Datasets:

Kabatubare

/

medical-guanaco-3000

like 3

### Human:\nwhy is my total cholesterol number less important than my ldl (bad) cholesterol number?\n\n### Assistant: traditionally physicians looked at the total cholesterol and have told patients that if it is greater than 200mg/dl it is bad and less than 200mg/dl it is good. they have mistakenly believed that the total cholesterol number is the goal of therapy. thus it has become pretty much dogma that patients memorize their total cholesterol number so they can compare it with friends or tell their doctor. surprisingly lowering one’s total cholesterol is not even mentioned by the national cholesterol education panel (ncep) atp iii as a goal of cholesterol management. the national heart lung and blood institute (nhlbi) launched the national cholesterol education program (ncep) in november 1985. the goal of the ncep is to reduce illness and death from coronary heart disease (chd) in the united states by reducing the percent of americans with high blood cholesterol. in 1988 the first guidelines from the first adult treatment panel of ncep which was called ncep atp i were published. since that time many studies were published and guidelines have been updated. atp ii was published in 1993 and atp iii issued an evidence-based set of guidelines on cholesterol management in 2001. since this publication five major clinical trials of statin therapy were published and addressed issues that were not examined in previous clinical trials of cholesterol-lowering therapy. thus in 2004 an atp iii addendum was published with revised guidelines. these guidelines are currently used by physicians to treat high cholesterol levels. the next set of guidelines called atp iv are scheduled to be published in the fall of 2011. although physicians still talk about total cholesterol levels all the atps have lowering ldl cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) as the primary target of therapy and have never once mentioned total cholesterol! the truth is that prior to atp i based on the data from the famous mrfit trial it was shown that those patients with a total cholesterol greater than 200mg/dl were at increased risk of a cardiovascular event and those with a level less than 200mg/dl at a lower risk. apparently in the evolution of understanding lipid management and therapy it was incorrectly stated that a magic cholesterol level of 200mg/dl or less was the goal of therapy.

### Human:\nnow that i'm in my 40's why does my scalp become so much drier after i shampoo it?\n\n### Assistant: as we age the sebum production in our skin and our scalp declines. this can be a welcoming change for some -- less shampooing less acne or less seborrheic dermatitis. but the dryness is the tradeoff. some patients apply scalp moisturizers such as tea tree or olive oils to help relieve the dryness.

### Human:\nwhat can i use to cover “pregnancy mask? ”\n\n### Assistant: for immediate cover try using oil-free waterproof concealer that is dermatologically tested for sensitive skin and will cover hyperpigmentation burn scars tattoos and pimples without causing breakouts or irritation. in addition you should implement a treatment protocol for pregnancy mask known medically as melasma by your dermatologist.

### Human:\nmy 6mth old weighs only 12. 8 lbs and has had diarrhea for 3 weeks what tests could be done to help determine the cause. after the first week i took her to the doctor and they diagnosed her with ear infections. she started augmentin a week later i took her back because she was still having diarrhea and loss of apetite and fevers ranging from 99. 0 - 102. 7 rectally. her wbc was 9. 5 and they said it was probably a virus. now another week has passed and she isn't better. no fevers that i have noticed but she is having watery bowel movements about 6 times a day and is only eating about 16 oz of formula a day.\n\n### Assistant: first off you want to check for signs of dehydration including fewer wet diapers less play sunken eyes sunken fontanelle (soft spot on baby's head) loss of skin turgor and dry mucous membranes. the fact that your baby isn't eating enough for adequate growth is another consideration. six months is also the time to start solids which is important for development and nutrition. this webmd article discusses various causes of diarrhea in babies. i would contact your doctor to find out if he or she wants you to come back in or get referred to a gastroenterologist. i think your gut is saying something isn't right -- and that is very important in my book. there may be a chance that your baby is intolerant to lactose. i would take her to the doctor and demand action. for the moment you could feed your baby cooled boiled water to ensure that she is receiving enough fluid the body can cope better without food than it can without fluid. i hope you find this useful and i hope your baby feels better soon.

### Human:\nwill radio stations accept cover songs? . justin bieber's love yourself! ed sheeran cowrote this one too! loved this song since the first time i heard it. knew i had to do my own version. enjoy. you all have been asking me to do music so make sure you give it a big thumbs up share and subscribe: <link> twitter: <link> instagram: <link> <link>\n\n### Assistant: please. please. refrain from using webmd medical sites for your advertising. your inappropriate postings take up valuable space for people seeking answers to their medical concerns. be respectful.

### Human:\nwhat are aging spots?\n\n### Assistant: aging spots or solar lentigos primarily result from sun damage. age spots have also been mislabeled as liver spots. (they do not have any correlation with liver disease. ) the majority of age spots are benign (noncancerous). if you notice any changes in the border color or diameter of any lesions on your skin you should be evaluated by your dermatologist.

### Human:\nif i have some miralax that is expired would it be a safe to give it to anyone?\n\n### Assistant: expiration dates are printed on the medication container for a reason. i would advise you not to use this medication since the expiration date has passed. medications can change effectiveness. and you wouldn’t know how to supplement the dose to make it accurate. some medications can become “sour” after they expire. and you wouldn’t want to become sick from taking an expired medication. i would dispose of expired medication with a local pharmacy through a local drug take-back program (check with your local police department) or through proper disposal at home. to dispose of medication at home mix drugs (crush first if in tablet form) with an undesirable substance such as cat litter or used coffee grounds and place in a plastic sandwich bag. seal the bag and double bag to prevent leakage. throw the bag in the trash keeping it out of reach of children and animals. do not flush medication down the toilet or pour it into a drain.

### Human:\nshould i be applying moisturizer to my neck? will that help to prevent neck lines as i age?\n\n### Assistant: neck lines and sagging neck are common complaints. most patients ignore their necks until they notice how aged their necks look. the neck skin is fragile and requires more moisture than the face. just like you moisturize your face you should be moisturizing you neck. you’ll be glad that you did.

### Human:\ni am a woman of color with acne scars. what can i use to help remove the scars that are left from acne flare-ups?\n\n### Assistant: post-acne scars can leave a variety of changes to your skin including hyperpigmentation and pitting. people of color are especially prone to have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or dark marks after acne flare-ups. your physician should implement a program that uses a combination of salicylic acids (to penetrate the dark marks) and brightening agents to improve the color. you physician can prescribe prescription-grade formulations. i can suggest you to use some natural products for the problem you are facing because i also face the problem and by a friend's suggestion i got to use these products. oil extracted from pure ingredients and no other chemicals added. tamanu oil which is made out of the tamanu tree especially located in vanuatu is the perfect solution. hope you can go through it and have a positive result.

### Human:\nwhat is typhus?\n\n### Assistant: typhus refers to a family of diseases spread through the bites of lice fleas ticks and other insects. there are several versions of typhus which are very different diseases: epidemic typhus is rare worldwide today and extremely rare in the u. s. in this country flying squirrels can carry the louse that transmits epidemic typhus. infection in people is almost unheard of. scrub typhus is an ongoing problem in asia and part of australia. people catch scrub typhus through the bite of a chigger which injects a tiny mite that carries bacteria that cause the illness. murine typhus is spread by fleas carried on rats and is present in the u. s. it’s possible for outdoor pets (cats and dogs) to encounter those fleas and bring them inside. murine typhus might occur regularly in texas and california; the exact rate isn’t known. common symptoms of typhus include: fever headache rapid breathing muscle aches rash if untreated epidemic and scrub typhus can be severe or life-threatening. murine typhus is almost always mild and goes away on its own; it may go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed as a viral infection. if you live in the u. s. typhus should be near the bottom of the list of health threats to worry about. avoiding rats and keeping pets indoors and treated against fleas and ticks should almost eliminate the risk of serious illness. typhus is usually curable with antibiotics once it is recognized or suspected. people traveling to parts of asia where scrub typhus is widespread may benefit from taking antibiotics for prevention.

### Human:\ni've been dealing with seborrheic dermatitis for about a year. how can i further control and prevent it?\n\n### Assistant: seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be a combination of over-production of oil glands and yeast on the skin's surface. unfortunately seborrheic dermatitis can be a lifelong problem characterized by prolonged inactive periods and flare-ups. if you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis consider using selenium- or ketoconazole-containing shampoos at least once per week. when you wash your hair also apply a small amount of the shampoo on the problematic areas on your face and then rinse your hair and face simultaneously. over-the-counter corticosteroids will control minor flare-ups. more severe reactions should be evaluated by your dermatologist.

### Human:\nwhat drugs have a negative effect on the skin's ability to tan?\n\n### Assistant: tanning is not a medically recommended habit. if a tanned appearance is important to you look into using self-tanning products. there isn’t a drug that will block your tan. however there are plenty of medications that can accelerate or increase the risk of burning.

### Human:\nhow do you prevent freckles and dark patches or age spots on the face?\n\n### Assistant: avoid direct sunlight between the peak hours 11 a. m. to 2 p. m. sunblock is probably your best approach to avoid premature aging and dark spots. your skin regimen should include steps to exfoliate and get rid of dead skin cells hydrate and rejuvenate with natural amino acids or peptides.

