Yaz and Yasmin are another prime example of corporate greed and lust for profits outweighing the public welfare. Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc. the makers of Yaz and Yasmin has over 7,000 lawsuits against them for personal injuries related to these drugs. The pharmaceutical maker made some strong claims in commercials about the drug’s ability to relieve acne, moodiness, headaches, bloating, muscle aches, and premenstrual syndrome. The only problem is that the FDA did not approve the use of Yaz for these conditions. It is true that traditional contraceptives have been use to treat acne and Yaz was approved for use against moderate acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. However, Bayer had been misleading and neglectful in its advertisements about the risks associated with these drugs. The dangers of Yaz are much greater than traditional contraceptives. Women have suffered blood clots, gall bladder disorders, stroke, liver damage, and lumps in the breast, vaginal bleeding, heart attack, death, and pulmonary embolism. Some women were found taking Yaz not for contraception but to treat acne only.

Deaths From Yasmin Contraceptives

There is the story of Brittany Prewitt a 15-year-old girl that died from a pulmonary embolism because of Yasmin. Her dermatologist originally

prescribed the drug for acne when she was 13. This is sad because for 2 years, this child took the drug without her dermatologist or parents ever realizing how lethal this drug was until it resulted in her death. The lawsuit alleges that Bayer misled dermatologist into thinking all drospirenone-based birth control pills could be used for treatment of acne.

The health risks associated with these drugs are greater than that of traditional birth control pills. Especially when speaking of blood clots.

What Is The Difference Between Yaz And Yasmin

The primary difference is that Yaz contains about 20mcg of Estradiol and Yasmin about 30mcg. Estradiol is a hormone made in the ovaries of women. It effects the reproductive organs, bones, and sexual functioning. Another contrast between Yaz and Yasmin is the number of active and inactive pills. Yaz contraceptives taken for 24 days (active pills) followed by 4 placebos or inactive pills. Yasmin has 21 active pills followed by 7 inactive pills or placebos.

Generic Yasmin And Yaz

Are there generic forms of Yaz and Yasmin? Yes!

• Some generics for Yasmin are Ocella, Zarah, and Syeda.
• Generics for Yaz are Loryna and Gianvi.

Yaz and Yasmin are fourth generation birth control pills.

Treating MDD

Antidepressants and drugs used to treat major depressive disorder all have side effects. One of the common reactions is dry skin, dry mouth, and rash. In some cases, this can be an indication of toxicity. So be careful to notice any changes and consult your physician or mental health provider.

• Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is an antidepressant
• Lexapro (antidepressant also called Escitalopram)
• Effexor, Effexor XR (Venlafaxine
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Lamictal (lamotrigine)
• REMERON (mirtazapine)

What Is Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms

• Insomnia
• Depression
• Irritability especially in adolescents or children
• Drastic change in weight when there is no dieting involved
• Low energy
• Feeling worthless
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Thoughts of suicide
• Slowed behavior
• Not related to another disorder
• Lost of interest in activities

What Causes Major depressive disorder

MDD and effects all ethnic groups. It is no respecter of persons regardless of gender or age. It effects twice as many women as men. The onset appears more common in both women and men between the ages of 25-44. The frequency over time begins to wane and for those over the age of 65 is less common.

Even children may have bouts with Major depressive disorder: the condition effecting both boys and girls about the same.

If you had a parent with the disorder then your chances increase for contracting it increase from 1-3 times more.

Whether you called it unipolar depression, clinical depression or major depression the result is still devastating to its victims.

Major depressive disorder can arise out of medical illness like stroke, diabetes, heart attack (myocardial infarction) and cancer.

To compound the problem further in some major depression co-exist with other mental disorders like drug and alcohol abuse. Major depressive disorder can be life threatening as about 14-15% end in suicide.

Psoriasis can effect the skin or joints. In the case of scalp psoriasis, it is limited to the scalp, head or neck area. Flaky white particles sometimes resembling falling crumbs or dandruff, to an onlooker this may raise concerns of contagion but it is not. Believe it, or not this is a very common condition. Scalp psoriasis is treatable. Scaling can be mild to severe effecting large areas of the scalp even reaching onto the neck, forehead, and ears. Furthermore, many may find other areas of the body effected.

Upon first glance, it may appear to be similar to other skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, but there are some very distinct differences. It is true that both ailments produce scaling however, those involving seborrheic dermatitis are yellow and greasy. If the eye is untrained, misdiagnosis can occur.

