วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 11 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2550

Obesity risk of cardiovascular disease(CVS)

Obesity risk of cardiovascular disease(CVS)

What is obesity?

"Obesity" specifically refers to an excessive amount of body fat. "Overweight" refers to an excessive amount of body weight that includes muscle, bone, fat, and water. As a rule, women have more body fat than men. Most health care professionals agree that men with more than 25 percent body fat and women with more than 30 percent body fat are obese. These numbers should not be confused with the body mass index (BMI), however, which is more commonly used by health care professionals to determine the effect of body weight on the risk for some diseases.

How is obesity measured?

Measuring the exact amount of a person's body fat is not easy. The most accurate measures are to weigh a person underwater or in a chamber that uses air displacement to measure body volume, or to use an X-ray test called Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, also known as DEXA. These methods are not practical for the average person, and are done only in research centers with special equipment.There are simpler methods to estimate body fat. One is to measure the thickness of the layer of fat just under the skin in several parts of the body. Another involves sending a harmless amount of electricity through a person's body. Results from these methods, however, can be inaccurate if done by an inexperienced person or on someone with extreme obesity.


Because measuring a person's body fat is difficult, health care professionals often rely on other means to diagnose obesity. Weight-for-height tables, used for decades, have a range of acceptable weights for a person of a given height. One problem with these tables is that there are many versions, all with different weight ranges. Another problem is that they do not distinguish between excess fat and muscle. According to the tables, a very muscular person may be classified obese when he or she is not. The BMI is less likely to misidentify a person's appropriate weight-for-height range


Body Mass Index


The BMI is a tool used to assess overweight and obesity and monitor changes in body weight. Like the weight-for-height tables, BMI has its limitations because it does not measure body fat or muscle directly. It is calculated by dividing a person's weight in pounds by height in inches squared and multiplied by 703.
Two people can have the same BMI but different body fat percentages. A bodybuilder with a large muscle mass and low percentage of body fat may have the same BMI as a person who has more body fat. However, a BMI of 30 or higher usually indicates excess body fat.

The BMI table below provides a useful guideline to check your BMI. First, find your weight on the bottom of the graph. Go straight up from that point until you come to the line that matches your height. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates a person is overweight. A person with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.




Body Fat Distribution

Health care providers are concerned not only with how much fat a person has, but also where the fat is located on the body. Women typically collect fat in their hips and buttocks, giving them a "pear" shape. Men usually build up fat around their bellies, giving them more of an "apple" shape. Of course some men are pear-shaped and some women become apple-shaped, especially after menopause.

Excess abdominal fat is an important, independent risk factor for disease. Research has shown that waist circumference is directly associated with abdominal fat and can be used in the assessment of the risks associated with obesity or overweight. If you carry fat mainly around your waist, you are more likely to develop obesity-related health problems. Women with a waist measurement of more than 35 inches and men with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches may have more health risks than people with lower waist measurements because of their body fat distribution.

What causes obesity?

Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories from food than he or she burns. Our bodies need calories to sustain life and be physically active, but to maintain weight we need to balance the energy we eat with the energy we use. When a person eats more calories than he or she burns, the energy balance is tipped toward weight gain and obesity. This imbalance between calories-in and calories-out may differ from one person to another. Genetic, environmental, and other factors may all play a part.


Genetic Factors : obesity tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic cause. However, families also share diet and lifestyle habits that may contribute to obesity. Separating genetic from other influences on obesity is often difficult. Even so, science does show a link between obesity and heredity.
Environmental and Social Factors:

Environment strongly influences obesity. Consider that most people in the United States alive today were also alive in 1980, when obesity rates were lower. Since this time, our genetic make-up has not changed, but our environment has.
Environment includes lifestyle behaviors such as what a person eats and his or her level of physical activity. Too often Americans eat out, consume large meals and high-fat foods, and put taste and convenience ahead of nutrition. Also, most people in the United States do not get enough physical activity.


Environment also includes the world around us—our access to places to walk and healthy foods, for example. Today, more people drive long distances to work instead of walking, live in neighborhoods without sidewalks, tend to eat out or get “take out” instead of cooking, or have vending machines with high-calorie, high-fat snacks at their workplace. Our environment often does not support healthy habits.


In addition, social factors including poverty and a lower level of education have been linked to obesity. One reason for this may be that high-calorie processed foods cost less and are easier to find and prepare than healthier foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits. Other reasons may include inadequate access to safe recreation places or the cost of gym memberships, limiting opportunities for physical activity. However, the link between low socio-economic status and obesity has not been conclusively established, and recent research shows that obesity is also increasing among high-income groups.


Although you cannot change your genetic makeup, you can work on changing your eating habits, levels of physical activity, and other environmental factors.

Try these ideas:

Learn to choose sensible portions of nutritious meals that are lower in fat.
Learn to recognize and control environmental cues (like inviting smells or a package of cookies on the counter) that make you want to eat when you are not hungry.
Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (like brisk walking) on most, preferably all, days of the week.
Take a walk instead of watching television.
Eat meals and snacks at a table, not in front of the TV.
Keep records of your food intake and physical activity.
Other Causes of Obesity


Some illnesses may lead to or are associated with weight gain or obesity. These include:


Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. It often results in lowered metabolic rate and loss of vigor.
Cushing's syndrome, a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Symptoms vary, but most people have upper body obesity, rounded face, increased fat around the neck, and thinning arms and legs.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition characterized by high levels of androgens (male hormone), irregular or missed menstrual cycles, and in some cases, multiple small cysts in the ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.

What are the consequences of obesity?