### Human:\nare anti-wrinkle products sold over-the-counter effective?\n\n### Assistant: yes some anti-wrinkle products sold over the counter are effective. the ingredients that make your skin look more beautiful can be expensive but they don't have to be. look for products that contain antioxidant vitamins a (retinol) c and e; scientifically and clinically these antioxidants help stop free-radical damage that leads to fine lines and wrinkles. also ingredients such as matrixyl 3000 a peptide contribute to the production of collagen and elastin. they can plump up the skin matrix and actually make the skin visibly look younger. other ingredients such as licorice extract and niacin can help fight age spots that lead to uneven skin tone. the problem is finding the products that have the above ingredients in the right concentration to produce results. the longstanding results are definitely noticeable. it typically takes at least two to four weeks before you begin to see results so remember to wear sunscreen and start now!

### Human:\nwhat can be done about crepe-like skin after weight loss?\n\n### Assistant: loose skin after weight loss can be a very challenging issue. following major weight loss your skin may have lost a significant amount of elasticity. in addition certain weight loss procedures may lead to changes in the ability to absorb certain nutrients such as folate vitamin b12 and iron which may have a profound impact on the viability of your skin.

### Human:\nhow do you erase age spots on the face at the age of 65?\n\n### Assistant: your first step is to make sure that the "age spot" is not an early skin cancer. once this is excluded your dermatologist can prescribe a combination of exfoliating agents and brightening compounds that may contain hydroquinone bearberry or kojic acid to even your skin tone.

### Human:\nwhat can i do to naturally reduce my very deep laugh lines and forehead wrinkles?\n\n### Assistant: unfortunately there is no easy or "natural" solution for deep laugh lines and forehead wrinkles. you may start with topical retinoid creams which are vitamin a derivatives. you can get them from your dermatologist or over the counter as "retinol" creams. however your best results may be obtained with botulinum toxin injections and/or laser skin resurfacing.

### Human:\ni have frequent constipation feeling bloated and have bowel movements around 4-5 days on average. large-hard stools. that are difficult to pass and i'm asking now because it's been getting worse the past year or so and effecting my every-day life. <negative_smiley> what should i do? are probiotic supplements a solution?\n\n### Assistant: any sudden changes in bowels should be checked out by a healthcare provider. here are some things you can do in the meantime: increase fiber: gradually increase fruits vegetables whole grains and beans/legumes. these foods contain fiber that help with constipation. it's recommended women (19-50) get 25g of fiber daily and for men (19-50) it's 38g. see getting enough fiber. stay hydrated: while increasing fiber make sure you get enough water. when you are dehydrated water is reabsorbed from stool resulting in hard stools. keep active: regular activity also helps relieve constipation. walking dancing and hiking are just a few ideas to keep your body moving. add fermented foods: look for ways to increase foods with probiotics such as yogurt kefir and probioitc drinks. adding a probiotic may help but the research is not clear on this. see probiotics and digestive health. manage stress better: anxiety worry and stress can all affect your gi tract. working on healthy ways to handle daily stressors can help! see stress management.

### Human:\ni take metformin lisinopril and hctz. could they be causing white skin blotches and itching when i'm in the sun?\n\n### Assistant: some of your medications can cause you to be a bit sun-sensitive. this means that you may want to reduce the amount of sun you are exposed to and use a higher spf reapplying it every 1-2 hours you spend in the sun.

### Human:\ni’ve noticed that the skin inside my mouth is peeling. what could be causing this?\n\n### Assistant: skin peeling can be caused by food drink mouthwash reflux medicinal side effects trauma burning aspirin and a host of other possibilities. see your local dentist for an evaluation.

### Human:\nwhat's the best kind of moisturizer to use with oily skin?\n\n### Assistant: you should use moisturizers that are non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging). for individuals with oily skin the use of products that clog pores may lead to increased oil production. oily skin needs special cleansing with plenty of warm water and soap to prevent the pores from being clogged. avoid harsh products that strip your skin of oil and encourage flakiness. they can cause a reaction known as reactive seborrhea where the oil glands work overtime to compensate for the loss of natural oils. avoid skin-care products that leave your skin feeling taut and dehydrated. they cause the upper layers of the skin to shrink. this restricts oil flow through the pores leading to blockages and breakouts.

### Human:\ndespite regular cardio exercise and eating healthy i can't seem to lose weight? . okay maybe i can't lose weight is misleading but i am losing muscle and gaining fat. my exercise includes running for an hour at least four times a week for over a month and eating includes eating salads eggs fruits and white meats like chicken (and none of the junk i won't even allow myself cheat days). in spite of the fact that i have lost 20lbs i don't look any thinner. in fact i've gained fat and it's becoming increasingly harder to continue keep the same running time and pace.\n\n### Assistant: it sounds like you are losing weight and your body is changing. here are some tips that might help: consider working with a certified personal trainer to help you incorporate strength training exercises to help build muscle while monitoring your body fat. try yoga as another way to build muscle mass. eat some protein with small amounts of carbohydrate after working out to help stimulate muscle growth (e. g. protein bar peanut butter on whole wheat toast greek yogurt with almonds). see this article for more on what to eat before and after workouts eat balanced meals which includes all the food groups -- fruit vegetables healthy fats whole grains low fat dairy and lean protein. a registered dietitian can help you develop an eating plan that helps you lose weight in a healthy way. to find one go to eatright. org even though it's hard try to be patient. it takes time to find a healthy lifestyle that works for you. get the support you need! i would suggest you visit this site - how to get ripped. there you can find a customized nutrition and weight training plan based on details you fill in. like age weight height metabolism and body type. you can also read my story it contains information about my struggle. meybe you will find it heplful. good luck the body responds to what is known as the said principle. specific adaptations to imposed demands. when you look at marathon runners they are generally thin but actually have a higher body fat % than sprinters. this is an adaptation when you run for long periods your body needs energy. if your exercise program has no variation your body adapts and begins to hold on to it's fat so that it has energy stores to be used during long runs. running/cardio is fine but mix in resistance training. muscle burns more calories than fat. this doesn't mean you will get bulky if that's a concern but by activating more muscle fibers your body will burn more calories helping to lose weight. circuit training can be a useful tool for this you will burn a lot of calories your heart rate will get up and you will increase muscle. the key is variation most personal trainers or at least good ones progress your workout through different stages to keep your body adapting. using simple tools like exercise selection # of sets # of reps time of rest in between can all help. one final piece of advice most supplements out there are junk. don't waste your money on false promises. a registered dietician can help you with meal planning if you need it. hope this helps if anyone want to loose the weight than exercise is the best way for him/her to losse the weight or to maintain the body. but in this busy life sometimes we wont get the time to do the workout or jogging etc. many people are asking here that without doing exercise we can loose the weight. there are many ways through which you can loose the weight one of the way to loose the weight is eat healthy and fresh food drink the healthy tea like green tea. green tea benefits-it is healthy tea it helps one for lossing weight is also helps to cure from diseases. so i think now you know that without doing the exercise you can also loose your weight by maintaining your diets by taking healthy food. you may be losing inches! not just lowering your number on the scale! <positive_smiley>

### Human:\nwhat's the best way to shave my face?\n\n### Assistant: most men shave their face on a daily basis; here are a few tips for a more comfortable shave. the best time to shave is after you shower. the warm water allows the pores to open and also softens facial hair before shaving. always apply a shaving cream or shave gel to prepare your skin before shaving. using a shave brush (natural bristles are best) instead of your hands is the best way to apply your shaving cream. a shaving brush will help your whiskers to stand up and will result in a closer shave; using your hands will actually push the hair down. as you shave go with the grain not against it. this will help to prevent hair bumps from forming. the top layer of skin is exfoliated as you shave; therefore it is important to moisturize your skin after you shave. this will replace any moisture that was taken away during shaving. it is best to use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful uv rays.

### Human:\nwhat is the single best thing i can do to keep my skin’s youthful appearance?\n\n### Assistant: the single most important step to keep your skin youthful is to avoid the sun. use sunscreen with antioxidant vitamins and wear protective clothing and coverings.

### Human:\nis it safe to have intercourse with my husband while he is taking cytoxan?\n\n### Assistant: it is safe to have intercourse with your husband while he is taking cytoxan which is a chemotherapy agent. this medication works by slowing or stopping cell growth. however since this drug can be absorbed through the skin women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle or break the tablets of this medication. so you should be cautious if and when you are handling your husband’s prescription bottle or tablets.

### Human:\nwhat could be causing my scalp to suddenly become dry and flaky?\n\n### Assistant: to figure this out first look at what type of hair products you are using. certain shampoos can be harsh or drying to the scalp. try switching to a shampoo that is marketed for dry hair or one that claims to add moisture to your hair. if this doesn't help you may need to see your local dermatologist to have your scalp examined for psoriasis seborrhea or another form of scalp dermatitis. a biopsy may be necessary to fully understand what's going on.

### Human:\nlast winter my skin started to get excessively dry and crack overnight. this year it's back. what can i do?\n\n### Assistant: dry skin is a frustrating condition and winter makes it even worse. if you have a moisturizer that does not burn then you should stick with that. here are a few more dry skin tips for winter: * take warm showers not hot. when possible rinse in cooler water. this helps your skin to not over-respond to the hot water by becoming more dry and red. * after showering washing your face or hands be sure to dry your skin completely with a dry towel. i'm not sure why this is but we tend to only partially dry our hands during the winter and this will contribute to the development of really dry skin that is prone to cracking and breaking. * use a humidifier in your room. winter air is dry and your skin suffers from this. raising the humidity in your home will help your overall symptoms. * obviously you want to stay well hydrated so drink plenty of water and water-containing beverages eat fruit and vegetables. stay away from caffeine and alcohol because they dehydrate you.

