Acne can be described as a condition of the skin where inflamed spots build up, and it is a fairly common condition. They generally appear on the face and neck areas but can also emerge on the back, shoulders and less commonly, other areas of the body.

Acne

Acne is a direct result of an oily substance known as sebum that is secreted from the sebaceous gland. These glands are found at the end of each one of the thousands of hair follicles found on the skin. When there is an overproduction of sebum (this can be caused due to a variety of reasons), it tends to “mix” with dead skin cells which has the effect of blocking the hair follicles.

Sometimes these blocked follicles rupture, causing inflammation which could itself lead to cyst-like spots forming, and it is these that sometimes leave the scars when they disappear.

Contrary to popular belief, there is really no scientific basis that says eating a particular food (chocolate or fried foods, for example) makes an outbreak of acne any worse than it is, but some common triggers known to cause an acne outbreak include sitting exams or starting a new relationship (in teenagers) and the wearing of certain cosmetics, just before a period or pregnancy (for females).

Acne normally affects younger people due to increased levels of hormones in their bodies and the main symptoms of the condition range from little white spots that are pretty painless, to large red-colored cysts full of pus and sebum and which can be sore.

Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver. It is more prevalent in Asia and Africa and can be either acute (more common), resolving itself relatively quickly with no long term liver damage, or chronic (in about 20% of cases) lasting six months or more, and sometimes even for life with symptoms coming and going randomly.

Hepatitis B is normally transmitted via contact with infected bodily fluids or blood and only a very small amount of blood is required to transmit the disease because it is that infectious. In the developed world the virus is normally spread via sharing of contaminated needles, unprotected sex and the sharing such things as razor blades. In less developed countries where blood products are not screened properly or medical equipment is not sterilized adequately, this can also lead to the spread of the virus.

Hepatitis B viruses have an incubation period of between six weeks and six months, but approximately one third of all cases show no symptoms of the disease at all. In another third of cases, symptoms appear flu-like in nature and can include aches, pains and weakness; fever; headaches; loss of appetite; jaundice; diarrhea; and, vomiting and nausea. In the last third of cases, the virus can cause severe illness that can last for a long time (many months in some cases).

Vaccines are available nowadays against hepatitis B, but treatment for those infected normally includes nothing more than rest and recuperation. Drug treatments may be required for chronic types of the disease, to prevent damage to the liver and other parts of the body.

A condom is classed as a barrier contraceptive and its job is to block any sperm from fertilizing a female egg. Condoms can be made from latex, lambskin or polyurethane and are known to be approximately 98% effective at preventing pregnancy if used in the correct manner. It has to be pointed out that lambskin condoms have been around for a very, very long time but are still available; they are more expensive than conventionally made condoms and are not as good at preventing STD’s.

For efficient use of condoms, the penis must not touch the vagina before the condom has been applied. The reason for this is because a man does not necessarily need to ejaculate for any sperm to come from his penis; it can happen before as well. The best way to use a condom is to hold the bulb part between the figure and the thumb, ensuring it is the right way round. Make sure there isn’t any air trapped inside and then, while still holding the bulb, place the condom over the erect penis. Then it should be gently rolled down the shaft of the penis (if it doesn’t roll then it has been placed upside down). The condom should be disposed off immediately after ejaculation but before the penis becomes flaccid.

How to Use a Condom

The benefits of condom use include the fact that they are a reliable method to prevent pregnancy, there are very rarely any side effects from wearing one, a lowered chance of an STD transmission, they are easily available and they come in all shapes and sizes (and flavors nowadays).

Disadvantages of condom use include the fact that it can break during sex, they can tear while being taken out of the package and are not compatible with some lubricants.