Guide Picks - Top 10 Best Overall Acne Fighting Products

Acne and the teen years seem to go hand in hand, and everybody has to deal with breakouts from time to time. Whether you have rare flare ups or regular bouts of acne, the ten products listed here will help you take control. These ten picks are (in our opinion) the very best acne fighters on the market. Some of the products are preventative and need to be used regularly, while others are spot treatments that only need to be used when a zit actually appears. No matter what your skin type or acne dilemma, everyone can benefit from these products. Meet your ten best weapons in the war on acne!

1) Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask This mask promises to help clear up existing acne while preventing future breakouts, and it does just that. The gentle scent of lavender acts as an aromatherapy treatment for stress and the 10-15 minute drying time forces you to take a few minutes to unwind. This facial mask will leave your skin refreshed and your soul rejuvenated.

PhytoMe Acne Gel

Natural Acne Treatment Acne Gel 15ml Guide Rating - Pros • Good for all skin types with little chance of negative side effects. • Fast acting; drastic improvement within 48 hours. • Soothing properties; combats pain and redness associated with acne. • Anti-bacterial; fights the bacteria that causes acne. • Does not dry out skin; no harsh chemicals used. • Cruelty free; ingredients and final product not tested on animals. Cons • Not good for those with known sensitivity to tea tree oil. • Can be hard to find in stores, but readily available online. The Bottom Line - A bona fide acne fighting miracle with little chance of adverse side effects. This product really delivers and is recommended for of all skin types. Quick acting and effective on mild to severe acne. A Teen Advice Guide's personal favorite. Manufacturer's Site

Product Description • All natural ingredients include; Arnica Extract, Fumaria Extract, Tea Tree Extract, Rose Hip Extract, Aloe Vera Gel, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A in a moisturizing gel (15ml, 50ml and 100ml sizes). • Fights acne causing bacteria and normalizes sebum production in a moisturizing formula that soothes the skin while reducing swelling and redness. • The product delivers on its promises with a significant improvement in acne prone areas within the first 48 hours of use. Manufacturer's Site

Guide Review 3.PhytoMe Acne Gel This is quite simply one of the best acne products on the market. It is reasonably priced ($7.99 for 15ml) and the 15 ml jar can last 8 weeks or more. The non-drying formula soothes the skin without causing further irritation. PhytoMe Acne Gel can handle the most stubborn breakouts and the analgesic properties of the Arnica fight acne related pain. When used regularly, PhytoMe Acne Gel can unclog pores and significantly reduce the instances of breakouts. Effectively deals with pustules, whiteheads and blackheads.

3) Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Lotion
When used regularly this product will clean out and minimize the appearance of pores with the added benefit of controlling the breakouts related to clogged pores. It feels great on the face and really gets your skin clean.

4)MD Skincare Correct And Perfect Spot Treatment
This night time treatment will noticeably shrink existing blemishes while you sleep. Just dab it on effected areas before bed and wake up to clearer skin. Intended to treat existing blemishes, this product is not a preventative solution and should not be applied to unaffected areas. When you see or feel a zit coming on, just grab this little bottle and dab it on. The zits won't know what hit them!
5) Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub
A daily scrub that keeps skin ultra clean and super clear. Use it after you remove make up or as a daily wash at night. After only a few uses all but the most stubborn blemishes will disappear.
6) Mentholatum Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Gel Facial Wash
An excellent daily cleanser that tingles to let you know it's working. Used twice daily to clean the skin this product will clear up acne prone skin in a matter of weeks, reducing the incidence of breakouts and clogged pores. The gentle formula is good for all skin types and won't cause irritation or dryness.
7) DDF BP Gel 5% with Tea Tree Oil
This superior acne fighting remedy combines nature and medicine to come up with a truly unique and effective product. Tea tree oil acts as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent while the benzoyl peroxide gets to work destroying blemishes and fighting off new breakouts. The combination of these two highly effective ingredients makes for a product that delivers dramatic results in a matter of days. Can be drying at first, it is important that you follow the instructions on the label to ensure that your skin does not become irritated.
8) DermaClear

A unique all-in-one skin care product that will clean, clear and rejuvenate your skin's in less than a week of continued use. When used as directed, this product lives up to its claims. It is an "all you need" daily use product that promotes clearer skin. This product reduces the incidence of breakouts but is not intended as a spot treatment for sudden flare ups. Manufacturer's Site

9) Clinique Acne Solutions Emergency Gel Lotion Dubbed a "medicated troubleshooter" by the maker, this benzoyl peroxide based product helps clear stubborn, recurring blemishes. It also unclogs bacteria-filled pores, controls oil, and reduces redness thus improving the overall appearance of acne prone skin. This is a strong product that can make skin sensitive to sunlight, the use of sunscreen in conjunction with the gel is recommended.

