Understanding And Treating Your Acne…
December 19th, 2009 | by admin |Acne refers to plugged pores, pimples, cysts and nodules that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, upper arms and upper legs, according to the dermatology academy.
While acne isn’t life-threatening, it is disfiguring, can lead to permanent scarring, and is an emotional and social burden.
Acne is caused by changes in hormones, heredity and skin type. Hormones that cause physical maturation also cause sebaceous glands of the skin to produce more sebum, or oil. Male hormones have a greater effect on sebaceous glands than female hormones.
During puberty, the cells of the skin that line sebaceous follicles (the glands with a hair shaft) shed more rapidly. When the cells mix with the increased sebum, they can plug the opening of the follicle and the follicle swells with sebum.
When the skin bacteria called P. acnes multiplies in the clogged hair follicle, the skin becomes inflamed. Sometimes, inflammation spreads to surrounding skin, forming blackheads, pimples and nodules.
Teenagers with parents or a parent who had acne are more likely to get acne themselves. In addition, teens with oily skin have a greater risk of acne than teens with drier skin.
Types of acne
When the plugged follicle (called a comedo) is open, it is called a blackhead. When it’s closed, it’s called a whitehead.
Papules and pustules are commonly called pimples. A papule is a cellular reaction to acne, resulting in small, slightly elevated solid lesions. A pustule is a dome-shaped lesion containing pus.
A macule is the temporary red spot left by a healed acne lesion.
A nodule is a solid lesion that is inflamed, extends into deeper layers of the skin, is painful, and may cause tissue destruction resulting in scarring.
A cyst is a large pustule that is inflamed, extends into deeper layers of the skin, is painful and can result in scarring.
When patients suffer from acne, they are recommended to use a mild cleanser. An inexpensive, non-drying soap used daily is the best way to clean the face. Doctors tell them not to scrub their skin and to avoid harsh cleansers. Most “acne soaps” contain salicylic acid, which can be drying to the skin and can make inflammation worse, especially when combined with medication. Many patients discontinue medical treatment, not realizing it is the soap that is causing irritation.
Patients also give up on using medications because it generally takes at least four to six weeks for them to take effect. It is important for teenagers to understand that their skin may get worse before it gets better. Encourage your teen to “hang in there” and use medicines as prescribed. If skin becomes too dry, it is best to try a non-comedogenic moisturizer, that is, one that does not block pores. Neutrogena and Cetaphil products are quite good, but one can also look for “non-comedogenic” on the label of your preferred moisturizer. Also, one should ask his or her doctor if medication can be taken every other day.
For mild acne, topical antibiotics such as keratolytic are usually prescribed. A keratolytic is an agent that decreases the shedding of skin cells that causes comedones to form. One that is available over-the-counter is benzoyl peroxide. It is available in several strengths (2.5% to 10%), so use the lowest strength that is effective. This medicine also comes in a prescription body wash, which is great for treating larger areas such as the back or chest. Other keratolytics include adapalene and topical tretinoin. These are available by prescription in varying strengths and vehicles such as creams and gels.
If acne becomes more red or inflamed, a topical antibiotic such as clindamycin or erythromycin may be added to treatment. These agents will reduce the amount of pimples on the skin’s surface and decrease inflammation. Many topical antibiotics now come formulated with benzoyl peroxide. Creams or gels with this additive can be used once a day and have been shown to decrease bacterial resistance to the antibiotic.
If acne is cystic, most doctors will recommend an oral antibiotic. The most common include doxycycline, minocycline or erythromycin. An eight-to-12-week course of treatment is recommended for maximum benefit.
Because hormonal changes continue into adulthood, that may impact acne. For example, ovarian cysts and pregnancy may cause hormone changes that lead to acne. And some women get acne when they discontinue birth control pills because those pills help keep acne under control.
Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be checked by a doctor. Some drugs and industrial chemicals may induce skin problems. Chronic pressure on the skin – by backpack straps or a violin tucked under the chin, for example – may induce a form of acne.
Patients suffering from severe acne should visit a dermatologist, who will most likely prescribe a course of oral isotretinoin, a more serious medication. Be advised that pregnant women should never take isotretinion.
Kelly Wade
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/understanding-and-treating-your-acne-111918.html
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9 Responses to “Understanding And Treating Your Acne…”
By man22 on Dec 19, 2009 | Reply
Where can i find the best dermatologist to achieve the best results possible to treat acne?
Hi, im a 23 year old male and i have been struggleing with acne for the past 5 years. I have tried virtually everything out there, from over-the-counter solutions, scrubbing pads, creams, to doctors prescriptions and antibiotics and "light" treatments at my dermatoligist office. Its been almost two years and i cant seem to get rid of them. It seems like i’am the only one with this problem, since no matter what i do, (not to mention how much time and money i have spent), i still live with this problem which continues to tear down my self-esteem. I live in So. Cali. in the Palm Srings area, i need help. Can someone who really understands what im going through tell me what they did differently, and no longer have to worry about waking up with one pimple in their face anymore?
