Treating Acne
August 4, 2009 by Acne Treatments and Skin Care Tips
Filed under About Acne
Acne vulgaris (commonly called acne) is a skin disease caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). Acne happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life around puberty stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls.
Acne is most common during adolescence, affecting more than 85% of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood. It develops as a result of blockages in follicles and occurs on the face, as well as the neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Acne can be disfiguring and upsetting to the patient.
Acne has nothing to do with not washing your face. Although it is not curable, it is controllable; proper treatments can help you to feel and look better and may prevent scars. Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples. However it is not just a problem for teenagers, it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. One myth is that eating greasy foods like french fries or pizza, chomping on chocolate, or drinking sodas causes acne. Rather it develops when the hair follicle of skin gets plugged by over production of sebum, dead cells and become infected by bacteria. Acne can have a short-term, potentially lasting psychological effect. It may cause you considerable emotional distress but there is a range of treatment options to help you tackle the problem. Acne in young women tends to be more random and linked to hormone changes, such as the menstrual cycle.
Treatment
Treatments for acne include medicines and creams. Treatment choice depends upon whether the acne is mild, moderate, or severe. Generally the treatment will last about 6 months.
Treatment is aimed at reducing the production of excess amounts of sebum, preventing the development of comedowns and killing the bacteria responsible for the infection. There are many products available for the treatment of acne, many of which are without any scientifically proven effects. Generally speaking, successful treatments show little improvement within the first two weeks, instead taking a period of approximately three months to improve and start flattening out.
Acne will generally reappear quite soon after the end of treatment—days later in the case of topical applications, and weeks later in the case of oral antibiotics. No matter what special treatments your dermatologist may use, remember that you must continue proper skin care. Acne treatment for mild cases usually involves self-care measures, such as washing your skin daily with a gentle cleanser and using an over-the-counter acne cream.
Acne treatment for severe cases usually includes one or more prescription medications. Acne treatments work by reducing oil production, speeding up skin cell turnover, fighting bacterial infection, reducing the inflammation or doing all four. With most prescription acne treatments, you may not see results for four to eight weeks, and your skin may get worse before it gets better.
Types of acne treatments include: Topical treatments. If your acne doesn’t respond to these treatments, you may want to see a doctor or dermatologist to get a stronger prescription lotion. Alternative treatments for acne focus on self care: proper cleansing to keep the skin oil-free; eating a well-balanced diet high in fiber, zinc, and raw foods; and avoiding alcohol, dairy products, tobacco, caffeine, sugar, processed foods, and foods high in iodine, such as salt.
The aims of treatment are to prevent new spots forming, to improve those already present, and to prevent scarring. Antibiotics do not prevent pores from becoming blocked so treatment to prevent blackheads, such as benzoyl peroxide, is often also prescribed at the same time. Some types of oral contraceptive tablets help women who have acne. It tends to be prescribed to people with severe forms of acne that have proved resistant to other treatments. Expect to use your treatments for at least two months before you see much improvement. Some topical treatments may dry or irritate the skin when you start using them. An oil-free moisturizer should help, but you may also have to cut down on the frequency with which you apply the treatments. Safe, effective treatments are out there, but sometimes it can be a little tricky working out what’s going to work for you.
Conclusion
Acne seems to affect men and women in different ways. Young men are more likely to have a more serious form of acne. As women get older, acne often gets better. For many women, acne can be an upsetting illness. But you don’t have to wait to outgrow acne or to let it run its course.
Today, almost every case of acne can be resolved. You should never try to drain or remove your acne by squeezing or picking. This can lead to infection, worsen your acne, and cause scarring.
At present there is no cure for acne, although the available treatments can be very effective in preventing the formation of new spots and scarring. For some, acne can be a bit of hassle but for others it can be devastating.
The important thing to remember is that all types of acne can be well controlled by safe and effective treatment. So, whether it’s a few annoying pimples or more severe acne that is getting you down, face up to acne with the right information and you’ll be on the road to recovery getting the treatment you need.
