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Water is vital to all aspects of life.

It helps transport nutrients, lubricate joints, regulate body temperature, and provide structure to cells and tissues.

Perhaps interestingly, drinking caffeinated water has become an increasingly popular way to stay hydrated while getting a boost of energy.

While some people claim that caffeine is safe in moderation, others argue that its unhealthy and can lead to dehydration.

This article explains everything you need to know about caffeinated water, including what it is and whether its good for your health.

As the name implies, caffeinated water is water that contains caffeine.

Water doesnt naturally contain caffeine, so manufacturers add it.

Caffeine is a compound that stimulates your bodys central nervous system by increasing brain activity, thereby reducing fatigue and increasing concentration and alertness (1).

Its found naturally in a variety of plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans, kola nuts, yerba mate leaves, and guarana berries. Its also produced synthetically from urea and chloroacetic acid, both of which have the same stimulating effects on your body (2, 3).

Caffeinated water products may contain synthetic or natural caffeine and are available with or without flavors. Most versions are colorless and free of artificial ingredients, sugar, and calories.

That said, some products contain preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate. Thus, if youre avoiding these ingredients, make sure to read the label.

Caffeinated water products range in caffeine content, containing 34125 mg. Plus, theyre sold in cans or bottles that range in size from 1216.9 ounces (355500 ml).

For reference, here is a list of popular caffeine-containing beverages and their caffeine content (4, 5, 6, 7):

If you regularly drink specialty coffee drinks, sweetened teas, and sugar-containing energy and soft drinks, caffeinated waters can be a good alternative to help reduce your intake of added sugars and extra calories while still getting your energy fix.

Caffeinated water is water that has been fortified with caffeine. These products are available in flavored and unflavored varieties and can contain up to 125 mg of caffeine per bottle or can.

Caffeine has long been the subject of controversy, as it may stimulate a modest increase in blood pressure, promote dehydration, and cause various side effects, including restlessness, nervousness, and irritability (1, 8, 9).

However, these effects are only observed when the compound is consumed in high doses or by non-habitual consumers (8, 9, 10).

Studies suggest that healthy adults can safely consume doses of up to 400 mg per day (11, 12, 13).

For pregnant women, no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day is recommended to avoid adverse effects, with some studies suggesting not to exceed 300 mg per day (13, 14).

People with severe anxiety, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or conditions affecting the liver or kidneys may also want to limit their caffeine intake (1).

If youre an otherwise healthy adult, caffeinated waters are likely safe and can promote hydration as long as you dont exceed 400 mg of caffeine per day from all sources, including coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, and dietary supplements.

There are several potential health benefits of consuming caffeine in appropriate amounts.

For example, the beneficial effects of caffeine on exercise performance, mental function, and pain relief are well documented (15, 16, 17, 18).

Whats more, observational studies have linked coffee intake to a reduced risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers (19, 20, 21).

However, these effects may be related to other beneficial compounds such as antioxidants in coffee rather than caffeine. In fact, one study showed that decaffeinated coffee exerted health benefits similar to those of caffeinated varieties (22, 23).

Research suggests that healthy adults can safely consume moderate amounts of caffeine. Therefore, caffeinated waters can be consumed safely, assuming your total daily caffeine intake does not exceed 400 mg.

Though its commonly recommended that you consume at least 8 cups (64 ounces or 1.9 liters) of water per day, there is no universal recommendation regarding how much water you should consume per day.

Your water needs depend on many factors, including where you live, your activity level, diet, body size, and age (24).

As a general guideline, the National Academy of Medicine established the following recommendation for daily water intake from both foods and drinks for adults ages 19 and older (24):

These recommendations are based on the average intake of generally healthy people who are adequately hydrated.

Food accounts for approximately 20% of the recommended total water intake, with beverages like tea, coffee, water, juice, and soda accounting for the remaining 80% (24).

Your water needs depend on where you live, how active you are, what you eat and drink, your body size, and your age.

Caffeinated water is water that has been fortified with caffeine.