By Gabrio on Dec 20, 2009 | Reply
Mc Govern Clinic/Houston TX
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By jb#1fan on Dec 20, 2009 | Reply
u dont need to go to one get proilesect (spelling may not be accurate) od
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By cab veteran on Dec 20, 2009 | Reply
Look in the yellow pages under physicians.
Then look under specialties. (Dermatology)
It is very easy.
p.s. Your family doctor can refer you to one, if
you call him.
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By RJBellamy on Dec 20, 2009 | Reply
Ok, here’s the deal. I used to work at a national health brand place and was ranked 1st out of 3600 stores-because-I read alot-and knew my product-and used people there as guinea pigs for to see what worked best as to supplements/herbs, etc. from what I read. SO-you can either thank me for this-or do what you want.
Take this daily
Niacin-vitamin B3 (the FULL flush type–must be this type-you’ll get used to it) 500 milligrams-once in the morning, once at night
Chromium Picolinate-200 micrograms-once in the morning, once at night (US govt owns patent on this-interesting huh?)
Zinc Picolinate-50 milligrams ONCE a day
Flax Seed Oil Softgels-1000 milligrams-one a day (make sure the one you buy does not use hexane to process their oil)
Use this for two weeks and thank me very much-do this for a month and say HOLY CROP! After two weeks, cut the niacin dosage to once a day.
Plus, it is very odd, when I have posted this, or edited it, a pop-up with acne ads comes up…………hmmmmmmmmmmm
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By Dom . on Dec 20, 2009 | Reply
my husband has been having acne issues from a young age his DR. perscribed him doxicycline and his has done wonders for clearing up his skin.
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By Raghavan K on Dec 20, 2009 | Reply
you have treatment for skin conditions in Inidia . certain herbs used for such treatments do not grow in this climate. However you may try a method with what is available her ein th eUS. Grind a some leaves of coriander ,(cilandro leaves) .daily and apply the paste on the face and leave it to dry for 5 to 10 minutes Wash your face with warm with warm water daily.The leaves are avilable in grocery stores like safe way , sam’s club meijer , and Inidian grocery stores too. After you have your bath , wipe your face dry with a towel and apply a little thin layer of calamine lotion and rub it so tht it is not quite visible .. in inida people would use the sandal wood paste If you remain at home , you can use sandal wood paste ground in rose water ansd pply to yur face and reamin at home leaving it to dry . It will be like a thin coat of an yellow paint . That is why I tell you to remain at home . In Inida people do not mind if somebody goes out with a thin coat of sandal wood paste ground in rosewater .
Rose water will be available in Inidan stores , It is the aromatic warter distlled with the petals of rose flowers .It smells rose . Sandal wood powder or billets would be available in Inidan stores ."Gokul" brand sandal powder or billet would be the best .Try it . Some preparation with the herb "Philanthus Niruri" would be available in Inidan siddha medical institutions . That woud cure any skin disease or condition. whatever it is . But it won’t be availalble here or even there as a ready -made item.
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By Jay F on Dec 20, 2009 | Reply
It’s simple. acne has gotten worse in the last 20 years. ok, so that means environmentally something’s going on. for two weeks, i don’t want you to drink milk or eat yogurt or cheese. Any milk products (also ice cream) stay away from them. cows are being injected with hormones and antibiotics to keep their milk supply in good working order and antibiotics to keep them healthy. what the manufactures dont give a f*** about is that is going into the products-simple. i drink soymilk-it actually takes like milk and it’s healthier, but anyway. listen, most dairy products pack a lot of of acne-inducing iodine, since cows are fed iodine-enriched grain to prevent infection. all of this information is in the reports of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. stop using products off the counter, ok. because i researched acne "helping" companies. their products help immediately, but it also leaves behind acne inducing residue to make start another pimple. i’m serious, it’s ridiculous. just use neosporin (the lotion kind) after you pop one and it’ll be fine in the morning. let me know how it works out.
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By Amy on Dec 20, 2009 | Reply
I struggled with acne for years and I finally found the solution that works for me. We have been fooled, tricked, deceived, and just plain lied to. It’s time that someone put a stop to it, and everyone learn the truth!
Those of us who suffer from acne have usually been given 2 choices and neither of them work:
1. Over the counter remedies such as cleansers, creams, ointments, etc. These things have been proven over and over again not to work. Why? It does not address the root cause of the problem.
2. Go see a doctor and or dermatologist. They will generally prescribe prescription drugs which include topicals and or antibiotics. This, too, has been proven over and over again not to work. Why? It does not address the root cause of the problem.
I found a step-by-step program that cured my acne and it has never come back. It is amazing and doesn’t use any drugs or doctors. The truth is that acne can be cured…if we know the secret the doctors and drug companies don’t want us to know.