10) DDF Pumice Acne Scrub

A terrific cleanser/exfoliant that not only fights acne flare ups but can help eliminate razor bumps (a real "guy thing"). This product should be used twice weekly in addition to your daily cleanser. The active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide, a proven acne remedy. When used regularly this gentle scrub will keep your face clean and clear. Excellent for both guys and girls.

Diagnosis of Acne

Most people can easily self-diagnose mild acne, which can be treated at home using over-the-counter products. However, if you are unsure if what you are experiencing is acne, or if your acne seems severe, see your dermatologist. Acne is diagnosed by a simple visual inspection by your doctor. There is no test for acne.
When diagnosing acne, dermatologists classify it into four grades. They evaluate the types of comedones present, amount of inflammation present, breakout severity, how widespread the acne is and what areas of the body are affected. Grades of acne are classified as follows:

• Grade I - The mildest form of acne. The skin will display blackheads, whiteheads or milia, and occasionally minor pimples. There is no inflammation. Grade I acne can usually be cleared with over-the-counter treatments.
• Grade II - Considered moderate acne. A greater number of blackheads and whiteheads are on the skin. Papules and pustules are more frequently found. Grade II acne may also be treated with over-the-counter products. However, if there is no improvement after six to eight weeks, consult your doctor.
• Grade III - Moderate to severe acne. The difference between Grade II and Grade III acne is the amount of inflammation present. Papules and pustules will be more numerous and there will be a greater amount of redness and inflammation found on the skin. Nodules are often present. This type of acne should be evaluated by your dermatologist.
• Grade IV - The most severe grade of acne, the skin will display many pustules, nodules, and cysts. Blackheads and whiteheads are numerous. There is pronounced inflammation, and breakouts likely extend to areas other than the face. Grade IV acne, also called cystic acne, must be treated by a dermatologist.

Acne Look-Alikes

Some skin conditions can look remarkably similar to acne, although their causes and treatments are different. Do you have acne or an acne look-alike condition? If you are unsure, it is always wise to consult with a doctor. Common skin conditions that can be mistaken for acne include:

• Rosacea - Causes red, flushed skin with papules and pustules, especially in the nose and cheek area.
• Folliculitis - Bumps or pustules caused by inflamation of the hair follicle.
• Keratosis pilaris - Small, rough "goose flesh" like bumps most often found on the upper arms, thighs and buttocks, and sometimes the face.
• Miliaria rubra - Small red bumps on the surface of the skin caused by excessive heat exposure. Also referred to as heat rash.

What is Acne?

Question: What is Acne?

Answer:

Acne at its most basic is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, or what is commonly called the hair follicle or pore. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is the most common skin disorder in the United States. Acne vulgaris, as common acne is known, is classified as a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin.

Acne is characterized by the presence of pimples or "zits", blackheads, and whiteheads. It chiefly affects the face, neck, chest, back, and/or upper arms of sufferers. Rarely you will find acne in other areas of the body. Acne varies in development from very mild to extremely severe.

How does acne develop?

Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells become trapped within the hair follicle, creating a plug within the pore. This plug of dead cells and oil is called a comedo. Blackheads and whiteheads are examples of non-inflamed comedones.

As the breakout progresses and bacteria invade, the follicle wall may rupture within the dermis, creating inflammation and redness. Inflamed blemishes vary in severity depending on the damage to the follicle wall and the amount of infection present. Severe cases of acne may lead to deeper lesions and cysts.

Most people with acne have a number of non-inflamed lesions, or comedones. However, not every acne sufferer necessarily suffers from inflamed breakouts.

What causes acne?

There is no precise cause of acne; rather, it is a result of many factors coming together to create an acne situation. Those who are prone to acne often have skin that is oilier than average. Excess oil can easily become trapped within the pore, creating an impaction.