### Human:\nhow can i protect my skin from dryness this winter?\n\n### Assistant: you can protect your skin from dryness this winter by using a mild cleanser and a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. use a humidifier at night.

### Human:\ni have itchy bumps on my forearms and hands that look like poison ivy but they don't ooze. what could it could be?\n\n### Assistant: if this is a new condition it could be a contact dermatitis. this means that your skin is reacting to something it has come into contact with that has irritated that portion of your skin. while it might not be poison ivy you could have a sensitivity to something else. see if you can go back and figure out what might have set off this skin condition. in the meantime keep it clean and dry. apply a small amount of over the counter cortisone cream to see if that helps the itching.

### Human:\nhow can i treat adult acne?\n\n### Assistant: acne is not caused by dirty skin or by eating sweet or fried foods. acne is caused by hormones; specifically the male hormones called androgens. the worst cases of acne are usually experienced during puberty a time when hormones are fluctuating wildly. one would think that as you age you would no longer have issues with acne. however women are especially prone to adult hormonal acne because your androgen levels fluctuate with your monthly cycle. other women have serious problems with androgens and suffer from a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome. the women who suffer from adult hormonal acne have breakouts mainly around their chin and lips. this form of acne typically beings after age 25 and can plague a women throughout the course of her life. this becomes even worse as she becomes peri-menopausal and menopausal because her female hormones are decreasing allowing the male hormones to have a greater affect on her skin. keeping your face clean is a good beginning and you may want to turn to some of the many acne medications on the market but be aware that these are formulated for severe teen acne and will be very strong. if you wish to try these formulations try them only every two or three days rather than on a daily basis. use just a small amount and only directly on the lesions rather on your entire face. watch what you put on your face. steer clear of makeup and skin moisturizers that contain butyl stearate lanolin lauryl alcohol oleic acid vegetable butters oils and waxes. if over-the-counter acne solutions don't work for you you should make an appointment with your dermatologist. there are prescription medications that can be very helpful to you.

### Human:\nhow long does a fractured finger take to heal? . i fell 1 1/2 months ago and injured my middle finger by jamming it into a stone step. initially within 24 hours it swelled to the point that my skin felt like it was burning i iced it and toke nsaids. i am now for the past 2 1/2 weeks wearing a splint 24/7 on my finger. how long should i expect for it to heal?\n\n### Assistant: how do you know you fractured your finger. the only way to know is with an x-ray. if you had a "displaced" fracture where the bone ends are not lined up correctly or you had ligament and tendon injury (not uncommon) it can take a while to heal. you have waited and self-treated long enough. it is time for you to see a medical professional or orthopedist and at least have an x-ray and a good examination.

### Human:\nis a vegetarian diet efficient for weight loss? or a diet that limits meats? . 1. is a vegetarian diet efficient for weight loss? . 2. what about a diet that restricts the quantity of meat or that only allows quality (lean) meat? . 3. does lean meat only mean fish? . . thank you\n\n### Assistant: the only way to lose weight is to take in fewer calories than you burn. a vegetarian diet doesn’t necessarily mean you will lose weight. a lot of very fattening foods are vegetarian such as desserts french fries candy and snack bars. usually deciding to be a vegetarian is more about a philosophy than losing weight. the basics of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight are the same for vegetarians and nonvegetarians; you need to count your calories and exercise. lean meats are healthier and lower in calories than meats that are fatty. talk to the butcher in your grocery store about which are the leaner meats. beef that is labeled prime choice or select is usually lower in fat. leaner cuts of beef include tenderloin round and sirloin. ground beef for hamburgers will have the percentage of lean meat on the label so choose those with 90% or higher lean meat. for chicken buy the white meat from the breast and take off the skin. fish is another great alternative to lean meats to get high quality protein. cod flounder haddock salmon tilapia trout and tuna are excellent choices. seafood is another alternative and includes shrimp scallops lobster and crab. the best diet is one that you can stick with. limiting your food choices isn’t necessary to lose weight. take the good from each diet plan. try to include dried beans used in vegetarian diets into several meals per week. they are a great source of protein and are loaded with fiber. put yourself on an exercise plan to help with weight loss. remember that losing weight slowly is healthier. learning to eat healthy is a lifestyle change and it doesn’t happen overnight.

### Human:\ni’m 34 and need to get rid of bad wrinkles around my eyes. they look shaggy and red. how can i look younger?\n\n### Assistant: most women want to look younger. at age 34 you are young and too young for wrinkles of the type you describe. the red shaggy description suggests there may be other skin concerns that you should consider. you owe yourself a trip to the dermatologist. let them evaluate you and make sure you have not developed an allergic reaction an infection atopic dermatitis or any other kind of skin condition. after you address any underlying skin issues you'll probably look healthier and younger. use sunscreen and a moisturizer that contains vitamins c e and a. also be sure to exfoliate in order to maintain a more youthful appearance.

### Human:\nwhat type of sunscreen can i use over makeup?\n\n### Assistant: the skin cancer foundation advises people to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an spf of at least 15 (i prefer spf 30). put on your sunscreen prior to applying your makeup. use products containing zinc oxide avobenzone (parsol 1789) or ecamsule (mexoryl) combined with octocrylene and avobenzone that will complement your makeup and provide broad-spectrum sun protection.

### Human:\nhow can i heal anal fishers\n\n### Assistant: anal fissures are cracks in the skin and anal membrane. most will heal spontaneously unless they are being re-opened when you have a bowel movement. taking a stool softener will help. use toilet tissue carefully or use water in a shower to clean after a bowel movement. taking sitz baths will also help and perhaps applying an antibiotic ointment if the area is red and seems infected. long-standing or large fissures may require medical a medical exam and further intervention.

### Human:\ncan any foods help stimulate collagen development for my skin?\n\n### Assistant: yes. foods that are rich in vitamin c help build collagen. these include various citrus foods such oranges limes and lemons. anthocyanin is also helpful and can be found in dark berries such as blueberries blackberries cherries and raspberries. also consider adding more red vegetables to your diet such as red peppers beets and tomatoes which are all high in lycopene.

### Human:\ni had maxillofacial surgery and have metal plates in my face. can i receive laser hair removal on my chin and lip area?\n\n### Assistant: your prior history should be taken in to account. a thorough exam of your face by your maxillofacial surgeon should exclude any potential problems (infection or loose plates) below your skin surface. once this information is determined you should be able to proceed with laser hair removal. for extra caution first laser only a small test area.

### Human:\nwhat is the cure for dry skin?\n\n### Assistant: dry skin can be attributed to a variety of skin disorders such as eczema rosacea or psoriasis. medical problems such as thyroid disease kidney disease liver disease and certain connective tissue diseases may also contribute to dry skin. your first approach is to exclude any potential medical causes with your physician. if your dry skin is not related to an underlying medical cause then your skin regimen needs to include moisturizers that contain health-rebuilding compounds such as vitamin a c e peptides or hyaluronic acid.

### Human:\nwhat is the difference between healthy and unhealthy fat?\n\n### Assistant: most food contains several kinds of fat and some are better for you than others. some fat is needed in your diet so it’s not a good idea to completely eliminate all fat. instead choose foods with healthier fats and enjoy them in moderation. unhealthy fats include saturated and trans fats (also called partially hydrogenated fats). sources of unhealthy fats come from eggs meat dairy and tropical oils (coconut palm and palm kernel oils). good fats include monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. healthy fat sources include nuts seeds avocados olives and other plants. healthy oils aid in having healthy skin hair and a strong immune system. saturated fats and trans fats grams should be less than 10% of your total calories for the day. to determine the healthfulness of fat consider where it comes from -- animal vs. plant origin. healthy fats coming from plants (and fish) are beneficial for health especially when replacing saturated fat (animal fats) in the diet. at too high levels saturated fats can adversely affect heart health. saturated fats are found in high-fat meats full-fat dairy baked goods and fried foods. trans fat the worse fat of all is mostly found in products (i. e margarine) that contain vegetable oils that have been "partially hydrogenated" to become solid at room temperature. since 2006 fda requires companies to label trans fat in food products. if an item contains <. 5g it can be labeled "trans-fat free. "&nbsp; because the american heart association recommends 2g or less per day for the average 2000 calorie diet check the ingredient line for partially hydrogenated fats. &nbsp;for example &nbsp;natural peanut butter only has peanuts (and salt in some cases) in the ingredient line but other peanut butter products often contain partially hydrogenated oils and added sugar. &nbsp; for more on good and bad fats see this webmd article <link> while some dietary fats are good and some are bad; perhaps the worst is trans fat. this type of fat can occur naturally in animal products but is also the result of food manufacturers chemically altering oils through a process called hydrogenation. the reason that trans fat is so detrimental is because it not only raises bad (ldl) cholesterol levels but some research suggests that it also lowers our good (hdl) cholesterol levels as well – a double whammy. saturated fats on the other hand raise both good and bad cholesterol levels. common food sources of trans fat can include: • baked goods such as bread pizza dough and cake • fried foods such as french fries doughnuts or chicken nuggets • snack foods such as chips crackers cookies and candy • pre-packaged foods such as soup or frozen meals • margarines or spreads be cautious because the fda allows for food products to be labeled as “0 trans fat” even though there may be up to 0. 5 grams per serving. read this webmd article for more information: <link>. heathy fats come from healthy foods like nuts and unheathy fats come from fatty foods chips. healhty fats and polyunsaturated fats which help to get better healthy by removing cholestrol and unhealthy fats are saturated trans fats which increases the risk of heart attacks.

