- Expat Survival Guide - Self Medicating a Staph Infection in a Third World Country
- Swine Flu: How to Reduce Your Chance of Infection and Transmission to Others
- A Look at Plastic Surgery Prices
- Homeopathic Remedies - A Holistic Approach to Healing
- 10 Natural Cold Remedy Recommendations
- Otoplasty: Who Should Have Ear Surgery
- Ear Reshaping Surgery Corrects Bat Ears and Other Deformities
- Otoplasty Helps You Create a New Ear Shape to Fit Your Face
- Best Cold Sore Medicine - FDA Approved Cold Sore Medication
- MyZeno Hi-Tech Acne Zapper Versus Topical Acne Treatment
Prescription Sleep Medicine
Expat Survival Guide - Self Medicating a Staph Infection in a Third World Country
Posted by sleepyguy in Prescription Sleep Medicine on July 04th, 2009
Ask any well traveled expat about health care, during his or her travels, and most will tell you essentially the same thing - Some countries provide excellent or adequate medical services, while others are completely inadequate or nearly nonexistent. Today’s Expat Survival Guide will concentrate on the countries where medical care is, in many cases, sub par or not readily available.
Before we get too far into this, I should tell you that the information contained in this article should never substitute for the advice and care of a qualified doctor or health care professional. However, should you find yourself in an area where such an individual is not readily available, then the information contained herein will be of good use to you. Just make sure that you visit a qualified doctor as soon as possible, as only he or she will be able to completely and accurately diagnose and treat an infectious condition.
First off. We should go over exactly what a Staph Infection is, and the symptoms of such an infection.
A Staph Infection is an infection caused by Staphylococcus (or “Staph” bacteria). It is a very common bacterium and is generally believed to be present in about 25% of all people. In many cases, it lives upon the skin in the nose, mouth, genital, and anal areas without causing an infection. However, once a cut or puncture occurs, in an area where the bacteria are residing, chances of an infection increase dramatically. The foot is also susceptible to picking up the bacteria from the floor. Staph infections normally begin with a minor cut that becomes infected with the bacteria.
Staph infections can range from a simple boil or enlarged pimple type occurrence to dangerous flesh-eating conditions which can be highly resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotic resistant strains of the bacteria are prevalent in North America, due to an ever growing dependence on antibiotics to treat bacteria related conditions and illnesses. The severity of a Staph Infection normally depends on the depth of the infection and how fast it is spread. Of course strains of the bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics can become more dangerous and may even be life threatening if left untreated or unchecked.
Staph infections normally begin with a small area of redness. The area may be very tender and swollen. It may or may not begin with a break in the skin. The affected area may become quite warm and painful. If this occurs, then chances are good you have been infected by the Staph Cellulitis strain of the bacteria. This seems to be the most common strain of the bacteria; however, it will be hard to determine whether the strain is resistant or not to antibiotics, unless a culture sample is tested. Therefore, you should visit a qualified doctor as soon as you can. But this guide is for expats with no qualified doctor readily available to him, and until you can actually visit a doctor you have to do something.
I have known many expats that suffered from Staph Infections, while in third world countries. Though I don’t recommend self medicating, there are times when there is no choice. If you find yourself in this position, here are some things you can do to help.
First, keep the infected area very clean. This is the most important thing you can do to help minimize or prevent spread of the bacterial infection. When cleaning the affected area, use a good quality soap and warm water. Allow the soap to remain on the infected area of the skin for two or three minutes before rinsing.
Once the affected area is cleaned, wipe the affected area with cotton and hydrogen peroxide or betadine to further help kill the surface bacteria. If the wound is an open wound then saturate the wound with hydrogen peroxide and allow it to thoroughly clean the wound. Cover the affected area with a clean gauze bandage. Clean the affected area and change the bandage at least three or four times daily.
