Heathy 365 News -Quick Relief From Razor Bumps

 

Healthy 365 News  Issue # 27 - Dec. 6, 2011 Call to set up an appointment: 281-395-7770 Receive daily tips from Dr. W  Update From Dr. Weaver Hello again, Readers,   Last week I provided information about laser treatments can help individuals with facial redness and irritation due to Rosacea achieve major improvement in how their skin looks as well as provide relief from the symptoms. This week I would like to provide information about how laser treatment can significantly improve another bothersome condition and that is related to razor bumps that develop due to irritation from shaving or other techniques of hair removal. During the first 15 years of my dermatology practice, treating ladies with excessive growth of facial hair associated with bumps, irritation, and discoloration was one of those conditions that failed all treatments over 90% of the time. With laser treatments currently available, at least 95% or more of ladies as well as a high percentage of men improve with these treatments. The main limiting factor at this time is that the treatments don't work for gray or very light colored hair.  Today's tips are on how laser treatment can help to stop shaving bumps and irritation. Dr. W Health Tip of the Week Razor Bumps- How Laser Treatment Provides Quick Relief Aren't their times you wish you could just stop shaving? Depending upon your genetic predisposition and hair structure, razor bumps and ingrown hairs are almost inevitable if you shave on a daily basis. These bumps are caused by the hairs curling inward and growing sideways within the hair follicles. The result is a razor bump that often gets infected and causes pimples and blemishes on the skin.  You should know that both men and women can develop this bothersome condition. Since men tend to shave on a daily basis they are more prone to developing razor bumps on the facial area, but women also develop them especially if they shave or wax their bikini line or have a condition called hirsutism associated with excessive growth of facial hair. For men, the condition can be embarrassing because in many cases they give the appearance of acne like breakouts on the face and neck with dark coloration even well into adulthood. African-Americans and people with curly hair are statistically more prone to this condition, but all ethnic groups can develop the condition to a certain degree.  Shaving causes the end of the hairs to become sharp making it easier for them to penetrate the sides of the follicles and grow inward. The closer you shave the worse it gets because the sharper hairs grow under the skin and curl leading to an inflammatory reaction. You might find that alternative hair removal methods such as waxing, depilatory or hair removal creams are more favorable, but some individuals still get bumps and irritation with these techniques of hair removal as well. Electrolysis or laser treatments are methods of hair removal that are designed to kill the hair follicles or cause hair reduction so that the hair re-growth is softer, finer and the ends are rounded rather than sharp reducing the occurrence of bumps and irritation. This greatly reduces the risks of ingrown hair or razor bumps.  When the hair follicles are curved, electrolysis can be a more challenging procedure to perform. The pros and cons of alternative hair removal methods: Depilatory or hair removal creams. These are harsh chemicals that literally melt and dissolve the hair. The hair grows back at the same rate as shaving but because the chemicals are so irritating to the skin it is recommended that you do not use them more often than once or twice per week. In most cases, these creams and lotions are very smelly and many people find the odor quite offensive. These chemicals are not always safe for use on the face because some individuals are so sensitive to the products that the skin becomes burned and irritated.  In this case, some other method of shaving has to be used. Electrolysis. This is a good alternative, however it is quite painful. Even with topical anesthetics most people complain about the discomfort of this hair removal method. This treatment uses an electrical current to kill the hair follicle. Some of the hairs may grow back over time but it will be finer and softer in texture and less likely to form razor bumps. To get a final result can take many months or years depending upon the extent of hair growth that is present. Laser hair removal. This is by far the best alternative. An intense beam of light penetrates the skin surface to reach the hair follicles and damages the hair at the roots. It is far less painful than electrolysis and most people do not even require any topical creams to numb the skin. You may feel a light pinch or a sensation similar to the snap of an elastic band but very few people find this intolerable. The results are long lasting and can at times be permanent. After 6 months or so you may see growth of finer hairs which are less likely to cause bumps and irritation. Each additional treatment you receive will result in fewer and fewer hairs until eventually hair growth is reduced greatly. As an added benefit, many people find a big improvement in their skin after the laser hair removal treatment. Scars are reduced and their skin tone is more even. If you or someone you know suffers from embarrassing and painful razor bumps or ingrown hairs you should set up an appointment to book a hair removal consultation.  All of your questions about laser hair removal will be answered and a goal with realistic expectations can be determined. Today is a good day to get started on eliminating the pain, discomfort, and distraction that this can cause with your appearance. Read Dr. Weaver's Latest Blog Posts Rosacea Laser Treatment- Stop the Redness, Bumps and Irritation Happiness and Your Health- The Number One Key to A Quality Life and Longevity Diabetes and Your Skin- 5 Tips You Should Know to Take Care of Diabetic Skin Problems Skin Rejuvenation Tips- 7 Ways to Improve Your Skin After the Summer Sun