### Human:\nwhat are some basic skin care tips for preventing those wrinkles and lines that boomers in our 60s and 70s are getting?\n\n### Assistant: many of the antiaging tips that work in your 50s can also be applied in your 60s and 70s. sun protection is your best and first step. a significant percentage of premature aging can be attributed to sun damage. as we age our skin cells need additional nutrition and hydration. look for products that will rehydrate your skin; compounds that contain hyaluronic acid and natural oils. skin needs to be exfoliated meaning the older "dead" cells are removed. then new cells need to be nourished with vitamin a c and e-enriched compounds.

### Human:\nwhat is the treatment for a large skin pinch blood blister?\n\n### Assistant: a blood blister that results from a pinch is an accumulation of blood as a result of trauma to the skin. it is best not to pop a blood blister as this can lead to infection and possibly even delay the natural healing process of your body. covering the blood blister with a soft dressing to keep it protected can be helpful as it resolves on its own. if the person who has the blood blister has any underlying health conditions especially diabetes it would be appropriate to seek medical care. if the blood blister pops on its own do not peel off the remaining skin. rather leave it in place treat the area with an antiseptic ointment and cover with a clean dressing. allow it to heal in its own time. if the injury is very recent ice can help to reduce the pain that the trauma initially induced.

### Human:\ni've tried all kinds of antidandruff shampoos and nothing has worked. what else can i do to get rid of the flakes?\n\n### Assistant: you may want to see a local board-certified dermatologist in order to better investigate the cause of your scalp flaking. you may have psoriasis which is a chronic condition that often does not resolve unless topical steroids uv light or other systemic medications are used.

### Human:\nwhat are some common sources of vitamin d?\n\n### Assistant: vitamin d is made when uv-b rays strike the skin. one general recommendation has been to have 20 minutes of sun exposure to [the] face arms legs or back twice a week during the most intense times for sun exposure (10:00 a. m. through 3:00 p. m. ). alas the amount of vitamin d that can be obtained this way can be limited by several factors. if one has dark skin uses an eight or greater spf sunscreen wears occlusive clothing or gets sun exposure only through window glass -- the amount of vitamin d is greatly decreased. if one lives above the 42nd parallel the months of november through february do not produce sufficient vitamin d even when the sun is not hidden by clouds. cloud cover shade and air pollution will further reduce the amount of uv-b. many of us prefer to get vitamins naturally from whole foods as opposed to supplements. some of the highest sources of vitamin d are listed below: cod liver oil one tablespoon = 1 360 iu. cooked salmon 3. 5 ounces = 400 iu. sardines in oil drained 1. 75 ounces = 250 iu. tuna in oil drained 3 ounces = 200 iu. vitamin d fortified orange juice 1 cup = 142 iu. vitamin d fortified milk 1 cup = 98 iu. vitamin d fortified yogurts 6 ounces = 80 iu. egg yolk one = 20 iu. for comparison the usual amount of vitamin d in a multivitamin pill is 400 iu (international units).

### Human:\nwhat doctors are best for dealing with hsv-2? . my general practitioner has not had the experience in dealing with this condition.\n\n### Assistant: most helpful answer hsv-2 or herpes simplex virus-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes. genital herpes is a very common sexually transmitted disease. according to the cdc it affects about one in every 6 people in the united states between the ages of 14 and 49. many family doctors are comfortable treating hsv-2. women may also seek help from their gynecologist or a dermatologist. men may want to consult a urologist or a dermatologist for help in managing this condition. you can get a lot more information from the webmd genital herpes heath center <link> it is surprising that your doctor is unfamiliar with hsv-2 because genital herpes is very common. one out of five woman between the ages of 14 and 49 has genital herpes. men are less likely to be affected (1 out of 9) because the virus is more easily transmitted to a female during sex with an infected male. gynecologists are the appropriate doctors to treat genital herpes for a woman. for both sexes std (sexually transmitted disease) clinics are appropriate. for a man a urologist a dermatologist or an infectious disease doctor would be the appropriate choice to help you with your treatment plan. although there is no cure for herpes treatments can relieve the symptoms. medication can decrease the pain related to an outbreak and can shorten healing time. they can also decrease the total number of outbreaks. drugs including famvir zovirax and valtrex are among the drugs used to treat the symptoms of herpes. warm baths may relieve the pain associated with genital sores. preventing the spread of genital herpes is extremely important. if you have genital herpes you can still spread the disease if you have no symptoms. although daily antiviral medication reduces the risk of spreading genital herpes it doesn’t totally eliminate the risk. a herpes vaccine is in the works but unfortunately has not been perfected at this time. that is why practicing safe sex and using a condom are the keys to preventing the spread of genital herpes.

### Human:\nmy skin is becoming more sensitive to skin care products. can skin become more sensitive when it wasn't before?\n\n### Assistant: sometimes skin can become more sensitive when it has been overtreated with a variety of products with different ingredients like fragrances and acids or ingredients that are too harsh. i've seen patients who end up red blotchy skin because they have been using salicylic acid glycolic acid and retinoids and the combination is too much.

### Human:\ni lost 74 pounds and have wrinkled saggy skin. what natural product can i use for collagen and elastin production?\n\n### Assistant: tretinoin contains compounds that have been shown to increase cell turnover and collagen formation. unfortunately with severe weight loss there can be a loss of elasticity in your skin. therefore you may want to discuss these "problematic" areas with your dermatologist or a plastic surgeon.

### Human:\nwhat can i do about the dark circles under my eyes?\n\n### Assistant: hyperpigmentation discoloration or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (pih) on your skin can be attributed to a variety of disorders. i like to begin with excluding any medical reasons that may result in hyperpigmentation. hyperpigmentation may be attributed to renal disease diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. pih arises from an acquired excess of pigment related to an inflammatory process such as infection an allergic reaction a reaction to medication or a trauma. pih often occurs as a consequence of inflammatory skin disorders including acne drug-induced eruptions and eczema. once you have excluded medical causes there are multiple options to regain your even skin tone. a combination of glycolic acid aha and tretinoin-based products -- along with a traditional topical skin care regimen -- will work for skin brightening. hydroquinone-based products work well. however there are other alternatives such as bearberry kojic acid licorice extract and niacin. these compounds will work towards brightening your skin and correcting your skin tone. the key is to work with a physician that is very familiar with your skin type and color because incorrect use of these agents can lead to further hypo- or hyperpigmentation. i tell my african-american patients in particular that in order to get your skin in shape it has to be a gradual process similar to exercising. you would not attempt to lift 250 lbs on the first day of your workout; this attempt may lead to injuring yourself and disastrous results. the same holds true with your skin regimen a gradual approach is always best. once you get your melanocytes in shape and under control you can improve your skin tone.

### Human:\ncan a mole on my my lower lip be removed?\n\n### Assistant: lower lip moles can be removed surgically. make sure that your dermatologist or plastic surgeon is comfortable with removing your mole and is able to preserve your natural lip aesthetic landmarks. careful attention to these landmarks will allow your final scar to heal without being very noticeable.

### Human:\nwhat can i use for dark marks on my skin?\n\n### Assistant: your first approach is to consult with your physician in order to exclude any underlying medical causes for the darkening. next work with a dermatologist that knows how to care for people with your skin type and color. your dermatologist should implement a program that combines topical exfoliating treatments (to facilitate greater preparation) followed by skin-brightening agents and an effective sun block.

### Human:\nif a mother says to her 12 year old girl "i love u more if u were skinny" will it mentally scar the child? . will the child also develop abnormal behavior and think abnormally. i have a friend who is always depressed and she asked me why i would hang out with her. i said becuz u are nice and clean and a good person and u love god. she didn't believe me saying that she was too fat for that and explained to me that her mom didn't love her becuz she said "i love u more if u were skinny". she said she thinks her mom doesn't care if she was rude or disrespectful as long as she is skinny. .\n\n### Assistant: if a parents send their kids the message that they value appearance more than who they are as a person it will not have beneficial effects. that being said every person is different in how they react to such circumstances so it's hard to generalize. this article discusses the connection between weight and mothers and daughters. maybe your friend can get help with this issue so she can see how it is affecting her life today.

### Human:\nother than using bleaching creams what can i do about dark patches on my cheeks?\n\n### Assistant: sunblock is an effective first step for controlling dark patches. certain lasers will reduce pigmentation. however for darker skin patients lasers should be only be used by professionals that are familiar with your skin type. inadvertent use may result in increased pigmentation.