Sometimes scalp psoriasis will go away of its own accord. If not treatment is needed.

There are multiple treatments some requiring no doctor at all. Purchased either online or over the counter (otc).

Salicylic acid used to soften scales for easy removal. Usually found in treatment shampoos and soaps.

If concentrations are, too high skin irritation and temporary hair loss can occur.

Tar another remedy coming in two forms coal or wood. Found in creams, ointments, oils, gels, and shampoos. Some of these concoctions can be rather smelly. When using a tar-based shampoo reduce smell by applying a non-medicated conditioner afterwards. Tars are

especially effective for reducing the psoriasis itch.

Reducing the use of hot combs and curling irons will help control dry scalp and itch.

Treatment for scalp psoriasis must be consistent to be effective and can last for 8 weeks or longer.

Over the counter treatments, tend to be most effective for mild psoriasis.

Now, let’s talk about prescription medications.

Tazarotene (Tazorac) a topical cream or gel is a derivative of vitamin A, and applied to scalp lesions. This medication may cause skin dryness. Use a moisturizer 30 minutes before application to reduce skin irritation.

Calcipotriene & betamethasone dipropionate (taclonex scalp) is a combination of vitamin D and steroid.

Anthralin is an older medication that can cause skin staining and irritation.

When crusting and scaling occur you doctor could prescribe antimicrobial therapy.

Steroids used for mild scalp psoriasis and injected into lesions.

Cyclosporine prescribed for mild to severe cases.

Other methods to soften scales of scalp psoriasis:

Soak scalp in warm water

Apply ointments, lotions, oils, creams, heated olive oil

Use fine a toothcomb or brush to remove scales moving with a light circular motion.

Can scalp psoriasis be treated? Yes! However, it may require some experimentation before finding the best remedy.

That red pimple (papules) inside your rash is not acne. Rosacea patients hate those annoying skin bumps. Being more problematic when on the face because they are a source of embarrassment. There has been misconception that acne and rosacea are a part of the same condition. The origins of this fallacy predominately caused by the term coined for those with both acne and rosacea hence acne rosacea. It is possible to have both conditions simultaneously. Each skin ailment treated separately.

One big difference between acne and rosacea is the later tends to effect fair-skinned people. With acne complexion is not a consideration. It never leads to blindness as in the case of Ocular rosacea (rosacea keratitis). Clearly, it is the more serious of the two ailments and is incurable.

The products and treatment for acne and rosacea sometimes overlap. Case in point would be

that oral and topical antibiotics are effective and used for both conditions, sort of a double edge sword. With sulfa washes, this also would apply. There are other drugs that if used will help both skin issues like retinoids, laser treatments, and chemical peels.

Places That Treat Acne And Rosacea

Sometimes just knowing where to go to find medicines for rosacea can mean the world. If you are looking for a physician or doctor for rosacea treatment or acne, see a dermatologist. They specialize in disorders of the skin. When using over the counter creams and ointments a little experimentation is best to find the right products or combination for your skin. Some may be sensitive to certain topical creams and ointments. They may worsen breakouts, skin dryness, and redness. This can be particularly true of products that contain retinol or benzoyle peroxide. Finding products and treatment:

• Dunwoody Dermatology (Treatment center for rosacea and acne)
• Merry Clinic (herbal and natural remedies)
• Paula’s Choice (rosacea skin care)
• Bare Escentuals (skin gels and creams)
• Sulfur creams, lotions and ointments
• Chamomile tea

Rosacea has a telltale blush similar that seen when drinking alcohol. However, do not be mistaken the cause of rosacea is in no way caused by alcohol. Drinking can exacerbate the condition. W.C. Fields world famous vaudevillian, who some may say were just as famous for his flushing red checks as his comedic talent had rosacea.

Other well-known rosacea sufferers have been Bill Clinton, Mariah Carey, Rembrandt, and J.P Morgan. The disease primarily effects Caucasian of northwestern European dissent with fair skin English, Irish or of Scottish origins. In addition, it is more common among women than men and sometimes mistaken for sunburn.

It is not contagious or infectious. Dry skin can be a problem for many sufferers. Rosacea is a chronic long-term incurable condition marked by periodic flare-ups and remissions. However, it is treatable and symptoms controlled. Unfortunately, it grows worse with aging.

Causes of rosacea

The cause of rosacea is unknown but there are theories as to its origin.

• Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria associated with stomach ulcers.
• Ethnicity
• Hereditary and medications making blood vessels dilate.
• Sun damage
• Blood vessels to close to the skins surface

The Four Types Of Rosacea

Hot spots or zones tend to be the cheeks, around the eyes, nose, eyelids, chin, and forehead.

Erythematotelangiectatic – This is a permanent redness of skin with a quick tendency for skin to become flushed or blushing. Other symptoms include tiny blood vessels being visible near the surface of the skin Itching and burning sensations.

Papulopustular – (also known as inflammatory rosacea) its earmarks are bumps and pimples on the face. It may resemble but is not acne. Other characteristics include:

• Persistent redness on the central part of the face
• Raised scaly red patches known as plaque
• Burning and stinging
• Pus-filled lesions
• Visible tiny red blood vessels (telangiectasia)

Phymatous – The nose appears large and bulb shape, thickening of the skin. Skin thickening can effect the nose, chin, ears, and forehead.

Ocular– Eye and eyelids are red dry and irritated.

Reducing Flare-ups

How to should you reduce occurrence of flare-ups. These include diet and environmental factors. Avoid the following:

• Chocolate
• Spicy foods and hot foods (meaning temperature)
• Beans and citrus fruits, figs
• Eggplants
• Yeast extract
• Soy sauce
• Dairy products
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Be careful of blood pressure medications namely vasodilators.
• Witch hazel
• Menthol
• Eucalyptus oil
• Salicylic acid
• Stay cool and indoors with air conditioning preferable

Treatments For Rosacea

Laser treatment can zap broken red blood vessels and their flushed appearance.

Antibacterial washes

Oral antibiotics (tetracycline, amoxicillin, minocycline, and doxycycline)

Topical creams (metrogel, accutane, retin-A, clindamycin, and rosac)

It is the art of replacing hair above the eye, which you never had or lost. Eyebrow restoration is a form of cosmetic surgery. How long does it take? It can take anywhere from 3-4 hours depending on skin sensitivity.

Celebrities Without Eyebrows

Two of the most famous people with no eyebrows are Whoopi Goldberg and Mona Lisa. These are two of the most recognizable names on the planet. Being browless in this case has not hurt their personal appearance. It has made them more distinctive in our minds.

Reason For Getting An Eyebrow Transplant

What are some of the primary reasons for replacement surgery?

• It can be the cure for lack of self-confidence because of scarce and thinning eyebrow hair.
• It can be a permanent solution if you hate drawing in artificial brows daily with pencil liner.
• Eyebrows become patchy due to aging
• Alopecia and chemotherapy can cause eyebrow and lash loss.
• What is Alopecia? It is a rare autoimmune disorder causing severe/massive hair loss.
• What other circumstances can cause eyebrow hair loss?
• Liver disease
• Excessive tweezer plucking
• Eyebrows seared off during a chemical fire
• Infections
• There can be hereditary factors
• Eyebrow hair stops growing
• Scars interfering with hair growth
• Medications

It would be great to get before and after pictures so you can see what kind of work to expect from your surgeon.

What To Expect

Restoration usually done in one sitting and is permanent. No deep anesthesia needed. Procedure often completed with an oral sedative and local anesthesia in the office.

Eyebrows are typically fine in texture. Your surgeon will select hairs from a donor area similar to your own natural brows, behind the ear, upper thigh for example. These are implanted one at a time into the brow line; care must be given they are angled correctly for a most natural look.

Brow will remain sensitive for about 2 weeks. In about a month, newly transplanted hairs will fall out. New hair growth can take several weeks up to 3 months. Once healing has occurred and natural growth begins, initially you may have to trim brows more frequently until they have adapted to their new environment. Soon growth rate will normalize.

The Cost

Well, this can vary from surgeon to surgeon. However, averages fall around $4500 high-end and $3000 low-end. Much will depend on who you go to, their experience, reputation and how much work you need done.

Approximately 10- 30% of severe psoriasis suffers have an associated arthritis, effecting the joints, ankles, ligaments, tendons, lower back pain, neck pain and stiffness. The symptoms can affect joints on one or both sides of the body. Damage caused by psoriatic arthritis can be progressive and permanent. Usually psoriasis of the skin appears on average about ten years prior to developing arthritis or it can be as little as three months. However, this is not always the case as it can precede psoriasis.

Psoriatic arthritis can leave affected fingers and toes with a sausage like appearance.

