A bladder infection What is it?

What is it?

A bladder infection is an inflammation of the urinary bladder. The inner lining of the bladder becomes inflamed, and the urine becomes full of bacteria.

Who gets it?

Bladder infections are more common among women than men because of their shorter urethra, making it easer for bacteria from the anus or genital area to reach the bladder. Bladder infections often occur in young women who have just become sexually active and have sexual intercourse often. In addition, bladder infections can occur anytime the flow of urine is blocked or emptying of the bladder is incomplete due to an enlarged prostate in men or pregnancy in women.

What causes it?

Bacteria that have traveled up the urethra and into the bladder usually cause bladder infections. The most common bacteria associated with bladder infections in women include Escherichia coli (about eighty percent of cases), Staphylococcus saprophyticus , Klebsiella, Enterobacter , and Proteus species. Risk factors include sexual intercourse, use of a diaphragm for birth control, an abnormally short urethra, diabetes or chronic dehydration, the absence of a specific enzyme in vaginal secretions, inadequate personal hygiene and pregnancy.

In males, bladder infections are often the result of kidney complications or prostate infections. Bladder infections in men are most likely to be caused by E. coli or another gram-negative bacterium.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of a bladder infection in both men and women include painful urination, a sudden strong desire to urinate, an increase in the frequency of urination, cloudy urine that spells bad, and blood in the urine. Large quantities of blood in the urine may be caused by an acute bladder infection. Many patients also experience fever, pain in the lower back, nausea and vomiting and shaking chills.

How is it diagnosed?

To diagnose a bladder infection, the doctor will examine the patient and may test both the blood and urine. A laboratory test of the urine will reveal if bacteria is present, which usually indicates infection. The doctor may also examine the patient’s abdomen and lower back to check for bladder or kidney enlargements.

Female patients may also require a pelvic examination. Female patients with a reoccurring infection may also be given an ultrasound test of the kidneys and bladder to check for structural abnormalities.

What is the treatment?

Bladder infections are usually easily treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria and prevent the spread of infection to the kidneys. Treatment for women is usually short-term; most patients respond within three days. Men do not respond as well to short-term treatment and may require seven to ten days of oral antibiotics. The doctor may also prescribe Pyridium, a medicine that helps reduce the pain and spasm of the bladder during the first couple of days.

Over fifty percent of older men with a bladder infection also suffer from infection of the prostate gland, so the doctor will treat that with antibiotics as well.

A minority of women with complicated bladder infections may require surgical treatment to prevent recurrent infections. Surgery is also used to treat reflux problems (movement of the urine backwards) or other anatomical abnormalities in males.

The patient may be asked to provide another sample of urine to be tested after all antibiotics have been take to make sure the infection is gone. Prompt treatment of a bladder infection with antibiotics usually controls the infection and relieves the symptoms in a day or two.

Self-care tips

To prevent another bladder infection, the female patient should drink large amounts of fluid, urinate frequently and empty the bladder each time, particularly after intercourse, and properly clean the area around the urethra. Female patients should also wipe from front to back after a bowel movement and wash the genital area after each bath or shower.

In males, the primary preventive measure is prompt treatment of prostate infections, drinking large amounts of fluid and frequently emptying the bladder. Men, especially if uncircumcised, should always wash the penis (gently pulling back the foreskin) during bathing.

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This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

big kiss from jessica

ANSWER MARTA QUESTION

JESSICA MY HAIR FALLS WHAT WILL I DO'?

Every day, you lose about 50 to 100 hairs. You've seen them. They swirl down the drain in the tub or get stuck on the back of your sweater. Or, worst of all, one might get in your mouth. Gross.

Normally, when hair falls out, new hairs start forming in the same place as the old ones. But when someone has hair loss, the hairs may not grow back. Or they do grow, but there aren't enough of them to take the place of what's already fallen out. This often happens to men, who start to go bald as they get older.

But anyone can have hair loss, even kids. The medical name for hair loss is alopecia (say: al-uh-pee-shuh).

The Hair-y Story

The hair on your head is made of keratin (say: kair-uh-tin), the same protein that makes up your nails. Hairs grow from follicles(say: fahl-ih-kulz), which are very tiny holes deep in your skin. Each follicle contains a hair root, the part of the hair that is alive and growing. The part of the hair you can see, the part above the skin, is dead. (That's why it doesn't hurt to get a haircut!)

