Posts Tagged ‘melanoma’

PostHeaderIcon Do Anti-Aging Vitamins Actually Work?

As you get older, you will probably hear about all kinds of interesting vitamins and minerals that are designed to help you age more gracefully – anti-aging vitamins is their clever marketing name. These vitamins, the “experts” claim, are specially formulated to reduce the signs of aging on your skin and make you feel like you are ten or twenty years younger. Now, these are some very large claims for the manufacturers of these anti-aging vitamins to make, but how truthful are they? Can a simple once a day pill actually make you feel like you are younger? Do these vitamins have any effect on your skin, your stamina, or your health at all?


In order to answer the questions about anti-aging vitamins postulated above, you must first know what exactly is in the vitamins that you are considering taking. Even though many different anti-aging vitamins claim to have the same effects on the body, they are all formulated differently – making it difficult to determine whether or not the company who makes the vitamins is selling you a beneficial product or simply something that does not work. Therefore, you should be on the lookout for any antioxidants, variants of vitamin B, fish oils, folic acid, and coenzyme Q. These are all essential compounds that can help thwart the effects of aging.


If you find that your anti-aging vitamins of choice have a majority of the above compounds, then chances are that you have found a good brand that will do more than its fair share to help your body cope best with the aging process. However, if you looked on the label of your vitamins and found that they are missing many, if not all, of the key compounds listed above, then you may have bought into an anti-aging vitamin product simply because of the hype and not because of what it can actually do for your body in the long term.

PostHeaderIcon Is it Possible to Self Diagnose Skin Cancer on Nose?

Whenever anyone sees some kind of blemish or wound that does not heal on their nose, they always jump right to the conclusion that it is skin cancer on nose. However, despite what most of us want to believe, it is almost impossible to self diagnose blemishes and other odd deformities on the nose as skin cancer. Instead, we must make a visit to our local doctors in order to have a biopsy taken on the troublesome spot. This is currently the only way to determine whether or not there is skin cancer growing on your nose.


The nose is one of the most common places for skin cancer to develop. After all, it is the portion of your face that is most likely to be exposed to direct sunlight, as our noses stick out from our face and are just asking to be sun burned. Because the nose absorbs so much direct sunlight, even after it has been coated with sunscreen, it is highly likely to experience cellular damage which can eventually lead to skin cancer on nose.


Unfortunately, because so many people think that they know exactly what skin cancer looks like, they think that they can diagnose whether or not they have skin cancer on their nose without seeing a doctor first. This is a terrible idea, as it can lead to a wrong diagnosis that assume that any little blemish is skin cancer – but fail to spot the real cancerous spots that are masquerading themselves on your nose. Therefore, if you are concerned about anything on your nose, and how it might relate to skin cancer, go see a doctor before it gets any worse. After all, skin cancer on nose, benign as it may seem at first, can progress into a variety of other problems if you are not careful.

PostHeaderIcon Protecting Yourself From a Quack Anti Aging Treatment

For every product on the market that is an effective anti aging treatment, there is another hustler out there who wants to convince you that his or her product is the answer to all your prayers. Here are a few tips to help you separate the real from the phone, when it comes to aging treatments.


The first thing to notice is how long it will take to see results. Any treatment that promises to reverse the aging process in no time flat is a sure bet as a quack nostrum. There is nothing that will reverse the aging process. Rather, there are treatments that will help restore vital nutrients to our skin that will over time help our skin to be healthier and thus appear to look younger, but beware any product that offers to restore lost youth in a matter of a day or so.


Another sign of a false anti aging treatment is that it makes a promise to make you look much younger than you really are. While there are some treatments that will shave off a few years, anything that promises a fifty-year-old that he or she will soon look thirty is just taking advantage of your vanity. When you are presented with one of these types of anti aging treatment options, pass it by.


An anti aging treatment that contains elements that do not have any scientifically proven track record of helping the skin to look healthier is also suspect. It is not unusual for all sorts of treatments to be built around some pretty broad conjecturing, and then are marketed to people who are taken in by the hype. Make sure any anti aging treatment you purchase has some solid science behind it. Otherwise, you may be wasting your money.


Your dermatologist can point you in the direction of more than one anti aging treatment that will provide you with some help in keeping your skin in excellent health. Don’t be fooled by all the promises and the hype for questionable treatments. You and your skin will be much better off with a proven treatment.

