Probiotics Boosts Skincare Regimen

Probiotics help maintain a healthy body -- but what about using probiotics in a regular skincare regimen? The latest article by Skincare-News.com Probiotics: Learn How Some Bacteria Can be Good for Your Skin explains how the beneficial bacteria in probiotics can help create and sustain a clear, healthy complexion for all skin types. From severe acne to preventing anti-aging, these valuable bacteria are a beautifying addition to any skincare regimen.

Using probiotics as part of a healthy skincare regimen is becoming more and more popular. What makes probiotics a heavenly find for skincare, and how can probiotics found in skincare products, supplements and foods treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema? Plus, for those concerned with the signs of aging, how do probiotics contribute to the effectiveness of anti-aging products? 

One of the greatest benefits of adding probiotics to a daily routine is its convenience and accessibility. Found in many forms, from staple foods like yogurt and pickles to anti-aging serums, there are various ways to integrate probiotics into a daily routine. What are the best probiotic-containing foods, and what are some tips for ensuring maximum benefits?

Skin care tips to combat the effects of cold weather

By Tiffany Bentley | The Express-Times 
on November 04, 2012 at 7:06 AM, updated November 04, 2012 at 7:11 AM

Colder weather can take its toll even on the healthiest skin. Laura Parker, esthetician and owner of The Skin Clinic in Easton, offers the following basic tips on how to make sure the season doesn't diminish your glow

• Switch to a heavier lotion and cleanse the skin only once a day at night to prevent dryness. Over-cleansing the skin can actually strip the skin of necessary oils that keep it looking healthy.

• Try to take shorter showers. Winter usually means we take hotter showers, which zaps the skin of moisture. Make sure to moisturize head to toe immediately after and towel dry. The skin will be able to absorb the moisturizer more effectively if it is still moist.

• Don’t skip sunscreen. This is one of the biggest skin care mistakes people make during the winter. UVA and UVB rays are still out in the winter and you can even catch damage through your windshield driving to and from work. If you plan on spending a lot of time outside, such as skiing, make sure to wear an SPF of 30 or higher.

• Exfoliate. One of the best ways to prepare skin for winter and repair damage caused by the summer is exfoliation. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are my favorite form of exfoliation because they dissolve dead skin without the irritation of a harsh scrub. AHAs are also water-loving. After you use them they actually help bind moisture to the skin. They also increase cellular turnover, improving skin tone and texture. Common AHAs are glycolic acid (derived from sugar), lactic acid (derived from milk) and mandelic acid (derived from almonds). The Skin Clinic offers AHA exfoliating pads that retail at $15.

• Stay hydrated. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day. A healthy dose of water increases the body’s ability to remove toxins, which can lead to acne breakouts, dry skin and inflammation.

• Monitor the heater. As the weather becomes cold, we tend to crank up the heat, which can throw your skin's balance out of whack. The combination of an indoor heater and drier weather can cause skin to become dehydrated and as a result, send oil production into overdrive. This increase in oil or sebum production and skin dehydration can cause pore-clogging buildup and lead to breakouts.

• Treat yourself to a facial. Facials provide a professional level of exfoliation, balancing and deep cleansing the skin while addressing a multitude of skin conditions including acne, rosacea and prematurely aging skin. 

Information: skinclinicpa.com. 

Lymphomatoid papulosis

Lymphomatoid papulosis

Related Terms and Key Words: CD30+ lymphoma, eccrinotropic, granulomatous, lymphomatoid papulosis, methotrexate, lymphedema, papulonodular skin eruption, Primary cutaneous CD30 + lymphoproliferative disorder, Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Proliferative T-cell disorder, WHO/EORTC classification, chemokines, chemokine receptors

Definition:

A chronic skin disease that presents with characterists of malignant T-cell lymphoma. However, it is important to remember that lymphotoid papulosis (LyP) is not classified as a true lymphoma. Also, it does not spread and is not fatal. It is therefore described as histologically malignant, but clinically benign. (1)

It is classified as a lymphoproliferative disorder. These account for about 25% of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. The condition occurs equally between men and women and usually occurs in the fifth decade. Clinically, black people appear to have the disease much less frequently then other races.