This part is called the hair shaft, and it's the part of your hair that can get long. Most kids' hair grows about half an inch (2 centimeters) a month. About 85 out of 100 hairs on your head are growing (the anagen phase) at any time. When a hair is done growing it goes into its resting (telogen) phase and eventually falls out. Usually, 15 out of 100 hairs on your head are in the resting phase.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Men, especially older men, are the ones who are most likely to lose their hair. This kind of hair loss is called androgenetic (say: an-dro-jeh-neh-tik) alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness. It's the most common type of hair loss and it doesn't affect kids. This type of baldness runs in families and happens when people get older.

So why do some kids lose their hair? A kid's hair may fall out if he or she uses harsh chemicals to dye, bleach, straighten, or perm the hair. Even drying hair with very high heat can hurt it and cause it to fall out. Too-tight braids, ponytails, and barrettes can also make hair hit the road. Hair also can be lost if a person combs or brushes the hair too hard, especially when it's wet.

Here are some other causes of hair loss:

• Telogen effluvium (say: teh-luh-jen eh-flu-vee-um). This means that more hairs than usual are in the resting phase and fall out more easily. As a result, you lose more hair than usual. You might notice more hair on your brush or a big clump of hair in the drain after you shower. A fever, stress, or surgery can cause this change in your hair. The good news is that you're not going bald and your hair will be back to normal within 6 months.
• Ringworm. Kids who have a fungus called ringworm on their scalp might lose their hair. This infection causes the hairs to break close to the scalp.
• Alopecia areata (say: ar-ee-at-uh). In this condition, round patches of hair completely fall out. No one knows exactly what causes alopecia areata, but it looks like the body's own immune system attacks the hair follicles. It also runs in some families. In 95 out of 100 cases of alopecia areata, the hair grows back completely.
• Trichotillomania (say: trik-oh-till-oh-may-nee-ah). This is the fancy name for the habit of pulling and twisting your own hair. Some kids may pull their hair because they're stressed out or anxious about something. Hair will grow back when it's not being pulled, but some kids find it hard to stop. For these kids, the doctor can recommend treatment.
• Hormone problems. If your thyroid gland isn't working right, it can also cause hair loss. (The thyroid gland sits in the front of the lower neck and makes important hormones that keep the body healthy.) Severe problems with nutrition also can result in unhealthy hair that falls out or breaks easily.
• Cancer treatment. Most people think about cancer when they see a kid who is bald. Cancer does not cause hair to fall out, but the powerful drugs and treatments used to kill cancer cells (chemotherapy and radiation) kill the cells that make hair grow, too. A kid getting chemotherapy may lose a lot of hair quickly, but the hair will grow back when the treatment is stopped.

What Will the Doctor Do?

If you think you're having some hair loss, talk with your doctor. Your doctor might look at a few strands of your hair under a microscope. This will give the doctor a better look at what's going on to help decide what to do next.

For a fungal infection (ringworm), the doctor will probably prescribe some medicine to treat it. Or if you are taking a medication that can cause hair loss, the doctor might stop it or prescribe something different. If the doctor thinks that an illness is causing the hair loss, you might need more tests.

Coping With Hair Loss

In some cases, it can take a while for hair to grow back on its own — especially if a kid has alopecia areata or is getting chemotherapy. Being bald can be upsetting and scary. Some kids wear wigs or hair extensions while they wait for their own hair to return. Others feel more comfortable just wearing a baseball cap, bandanna, or scarf.

It's always tough to be different, especially in a way that's easy for people to notice. Friends and classmates can make all the difference to someone who's dealing with hair loss. They can tease the person and make him or her feel even worse. Or they can support the kid, be kind, and remember that a person is more than just his or her hair.

Some kids have really gone the extra mile for a friend who had hair loss due to cancer treatment. How? They decided to shave their heads, too, so their friend wouldn't be the only one. What a bald and beautiful thing to do!

well big kiss from jessica..............

ANSWER MARY QUESTION

My son has a really bad cough that is also attached to an ear ache, what can i do to alleviate this problem?

It depends on the age of your son.

The cough and ear ache together are indicative of a ear, nose and throat infection.

Does your son cough only when he is laying down or all the time.how long ago did this start.

