Body News.

Body News By Kristin Sainani

Acne Alternative

Acne Alternative Acne sufferers may benefit from a treatment other than the old standbys benzoyl peroxide, Retin A, and topical antibiotics. Though still in development, a gel made of picolinic acid -- a natural compound in

the body that facilitates mineral absorption -- was highly effective in a study of 20 patients with mild to moderate acne. All 15 of those who completed 12 weeks of twice-daily treatments improved, with an average 58 percent reduction in acne lesions. A few people reported a side effect of facial burning or tingling. In laboratory experiments, the gel reduced blackheads "as well as benzoyl peroxide or Retin-A," in the opinion of Michael P. Heffernan, associate professor of dermatology at Wright State University School of Medicine in Ohio, and killed the bacteria that cause acne, "possibly through an antibiotic effect." The gel may not be available for another three to five years. In the meantime, Heffernan advises patients who are dissatisfied with their acne products to stick with the treatments longer before giving up -- most of them take 6 to 12 weeks to work.

Body News By Kristin Sainani

Breast Protection

Breast Protection A vaccine that fights breast cancer