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Acne Vulgaris
August 4, 2009 by Acne Treatments and Skin Care Tips
Filed under About Acne
Risk factors/Triggers
1. Food/Diet
Foods such as nuts, cola, milk, cheese, fried foods and iodised salts have been implicated as triggers of acne vulgaris; however, the connections between nutrition and acne has not definitely been proven as they are rarely supported by good analytical, epidemiological or therapeutic studies [4, 5]. On the other hand, recurrent acne as noted by Niemeier et al (2006) may be a cutaneous sign of an underlying eating disorder.
2. Genetics
A genetic background is supported by a case control study by Goulden et al, as noted by Rzany et al (2006). This stated that the risk of adult acne vulgaris in relatives of patients with acne as compared with those of patients without acne is significantly higher [4].
3. Hormones
According to Rzany et al (2006), hormonal influences on acne vulgaris are undisputed as shown by the higher incidence of acne in male adolescents. Premenstrual flare has also been recorded as causing acne [5].
4. Nicotine
Smoking has also been named as a risk factor for acne vulgaris; however, conflicting data exists as to the link between smoking and acne. Some population based studies have found links between smoking and acne whilst some others have not [4].
Important!
Contrary to popular misconceptions by young patients and occasionally their parents, acne does not come from bad behaviour nor is it a disease of poor hygiene. It also has nothing to do with lack of cleanliness [2].
Types of acne vulgaris
There are two main types of acne vulgaris, inflammatory and non-inflammatory; these can be manifested in different ways,
1. Comedonal acne, which is a non-inflammatory acne
2. Papules and pustules of inflammatory acne
3. Nodular acne (inflammatory acne)
4. Inflammatory acne with hyperpigmentation (this occurs more commonly in patients with darker skin complexions) [1]
Clinical manifestations
In general, acne is limited to the parts of the body, which have the largest and most abundant sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, upper back and upper arms. Among dermatologists, it is almost universally accepted that the clinical manifestation of acne vulgaris is the result of four essential processes as described below [1, 6],
1. Increased sebum production in the pilosebaceous follicle. Sebum is the lipid-rich secretion product of sebaceous glands, which has a central role in the development of acne and also provides a growth medium for Propionibacterium acnes (P acnes), an anaerobic bacterium which is a normal constituent of the skin flora. Compared with unaffected individuals, people with acne have higher rates of sebum production. Apart from this, the severity of acne is often proportional to the amount of sebum produced [1, 6].
2. Abnormal follicular differentiation, which is the earliest structural change in the pilosebaceous unit in acne vulgaris [1].
3. Colonisation of serum-rich obstructed follicle with Propionibacterium acnes (P acnes). P acnes is an anaerobic bacterium which is a normal constituent of the skin flora and which populates the androgen-stimulated sebaceous follicle [androgen is a steroid hormone such as testosterone or androsterone, that controls the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics]. Individuals with acne have higher counts of P acnes compared with those without acne [1, 6].
4. Inflammation. This is a direct or indirect result of the rapid and excessive increase of P acnes [1].
Non-inflammatory acne lesions include open and closed comedones, which are thickened secretions plugging a duct of the skin, particularly sebaceous glands. Open comedones, also known as blackheads, “appear as flat or slightly raised brown to black plugs that distend the follicular orifices”. Closed comedones, also known as whiteheads, “appear as whitish to flesh-coloured papules with an apparently closed overlying surface” [1].
Inflammatory lesions on the other hand include papules, pustules, and nodules; papules and pustules “result from superficial or deep inflammation associated with microscopic rupture of comedones”. Nodules are large, deep-seated abscesses, which when palpated may be compressible. In addition to the typical lesions in acne, other features may also be present. These include scarring and hyperpigmentation, which can result in substantial disfigurement [1].
Psychological Aspects
Numerous psychological problems such as diminished self-esteem, social embarrassment, social withdrawal, depression and even unemployment stem from acne. However, differential diagnosis from a psychosomatic point of view indicates two serious psychological problems, which can arise from acne. These are,
1. Psychogenic excoriation, and
2. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
Psychogenic excoriation also referred to as neurotic excoriation, pathological or compulsive skin picking “is characterised by excessive scratching or picking of normal skin or skin with minor irregularities” [5]. According to Niemeier et al (2006) it is estimated to occur in 2% of dermatological patients. Patients with this disorder can also have psychiatric disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, as well as associated disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, substance abuse disorder, obsessive compulsive personality disorder, compulsive buying, eating disorder, and borderline personality disorder, to mention a few [5].