Treating Psoriatic Arthritis

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) used to reduce and control joint swelling, stiffness, and pain. These would include aspirin, ibuprofen, or those requiring a prescription.

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) are available by prescription only. Used for the most severe swelling and pain. These would include methotrexate, cyclosporine, and sulfasalazine

What Is Psoriasis The Symptoms

There is no cure for psoriasis. It is not contagious. It is a chronic condition where skin cells pile up, which at times may go into remission.

• A skin condition commonly recognized by raised red patchy areas.
• Severely dry and cracked skin
• Burning skin
• Itching that can lead to sores,
• Flaking
• Maroonish spots on the body
• Breaks in the skin
• Silvery patches
• Crumbling nails
• Lesions

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, although the symptoms can be mild to severe, it is not life threatening. On the scalp, it can be remindful of dandruff. However, it can cover a large surface area over the body. Flare-ups sometimes attributed to stress or other health problems. Many who have the condition prefer to cover the affected area with clothing because of embarrassment.

The condition is no respecter of age or sex. Anyone can be stricken; affecting the elbows, scalp, knees, and even around the genital area. A small number of those suffering from Psoriasis will go on to develop Psoriatic Arthritis. Skin associated with the disease can quickly become dry and cracked. Severe itching and soreness can be common. Nails can become thick and break easily.

There is no one type of psoriasis but several.

Types Of Psoriasis

Plaque Psoriasis- Dry skin, red lesions covered with silvery scales.

Nail Psoriasis -Discolored fingernails and toenails. Pitting and changes in nail thickness causing easy breakage.

Scalp Psoriasis- Plaque psoriasis on the scalp

Guttate Psoriasis- Small red spots on the trunk and limbs not as thick as plaque psoriasis

Inverse Psoriasis – Sometimes called psoriasis of the skin folds. Red patches appearing in sweaty areas like under the arms, breast, and groin.

Pustular Psoriasis – Blisters of non-infectious pus surrounded by red skin

Erythrodermic Psoriasis – Bright redness covering large areas of skin. Scales come off in large sheets. Increase in heart rate, variations in temperature, severe itching, and pain.

Medications For Psoriasis And Side Effects

Depending on the severity, drugs are not always necessary. Sometimes a topical treatment such as creams and ointments will suffice specifically topical corticosteroids. Cyclosporine or methotrexate reserved for severe outbreaks. What can be the side effects of these two drugs? methotrexate can cause digestive issues and cyclosporine can increase the risk of cancer.

What Is Arthritis The Symptoms

Arthritis can be a debilitating disease causing stiffness, pain and swelling in the joints. It can produce joint deformities especially in the hands and fingers.

Arising from anyone of several factors like:

• Obesity
• Hereditary
• Joint trauma
• Overuse of joints
• Joint wear and tear due to aging
• Psoriasis

The forms of arthritis we most frequently hear about are Osteoarthritis (caused by loss of joint cartilage) and rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of the connective tissue frequently effecting women 35-45 years of age).

Side Effects Of Arthritic Medications

There are many different medications used to treat the various forms of arthritis. For the most part, they all have some side effects that can be from mild to severe. Risk increases with long-term use.

• Intestinal bleeding
• Stomach bleeding
• Weaken the immune system
• Increase risk of infections
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Increase the risk of some cancers
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

NSAID’s (Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) are a class of drugs frequently used to treat arthritis. They reduce joint inflammation and swelling by blocking pain and inflammation producing substances like prostaglandins.

Do have a sandy gritty feeling in your eyes? If you frequently wear contact lenses, you may be familiar with this condition. Some blame it on things in the environment such as wind, smoke or dry heat but this is not always the case.

Eyes Dry From Soft Contacts

Soft contact lenses are made of plastics that contain water, depending on the intended wearing schedule; lenses can contain 30-75% water. Overtime this moisture evaporates and it then absorbs water from your own tears. Eventually eyes can become dry, red, even blurry vision can occur.

For many dry eye symptoms are a short-term issue. However, for those who have worn contacts for many years dryness can come from damage to hairlike structures on the cornea causing poor tear film stability.

Dryness From Rigid Contact Lenses

If you wear rigid gas permeable lenses, they are more prone to dryness despite the efforts of manufactures to make them more compatible with natural tear film. This kind of contact lens contains no water in the lens vs. soft lenses. By nature, its polymeric hydrophobic materials repel tears/moisture present in the eye.

