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.
About the Author
Learn all you can about different acne treatment options at http://acnerelieftips.com/ to help you decide on the best course of action for you to take
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
5 Easy Tips For Treating Acne
If you have even a passing interest in the topic of acne, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of acne.
1. Avoid Scrubbing and Abrasives
Scrubbing and abrasives should be avoided. Experts have said that they irritate the skin, which should be left intact as a natural barrier against the acne-causing bacteria.
2. Sun for Beautiful Skin
As you may know, sun does kill bacteria, but it doesn't mean that it won't harm the skin. Note that the sun also acts as an astringent that dries, tightens and clogs the skin pores. Thus, you should just spend limited time under the sun. At least 15 minutes to the face and arms daily is enough.
3. Avoid Extremely Cold Weather
If extreme heat causes clogging of the pores, extremely cold weather causes it as well. So, avoid extremely cold weather so you don't freeze and clog pores. It is ideal that you moisturize your face and body, and stay in temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Swimming Does Help
Exercise for stress reduction by swimming in a properly treated indoor swimming pool. But, use the Ozone purified pool if possible. It is interesting to know that the swimming pool water is typically 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is well below the normal temperature of 98.6 degrees of your body. Therefore, the swimming water cools your whole body, including the acne affected areas, while providing excellent exercise to the rest of you. This even reduces stress as well as physical attention.
5. Think Clean
Change linens, wash cloths and body towels after each use. It is for the fact that they are great places for acne-causing bacteria to grow and be reapplied to the skin later. Also, wash white facial cloths, pillow covers, as well as personal undergarments daily with Vinegar, tea tree oil or essential oils of Lime, lemon or orange so to lessen the acne-related bacterial development. It is also often suggested that you apply a natural detergent for washing.
Indeed, there are a lot of ways to control and fight acne, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is so far the best one to consider. It is important to note that healthy lifestyles will lead you to attaining a healthier skin and a healthier body. Changing your unfavorable habits will reward you with better general health, more energy, and clearer skin to show the world.
If you were once afraid to make changes, please don't be. Of course, the initial affects may be hard to grasp at first, but as you go on, you will find out that you can quickly learn to adapt with them.
This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and the entire resource box is included.
About the Author
[Copyright © 2007, Heather Colman. Find more of Heather's articles at eBook Palace. Her articles are available for syndication. Reprinting individual articles is permissible provided no changes are made.]
1. Avoid Scrubbing and Abrasives
Scrubbing and abrasives should be avoided. Experts have said that they irritate the skin, which should be left intact as a natural barrier against the acne-causing bacteria.
2. Sun for Beautiful Skin
As you may know, sun does kill bacteria, but it doesn't mean that it won't harm the skin. Note that the sun also acts as an astringent that dries, tightens and clogs the skin pores. Thus, you should just spend limited time under the sun. At least 15 minutes to the face and arms daily is enough.
3. Avoid Extremely Cold Weather
If extreme heat causes clogging of the pores, extremely cold weather causes it as well. So, avoid extremely cold weather so you don't freeze and clog pores. It is ideal that you moisturize your face and body, and stay in temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Swimming Does Help
Exercise for stress reduction by swimming in a properly treated indoor swimming pool. But, use the Ozone purified pool if possible. It is interesting to know that the swimming pool water is typically 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is well below the normal temperature of 98.6 degrees of your body. Therefore, the swimming water cools your whole body, including the acne affected areas, while providing excellent exercise to the rest of you. This even reduces stress as well as physical attention.
5. Think Clean
Change linens, wash cloths and body towels after each use. It is for the fact that they are great places for acne-causing bacteria to grow and be reapplied to the skin later. Also, wash white facial cloths, pillow covers, as well as personal undergarments daily with Vinegar, tea tree oil or essential oils of Lime, lemon or orange so to lessen the acne-related bacterial development. It is also often suggested that you apply a natural detergent for washing.
Indeed, there are a lot of ways to control and fight acne, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is so far the best one to consider. It is important to note that healthy lifestyles will lead you to attaining a healthier skin and a healthier body. Changing your unfavorable habits will reward you with better general health, more energy, and clearer skin to show the world.