Does the child have a raised temprature.

these are the questions that need to be answered before a remedy can be recommended.

I can suggest giving him honey to soothe the throat, and take him immediately to a health care provider to have his throat and ear checked for infections, and also check if he has a post nasal drip.

Regards JESSICA.........

ANSWER AMY QUESTION

What can i do for a really bad cough?

HI AMY

Here are some ideas to rid of the cough.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Steam with thyme, benzoin, eucalyptus, frankincense, myrrh, peppermint, sandalwood, chamomile, or juniper essential oils. Add a few drops of the essential oil to water, bring to a boil, then allow to simmer. Place your head over the pan of simmering water, covering your head with a towel and inhale for 10-20 minutes.

Diet: Eat whole foods, especially lots of raw fruits and vegetables. Also avoid mucus-producing foods, such as sugar, salty foods, dairy products, and starches. In cases of dry cough unrelated to other conditions, umeboshi plum paste can be very soothing.

You can also make a cough syrup from eight ounces of warm pineapple juice and two teaspoons of honey. The bromelain in the pineapple juice is activated by the honey. As an alternative, mix the juice of one lemon with two tablespoons of glycerine, then add 12 teaspoons of honey and stir before each use. Take one teaspoon every 30 minutes, reducing as needed. (Do not refrigerate.)

Another useful kitchen remedy is to slice an onion into a deep bowl and cover in honey, letting stand overnight. The next morning, strain the mixture of juice and honey and take one teaspoon four or five times a day.

Herbs: Coltsfoot, horehound, and mullein are safe and effective for children and adults. Use as an infusion at least three times a day until your symptoms abate.

For a dry irritating cough, use an infusion of marshmallow leaves.

For cough with mucus, make a tea of 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, a pinch of clove, and a pinch of cinnamon powder in one cup of water. In addition, gargle a solution made from one pinch of salt and two pinches of tumeric powder added to glass of water.

For chronic coughs, make a confection of one part sesame seeds (black seeds if possible) and 1/2 part shatavari. Add ginger and raw sugar to taste and take one ounce daily.

Flower Essences: Crab Apple can be helpful if your cough is due to infection.

Homeopathy: For dry coughs: Belladonna, Aconite, Drosera, Bryonia, Phosphorus, Hyoscyamus, rumex, and spongia. These last three remedies must be taken alone, not in combination with other remedies.

For loose coughs: Ipecac, Merc sol., Pulsatilla, Kali bich., and Kali carb are all useful remedies.

Juice Therapy: Drink lots of fresh-squeezed, organic fruit and vegetable juices. Hot pear juice with cinnamon stick and added cardamon and cumin is a very useful juice remedy for coughs that are not serious in nature.

Nutritional Supplementation: Zinc lozenges, vitamin A, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, and folic acid are all useful nutrients for cough.

Best of health to you
JESSICA......

answer RUI question

My stomach hurts, but I don't have diarrhea, and I'm not hungry. What should I do?

Unfortunately, without knowing more specifics, I wouldn't be able to help pinpoint what might be wrong. However, I can give you some questions to ask yourself.

1. Is the pain severe? Is it so bad you want to double over and scream?

2. Is the pain recurrent? Has it been around for say, a day or more?

3. Do you have a fever? If so, is it a high fever or a low one?

4. Have you been under a lot of stress lately?

5. Does eating certain foods make the pain worse? Especially spicy foods and/or caffeinated ones?

6. Is the pain directly in your stomach? Does it move? Is it on the left or right side?

7. Did the pain start after eating excessively? Or after heavy drinking?

8. You mentioned that you don't have diarrhea, but are you constipated?

9. Is your stomach/abdomen area swollen or tender?

10. Any vomiting at all?

There are so many diseases/conditions that occur around the digestive system and abdominal area. I don't want to freak you out, or scare you. It could be something completely harmless. For instance, I recently (very much accidentally) ate a tiny piece of raw tomato. Ugh. I'm rather allergic to them, so for the next few days my stomach was in agony.

However, if you have any of the severe symptoms (vomiting, *high* fever, severe constipation) get medical aid as soon as possible.If you've been under a lot of stress lately, and/or the certain foods aggravate your symptoms, you may have the beginnings of an ulcer. If you don't have any of the above symptoms, sorry for taking up so much space.