Health Risks


Obesity is more than a cosmetic problem. Many serious medical conditions have been linked to obesity, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Obesity is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer. Men who are obese are more likely than nonobese men to develop cancer of the colon, rectum, or prostate. Women who are obese are more likely than nonobese women to develop cancer of the gallbladder, uterus, cervix, or ovaries. Esophageal cancer has also been associated with obesity.


Other diseases and health problems linked to obesity include:

Gallbladder disease and gallstones.
Fatty liver disease (also called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH).
Gastroesophageal reflux, or what is sometimes called GERD. This problem occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly and stomach contents leak back—or reflux—into the esophagus.
Osteoarthritis, a disease in which the joints deteriorate. This is possibly the result of excess weight on the joints.
Gout, another disease affecting the joints.
Pulmonary (breathing) problems, including sleep apnea, which causes a person to stop breathing for a short time during sleep.
Reproductive problems in women, including menstrual irregularities and infertility.

สิวและริ้วรอยปัญหากวนใจผู้หญิง

สาเหตุของการเกิดสิว

1. ต่อมไขมันสร้างไขมันมากเกินไป เช่น การใช้ยาคุมกำเนิด หรือในช่วงวัยรุ่นจะมีการสร้างฮอร์โมนที่ไปกระตุ้นการทำงานของต่อมไขมัน ทำให้มีการสร้างไขมันมากผิดปกติ ส่งผลให้ท่อไขมันเกิดการอุดตัน

2. เชื้อโรคหรือ bacteria บางชนิด เมื่อต่อมไขมันผลิตไขมันออกมามากจะทำให้เชื้อเจริญเติบโตและแบ่งตัวเร็วขึ้น(ไขมันและเซลล์ผิวเป็นอาหารของเชื้อโรค) Bacteria จะกระตุ้นให้เกิดการอักเสบ ทำให้มีหนอง ปวด บวม แดง

3. ความผิดปกติของการลอกผิวในท่อรูขุมขน ทำให้มีการสะสมบริเวณรูขุมขน แล้วเกิดการอุดตันขึ้น

4. สารเคมี เครื่องสำอางบางชนิด และการเสียดสี แคะ แกะเกา ทำให้เชื้อโรคที่อยู่บริเวณมือแพร่ไปที่หน้าได้

5. ระดับฮอร์โมนเปลี่ยนแปลง เช่น การมีรอบเดือน

6. ความเครียด กรรมพันธุ์


ลักษณะของสิว

1. สิวแท้ จะมีจุดดำๆ ตรงกลาง มีการอักเสบหรือไม่ก็ได้ ถ้าอักเสบจะเห็นเป็นเม็ดแดง อาจมีหนองเกิดขึ้น

2. สิวหัวช้าง คือ สิวที่มีการอักเสบ และมีขนาดใหญ่มาก

3. สิวเสี้ยน ไม่ได้เกิดจากการอุดตันของต่อมไขมัน ไม่มีการอักเสบ แต่เป็นสิวที่มีลักษณะของไขมันที่ขับออกมาแล้วเกิดการคั่งอยู่ที่รูขุมขน หากไม่กำจัดออกไป ไขมันเหล่านี้จะสัมผัสกับอากาศและฝุ่นละออง กลายเป็นสีดำได้ หรือบางครั้งเกิดจากขนที่คุด

4. สิวที่เกิดจากเครื่องสำอาง เป็นสิวที่ไม่ค่อยอักเสบ มีลักษณะเป็นเม็ดเล็กๆ เท่าๆกัน

5. สิวจากสเตอรอยด์ มีลักษณะเป็นตุ่มแดง อักเสบเล็กน้อย เม็ดขนาดเท่าๆ กันบริเวณที่ทา

การเกิดริ้วรอย

1. ชั้นหนังกำพร้า เป็นผิวหนังชั้นนอกสุด ทำหน้าที่ป้องกันเชื้อโรค รักษาความชุ่มชื้นให้กับผิวหนัง เมื่ออายุมากขึ้น ผิวหนังชั้นนี้จะเริ่มบางลง การหลุดลอกของเซลล์ที่ตายแล้วและการผลัดเปลี่ยนเซลล์เกิดขึ้นช้าลง ความสามารถในการป้องกันการระเหยของน้ำลดลง เกิดการสูญเสียน้ำออกจากผิวหนังมากขึ้น

2. ชั้นหนังแท้ ประกอบด้วยเส้นเลือด เส้นประสาท ต่อมเหงื่อ ต่อมไขมัน เนื้อเยื่อ คอลลาเจนและอิลาสติน เมื่ออายุมากขึ้น ต่อมเหงื่อและต่อมไขมันจะลดขนาดและจำนวนลง ทำให้ไขมันธรรมชาติของผิวหนังถูกขับออกมาน้อย ทำให้ผิวแห้งมากขึ้น เส้นใยคอลลาเจนและอิลาสตินหนาตัวขึ้นและเรียงไม่เป็นระเบียบเหมือนหนุ่มสาว ทำให้ขาดความยืดหยุ่นและเกิดการยุบตัวจนเห็นเป็นริ้วรอย

สรุป เซลล์ต่างๆของผิวหนังจะมีประสิทธิภาพในการทำงานลดลง ขาดความยืดหยุ่นและเต่งตึง การรักษาความชุ่มชื้นลดลง ทำให้ผิวหนังไม่ลื่น นุ่มนวลเป็นมัน มีการสร้างเม็ดสีเพิ่มมากขึ้น

