Azelaic Acid Essay Example

Azelaic Acid Essay Example Azelaic Acid Paper Azelaic Acid Paper Abstract Azelaic acid is an essential acid that has emerged to answer most skin problems. Through several researches, it has been proven to treat even the most common skin problems. This paper will discuss Azelaic acid and its capabilities in treating skin illnesses. Azelaic Acid Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this present era of innovations, new discoveries continue to emerge. Scientists, researchers, and even individuals continue to experiment and try new stuff that will answer their inquisitiveness or needs. In the field of skin care, an acid has been found and considered to be an effective cure for most common skin problems. This acid is known as Azelaic acid. Since its discovery, many beauty product manufacturers are adding it as an ingredient. Azelaic Acid: Definition   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Azelaic acid is a â€Å"saturated dicarboxylic acid that occurs naturally in wide variety of whole grains such as rye, barley, and wheat† (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008, n.p.). It has a yellowish- to white-powder appearance (MSN Encarta, 2008). Small amount of Azelaic acid can also be found in the human body. Generally, an acid is characterized to be sour and corrosive. However, and Azelaic acid is one that is weak and non-corrosive. Thus, it is safe to be applied on the skin. Benefits of Azelaic Acid   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Azelaic Acid has been commonly used as treatment for skin cancer and other disorders of the skin (MSN Encarta, 2008). Researches also show that Azelaic acid is an effective antibacterial (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008). This is so because the acid is helpful is destroying and reducing the growth of bacteria. Commonly, Azelaic Acid has been used as a treatment and prevention for acne, pimples, and blackheads. This is so because Azelaic acid is capable of destroying the bacteria that causes acne, clearing the pores of the skin, and reducing the keratin (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008). Notably, a keratin is a natural substance that also contributes in the development of acne. Azelaic acid has also been proven to be effective in repairing skin discoloration by efficiently destroying the free radicals and reducing inflammation. Free radicals are atoms or molecules that attack the cell membranes’ structure that will create metabolic waste products such as lipofuscins (Klatz Goldman, 2003). An excess of the lipofuscins has been shown to cause skin darkening or â€Å"age- spots,† because they are only visible on certain parts of the skin (Klatz and Goldman, 2003, p. 23). Furthermore, Azelaic acid effectively reduces the pigmentation of the skin. Thus, Azelaic acid is good also for those who are bothered by their dark skin. In addition, Azelaic acid is good for those people suffering from melasma. Melasma is derived from Greek word â€Å"melas† which means black; it is characterized as blotchy, irregularly patterned, brown or sometimes grey- brown hyper-melanosis of the face and occasionally evident on the neck (Katsambas, Stratigos, Lotti, 2003, p. 336). Being an acid and antibacterial, Azelaic acid is operative in moderating noticeable scars and spots caused by acne. Moreover, it is efficient in renewing and healing the skin because of its ability to kill the bacteria that causes the skin problem and ability to normalize the skin growth. Furthermore, Azelaic acid has been used for its efficiency in stimulating growth of hair. Azelaic acid has not yet been approved by the FDA as a treatment for hair loss. However, scholars say that it is effective because Azelaic acid has been found to potentially inhibit 5-Alpha-Reductase in human skin that eventually leads to the decrease of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes hair fall (Medline Plus, 2008). Azelaic Products Predominantly, Azelaic acid products are in the form of gel and cream. Cream usually contains only a solution of 20% of Azelaic acid mixed with other inactive ingredient such as glycerin, cetearyl octonoate, cocoglycerids, propylene glycol, and purified water to produce skin product (Niaze, p. 105). Gel, on the other hand is manufactured by adding benzoic acid, ETDA, 15% of Azelaic acid, among others (Niaze, p. 105). An Azelaic acid in the form of cream and gel makes the product mild, tolerable, and safe; it is used in treating rocasea which causes irritation, redness, and pimples (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008). One of the Azelaic Acid cream 20% manufactured, widely distributed, and used is Finevin as a cure for acne vulgaris (Doctor’s Guide. 2008). It is manufactured by Berlex Laboratories, Inc., an affiliation of Schering AG, Germany (Doctor’s Guide. 2008). Harmful Effects of Azelaic Acid Nevertheless, not all skin types react well on Azelaic acid. It also has drawbacks, especially if applied improperly. Some of the side effects include itching, burning, stinging, and tingling (Medline Plus, 2008).   Usually, Azelaic acid for acne has been advised to be used twice a day and only on parts affected by acne. Product makers also require patients experiencing side effects to consult their doctors immediately to avoid further damage. However, despite these side effects, millions of people in almost 70 countries use Azelaic acid for treating their facial problems. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The efficiency of the Azelaic acid has been proven because of its three powerful abilities. First, Azelaic acid is an antibacterial; it has the ability to destroy the bacteria found in the follicles that cause pimples and acne. Second, Azelaic acid is an anticomedonic; it inhibits formation of comodones which are squeezed from blackheads. The last ability is anti-inflammatory, which is essential in the reduction of free radicals. These three general abilities of Azelaic acid are vital in repairing skin problems that trouble both men and women. Nevertheless, these medications should be properly applied in order to avoid further skin complications. Furthermore, one must not use these products without consulting an expert first in order to ensure a satisfactory effect of the product. References Azelaic acid information. (2008). Azelaic Acid. Retrieved August 4, 2008 from azelaicacid-information.com/info/ Doctor’s Guide. (1995). FDA Approves Finevin (Azelaic Acid Cream 20%) For the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Acne. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from pslgroup.com/dg/1F9E26.htm Katsambas, A. D., Stratigos, A. J., Lotti, T. M. (2003). Melasma. In A. D. Katsambas T. M. Lotti (Eds.) European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments, 2nd Ed. (pp. 336–341). Berlin, Germany: Springer. Klatz, Ronald, Goldman Robert. (2003). The New Anti- Aging Revolution: Stopping the Clock for a Younger, Sexier, Happier You!. North Bergen, NJ: Basic Health Publications, Inc. Medline Plus. (2008). Azelaic Acid Topical. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a603020.html MSN Encarta. (2008). Azelaic Acid. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from http://encarta.msn-ppe.com:443/dictionary_701704442/azelaic_acid.html Niazi, S. (2004). Handbook of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Formulations. London: CRC Press.