:DIf you don't have any of the more severe symptoms above, I would suggest just coddling yourself for awhile. Get plenty of rest, non-carbonated/caffeinated liquids, and eat rather bland food.If your stomach pain gets worse, or lasts more than a few days, or leaves and returns, screw the bland food and all that. Get medical attention.

However, (once again) do jot these symptoms down in a notebook, planner, scrap paper...whatever. That way, even if this isn't anything serious (as I'm sure we're all hoping!) you can ask someone about it later. You can ask what caused it, how to treat it, how to prevent it, etc.

Anyway...good luck and I hope this helps big kiss from jessica

answer Adriana question

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses (HSV) type 1 and type 2. Most genital herpes is caused by HSV type 2.
Most people have no or minimal symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving ulcers or tender sores that may take up to four weeks to heal. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months later.
Although the infection can stay in the body forever, the number of outbreaks usually decreases over a period of years. You can pass genital herpes to someone else even when you experience no symptoms.

How common is genital herpes?
About 45 million Americans, age 12 and older have genital herpes. It’s estimated that up to one million people become infected each year. Genital Herpes (HSV-2) is more common in women than men.

How can I get genital herpes?
Herpes is a virus that can be passed through sexual contact. You can get genital herpes by having sex with someone who has open sores and when someone has no sores. However, herpes is most contagious when a person has open sores. People with herpes should not have sexual activity when sores or other symptoms of herpes are present. HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but it more commonly causes infections of the mouth and lips or “fever blisters.” Condoms can lower the chances of getting herpes. Along with condoms, Valtrex ®, a drug used to treat herpes, can help lower the chances of passing the virus during vaginal sex.

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
The symptoms of genital herpes vary from person to person. Some people have severe symptoms, such as many painful sores, while others have mild symptoms. An initial outbreak of genital herpes usually brings about symptoms within two weeks of having sexual contact with an infected person and can last from two to three weeks. The early symptoms can include:
an itching or burning feeling in the genital or anal area
flu-like symptoms, including fever
swollen glands
pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area
vaginal discharge
a feeling of pressure in the area below the stomach
Within a few days, sores (also called lesions) show up where the virus has entered the body, such as on the mouth, penis, or vagina. Sores can also show up on a woman’s cervix, which is the opening to the uterus or womb, or in the urinary passage in men. The sores are small red bumps that may turn into blisters or painful open sores. Over a period of days, the sores become crusted and then heal without scarring.
Other later symptoms of genital herpes may include:
small red bumps on the penis, vagina, or wherever the infection began. These bumps may become blisters or painful open sores that can take up to four weeks to heal.
itching or burning in the genital area
pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area
vaginal discharge
feeling pressure or discomfort around your stomach
fever
headache
muscle aches
pain when urinating
swollen glands in the genital area
Some people may have no symptoms – but they can still spread herpes! Sometimes only very mild sores appear, but are mistaken for an insect bite or other skin problems. If you have HIV, a genital herpes infection can be worse.
If you have herpes, do not have any sexual activity with someone who does not have herpes when you have sores or other symptoms of herpes. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still pass the virus to others.

Can genital herpes come back?
Yes. Herpes symptoms can come and go, but the virus stays in the nerve cells of your body even after all signs of the infection have gone away. In most people, the virus becomes “active” from time to time, creating an outbreak. Some people have herpes virus outbreaks only once or twice. Other people have many outbreaks of herpes each year. Scientists don't know what causes the virus to become active, but the number of outbreaks a person has tends to go down over a period of years. Some women say the virus comes back when they are sick, under stress, out in the sun, or during their period.

How do I know for sure if I have genital herpes?
Doctors can diagnose genital herpes by looking at visible sores if the outbreak is typical, and by taking a sample from the sore for testing in a lab. Herpes can be difficult to diagnose between outbreaks. Blood tests, which detect HSV-1 or HSV-2 antibodies, can help to detect herpes in people without symptoms or during the time between outbreaks.