Acneic skin also produces more dead skin cells than is normal, and those skin cells are not being shed properly (a condition called retention hyperkeratosis). These dead cells stick to the surface of the skin and inside the follicles, mixing with excess oil and creating a comedo.

When the pore becomes blocked by cellular debris and oil, a bacterium that is normally present within the pore grows unchecked. Propionibacteria acnes (P. acnes) are found in great numbers on acneic skin, causing inflamed breakouts.

Why does acne occur?

Acne often first appears during puberty, when there is a surge of androgen hormones within the body. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands, creating an oilier complexion and one more prone to breakouts.

Most dermatologists agree androgen hormones significantly influence acne development. In addition to puberty, women may see considerable hormonal fluctuations are during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and perimenopause. During these life phases, acne is most likely to develop or flare up.

Other factors that contribute to acne development include oily cosmetics, comedogenic skin care or hair care products, certain drugs such as steroids and estrogen medications. Acne tends to run in families. If your parents had acne at any point in their lives, your chance of developing acne is higher.

What Makes People With Arthritis Overweight

Question: What Makes People With Arthritis Overweight?

Many factors can play a role in being overweight. Although you may not be able to control all the factors that lead to being overweight, you can change your diet and exercise habits. Maintaining healthy habits can be difficult when you have arthritis.

Answer:

People all gain weight the same way. You gain weight when the number of calories you eat is more than the number of calories your body uses. The formula for weight control is the same for everyone, including people with arthritis:

Calories in Food > Calories Used = Weight Gain

Calories in Food < used =" Weight">

Calories in Food = Calories Used = Weight Control

Some key factors play a part in weight gain.

Habits

Eating too many calories can become a habit. So can choosing more sedentary activities like watching TV instead of being more physically active. Over time, these habits can lead to weight gain.

Genes

Being overweight and obesity tends to run in families. Although families often share diet and exercise habits that can play a role in obesity, these shared genes can increase the chance that family members will be overweight.

World Around Us

People tend to eat more just because "food" is so much around us. You can find food and messages about food:

at home

at the workplace

at shopping centers

on TV

at family gatherings

at social events

Modern Conveniences

Eating more and being inactive is made easier by things such as:

computers

remote controlled devices

fast food drive-ins

convenience foods

microwaves

Illness

Some diseases such as hypothyroidism, can also lead to weight gain. Talk to your doctor if you think you have a health problem that could be causing you to gain weight.

Medications

Some drugs such as the corticosteroid prednisone, can also lead to weight gain. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of any drugs you are taking.

Emotions

Many people will tend to eat more, even if not hungry, when they are feeling:

bored

sad

angry

stressed

Arthritis Symptoms

Being active becomes more difficult when you are suffering with:

chronic pain

fatigue

inflammation

stiffness

Staying Active & Healthy Diet

Eating a balanced diet and staying active are the building blocks of good health. Poor eating habits and too little exercise can lead to being overweight. Diet and exercise are key to weight control. Even if you have arthritis, you can control your weight or reach a healthy weight by:

eating right

staying active

Advice For People With Arthritis About Weight Loss

Avoiding A Sedentary Lifestyle

How To Start Eating Healthier

If You Need To Lose Weight

Experts recommend a safe rate of weight loss of 1/2 to 2 pounds per week.

Try some of these ideas to support your weight loss efforts:

Keep a food diary. Write down all the food that you eat daily. Also write down the time you eat and your feelings at the time.

Shop from a list.

Never shop when you are hungry.

Store foods out of sight.

Dish up smaller servings.

When at restaurants, eat only half your meal and take the rest home.

Eat at the table with the TV off.

Keep food only in the kitchen, not in your bedroom, desk, car, etc.

Be realistic about weight loss goals. Aim for a slow, modest weight loss.

Seek support.

Expect a few setbacks and forgive yourself.

Add exercise to your weight loss plans.