If you were once afraid to make changes, please don't be. Of course, the initial affects may be hard to grasp at first, but as you go on, you will find out that you can quickly learn to adapt with them.
This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and the entire resource box is included.
About the Author
[Copyright © 2007, Heather Colman. Find more of Heather's articles at eBook Palace. Her articles are available for syndication. Reprinting individual articles is permissible provided no changes are made.]
Monday, August 25, 2008
Acne Solution
Nine out of ten people fall prey to the number one acne myth: Acne is caused by dirt and oil on your skin, which leads to an infection under the skin. While this can be a valid cause for acne, could it be that the leading acne product manufacturers just want you to believe this is true so you'll continue to buy their products?
However effective these supposed acne solutions are for many people, the truth is that these products may only be "curing" you of your acne on the surface. Which means, you're not really being cured at all.
You see there's a common belief that acne is not caused by surface dirt and oil, but is caused by something deep below your skin's surface, like toxins in your body. Toxins come from air, water, and anything you ingest, such as food, alcohol, etc. that your body has to filter out.
Generally, your liver and kidneys work to filter toxins out of your body through your bowels and bladder. When your kidneys and liver become so full of toxins that they can no longer release them effectively in this manner, the toxins build up. Well, they need to come out somewhere —through your skin by way of your pores.
When toxins escape through your skin, they irritate and contaminate your pores. The result is an infection, evident by a pussy white pimple or a hard, tender bump on the surface of your skin, generally found in clusters.
One of the best ways — if not THE best way — to help rid your body of toxins is to detoxify. You've probably heard of detoxification before. There are numerous detoxifying aids available on the market today.
The concept of detoxification is a simple one: To aid your body in ridding itself of toxins. The process can last anywhere from a couple of days to a month, depending on your needs. Several components are included from simplifying your diet to drinking lots of water, juices and teas to taking herbal supplements to aid in ridding your body of waste.
During the detoxification process, your body may experience symptoms similar to being sick, such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea and fatigue. This is because the toxins are being processed out of your body. Once you get passed the initial symptoms, you'll find that you not only feel better but your skin will look better. And if you keep up a healthier diet by not reintroducing toxins to your body, you can continue to manage your acne for the rest of your life, without the use of acne products.
About the Author
Maggie Holly is a featured writer on http://www.all-about-acne-treatment.com. Through her in-depth research and common sense approach to acne care skin care - http://www.all-about-acne-treatment.com/articles/acne-care-skin.shtml, Maggie has authored numerous articles on acne solutions that have proven results for many.
However effective these supposed acne solutions are for many people, the truth is that these products may only be "curing" you of your acne on the surface. Which means, you're not really being cured at all.
You see there's a common belief that acne is not caused by surface dirt and oil, but is caused by something deep below your skin's surface, like toxins in your body. Toxins come from air, water, and anything you ingest, such as food, alcohol, etc. that your body has to filter out.
Generally, your liver and kidneys work to filter toxins out of your body through your bowels and bladder. When your kidneys and liver become so full of toxins that they can no longer release them effectively in this manner, the toxins build up. Well, they need to come out somewhere —through your skin by way of your pores.
When toxins escape through your skin, they irritate and contaminate your pores. The result is an infection, evident by a pussy white pimple or a hard, tender bump on the surface of your skin, generally found in clusters.
One of the best ways — if not THE best way — to help rid your body of toxins is to detoxify. You've probably heard of detoxification before. There are numerous detoxifying aids available on the market today.
The concept of detoxification is a simple one: To aid your body in ridding itself of toxins. The process can last anywhere from a couple of days to a month, depending on your needs. Several components are included from simplifying your diet to drinking lots of water, juices and teas to taking herbal supplements to aid in ridding your body of waste.
During the detoxification process, your body may experience symptoms similar to being sick, such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea and fatigue. This is because the toxins are being processed out of your body. Once you get passed the initial symptoms, you'll find that you not only feel better but your skin will look better. And if you keep up a healthier diet by not reintroducing toxins to your body, you can continue to manage your acne for the rest of your life, without the use of acne products.