What is the treatment for genital herpes?
There is no treatment that can cure genital herpes; the virus will always be in your body. Certain drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir can shorten outbreaks and make them less severe, or stop them from happening. Depending on your needs, your doctor can give you drugs to take right after getting outbreak symptoms or drugs that you can take on a regular basis to try to stop outbreaks from happening. When used along with safe sex practices, Valacyclovir (brand name Valtrex ®) can also help prevent you from passing the infection to someone else. Talk to your doctor about which treatment plan is best for you.
During outbreaks, these steps can speed healing and prevent spreading of the infection to other sites of the body or to other people.
Keep the infected area clean and dry.
Try not to touch the sores.
Wash hands after contact.
Avoid sexual contact from the time the symptoms are first noticed until the sores have healed.

Is there a cure for genital herpes?
No. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body and there is a chance that you will have outbreaks. Medicine can shorten and stop outbreaks from happening.

Does genital herpes cause problems during pregnancy?
Yes. If the mother is having her first outbreak while she is pregnant, she is more likely to pass the virus to her baby. If the outbreak is not the first one, the baby's risk of getting the virus is very low. Babies born with herpes may be premature or may die, or they may have brain damage, severe rashes, or eye problems. Doctors may do a C-section to deliver a baby if the mother has herpes lesions near the birth canal to help prevent passing the virus. Also, acyclovir can help babies born with herpes if they are treated right away.
It is not yet known if all genital herpes drugs are safe for pregnant women to take. Some doctors may recommend acyclovir be taken either as a pill or through an IV (a needle into a vein) during pregnancy. Let your doctor know if you have genital herpes, even if you are not having an outbreak. He or she will help you manage it safely during pregnancy.

Can I breastfeed if I have genital herpes?
If you have genital herpes, you can keep breastfeeding as long as the sores are covered. Herpes is spread through contact with sores and can be dangerous to a newborn. If you have sores on your nipple or areola, the darker skin around the nipple, you should stop breastfeeding on that breast. Pump or hand express your milk from that breast until the sore clears. Pumping will help keep up your milk supply and prevent your breast from getting engorged or overly full. You can store your milk to give to your baby in a bottle at another feeding. If the parts of your breast pump that contact the milk also touch the sore(s) while pumping, you should throw the milk away.

What can I do to prevent genital herpes?
There are things you can do to protect yourself from getting genital herpes:
Don’t have sex. The best way to prevent any STD is to practice abstinence, or not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Be faithful. Have a sexual relationship with one partner who has been tested for herpes and is not infected is another way to reduce your chances of getting infected. Be faithful to each other, meaning that you only have sex with each other and no one else.
Use condoms. Protect yourself with a latex condom EVERY time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Condoms should be used for any type of sex with every partner. For vaginal sex, use a latex male condom or a female polyurethane condom. For anal sex, use a latex male condom. For oral sex, use a dental dam. A dental dam is a rubbery material that can be placed over the anus or the vagina before sexual contact.
Know that some methods of birth control, like birth control pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms, will not protect you from STDs. If you use one of these methods, be sure to also use a latex condom or dental dam (used for oral sex) correctly every time you have sex.
Talk with your sex partner(s) about STDs and using latex condoms. It’s up to you to make sure you are protected. Remember, it’s YOUR body! For more information, call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at (800) 232-4636.
Talk frankly with your doctor or nurse and your sex partner(s) about any STDs you or your partner have or had. Try not to be embarrassed.
Know the symptoms. Learn the common symptoms of genital herpes and other STDs. Seek medical help right away if you think you may have genital herpes or another STD.

What should I do if I have genital herpes?
See your doctor for testing and treatment right away.
Follow your doctor’s orders and finish all the medicine that you are given. Even if the symptoms go away, you still need to finish all of the medicine.
Avoid having any sexual activity while you are being treated for genital herpes and while you have any symptoms of an outbreak.
Be sure to tell your sexual partners, so they can be tested.
Remember that genital herpes is a life long disease. Even though you may have long periods with no symptoms, you can still pass the virus to another person. Talk with your doctor about what you can do to have fewer future outbreaks, and how to prevent passing the virus to another person.

For More Information
You can find out more about genital herpes by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center (800-994-9662) big kiss from jessica

answer dina question

If you're a teen, chances are pretty good that you have some acne. Almost 8 in 10 teens have acne, along with many adults.

Acne is so common that it's considered a normal part of puberty. But knowing that doesn't always make it easier when you're looking at a big pimple on your face in the mirror. So what is acne, and what can you do about it?

