Low self-esteem, unrealistic expectations and self-loathing are all products of the ideal beauty image projected in America. These images have damaged women to the point where they willingly subject themselves to painful treatments, plastic surgery and expensive skincare products and cosmetics.

The skincare and cosmetic product aspect of the beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar a year business providing to women “hope in a jar” or tube. Out of the many large upscale cosmetic companies like Lancome, Este Lauder and Clinique only four cater to African-American women and even less addresses the needs of other women of color. I wonder, in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society like ours, how this is possible. I find the biggest offenders to be department stores.

Even though most carry products, foundation particularly, in colors that are appropriate for women of color they only use European models in their commercials and print ads. As a beauty advisor for a major cosmetic company I find many women of color patronizing lines that don’t even find it necessary to include women of color in their counter displays promoting a new product or new colors for the season. These companies gladly take our money but refuse to use women of color in their ad campaigns to let us know that their products are for women of color too and that our patronage is appreciated.

Is it ignorance or blatant bigotry? I think it’s a little of both. According to Business Trends Analysts statistics show white baby boomers, the main purchasing demographic for most cosmetic companies are approaching the end of their cosmetic buying years. While African- American women, who are younger than average are still in their cosmetic purchasing prime.

Some of the largest cosmetic lines will indeed feel the pressure as the ethnic makeup of the United States changes. By the year 2020 32% of the US population will be people of color. The fastest growing ethnic groups according to Business Trends Analysts are Asian-Americans, Hispanic Americans and American Indians with Caucasians growing the least. By the year 2050 the US population will have a “minority majority”. States like California, Florida and New York have already experienced the switch.

In the not so distant future mainstream cosmetic companies will have to change their paradigm and create and market products that will meet the varied needs of women of color or else they won’t survive.

I must admit cosmetic companies mostly sold in drug and discount stores like Revlon, Maybelline and Covergirl have risen to the occasion and have incorporated products for women of color and also feature them as spokeswomen. But will higher priced and more prestigious companies occupying the aisles of department stores follow suit? We have yet to see.

This is the fundamental factor as to why ladies should make the most of every dollar they spend. Shopping at an online pharmacy is one way of making sure you save on your purchases.

We will examine why sensible and serious treatment of BV is vital, particularly with the current economic conditions.

It is vital to seek treatment of BV to prevent the possibility of increased risk of HIV infection or STDs. While occasionally the signs of BV resolve themselves, females with signs that persist should definitely pursue treatment.

Following are the recommended methods for treating Bacterial Vaginosis:

Metronidazole (Flagyl) Prescription Medication

Metronidazole, or Flagyl, must be taken either orally or intravaginally for a week. For oral administration, the dosage is 500 mg in tablet form, two times daily. This method carries a greater rate of side effects than the intravaginal method. Another possibility is to apply it within the vagina one time a day. To lower the effects to the fetus, smaller doses of metronidazole are given to pregnant women. Systemic metronidazole treatment may have these negative side effects: nausea, diarrhea, and in some cases, a metallic taste. During the treatment, and for one full day after, no alcohol should be consumed by patients.

Clindamycin (Cleocin)

Clindamycin cream is used for seven days at bedtime and applied intravaginally. Different methods of treatment are oral administration for a week’s time or vaginal ovules for a 3 day period. Clindamycin applied topically is not recommended during the latter half of pregnancy. With oil-based substances like clindamycin lotion, latex condoms or diaphragms could lose strength for 5 days following usage.

You will not have to go to the doctor again if the symptoms resolve. In cases of infections that recur, the manner of treatment will differ from the method used originally.

Although the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis is associated with sex acts, infection does not always occur in this manner. Male partners are advised to get treatment in cases of infections that recur or persist, and this happens frequently.

By knowing these facts, you can make an informed choice of treatment for your vaginosis.