If you have access to a pharmacy or drug store (In many developing countries there are pharmacies available but not trained doctors) you will most likely be able to acquire most common antibiotics and antibacterial medications without a prescription. Many western countries restrict sale of these medications; however, most developing nations do not. Therefore, if you have access to a pharmacy then the following medications are the most commonly prescribed for Staph Infections:
Good ‘ole Penicillin (if you’re not allergic) can fight many nonresistant strains of the bacteria, and is usually available in most countries of the world. Actually, many doctors will usually prescribe two derivatives of penicillin to treat Staph infections. Penicillin or Amoxicillin which are broad spectrum antibiotics and Cloxacillin, Cloxacillin Sodium or Flucloxacillin which are narrow spectrum derivatives that more actively attack the Staph Bacteria itself. Taking both at the same time is quite common. Both are normally prescribed in 500mg capsules and should be taken 3 - 4 times daily. Penicillin and its derivatives work best on an empty stomach.
If you are allergic to Penicillin, you can substitute Erythromycin for the Penicillin or Amoxicillin and Doxycycline for the Cloxacillin-based drug. Erythromycin dosage is 500mg twice daily, and Doxycycline dosage is 100mg once daily. Erythromycin and Doxycycline may be taken with or without food.
All antibiotics mentioned above will require 3 - 4 days before signs of improvement, if any, are noticed. Typical periods of treatment are 10 - 14 days. However, in more serious cases, the need to take the antibiotics for up to 45 days is not uncommon.
In addition, many studies and tests have shown that applying a good anti bacterial ointment or salve to the wound or infected area can help prevent the spread of the Staph Bacteria and allow the affected area to more quickly heal.
Many expats have used more natural remedies when neither a doctor nor pharmacy is available, and I have also used a few to treat minor staph infections. However, natural remedies should only be used when no other resources are available. I guess that is a topic for another issue of the Expat Survival Guide. Again, if you believe you have a Staph Infection, see a qualified doctor as soon as possible. The information here has helped many expats, but it may not be the best advice for you.
Swine Flu: How to Reduce Your Chance of Infection and Transmission to Others
Posted by sleepyguy in Prescription Sleep Medicine on July 03rd, 2009
April 27, 2009
Everyone wants to know what to do to prevent getting swine flu and how to keep it from infiltrating their businesses, homes and public places. The recent outbreak, which appears to have started in Mexico, is believed to have infected hundreds and killed dozens in just the last few days.
The CDC advises that anyone suspected of having the associated symptoms stay home and consult with their doctor. Do not return to work or school until 48 hours after your symptoms are gone. If your symptoms are severe, then go to a hospital but otherwise, they would prefer that you stay home to avoid spreading the disease to others in the hospital. Currently, the CDC does not believe that the general public needs to wear protective face masks at this time.
To prevent the spread within your home, business, schools or in public places, the CDC recommends that everyone practice good hygiene which includes frequent washing of the hands or use of instant hand sanitizers. An ideal choice for hand sanitizer would include one that lasts more than an instant. One problem with alcohol based products is that it stops working immediately after it evaporates. SkinWear, which contains no alcohol lasts for up to 8 hours which, given the current need for constant vigilance and protection is a smart choice.
Equally important, to prevent the transmission of the disease to others one should use an EPA approved hard surface cleaner. PureGreen24, powered by SDC, meets the recommendations by the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for infection control for care of patients with confirmed or suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) virus in both home and healthcare settings.
PureGreen24 is quite unique because it is safe enough to use on children’s toys and cribs (with no rinse required) but strong enough to kills MRSA, staph and all the rest.
Symptoms are the same as regular influenza including fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and coughing. Some people report runny noses, sore throats, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The youngest, oldest and people with compromised health are those at the highest risk.
Various populations, because of the nature of their professions are at higher risk as well. Those who work with large, transient populations are thought to be at higher risk. That could include chiropractors and physical therapist because they work with out the protection of rubber gloves. Bankers who hand currency may be at increased risk as well. As documented earlier, in January 2009 Reuters report indicates that banknotes may be harboring the common flu virus. Reports in the Journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology indicate that human influenza viruses can survive on currency for as long as 17 days.