ปัจจัยที่ทำให้เกิดการเหี่ยวย่น

1. ต่อมไขมันทำงานลดลง ผิวหนังจึงแห้งเพราะสูญเสียความชื้น ทำให้ขาดความมัน เงางาม โดยเฉพาะผู้หญิงที่อายุ 20 ปีขึ้นไป

2. เส้นใยคอลลาเจนลดลง ปกติคอลลลาเจนมีหน้าที่เป็นโครงสร้างของเซลล์ ทำให้เกิดความยืดหยุ่น อุ้มน้ำ เซลล์จึงเต่งตึง เมื่ออายุมากขึ้นเส้นใยคอลลาเจนชั้นล่างจะยุบตัว เกิดเป็นริ้วรอยต่างๆ

3.การไหลเวียนของเลือดที่มาเลี้ยงบริเวณผิวหนังลดลง ทำให้สารอาหารที่เลี้ยงเซลล์ผิวลดลง การซ่อมแซม และการทำให้ลดประสิทธิภาพการทำงาน

4. ฮอร์โมน เมื่ออายุมากขึ้นระดับฮอร์โมนที่มีสูงในวัยรุ่นจะลดลงตามอายุ

5.รังสียูวี เป็นตัวกระตุ้นที่สำคัญที่สุดที่ทำให้ผิวหนังดูแก่เกินวัย โดยจะค่อยๆ ทำลายเซลล์ผิวหนัง เซลล์สร้างเม็ดสีมีจำนวนมากขึ้น คอลลาเจนและอิลาสตินลดลง

6. สารเคมีและควันพิษต่างๆ ซึ่งจะกระตุ้นให้เกิดอนุมูลอิสระ ทำให้เกิดการทำลายเซลล์ได้

สาเหตุของผิวหมองคล้ำ

ผิวชั้นหนังกำพร้าและหนังแท้ จะมีเซลล์ที่สร้างเม็ดสี เรียกว่า เมลาโนไซด์ (melanocyte) จะสร้างเมลานินออกมาซึ่งจะมีสีแตกต่างกันออกไป หากเป็นชาวยุโรปจะสร้างเมลานินสีแดง ชมพู แต่หากเป็นชาวเอเชียจะสร้างเมลานินสีน้ำตาล ดำ กระจายอยู่ทั่วไปบริเวณเซลล์ผิวหนัง ทำให้เกิดเป็นสีของผิวขึ้นมา จำนวนเซลล์ที่สร้างเม็ดสีจะกระจายอยู่ตามส่วนต่างๆ ของร่างกายในปริมาณที่ไม่เท่ากัน โดยบริเวณที่โดนแสงแดดเป็นประจำจะมีจำนวนเซลล์ที่สร้างเม็ดสีมากกว่าบริเวณที่ไม่โดนแสง ปกติแล้วเซลล์เหล่านี้จะไม่แบ่งตัวเพิ่มจำนวนขึ้นมาเอง แต่จะแบ่งตัวเมื่อมีสิ่งกระตุ้น ได้แก่ แสงแดด ฮอร์โมนในยาคุมกำเนิด การตั้งครรภ์

เรตินอล (Retinoid)

มีฤทธิ์กดการสร้างไขมัน ต้านการอักเสบ ช่วยลดริ้วรอย เนื่องจากไปเพิ่มการสร้างคอลลาเจน อาการข้างเคียงคือ ปวดแสบร้อนบริเวณที่ทา ผิวหน้าแห้งและลอก และอาจเกิดการอักเสบของหัวสิวได้ ตำแหน่งที่ทาที่มีความไวต่อการระคายเคืองมากที่สุด คือ รอบริมฝีปาก ยามีผลกับทารกที่อยู่ในครรภ์ดังนั้นระหว่างใช้ยาต้องคุมกำเนิดอย่างเคร่งครัดอย่างน้อย 1 เดือนก่อนและหลังการใช้ยา นอกจากนี้ควรหลีกเลี่ยงการถูกแสงแดดในเวลากลางวัน ดังนั้นจึงแนะนำให้ทาก่อนนอนและควรใช้ครีมกันแดดตอนกลางวันร่วมด้วย

วิตามินซี (Ascorbic acid)

เป็นสารที่มีคุณสมบัติต้านอนุมูลอิสระ ช่วยกระตุ้นการสร้างคอลลาเจนและอิลาสติน ทำให้ริ้วรอยตื้นๆจางลง ช่วยลดการทำลายผิวหนังจากการกระตุ้นของแสงแดด ทำให้เกิดอนุมูลอิสระขึ้น นอกจากนี้ยังช่วยลดรอยด่างดำ เนื่องจากยับยั้งการทำงานของเอนไซม์ที่เพิ่มการสร้างเม็ดสีที่ผิวหนัง กระตุ้นการสร้าง glycosaminoglycan

โคเอนไซม์คิวเทน (Coenzyme Q10)

เป็นสารธรรมชาติที่มีลักษณะคล้ายวิตามิน มีหน้าที่เกี่ยวกับกระบวนการสร้างพลังงานของเซลล์ต่างๆ ในร่างกาย และยังเป็นสารต้านอนุมูลอิสระ ช่วยลดการหมองคล้ำและการเกิดริ้วรอยได้ ซึ่งปกติแล้วร่างกายของเราจะสามารถสร้างได้เองอบู่แล้ว แต่จะผลิตน้อยลงเมื่ออายุมากขึ้น
เอเอชเอ(AHA= Alpha-hydroxy acids) มีฤทธิ์ช่วยกระตุ้นการหลุดลอกของเซลล์ผิวหนังกำพร้าที่ตายแล้ว และกระตุ้นการสร้างเซลล์ในชั้นผิวหนังที่ลึกลงไป โดยเฉพาะคอลลาเจน เส้นใยอิลาสติน ทำให้ริ้วรอยตื้นขึ้น ช่วยในการผลัดเซลล์ผิวใหม่ หากความเข้มข้นสูงถึง 10% อาจก่อให้เกิดอาการบวม แดง ไหม้ ผื่นและคันบริเวณที่ทาได้

ไฮยาลูโรนิก (Hyaluronic acid / hyaluronate sodium)

เป็นสารที่เป็นองค์ประกอบตามธรรมชาติของผิวหนัง มีคุณสมบัติดูดน้ำได้ดี เหมาะสำหรับผิวแห้ง เป็นการเพิ่มความชุ่มชื้นให้กับผิวหนัง สามารถใช้ลดริ้วรอยบนผิวหนังที่เกิดจากการสูญเสียน้ำได้

การทาครีมกันแดด

ควรทาก่อนออกแดดประมาณ ครึ่งถึง 1 ชั่วโมง ควรทาครีมกันแดดที่ป้องกันทั้งรังสียูวีเอและยูวีบี โดยมีค่า SPF (ป้องกันยูวีบี) มากกว่า 15 ขึ้นไป และมีค่าป้องกันรังสียูวีเอ มีค่า PA ตั้งแต่ 2 ขึ้นไป
UV-A ทำให้เกิดผิวสีแทน โดยไม่ทำให้ผิวหนังอักเสบ บวมแดง สามารถทะลุเข้าไปทำลายถึงชั้นหนังแท้ จึงมีผลทำลายคอลลาเจน (collagen) และอิลาสติน (elastin) ทำให้ผิวหนังเสียความยืดหยุ่น แห้งกร้านและเหี่ยวย่นได้ เพราะเมื่อผิวหนังถูกกระตุ้น ผิวหนังจะปล่อยอนุมูลอิสระออกมา
UV-B เป็นแสงที่มีพลังงานสูง จะทำลายเซลล์ผิวหนังชั้นหนังกำพร้า ไม่ทำลายคอลลาเจนและอิลาสติน เพราะไม่ทะลุถึงชั้นหนังแท้ ทำให้เกิดการบวมแดง แดดเผา หากสัมผัสนานๆ โดยไม่มีการป้องกัน จะทำให้เกิดมะเร็งผิวหนังได้ เพราะมีผลทำลาย DNA

การคำนวณว่าผลิตภัณฑ์จะป้องกันแดดได้กี่นาที = 30 x ค่า SPF

เช่น SPF 15 จะสามารถป้องกันแดดได้ 30x15 = 450 นาที

การทาครีมบำรุง
ผลิตภัณฑ์เพื่อต้านริ้วรอย จะประกอบด้วยสารช่วยกระตุ้นการสร้างเส้นใยคอลลาเจนและอิลาสติน ซึ่งเป็นโปรตีนที่เป็นองค์ประกอบของชั้นผิวหนังทำให้เกิดความยืดหยุ่น เพิ่มความแข็งแรงของผิวหนัง เช่น วิตามินซี เรตินอลหรือวิตามินเอ
ผลิตภัณฑ์ที่ช่วยกระตุ้นการผลัดเปลี่ยนเซลล์ผิวที่ตายแล้ว จะมีส่วนผสมของวิตามินซี วิตามินเอ และเอเอชเอ ช่วยให้ผิวกระจ่างใส ลดรอยหมองคล้ำ และลดการอักเสบของสิวที่เกิดจากการอุดตันได้

การทดสอบอาการแพ้

ให้ทาบริเวณใต้ท้องแขน หากไม่มีอาการผิดปกติ สามารถใช้ได้ หากมีผื่นขึ้นไม่ควรใช้ผลิตภัณฑชนิดนั้น

วันอังคารที่ 9 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2550

causes of acne


There are many misconceptions and myths about acne. Exactly why some people get acne and some do not is not fully known. It is known to be partly hereditary. Several factors are known to be linked to acne:

  • Family history
  • Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles and puberty
  • Stress, through increased output of hormones from the adrenal (stress) glands.
  • Hyperactive sebaceous glands, secondary to the three hormone sources above.
  • Accumulation of dead skin cells.
  • Bacteria in the pores, to which the body becomes 'allergic'.
  • Skin irritation or scratching of any sort will activate inflammation.
  • Use of anabolic steroids.
  • Any medication containing halogens (iodides, chlorides, bromides), lithium, barbiturates, or androgens.
  • Exposure to high levels of chlorine compounds, particularly chlorinated dioxins, can cause severe, long-lasting acne, known as Chloracne.

Traditionally, attention has focused mostly on hormone-driven over-production of sebum as the main contributing factor of acne. More recently, more attention has been given to narrowing of the follicle channel as a second main contributing factor. Abnormal shedding of the cells lining the follicle, abnormal cell binding ("hyperkeratinization") within the follicle, and water retention in the skin (swelling the skin and so pressing the follicles shut) have all been put forward as important mechanisms. Several hormones have been linked to acne: the male hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), as well as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I). In addition, acne-prone skin has been shown to be insulin resistant [citation needed].


Development of acne vulgaris in later years is uncommon, although this is the age group for Rosacea which may have similar appearances. True acne vulgaris in adults may be a feature of an underlying condition such as pregnancy and disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or the rare Cushing's syndrome. Menopause-associated acne occurs as production of the natural anti-acne ovarian hormone estradiol fails at menopause. The lack of estradiol also causes thinning hair, hot flashes, thin skin, wrinkles, vaginal dryness, and predisposes to osteopenia and osteoporosis as well as triggering acne (known as acne climacterica in this situation).