PostHeaderIcon What Vitamins and Minerals Should Anti-Aging Skin Products Contain?

How your skin looks is a surefire sign to clue people in to how gracefully you are aging – which is what makes anti-aging skin products so important for so many of us. There is no point in lying about how old you are when your skin looks as though it has seen many hard years of abuse under the potent California sun, so if you want to make sure that you age gracefully and stay looking as good as you did when you were twenty, then it may be time for you to try one of the various anti-aging skin products on the market.


Now, if you have been to your local drugstore recently, you have probably noticed that there are quite a few different anti-aging skin products dotting the isles. This is all well and good, but when you actually check the labels you will quickly see that each and every product contains a different amount of different vitamins and minerals. How is a person to know which combination is the best? You look for the combination that contains the best mixture of some of the most researched and well tested anti-aging vitamins – and you buy that product.


One of the most promising additives that you can rub on your skin is fern extract. Look for it on any anti-aging skin products you happen to see. While it has yet to be proven as a beneficial compound to stop the effects of aging, studies have shown that it is perfect for protecting your skin from harmful free radicals and it also reduces inflammation. Furthermore, you should also look for skin care products that contain a broad spectrum sunscreen to keep the sun’s harmful rays from further damaging your skin. Many dermatologists recommend that one of the best types of anti-aging skin products is simply sunscreen – because most, if not all, potential skin damage is caused by the ultraviolet rays from the sun.

PostHeaderIcon What is a Skin Cancer Symptom?

The primary skin cancer symptom is a change somewhere in the appearance of the skin. This can be a change in a mole or wart that is already on the skin or a new sore that does not heal in a reasonable length of time. The most common type of skin cancer is the basal cell carcinoma accounting for just over seventy percent of all skin cancers. The signs to look for with this type of skin cancer are not necessarily distinctive from those of the others. If you see a mole that changes shape or if the color or the size of it changes then this is something to bring to the attention of your health care provider. Any spot on the skin that is red, smooth, or shiny and bleeds for no reason, then scabs, bleeds again and scabs with this cycle repeating regularly and lasting more than three weeks should be checked.


The basal cell carcinoma is highly curable if caught early. That means even if you feel foolish about asking your health care provider about something small that seems out of place on your skin you are doing the cautious and smart thing. This type of skin cancer can appear in several different forms and each one is just a much a concern. Sometimes the skin cancer symptom appears as a spot filled with blood vessels and looks more like a spider. This is called telangiectasias. Whichever signs you notice do not ignore them.


The second most common kind of cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma. Over twenty percent of the remaining cases diagnosed yearly will be this kind. Like basal cell carcinoma it is curable if identified and treated early. The skin cancer symptom you would check for is not much different though if you are a smoker, spend too much time in the sun or chew tobacco and notice sores on the lower lip that do not heal properly this is also a sign. Any bump or sore that does not heal on the skin is worrisome and should be checked out. Do not delay if you see something you think is wrong, the worst that can happen is your health care provider givers you a clean bill of health.

PostHeaderIcon What is the Point of Anti Aging Cosmetics?

Not to be confused with anti aging treatments, anti aging cosmetics are something that are used by many people in many cultures. They are topical creams and makeup covers that are geared to temporarily create the illusion of looking younger. But why do people bother with something that has only a temporary effect? There are several good reasons.


First, people use anti aging cosmetics as a way to hold on to their own sense of youth. The body may be aging, but often in our minds we are still in our twenties. Anti aging cosmetics are one way of making the distance between what we feel inside and what we see in the mirror just a little less of a chasm.


Second, people go for anti aging cosmetics to remain competitive in their careers. In so many sectors of the business world, looking young implies energy, drive and originality. Failure to exude this type of image will result in being thought of as yesterday’s news. For people who love their work and have wrapped up a good bit of their self-image in their career, the idea of being marginalized is completely unacceptable. Thus, the anti aging cosmetics help to keep that from happening.


Last, there is the matter of staying alive in the dating world. As we have all begun to live longer and have tended to not stay married as often, the process of finding a love interest has become something that we do all our lives, not just in our twenties. Both men and women feel the crunch to be physically attractive in order to catch the eye of potential mates and life partners. Aging cosmetics help us to compete in an increasingly full arena for that special someone.


Chances are that anyone who asks why anyone would bother with aging cosmetics has not reached the age yet where the bias of our youth driven culture has begun to limit their options. For the rest of us, we will keep doing whatever we need to do to pursue our dreams and goals, including using those wonderful anti aging cosmetics.

PostHeaderIcon Three Terrific Tips In Treating Acne Scar

Acne is a problem that we all want an immediate solution to. As such, we resort to a variety of methods to help us get rid of the same at the soonest possible time. While some avail of modern procedures like medication, specialized treatment techniques, and even laser technology, others try to remedy the situation by pricking the pimples themselves. This could lead to disastrous results, like infection, and worse, lasting scars. So the question in many people’s minds is this: how exactly does one treat acne scar?


There are many ways to treat acne scar, but the best one is prevention. Indeed, you could avoid acquiring acne scar by observing diligence in treating acne. Acne scars are usually caused by abrasions during the lifespan of the inflammations, leading to irritation. Additionally, when the pimples dry out, the scraped surfaces leave marks that we have come to know as acne scars.


Assuming that prevention is no longer an option, some popular techniques to treat acne scar still exist. Here are three of the more popular methods that you could decide to use.


1. Intake of Vitamin A, C, and E. Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that would help the body get rid of unwanted free radicals. Free radicals are foreign particles that result from exposure to air pollution, peroxides and radiation. A better alternative is alpha-tocopheral which is a potent form of Vitamin E. Vitamins A and C, on the other hand, help regenerate skin cells. These combines would allow your acne scars to heal faster. These vitamins can be derived from their natural sources, or from widely-available supplements.


2. Intake of collagen supplements. Collagen supplements stimulate the body’s production of collagen. Collagen is an insoluble fibrous protein that expedites the repair of dead tissues and skin cells. As with the vitamins enumerated above, collagen would also help your acne scars heal at a faster rate. Collagen supplements come in ointments, or through laser technology using soft, red light.


3. Good skin care. Acne scars can heal naturally, minus other intervening conditions like diabetes or some form of skin disease. Healing time is estimated at 6 to 12 months. The important thing to remember as you wait for your acne scars to heal is that you shouldn’t do anything that would aggravate the situation. Proper skin care can help your acne scars heal properly, and perhaps even faster.


The body has what it takes to deal with acne scars. Knowing you body and what would aid in its processes is the key to quicker rejuvenation.

PostHeaderIcon The Causes of Squamous Skin Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma, also known as SCC or squamous skin cancer, is a very common type of skin cancer. It is in fact the second most common after basal cell carcinoma. SCC attacks the upper layers of skin. Fortunately this is not necessarily a serious cancer if identified early and then treated immediately. Of the two hundred and fifty thousand cases diagnosed each year, ninety seven percent of these are easily treated ones. The remaining three percent are more worrisome since they are likely to be cases where the cancer has spread and so potentially is life threatening to the person dealing with this disease.


The primary cause of this type of skin cancer relates to excessive exposure to the ultra violet light of the sun. This would be long term exposure and take years before it resulted in the cancer, but nonetheless it is the likely cause. Squamous skin cancer is more likely to occur on the face. This is because the face is always exposed to the sun and is the part of the body that people are more likely to forget to protect on a daily basis. People going swimming or who plan to be outside for a long time are more likely to use sunscreen, but when going to catch a bus, taking a walk to the store or any of the more mundane daily activities people do not think to put sunscreen on their faces.


Fair haired, and so fair skinned, people are more likely to get this type of cancer. People with very dark skin tone almost never have to worry about getting squamous skin cancer. Those who have had treatment in some area for skin cancer may find another spot later since the area has already been damaged by the sun and so another cancer spot may appear. If this is going to occur it will happen within two years of being diagnosed. The best way to protect oneself from skin cancer is to use a sunscreen that is rated at least at thirty, to cover up when possible and stay out of the direct sun when it is not.

PostHeaderIcon What is the Relationship Between Mole, Skin Cancer?

When it comes to self diagnosis with skin cancer, far too many people assume that there is some kind of link with mole, skin cancer. However, this widely accepted theory is almost completely incorrect, as the vast majority of moles are totally normal and completely non cancerous. That being said, the most deadly kind of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, first manifests itself as a rather unassuming looking mole. This cancerous mole can be anywhere on your body, although there are a few warning signs that you should be aware of before you start to think that every mole on your person is somehow related to cancer.


Your risk factors for melanoma are much higher if you are a fair skinned individual who cannot tan easily. The majority of all people who have a mole, skin cancer, from melanoma will meet those two criteria every single time. However, just because you do not have fair skin does not mean that you cannot get melanoma – just that you are at a slightly lower risk for it.


So what exactly makes a cancerous mole different from your average, everyday mole? For one, regular moles will not change in size or shape as time goes on. They are stagnant and fixed in their particular shape and size. On the other hand, cancerous moles will change their appearance and grow in size as the days go by.


There are also other things to look out for when considering a cancerous mole. The most common feature is that the mole oozes or bleeds fairly regularly. Also be on the lookout for a mole that becomes itchy or tender to the touch, as this is usually a sign that there is a definite link building between what you thought was a normal mole, skin cancer.

PostHeaderIcon What is the Relationship Between Mole, Skin Cancer?

When it comes to self diagnosis with skin cancer, far too many people assume that there is some kind of link with mole, skin cancer. However, this widely accepted theory is almost completely incorrect, as the vast majority of moles are totally normal and completely non cancerous. That being said, the most deadly kind of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, first manifests itself as a rather unassuming looking mole. This cancerous mole can be anywhere on your body, although there are a few warning signs that you should be aware of before you start to think that every mole on your person is somehow related to cancer.


Your risk factors for melanoma are much higher if you are a fair skinned individual who cannot tan easily. The majority of all people who have a mole, skin cancer, from melanoma will meet those two criteria every single time. However, just because you do not have fair skin does not mean that you cannot get melanoma – just that you are at a slightly lower risk for it.


So what exactly makes a cancerous mole different from your average, everyday mole? For one, regular moles will not change in size or shape as time goes on. They are stagnant and fixed in their particular shape and size. On the other hand, cancerous moles will change their appearance and grow in size as the days go by.


There are also other things to look out for when considering a cancerous mole. The most common feature is that the mole oozes or bleeds fairly regularly. Also be on the lookout for a mole that becomes itchy or tender to the touch, as this is usually a sign that there is a definite link building between what you thought was a normal mole, skin cancer.

PostHeaderIcon What is the Relationship Between Mole, Skin Cancer?

When it comes to self diagnosis with skin cancer, far too many people assume that there is some kind of link with mole, skin cancer. However, this widely accepted theory is almost completely incorrect, as the vast majority of moles are totally normal and completely non cancerous. That being said, the most deadly kind of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, first manifests itself as a rather unassuming looking mole. This cancerous mole can be anywhere on your body, although there are a few warning signs that you should be aware of before you start to think that every mole on your person is somehow related to cancer.


Your risk factors for melanoma are much higher if you are a fair skinned individual who cannot tan easily. The majority of all people who have a mole, skin cancer, from melanoma will meet those two criteria every single time. However, just because you do not have fair skin does not mean that you cannot get melanoma – just that you are at a slightly lower risk for it.


So what exactly makes a cancerous mole different from your average, everyday mole? For one, regular moles will not change in size or shape as time goes on. They are stagnant and fixed in their particular shape and size. On the other hand, cancerous moles will change their appearance and grow in size as the days go by.


There are also other things to look out for when considering a cancerous mole. The most common feature is that the mole oozes or bleeds fairly regularly. Also be on the lookout for a mole that becomes itchy or tender to the touch, as this is usually a sign that there is a definite link building between what you thought was a normal mole, skin cancer.

PostHeaderIcon The Causes of Squamous Skin Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma, also known as SCC or squamous skin cancer, is a very common type of skin cancer. It is in fact the second most common after basal cell carcinoma. SCC attacks the upper layers of skin. Fortunately this is not necessarily a serious cancer if identified early and then treated immediately. Of the two hundred and fifty thousand cases diagnosed each year, ninety seven percent of these are easily treated ones. The remaining three percent are more worrisome since they are likely to be cases where the cancer has spread and so potentially is life threatening to the person dealing with this disease.


The primary cause of this type of skin cancer relates to excessive exposure to the ultra violet light of the sun. This would be long term exposure and take years before it resulted in the cancer, but nonetheless it is the likely cause. Squamous skin cancer is more likely to occur on the face. This is because the face is always exposed to the sun and is the part of the body that people are more likely to forget to protect on a daily basis. People going swimming or who plan to be outside for a long time are more likely to use sunscreen, but when going to catch a bus, taking a walk to the store or any of the more mundane daily activities people do not think to put sunscreen on their faces.


Fair haired, and so fair skinned, people are more likely to get this type of cancer. People with very dark skin tone almost never have to worry about getting squamous skin cancer. Those who have had treatment in some area for skin cancer may find another spot later since the area has already been damaged by the sun and so another cancer spot may appear. If this is going to occur it will happen within two years of being diagnosed. The best way to protect oneself from skin cancer is to use a sunscreen that is rated at least at thirty, to cover up when possible and stay out of the direct sun when it is not.

PostHeaderIcon The Five Types of Skin Cancer

Many people will find it surprising to learn that there are five different types of skin cancer. The most common of these is called basal cell carcinoma. This skin cancer is diagnosed in nearly three quarters of all cases with over seven hundred and fifty thousand people treated yearly. Like the next most common cancer this one is caused by over exposure to the sun. That is why this cancer is often found on the face, scalp or the upper body. One good thing about this skin cancer is that it is not likely to spread to other parts of the body since it is a slow growing cancer and so can be cured. Nonetheless it is important to act on it quickly for the best results.


The next most prevalent kind of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. The cancer is found in over twenty percent of cases. This type is also caused by too much exposure to the rays of the sun. It is a cancer more common among people who are middle aged or older and, unlike basal skin cancer, is first noticed as a crusty spot that might be red and irritated. If something like that is seen a quick visit to a health care provider is very important. That leaves the last few percent divided between three different types of skin cancer. This includes the most dangerous of the skin cancers which is melanoma. Most of the remaining cases will be this kind of cancer. It is the most life threatening but if found and treated early has a success rate of ninety five percent. But if it begins to spread then there is almost no hope for a cure. The key to this one is to watch for moles that seem to change.


The final two types of skin cancer are Paget’s disease and Kaposi’s sarcoma. Paget’s disease resembles a normal rash and is found around the breasts, genital area, the anus or the sweat glands. The sores are usually very itchy as well as being known to be quite painful. Kaposi’s sarcoma is a skin cancer that is usually associated with herpes and is commonly found in those suffering from AIDS. Any suspicious sores, rashes or moles should be investigated immediately.

PostHeaderIcon Acne Cures

The following steps have been suggested to assist with acne cures.


• Wash the affected areas with either benzoyl peroxide liquid or a mild salicylic acid liquid every morning. This can be in either a solution or cream format and helps reduce the number of bacteria causing acne problems.


• Acne cures are also found by using this treatment on the back and other areas of the body affected by acne.


• Other acne cures include using glycolic acid. The face should be patted completely dry and cream or lotion containing a percentage of glycolic acid should be absorbed into the entire affected area. Glycolic acid creams and lotions assist in preventing acne by stopping pores of the skin becoming clogged and preventing a build up of old and dead cells.


They also leave the skin soft and smooth and can help prevent discoloration and wrinkles in the skin.


Glycolic acid products can be found at most drugstores and are sold under a variety of different brand names.


• Some other acne cures include the use of benzoyl peroxide. This is also effective in killing or preventing the bacteria that causes Acne. Benzoyl Peroxide has to be used with some caution as it can dry out the skin. Especially if it is dry or sensitive. Start with a very low percentage and work your way up slowly. It should be applied after washing your face.


• Eating a healthy diet is thought to be one the major acne cures, though there are some arguments diet doesn’t make a big difference to an acne outbreak.


• Giving up smoking is thought by some experts to make a big difference to acne sufferers and is one of the major acne cures. Smoke from cigarettes makes skin on the face look old grey and wrinkled before it’s time. It also helps trap the bacteria causing acne.


• Keeping your hair clean and free from dirt and oil is important in ensuring a spot free forehead and id one of the major acne cures. Washing your hair on a regular basis helps to ensure acne is kept to an absolute minimum.


• Using oil free moisturisers is essential to ensure acne is kept to a minimum. Ensure your moisturiser is compatible with your skin type and don’t lather it on as this clogs the pores.