It is not practical for bankers and tellers to wash their hands after each transaction, nor is it advisable to use an alchol based product 100 times a day. Again, that is why we recommend PureGreen24 to disinfect the desk tops, key boards, phone, door knobs and exam tables. The SkinWear product, which is on sale at http://jshygiene.com is prefect because it will offer you protection for up to 8 hours. In general, the flu is passed hand to hand, and self-inoculated through the membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth.
A Look at Plastic Surgery Prices
Posted by sleepyguy in Prescription Sleep Medicine on July 03rd, 2009
Plastic surgery is very famous term in this modern world. This word mainly related to celebrities and we know so many of them undergone this surgery to get more beauty. Plastic surgery can be defined as a medical term which indicates the renovation or the alteration of organs. It is an unnatural process and through this, we can get what we did not get naturally. So, all people have an idea about plastic surgery. Now we are going to see about the plastic surgery prices.
The world plastic is derived from the Greek word plastikos which means to shape or to mold. It has no relation ship with the plastic we use in our day to day life. One mistaken belief about the plastic surgery is that patient have to under gone surgery. But it is wrong, no need of surgery in all cases, some non surgical cases are there. Prices of plastic surgery depend upon many features about the treatment; some of them are time period of the treatment, type of surgery, cost of facilities, standard of the surgeon etc.
Nose job surgery or Rhinoplasty is a very common form cosmetic surgery. Charges of nose job surgery change with the risk of the surgery. Although it is common, there are chances to transform it as a tricky business. A decent nose job surgery costs from $4,000 to $6,000; it is only an average price scale.
Liposuction is another famous cosmetic surgery among male population. Liposuction is a type of plastic surgery which removes excess amount of fat around the stomach and below the hands. Its average price varies from $2500 to $3500. One thing that it may cause $5000, based on the time physician spent on your body.
Another common surgery is gynecomastia or male breast tissue removal. In this surgery, physician removes the excess fat from the chest area of the males, in order to firm up their body. This surgery is very helpful those who have sagging breasts or small sized lumps on the chest area. Charges vary from $2000 to $3000.
Breast enlargement in females is one of the very famous in cosmetic surgery. It mainly meant to increase the size and shape of breasts and some people prefer breast lift. This treatment charge starts from $5500 to $7000.
Fillers have high demand in the market, some of them like Restylane and Collagen are using to inject for the enlargement of organs. Lips like the top movie stars can be attained with these fillers. You can use fillers on cheeks and other facial areas. This treatment costs from $300 to $350 per injection, which is comparatively low rate in cosmetic surgery. But this injection is temporary in result and has to take injection between six to eight months.
Another one is vaginoplasty or vaginal tightening which costs from $6500 to $8500. Botox injection costs $6500 to $8500 and otoplasty or ear surgery costs for $3000. There is an option to enlarge the penis and the charge ranges from $4500 to $8500. So cosmetic surgery is a second chance for those who love to become beautiful. Don’t skimp on the plastic surgery prices, however. Cosmetic surgery is one area of medicine where getting a great deal isn’t always such a great deal.
Homeopathic Remedies - A Holistic Approach to Healing
Posted by sleepyguy in Prescription Sleep Medicine on July 03rd, 2009
Homeopathic remedies are alternative medications that treat diseases through substances that would normally cause the occurrence of the disease itself. Some people would refer to homeopathy as a holistic way of healing because it involves the whole being of the person, and first originated in the 18th century through a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann.
The popularity of homeopathy has made it as the second commonly used alternative treatment in the whole world. Homeopathic remedies have been widely used for almost two hundred years. The principle behind this complementary medicine is that the body, the mind, as well as the emotions are connected to one another.
The usual scientific practice of treating diseases considers symptoms as mainly the manifestations of the disease. However, in homeopathy, a patient has to suffer first prior to experiencing relief. The patient is provided with a substance that will induce manifestations of the same symptoms brought about by the disease. This way, the patient would have a stronger threshold to fight off the disease because the symptoms are already experienced.