The term lymphomatoid papulosis originally was used by Macaulay[1] in 1968 to describe “a self-healing rhythmical paradoxical eruption, histologically malignant but clinically benign.” Due to the typical waxing and waning clinical course, lymphomatoid papulosis was previously considered a pseuodolymphomatous inflammatory process. However, the classification system for cutaneous lymphomas has evolved rapidly, and, during consensus meetings in 2003-2004, the World Health Organization—European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (WHO-EORTC) classification grouped lymphomatoid papulosis among the indolent cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. (2)

LyP is divided into three subtypes, they include:

Type A - characterized by large CD30 atypical cells intermingled with a prominent inflammatory infiltrate. The large tumor cells have polymorphic convoluted nuclei with a minimum of 1 prominent nucleolus and resemble Reed-Sternberg cells when binucleate, as is seen in HD. Type A lymphomatoid papulosis is the most common histologic variant and accounts for 75% of all lymphomatoid papulosis specimens.

Type B is characterized by smaller (8-15 µm) atypical cells with hyperchromatic cerebriform nuclei resembling the atypical lymphocytes in MF. CD30+ large cells are rare, but epidermotropism is more common in this variant. There is some concern that Type B lymphomatoid papulosis may be better classified as a papular variant of MF.

Type C (diffuse large cell type) is characterized by sheets of CD30+ anaplastic large cells indistinguishable from ALCL, with the exception of the minimal subcutaneous invasion. These lesions resolve spontaneously and are therefore classified as lymphomatoid papulosis; however, some authorities view this histologic variant as borderline ALCL or, perhaps, pcALCL. (2)

Uncommonly, patients may have more than one histologic subtype of lymphomatoid papulosis or other recently described associated histologic patterns.

Risk Factors:

Unknown at the present time and there is debate on whether or not it may be genetically caused. Several genetic defect have been identified in LyP lesions, but the specific cause has not been identified.

A few investigators have also discovered viruslike particles in lymphomatoid papulosis lesions examined under electron microscopy.

Signs and Symptoms:

Lymphomatoid papulosis appears as recurrent small, raise skin lesions. The color ranges from red to brown in color. The most commonly occur on the trunk, arms, and legs in crops but may also occur on the palms, soles, face, and scalp. Very rarely, LyP lesions may be present in the mouth and throat. The lesions heal spontaneously within several weeks and leave a small, hypopigmented scar.

Diagnosis:

Done by skin biopsy. This is critical as the lesions may appear as the same for numerous other skin nodular growths.

Biopsies are also critical to rule out mycoses fungoides, cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, cutaneous Hodgkin’s disease, cutaneous leukemia, scabies, insect bites, and drug reactions.

If after biopsy the result come back other then lymphotoid papulosis, then the treating physician will order other types of tests to establish a correct diagnosis.

Differential Diagnosis

Cutaneous CD30+ (Ki-1) Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma, Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, Folliculitis, Insect Bites, Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, Leukemia Cutis, Lymphocytoma Cutis, Milia, Miliaria, Scabies

Prognosis:

The disease itself is not fatal. However, 10 to 20% of patients will also develop an associated systemic lymphoma, typically anaplastic large cell, Hodgkinís disease, or mycoses fungoides.

If any type of secondary malignancy develops, then that would alter the outlook, depending on the type of malignancy.

Treatment:

Patients may choose not to treat the lesions and they usually heal spontaneously over 1-2 months.

Historically, treatment for the skin lesions themselves has been corticosteroid creams or ointment. Another option that can lead to faster healing is with low dose methotrexate. This is a type of chemotherapy that inhibits cell division. The one weak point in this treatment is that the lesions treated with methotrexate will generally return several weeks after therapy.

Another strong, aggressive treatment is oral psoralen plus ultraviolet light, so-called PUVA therapy.

Other treatments might include: carmustine, topical nitrogen mustard, topical MTX, topical imiquimod cream, intralesional interferon, low-dose cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, medium-dose UVA-1 therapy, excimer laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and dapsone help disease suppression.

Mortality/Morbidity

Lymphomatoid papulosis has a chronic, indolent course in most patients.

However, associated lymphomas may arise with LyP. These include immunoblastic lymphoma, lethal midline granuloma (currently considered as natural killer cell lymphoma in many patients), and systemic lymphocytic lymphoma. In most patients, the malignancy develops many years after the diagnosis of lymphomatoid papulosis.

(1) Lymphomatoid Papulosis - Know Cancer

Lymphomatoid Papulosis

eMedicine/Medscape

see also:

Lymphomatoid papulosis

Papillomatosis

These are small usually round nodules that seem to literally pop out of the skin on late stage lymphedema patients.  Normally, they are skin colored, can grow singularly or in clusters.  For the population at large, these are almost always benign growths that really require no followup or special care.

However, in lymphedema patients these can become angiosarcoma and thus need to be promptly removed with the nodules sent to pathology lab for examination.  

I have had many removed over the years and in fact just recently had well over twenty removed from the knee areas of both legs.  The surgeon "snips" the stem that these grow on and removes them.  For the most part, they can be removed on an outpatient basis.  There are no stitches involved either and after healing there is practically no scar either.

The dressing is simple.  I used an antibiotic ointment covered with a smooth bandage to go directly over the wound, then a layer of gauze.  Since my skin will not tolerate any type of tape, I keep it in place using my short stretch bandage on the leg.  Don't put gauze directly onto the wound as it will get stuck in the seepage of the wound and can cause damage to the wounds healing processes.

I would also recommend an antibiotic to be taken as a preventative measure to help insure there is no infection or cellulitis due to the immunocompromised state of a lymphedematous limb.  

Pat

----------------------

Abstracts:

Stasis papillomatosis. Clinical features, etiopathogenesis and radiological findings.

1993

Schultz-Ehrenburg U, Niederauer HH, Tiedjen KU.

Source

University Department of Dermatology, St. Josef Hospital, Bochum, Germany.

Abstract 

Stasis papillomatosis can be divided into localized and widespread forms. Ten patients with this disease are discussed with emphasis on their clinical and lymphoradiological findings. Using isotope lymphography we were able to find an overall lymphostasis in only four patients. In all patients, local lymphatic disturbances were detected by means of indirect lymphography with intradermal lymph cysts as the most specific sign. Local dermal lymphostasis seems to be the common final pathogenesis in spite of different etiologies (ie, primary lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, trauma recurrent erysipelas, and local lymphangiodysplasia of unknown origin). A maximum variant was seen, following en-bloc resection of subcutaneous tissue in a patient suffering from congenital lymphedema.

PubMed

Ileostomy-Associated Chronic Papillomatous Dermatitis Showing Nevus Sebaceous-Like Hyperplasia, HPV 16 Infection, and Lymphedema: A Case Report and Literature Review of Ostomy-Associated Reactive Epidermal Hyperplasias.

Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins

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Wound Dressing Information

Diagnostic Images:

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DermIS

Skin Care - The Big Four Amino Acids

Skin Care - The Big Four Amino Acids

Proline P 

Proline shares many properties with the aliphatic group.

Proline is formally NOT an amino acid, but an imino acid. Nonetheless, it is called an amino acid. The primary amine on the α carbon of glutamate semialdehyde forms a Schiff base with the aldehyde which is then reduced, yielding proline.

When proline is in a peptide bond, it does not have a hydrogen on the α amino group, so it cannot donate a hydrogen bond to stabilize an α helix or a β sheet. It is often said, inaccurately, that proline cannot exist in an α helix. When proline is found in an α helix, the helix will have a slight bend due to the lack of the hydrogen bond.

Proline is often found at the end of α helix or in turns or loops. Unlike other amino acids which exist almost exclusively in the trans- form in polypeptides, proline can exist in the cis-configuration in peptides. The cis and trans forms are nearly isoenergetic. The cis/transisomerization can play an important role in the folding of proteins and will be discussed more in that context.

