Keratosis & Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a very popular chemical used for de-pigmentation. It has been used both for cosmetic purposes and in battling a variety of skin conditions, including keratosis. In order to fully appreciate the efficacy of hydroquinone as a treatment, it is necessary to understand why hydroquinone is so popular and thus why it is recommended for use in the treatment of keratosis and its various forms. Hydroquinone is used when the ultraviolet rays of the sun force the overproduction of melanin, a pigment which gives skin and hair their color. Ordinarily, the skin is protected from prolonged exposure to the sun with the help of melanin. When there is more melanin than usual produced, the skin is forced to produce more melanoma cells which results in pigmentation often leading to uneven or darker than desired colouring.

Keratosis occurs as a result of a build-up of keratin in the skin. Keratin is a key protein in the structural make-up of the outer layer of the skin. It is this material that chiefly makes up hair and nails. Keratosis often presents as either a thick scaly crust (actinic keratosis), tiny red bumps also known as ‘chicken skin’ (keratosis pilaris, a follicular condition), or wart-like lesions (actinic keratosis or hydrocarbon keratosis). The causes of this condition are varied, ranging from prolonged exposure to the sun, to genetic causes, to exposure to dangerous chemicals such as ‘polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons’. These symptoms, though for the most part harmless, are cause for much concern as they are ugly to look at and can be uncomfortable.

Hydroquinone is used in combination with mild treatment creams and lotions to essentially block off the overproduction of melanin, often lightening the skin in the process of removing the bumps and lesions. Exfoliants and peels often contain doses of hydroquinone which are helpful in de-clogging the skin pores helping in prevention. Unlike many other treatments hydroquinone also helps to treat the root causes of the skin condition.

On a cautionary note, as effective as it is, hydroquinone is highly concentrated and as a result there have been less positive effects when using it. It has a tendency to cause irritation on persons with dry, chapped skin and thus it is recommended that moisturizers be applied along with hydroquinone treatments. Other effects include burning sensations, swelling of the skin and some persons have experienced hives. Also, persons with darker pigmentation, i.e. persons of African descent are often not advised to use hydroquinone based medications because of the high content of melanin. Persons with dark pigmentation already have high levels of melanin.

As with all recommended treatments never start use without thorough consultation with a medical professional. It is never advised to self medicate when the problem proves to be serious.

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Treating Age Spots With Apple Cider Vinegar

Have you ever heard the old wives tale that you can use apple cider vinegar to treat age spots? Using something from your cupboard to treat blemishes on your skin is really amazing.  More and more scientist and alternative medicine professionals are finding new and inexpensive & natural ways for treating some of life’s sicknesses.

Age spots aka solar lentigines are brown or dark blemishes on the skin due to over-exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Age spots also occur because of aging; as the name suggests. This skin condition is found in persons over the age of 40 and above. Not ignoring the fact that it has been found in younger persons as well. Age spots are harmless and painless. They can be treated or removed using several methods or solutions. Over the counter medicines such as skin bleaching cream has been used by many as the preferred choice. But to some ethnic groups this is used to lighten the skin color rather than using it to treat blemishes.

Even though age spots seem permanent, they can be removed. For some, the removal process might be out of the reach of their pockets. And, if you believe in alternative medicines, then you may not have to look further than your cupboard. Apple cider vinegar has a high volume of acid and thus, making it effective for treating skin blemishes. It is a natural bacteria fighting agent that contains vital minerals and other essential vitamins that the body needs to remain healthy. Perhaps, you would even prefer to make your own apple cider vinegar. This is done by crushing the apples and storing them in wooden barrels. If left for an extended period, this will cause the apples to ferment and the liquid, now vinegar can be used.

Using apple cider vinegar as treatment for age spots requires that you dab the vinegar on the affected areas at nighttime before going to bed for several weeks. You should begin to see the areas improving. If you are not comfortable with this, then you may revert to over the counter medicine. And if you think your age spots are severe and embarrassing, you may just need to see a physician for some prescription meds.

As we become older, our skin hardens or thickens and because of the over-exposure to sunlight, melanin increases and becomes concentrated, then visible. After the age of 40 the process of skin regeneration slows and our skin cells are not renewable as quickly as when we were in our twenties. Therefore it is now paramount that we take better care of our skin. Wear protective gears and lots of sunscreen. If you don’t need to be in the sun, stay out of it. You will be happy you did because you would be doing yourself a favor. Keep in mind also, that any skin condition can lend itself to becoming a health risk. Therefore if something seems off to you, it probably is.