Homeopathy is truly a delicate treatment approach. In general, the aim is to correct the imbalances that happen in the body before symptoms of a certain disease will disrupt the body’s homeostasis.
Homeopathic remedies are derived from organic sources such as plants, animals, and even minerals. Because it is organic, side effects are less likely to happen. Usually, these substances are diluted until it reaches its weakest form. The diluted substance will be given to the patient to treat the particular disease.
Homeopathy is denoted as a complete opposite to the conventional form of medicine because it treats all the underlying symptoms as a whole. This makes it a holistic approach of treating disease conditions.
Advocates of homeopathy believe that this method is effective because it addresses the cause of the disease and not just treating it symptomatically. In many cases, people prefer homeopathic remedies rather than conventional medication.
Examples of conditions that can be treated by this type of alternative medicine are asthma, skin allergies, and even hemorrhoids. Asthma is becoming increasingly common among children, and many parents prefer to not expose their children to the harsh chemical treatments that a traditional doctor would recommend. Thus, homeopathic remedies offer a great alternative to conventional medicine.
Aside from that, the expenses that natural remedies incur are not as high as the skyrocketing health care expenses that a patient will have to pay in conventional medication. Through homeopathy, a natural and organic healing process is promoted, without using chemicals or strong substances that can cause toxicity to the kidneys and liver.
If you have conditions like skin allergies, asthma, and hemorrhoids, you can try homeopathic remedies for healing. There are many homeopathic clinics out there wherein you can consult about your condition. This type of treatment is becoming increasingly popular as many people are looking for natural alternatives when it comes to looking after their health.
10 Natural Cold Remedy Recommendations
Posted by sleepyguy in Prescription Sleep Medicine on July 02nd, 2009
We all know how miserable the common cold can make us feel, but rather than reach for a cardboard box why not let nature takes it course and just try to relieve the symptoms with a natural cold remedy.
Having a cold is known as a contagious illness that affects our upper respiratory tract. There are 200 different types of viruses which can cause a cold. When this infection occurs in the respiratory tract it causes swelling in the walls of the upper respiratory tract and produces excessive mucus.
You can easily catch a cold through person to person contact, overcrowded places where the risk of infection is high, and by picking up used tissues of another person.
Symptoms of a cold may range from watery eyes to hacking cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, headache and fever. Most colds have an average duration of one week. If your cold is recurrent it may indicate that you have a lowered immune capacity, there is too much stress, or you don’t get enough sleep.
Here is a list of 10 natural cold remedies that you can try:
1. If you feel a cold coming on then try this natural cold remedy to stop it in its tracks. Crush a teaspoon of sea salt and mix it with a small amount of warm water (until dissolved). Gargle six or seven times a day with this solution. The sea salt will generally kill any germs that are lurking at the back of your throat and you can avoid going through the discomfort of having a cold.
2. If you have already caught a cold, try drinking hot liquids because it can relieve nasal congestion. Also drink at least eight glasses of water a day as this will prevent you from suffering from dehydration. It can even soothe your inflamed membrane that lines in your throat and nose. Drinking fresh fruit juices like pineapple, which is less acidic in the stomach and less allergenic than citrus, is a great help because it is richer in vitamin C. This will help in breaking down mucus and at the same time boosting the immune system to help in fighting infection.
3. If you have already caught a cold, don’t eat less nutritious food. Rather, you should stay away from processed food because it will only make your body’s resistance weaker due to the lack of essential nutrients. The best thing that you can do is to eat nutritional meals that are complete with vitamins and minerals which will aid your body in fighting the infection.
4. Eat garlic that is chopped, chewed or crushed because it is great for preventing and reducing the symptoms of a cold. The reason for this is because it contains a substance called allicin which helps the immune system fight infection.
5. You can also eat lemon because it increases the body’s resistance, decreases toxicity and reduces the duration of your illness.
6. If you are looking to make a natural cold remedy at home just blend together a 1/4 cup of honey with ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar. This mixture is very effective for those suffering with a cold and a sore throat.