Biology Arizona EDU

Glycine

Glycine is one of the non-essential amino acids and is used to help create muscle tissue and convert glucose into energy. It is also essential to maintaining healthy central nervous and digestive systems, and has recently been shown to provide protection via antioxidants from some types of cancer. 

Glycine is used in the body to help construct normal DNA and RNA strands—the genetic material needed for proper cellular function and formation. It helps prevent the breakdown of muscle by boosting the body’s levels of creatine, a compound that helps build muscle mass. High concentrations of glycine are found not only in the muscles, but in the skin and other connective tissues as well. Almost 1/3 of collagen, which keeps the skin and connective tissue firm and flexible, is composed of glycine. (High amounts of Glycine are also found in gelatin, which is a form of denatured collagen). Without glycine the body would not be able to repair damaged tissues; the skin would become slack as it succumbed to UV rays, oxidation, and free radical damage, and wounds would never heal. 

Glycine is considered a glucogenic amino acid, which means it helps supply the body with glucose needed for energy. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, and thus glycine supplementation may be useful for treating symptoms characterized by low energy and fatigue, such as hypoglycemia, anemia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). 

Glycine is essential for a healthy, normally functioning digestive system. It helps regulate the synthesis of the bile acid used to digest fats, and is included in many commercial gastric antacid agents. 

Glycine is necessary for central nervous system function. Research has shown that this amino acid can help inhibit the neurotransmitters that cause seizure activity, hyperactivity, and manic (bipolar) depression. Glycine can also be converted to another neurotransmitter, serine, as needed, and may be beneficial in the management of schizophrenia. In one study, twenty-two schizophrenic patients, who did not initially respond to traditional treatments, added glycine to their ongoing antipsychotic medication and found that it significantly reduced their symptoms. Glycine intake among the participants ranged from 40 to 90 grams daily (0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight). More research concerning the effects of glycine on schizophrenia is underway. Studies have shown that glycine also helps improve memory retrieval loss in those that suffer from a wide variety of sleep-depriving conditions, including schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, jet lag, and overwork. 

Results from preliminary studies of glycine as a potential treatment for cancer have been promising, and suggest that it may help prevent the development of cancerous tumors and melanoma. In laboratory mice, dietary glycine prevented tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenisis, the process by which tumors develop their own blood supply. Glycine also seems to play a role in keeping the prostate healthy. In one study, glycine was shown to help reduce the symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia in men. 

High-protein foods, such as fish, meat, beans, milk, and cheese, are the best dietary sources of glycine. Glycine is also available in capsule and powder forms, and as part of many combination amino acid supplements. There have been no toxic effects associated with glycine, although some people have reported that taking this supplement causes stomach upset. 

Individuals with kidney or liver disease should not consume glycine without consulting their doctor. Taking any one amino acid supplement can cause a disruption of the citric acid or Krebs cycle, and cause a build-up of nitrogen or ammonia in the body, which makes the liver and kidneys work harder to remove waste. Anyone taking antispastic drugs should consult a physician before supplementing with glycine, since it theoretically could increase the effects of these medications. 

Vitamin Stuff

Leucine

Leucine, an essential amino acid, is one of the three amino acid with a branched hydrocarbon side chain. It has one additional methylene group in its side chain compared with valine.

Biology Arizona EDU

Leucine (abbreviated as Leu or L)^[2] is a branched-chain α-amino acid with the chemical formula HO₂CCH(NH₂)CH₂CH(CH₃)₂. Leucine is classified as a hydrophobic amino acid due to its aliphatic isobutyl side chain. It is encoded by six codons (UUA, UUG, CUU, CUC, CUA, and CUG) and is a major component of the subunits in ferritin, astacin and other 'buffer' proteins. Leucine is an essential amino acid, meaning that the human body cannot synthesize it, and it therefore must be ingested.