Diet

There is no widely agreed-upon proof that diet has any effect on most people's acne. Eating greasy foods may get grease on a person's hands: subsequent contact of the hands to the face may exacerbate acne.

Milk

A recent study, based on a survey of 47,335 women, did find a positive epidemiological association between acne and consumption of partially skimmed milk, instant breakfast drink, sherbet, cottage cheese and cream cheese.[5] The researchers hypothesize that the association may be caused by hormones (such as several sex hormones and bovine IGF-I) present in cow milk. Although the association between milk and acne has been definitively shown, the ingredient in the milk responsible for the acne is still unclear. Most dermatologists are awaiting confirmatory research linking diet and acne but some support the idea that acne sufferers should experiment with their diets, and refrain from consuming such fare if they find such food affects the severity of their acne.[6]

Seafood

Seafood often contains relatively high levels of iodine. Iodine is known to make existing acne worse but there is probably not enough to cause an acne outbreak.[7] Still, people who are prone to acne may want to avoid excessive consumption of foods high in iodine.

High carbohydrates/High GI

It has also been suggested that there is a link between a diet high in refined sugars and other processed foods and acne. The theory is that rapidly digested carbohydrate food such as white bread and refined sugars produces an overload in metabolic glucose that is rapidly converted into the types of fat that can build up in sebaceous glands. According to this hypothesis, the startling absence of acne in non-westernized societies could be explained by the low glycemic index of these cultures' diets. Others have cited possible genetic reasons for there being no acne in these populations, but similar populations shifting to these diets do develop acne. Note also that the populations studied consumed no milk or other dairy products. Further research is necessary to establish whether a reduced consumption of high-glycemic foods (such as soft drinks, sweets, white bread) can significantly alleviate acne, though consumption of high-glycemic foods should in any case be kept to a minimum, for general health reasons. Avoidance of 'junk food' with its high fat and sugar content is also recommended. On the other hand there is no evidence that fat alone makes skin oilier or acne worse.

One study [specify] suggested that chocolate, french fries, potato chips and sugar, among others, affect acne. A high GI (glycemic index) diet that causes sharp rises in blood sugar worsens acne. If this study's conclusions are verified then a low GI diet may help acne also, but a 2005 review of somewhat dated scientific literature cannot affirm either way. A study in November 2006 in Australia gave a 50% reduction in 12 weeks in mild-moderate facial acne by introducing its subjects to a high protein, low GI diet.

Vitamins A and E

Studies have shown that newly diagnosed acne patients tend to have lower levels of vitamin A circulating in their bloodstream than those that are acne free. In addition people with severe acne also tend to have lower blood levels of vitamin E.

Hygiene

Acne is not caused by dirt. This misconception probably comes from the fact that blackheads look like dirt stuck in the openings of pores. The black color is simply not dirt but compact keratin[citation needed]. In fact, the blockages of keratin that cause acne occur deep within the narrow follicle channel, where it is impossible to wash them away. These plugs are formed by the failure of the cells lining the duct to separate and flow to the surface in the sebum created there by the body.SexCommon myths state that masturbation causes acne and, conversely, that celibacy or sexual intercourse can cure it.

How to wash face

Medical science has made some pretty amazing breakthroughs in the treatment of acne. However, gentle cleansing must precede treatment in order to prevent irritation, because irritation can lead to more breakouts. Keep in mind the suggestions below when you wash your face before applying medication.

Look for the terms "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic" (non-acne aggravating) when selecting a facial cleanser. You know you're on the right track when references to mild, "non-irritating", and "non-overdrying" are mentioned as well.

Many acne cleansers also include other medications. For instance, Neutrogena Acne Wash "Oil-Free Cream Cleanser" has 2% salicylic acid in it. Clean & Clear "Continuous Control Acne Cleanser" contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. I worry that the medication will be washed off with these sorts of cleansers. Also, you may unwittingly be layering medications if you start with a medication containing cleanser and then apply a second medication afterward. From my experience, a gentle cleansing followed with application of medication is what works best.

Wash your face only twice per day, morning and evening. Excess washing can cause irritation. You want to be as kind to your skin as possible.

Use only your bare hands to wash. A washcloth is irritating. Consider the act of washing as simply prepping your skin for medication, nothing more. Washing itself does not clear breakouts since dirt does not cause acne, so there is absolutely no need to scrub.

Pat dry. Do not rub dry. Rubbing the skin is irritating, and excess irritation...that's right...can lead to more breakouts. Gently pat dry.

Once your face is properly cleansed, you are ready to apply whichever medication you and your doctor have chosen. Click on the choices below to learn more about prescription or over-the-counter treatment options.

Acne scars

Acne scar treatments require that a person's skin is free of active acne, so if you still break out you will have to address that first. Read through the regiment for advice on what to do to get your skin clear.

Once it is clear, you can decide whether an acne scar treatment is right for you. Opinions are mixed on the efficacy of these treatments however.

As it turns out, acne scar repair can basically be broken down into six categories which I list in the table below. For information on other techniques and frequently asked questions, see this post from OursFan, a moderator on the Acne Scars message board

วันเสาร์ที่ 29 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2550

Antiaging therapies

As more and more baby boomers are entering middle age, the demand for antiaging therapy is booming. Influenced by media publicity coupled with advances in medical technology to restore a youthful appearance, there has been an enormous increase in the supply and demand for aesthetic medicine.