About the Author
Maggie Holly is a featured writer on http://www.all-about-acne-treatment.com. Through her in-depth research and common sense approach to acne care skin care - http://www.all-about-acne-treatment.com/articles/acne-care-skin.shtml, Maggie has authored numerous articles on acne solutions that have proven results for many.
Acne Scarring Treatment Methods
Acne scarring is an unfortunate reality for many people who have had acne for a while and have finally been able to get rid of it, but found out that some nasty, permanent scars are left in place of the acne!
This is quite an unfortunate occurrence, and can be caused by a number of things, such as picking at acne scabs consistently or having a severe outbreak of acne that went horribly wrong, or just due to prolonged acne suffering. Fortunately however, treatment methods do exist to alleviate acne scarring and make the skin smooth like it was before.
The two most common forms of acne scarring treatment are Laser and Light therapy. It's hard to say which of the two treatment options are better, as both have their advantages and disadvantages, however the treatment methods they contain can be boiled down to the following -
Blue Light Therapy
Blue light therapy is perhaps a more advanced form of light therapy and works great in alleviating acne scarring. The skin is exposed to a blue light and destroys the bacteria that build up to form acne. The procedure doesn't really hurt, and only leaves a little temporary redness.
Pulsed Light and Heat Energy
Pulsed light and heat energy is used together to actually destroy the oil glands of the skin. This may sound unusual, but the oil glands are often what causes acne in the first place. By destroying them, less acne is produced, and thus the acne is removed. This is also effective for treating acne with the least amount of scarring.
Diode Laser Treatment
Diode laster treatment involves sending a laser directly into the middle layer of the skin, avoiding the outer layers, and destroying the source of the acne beneath the surface. This is another form of effective acne treatment.
Laser and light therapy is often the best of the acne scarring treatment methods available, and can be used to burn away the front layer of skin, allowing new and fresh skin to regrow in order to replace the scarring. Since scarring is usually not very deep with acne, the chances of new skin growing and replacing the old skin is quite high.
So deciding upon what type of acne scarring treatment you want to conduct doesn't have to be as difficult as it sounds. Simply find a clinic that you live near that conducts the form of treatment you desire and book an appointment. You'll be well on your way to getting rid of that nasty acne scarring that resulted from your prolonged exposure to acne.
About the Author
John Hubert is a researcher of acne treatment and maintains a site on Acne Scarring Treatment. He also runs the Central Skin Care Tips portal.
This is quite an unfortunate occurrence, and can be caused by a number of things, such as picking at acne scabs consistently or having a severe outbreak of acne that went horribly wrong, or just due to prolonged acne suffering. Fortunately however, treatment methods do exist to alleviate acne scarring and make the skin smooth like it was before.
The two most common forms of acne scarring treatment are Laser and Light therapy. It's hard to say which of the two treatment options are better, as both have their advantages and disadvantages, however the treatment methods they contain can be boiled down to the following -
Blue Light Therapy
Blue light therapy is perhaps a more advanced form of light therapy and works great in alleviating acne scarring. The skin is exposed to a blue light and destroys the bacteria that build up to form acne. The procedure doesn't really hurt, and only leaves a little temporary redness.
Pulsed Light and Heat Energy
Pulsed light and heat energy is used together to actually destroy the oil glands of the skin. This may sound unusual, but the oil glands are often what causes acne in the first place. By destroying them, less acne is produced, and thus the acne is removed. This is also effective for treating acne with the least amount of scarring.
Diode Laser Treatment
Diode laster treatment involves sending a laser directly into the middle layer of the skin, avoiding the outer layers, and destroying the source of the acne beneath the surface. This is another form of effective acne treatment.
Laser and light therapy is often the best of the acne scarring treatment methods available, and can be used to burn away the front layer of skin, allowing new and fresh skin to regrow in order to replace the scarring. Since scarring is usually not very deep with acne, the chances of new skin growing and replacing the old skin is quite high.
So deciding upon what type of acne scarring treatment you want to conduct doesn't have to be as difficult as it sounds. Simply find a clinic that you live near that conducts the form of treatment you desire and book an appointment. You'll be well on your way to getting rid of that nasty acne scarring that resulted from your prolonged exposure to acne.