### Human:\nwhy is yogurt so good for me?\n\n### Assistant: for anyone who's trying to get in shape and stay that way yogurt packs a terrific weight maintenance punch. here are some rules of the road when considering integrating yogurt into your nutrition plan. 1) what to look for on the label: in a 6 ounce serving make certain you're getting 100-150 calories; 3. 5 grams or less of fat; saturated fat 2. 5 grams or less; protein at least 8-10 grams; sugar 20 grams or less; calcium at least 20% rda; vitamin d at least 20% of rda. 2) high protein yogurts are great: the greek and icelandic yogurts are concentrated nonfat or low fat and have a whopping 16 grams protein per container. if you get them non-flavored they have less than 10 grams of sugar. i like to add a teaspoon or two of chopped walnuts or sliced almonds flax seed and blueberries. that makes for a great meal or mid-afternoon snack. 3) yogurt's loaded with vitamins: a single serving provides potassium phosphorous riboflavin iodine zinc vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin b12. vegetarian women are short on b12 which is found mostly in animal products. one eight ounce serving contains 1. 4 micrograms of b12 60% of what adult women need. 4) yogurt may help you shed pounds: researchers at the university of tennessee found that women who ate yogurt a couple of times a day (up to 18 ounces) dropped 22% more weight and 81% more belly fat than women who didn't. calcium in yogurt helps cells shed the belly weight by preventing stress hormone from packing on the ab fat. well yogurt and especially greek yogurt is a very good source of nutrients and especially protein! it is good for your health and skin! you can also check this blog for more tips about greek yogurt in particular: www. igreekyogurt. com

### Human:\ni am 14 and just lost 60 pounds. i have a lot of excess skin on my belly. what can i do to get rid of it?\n\n### Assistant: your concern about the loose skin is a common one in an individual who has lost a great deal of weight sometimes quickly. while your skin is adaptable it can take quite a bit of time for it to return to its more firm suppleness after experiencing weight loss as you have done. try not to expect it to get better overnight or even in a couple of weeks. you're young enough that it is not necessarily recommended to seek surgery to take care of the excess skin. if it continues to be a problem after several months you could discuss it. but i'm sure you will find that by that time it will be much better. in the meantime continue to eat nutritiously exercise wisely and enjoy life. you should try to not eat too much junk food because that can lead to diabetes and in extreme cases it can lead to obesity and death. so try not to eat too much sugary foods. if you want a snack try to have a piece of fruit instead of a bag of chips or drink water instead of high sugar juices and soda.

### Human:\nhow can i get rid of dark acne scars?\n\n### Assistant: a combination of glycolic or salicylic acid chemical peels topical hydroquinone (a bleaching cream) and topical tretinoin can help lighten dark scars.

### Human:\nwhat is the proper way to apply sunscreen to the face?\n\n### Assistant: always use a broad- spectrum sunscreen which blocks uva and uvb rays it should be an spf of at least 30. i'm a big fan of physical sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. put your sunscreen on last apply any anti-aging products before you put on your sunscreen. pick the appropriate sunscreen for your skin type if you're oily choose a serum and if you have dry skin choose one which contains moisturizing ingredients.

### Human:\ni'm dieting to lose weight and my hair is falling out. could my diet be causing my hair loss?\n\n### Assistant: whether or not your hair loss is related depends on how rapidly you are losing weight. if you are crash dieting or using a fad diet for rapid weight loss you may indeed have a caloric deficiency which is translating to hair loss. i recommend that you lose the weight slowly and in a controlled fashion (1 pound per week) and be sure to maintain good nutrition while you're dieting.

### Human:\nhow can i age with vigor?\n\n### Assistant: in 2008 i was asked to lead a half marathon team for more magazine’s annual spring run in central park. my team of peeke performers was comprised of women who were cancer survivors and included women who had triumphed over cancers of the breast thyroid lung and bladder. one woman ran with just one lung and did great. all of these women were extraordinary but one was a real character. that’s elaine doll dunn. like me she’s got a wicked wit and plenty of sass. tall and regal she looked ageless and in reality was 71 years young. she carried herself with grace and elegance but her impish grins gave away her real personality— a powerful survivor who brushed off her bladder cancer as a speed bump along a winding hilly and joyful life journey. that’s elaine. we did lots of pr for the half marathon including a segment on "good morning america. " her one-liners kept me laughing and her endless energy was astonishing. after completing the half marathon elaine insisted i come to south dakota and keynote her marathon in the spearfish canyon about 45 miles outside of rapid city. to sweeten the deal she informed me that the marathon weekend coincided with biker week where over 250 000 harley enthusiasts descend upon the town of sturgis (not far from spearfish) and basically rally tour the countryside and yes indeed have a party or two. i had a funny feeling she would become quite a fount of enlightenment for me. and i was right. as you know by now this coming sunday august 22nd i’ll be competing in the iron girl triathlon with a group of my patients the peeke performers. i was thinking about this upcoming race as i addressed elaine’s marathoners who were experiencing the usual pre-race day blend of anxiety and excitement. as i looked around the room i noticed that at least half the crowd of runners was women well into their 60’s and beyond. and i knew why. presently 73 years old elaine has been a living inspiration for women who dared to push their envelope at any age. and she’s been doing this for many years. her motto is: “i postpone death by living by suffering by error by risking by giving by loving. ” anais nin here’s a quick sampling of her achievements. at each age she: 52 — climbed 900 foot devil’s tower in wyoming 53 — had a major role in last of the red hot lovers. 54 — placed second in a body building contest that was not age grouped! 55 — ran the centennial trail 113 miles across south dakota from wind cave national park to the top of the sacred bear butte 56 — was challenged by bladder cancer and won. 57 — married jerry dunn during the disney world marathon and finished the race. they were interviewed on the today show just after the ceremony at the magic kingdom. 58 — climbed mt. kilimanjaro and won the marathon there the day after we got off the mountain. 59 — won the swimsuit competition in the golden times newspaper and was featured on the front page and as the centerfold. 60 — ran from the atlantic to the pacific ocean across panama 60 miles to celebrate her 60th birthday. 61 — became mrs. south dakota and participated at the national level for mrs. america. she was 30 years older than the other contestants. 62 — ran a marathon of marathons 26. 2 marathons in the year 2000. one of these was completed with three of her children who were running their first marathon. 65 — completed a doctor of philosophy in psychology researching the self-efficacy of women who begin marathoning after the age of 40. 71 — was the recipient of the spirit of dakota award annually honoring one woman whose leadership qualities courage strength and community commitment illustrate the best of south dakota womanhood. alright elaine’s quite an exceptional woman and i’m not asking anyone to start rock climbing at the age of 60 or pick up marathoning. however i just wanted to drive home the point with my velvet sledgehammer that it’s never ever too late in life to wake up get up and challenge yourself for mental spiritual and physical growth and fitness. become fearless and don’t be afraid to put it out there no matter your age. here’s the lesson. never say “i’m too old to do that. ” old is an attitude that gets in the way of living your life to the fullest. approach new challenges you may want to participate in with this phrase on your lips “that sounds interesting. i’ll give it a whirl and see what happens. ” don’t look at numbers. focus on the quality of every breath you take. age is after all just a number.

### Human:\nwhat is the best way to condition my skin before a cosmetic procedure?\n\n### Assistant: skin preparation is a very important part of many cosmetic procedures. especially in darker skinned patients who may run the risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). your physician may prescribe a combination of topical exfoliating agents along with skin brighteners in order to prepare your skin prior to your cosmetic procedure.

### Human:\nhow can you prevent loose skin during weight loss?\n\n### Assistant: although losing weight especially large amounts of weight is likely to produce loose skin here are some things that might help: lose weight at a steady rate versus rapid weight loss (for those losing through weight loss surgery this can't always be helped). get adequate nutrition including key vitamins and minerals. most people on low calories diets benefit from taking a multivitamin. include exercise and strength training as a part of your weight loss plan.

### Human:\nmy mole has gone hard and painful. my mole has gone hard and painful as if someone were pulling a tight thread around the base of it the pressure is very uncomfortable. what should i do?\n\n### Assistant: see your doctor or better yet. a dermatologist. any changing mole should be carefully examined.

### Human:\nwhat does it mean if your thyroglobin ab are very high but all the others are normal? and how does that affect the body? . i am wondering if the thyroglobin ab being high could correlate to the weight gain(15+ lbs a month and can't lose it) breast enlargement(2 cup sizes) fatigue and lack of menstration. i have been tested for cancer(negative) and i have no family history of these issues. from the research i have done i cannot find an answer so i am hoping that someone could enlighten me so i would have a stepping stone the next time i went to the doctor about this.\n\n### Assistant: a high thyroglobin antibody level in and of itself does not mean you have thyroid disease. they are found in nearly 20% of all women. however high levels of thyroglobulin antibodies associated with other thyroid antibodies are found in 80 to 90% of people with immune mediated inflammation of the thyroid (hashimoto’s thyroiditis). this is the most common type of thyroid hormone deficiency in the u. s. thyroglobulin antibodies are also found in pregnant women relatives of patients with hashimoto’s thyroiditis and in people with other immune mediated diseases such as type 1 diabetes. the usual course of hashimoto's thyroiditis is gradual loss of thyroid function. antibodies to thyroglobulin are considered to occur as a result of damage to the thyroid from special white blood cells (t cells). common symptoms of thyroid hormone deficiency include fatigue being cold all the time weight gain constipation dry skin and menstrual irregularities. since these symptoms occur in other diseases it is important not to always blame thyroid deficiency as the cause. fortunately laboratory tests for thyroid function make this diagnosis relatively easy. however because loss of thyroid hormone develops over time and antibodies can herald problems you will want to follow-up with your doctor about your thyroid tests and your symptoms.

### Human:\ntwo days ago a shoe caused a heel blister. now i have pain all up my calf and can barely walk. what should i do?\n\n### Assistant: the type of pain you describe is not typical for a standard blister. it does sound possible that you have either gotten an infection or you are experiencing nerve pain from the site of the blister that is moving up your leg. wear shoes that do not irritate the blister. keep the area clean and dry. take ibuprofen for pain if necessary. if this does not clear up in a day or two or if you see obvious signs of serious infection such as: swelling hot inflamed skin overall fever please see your pcp.