Many patients want their skin to be restored to a more youthful appearance as greater physical attractiveness can have psychological benefits affecting a person's social interactions, job status, personal image and may even indirectly affect long-term health and longevity.[1]

Today, aesthetic physicians have a much larger armamentarium of materials and techniques with which they can stall the telltale signs of the aging face.[2] It is equally important for the aesthetic physician to make the right choice of treatment for each of their demanding patients to get the right results.

Treatment of an aging face represents a true shift from dealing with 'disease dermatology' to 'desire dermatology.'The aging face is affected both by intrinsic as well as extrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging is genetically driven and out of one's control, whereas extrinsic aging is affected by sun exposure, environmental insults, stress, sleep patterns, smoking and more. Most of the available treatments target the extrinsic aging, i.e., photoaging.Primary goalsThe primary goal of any antiaging therapy is to achieve a smooth, tight, blemish-free translucent skin, with even plane topography and more highlight than shadows.

Antiaging therapies
Antiaging therapies can be grouped under the following heading

• Cosmetological care
• Topical agents
Systemic agents
• Procedures

Cosmetological care

Excellent sun-protection is essential to avoid photodamage. Proper selection and usage of both UVA and UVB protective sunscreens is advised as ultraviolet irradiation reduces production of type I procollagen, the major structural protein in human skin.[3]

Daily skin care routine should include avoidance of hot, frequent and prolonged baths and avoidance of detergent soaps and foams, which could actually lead to dryness of the skin. Use of moisturizers is believed to be a key to fountain of youth, although there is disagreement in the literature about the long-term effects of moisturizing the skin.[3]
In over-the-counter cosmeceuticals, known as antiaging bioactivators, various ingredients are available that are claimed to be therapeutic e.g., estrogen creams to slow cutaneous atrophy and collagen loss; creams containing collagen, elastin and essential fatty acids, which are supposed to improve the hydrating properties. But, none of these ingredients have been unequivocally proved to do so in good scientific studies.

Topical agents

Topical treatments have a major advantage of being noninvasive but have a long latency period of 3-6 months before any visible change can be observed; they require perpetual maintenance and can cause contact irritancy or allergy and are expensive.

Tretinoin: Scientific evidence that retinoids can reverse some of the elements of cutaneous aging has been accumulated over time.[4] All-trans retinoic acid produces improvement of wrinkles by inducing synthesis of collagen I within the papillary dermis[5] and decreases abnormal elastin and melanin. Only tretinoin and tazarotene have been FDA-approved antiaging agents. To avoid 'retinoid dermatitis,' the recommendation is to start with the mild formulation of 0.25% every other day or twice weekly. With regular use, patients will be able to tolerate increased frequency of application and stronger preparations over time. Both extrinsic and intrinsic aging respond favorably to exogenously applied retinoids.

Vitamin C:Topical use of vitamin C heralded the entry of the antioxidants into skin care. Besides antioxidant property, vitamin C has shown to stimulate both type I and type III collagen synthesis.[6] Although many topical preparations containing vitamin C are available, most of them have problems with stability and their utility is questionable.

Other antiaging topicals:
N-furfuryladenine 0.1% is a plant cytokinin (plant growth hormone) with antioxidant properties. Chlorella is an aquatic plant extract that alters the vascular endothelial growth factor/thrombospondin 1 balance in the skin to exert its antiaging effect. Copper peptide complex is used in the prevention and reversal of photoaging. It helps in the induction of procollagen synthesis.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA): Topical application of AHA in photodamaged skin has shown clinical improvements in wrinkling, roughness and dyspigmentation within months of daily application.

Systemic agents

The free radical theory of aging proposed in 1956[7] is one of the most widely accepted theories to explain the cause of aging. Although antioxidants appear in vegetables and other foods, many believe that higher levels can be achieved by supplementation. Consequently, the use of products touting antioxidants as protective agents in oral supplements is extremely popular. Many antioxidants work synergistically to regenerate and enhance the power of each other (network antioxidants).[8] These include vitamins C and E, glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10), green tea (polyphenols), melatonin and selenium.

Hormones: Estradiol and testosterone implantation in postmenopausal women is supposed to retard collagen loss.[9] Dunn et al . have shown significant improvement in dry skin and skin wrinkling with estrogen replacement.

Procedures

Procedures refer to office-based treatments that may be either physician-performed or device-driven procedures such as laser treatments.

Microdermabrasion: It is a simple and safe procedure in which the skin surface is abraded with rough aluminum oxide or sodium chloride crystals. It is comparable to results achieved with glycolic acid peels.[10] The principle involved in microdermabrasion is superficial trauma, which damages the skin barrier which repairs within 24 h and also stimulates the fibroblasts to produce collagen. It is believed that 15 mm of skin is removed with each pass.[11] Weekly treatment has the greatest effect in improving fine lines, texture, pore size and fine acne scars that are more evident in fairer female skin types than thicker skin or male skin. It carries a low risk of adverse effects, which include bleeding, infection and hyperpigmentation.[12]

Endermologie: Endermologie is a noninvasive mechanical body-contouring used in the treatment of cellulites. Here the cellulite-affected skin is sucked between the rollers and kneaded for approximately 34-45 min. This temporarily reduces the appearance of the cellulite and the benefits seen, if any, are short lived.[13]

Chemical peels: Chemical peels are used to treat facial concerns with aging such as rhytides, dyschromias and keratoses. Fortunately dark-skin individuals have fewer wrinkles and wrinkles appear at an older age. Hence the superficial peels may be helpful when combined with sun protection. Superficial peels can also result in residual temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, whereas the deeper peels produce an initial hyperpigmentation followed by hypopigmentation.[14] Use of chemical peels to treat the aging face is well established and poses minimal risk in experienced hands.

