Teenagers by Martha Schindler Connors with Larry Altshuler, M.D.
Once they're in high school, most kids are deep into the many social and health-related issues of being a teenager. They want to look good at all times, despite the many changes that are going on in their bodies.
Puberty and Pimples
Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States and is especially problematic for the under-twenty set, thanks to rapidly shifting hormones. It's caused by excessive sebum production, which creates clogged pores and pimples that can become infected with Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. For more, see Chapter 15.
Conventional doctors recommend OTC treatments made with benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and salicylic acid, which reduce pimples but can cause irritation and drying.
Prescription treatments include topical antibiotics and antibacterials and oral antibiotics; oral contraceptives are also prescribed for some female patients. Antibiotics can increase the likelihood of sunburn and affect a child's overall immunity. Birth control pills can cause digestive problems and headaches. Herbal acne remedies include these:
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) |
Calendula can soothe skin (it contains anti-inflammatory compounds) and also reduce P. acnes bacteria and oil (it has antibacterial and astringent properties, too).Calendula can soothe skin (it contains anti-inflammatory compounds) and also reduce P. acnes bacteria and oil (it has antibacterial and astringent properties, too). |
• Guggul (Commiphora wightii, C. mukul) |
Used throughout India, guggul has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and immune-stimulating compounds. It's been proven as effective as the prescription drug tetracycline against acne. |
• Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) |
Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects and works as well as benzoyl peroxide-usually without side effects. |
<B>Body Odor</B></h2>
<p>Puberty often means a big surge in perspiration, as sweat glands in the underarms become more active. Sweat by itself doesn't smell, but when it combines with bacteria it can produce body odor. Commercial deodorants kill bacteria and mask odor with chemical fragrance; antiperspirants inhibit the sweating process with aluminum salts (aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum zirconium). Most antiperspirants also contain fragrance.</p>
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<p>Chlorophyll, the chemical that makes green plants green, is a natural, works-from-the-inside deodorant. It's found in the greatest concentrations in dark-green plants like parsley (<B>Petroselinum crispum</B>) and spinach (<B>Spinacia oleracea</B>). Eating them (or other chlorophyll-rich herbs) or taking supplemental chlorophyllin, which is derived from chlorophyll, can reduce body odor and bad breath.</p>
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<p>Aluminum compounds have been associated with serious health problems; aluminum itself is a known neurotoxin, and aluminum salts have demonstrated toxicity in laboratory animals. Fragrances used in cosmetics have been linked to a host of problems, including reproductive and developmental health risks. Natural options for perspiration and body odor include:</p>
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<td><p>• <B>Camphor</B> (<B>Cinnamomum camphora</B>)</p></td>
<td><p>The leaves of this plant contain a natural deodorant called terpinolene, plus fragrant (and antibacterial) oils, which make it an effective deodorant. Juniper (<B>Juniperus communis</B>) and rosemary (<B>Rosmarinus officinalis</B>) contain similar odor-fighting compounds.</p></td>
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<td><p>• <B>Sage</B> (<B>Salvia officinalis, S. lavandulaefolia</B>)</p></td>
<td><p>Sage is a classic remedy for excessive perspiration. It's also an antibacterial, meaning it can combat odor-causing bacteria, too.</p></td>
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<td><p>• <B>Yarrow</B> (<B>Achillea millefolium</B>)</p></td>
<td><p>A natural deodorant, yarrow also has astringent and antibacterial properties, making it perfect for drying up excess moisture and killing bacteria.</p></td>
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<div id="rel"><div class="n5">Related Articles</div><ul> <li><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/teenagers.htm" zT="18/1YL/Zn"> Teenagers - Herbal Remedies Guide </a></li> <li><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/what-is-herbal-medicine/principles-and-traditions.htm" zT="18/1YL/Zn"> Principles and Traditions - Herbal Remedies Guide </a></li> <li><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/self-care-and-beauty/acne-and-oily-skin.htm" zT="18/1YL/Zn"> Acne and Oily Skin - Herbal Remedies Guide </a></li> <li><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/herbs-and-their-actions/types-of-herbs.htm" zT="18/1YL/Zn"> Types of Herbs - Herbal Remedies Guide </a></li> <li><a href="http://acne.about.com/od/prescriptionmedications/p/Epiduo.htm" zT="18/1YL/Zn"> Epiduo - Information on Epiduo Acne Treatment </a></li> </ul></div>
<div id="sec"><div class="n5">Read More Caring for Kids</div><ul><ul class="col1"><li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/children-and-herbal-remedies.htm">Children and Herbal Remedies</a></li>
<li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/common-kids-concerns.htm">Common Kids' Concerns</a></li>
<li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/bringing-up-baby.htm">Bringing Up Baby</a></li>
<li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/childrens-skin-conditions.htm">Children's Skin Conditions</a></li>
<li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/tips-for-toddlers.htm">Tips for Toddlers</a></li>
</ul><ul class="col2"><li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/emotional-and-behavioral-problems.htm">Emotional and Behavioral Problems</a></li>
<li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/kids-colds-and-flu.htm">Kids, Colds, and Flu</a></li>
<li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/other-childhood-infections.htm">Other Childhood Infections</a></li>
<li ><a href="http://www.netplaces.com/herbal-remedies-guide/caring-for-kids/the-grade-school-years.htm">The Grade School Years</a></li>
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