### Human:\nwhat is porphyria?\n\n### Assistant: porphyrias are a family of medical conditions in which a substance called heme is not produced properly. heme consists of a compound called porphyrin joined to an iron atom and it is an essential part of hemoglobin in red blood cells. porphyrias are caused by a lack of functioning enzymes that participate in the heme-making process. the enzyme deficiency results in a buildup of the porphyrin compounds in the body which can cause tissue damage. most porphyrias are inherited. symptoms of porphyria can include: abdominal pain light sensitivity resulting in skin rashes muscle and nerve problems (pain seizures or abnormal sensations) red or brown urine porphyria is a lifelong condition. treatments vary depending on the type of porphyria and its severity. certain porphyrias can be made worse by alcohol drugs sunlight or other triggers; your doctor can advise on the best way to prevent such attacks.

### Human:\nwhat ingredients should you avoid in your makeup if you have sensitive skin?\n\n### Assistant: sensitive skin patients should avoid makeup creams that contain a large amount of preservatives high alcohol content multiple synthetic fragrances or parabens.

### Human:\nwhat can i do about facial hair on my chin?\n\n### Assistant: laser hair removal is an excellent choice to remove unwanted hair for all skin types. when choosing your laser specialists make sure that your physician is familiar with your skin type and skin color. make sure that your laser treatments are physician supervised. while undergoing laser treatment you should not concurrently undergo waxing or electrolysis. this may lead to damage of your skin.

### Human:\nwhat products are good for a woman who's still getting breakouts but is also seeing the beginnings of wrinkles?\n\n### Assistant: i would recommend retinols for women who have wrinkles and are also acne prone. the reason is that they are both anti-acne and anti-aging. you can find them in light serums which can be used in the evening. also make certain to use noncomedogenic sunscreens moisturizers and make-up.

### Human:\nare there toxins in the air/environment that will age my skin?\n\n### Assistant: ultraviolet radiation as well as toxins from smoking and smog all contribute to free-radical damage and aging in your skin. the best way to fight the aging process is to avoid the sun between 11 a. m. and 3 p. m. wear sunscreen protective clothing avoid secondhand smoke or if you do stop smoking. skin care should include antioxidant vitamins a c and e as well as moisturizers. drinking eight glasses of water fresh fruits and vegetables lean meats and whole grains also help keep your skin beautiful inside and out.

### Human:\ni have a plantar wart on the heel of my foot. is there something i can buy over-the-counter for this?\n\n### Assistant: salicylic acid is available at drug stores for wart removal. however if the wart is in a very callused place you may want to have your health care professional freeze the wart off with prescription-strength medication. sanding the skin down can flake off the wart and transfer it to another location on the body. seek medical advice for the quickest safest removal.

### Human:\ndoes resveratrol really work?\n\n### Assistant: resveratrol which is a compound found largely in the skins of red grapes has gained a lot of media attention and has been touted as having many beneficial health effects. resveratrol is a component of ko-jo-kon an oriental medicine used to treat diseases of the blood vessels heart and liver. it came to scientific attention during the mid-90s as a possible explanation for the “french paradox” — the low incidence of heart disease among the french people who eat a relatively high-fat diet. since then it has been touted by manufacturers and examined by scientific researchers as an antioxidant anti-cancer agent and phytoestrogen. it has also been advertised online as “the french paradox in a bottle. ” if you do a literature search and look at well-accepted peer review journals there is very little published to support any of these effects of resveratrol. new work produced by both amgen and pfizer has cast doubt on the manner in which the health supplement is said to work. prominent researchers supposed that it worked by activating a certain gene sirt1. this activation is thought to produce the benefits of a caloric restriction diet even among those with high fat and high caloric intake. in 2009 in chemical biology and drug design amgen scientists published experimental results that indicate resveratrol does not in fact activate sirt1. pfizer scientists in the journal of biological chemistry in 2010 offered similar results showing that resveratrol (and related substances such as srt1720) do not active sirt1 and did not reduce blood sugar in mice fed a high-fat diet. thus it suggests that resveratrol doesn’t work at all (though it’s not possible to translate mice studies into human studies). despite what is promoted on many national television shows on health none of the claims has been demonstrated in any valid human study. while present in other plants such as eucalyptus spruce and lily and in other foods such as mulberries and peanuts resveratrol’s most abundant natural sources are vitis vinifera labrusca and muscadine grapes which are used to make wines. it occurs in the vines roots seeds and stalks but its highest concentration is in the skin. the resveratrol content of wine is related to the length of time the grape skins are present during the fermentation process. thus the concentration is significantly higher in red wine than in white wine because the skins are removed earlier during white-wine production lessening the amount that is extracted. grape juice which is not a fermented beverage is not a significant source of resveratrol. since wine is the most notable dietary source it is the object of much speculation and research. resveratrol is also available from supplement pills and liquids in which it is sometimes combined with vitamins and/or other ingredients. it is also an ingredient in topical skin creams. the supplements are generally labeled as containing from 20 to 500 mg per tablet or capsule. however the purity of these products is unknown. and because dietary supplements are loosely regulated it should not be assumed that the labeled dosage is accurate.

### Human:\ncan you get food poisoning from jelly? . my two year old ate half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that was not refrigerated and in a baggie on the counter since yesterday. is he in danger of getting food poisoning. the jar says to refrigerate after opening. i don't eat jam or jelly and didn't think anything of it but my husband said he's gotten food poisoning from jelly before. should we take him to the hospital now or wait for any symptoms to arise? besides vomiting what would likely symptoms be?\n\n### Assistant: leaving jelly overnight one time is unlikely to cause food poisoning it only will decrease the shelf life of the product. the shelf life is longer for jelly bought at the store versus homemade. store bought jelly is more standardized (with the right amount of sugar/fruit/liquid) and the sugar acts as a preservative. check the jelly for signs of spoilage like mold odor and changes in color. i suggest calling the company and asking them if the item should be discarded. and if you see symptoms in your child like vomiting diarrhea or decreased appetite call your doctor.

### Human:\ni have a hard red spot about the size of a quarter near my ankle. it does not hurt. what could it be?\n\n### Assistant: your dermatologist should evaluate skin changes or abnormal spots. a lesion that feels hard may be scar tissue. however you should be evaluated for any underlying skin cancer. when evaluating your skin look for changes in the area border or color of the skin. these are the "abcs" of skin cancer detection.

### Human:\nas a woman what can i do about facial hair on my chin?\n\n### Assistant: laser hair removal is an excellent choice to remove unwanted hair for all skin types. when choosing your laser specialists make sure that your physician is familiar with your skin type and skin color. make sure that your laser treatments are physician supervised. while undergoing laser treatment you should not concurrently undergo waxing or electrolysis. this may lead to damage of your skin.

### Human:\nconsuming large amounts of baking soda. is drinking alot of baking soda bad for me.\n\n### Assistant: consuming excessive sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can lead to metabolic alkalosis a condition in which ph balances are elevated outside of the normal range. some symptoms of alkalosis include: • confusion • light-headedness • nausea vomiting • numbness or tingling in the face hands or feet • prolonged muscle spasms • muscle twitching • hand tremor if you are currently taking excessive amounts of baking soda your doctor can conduct tests to diagnose alkalosis. it’s important to visit with your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. i would also consider asking yourself about what benefits you hope to gain from consuming large amounts of baking soda. it might be beneficial to explore other ways to achieve the same results that you’re hoping for in a different manner. if you’re having problems with acid reflux or heart burn dietary changes or prescription medication may be helpful.

### Human:\ndoes mrsa itch?\n\n### Assistant: methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus or mrsa is an increasingly common cause of skin and soft-tissue infections. mrsa has become a common bacterium causing skin infections in people that seek medical attention. most skin and soft tissue infections begin with redness irritation warmth and swelling of the infected area. because community-acquired mrsa is a virulent (aggressive) bacterium the infection may develop quickly and create a painful red swollen bump on the skin. this may be called a furuncle a boil or an abscess. itching is not one of the main features of mrsa infection. most skin itching is due to dermatitis -- skin that’s inflamed by non-infectious causes. allergies dry skin eczema or chemical irritation are some of the most common causes of skin itching due to dermatitis. dermatitis tends to be mild and come and go while often a true mrsa skin infection tends to get steadily worse without treatment. that’s not to say that an mrsa infection can never itch. for example skin that’s already irritated and itchy (as from a dermatitis) is more vulnerable to infection by mrsa or another bacterium. an mrsa skin infection by itself might be itchy at first but it would be expected to become tender or painful as the infection progressed.

### Human:\nis it true that i shouldn't use any products on my skin if they are not safe enough to eat?\n\n### Assistant: this may sound like wise advice. but the reality is that most effective products used for the treatment of acne or rosacea or most other skin conditions require more than food products or supplements can provide.

### Human:\nis there a link between acne and tonsil stones? . i've been having acne for 5 years now (i'm 20 years old) and tried everything (except accutane) to get rid of it. i don't eat any dairy products no sugar. everything i eat is fresh and natural. nobody in my familiy has had acne like i do. when i was 11 years old i had a severe tonsillits epiosde and since then i have swollen lymph node in the submandibular triangle ( on the ride side of my neck). when i'm running playing football my neck hurts. i also have a hoarse voice & tonsil stones.\n\n### Assistant: there is no link whatsoever. they are two very different independent medical conditions.

### Human:\nmy lips have gotten very thin. what can i do?\n\n### Assistant: as we age our lips may thin due to a loss of volume from diminished fatty tissue or thinning of the underlying muscle. your first step is to avoid smoking and sun damage. sun damage can accelerate the aging process. your dermatologist may recommend fillers to "plump" your lips. avoid permanent fillers or non-fda-approved fillers (silicone).