7. Give your body rest by having at least 8 hours of sleep. However, you need to make sure that you’re sleeping with a high pillow on your head. Resting can help your body regain energy and it also increases your immune system.
8. Avoid smoking because it only irritates the mucous lining of your nose and will just worsen your condition.
9. Take a steamy shower because it is a common form of steam inhalation which will help your nasal passages to loosen mucus that will give you a relaxing feeling.
10. Another natural code remedy is to use an aromatic diffuser. Afterwards, you can try to odorize your room through the aromatic diffuser. By doing this, the symptoms of your cold will be relieved. For best aroma therapy results, try using exotic essences such as ravensara and niaouli because these have antiviral and anti infectious properties. Use your aromatics as soon as you start feeling stressed and weak.
If you feel a cold coming on then get your self down to your local health food store and buy yourself some Bee Pollen. It really is a fantastic source of anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins and enzymes and its healing properties are incredibly powerful. If you get stuck into the Bee Pollen then the chances are that you will stop the cold before it has a chance to
Otoplasty: Who Should Have Ear Surgery
Posted by sleepyguy in Prescription Sleep Medicine on July 02nd, 2009
Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery used to reshape the external ear. Otoplasty candidates opt for the surgery in the attempt to correct many different ear abnormalities including ears that flare out from the skull, over sized, asymmetrical, deformed or damaged ears, as well as microtic and absent organs. Otoplasty does not alter a person’s ability to hear; it is primarily preformed because the patient is dissatisfied with the appearance of their ears.
Ear reshaping surgery is often preformed because these organs tend to flare out from the head. This is due to an enlarged concha bowl which causes the organ to be overly prominent. This surgery is often referred to as ear pinning because following the surgery they appear to have been pinned back to the head. In reality, the surgeon makes an incision behind the organ and removes a small wedge of cartilage from the concha. The result is less prominent ears.
When someone feels they have over sized ears it is usually because they lack appropriate folding along the antihelix (the outer rim of the ear). The surgeon is able to reshape the antihelix by making precise and predetermined scratches on the front surface of the organ. These scratches weaken the cartilage allowing the surgeon to fold and reshape it appropriately through an incision made in the back.
This method generally does not require permanent sutures. In some cases of over sized ears, surgeons will remove cartilage. This is mostly done through an incision behind the organ but sometimes it may be necessary for the surgeon to make incision on the front surface. When this is necessary, the surgeon will make the cuts within the folds so that scars will be hidden and appear minimal.
In the case of damaged organs or those that have been deformed or absent from birth, a combination of these methods may be used. Building up of the cartilage may also be necessary. This is done by removing material from another area of the body and incorporating it into the new organ. Small pieces used in ear shaping surgery are most commonly taken from the ribs or the other ear.
These types of otoplasty are extensive and only be preformed by qualified and experienced plastic surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, or ENT’s. The results generally favorable, but perfection should not be expected. It is very difficult to reshape a highly deformed or damaged ear, and even more difficult to create a new one and have it look natural and normal. But the results are generally preferred to the preexisting condition.
When trying to correct uneven or unbalanced ears, otoplasty can be effective. But is important to remember that slight asymmetry is normal and that perfection should not be expected from surgery. Rarely are both ears seen at the same time and so otoplasty should only be performed when the imbalance is severe.
Otoplasty is generally preformed on children ages 5-14. Most ears are fully grown by age five. Adults may have the surgery done with minimal risks, however optimal results are achieved when the patient is young and the cartilage is still extremely pliable. Another benefit of having the procedure at a young age is that children may avoid more of the teasing and name calling that often accompany prominent or deformed ears.
Ear Reshaping Surgery Corrects Bat Ears and Other Deformities
Posted by sleepyguy in Prescription Sleep Medicine on July 02nd, 2009
Otoplasty, or ear reshaping surgery, not only corrects large “bat” ears, but addresses a wide variety of issues including earlobe tears, asymmetry, and cartilage deformities.