Extra Pounds Increase Pain

How To Recognize & Control Food Portions

15 Common Myths About Weight-Loss, Nutrition & Diet

Arthritis & Weight Loss Quiz

Exercise

Regular exercise is essential for people with arthritis. Exercise can help you control your weight and also:

increase energy levels

help develop better sleep patterns

maintain a healthy heart

increase bone and muscle strength

decrease depression and fatigue

improve self-esteem and self-confidence

Talk To Your Doctor

People with arthritis should always discuss their exercise plans with a doctor. Certain exercises may be off-limits for people with particular types of arthritis or when your joints are swollen and inflamed. The amount and form of exercise recommended for each person can vary depending on:

type of arthritis

joints involved

levels of inflammation

stability of joints

joint replacements

other limitations

Arthritis-Friendly Exercise

Better exercise choices for people with arthritis may include:

walking (walking helps build strength and maintain joint flexibility)

tai chi (a gentle martial arts exercise with origins in ancient China)

yoga (low stress yoga can provide pain relief, relax stiff muscles and ease sore joints)

water exercise/swimming (warm water exercise is an excellent way for those with arthritis to build up strength, ease stiff joints and relax sore muscles)

bicycling/cycling (cycling, both indoor and outdoor, may provide a good low impact exercise option)

running/jogging (running may still be good exercise for those with arthritis if they run on softer surfaces, but, walking or more gentle forms of exercise may be a better option for people with arthritis in their lower extremities)

How To Measure Your Body Mass Index (BMI) And Waist Circumference

Health care providers use body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference measures to assess a person's risk of developing:

• diabetes
• arthritis
• health problems

Today, 64.5% of U.S adults are overweight or obese. How do you know if you are among them? Two easy measures, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, provide useful estimates of overweight, obesity, and body fat distribution.

Learn how to measure your BMI and waist circumference, and what these measures mean for your health.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 10 Minutes

Here's How:

1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

   BMI measures your weight in relation to your height, and is closely associated with measures of body fat.

   You can calculate your BMI using this formula:

   • BMI equals a person's weight in pounds divided by their height in inches squared, multiplied by 703.

   For example, for someone who is 5 feet, 7 inches tall (67") and weighs 220 pounds, the calculation would look like this: 220 divided by 4489 (67" X 67") multiplied by 703 = 34.45 BMI

2. You can also estimate your BMI with this chart: Body Mass Index (BMI) Chart
   • A person with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy.
   • A person with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
   • A person with a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.
3. Because BMI does not show the difference between fat and muscle, it does not always accurately predict when weight could lead to health problems. For example, someone with a lot of muscle (such as a body builder) may have a BMI in the unhealthy range, but still be healthy and have little risk of developing diabetes or having a heart attack.
4. BMI also may not accurately reflect body fatness in people who are very short (under 5 feet) and in older people, who tend to lose muscle mass as they age. And it may not be the best predictor of weight-related health problems among some racial and ethnic groups such as African American and Hispanic/Latino American women. But for most people, BMI is a reliable way to tell if your weight is putting your health at risk.

5. Waist Circumference

   Excess weight, as measured by BMI, is not the only risk to your health. So is the location of fat on your body. If you carry fat mainly around your waist, you are more likely to develop health problems than if you carry fat mainly in your hips and thighs. This is true even if your BMI falls within the normal range.

6. To measure your waist circumference, place a tape measure around your bare abdomen just above your hip bone. Be sure that the tape is snug, but does not compress your skin, and is parallel to the floor. Relax, exhale, and measure your waist.

   Women with a waist measurement of more than 35 inches or men with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches may have a higher disease risk than people with smaller waist measurements because of where their fat lies.

7. How does overweight or obesity affect my health?

   Extra weight can put you at higher risk for these health problems:

   • type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar)
   • high blood pressure
   • heart disease and stroke
   • some types of cancer
   • sleep apnea (when breathing stops for short periods during sleep)
   • osteoarthritis (wearing away of the joints)
   • gallbladder disease
   • liver disease
   • irregular menstrual periods

8. What should I do if my BMI or waist measurement is too high?

   If your BMI is between 25 and 30 and you are otherwise healthy, try to avoid gaining more weight, and look into healthy ways to lose weight and increase physical activity.

9. Talk to your health care provider about losing weight if your BMI is 30 or above, or your BMI is between 25 and 30 and you have:
   • two or more of the health problems listed above or
   • a family history of heart disease or diabetes, or
   • your waist measures over 35 inches (women) or 40 inches (men)-even if your BMI is less than 25-and you have:
   • two or more of the health problems listed above or
   • a family history of heart disease or diabetes.

What is BMI? What does it Mean?

Q: What is BMI?

