Scarring tends to be genetic - some people heal well. I believe acne is a chronic inflammatory skin lesion that needs to be treated. If there is pus then it is a small abscess that needs draining. I find using needles to pierce the skin tends to result in more infection - possibly by introducing normal skin bacteria inwards. I find applying toothpaste before and after immediately really cuts down on infection - Flouride and Triclosan and antibacterial. more »

My Tips - (1)Make sure the patient is warm - the vasodilation will result in easier veins. (2) Use the arm the patient uses most - eg Right arm if right handed. The more exercised a limb the better the vasculature. (2) Use a good tourniquet - good and tight for several minutes - do not rush in. (3) Drop the arm - gravity will result in more engourment of the vein and bigger veins (4) Look for the best vein - it's not always the cubital fossa. The hand can have excellent veins, but tends to be a more painful. Fat people basically have no veins available in the forearm - hand and cubital only. (5) Insert the vein firmly - with experience you'll know you are "in" due to loss of inital resistence - the needle is now in a hollow vein with fluid. (6) With the needle in place - draw the blood - do not move the needle - this is what causes pain! (7) Release the turiquet, THEN remove th more »

Is there any evidence for "Alpha Lipoic Acid"??? The internet is full of people selling unproven and deceptive products. Its all about the money - and no regulations of accountability. more »