Botulinum toxin: The most exciting breakthrough in antiaging therapy today is botulinum toxin injections.[15] Areas targeted include forehead, glabellar region and crow's feet. The only limiting factor is the cost of treatment. The goal of treatment should only be softening of facial lines, not paralysis. It is truly a 'facelift in a jar' and is clearly one of the main breakthroughs in antiaging therapy.

Soft tissue augmentation: There has been a renaissance of interest in soft tissue augmentation as more and more patients seek aesthetic improvement without major downtime or surgical intervention.[16] While botulinum toxin eliminates only dynamic wrinkles, fillers are the choice for static wrinkles. With a wide variety of filler materials available for the practitioner's use, it has been helpful to improve facial contours, ameliorate wrinkles and stall the telltale signs of the aging face.

Lasers: Cutaneous resurfacing can be broadly divided into ablative skin resurfacing (ASR), which can be accomplished by the use of pulsed carbon dioxide and erbium:YAG; or non-ablative dermal remodeling (NDR), which can be achieved by non-ablative neodymium: YAG system, radiofrequency, intense pulsed light, fractional photo-thermolysis or light emitting diode photomodulation.

a) Non-ablative radiofrequency: Radiofrequency is a non-ablative tissue tightening procedure cleared by FDA for the noninvasive treatment of periorbital wrinkles and rhytides.[17] The mechanism is twofold: immediate contraction of existing collagen fibrils and a delayed wound healing response resulting in neocollagen production by stimulated fibroblasts.[18] The advantage is that it can treat all skin types, but the disadvantage is the cost and need for annual maintenance treatments. Transient skin numbness and subcutaneous fat atrophy are some of the adverse side effects.[19] Recently, radiofrequency and diode laser have been combined for more efficacy with less side effects.[20]

b) Intense pulsed light: This is a nonlaser light source used in skin rejuvenation,[21] suitable for all skin types. In practice, multiple IPL treatment sessions are often required and because of the complexity of selecting the appropriate wavelength cutoff filter, fluence and pulse duration, there is a risk of developing side effects secondary to nonspecific thermal damage like crusting, pigmentary changes and paradoxical increases in hair growth.[22]

c) Fractional photothermolysis (Fraxelβ): A new concept of skin rejuvenation called fractional photothermolysis creates microscopic thermal wounds, sparing the tissue surrounding each wound.[23] Here there is controlled dermal heating without dermal damage. Following treatment, the skin surface temperatures are elevated by an average of 1-2°C; and the skin has a slight bronzing, which disappears by desquamation within 2 weeks. Fractional resurfacing has also proved to be an effective and safe treatment for lightening of epidermal and dermal pigmentation of melasma.[24]

d) LED photomodulation: A photo-rejuvenation effect using nonthermal stimulation of cells requiring low energy, narrowband light with specific pulse sequence and duration is termed photomodulation , which is one of the recent concepts in acquiring smoother appearance of the epidermis. Here the principle is stimulating very superficial collagen in a nonthermal way. Here light is delivered through light emitting diode (LED) to activate fibroblasts causing them to produce collagen and elastin.[25] This technique is a safe and effective nonpainful non-ablative modality for improvement of photoaging and can be used in all Fitzpatrick skin types without any adverse effect.[26]

Based on the study performed by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery in 1999, it was found that majority of women agreed in the adage 'you look as good as you feel.' The Indian women are no different, except that the cost of procedures to look good is prohibitive. Most of the device-driven procedures are expensive and hence simple office-based procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, fillers and botulinum toxin would continue to be the mainstay of antiaging therapies in India. However, advancements in dermatology and explosion of technology will hopefully continue to make antiaging therapies affordable and acceptable to more individuals in future.