A: Today, obesity is most often measured by using a mathematical formula called a Body Mass Index. BMI can be determined by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and then multiplying by 705. For example, a woman who is 5'6" and weighs 190 would have a BMI of 31.

Height of 5'6" = 66 inches 66 squared = 4,356 190 divided by 4,356 = 0.0436 0.0436 x 705 = 30.75 (which would be rounded up to a BMI of 31)

Note: This calculation is based on the formula example from: The Calorie Council

Q: What does my BMI mean?

A:

• An individual is considered underweight if their BMI is less than 18.5.
• A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a "normal" weight.
• A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
• Individuals who fall into the BMI range of 25 to 34.9 begin having some health risk concerns. Specifically those who have a waist size of more than 40 inches for men, or 35 inches for women, have a higher risk for obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
• A BMI of 30 or more qualifies as individual as obese.
• A BMI over 40 indicates that a person is morbidly obese.

Assess Your BMI

Body Mass Index

BMI can be determined by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and then multiplying by 705.

For example, a woman who is 5'6" and weighs 190 would have a BMI of 31.

Height of 5'6" = 66 inches
66 squared = 4,356
190 divided by 4,356 = 0.0436
0.0436 x 705 = 30.75 (which would be rounded up to a BMI of 31)

What Does it Mean?

The following applies for adults 20 years of age and older:

• An individual is considered underweight if their BMI is less than 18.5.
• A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a "normal" weight.
• A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
• Individuals who fall into the BMI range of 25 to 34.9 begin having some health risk concerns. Specifically those who have a waist size of more than 40 inches for men, or 35 inches for women, have a higher risk for obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
• A BMI of 30 or more qualifies as individual as obese.
• A BMI over 40 indicates that a person is morbidly obese.
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How to Calculate Your Caloric Intake and Use it to Lose Weight

Question:

How many calories should I eat if I want to lose weight?

Answer:

It's Relative

Technically, there is no magic number of calories we should all eat each day to lose weight. While most people can lose weight eating around 1,500 calories, you can assess your own personal caloric needs with a little math.

Why Estimate Your Caloric Needs?

To estimate how many calories you should consume in order to maintain your weight, you'll need to do a little math. By using a simple formula called the Harris-Benedict principle, you can assess your basal metabolic rate -- also known as your BMR.

(Then, to lose weight, you'll need to cut calories or burn extra calories and shoot for a level lower than the results you get with this formula.)

Calculate Your BMR

Your BMR is the amount of energy your body needs to function. We use about 60% of the calories we consume each day for basic bodily functions such as breathing.

Other factors that influence your BMR are height, weight, age and sex.

Step one is to calculate your BMR with the following formula:

Women:
655 + (4.3 x weight in pounds) + (4.7 x height in inches) - (4.7 x age in years)

Men:
66 + (6.3 x weight in pounds) + (12.9 x height in inches) - (6.8 x age in years)

Please note that this formula applies only to adults.

Calculate Activity

Step two: In order to incorporate activity into your daily caloric needs, do the following calculation:

• If you are sedentary : BMR x 20 percent
• If you are lightly active: BMR x 30 percent
• If you are moderately active (You exercise most days a week.): BMR x 40 percent

• If you are very active (You exercise intensely on a daily basis or for prolonged periods.): BMR x 50 percent
• If you are extra active (You do hard labor or are in athletic training.): BMR x 60 percent

Add this number to your BMR.

The result of this formula will be the number of calories you can eat every day and maintain your current weightt. In order to lose weight, you'll need to take in fewer calories than this result.

As you lose weight, you can re-calculate the formula to assess your new BMR.

Create a Calorie Deficit

In order to lose weight, you must create a calorie deficit. It is easier and healthier to cut back your calorie intake a little bit at a time. Every 3,500 calories is equivalent to one pound.

So, if you cut back 500 calories a day, you should lose about one pound per week. That said, If you exercise to burn off 500 calories a day you should lose approximately one pound per week. Do both, and ... you get the picture. Ideally, you should do a combination of both, (such as cut back 250 calories; burn an extra 250 calories).

Your weight loss will vary from week to week and at times you may even gain a little weight -- if you're working out you could be developing muscle, which weighs more than fat.

The long-term results are what matters.