Not many people put much thought into their ears, with the exception of those who have heard the taunts of “Dumbo” or “elephant” ears. Many ear deformities can easily be concealed by a clever hairstyle; however, some might be so severe that surgery is required. Otoplasty, or ear reshaping, is cosmetic surgery that resizes, shapes, or repositions one or both ears.
Otoplasty is a term that encompasses many different cosmetic procedures for ear shaping. The most common is ear pinning, also known as pinnaplasty. This procedure addresses ears that stick out too far from the side of the head, which often makes them appear larger and distracts from the rest of the face. Many children undergo this procedure successfully; however, as children get older they often grow into their ears, and it becomes unnecessary.
The procedure is fairly simple with few risks and complications. After numbing the area (general anesthetic is often used beforehand) the plastic surgeon will create incisions behind each ear. The cartilage in this area is then repositioned and molded. Plastic stitches are placed to hold the new shape and position and then the skin is stitched up and dressing is applied. The results are ears that stick closer to the side of the head, eliminating the “Dumbo” effect.
Another form of ear reshaping gaining popularity is correction of sagging ear lobes or large holes leftover from ear stretching. Women who often wear large or heavy earrings find that over time the hole will become stretched, making it difficult to keep an earring held in place. The lobe may also become stretched, creating an unpleasant appearance.
Younger generations who have experimented with large gauge piercings also find that as they age they dislike the sagging, stretched lobe that is left behind or the skin may have torn creating unsightly rips. In all of these cases, a cosmetic surgeon can help reconstruct the lobe and either eliminate the appearance of the hole or tighten it so earrings can be worn properly again. This is another fairly simple procedure with few risks and complications.
Misshapen cartilage or noticeable asymmetry can also be addressed by otoplasty. Cosmetic surgeons can reshape the cartilage and reposition the lobe to create a more balanced appearance. Although no two ears are possible to be matched exactly, major improvement can be made to where any imbalance is not readily detectable.
Risks and complications for any otoplasty include infection, bleeding, removing too much cartilage, scarring, and swelling. There is also the chance of dissatisfaction with the results, but revision surgery is normally possible to make further corrections when necessary. Full recovery generally requires at least one week if not two before returning to work and other normal activities; however, some people find they feel comfortable enough after only four to five days.
Consult with a board-certified and qualified plastic surgeon to find out more about available procedures and surgical details. They can provide you with before and after photos of past patients as well as an in-depth explanation of what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Otoplasty Helps You Create a New Ear Shape to Fit Your Face
Posted by sleepyguy in Prescription Sleep Medicine on July 01st, 2009
For most of us, our ears are one of the most important parts of our bodies. While internal organs allow us to lead normal lives, we are often more aware of parts of our bodies that we directly use to interact with the world, such as our hands and feet.
Since we use our ears in our day to day life in a way we are directly aware of, yet we are unable to manipulate them as we do our hands or feet, they are often overlooked. This is even truer when we consider their appearance.
Ears, when they are thought of, are typically thought of for their functional purposes. But how do they affect our appearance? How would the look of our faces be different if this feature was different? Otoplasty can make a subtle, yet positive difference in the balance of a person’s features.
The ear reshaping process is a relatively simple, easy procedure. The anesthetic is administered (either locally or generally, depending on the scope of the surgery, the age of the patient, or the type of incision).
Next, the doctor will either make their incision, or inject the area with a simple needle that they can use to manually mold the cartilage underneath the ear as needed. Any incisions that need to be made are usually done so behind the ear to reduce the appearance of scarring. Regardless, there should be a limited amount of scarring after the procedure.
Any excess areas of skin can be removed if needed, and the cartilage can be redistributed to create a new look. The cartilage and bone underneath can also be restructured, moving the ear forward or backwards on the head.
In some cases, it may be necessary to add mass to some areas. In these cases, surgeons can remove a small amount of cartilage from the ribs or the ear itself and use that to fill in smaller parts of the area. Adding mass will not only create a new look, but also in some cases strengthen those parts that are weaker than normal.
