Despite the constant warnings about popping pimples, we continue to do so. I know that it's hard to resist. When you look in the mirror, and see an ugly whitehead staring you in the face, what are you supposed to do? Smile and say it looks good? You pop the pimple! The urge to make it go away is so much stronger than just leaving it alone. No one likes to walk around sporting a good-sized zit. Last year a close friend, reaching for my forehead said, let me pop that pimple for you." Of course I shied away and told him to leave it alone. Truth be told, I didn't even know it was there. Those who ply their trade via acne are having their cake and eating it too. It's disgusting the amount of over the counter schemers, and many of the doctors as well, are clamoring to get on board the multi-billion dollar acne industry. Well over thirty percent of those billions come from the doctor's office. Your acne may be sending you to the poor house, but it's certainly making your doctor rich. I don't want to venture too far off my topic for this article, but I must ask you this. Whenever you go for a doctor's visit because of your acne, what's some of the main questions your doctor asks? What area do the questions focus around? Does he ask about your love life? No! How about exercise? No! How about your diet? What have you eaten out of the ordinary lately? What are some of the foods you like to eat? The bulk of the questions center on diet! Your doctor is really giving you a major clue to resolving your acne. Your doctor may be taking your money, but because of the things you're eating, you're giving it to him as well. I'm being sidetracked here. Let's get back on track. You must be very careful of the vast array of drugs on the market claiming to be able to fight acne. Some are so dangerous that it may be better to return to popping pimples. Very recently (Aug.'06) in fact, an article was written in a popular newspaper about the drug 'isotretinoin.' It goes by the brand name Accutane. According to the article, researchers reviewed medical records for 13,772 acne patients in California who had been treated with isotretinoin between 1995 and 2002. The median length of treatment was 21 weeks for the group, whose median age was 19. In the August issue of the journal, Archives of Dermatology, the researchers wrote this, "The incidence of abnormally high serum lipid levels during isotretinoin treatment may be greater than previously estimated." When the Accutane treatments were finished, the raised levels of fat were reversible. A statement indicating that fact is duly noted on the Accutane label. When there is too much fat in the blood long-term problems can result. The risk of having a heart attack or a stoke increases. Women who choose to take Accutane should be exceedingly careful not to become pregnant. The risk of birth defects is also suspected. Always consult your doctor before taking anything for your acne. Even if your doctor prescribes medication for you to take, ask questions. How long do you have to be on this medication? Why this particular medication? Are there any side affects? Can I drive while on this medication? Don't just glibly accept what your doctor says. Ask questions. Make your doctor think. Work with your doctor on your care. Don't leave it all up to him.
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