What Is Acne and What Causes It?Acne is a condition of the skin that shows up as different types of bumps. These bumps can be blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts. Teens get acne because of the hormonal changes that come with puberty. If your parents had acne as teens, it's more likely that you will, too. The good news is that, for most people, acne goes away almost completely by the time they are out of their teens.

The type of acne that a lot of teens get is called acne vulgaris (the meaning of "vulgaris" isn't as bad as it sounds — it means "of the common type"). It usually shows up on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest.

The hair follicles, or pores, in your skin contain sebaceous glands (also called oil glands). These glands make sebum, which is an oil that lubricates your hair and skin. Most of the time, the sebaceous glands make the right amount of sebum. As a teen's body begins to mature and develop, though, hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to make more sebum, and the glands may become overactive. Pores become clogged if there is too much sebum and too many dead skin cells. Bacteria (especially one called Propionibacterium acnes) can then get trapped inside the pores and multiply, causing swelling and redness — the start of acne.

If a pore gets clogged up and closes but bulges out from the skin, you're left with a whitehead. If a pore gets clogged up but stays open, the top surface can darken and you're left with a blackhead. Sometimes the wall of the pore opens, allowing sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells to make their way under the skin — and you're left with a small, red bump called a pimple (sometimes pimples have a pus-filled top from the body's reaction to the bacterial infection). Clogged pores that open up very deep in the skin can cause nodules, which are infected lumps or cysts that are bigger than pimples and can be painful.

There are a few myths out there about things that cause acne. Acne isn't caused by eating greasy foods like french fries or pizza, chomping on chocolate, or drinking sodas. Some people do find that they notice their breakouts get more severe when they eat too much of a certain food, though. If you're one of them, it's worth trying to cut back on that food to see what happens.

Stress doesn't usually cause acne either (although it can make existing acne worse because stress increases sebum production).

There are also myths about what helps make acne better. Acne isn't really helped by the sun. Although a tan can temporarily make acne look less severe, it won't help it go away permanently — and some people find that the oils their skin produces after being in the sun make their pimples worse.

What Can I Do About Acne?To help prevent the oil buildup that can contribute to acne, wash your face twice a day with a mild soap and warm water. Don't scrub your face hard with a washcloth — acne can't be scrubbed away, and scrubbing may actually make it worse by irritating the skin and pores. Try cleansing your face as gently as you can.

If you wear makeup or sunscreen, make sure it's labeled "oil free," "noncomedogenic," or "nonacnegenic." This means it won't clog your pores and contribute to acne. And when you are washing your face, be sure you take the time to remove all of your makeup so it doesn't clog your pores.
If you use hair sprays or gels, try to keep them away from your face, as they can also clog pores. If you have long hair that touches your face, be sure to wash it frequently enough to keep oil away. And if you have an after-school job that puts you in contact with oil — like in a fast-food restaurant or gas station, for example — be sure to wash your face well when you get home. It can also help to wash your face after you've been exercising.

Many over-the-counter lotions and creams containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are available to help prevent acne and clear it up at the same time. You can experiment with these to see which helps. Be sure to follow the instructions exactly — don't use more than you're supposed to at one time (your skin may get too dried out and feel and look worse) and follow any directions to see if you're allergic to it first.

What if I Get Acne Anyway?Sometimes even though they wash properly and try lotions and oil-free makeup, people get acne anyway — and this is totally normal. In fact, some girls who normally have a handle on their acne may find that it comes out a few days before they get their period. This is called premenstrual acne, and about 7 out of 10 women get it from changes in hormones in the body.

Some teens who have acne can get help from a doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin problems). A doctor may treat the acne with prescription medicines. Depending on the person's acne, this might mean using prescription creams that prevent pimples from forming, taking antibiotics to kill the bacteria that help create pimples, or if the acne is severe, taking stronger medicines such as isotretinoin, or even having minor surgery. Some girls find that birth control pills help to clear up their acne.

If you look in the mirror and see a pimple, don't touch it, squeeze it, or pick at it. This might be hard to do — it can be pretty tempting to try to get rid of a pimple. But when you play around with pimples, you can cause even more inflammation by poking at them or opening them up. Plus, the oil from your hands can't help! More important, though, picking at pimples can leave tiny, permanent scars on your face.

well a big kiss and have a sweet day jessica