The amount of caffeine in these beverages, which come in flavored and unflavored varieties, ranges from 34125 mg per serving.

For healthy adults, drinking caffeinated water is likely safe and can promote hydration as long as you do not exceed 400 mg of caffeine from all sources per day.

If you would like to try caffeinated water, its widely available in stores and online.

Go here to read the rest:
Caffeinated Water: Everything You Need to Know - Healthline

Four in 10 adults in the U.S. have two or more chronic diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While certain conditions and risk factors are beyond ones control, the new year is the perfect time to consider the many lifestyle choices you can make for improved health.

With too many holiday sweets and not enough exercise likely in the rearview mirror, now is the perfect time to consider your personal goals and how you can make positive health choices in the coming year, says American Medical Association (AMA) President Patrice A. Harris, M.D. The good news is that there are a few easy steps you can take that will set you on the right track for a healthier 2020.

To get you started, the AMA is offering 10 wellness tips for the new year:

1. Steps you take now can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn your risk by taking the self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org.

2. Be more physically active. Adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

3. Visit LowerYourHBP.org to better understand blood pressure numbers and take necessary steps to get high blood pressure also known as hypertension -- under control. Doing so will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

4. Reduce your intake of processed foods, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Eat less red meat and processed meats, and add more plant-based foods, such as olive oil, nuts and seeds to your diet. Also reduce your consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and drink more water instead. Drinking sugary beverages -- even 100% fruit juices -- is associated with a higher all-cause mortality risk, a new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests.

5. If your health care professional determines that you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed. Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem and antibiotics will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu.

6. If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans -- up to one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

7. Talk with your doctor about tobacco and e-cigarette use (or vaping) and how to quit. Declare your home and car smoke- and aerosol-free to eliminate secondhand exposure.

8. Pain medication is personal. If youre taking prescription opioids or other medications, follow your doctors instructions. Store them safely to prevent misuse and properly dispose of any leftover medication.

9. Make sure your family is up-to-date on vaccines, including the annual influenza vaccine for everyone age six months or older. If youre pregnant, you can receive the flu vaccine during any trimester, but should receive the Tdap vaccine early in the third trimester to protect yourself against flu and whooping cough.

10. Manage stress. A good diet, sufficient sleep (at least 7.5 hours per night), daily exercise and wellness activities, like yoga and meditation, are key ingredients to maintaining and improving your mental health, but dont hesitate to ask for help from a mental health professional when you need it.

Story courtesy of StatePoint Media

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10 doctor-recommended health tips for the new year - The Oakland Press

The lone wolf captured in James Bay on Sunday was released into the wild of western Vancouver Island on Monday afternoon.

B.C. Conservation officers said they are now confident it is the same wolf that lived on Discovery Island.

Although conservation officers believe the wolf swam to the capital, it is not being released on Discovery Island as it left for a reason the wolf was looking for food or resources, and for the safety of the public and the animal, it was relocated out of the urban environment, said the B.C. Conservation Officer Service on Monday.

READ MORE: James Bay wolf tranquillized by conservation officer

Before being released, the male wolf known as Takaya, was assessed by a provincial wildlife veterinarian on Monday morning.

The wolf had no apparent injuries and is considered healthy and suitable for release.

Reports of a wolf travelling streets of James Bay first appeared on Saturday and were quickly confirmed. The wolf did not show any aggression towards people during its travels through the Victoria neighbourhood.

The wolf was released into a similar coastal habitat that was carefully chosen, in consultation with biologists, to give the wolf the best chance possible, said the release.

Researchers who looked at Takayas scat on Discovery and Chatham Islands (known traditionally as Tlchess with the Songhees people who have lived there thousands of years) found evidence of a diet high in seal meat.

The Conservation Officer Service would like to thank the Victoria Police for their help and assistance, as well as the residents of James Bay for reporting sightings of the wolf, BCCOS said.