The eNotes Blog Teachers Corner Helping Students Understand and Appreciate CulturalDiversity

Teachers Corner Helping Students Understand and Appreciate CulturalDiversity The world has been getting smaller for some time. It now seems to be shrinking at warp speed, rapidly erasing the last vestiges of cultural isolation. Never has it been more important to understand other cultures and to recognize and appreciate cultural diversity. Fortunately, in preparing kids to live and work in the even smaller world they will inherit, there’s much that can be done in the classroom to promote cultural awareness and to help them understand people whose cultural heritage is different from their own. How a classroom looks communicates ideas and shapes students’ perceptions of the world. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a collection of pictures that reflect cultural diversity communicates the idea that the world is made up of many different cultures, each one unique in its own ways. Displaying multicultural bulletin boards of people, places, and customs sends the message that all cultures are interesting and worthy of attention. Many color photos of multicultural bulletin boards (K-12) can be found online, good examples of teaching without saying a word. Respecting and appreciating cultural diversity can be taught by modeling. When teachers recognize and appreciate diversity among their students, their actions indicate clearly that cultural differences should be respected and explored, not ignored or rejected, so that we can better understand ourselves and others. They send the message that it’s good we’re not all the same. Some ways to make the point: Show an interest in students’ names. Besides making sure to pronounce them correctly, express an interest in the etymology and cultural significance of their names. When working with ESL students, use an online translation site to write occasional notes or make comments on their papers in their own language. Regardless of what the note or comment might say, it’s the underlying message that’s important: Your language and your culture are valued. Give kids opportunities to explore their ethnic backgrounds and the cultures that make up their heritage. A few activities that would allow them to do it: interviewing parents, grandparents, and other relatives familiar with family history researching the history of a family surname making a family tree researching a country of family origin (the language, food, music, holidays, traditions, shared beliefs and values, social norms, or whatever else they want to find out) creating posters or PowerPoint presentations that reflect what they have learned through their research writing about the cultural traditions observed in their own families Have students share their findings with one another so that they can develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the diversity that exists among their friends and classmates. Lessons with opportunities for students to read and write about other cultures promote understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. There are hundreds of age-appropriate multicultural books and stories for elementary students, including multicultural folk tales and legends. For secondary students, many novels, short stories, and poems famous in world literature reflect the cultures of different countries. For students of any age, literature that draws them into cultures different from their own fosters their understanding that although we are not all alike in national origin and cultural heritage, we are united by universal feelings, conflicts, and experiences that transcend our differences. Participating in the traditions of different countries is fun and constructive. A quick internet search produces dozens of class activities that allow kids to learn more about different countries and to enjoy participating in some of their traditions. A few examples: Have students research some common phrases in different languages (please, thank you, you’re welcome, pardon me, etc.) and use them in class for several days. Acquaint students with an unusual game that’s popular in another country, and play it as a class activity. Organize students into teams to create a cookbook with several traditional recipes from another country and illustrated with pictures or drawings that reflect the culture. Have the kids share their cookbooks with other teams. If possible, prepare and sample some of the dishes in class. Have students work in teams to research the music of a different culture and lead the class in a song that represents it. Recognize holidays celebrated in different countries throughout the year, and observe them with holiday class activities; dozens of them are described in many online sites designed for teachers. Helping students understand and appreciate cultural diversity benefits them now, as well as in the future. Learning about different cultures around the world makes it easier for kids to understand and relate to the family next door or down the block that speaks a different language or follows the customs of a different heritage. It makes it possible to forge relationships at school and in the community with those unlike themselves, because they’re learning that despite people’s differences, they have much in common to share. Most important, understanding cultural diversity illuminates and underscores an essential truth about humanity: The whole really is greater than the sum of its parts. This is a guest post from Staff Writer, Susan Hurn. Susan is a former high school English teacher and college instructor. She loves writing for and also enjoys good books, creative writing, and all things related to history.  Let us know if you’re interested in contributing to the   blog.