Restore Your Health and Energy In Spite of Your Age 

There is a saying that youth is wasted upon the young.  Ongoing research into the areas of health, wellness, and anti-aging might one day lead to a change in this statement so that perpetual youthful energy and vibrancy is still a possibility at any age.

While this might sound a little bit far fetched, it is becoming more and more of a possibility as each day goes by.  But, to tap into this realm of existence requires discipline, focused activity, with a specific purpose and target in mind.  So, I would like to ask you a question.

Is age starting to catch up with you?  Do you have less energy or vitality than you had when you were 5, 10, or 20 years younger?  Well if so, you don't have to feel like the Lone Ranger. 

As we age our body starts to not operate as well as it once did.  There are a lot of reasons for this.  Research into the aging process shows that metabolic changes take place within all of the cells of the body and a particular decrease is noticed in structures called "mitochondria" which are the energy reservoirs.  Muscle cells contain the highest concentration of mitochondria, especially cardiac muscle which is found in the heart.  While it is inevitable that these changes will take place, there are two things in particular you can do to make things better: follow a healthy diet or eating plan and exercise.

We'll start with exercise.  I know that most of us don't really always enjoy exercise; however there are fun ways that you can do it.  You can always grab an MP3 player and load up your favorite music or even an audio book and go for a walk.  It doesn't have to be a long walk in the beginning.  Just a walk around the block might be all you can do.  That's better than nothing though.

Perhaps for exercise you can find something that you like to do for fun.  For example, swimming is one of the best forms of exercise out there, working almost all parts of your body.  Simply getting out and playing a game can start you out with some exercise that is more enjoyable.  Get out and shoot some hoops with your kids or nephews or nieces.  Whatever you choose to do, try to get out and do it frequently and build a habit of doing some form of exercise.  Thirty minutes of exercise three days per week can have a big impact on your energy level as well as improve sleep habits, and how your body processes the food you eat.

When it comes to diet and eating healthy, there are lots of things to consider there as well.  Allergies are one of the biggest such as gluten sensitivity and lactose intolerance; the other consideration is whether or not you have a disease of some sort such as diabetes or high blood pressure.  If either of these is true, you need a little consultation before you make too many radical decisions in your eating habits.  This can be in the form of some good research online, or from your physician or a registered dietitian.

There are many foods out there which promote health and wellness.  For example, garlic has been known for centuries to have healing qualities.  Seek out vitamins that are high in fiber, vitamins and protein.  Beans, beans the musical fruit should be redone to read "beans, beans, the magical fruit."  Of course they're not really magical, but they offer great benefits nutritionally in the form of vitamins, protein and fiber.  Beans are definitely a food that you should add to your diet if you're not already.

Stay away from fried food and foods with a lot of fat.  These will clog up your arteries as well as excessive calories that can increase weight.  This, in turn, makes your body work harder to pump blood and will affect your stamina and cardiovascular health in general.  Sure you can eat these things, but like most things, do so in moderation or just occasionally.  Make sure to mix in some fresh fruits like a banana or blueberries with your breakfast.

The two areas of healthy diet and exercise are always a good place to start when it comes to health and wellness.  Used in combination with natural supplements, meditation, healthy relationships, and activities that fulfill your life purpose, diet and exercise will do almost everything you want.   

Do this regularly for at least 30 days and you will be sure to notice an increase in energy as your body becomes healthier. When so inspired, continue this as part of your plan for lifelong health and abundant energy.

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