Info Page: Wikipedia

Lysine

Overview:

Lysine, or L-lysine, is an essential amino acid. That means it is necessary for human health, but the body can't manufacture it. You have to get lysine from food or supplements. Amino acids like lysine are the building blocks of protein. Lysine is important for proper growth, and it plays an essential role in the production of carnitine, a nutrient responsible for converting fatty acids into energy and helping to lower cholesterol. Lysine appears to help the body absorb calcium, and it plays an important role in the formation of collagen, a substance important for bones and connective tissues including skin, tendon, and cartilage.

Most people get enough lysine in their diet, although athletes, vegans who don't eat beans, as well as burn patients may need more. Not enough lysine can cause fatigue, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, agitation, bloodshot eyes, slow growth, anemia, and reproductive disorders. For vegans, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils) are the best sources of lysine.

Dietary Sources:

Foods rich in protein are good sources of lysine. That includes meat (specifically red meat, pork, and poultry), cheese (particularly parmesan), certain fish (such as cod and sardines), nuts, eggs, soybeans (particularly tofu, isolated soy protein, and defatted soybean flour), spirulina, and fenugreek seed. Brewer's yeast, beans and other legumes, and dairy products also contain lysine. Many nuts also contain lysine along with arginine (lysine counteracts some of the effects of arginine). So if someone is trying to eat a diet rich in lysine to prevent HSV outbreaks, nuts would be a good choice.

Full text Page:  University of Maryland Medical Center

Amino Acids and Skin Care

About Amino Acid Skin Care

A lot has been said in recent years about amino acid skin care as an anti-aging treatment, and there is much left to be determined and discovered. Amino acids do seem to have a positive effect on prematurely aging skin, although you have to be careful how you mix them with other skin care products.

Truths About Amino Acid Skin Care

When it comes to the pursuit of the fountain of youth, there is always something new, and people often jump on the bandwagon before they really know what they're cheering about. It's only after a lot of people have spent a lot of money that they discover a product may not really be worth its packaging.

Thus far, amino acids do seem to provide some genuine benefits to the skin. Amino acids, at their essence, are peptides. These are proteins, which can have a positive effect upon cells. They can help improve skin that has been scarred or has stretch marks. When used correctly, amino acids seem to be more powerful than an alpha-hydroxy system of skin care in terms of filling lines, smoothing skin and improving tone and color. Even better, they can achieve this with less irritation and photosensitivity.

It's also understood that amino acids, applied externally in the right formula and also taken internally, can improve the skin's ability to stay hydrated. Properly hydrated skin not only takes and holds cosmetics better, but looks and feels more youthful.

The Big Four Amino Acids

In talking about amino acid skin care, there are four main acids that are known to be an effective combination in building collagen. These acids are Proline, Glycine, Leucine and Lysine. Together, this formula acts as an exfoliant, works to improve moisture retention and also acts as an antioxidant, thus strengthening your skin even in harsh weather conditions.

A Trademarked Formula

One of the most popular formulas of amino acid treatments is the trademarked AFA, which stands for amino acid filaggrin-based antioxidants. More study is needed to determine if this is the best formula for externally-applied amino acids, but so far it seems to be a good exfoliant and antioxidant that's not too harsh. Fine lines and overall skin texture show considerable improvement, as do the look of scars or age spots. AFAs are being used in conjunction with peels and laser treatments to speed progress and promote overall skin health.

Internal Amino Acids

Since you are what you eat, it stands to reason that one of the best ways to improve your beauty regimen is through your diet. Amino acids cannot be created in the body, so they must be obtained via food. One way to be sure you're getting your essential amino acids is if a particular food provides a complete protein. Eggs, milk and many meats are among these. You can also get amino acids via leafy greens, fish, nuts, beans and soy. If you mix protein sources through the day, you are sure to achieve your proper balance of amino acids, thus nourishing your skin from the inside out.