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) “is a condition characterised by an extreme level of dissatisfaction or preoccupation with a normal appearance that causes disruption in daily functioning” [3]. Niemeier et al (2006) described it as “a syndrome characterised by distress, secondary to imagined or minor defects in one’s appearance.” The onset of BDD is usually during adolescence, and it occurs equally in both male and female. Common areas of concern include the skin, hair and nose, with acne being one of the most common concerns with BDD patients [3].
According to the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders (2000), BDD has three diagnostic criteria,
1. A preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance; where a slight physical anomaly is present, the person’s concern is markedly excessive,
2. The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning,
3. The preoccupation is not caused by another mental disorder (e.g. Anorexia Nervosa)
Characteristic behaviours include skin picking, mirror checking, and camouflaging by wearing a hat or excessive make up. Apart from these, patients often seek reassurance frequently by asking questions such as “Can you see this pimple?” or “Does my skin look okay?” Some patients also have a tendency to doctor shop, which is essentially going from one specialist to another in search of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, willing to carry out a desired procedure or dispense a certain drug, to improve their perceived defect [3, 5].
Although it is a relatively common disease, BDD is still an under diagnosed psychiatric disorder and is estimated to affect 0.7 to 5% of the general population. Other psychiatric conditions associated with BDD include major depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder. It is also associated with high rates of functional impairment and suicide attempts, high levels of perceived stress, and markedly poor quality of life [3, 5, 8].
Acne Treatment
1. Topical treatment, particularly for individuals with non-inflammatory comedones or mild to moderate inflammatory acne (See types of acne vulgaris). Medications include tretinoin (available as gels, creams, and solutions), adapalene gel, salicylic acid (available as solutions, cleansers, and soaps), isotretinoin gel, azelaic acid cream, benzoyl peroxide (available as gels, lotions, creams, soaps, and washes), to mention a few [1, 2].
2. Oral treatment, particularly for acne that is resistant to topical treatment or which manifests as scarring or nodular lesions. Medications include oral antibiotics (e.g. tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, and co-trimoxazole), oral isotretinoin, and hormonal agents (e.g. oral contraception, oral corticosteroid, cyproterone acetate, or spironolactone) [1, 2].
3. Physical or surgical methods of treatment, which are sometimes useful as adjuvant to medical therapy. Methods include comedo extraction, intralesional injections of corticosteroids, dermabrasion, chemical peeling, and collagen injections, to mention a few [1, 9].
4. Sun exposure, reported by up to 70% of patients to have a beneficial effect on acne [10].
5. Light therapy, which is becoming more popular due to the growing demand for a convenient, low risk and effective therapy, as many patients fail to respond adequately to treatment or develop side effects, from the use of various oral and topical treatments available for the treatment of acne [11]. Methods include the use of visible light (e.g. blue light, blue/red light combinations, yellow light, and green light), laser treatment and monopolar radiofrequency [11]. Many of these light therapy treatments can be used at home.
Recommended Products for Acne
References
1. Brown SK, Shalita AR. Acne vulgaris. Lancet 1998; 351:1871-1876.
2. Webster GF. Acne vulgaris. Br Med J 2002; 325: 475-479.
3. Bowe WP et al. Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms among patients with acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 2007; DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2007.03.030.
4. Rzany B, Kahl C. Epidemiology of acne vulgaris. JDDG 2006; DOI: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2006.05876.x
5. Niemeier V, Kupfer J, Gieler U. Acne vulgaris-Psychosomatic aspects. JDDG 2006; DOI: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2006.06110.x
6. Gollnick H. Current perspectives on the treatment of acne vulgaris and implications for future directions. Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2001; 15 (Suppl. 3):1-4.
7. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th Ed. Accessed via: BehaveNet® Clinical CapsuleTM; http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/bodydysdis.htm. Accessed on: 28th June 2007.
8. Phillips KA et al. A retrospective follow-up study of body dysmorphic disorder. Comprehensive Psychiatry 2005; 46: 315-321.
