescribed for inflammatory acne. You should take these daily for around three months, although it might take four to six months for you to see the benefits. The success of this treatment can be limited because the strains of bacteria are often resistant to the common antibiotics. Antibiotics don't prevent pores from becoming blocked so treatment to prevent blackheads, such as benzoyl peroxide, is often also prescribed at the same time.