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Home Remedies For Treating Keratosis

There are a variety of methods out there for treating the skin condition keratosis. One such method includes the use of different oils both to promote prevention and to treat the symptoms. Many persons are reluctant to pursue modern medicines for a variety of reasons, e.g. the expensive, a mistrust of chemicals and the increasing awareness of the efficacy of traditional medicines. Natural or home remedies have become increasingly popular for the treatment of keratosis.  Some of these remedies include the use of a number of recommended oils. The first of these is tea tree oil. Native to Australia, tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial disinfectant and has been use by the aborigine peoples for centuries. Tea tree oil is effective because it is known to ‘dry out’ the area of the skin affected by keratosis causing the lesion, bump or wart to dry and then slough off leaving smoother skin.

It is easy to underestimate the usefulness of castor oil as it used mostly as a laxative. The fact is, it is an effective antibiotic that soothes and reduces inflammation, helps with detoxification and relieves pain. It is also an excellent treatment for keratosis. Applying the oil (a small amount) directly onto the affected area may cause the bumps to dry up and fall off. Some persons have testified that constant application for a prolonged period of time results in a decrease in the symptoms and a low level of recurrence.

Sesame and sunflower oils are used to treat keratosis during a process called oil pulling. This is the process of swishing two to three tablespoons of oil first thing in the morning. Those who swear by this method state that the oil allegedly absorbs all the negative toxins from the body’s system. Sesame and sunflower oils are recommended because both are rich in Vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant.

Another type of oil that anecdotal evidence states may work on keratosis is avocado. It is rich in sterolins (a type of protein) which seem to have positive effects on most skin conditions. It also contains Vitamin A, D, and E all of which are necessary for healthy skin. As a result of the skins ability to absorb the oil, it also serves as a wonderfully effective moisturizer. Grape seed oil works particularly well in combination with Vitamin C in keeping the cell membranes of the skin healthy. It can assist in eliminating all sorts of skin damage, including keratosis using essential nutrients to assist in effecting the needed repairs.

Despite the fact that these are natural remedies, check with a doctor before embarking on any treatment as sensitivities to these products have been known to cause side effects such hives, inflammation and irritation leading to bleeding. You should always see a medical professional for diagnosis of a skin condition before you consider your treatment options.

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Treatment Options For Liver Spots

Liver Spots, which are usually painless flat, brown spots of pigmentation, have several available treatments for affected individuals to choose from. Some examples include use of chemical peels, cryosurgery, laser treatments, creams, skin lighteners, etc.

There are also a number of skin lighteners available for treating liver spots. Liver spots disappear and the skin returns back to normal and appears even better in a few weeks after applying the best skin lighteners.

However, you should be very careful when using skin lightener products. Make sure you only apply on the affected areas, because the bleach has mutual impact on good and bad skin.

In addition to that, chemical peels are valuable treatment options for liver spots, particularly Lactic acid peels. They get deeper into the skin, thus enhancing new collagen development. This helps to thicken and tighten the older skin which was overwhelmed by liver spots.  Lactic acid also pulls moisture from the air into the skin as well and fades the pigmentation.

Before using the chemical peels, test them for any side effects on any part of the skin, and then apply the peel after 24 hours. After that, apply the lactic acid peel on a weekly basis to successfully treat the pigmentation with little or no irritation.

Using Cryosurgery procedures also perfectly destroys and removes the abnormal skin cells. It involves freezing the liver spots by spraying with extremely cold liquid nitrogen on the affected sites. The spots will then turn white and fall off after some time.

Laser treatments, on the other hand, ensure extensive healing within short duration. Liver spots are resurfaced with various types of laser treatment. Some use carbon dioxide laser for efficient resurfacing of the skin, thus a smoother skin with normal color that match with the rest part of the body in few weeks.

Finally, embracing microdermabrasion technique and devices gives the skin a diminished appearance of liver spots. Crystals are passed across the skin with suction devices at high speed.  This rejuvenates the top layer of the skin helping to exfoliate the skin and getting rid of dead cells. As result, the dark pigmentation caused by liver spots improves hence skin discoloration.

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Intense Pulsed Light Therapy For Age Spots

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy or photofacial is a non-invasive and non-ablative technology that gives off intense burst of red or blue light directly to the skin. This technology was first used in hospitals by medical doctors, but as time advanced and technology became cheaper, it found its way into the health spas. IPL treatments were used to reduce wrinkles, to remove age spots and other skin blemishes.

Age spots are flat brown or black patches of hyper pigmentation found on the neck, face or arms. One of the leading factors that cause age spots is an overexposure to the UV rays from the sun. Though not the only cause, this skin condition affects persons over the age of 40 years.

Age spots are diagnosed by skin specialist or doctors, although you may have done your own diagnosis based on the knowledge you have garnered through observation and the web.  Over the counter treatments containing hydroquinone may be used to treat age spots. Other permanent solutions are available but are highly expensive; treatments such as intense pulsed light therapy, chemical peels and cryotherapy.  An IPL treatment may cost anywhere from $300 to $600 per session and a person may need several sessions before the age spots are removed.

Using IPL in the treatment of age spots has been effective over the years. Though expensive and painful, as some would describe it to be, persons with skin conditions are still lining up for treatments. A topical anesthetic is applied to the area to be treated followed by a cold gel. A glass prism is then placed over the age spots being treated and pulses of intense light are flashed through the prism while directed at the spots. Although the technician or the doctor says there is little pain and further describes it as a sting from an elastic band, reviews read has indicated that the pain is excruciating. Some maintain that it only hurts the first time. Several follow up treatments are needed to complete the removal of age spots. This is done every three to four weeks. Do not be alarmed if the treated area becomes sensitive and swollen after the treatment. It is vital and recommended that you wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, such as SPF 30 after your IPL treatments.

As with everything else there are always risk factors. Intense pulsed light therapy may cause scarring or bleeding after a session of age spots treatment. Be careful to follow the instructions of your doctor throughout the treatments and between treatments, as your skin will be very sensitive and may be susceptible to infections.

Overall, IPL will improve the appearance of sun damaged skin like age spots. Is it worth it, well that’s up to you to decide.

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Treatment Options For Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is one of the most common types of noncancerous skin growths or infections and is common in older or middle aged adults. The infection usually appears in form of growths which range from brown to black and they grow on the neck, chest, back, trunk, head, shoulders, and the face region of the affected patient. They grow scaly and have a waxy and a slightly elevated appearance, they occasionally appear singly but multiple growths are also common. Although the infection may resemble skin cancer it is not cancerous. They feel flat or slightly elevated and can range from very small to even larger than 2.5 centimeters. The growths can resemble warts though they have no viral origin.

A seborrheic keratosis is normally painless and may require no treatment but you may consider having them removed due to various reasons like cosmetic reasons for your own self confidence, or if they become irritated, and if they bleed because of being rubbed against by the clothing. You may not have to worry much if you want to have these growths removed because they are not deep rooted and hence their removal is simple and they are not likely to leave noticeable scars. The following are some of the procedures that the doctor will carry out to remove the growth:

• Vaporizing the growths with a laser, a process commonly known as ablation. There are many and different types of laser treatments. Your doctor may apply pigment to the growth to assist him/her concentrate the laser light and be more effective.
• Scraping the infected part of the skin with a special equipment known as a curettage. The curettage is used together with cryosurgery as a treatment method for thinner and flat growths; in this case electrocautery may be used.
• Freezing the growths with liquid nitrogen otherwise known as cryosurgery. This is a very effective method of treating Seborrheic keratosis; however it may not work on large and thick growths and may lighten the treated area of the skin a condition called hypo pigmentation.
• Burning the growths with an electric current and this is known as electrocautery. The method may leave scars on the skin if it is not done properly or carefully, and it may take much more time as compared with the other treatment methods. It may be used alone or combined with a curettage which scraps off the growths from the skin.

It is important to note that many major insurance companies do not pay for the removal of seborrheic keratosis if at all it is done for cosmetic reasons. However there are medical reasons that may influence the removal of these growths and they include: bleeding, infection, pain, intense itching and inflammation.

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Diagnosis Of Age Spots

Age spots are patches of brown or black pigmentation found in places of the body that has been over-exposed to the UV rays of the sun. People who are over the age of 40 may find these skin blemishes appearing on their faces, necks, arms, or shoulders or anywhere that has been exposed to sunlight overtime. They are harmless and not contagious.

Diagnosis is the detection and discovery of the nature and cause of something. Age spots can be diagnosed by a skin specialist, such as a dermatologist. The dermatologist will diagnose if you have age spots on your skin condition by way of observation or a biopsy. A visual is done on the age spots to determine and compare its symptoms to that of other skin conditions. His or her diagnosis would be based on their knowledge of the facts or features of age spots. This would include the color, size and location on the body they appear. If the type of blemish is not clear, then a local anesthetic would be given to the patient and a sample of the skin tissue taken for laboratory tests.

Persons may draw their own conclusion and diagnosis according to their knowledge of age spots. Age spots are patches of discoloration found mostly on the neck, face and arms. It affects those in the upper 40s and above and those affected by over-exposure to the sun. Although they are not contagious or are harmless, it must be understood that the blemishes are not an indication that something is wrong with your liver. And if you are in doubt or are experiencing other symptoms, speak to your doctor or dermatologist who will advise you on what to do.

After the initial diagnosis of age spots is done, a follow up of treatment is recommended. Your dermatologist may refer you to a few over the counter medicines. If your blemishes are severe, he or she may prescribe something stronger. Other treatments are also available such as minor surgeries, short procedures done to remove the spots.

Laser therapy is an effective way of permanently removing age spots. It is almost pain free although it is expensive. Patients will have to do 2 to 3 treatment before results are seen. Some persons who undergo treatment have reported that the spots have returned. But, this is not so as the spots they see are new ones as a result of being in the sun again.  It is important to take the necessary precautions in protecting the skin so as to avoid any reoccurrence of spots.

Protect yourself from the sun, by avoiding it or wearing protective clothing such as wide brimmed hats, sunglasses and a good sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or above should be worn each time you go in the sun.

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Pigmentation & Sun Exposure

Pigmentation occurs when the skin darkens because skin cells produce melanin, which is stimulated by the sun. Pigmentation problems caused by sun damage include freckles and age spots and the best way to avoid these patches of pigmentation is to avoid exposure to the sun.

The sun stimulates a chemical reaction involving free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules which are essential for biological functions, but when their numbers or activities get too great they can cause damage. UV radiation from the sun can increase their amount of activity. Small amounts of sun exposure are essential for the production of vitamin D in the body, but overexposure to the sun is best avoided. This is because sun exposure also causes the specialized cells deep within the skin called melanocytes to produce melanin. Melanin gives the skin its tone or color. It is thought that when free radicals damage melanocytes over time, due to sun exposure, melanin clumps occur, causing pigmentation problems such as freckles, age spots and other imperfections in the skin tone.

Age spots or lentigines refer to the brown spots that appear over time on the face and body as a result of overexposure to the sun. Such pigmentation tends to persist for long periods and doesn’t disappear in the winter. As we age we subject our skin more and more to sun damage and our skins natural ability to fend off UV rays from the sun begins to deterioriate and age spots occur. Some suggest that sun spots is a more accurate term than age spots, as this pigmentation problem also occurs in younger people.

Freckles or ephiledes are small flat brown marks that occur on the face as well as other sun exposed areas. Freckles are most often seen on people with fair skin, particular people with red hair but they are also seen on people with darker skin types. The color is due to an accumulation of pigment in the melanocyte skin cells. These cells produce more melanin during the summer months, when we are exposed to the sun, so freckles will appear during these times and fade over winter. Freckles of this type usually become less noticeable as a person ages. The best way to avoid the appearance of pigmentation such as freckles is by using sun protection.

To protect your skin from the sun, lather sunblock to areas of your skin exposed to sunlight. Dermatologists recommend UVA/UVB SPF 30 plus sunblock to be used daily. Avoid the sun between 10am and 3pm, or when the sun is at its most damaging. If you do go out, wear a hat and a shirt with long sleeves to maximize protection. Avoiding sun exposure through these precautions will lesson your chances of getting skin pigmentation.

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How Large Do Liver Spots Grow?

Liver spots are just one of the many skin conditions that a person may have. They appear as blemishes and are believed to be caused by over exposure to radiation from the sun.  Though not contagious, as some other skin conditions are, liver spots may cause the affected person some amount of embarrassment.  Particularly, since these brown spots tend to appear more commonly on the face, shoulders, arms, legs and scalp if bald.  One might very well be concerned with its growth and its size and this is especially true if the spots cover the facial area.

Anyone having liver spots will show a discoloration of the skin from light brown, red or black patches. It is painless and does not itch. The patches are about 1/8 of an inch to 1 inch in diameter. Those who spend a lot of time in the sun without any protection, such as a sunscreen, are susceptible to more blemishes.

As a person ages, the skin loses some of its elasticity as well as its ability to regenerate new cells faster. That is why liver spots are commonly found among men and women of age 40 and above. Normally cells are renewed every two to three weeks. But, as we get older, this process slows down causing the top layer of skin to remain and harden before regeneration takes place. Note however, that liver spots are also found in younger persons, as the main cause is over exposure to the sun.

One does not have to worry about it being permanent because there are treatments. Over the counter treatments are available and cost effective. They take the form of oral or topical solutions. If liver spots are severe however, it may be prudent to see a medical doctor for prescription drugs. For a more permanent solution, and for those who can afford it, there is electro surgery, laser treatment and cryotherapy.

Liver spots are harmless, non contagious blemishes that occur due to over exposure to sunlight. It is not cancerous and certainly not related to any condition that involves the liver. Growth will be stunted if precautionary measures are adhered to. The following are some steps that can be taken to prevent or fade liver spots.

1. Wear a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15.
2. Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes and or a wide brimmed hat to protect the face.
3. Wear protective clothing with UPF of 40 if you intend on spending a long time in the sun. Choose an appropriate time of day when the sun is cooler. Avoid going in the sun at midday.
4. Take short breaks from the sun.

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