As you might expect, there are risks associated with the surgery. Following your surgery, you must expect a recovery period before the wounds heal and the new structure takes effect. Depending upon the type of surgery and your unique health concerns, this recovery period should be quick and relatively painless.
Most surgeons today use internal, disposable sutures that will dissolve easily and painlessly after their work is done. Regardless, you should expect to follow up with your doctor to examine how the area is healing with time.
To find the best surgeon for you, ask your friends, co-workers, or consult the internet. After consultation with your doctor, you may find that your insurance will cover all or part of the surgery if there is a reasonable expectation that there is a functional, health related need for the surgery. Be upfront with your needs and health issues in the initial consultation in order to ensure a quick, easy, and painless process.
Best Cold Sore Medicine - FDA Approved Cold Sore Medication
Posted by sleepyguy in Prescription Sleep Medicine on July 01st, 2009
There are many medications that are available to cure cold sore but which is the best cold sore medicine that will show its effect quickly. The best medicine should have the components not only to cure but also to prevent reappearance of such painful situation.
The medicine will help to control the formation of the blisters. The usual occurrence is mainly due to the HSV-1 virus. The choices of medicines available for cold sores are not much.
So you have to choose very tactfully but for that you have to know more about the medicines.
Abreva, Benzocaine, Docosanol, Zovirax and Lidocaine are some of the medicines that are available for curing acute cold sore. Abreva, a FDA approved drug, has some fan following while for some patients this drug is completely useless.
This drug is available for a very small quantity of .07 ounce at a comparatively high price of $16 to $20. Zovirax can be crowned as an effective medicine but the $120.00 for the 5g tube can be too much for many.
It shows the effects very quickly and soothes the tingling and pain that it is coupled with.
The blisters will be cured if Zovirax is applied as soon as it appears. You can also consider Docosanol because it has proved to be effective for many people. It will ease the symptoms.
In the same way the medicines like Acetaminophen, Benzocaine, Ibuprofen and Lidocaine are also more or less effective agents that can cure the blisters and lessen the pain.
Among all these I will recommend Zovirax as the best cold sore medicine though the price is quite high for this medication.
MyZeno Hi-Tech Acne Zapper Versus Topical Acne Treatment
Posted by sleepyguy in Prescription Sleep Medicine on July 01st, 2009
Is This The Future of Acne Treatment?
In your pursuit for the best acne treatment, you may have come across the electronic devices such as MyZeno that zaps zits with an impulse of heat. It all sounds very science fiction, I agree. When I first saw the MyZeno gadget it reminded me more of a prop out of Star Trek than a serious solution for acne.
However, it does actually have clinically proven results and is also endorsed by medical professionals. But, the million dollar question is; how effective is this as a long term acne treatment?
The point I’m trying to put across is, that I don’t of dispute the clinical results or its effectiveness. However, I don’t believe this is a long term solution as it fails to treat the root cause. Furthermore, the cost of using MyZeno if very high.
Cost of Treatment
Let’s the put the spotlight (sorry about the unintentional pun ) on the cost.
MyZeno claims that it takes 1-2 counts (thermal impulses) to treat a single spot, pimple or zit over a 24 hour period. A 90-count tip costs $35. This means that each spot, pimple or zit will cost around $0.3 to remove, plus of course the initial $100 dollar for the electronic device.
Not only is the cost extensive, but so is the time needed to treat each individual spot, pimple or zit, which MyZeno claims to be two and a half minutes.
Short Term Treatment Only
MyZeno or other electronic devices of this type can only treat existing spots. However, they cannot prevent further outbreaks as they fail to treat the root cause. This means that the sufferer will be hit with constant rising acne treatment costs.
My Opinion
MyZeno is ideal for those who need to rid get the odd pimple here and there very quickly. However, if you want to try and treat mild acne with this. I recommend that this is used in conjunction with a topical treatment that helps to prevent acne outbreaks. This of course will help to limit some of the substantial costs.