### Human:\nare there any age-advancing toxins in the chemicals that i use to clean my home?\n\n### Assistant: protecting your skin from cleaning chemicals in your home is an important and healthy step for your skin. toxins can cause irritation and breaks in the skin that can lead to infection. for that reason protect your skin with gloves when dealing with chemicals. if toxins accidentally come in contact with your skin rinse off immediately.

### Human:\nwhat can i do to have glowing pinkish skin not dry dull skin?\n\n### Assistant: the key to having healthy glowing skin is to utilize sunblock followed by a skin-care regimen that includes exfoliation hydration and nutrition. within your diet include vitamins that are good for your skin such as folic acid magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. if you moisturize and hydrate your skin and body you will be much less likely to develop dry skin.

### Human:\n<link> dermavie cream reviews now offers exercising products protein powdered as well as health accessories from remember to check out the web sites as well as experience free to get in touch with francesco without notice along with your bodybuilding or even fat reduction questions! lean muscle consists of protein in order to develop muscle. <link> <link> <link> <link>\n\n### Assistant: please be respectful of this important webmd medical information site by not posting advertising for your products. your posting takes up valuable space for members seeking answers to their specific questions.

### Human:\nulcer what to do eat what not to do and eat? . i went to the doc 11 days ago she said it sounds like a ulcer! put me on prevacid for 10 days and it should heal well its been 11 and i still feel the stomach pain! i dont know what i should or should do eat or what not to eat and somthing that can help me heal this ulcer or ulcers asap i want my stomach back! im 21 and i reallt dont understand how i even got a ulcer to begin with\n\n### Assistant: it's important to adopt a balanced nutrient-rich diet to help the ulcer heal and keep your body healthy. small frequent meals (4-6 times) tend to be better tolerated than fewer (2-3 times) big meals. avoid or limit alcohol as it can make symptoms worse and delay healing of the ulcer. avoid caffeine-containing food and beverages (coffee tea and chocolate) as they can increased stomach acid making symptoms worse. watch for foods that may cause discomfort such as spicy or greasy foods while your ulcer is healing. for more on what to eat with an ulcer see this article. also contrary to popular belief avoid dairy products. although milk may coat your stomach it makes your stomach produce more acid to break down the enzymes in it. if yours has been only for about a month lucky you! i've had mine for almost 4 mos. and nothing is helping! i don't eat spicy food drink alcohol or do dairy and still can't figure out what to eat! it also depends on what kind of ulcer you have. if it's from bacteria try asking for antibiotics. they can do blood tests to find out. please see a upper gi specialist. like yourself my stomach was in so much pain with eating and drinking and anything over the counter would not work. i had out patient procedure today by the upper gi and the ulcers were confirmed. i am now being properly treated and am on my way to feeling better. rai starr on fb or rai. starr1 on skype feel better soon blessings! i would suggest you to eat banana honey cabbage juice as these are the natural remedies to cure stomach ulcer. but i think you should visit a good gastrology consultant first. <link> i would suggest you to eat banana honey cabbage juice as these are the natural remedies to cure stomach ulcer.

### Human:\nhow can i protect my skin from dryness in the winter?\n\n### Assistant: during the fall and winter seasons there is a decrease of humidity in the atmosphere. this decrease in humidity is usually what causes the skin on our bodies to become dry and rough. the first step you can take toward healthy skin is to look at the body wash or bar you use in the shower. avoid shower gels in the winter as they can be drying to your skin. a body wash or bar that contains shea butter or jojoba oil will help to hydrate and nourish your skin while you are in the shower. shea butter is extracted from the nuts found on the shea-karite tree. this tree can only be found growing in the tropics of africa. shea butter nourishes the skin with vitamins a and e and it also penetrates and moisturizes the skin without clogging pores. jojoba oil comes from the seed of the jojoba tree (simmondsia chinensis). the jojoba tree is a perennial shrub that can be found in northwestern mexico and parts of arizona and california. this oil is actually a wax ester that is very similar to the oil or sebum our skin produces naturally. jojoba oil can help to balance the oil in your skin and can also provide moisture all day. taking lukewarm showers instead of hot showers can also ward off dry skin. if you do not want to give up taking a hot shower try to cut your shower time down. long hot showers tend to draw out the natural moisturizers in your skin. avoiding long soaks in the hot tub is also a good idea because the chemicals and the hot water can dry out your skin. after you shower you should apply a moisturizer to replenish your skin. you can apply baby oil to your skin before drying off; this is one of the best ways for moisture to penetrate your skin. after you dry off try using jojoba oil shea butter or cocoa butter; they work even better if they contain vitamin a and e. exfoliate the skin on your body once a week. try to find a salt- or sugar-based scrub. while you are in the shower apply the scrub all over your body. next rinse the scrub off. this should help slough away any dry skin you have. always follow up with a moisturizer after exfoliating your skin. if you live in an area that has a dry atmosphere such as the desert a humidifier is a good investment for your home. the heat from the furnace can draw out the natural moisture and humidity in the air. a humidifier can help to add moisture back into the air in your home and also assist in warding off dry skin. a well-balanced diet is also an important step for healthy skin. be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables especially green vegetables. these foods will help to naturally nourish your skin. including fish in your diet is also great for your skin because it is a natural source of omega fatty acids. the fatty acids can help to moisturize dry and scaly skin from the inside out. one last tip: limit your caffeine intake because it can also dehydrate the skin.

### Human:\nwhat causes boils? could i be eating something that would make me more prone to developing them?\n\n### Assistant: "boil" is another term used to describe an abscess which is a localized soft tissue skin infection. it usually results from staphylococcus bacteria or staph entering the skin through a puncture such as an insect bite or some other minor trauma to the skin. certain forms of staph such as mrsa (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) can be especially difficult to treat and may require prolonged treatment (a month or more) of oral antibiotics. your diet really has nothing to do with developing an infection.

### Human:\nhow do i get back on track after being on various crash diets for months and then eating unhealthy for the last 2 weeks? . just wanted to note that i am at a healthy weight (bmi 20. 6) and i have been craving unhealthy foods at every meal. i feel like i'm "out of control " since i had gotten down to a bmi of 19. 6 for a special event. what's a good way to get back on track and stop gaining weight?\n\n### Assistant: i think it's important for you to take step back. you are not even close to being overweight and although you say your weight is healthy that doesn't mean that your body is healthy. bmi categorizes weight not health. restrained eating which is always depriving yourself by dieting or restricting food put all the focus on forbidden foods hence the out-of-control feelings. this is also called the diet-binge-diet cycle. some find a way to keep their weight down but others gain weight overtime (studies show dieting is linked to weight gain over time not weight loss). regardless of weight research shows that this type of eating style negatively effects life satisfaction and self esteem. i've been there and constantly thinking about food takes energy away from all the other important aspects of life. there is another way of eating that will make you happier healthier and keep your weight stable. instead of focusing on weight and what foods to eat or not eat focus on health and feeling good. listen to your body and feed it a variety of food. instead of stopping because the portion is done listen and honor feelings of hunger and fullness. research shows people are healthier and happier when they eat this way. now this might be hard for you to do so i suggest getting help from a professional like a registered dietitian. you can find one at eatright. org. also you can read the following articles: how to become an intuitive eater the 7 habits of highly effective eaters improving body image best of health to you!

### Human:\nwhat's the best treatment for large deep pores on my cheeks?\n\n### Assistant: proper skin care is your first approach towards large facial pores. pores appear enlarged when they are clogged dilated or infected and that's why the best way to keep your pores small and less visible is to keep your skin clean all the time. often the pores get clogged with dead skin cells dirt and oil which makes them appear more prominent. that’s why regular skin exfoliation is essential in order to remove the dead skin cells and to allow your skin to produce newer healthier cells.

### Human:\ni’m a man with somewhat oily skin. can you tell me about using abrasive skin scrubbers or loofahs to remove dead skin?\n\n### Assistant: overly aggressive scrubbing of your skin may damage the top layer of your skin. if your objective is to remove dead skin cells consider using gentle exfoliating agents that contain salicylic acid glycolic or papaya-based products. in addition use cleansers that contain jojoba beads. jojoba beads are gentle spherical exfoliants that do not scratch the skin's surface.

### Human:\nis it true that once you develop a bald spot due to some kind of damage the hair can never grow back on its own?\n\n### Assistant: it depends on the degree of damage to the scalp. if you had a severe chemical burn there is a chance that it may not grow back. however if the bald spot resulted from traumatic pulling or friction -- such as from a hairpiece or a hair clip -- the hair may grow back just fine. see your dermatologist for intralesional injections of triamcinolone to help it regrow sooner. topical minoxidil may also help it regrow.

### Human:\ni am having trouble swallowing my food. it feels like i the food wont go down. i have very little teeth. i want to eat but every time i do the food won't go down and i end up having to throw it up.\n\n### Assistant: you need to see your doctor right away if you are having trouble swallowing your food. there can be many possible causes for trouble swallowing. some can be very serious. here are a few of the things that can cause difficulty swallowing: • the esophagus (the tube that runs from your mouth to your stomach) may be partially blocked by a tumor or web. it may also be narrow due to severe reflux. • a swelling in a surrounding area such as the thyroid or lymph node may be pressing in on the esophagus. • there could be a problem with the nerves or muscles that are involved in swallowing • poor teeth can be preventing food from being properly chewed • diseases such as diabetes or scleroderma may prevent the esophagus from moving the food along webmd has a very good article on difficulty swallowing that can give you some more information. but do call your doctor now and make an appointment to have this checked out.