9. Taub AF. Procedural treatments of acne vulgaris. Dermatol Surg 2007; 33: 1-22.
10. Cunliffe WJ, Goulden V. Phototherapy and acne vulgaris.Br J Dermatol 2000; 142 (5): 855-856.
11. Dierickx CC. Lasers, Light and Radiofrequency for treatment of acne. Med Laser Appl 2004; 19: 196-204.
Disclaimer
This article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be a medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Kindly follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.
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Beginning Right From Home Remedies Acne Proactive Treatment
August 4, 2009 by Acne Treatments and Skin Care Tips
Filed under About Acne
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The Proactive System is a 3-product skin cleansing routine formulated by dermatologists to help cleanse the skin and remove unwanted blackheads, acne and blemishes. Of all of the acne products on the market, Proactive Skin Care is the most popular and well-documented, with seemingly endless success stories. Flip through the Before and After photos of real people who suffered from acne, whose lives improved dramatically after using Proactive skin care products.
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Thanks to Amporn Saechin for contributing this article to our Acne blog:
Amporn Saechin is Webmaster The Beginning Right From Home Remedies Acne
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Retin-a: Treatment for Acne
August 3, 2009 by Acne Treatments and Skin Care Tips
Filed under About Acne
Retin-A is an effectual acne treatment which can help you out to achieve a clear and healthy skin. Retin-A is a derivative of Vitamin-A which works by unplugging the acne follicles and pushing them on the surface of the skin. Owing to this fact, you may feel that your acne is worsening but it is getting treated. Usage of Retin-A topical medication is beneficial is prevention of creation of comedones and also in reducing fine wrinkles.
Treatment of acne, Retin-A is customarily applied on the acne affected area before going to bed at night. Prior to application of Retin- A, cleanse the acne affected area with mild cleanser. While Retin-A (tretinoin) application, keep away from direct contact with eyes, mouth or mucous membranes. Incase, eyes, mouth, or mucous membrane do come in direct contact with Retin-A, report immediately to a doctor for appropriate medical assistance. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should consult their doctor prior to initiating Retin-A treatment.
Usage of Retin-A may source peeling of skin, mild stinging, and redness in the initial phase of treatment. These symptoms usually evade within a passage of time with continual usage of Retin-A. While using Retin-A medication follow a few precautionary measures as advised by your dermatologist. Keep away from extended exposure to sunlight as the use of Retin- A makes skin sun-sensitive. Wear protective clothing and apply sun blocks with a minimum of SPF-15.
Order and buy Retin-A by means of online pharmacies. An online Retin-A order can facilitate you to affordable price range for purchase. Some online pharmacies also offer you the benefit free shipping and free consultation.
Thanks to Adam Frazer for contributing this article to our Acne blog:
Adam Frazer writes on beauty and health. He has been working in the same field and writes informative articles for OnlineSkinCareTips. To learn more
about Retin-A, Treatment of eczema, Treatment of acne, Soriatane, buy Retin-A, Online pharmacies
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Looking To Naturally Treat Your Acne? Look At These Tips!
August 2, 2009 by Acne Treatments and Skin Care Tips
Filed under About Acne
Of course, acne always pops up at the worst times, although we’re not so sure there ever is a good time to have acne! But for those last-minute, emergency treatments, there are a few things you can try without having to run to the store and shell out for an expensive name-brand product.
The first all natural acne treatment is found in almost every bathroom, but the thought of putting toothpaste on your face could seem a bit…odd. That’s right—toothpaste! Put a generous amount of toothpaste on each pimple right before bed. The toothpaste will help dry up the excess oil and greatly reduce redness while you sleep. Of course you can put toothpaste on your acne in the day time, just make sure you’re able to leave it on for a while so that it has plenty of time to soak up the excess moisture from the pimple. A good tip for those red pimples is to apply a bit of Visine eye drops. It won’t treat the pimple, but it will get rid of the redness.
Did you know that Neosporin could help you? Neosporin is an antibiotic that will kill the bacteria in the area you apply it to. Before bedtime, you should apply it to the acne in order to cause it to have a short life span. Honey is something that has natural antibacterial properties in it and it is perfect to use in the homemade acne treatment. In the end, some of the other types of homemade acne remedies you could use consists of baking soda, garlic, ice cubes, crushed aspirin (our favorite to use), potatoes and much more.
Thanks to Best Acne Treatment Remedy for contributing this article to our Acne blog:




