Author: Cedric Herb

Dermatologists – Why You Need One

Cedric Herb

Your skin is your largest organ, shielding you from germs, repelling water, and covering blood vessels, nerves, and other vital things. So, when something goes wrong with your skin, you want help from a specialist.

Dermatologists

Montgomery Dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat various skin issues. They also perform cosmetic procedures to improve appearances.

Acne occurs when hair follicles connected to oil glands become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum (oil). It is most common on the face, shoulders, neck and chest because these areas have the most oil-producing glands. Acne can cause scarring that can last a lifetime if not treated early and correctly. It typically starts in teenagers due to hormonal changes, but can also occur in adults and sometimes even into their thirties or forties. Acne can have a negative impact on a person’s self-esteem, especially if it is severe or persistent.

Dermatologists can diagnose acne by examining the skin, but they will consider other factors such as age and the severity of the condition when developing a treatment plan. Symptoms vary, but may include spots or pus-filled bumps on the skin’s surface, enlarged pores or hair follicles and cysts that are large, painful and deep under the skin.

Treatment options for mild acne, or acne vulgaris, are a topical cream, gel, antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide. These medications work to unclog the pores, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Topical retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A, can help to reduce scarring and promote skin renewal. They can also be used in conjunction with other topical treatments to improve their efficacy.

Other medications, including oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, are also available to help control acne in women. These medications work to lower the amount of androgen in the body, which can help slow sebum production.

For people who continue to have acne, the dermatologist may recommend a different medication or a procedure. Surgical procedures may be recommended to remove the deeper pimples or cysts that have formed under the skin. Laser therapy can also be helpful to control inflammation and improve the appearance of scars.

To prevent future breakouts, dermatologists advise people to wash their skin with a gentle soap or cleanser, and to avoid over-washing or scrubbing. They may also suggest using noncomedogenic skin products, which are less likely to clog the pores. It is also important to avoid squeezing or picking at the skin, as this can make acne worse and lead to permanent scarring.

Pimples

Pimples form when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. Acne is the most common disease in the world and it can affect anyone. Mild acne can be cleared with over-the-counter treatments, but more serious acne needs to be treated by a dermatologist because it can lead to scars. Pimples, also known as blemishes or zits, are most often found on the face and neck, but they can appear on the shoulders, back, chest and arms as well. Pimples can be painful and embarrassing, especially for teenagers. In severe cases, acne can cause inflammation and lead to swollen, red, inflamed skin called nodules or cysts.

Acne is a medical condition, but it can have psychosocial and psychological effects as well. For example, if a pimple is affecting a person’s self-image or making them feel embarrassed to go out in public, they may not be interested in socializing and they could become depressed or suicidal.

The most basic type of acne lesion is a comedone, which is basically a clogged hair follicle filled with dead skin and excess oil. When a comedone is exposed to air, it becomes black or dark in color because the oil oxidizes. If a clogged pore stays closed and gets infected with bacteria, it can become a small, red bump called a pimple or a pus-filled lesion called a pustule. Pustules are very sensitive to touch and should not be touched, as picking or squeezing can lead to scarring and infection.

The most serious types of acne are nodules and cysts. Nodules are large, inflamed lesions that feel firm to the touch and can be very painful. They develop deep in the skin and can lead to scars if not treated by a dermatologist. Cysts are painful, fluid-filled lesions that resemble boils and can be very dangerous. They should not be picked or squeezed and should only be treated by a dermatologist. A doctor can drain these lesions of their contents by injecting them with medication. They can also prescribe medications to help them disappear.

Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common problem. People typically lose 50 to 100 strands of hair every day and new growth replaces it, but some conditions cause the body to shut down hair follicles or prevent them from growing hair. When the problem isn’t caused by genetics, a dermatologist can help people manage and treat it.

Dermatologists are able to diagnose hair loss by taking a history and doing a physical exam. They will ask questions about the person’s family history, diet and lifestyle. They may also recommend blood tests to see if any specific illnesses are contributing to the condition.

Inflammatory skin diseases that affect the scalp, including chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, classic Brocq pseudopelade and folliculitis decalvans, can cause hair loss by inflaming and scarring the scalp and destroying the hair follicles. They are not reversible and usually cause permanent hair loss, but a dermatologist can prescribe medications to control the symptoms.

Some people develop alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy hair follicles and stop them from growing hair. It can cause thinning, patchy hair loss or baldness, depending on the type of alopecia and its severity. It is not reversible, but dermatologists can offer medications that can help stimulate hair growth.

Some people with alopecia areata notice that their hair grows back after they get treatment for the underlying health problem. For example, chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer can lead to hair loss by damaging the cells that make follicles grow hair. Once the cancer treatment is complete, a dermatologist can prescribe medication that can help stimulate hair growth.

Anti-Aging

Dermatologists focus on preserving the health and appearance of your skin as you age. This can involve surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Although natural aging affects all organs and tissues, the skin provides first visible signs of time passing. Dermatologists can slow down the process and erase time vestiges with cosmetic treatments.

The most common and important anti-aging treatment is using sunscreen every day. Choose a product that offers broad-spectrum coverage and has an SPF of 30 or higher. A daily moisturizer is another great anti-aging treatment. Look for one that contains an active ingredient like hyaluronic acid or retinol to minimize fine lines.

Exfoliation is also essential for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Choose a scrub or peel that contains an alpha-hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid. Look for products that have clinically proven results. A dermatologist may recommend an anti-aging serum that has been tested in a controlled setting.

Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin, causing it to sag and develop fine lines prematurely. It also damages collagen and elastin, which are the fibers that give your skin strength and elasticity. Try to quit smoking if you want to improve your skin tone and texture.

Your diet is also an important part of a healthy lifestyle and can help prevent wrinkles. Avoid eating foods high in salt, which cause your body to retain water and make you look bloated. In addition, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

A dermatologist can prescribe anti-aging creams and serums to smooth out fine lines and increase collagen production. They can also prescribe injectables, such as botulinum toxin and dermal fillers, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Dermal fillers can add volume to the cheeks and eyes, and synthetic collagen or hyaluronic acid can fill in wrinkles and create fuller lips. Injectables can also be used in combination with muscle relaxers to produce a liquid face lift.

Dermatologists can perform laser and light therapies to remove sun damage, resurface the skin and promote new cell growth. Lasers can also be used to treat rosacea, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring.

Weight Loss Tips For Women

Cedric Herb

Women have many factors that make weight loss challenging, including hormones and menopause. However, there are practical and non-drastic weight loss tips for women that can help.

Drink plenty of water. House of Aesthetix increases satiety, helps fight sugar cravings, and promotes fat burning. Include healthy fats, such as nut butter, avocados, and olive oil, in your diet.

weihjt loss

Exercise is one of the key pillars of weight loss and long-term weight management. It has many health benefits, independent of weight loss – such as sharper thinking and lower depression, better sleep, stronger bones and muscles, reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers (breast, colon, and lung cancers), and greater longevity.

Choosing the right exercise depends on your goals, but experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity weekly. Aim for a mix of cardio, flexibility, and strength-training exercises. Walking, jogging, dancing, swimming, and cycling are great cardiovascular workouts; strength training helps build muscle mass and increase your overall metabolic rate. Many people struggle to start an exercise program, but finding the motivation and practical support can help them stick with it. Some barriers to starting exercise may include cost, injury or illness, lack of time, and body image concerns. Attending group exercise classes, joining a gym with friends, or finding an online community that provides support can help get people active.

Women have unique nutritional needs that are influenced by physical and hormonal changes. The right diet boosts energy levels and keeps women healthy to perform better at every stage of life. Women must eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, quality protein, healthy fats and low in processed fried and sugary foods.

Keeping up with the demands of work and family can make eating healthily difficult. Added to that is the constant pressure from the media on women to eat a certain way. However, a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, plenty of fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of fat, and small amounts of alcohol can help most women lose weight.

Some fat is essential for good health, but most women get too much. Limit saturated fats, found mostly in animal products and processed foods, to less than 10 percent of your total calories. Replace them with unsaturated fats, mainly in vegetable oils and spreads, avocados, and oily fish.

Beans, such as black, white, kidney, and fat-free refried beans, are a powerhouse food that provides lots of fiber and dozens of nutrients, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium, many of which most women fall short of. Beans are also a great source of iron, which is needed for red blood cell production. Adding a weekly serving of legumes to each meal is a good idea. For example, you can add beans to salads or casseroles.

Stress can make it hard to stick with healthy eating and exercise habits. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can lead to poor food choices, skipping meals, and overeating, and may also cause the body to store excess fat—particularly around the abdomen, known as visceral fat (listen to this podcast for more on the dangers of visceral fat). But that’s not all. Stress can disrupt the vagus nerve, a key pathway that affects digestion and appetite. It can also promote emotional overeating and reduce your ability to feel satiety.

Chronic stress is linked to various health problems, including digestive and cardiovascular diseases. However, a new study suggests it can also contribute to weight gain. Researchers found that people who reported higher levels of perceived stress were more likely to be overweight and have more belly fat. This is likely because stress can trigger a behavioral shift to a more Westernized diet—consisting of processed foods, refined sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats—and a drop in physical activity.

Those who experienced more chronic stress in early life had higher rates of abdominal obesity, too. They were also more likely to experience sleep disturbances, which can contribute to a bad diet and poor health outcomes. But there’s good news: Studies have shown that relaxation and other stress-management methods can help people lose weight. In one eight-week trial, patients participated in weekly sessions led by a health professional trained in stress management techniques. The program included progressive muscle relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, and guided visualization. Patients were also given a compact disk with recordings of these exercises and asked to follow them at home once a week. Those who participated in the program were more successful in losing weight than those who didn’t use these techniques.

Other stress-reducing strategies include getting enough sleep, relaxing, and practicing mindfulness meditation. It’s also important to avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can aggravate stress symptoms. And, if your stress level is consistently high, talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage it. They may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy or other treatments to address the root cause of your anxiety and prevent stress-related weight gain.

Often, the emphasis on weight loss is put on diet and exercise, but getting a good night’s sleep can be a very important factor in your success. Studies have shown that those who get enough sleep are more successful at maintaining a healthy body weight.

During sleep, the body releases hormones important in controlling hunger and satiety. Research shows that women who sleep less than six hours a night have increased levels of the hormone ghrelin, which makes you feel hungry; decreased levels of leptin, the appetite-suppressing hormone; and reduced production of growth hormone, all of which can contribute to weight gain and hinder weight loss.

In one study, women who slept only five hours a night gained an average of 5.4 pounds more in 10 years and were 12% more likely to become obese than those who slept seven hours a night. Other similar studies show that women who get the recommended amount of sleep per night have a lower risk for obesity and higher rates of successful weight maintenance.

Head Chiropractic Adjustment and Massage Therapy

Cedric Herb

Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, natural way to alleviate pain and improve health. One common adjustment involves a technique called cervical mobilization. The goal is to relax the muscles and release pressure on the brain. It also aims to increase blood flow to the head. Chiropractic Bentonville AR uses a combination of hands-on manipulation and massage therapy to correct misalignments in the spine.

Cervical Drop Technique

Chiropractors

During a head chiropractic adjustment, your chiropractor will lift up part of the table you are lying on and thrust their hands down. This causes the section to drop, which increases your comfort level and makes the adjustment even more effective quickly. Using a drop piece technique is one of the most common methods of adjusting your spine. This specialist function of the bench allows parts to be raised and then quickly drop away, allowing your chiropractor to perform an adjustment with less force than a traditional chiropractic table.

Before performing an adjustment with the drop piece, your chiropractor will perform a leg check analysis. This will help determine which areas of the body require an adjustment and can lead to a more successful treatment experience overall.

Flexion-Distraction

Flexion-Distraction is an advanced chiropractic technique that helps resolve a variety of conditions. This non-surgical procedure increases spinal motion and reduces pressure on a herniated or bulging disc. During flexion distraction, your doctor stretches and flexes your spine on a segmented table that moves gently as he or she manipulates it. Then, as a section of the table drops slightly, gravity changes the way your body sits and helps realign your spine.

This treatment is great for people with a herniated disc or pinched nerve. It can also help with stiffness and misalignments in the spine caused by osteoarthritis or sciatica. This method is especially effective for patients who are unable to tolerate more aggressive treatments. Studies have shown that flexion-distraction can provide at least 50% pain relief within 30 days, which is faster than most other conservative care options.

Occipital Lift Adjustment

Occipital bones are located in the back of the skull and can get a little misaligned from time to time. This can cause a host of issues from headaches to eye strain. A head chiropractic adjustment is one of the best ways to correct this problem. The main purpose of this treatment is to increase the space between the skull and cervical vertebrae. This increases blood flow and allows swollen blood vessels to drain.

The most dazzling thing about this type of therapy is that it does not involve surgery. It is also the cheapest and most effective way to treat this condition. You should experience significant improvement after just one session. This is a particularly appealing option for patients with occipital neuralgia who are unwilling to shell out the big bucks for surgery or medication. The benefits of this form of treatment include: no risk of infection or scarring, less reliance on medications and improved sleep quality.

Massage

Chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy can work well together to increase the benefits of each treatment. They both can reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote wellness. Chiropractors use massage to release tension in muscles and tendons. They also use it to reduce inflammation, which is linked to many diseases and conditions. During a massage, the therapist focuses on specific areas of the body. They use a combination of strokes, friction, and vibration to relax the muscles.

In addition, massage can increase blood flow and lymph flow. This improves organ function and fluid drainage, helping to keep your immune system strong. People commonly seek out chiropractic and massage to help with neck pain. Tension in the neck can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, sinus issues, sleep disorders and more.