Lose at a Healthy Rate

A healthy weight loss goal is to lose .5 to 2 pounds per week. Losing more than 2 pounds per week will mean the weight is less likely to stay off permanently. Never cut back to fewer than 1,200 daily calories without medical supervision.

To find out how you are spending your current calorie intake, keep a detailed food diary for at least one week. (You can check the calorie content of most foods at Calorie Count Plus.)

Make the Cut(s)

With careful review, you will find ways to cut back those 250 calories a day: the milk in your cereal ... the can of soda you drink daily ... the butter on your toast.

Making little changes like these will really add up in the long run.

To assess your daily caloric intake, use Calorie Count Plus to look up the calorie content of the foods you recorded in your food diary. Pay attention to serving sizes -- if your portion consisted of two servings, then be sure you double the calories. Track your daily intake either online or in your food journal.

Next, find foods you can do without altogether, reduce portions of, or switch for lower-calorie alternatives.

And guess what? It's easier than you think. Take it one meal at a time. Or even one food at a time. And then, one day at a time.

Tomorrow, trade whole milk for reduced-fat milk The next day, try diet soda instead of regular. Three days in, switch to light wheat bread instead of white. All the calorie-reductions you make (and stick to) will add up in the long run.

Eat Right: Make Smarter Choices about Healthy Eating

Eating right is the first step toward long-term successful weight loss. From understanding basic nutrition principles and counting calories, to making healthful restaurant choices, the basics are covered here.

Counting Calories

Calorie-counting is the "math" behind long-term, successful weight loss. By understanding your body's caloric needs and how to track calories in the food you consume, you truly can learn how to eat almost anything you want and still lose weight.

What is a Calorie ... and Why Should I Care?
he official definition of a calorie is "...the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a liter of water 1 degree (DHHS)." But if that's a little too scientific for you, think of it this way...

A calorie isn't actually a tangible thing, it's a unit of measurement.

A calorie measures the energy in food and beverages we take in. We all need that energy to live. Everything we do relies on the energy that comes in the form of calories.

The food we eat becomes the fuel that runs our bodies. Drinks also contain calories; sodas, for example, are referred to as "empty calories" meaning they carry no other nutritional value; but the calories definitely still count.

No matter the form of your calories ... if you "overload your tank" you will find yourself gaining weight.

Understanding caloric needs is an integral part of weight loss. Research over the years has proven -- whether diets focus on fat or carbs -- that calories still count. Why? Regardless of what diet you're following, if you take in more calories than you need ... you gain weight.

The daily recommended caloric intake for the average American maintaining their weight is 2,000 calories, give or take a few: Men can eat a little more, women, less. Your specific, individual calorie needs depend on several factors such as your activity level and metabolism.

Where are Calories?

Calories are found in four components of foods. They are: fat, carbohydrates, protein and alcohol (i.e., sugar). Fat contains twice the calories of carbohydrates or protein.

Ct'nd: Is a Calorie a Calorie? >>

HIV and Oral Sex

Is Oral Sex a Safe Alternative?

Is there a connection between HIV and oral sex? There is a commonly held belief among many lay people that oral sex carries little or no risk. In fact, some consider oral sex a safer sex alternative. But the truth is, like any other sexual activity, oral sex carries a risk of transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The risk is even greater in serodiscordant couples (one partner is HIV positive while the other is negative), people who are not monogamous, or in people who inject drugs and/or share needles and syringes. Truth be told, abstaining from oral, anal, and vaginal sex all together is the only way to completely avoidthe sexual transmission of HIV. But how realistic is that?

What are the Risks of Oral Sex?

Risk is classified as either being documented (transmission that has actually occurred, been investigated, and documented in the scientific literature) or theoretical (passing an infection from one person to another is possible).

While there is documented risk when having oral sex with an HIV infected partner the risk is much less than with anal or vaginal intercourse. This fact makes it very hard to calculate the actual risk with oral sex. Another factor that makes risk determination difficult is the fact that most people who engage in oral sex also engage in other types of sexual practices, namely vaginal and anal intercourse. Still, there have been document cases of HIV transmission strictly from oral sex.

Which Behaviors are the Riskiest?