READ ALSO: Lone wolf eating seal, howling away on Discovery Island

reporter@oakbaynews.com

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VIDEO: James Bay wolf released into wild of western Vancouver Island - Oak Bay News

One of the few body contouring treatments that has stood the test of time, CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive (e.g. no scalpels, no needles, no breaking of the skin) medical treatment that targets stubborn pockets of fat on the body. So effective is the treatment that ye olde procedures for fat removal, such as liposuction, are barely spoken of anymore.

In under an hour, with barely any pain (for most people), you could sculpt your waist, skim inches off of your thighs, or rid yourself of a double-chin. For Cosmetic Doctor Dr Sophie Shotter, its one of the best treatments for tackling unwanted excess fat. You can achieve beautiful reductions in fat pockets and a more sculpted shape she says, and theres minimal - if any - downtimes, for permanent results.

It sounds almost too good to be true, so how exactly does this 'fat freezing' work?

Dr Galyna Selezneva, a cosmetic doctor and body contouring expert (if there's a new machine, shes heard of it. If it's a good machine, shes tried it), explains: The machine uses technology known as cryolipolysis: controlled cooling applied safely onto the area you want treated that causes underlying fat to freeze and be destroyed.

The best way Dr Selezneva described it to us is to think of your fat cells as grapes or raisins (bear with us here). You don't create or multiply them to gain fat, they just get plumper (grapes). With CoolSculpting, the freezing process kills the targeted cells, so the cell cant become plump anymore and deflates (raisin). Therefore, the fat in the area treated by CoolSculpting is lessened and will reduce in size (raisin!).

Our bodies naturally eliminate the frozen dead fat cells, basically, you pee it out says Selezneva. The results are permanent as your body cannot restore the killed/broken fat cells.

Depending on the area being treated and your pain threshold, CoolSculpting is really comfortable but with a few peaks of ouchyness. The machine (sort of like a hoover), with a specifically-sized nozzle attached to it depending on the area is strapped to you, and the fat is slightly sucked up into it.

It then starts the freezing process, which can feel a bit weird and throbbing, but shouldnt be painful. Youll be attached for around 30-45 minutes, and more than one nozzle can be attached at once (one to each leg, for example).

When the area is frozen it goes numb, however it then needs to defrost again. When ELLE Beauty Editor Jennifer George tried the treatment (on a stubborn pocket of fat on her lower abdomen) this is where the brief but potent pain occurred. Feeling like the nerves are waking up again, there was a strong, almost stinging sensation, like an ice burn. However, this only lasted for about 15 seconds, and the doctor used clever distraction methods (cold towels on the shins to deflect the pain receptors) to make it more bearable. No pain no gain people.

Post-procedure, the area might feel tender for a few days like its bruised. Comfy trousers instead of tight jeans are recommended!

Matteo ScarpelliniImaxtree

Some other fat busting treatments claim to melt, laser or massage fat away. CoolSculpting is one of the only ones that permanently destroys the affected cells.

The area that CoolSculpting is most often used for is the stomach. Both Dr Shotter and Dr Selezneva have the lower abdomen requested the most, closely followed by the pesky double-chin. Its great for areas that you find even the strictest of diet and exercise regimes cant shift, and that muscle tone cant reach through. The arms, love-handles and flanks are also popular.

Sometimes you can spend hours sweating in the gym and weeks dieting and you still cant get rid of that resistant pillow on your tummy says Galyna. With CoolSculpting, you can get rid of it whilst scrolling on your phone, in less that an hour, with barely any downtime and minimal risk to your health!

Post-treatment, you could see changes after about three weeks, with full results showing at around three months. For ELLE Beauty Editor, Jennifer George, she noticed her jeans suddenly zipping up more easily and skirts sitting lower within three months. 12 months later, her stomach remains flatter than it ever was pre-Coolsculpting.

One point to remember is that even though the affected fat cells are permanently destroyed, others in the surrounding areas wont be. So if your diet and exercise is shoddy, dont be surprised if your jeans stop fitting again, as those other cells (near the frozen area or even hidden behind it) expand.

Firstly, CoolSculpting is pricey, more of an investment treatment for sure (prices with Dr Shotter start from 550, with Dr Selezneva from 895). Expensive for a spontaneous treat, aesthetic doctors often see patients working the procedure price into wedding budgets, to help fit into the dream dress.

Also its important to note that, due to the fact that your body reacts unpredictably, the results when treating symmetrical areas (such as the inner thighs, arms or love-handles) can sometimes end up unsymmetrical. Its an art form and if done badly can lead to uneven results warns Dr Shotter, who recommends doing thorough research into your practitioner and their expertise before signing up.

However, with over 5 million people treated with CoolSculpting worldwide, its an almost unbeatable procedure for body contouring, especially when you take into account the pain factor (minimal) and downtime (even more so).

But no aesthetic treatment is without its risks: There are of course possible side effects says Galyna, like bruising, soreness. Some can be more serious, like lumps, burning or numbness. Hence why it is CRUCIAL to go to a reputable clinic and see a medical doctor choose wisely!

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What Is CoolSculpting And Does Fat Freezing Actually Work? - elle.com

1 in 4 UK households have a dog, making them Britain's most popular pet.

However, Gloucestershire Live report that there are over 20 laws that dog owners need to follow.

This includes legislation covering such things as travelling safely with your pets, to dog breeding.

If you are clueless about the latest legislation, we have complied a complete list of laws so you can become a more responsible pet owner.

Here are all the current laws:

The 2006 Animal Welfare Act penalises dog owners for acts of cruelty and neglect. It also forbids mutilation, tail docking, animal fighting and giving pets as prizes.

It also states that owners have a duty of care towards their pet and have to give their animals a suitable environment, a suitable diet, the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns, protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease and consideration of the animals needs to be housed with, or apart from, other animals.

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005

Dog control orders include: Failing to remove dog faeces, not keeping a dog on a lead, not putting and keeping a dog on a lead when directed to do so, permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded and taking more than a specified number of dogs on to land.

This law also applies to stray dog and the The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act means police and local authorities have to pay the consequences if stray dogs breach these orders.

You could be fined up to 1,000 for breaching the orders.

Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014

Since October 2014, Dog Control Orders have been replaced by Public Spaces Protection Orders introduced under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

This prevents dogs being walked in certain protected areas.

Under this act, there will be no legal requirement to advertise PSPO consultations in local newspapers.

The Government has advised in guidance that local authorities consult with dog owners groups such as the Kennel Club prior to introducing Public Spaces Protection Orders.

Dog Control Orders and Public Spaces Protection Orders do not apply in Scotland as the country is covered by different legislation.

Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953

According to this act, your dog must not chase or worry livestock on agricultural land so make sure to keep them on a lead.

If your dog does worry livestock, the farmer is legally allowed to stop them even if this means shooting the dog.

Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare Act) 1999 (applicable in England and Scotland)

Those who breed five or more litters per year must have a licence.

Breeders with fewer litters must also have a licence if they are selling the dogs.

- Not mate a bitch less than 12 months old.

- Not whelp more than six litters from a bitch.

- Not whelp two litters within a 12 month period from the same bitch.

- Keep accurate records.

- Not sell a puppy until it is at least eight weeks of age, other than to a keeper of a licensed pet shop or Scottish rearing establishment.

The act has been updated in Wales in 2015 and states that any breeder in the country who breeds three of more litters within a 12-month period must be licensed.

They must also implement an approved socialisation and enrichment programme for their animals, and not sell their puppies until they are eight weeks old.

The licence holder must also take reasonable steps to protect the dog from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

The Control of Dogs Order 1992

Dogs in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner written or engraved on it; your phone number is optional but advisable.

Some dogs are exempt from the dog tag order, including:

Microchipping

It is now a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Dogs must have a microchip inserted when they are eight weeks of age and registered with an approved database, such as Petlog.

This even applies to pet breeders, who have to microchip the puppies and register themselves as the first keeper of the puppy before giving the dog to its new owner.

Failure to comply with this law will result in a fine of up to 500 in England, Wales and Scotland.

Community Protection Notices and By-laws on noisy animals

If your dog likes to bark through the night, you could expect a hefty fine.

If your dog's barking causes a serious nuisance to neighbours, the local authority can serve a noise abatement notice, or Community Protection Notice; if nothing changes, you could end up paying fines and legal expenses.

Animals Act 1971

If your dog causes damage or chooses someone's belongings as a chew toy, you could be liable.

For peace of mind, get some third party insurance.

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (section 3)

It's a criminal offence to allow your dog to be 'dangerously out of control', which can be defined as a dog that has injured another person or dog.

If someone has reasonable apprehension that a dog may act 'out of control' the owner can still be penalised.

Your dog simply chasing, barking at or jumping up at a person or child could lead to a complaint so ensure they are under control at all times.

If your dog injures someone, it may be seized by the police and you could face fines, compensation costs and even be sentenced to prison or banned from having dogs in the future.

Unless you can persuade the court that your dog is not a danger to the public, the dog may be put down.

Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997

The new and updated 1997 Act removed the mandatory destruction order provisions on banned breeds and reopened the Index of Exempted Dogs which the courts consider would not pose a risk to the public.

The courts were given discretion on sentencing, with only courts able to direct that a dog be placed on the list of exempted dogs.

Dogs breeds that are banned under the Dangerous Dog Act include:

Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014

The government updated and changed their Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing act was introduced to:

- Cover incidents that take place on private property (as well as in public places).

- Remove the mandatory requirement for police to seize and kennel prohibited dogs which they do not consider to be of risk to the public.

- Introduce Control Orders to prevent incidences of dog aggression.

2012Pet Travel Scheme

Under this act, the UK harmonised its pet travel rules with the rest of the European Union (EU) to make it easier for pet travel.

When travelling within the EU or non-EU listed country, a pet owner must ensure that their dog has:

There are also laws for anyone travelling to the UK or EU from another country, which include:

However, owners do not have to wait for three months if their pets were vaccinated, blood tested and given a pet passport for the EU before travelling to an unlisted country.

Non-Commercial transportation of pets

Back in 2010, the European Commission were concerned that puppy dealers and illegal pet sellers were disguising non-commercial transport of pets and transportation of commercial pets.

To tackle this issue, a new regulation means that transportation of pets are to be limited to five per person, unless they are taking part in a competition, show or sporting event.

If the pets are to take part in a sporting event, they will need specific health certificates issued by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency.

These certificates must be issued by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency within 10 days of the travel date.

In order to complete the certificate, the veterinarian will require:

The certificate is valid for four months or until the date of expiry of the anti-rabies vaccination.

The pet will also require a valid passport and The health certificate is not evidence in its own right that the animals meet these rules.

The Road Traffic Act 1988

Road trips with your four-legged friend can be a lot of fun, but only if they travel safely.

Dogs travelling in vehicles should not be a nuisance or in any way distract the driver during a journey.

Similarly, if a dog is injured during a car accident the driver must stop and give their details to the person in charge of the dog.

If no-one is in charge of the dog, the incident must be reported to the police within 24 hours.

Were you aware of these dog legislations?

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Laws that all dog owners need to know - Grimsby Live

A care home in Blackburn has been placed in 'special measures' after being rated as 'inadequate' following a recent Care Quality Commission report.

Linden House Care Home, located on Delph Lane off Shadsworth Road, was inspected by the independent regulator of health and social care in England on December 16 - 17, 2019.

The home, spread across a single storey property, provides support for people needing residential or dementia care.

After visiting the establishment in an unannounced inspection, the CQC published the report on January 23, 2020.

The report is broken down into five categories, each are ranked as outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.

Linden House Care Home was rated as 'requires improvement' for being effect, caring and responsive.

It was ranked as 'inadequate' for being safe and well-led.

As a result, the overall rating of 'inadequate' was given.

On inspection, the CQC found that medicines were not managed safely and that they couldn't be sure people received their medication when they should.

The report read: "Medicines were not managed safely. Staff had completed training in medicines administration however, some staff had done this in 2016 or 2017 without any refresher training. Competency assessments had been carried out, however these were done using the previous medicines system not the one in use.

"We observed medicines administration on both days of our inspection. We found on five occasions keys were left in the medicines trolley, unattended. We also observed the person administering medicines to be frequently distracted by staff and people using the service.

"We could not be sure people were always receiving their medicines when they should. For example, one person had too many tablets in stock of a certain medicine. Another person should have commenced a prescribed cream however, records showed this had been missed on two occasions. We also found missing signatures on some medicine administration records (MARs) and topical cream charts."

Risks were not always assessed, monitored or managed safely and effectively. The registered manager failed to appropriately manage the risks associated with a person bringing illicit substances into the service.

Staff had not always been trained in moving and handling techniques, placing people at risk of incorrect procedures, and staff were not always trained in fire safety or health and safety.

Inspectors also found that accidents and incidents were not sufficiently recorded or investigated.

Recruitment systems and processes were not always safe, with some application forms not always completed in full and the registered manager was not following internal policies and procedures when recruiting staff.

The report stated that people and relatives told inspectors that there were not enough staff on duty most of the time, with some patients reportedly having to wait an hour to for support to go to the toilet.

One comment included: "[Name of another service user] needs support to go to the toilet and sometimes they have to wait half an hour or an hour."

Looking at infection control, systems and processes were not always in place.

The report added: "Effective infection control systems and processes were not always in place. For example, both sluice's did not have hand soap available, foot operated bins were not always in place and paper towels were not always available. However, in the main the service was clean. Staff were wearing personal protective equipment, which they told us was always available.

"Soiled and clean linen was not always suitably handled. For example, clean clothes were on hangers, placed outside people's bedrooms but touching the floor and folded clothes placed on the floor. Soiled linen was being soaked in a bucket placed in the sink in the laundry. There were no paper towels in the laundry."

The inspection found that people were protected from risk of abuse with policies and procedures in place to guide staff. People and their relatives also told inspectors they were safe from abuse and that records showed the majority of staff had recently completed safeguarding training.

The home was praised for service users maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, along with reciving a five star rating from the Food Hygiene Rating Sceheme.

People told the CQC: "The food has improved. It is very nice; mostly hot, tasty and decent portions" and "The food is very good. We have pizza and tuna pasta bake. It is always hot and tasty."

Following the inspection, the CQC said it will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress, and will return to re-inspect the premises.

The report read: "We will request an action plan for the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.

"The overall rating for this service is 'Inadequate' and the service is therefore in 'special measures'. This means we will keep the service under review and, if we do not propose to cancel the provider's registration, we will re-inspect within 6 months to check for significant improvements."

A spokesperson for Linden House Care Home told LancsLive: "We are working with the CQC, we have addressed most of the concerns. We are working to get things better."

Go here to read the rest:
Catalogue of issues as Blackburn care home placed in special measures after inspection - LancsLive

The Pitt Prescription is a bi-weekly blog where student pharmacist and Senior Staff Writer Elizabeth Donnelly provides tips on how to stay healthy in college. This edition was reviewed by Karen S. Pater, PharmD, CDCES, BCACP.'

I was scrolling through the popular app TikTok the other day when I came upon a video showing hacks to get rid of blackheads. As I watched the video, I saw a girl steaming her face to open her pores and then using a floss pick to scrape her nose to get rid of blackheads, neither of which do anything to help the skin. The video is one of many hacks on social media that claim to help with acne. Many of these videos have tips that arent actually effective or could even be damaging to your skin. Acne is a complex condition, and its treatment is not as simple as just scraping it off your face.

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that can affect people of all ages, but it is typically associated with teens and young adults. It is commonly seen on the face but can also appear on the chest, back, shoulders and neck because these areas have the most oil glands (medically referred to as sebaceous glands). Acne presents as pimples and/or lesions brought on by inflammation of hair follicles and skin glands. In some instances, it can lead to scarring of the skin.

Mild cases of acne produce common pimples known as whiteheads and blackheads. The distinction between them depends on the pore. Whiteheads form when a pore is clogged and the follicle closes around the dirt inside of the pore, whereas blackheads form when the follicle stays open. Pimples are not the only aspect of acne, however. Other marks include papules (small, inflamed and tender bumps), nodules (large, painful bumps deep in the skin) and cysts (deep pus-filled bumps under the surface of the skin).

Causes of acne

There are four main causes associated with acne: excessive oil production, clogged hair follicles, bacteria and an excess of hormones (typically androgens). According to the FDA, there is no way to prevent the formation of acne it is not caused by bad hygiene, sweating, chocolate or poor diet, despite common belief. However, acne can be triggered or worsened by these factors as well as by hormone imbalances, stress and certain medications (like corticosteroids or birth control).

Risk factors also play a role in acne formation: age, hormones, family history, oily cosmetic use and stress can affect an acne flare-up. Teenagers are most likely to get acne due to puberty and hormonal changes that occur with it. While acne isnt necessarily genetic, it is more likely that someone will develop acne if both their parents also experienced it. People who use oily cosmetics or have a job where their skin is exposed to grease also have a higher risk of getting clogged pores. Finally, stress can worsen already existing acne, but it does not cause it, which is a commonly spread myth.

Treatment of acne

Acne is not a condition that can be treated by washing the skin with simple soap and water. To properly treat acne, you need medicated soaps or other products aimed specifically towards targeting and treating its causes.

Medical treatments

If OTC products or home remedies dont seem to help, more intense treatment options are available. Dermatologists are the skincare experts of the medical world, so if you have persistent moderate to severe acne, you may consider booking an appointment with an expert.

There are different routes that dermatologists take when treating acne. The first is topical treatment (which is used for the majority of cases). Depending on the main cause of the acne, topical medicine may contain antibiotics, a retinoid (like adapalene) or benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid stronger than available OTC. Different active ingredients target different causes of acne, with some killing bacteria and others targeting over-production of oil.

Common topical products

Neutrogena Acne Mask topical benzoyl peroxide (OTC)

Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication maximum OTC strength topical benzoyl peroxide treatment (OTC)

Stridex topical salicylic acid pads available in 0.5%, 1% or 2% strengths (OTC)

Differin the brand version of adapalene gel (OTC and prescribed formulations)

Epiduo a combination topical gel containing adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (prescribed)

Other treatments

In addition to topical treatments, there are oral options available for more severe cases of acne, often involving cysts and nodules. Oral antibiotics like erythromycin and clindamycin, birth control pills (for women) and isotretinoin (Accutane used as a last resort due to its potential for severe side effects) are common medications prescribed for acne. It is important to note and report any side effects that begin after taking acne medications so your doctor can determine if a different treatment should be pursued.

Another route of treatment is to have a procedure done. These treatments can range from laser therapy to chemical peels or drainages.

Home treatments

There are a lot of home remedies out there on the internet that promise miraculous results if you follow their instructions or buy their products. It is important to be aware that there is a lot of false information online, and you should only try home solutions after speaking with a doctor or local pharmacist as all acne is different.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are some tips that you can safely carry out at home. These tips come from practicing dermatologists and likely will not clear acne completely, but may help reduce it.

Mild acne can be treated with medicated soaps found at many drugstores. Products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as the active ingredients may clear mild acne anywhere from four to eight weeks after beginning use of the product. These active ingredients may potentially cause excessive drying and redness or irritation of the skin, so it is always best to test them out before using them long term and to learn how to care for your dry skin.

Another common OTC treatment for acne is adapalene (seen in brands like Differin and Proactiv). It is a topical gel typically applied once daily at bedtime. This treatment is a good solution for controlling acne, but it does not cure it and may take up to 12 weeks to become effective.

While acne is often not a serious or life-threatening condition, it can cause self-esteem issues or discomfort. There are many treatment options available both OTC and prescribed. When looking at OTC solutions, it is always best to refer to a health-care professional, like a pharmacist, before buying a product so you can find the best fit for your individual condition.

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The Pitt Prescription: All about acne - University of Pittsburgh The Pitt News