References
1.Lawrence N. New and Emerging treatments for photoaging, Dermatol Clin 2000;18:99-112. [PUBMED]
2.Klein AW, Elson ML. The History of substances for soft Tissue Augmentation, Dermatol Surg 2000;26:1096-105. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]
3.Gordon ML. A conservative approach to the Nonsurgical Rejuvenation of the face. Dermatol Clin 2005;23:365-71. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]
4.Schwartz E, Cruickshank FA, Mezick JA, Kligman LH. Topical all- trans retinoic acid stimulates collagen synthesis in Vivo. J Invest Dermatol 1991;96:975-1991. [PUBMED]
5.Yaar M, Gilchrest BA. Aging of skin. In : Freedberg IM, Eisen AZ, Wolff K, Austen KF, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, editors. Fitzapatrick's Dermatology in general medicine, 5th ed. McGraw Hill: New York; 1999. p. 1697-706.
6.Farris PK. Topical Vitamin C: A useful agent for treating photoaging and other dermatalogic conditions. Dermatol Surg 2005;31:814-7. [PUBMED]
7.Harman D. Ageing: a theory based on free radical and radiation chemistry. J Gerontol 1956;11:298-300. [PUBMED]
8.Packer L, Colman C. The Antioxidant Miracle. John Wiley and Sons: New York; 1999. p. 9.
9.Brincat M, Kabalan S, Studd JW, Moniz CF, de Trafford J, Montgomery J. Decline in skin collagen content and metacarpal index after the menopause and its prevention with sex hormone replacement. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1987;94:126-9.
10.Savant SS. Microdermabarsion. In : Savant SS, editor. Textbook of dermatology and cosmetology. 2nd ed. ASCAD: Mumbai; 2005. p. 620-5.
11.Fields KA. Skin breakthroughs in the year 2000. Int J Fertil Women's Med 2000;45:175-81. [PUBMED]
12.Lazarus M, Bumann L. Miscellaneous Cosmetic products and Procedures, In : Baumann L, editor. Cosmetic Dermatology; Principles and Practice. Tata McGraw Hill: New York; 2003. p. 117-24.
13.Van Vliet M, Ortiz A, Avram MM, Yamauchi PS. An assessment of traditional and novel therapies for cellulite. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2005;7:7-10.
14.Coleman WP 3rd. Dermal Peels. Dermatol Clin 2001;19:405-11. [PUBMED]
15.Carruthers A, Carruthers J. Clinical indications and injection technique for the cosmetic use of botulinum A exotoxin. Dermatol Surg 1998:24:1189-94.
16.Hanke CW. Filler Materials. Year Book of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. Mosby: St Louis MO; 2004. p. 1-15.
17.Koch RJ. Radiofrequency nonablative tissue tightening. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2004;12:339-46. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]
18.Ross EV, Naseef M, Skrobul JM. In vivo dermal collagen shrinkage and remodeling following Co2 laser resurfacing. Lasers Surg Med 1996;19:38.
19.Abraham MT, Chiang SK, Keller GS, Rawnsley JD, Blackwell KE, Elashoff DA. Clinical evaluation of non-ablative radiofrequency facial rejuvenation. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2004;6:136-44. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]
20.Doshi SN, Alster TS. Combination radiofrequency and diode laser for treatment of facial rhytides and skin laxity. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2005;7:11-5. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]
21.Hamzavi I, Lui H. Using light in dermatology: an update on lasers, ultraviolet phototherapy and photodynamic therapy. Dermatol Clin 2005;23:199-207. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]
22.Moreno-Arias GA, Castelo-Branco C, Fernando J. Side effects after IPL photoepilation. Dermatol Surg 2002;2;1131-4.
23.Manstein D, Herron GS, Sink RK, Tanner H anderson RR. Fractional photothermolysis: a new concept for cutaneous remodeling using microscopic patterns of thermal Injury. Lasers Surg Med 2004;34:426-38.
24.Tannous ZS, Astner S. Utilizing fractional resurfacing in the treatment of therapy - resistant melasma. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2005;7:39-43. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]
25.Weiss RA, Mc Danie DH, Gernomus RG, Weiss MA. Clinical trial of a novel non-thermal LED array for reversal of photoaging. Clinical histologic and surface profilometric results. Lasers Surg Med 2005;36:85-91.
26.Weis RA, Weiss MA, Geronemus RG, Mc Daniel DH. A novel non-thermal non ablative full panel LED photomodulation device for reversal of photoaging: digital microscopic and clinical results in various skin types. J Drugs Dermatol 2004;3:605-10.

วันศุกร์ที่ 28 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2550

Heart failure

What Is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood throughout the body. Heart failure does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way that it should. The heart can’t fill with enough blood or pump with enough force, or both. Go to the How the Heart Works section for details.
Heart failure develops over time as the pumping action of the heart grows weaker. It can affect the left side, the right side, or both sides of the heart. Most cases involve the left side where the heart can’t pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. With right-sided failure, the heart can’t effectively pump blood to the lungs where the blood picks up oxygen.


The weakening of the heart’s pumping ability causes:

  • Blood and fluid to "back up" into the lungs
  • The buildup of fluid in the feet, ankles, and legs
  • Tiredness and shortness of breath

Heart failure is a serious condition. About 5 million people in the United States have heart failure, and the number is growing. Each year, another 550,000 people are diagnosed for the first time. It contributes to or causes about 300,000 deaths each year.

What Causes Heart Failure?


Heart failure is caused by other diseases or conditions that damage or overwork the heart muscle. Over time, the heart muscle weakens and is not able to pump blood as well as it should.
The leading causes of heart failure are:

Coronary artery disease (CAD)


High blood pressure


Diabetes

CAD, including angina (AN-ji-na or an-JI-na) and heart attack is the most common underlying cause of heart failure. People who have a heart attack are at high risk of developing heart failure.
Most people with heart failure also have high blood pressure, and about one in three has diabetes.

Other Causes of Heart Failure


Other heart diseases and conditions that can lead to heart failure are:

  • Cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle)
  • Diseases of the heart valves
  • Abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmias (a-RITH-me-as)
  • Congenital heart defects (a heart defect or problem you are born with)

Other conditions that may injure the heart muscle and lead to heart failure include:

  • Treatments for cancer, such as radiation and certain chemotherapy drugs
  • hyroid disorders (having either too much or too little thyroid hormone in the body)
  • Alcohol abuse
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Cocaine and other illegal drug use

Who Is At Risk for Heart Failure?


Heart failure can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in:

  • People 65 years of age and older
  • African Americans

Heart failure is very common in people 65 years of age and older. It’s the #1 reason for a hospital visit in this age group. African Americans are more likely to have heart failure and suffer more severely from it. African Americans are more likely to:

  • Develop symptoms at an earlier age
  • Have their heart failure get worse faster
  • Have more hospital visits
  • Die from heart failure

Men have a higher rate of heart failure than women. But in actual numbers, more women have heart failure because many more women live into their seventies and eighties, when heart failure is common.

Children with congenital heart defects can also have heart failure. Congenital heart defects happen when the heart, heart valves, and/or blood vessels near the heart do not develop correctly in babies when they are in the womb. This can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure. Children do not have the same symptoms or get the same treatment for heart failure as adults. Children’s heart failure will not be discussed here.