Oral-Penile Contact (fellatio)

Theoretical Risk:With fellatio, there is a theoretical risk of transmission for the receptive partner because infected pre-ejaculate ("pre-cum") fluid or semen can get into the mouth. For the insertive partner there is a theoretical risk of infection because infected blood from a partner's bleeding gums or an open sore could come in contact with a scratch, cut, or sore on the penis.

Documented Risk: Although the risk is many times less than anal or vaginal sex, HIV has been transmitted to receptive partners through fellatio, even in cases when insertive partners didn't ejaculate.

Oral-Vaginal Contact (cunnilingus)

Theoretical Risk:Cunnilingus carries a theoretical risk of HIV transmission for the insertive partner (the person who is licking or sucking the vaginal area) because infected vaginal fluids and blood can get into the mouth. (This includes, but is not limited to, menstrual blood). Likewise, there is a theoretical risk of HIV transmission during cunnilingus for the receptive partner (the person who is having her vagina licked or sucked) if infected blood from oral sores or bleeding gums comes in contact with vulvar or vaginal cuts or sores.

Documented Risk:The risk of HIV transmission during cunnilingus is extremely low compared to vaginal and anal sex. However, there have been a few cases of HIV transmission most likely resulting from oral-vaginal sex.

Oral-Anal Contact (anilingus)

Theoretical Risk: Anilingus carries a theoretical risk of transmission for the insertive partner (the person who is licking or sucking the anus) if there is exposure to infected blood, either through bloody fecal matter (bodily waste) or cuts/sores in the anal area. Anilingus carries a theoretical risk to the receptive partner (the person who is being licked/sucked) if infected blood in saliva comes in contact with anal/rectal lining.

Documented Risk: There has been one published case of HIV transmission associated with oral-anal sexual contact.

Safer Sex for Teens - Abstinence

Ways for Teens Can Say No to Sex

Being a teen is not always easy. Teens are often faced with very important and difficult decisions. One such decision is whether or not to have sex. Safer sex, teens and HIV, and abstinence are all things that weigh heavily on the mind of a teenager. While many teens want to say "no" to sex, peer pressure, a desire to look "cool" or a lack of assertiveness prevents them from doing so. For those wanting to say "no" but are having problems doing so, there are ways for teens to say "no" to sex.

• Say no and keep saying no as many times as it takes to get the point across.
• Before the occasion arises, practice what you would say if someone pressured you to have sex.
• Get out of a troublesome situation by walking away and staying away.
• Use body language that helps make your point.

• Stand tall, speak clearly and confidently, and look the person straight in the eye when saying no.
• Beware of "pressure lines" and respond accordingly. For instance if someone says
  "Everybody's doing it."

  Your response could something to the effect of

  "I'm not everybody. I don't have to do it because anyone else is."

Healthy Communication

How To Talk to Your Kids About HIV

One study shows that 25% of all new HIV infections are in young people under the age of 22. If it's not the child who is infected then it is a parent, a friend, or a loved one. HIV is closer to our kids then we want to believe. And because it is, having that "sex talk" with your adolescent is more important than ever; and more difficult. While 3 million teens contract a sexually transmitted disease each year, knowing how to talk to your child can help decrease that number. These tips should help you talk frankly with your child about HIV & AIDS.

Here's How:

1. Before starting any conversation, know what information you want to give your child and how you want to present it.

   HIV - The Basics

2. Review the facts about HIV & AIDS prior to talking with your child. It is essential that you give them accurate and current HIV information.

   Find Good HIV Info on the Internet

3. To get the ball rolling, find a common starting point that both you and your child are comfortable with. Examples of this include:
   • research for a school project
   • topics of television programs or commercials
   • current events from magazines or newspapers
   
   
4. Be honest with your child. If you are uncomfortable with the subject matter chances are they are too. Share your feelings with them. The feelings of you both can become a common link that will make the discussion easier

1. Be positive and not punitive. If the child senses your discussion is a lecture or a reprimand, they are most likely to tune out.
2. Listen to what they have to say and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.
3. While it might be hard not to judge, try and understand your child's point of view. Even if you don't agree or share the same opinion, allowing them to express theirs without judgement is essential to getting your message across.

   How Does HIV Impact Teens

4. Acknowledge the difficulties of peer pressure. Urge your child to use their own judgement when making difficult decisions regarding sex.
5. Provide them with educational material or web sites where they can learn in private. They may be more comfortable with this type of learning which will improve their retention and understanding of the subject matter.