From: Love to Know / Skin Care

Antioxidant nutrients and skin protection

Free radical damage is one of the principal mechanisms of aging. Free radicals are highly and indiscriminately reactive chemicals that can damage any structure in living cells. The most common source of free radicals is normal burning of fuel that occurs in every cell every minute of every day. (Generally, the more free radicals a species produces, the shorter its life span.) Skin suffers additional free radical damage from sunlight and pollutants. Topical antioxidants provide some protection against environmental damage to the skin and may be somewhat effective in slowing down the skin aging. However, topical antioxidants are relatively unreliable. Their effect depends on skin permeability, other ingredients in the cream and many other factors. It appears that increasing oral intake of some antioxidants may additionally protect skin from free radicals. Keep in mind, however, that relatively little solid research has been done specifically on skin benefits of oral or topical antioxidants and much of the supporting evidence is indirect.

A very important chemical property for an oxidant is its solubility in water and fat (or oil). Basically, living organisms have two types of internal media, watery extra- and intracellular space and oily membranes that serve as partitions enclosing individual cells and various intracellular compartments. Water-soluble antioxidants are effective mainly in extra- and intracellular fluid, whereas fat-soluble antioxidants protect biological membranes. Both types of antioxidants are needed to create an effective shield against free radicals for the entire body, and skin in particular.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a principal fat soluble antioxidant vitamin in the body. It protects cellular membranes, lipoproteins and other “oily” structures. Skin is high in unsaturated fatty acids (“oily” molecules especially susceptible to free radical damage), and can benefit from vitamin E protection (both oral and topical).

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a diverse group of plant pigments with antioxidant properties. These substances are responsible for color in many fruits, vegetables and flowers. In addition to providing color that attracts insects or animals, these pigments protect plants from environmental stress. In addition to being potent antioxidants, some flavonoids have antiallergic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activity. Over 4,000 flavonoids have been characterized and classified, but only a few have been researched. As far as skin benefits are concerned, two classes of flavonoids appear to be especially beneficial: proanthocyanins (found in grapes and pine bark) and polyphenols (found in green tea).

Coenzyme Q10, Lipoic acid, Cysteine, Methionine

Coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid, cysteine and methionine are potent antioxidants. But they also play other roles that are at least as important as their antioxidant activity. See also the article about conditionally essential nutrients in this section.

From Smart Skin Care

...........

How do antioxidants affect the skin?

If you're like most people, you want smooth, healthy skin, but maybe you don't want to wade through hundreds of chemically laden products to get it. That's where antioxidants can help. Incorporating the right antioxidants into your diet and skin care routine can have a positive effect on your skin.

Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins inside your body) that can help to prevent and repair damage to your body's tissue. Antioxidants do this by slowing or preventing the effect of free radicals, which start oxidation -- a process that causes damage from oxygen that can lead to cell dysfunction. If you've seen a peeled apple turn brown, you've seen oxidation in action. As antioxidants block the effects of free radicals, they end up being oxidized. This is why it's important to constantly replenish your supply of antioxidants.

Free radicals may also play a role in heart disease, cancer and other conditions [source: American Dietetic Association]. You can find antioxidants -- such as beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium and vitamins A, C and E -- naturally in many foods, including fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, some meats, poultry and fish [source: MedlinePlus].

When it comes to caring for your skin, antioxidants can help to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Unlike sunscreens and moisturizers, antioxidants can protect your skin from the inside out by guarding your cells from damage. Vitamins A, C and E and the mineral selenium are thought to be particularly helpful in skin care. In addition to helping fortify cells against free radicals, vitamins A and C also encourage cell and tissue growth, helping the body to repair itself. This is very helpful to the skin, which is constantly shedding and regrowing cells. For this reason, any antioxidants that protect cells and encourage cell growth could be helpful in an anti-aging regimen, as they may help fight fine lines and wrinkles [source: WebMD].

Just like when adding any supplement to your diet, be careful when incorporating antioxidants into your daily routine. Though they are naturally good for you, antioxidants taken in excess can be harmful -- so be sure to follow the recommended amounts. In most cases, all you need to fulfill your body's quota for antioxidants is a healthy and balanced diet. In fact, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor before increasing your intake of any supplement.

For further study:  Discovery Fit & Health