What Are The Alternatives For Relieving Dry Eyes

Punctal plugs inserted into the lacrimal punctum to help retain tears. This very small plug is

inserted into the tiny hole at the bottom of the eyelid near the tear duct. Plugs can be temporary or permanent. Short-term plugs will allow you to detect problems and get a sense of what they will feel like. These will dissolve in about three weeks.

• Drink 8 or 64 ounces of water a day.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses while outdoors.
• Sit away from air vents.
• Avoid wind and air drafts.

If you are having dry eyes from contact lenses discuss this with your eye specialist. There are many new versions of contact lenses, which may be more suitable and will solve or alleviate the problem. Your eye specialist will adjust your prescription accordingly.

Your eye doctor can determine if your contacts are fitting properly.

Most of us that wear contacts usually pop them in and forget it until there is a problem like red eye. Be mindful that contacts are a foreign object making direct eye contact. When red eye occurs let this be a warning to get your immediate attention to avoid any potential serious eye issues.

Causes And Solutions

If you have allergies, wearing contacts may pose difficulties because of the lens tendencies to collect pollen and other deposits on the surface that will aggravate eye allergies. The constant tearing, rubbing itchy eyes can make life miserable.

Allergies and redness can be caused by contact lens solutions, re-wetting, disinfecting, cleaning and eye drop lubricating solutions. Reaction does not always appear immediately but may suddenly develop after long-term use (years or months). Since these formulas can contain preservatives this may be the source of the problem.

If you wear contacts eyes can become red and scratchy as the day wears on eventually resulting in dry eye syndrome. Sufficient tear formation is needed to wear contacts because

lenses can absorb wetness as they become dry reducing natural eye moisture.

To reduce dry eye try limiting the amount of time you wear lenses to a few hours.

Defective, torn, loose and ill fitting contacts can restrict tear flow, oxygen to the cornea. Poor fitting contacts cause eye redness, pain and even infection.

What is giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)? It is an allergic reaction to protein build-up on contact lens.

GPC can often be prevented by good lens care and cleaning. It not only causes eye redness but discharge. If you have a pre-existing condition like allergic asthma, your risk of GPC is much greater. Papillary conjunctivitis is usually resolved after lens wear is stopped for a while and eye inflammation is reduced by allergy drops.

What causes contact lens induced acute red eye? Also known as C.L.A.R.E (tight lens syndrome and contact lens overwear syndrome); it is found in hydrogel EW (extended wear) lens users. Furthermore, a good reason not to sleep in contacts. C.L.A.R.E is caused by lens overuse and abuse. This would include not disposing of lenses at the designated time, cleaning with unapproved solutions. Symptoms include sensitivity to light, severe eye pain upon awakening, decrease vision and redness.

If you wear contact lens and have eyes that are red, itching, teary, painful, burning or swollen, you may be suffering from allergies. Eye allergies can be hereditary.

Regardless of the cause having an eye allergy does not mean you have to give up wearing contacts. They are the perfect alternative for those who feel eyeglasses are unattractive. Try to pin down the source of the problem with a little experimentation. Removing the catalyst may resolve the problem.

Here is what you can do.

Tips On Avoiding Allergic Reactions

Allergens stick like a magnet to contact lenses. Single use (one day or disposable) lenses can increase comfort, reduce accumulation of pollen, allergens and irritant buildup.

You would be amazed at some of the pollutants and deposits that can stick to contacts, pet dander, mold, pollen and dust. That is why many eye physicians recommend disposables. Bacteria and contaminants are thrown away buildup from repeated wear does not occur. Not to mention the fact that we do not always clean and store extended wear lenses properly.

Dailies unlike reusable’s do not get that sand paper feel the surface remains smooth. Priced

affordably dailies can run as cheap as $33 for a box of 90. Competitive and reduced pricing for the more you order or when you order in bulk.

To avoid allergic reactions keep hands clean when handling lenses. When using cleaning solutions avoid those containing thimerosal and use sensitive eye formulas.

You may find it necessary to alternate between contacts and eyeglasses if wearing contacts become problematic. Change bedding frequently or opt for anti allergy linen. Do not share contacts, makeup, towels with friends or family members to avoid exposure to allergens and irritants.

If possible, avoid wearing eye makeup, especially powders.

Be careful when using lens-cleaning solutions containing preservatives. These can trigger allergic reactions because they remain on the lens after disinfecting. Opt for sensitive eye solutions.