### Human:\ni'm allergic to products with any spf in them. what can i use to protect my skin from the sun?\n\n### Assistant: it is probably not that you are allergic to "any spf" but rather that you are allergic to the chemical ingredients used in certain sunscreens. you should choose a sunscreen with a "physical blocker" such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide before you throw in the towel altogether on using sunscreen.

### Human:\ncan stressful events (divorce death of a parent etc. ) actually age my skin? if so is there anything i can do?\n\n### Assistant: stress has effects on our skin nails and hair. also if you have an underlying skin condition such as psoriasis eczema or acne stress can make it worse. furthermore stressed facial expressions contribute to expression lines like the 11 wrinkle between your eyebrows and those around your eyes and mouth. learning how to effectively manage stress helps keep your skin looking younger and also you’ll feel better overall.

### Human:\ni was told by a doctor that the age spots on my hands are from hormones. i thought it was sun exposure. what can i use?\n\n### Assistant: there are several pigmented skin problems caused by hormones. age spots are very common. and you're correct they are caused by sun exposure. there are several agents that lighten them including licorice extract niacin hydroquinone and others. it's very important during and after the use of a brightening agent to apply sunblock or the spots will return.

### Human:\nis 70 117 a normal blood oxygen level. my sister has scleroderma and she's not feeling well should i take her to the e. r\n\n### Assistant: i don't know what monitor you are using but the 70 reading may be the oxygen level which is very very low. assuming your machine and technique is accurate. the "117" is likely your pulse at the time. if she is not feeling well that is a good reason to seek medical intervention.

### Human:\ncan skin become sensitive when it wasn't before?\n\n### Assistant: certain products may contain preservatives or fragrances that can cause hypersensitivity or an allergic reaction on your skin. also if you are using products that contain tretinoin aha or salicylic acids your skin may become more sensitive when exposed to direct sunlight. therefore it is important to incorporate a sun block within your skin care regimen.

### Human:\ni've noticed a lot of loose skin around my knees and in the front of my legs. what can be done? i'm on my feet at work.\n\n### Assistant: loose skin around the knees may be part of the natural aging process. extreme weight loss may lead to excess skin. these issues may be addressed by a plastic surgeon. excess sun exposure is the no. 1 cause of premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. if you suffer from chronic swelling around your knees compression garments and support hose may be beneficial.

### Human:\nhow do i treat mosquito bites?\n\n### Assistant: people vary in their reactions to mosquito bites. most people develop itchy raised bumps on the skin that last several days. no treatment is necessary but calamine lotion or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can reduce itching. a few people have a significant allergy to mosquito bites. the bites can result in what’s called a large local reaction: swelling blistering itching and pain affecting a wide area of the body (such as an entire arm or leg). oral antihistamines like cetirizine (zyrtec) diphenhydramine (benadryl) or hydroxyzine (atarax vistaril) can help ease itching. topical hydrocortisone may also help. rarely people with a severe allergy to mosquito bites develop anaphylaxis a whole-body life-threatening allergic reaction. symptoms of anaphylaxis include: • itching or rash especially hives in areas of skin away from the bite. • hoarseness or shortness of breath. • lightheadedness. anaphylaxis requires emergency medical attention. people who have had anaphylaxis-like symptoms previously should always have injectable epinephrine (an epi-pen) nearby. antiseptic will help get rid of the pain from the bite. antihistamine cream or lotions will help to keep any reactions to that bite away (best to go to doctors or take precautional measures either using epipen e. t. c. if you do have allergic reactions) i would sugest to go to the doctor straight away telling him its urgent if you have any of these symptons: fever rash joint pain or conjunctivitis muscle pains or headaches especially if the bite hole gets enlargens. shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe. high fever. profuse sweating. headache. nausea. vomiting. diarrhea. anemia. thank you for asking.

### Human:\ndo fillers work better when used in conjunction with botox?\n\n### Assistant: recent studies show that a combination treatment of botox and fillers works better than either treatment alone. botox and fillers such as restylane perlane prevelle juvederm and radiesse perform differently. botox paralyzes the underlying facial muscle while fillers plump the skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. young people with only superficial lines may just need mainly botox. but botox is not going to make deep forehead furrows or marionette lines(the vertical creases that run from mouth to chin) disappear – for that people need fillers. the problem with fillers is that sooner or later they break down and are absorbed by the body. the more animated and active the face the faster the filler will break down. prevelle one of the lighter fillers lasts about four months while perlane and juvederm ultra plus last about eight months to a year. however the duration of any filler will significantly increase if botox shots are given first in the same sitting. for the forehead for example i inject botox into the lines followed immediately by fillers. instead of the usual five to six months with a smooth forehead if a filler alone is used the combination treatment will last nine to ten months. and the forehead will look a whole lot better during that time because the etched-in lines will be smoothed away. botox and fillers can even be used around the mouth which is where fillers break down fastest. think about it: your mouth is in constant movement every waking moment and the more movement there is the faster the filler will break down. botox should never be injected into the smile lines but diluted botox shots can be used successfully with fillers on the lips and the corners of the mouth on most people. there are exceptions though: people who need extremely mobile lips for their professions such as singers or horn players should never get botox near their mouths although they can have fillers.

### Human:\ni am unemployed and can’t get insurance. i have social anxiety gad and depression. how can i get help i can't afford?\n\n### Assistant: a lack of insurance and an inability to pay more than a minimal amount should never prevent you from getting the help you need and deserve. licensed professionals including psychologists have an ethical responsibility to take a number of "pro-bono" cases. this means for little or no fee. of course there is a limit to the number of these cases that anyone can take but it's worth asking. you can call your local psychologists association explain your situation and ask for the names of psychologists in your area who would be willing to help you. you can also check social service agencies as well as any major hospital center because these entities generally have access to mental-health providers who require minimal fees. hello -- in the depression community <link> (first and tenth posts) we have a list of resources for finding free/low-cost medical care including counseling. take a look there for some other ideas. i'm so sorry you are suffering such heartache. -- susie margaret

### Human:\ncan you tell me whether environmental facial damage can be repaired without doing laser treatments?\n\n### Assistant: skin damage that is secondary to environmental changes -- such as from the sun or harsh weather conditions -- can be treated with topical tretinoin alpha-hydroxy acid (aha) or glycolic acid and hydrating compounds. severe conditions will dehydrate your skin cells and rob your skin of essential nutritional elements. in order to combat theses unwanted changes your skin care regimen should be designed to rejuvenate rehydrate and stimulate new healthy skin growth.

### Human:\nhow to raise hdl. my hdl level is low (20). i do not smoke never have and exercise on a regular basis. what can i do to raise my hdl levels? .\n\n### Assistant: although hdl levels are genetically linked and tend to be lower in males there are some things you can do to help increase your levels. here are some ideas: exercise on a regular basis -- 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise on most days replace saturated fats (animal fats/baked goods/fried foods etc) with plant sources of fat including vegetable oils (olive oil and canola) avocado nuts and seeds and nut butters. drink alcohol in moderation (if you don't drink now there is no need to start). eat a diet that is low in refined carbohydrates (white bread sugar candy etc. ) but high in fruits vegetables whole grains lean protein and healthy fats. include soy in your diet. for more details on increasing hdl cholesterol see this webmd article. good luck! i had the identical problem many years ago. i found that i either had to take statin drugs or supplements to make sure my ldl was low and hdl was higher(i also had an hdl count of about 20). i totally changed my diet after having my internal doctor test my blood every 90 days for a year. i had to stop eating all saturated foods (red meat whole milk eggs chicken/turkey skin etc) and also any foods that have a lot of cholesterol(shrimp eggs etc) but my cholesterol did not change much. it was that way in spite of exercising like crazy(90 minutes of moderate aerobics twice a week walking long distance fast once a week and strengthening my muscles once/twice a week. my hdl was still between 20-25 the ldl was about 130 and my triglycerides were over 100. i researched supplements and found that the following would probably help me and they worked perfectly: policosanol red yeast rice sloniacin and fish oil. my hdl is now and has been for several years 40-47. my ldl and triglycerides are below 100 and are around 80-90. my internal doctor always says to just continue what i am doing and that i do not need statin drugs. myself and many friends we found eating onions --about 150 gram per day during the lunch -- is very effective for increase the hdl in one case --without change any other factor as exercise drugs etc-- after systemetically eating onions for 4 months hdl increased from 43 to 69 exercise

### Human:\nif i'm using the correct acne treatment (for me) should i still be having breakouts about every other week? . i'm wondering if i should go to a dermatologist or if something over the counter will work for my breakouts. my products i've been using for several months seem to clear my skin up for about a week then i'll be all broken out and covered in pimples the following week. i'm really just wondering if i need a different product or if this every other week breakout is normal and expected. thanks\n\n### Assistant: if you are still breaking out every other week then your current acne treatment is not working well enough. it is time to see your doctor or a dermatologist. there are a lot of products that are available by prescription that can help get your acne under better control. options may include topical creams and/or oral antibiotics. for women with hormonal acne oral contraceptives or a diuretic called spironolactone may be prescribed. for severe or cystic acne your doctor may suggest a powerful acne medication called accutane. laser or light therapy is another option for treating severe acne. tell your doctor about any other products you are using on your face such as cleansers or cover-up. some of these can cause acne flare-ups. hormone cycles can also cause pimples to keep coming back. check out help for teen acne on webmd for more helpful tips.