About the Author
John Hubert is a researcher of acne treatment and maintains a site on Acne Scarring Treatment. He also runs the Central Skin Care Tips portal.
Learn How to Treat Your Acne and Your Scars
There are many forms of acne treatments and they vary depending on the severity of your acne. The first stage of acne is called mild acne and it is characterized by about three dozen comedones or blackheads and scattered papules which are small pimples without the pus. You won’t be able to notice some of the symptoms unless you take a closer look. Acne treatments recommended by dermatologists for this acne stage include washing the affected areas twice a day with a mild cleanser and applying topical oil free, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic gels, solutions, creams, and lotions.
The second stage is the moderate acne and it is characterized by inflamed red lesions, numerous comedones or blackheads, as well as numerous pustules which are pimples filled with pus. Acne treatments recommended by dermatologists include prescription oral drugs such as minocyline, tetracyline, doxycyline, erythromycin, ibuprofen, and isotretinion. These acne treatments can also be partnered with application of topical medications and other anti-acne products.
Severe acne is the worst stage among the three because it is characterized with numerous blackheads, large pus-filled pustules, highly inflamed lesions, cystic acne, and large interconnected nodules that are very painful. This skin condition should be treated immediately to avoid further complications. The acne treatments recommended will be combinations of oral medications such as anti-inflammatory and antibiotics. Topical anti-acne products will no longer be as effective to severe acne cases. You should bear in mind that oral medication is the only effective means of treatment for this severe acne stage.
Our problems regarding our skin don’t stop when the acne is treated. It’s just the beginning of a new chapter in our fight against the remains of acne, the acne scars. There are typically two kinds of acne scars, one is the hypertrophic scars and the other one is the deep craters on the skin surface.
Hypertrophic scars are sometimes called keloids and they are characterized by their thick elevation above the normal skin surface. The craters on the skin surface come in three shapes, the ice-pick, box-car, and the rolling scar. Ice-pick acne scars are the most common and they’re shaped like deep pits in the skin. Box-car acne scars are somewhat similar to the chicken pox scars and they may either run deep within or just superficial on the skin surface. The rolling acne scars are not as deep as the other crater acne scars and they just form a wave-like appearance on the skin.
There are many acne treatments for removing scars. You can use commercially prepared exfoliating products to peel off the skin surface and reveal the fresher skin underneath. However, if your scars really run deep, you might need to undergo a dermatologist’s acne scar treatments. You can choose from punch techniques, laser resurfacing or laser treatment, dermabrasion, and chemical peeling.
The punch techniques aim to join together the loopholes of your skin by scarring your face once more. This is a painful process that needs a longer time period to heal but it is very effective in acne scar craters. Laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and chemical peeling methods aim to remove the skin surface that manifests the acne scars using different materials and technology. However, these are not one-time treatments because you will need to undergo several sessions in order to achieve the desired results.
About the Author
Skincare, acne and health expert. I also have been building a variety of websites for the last 3 years. Julia Elorriaga LastSkinCare.com For more information about Acne visit Acne - LastSkinCare.com
The second stage is the moderate acne and it is characterized by inflamed red lesions, numerous comedones or blackheads, as well as numerous pustules which are pimples filled with pus. Acne treatments recommended by dermatologists include prescription oral drugs such as minocyline, tetracyline, doxycyline, erythromycin, ibuprofen, and isotretinion. These acne treatments can also be partnered with application of topical medications and other anti-acne products.
Severe acne is the worst stage among the three because it is characterized with numerous blackheads, large pus-filled pustules, highly inflamed lesions, cystic acne, and large interconnected nodules that are very painful. This skin condition should be treated immediately to avoid further complications. The acne treatments recommended will be combinations of oral medications such as anti-inflammatory and antibiotics. Topical anti-acne products will no longer be as effective to severe acne cases. You should bear in mind that oral medication is the only effective means of treatment for this severe acne stage.
Our problems regarding our skin don’t stop when the acne is treated. It’s just the beginning of a new chapter in our fight against the remains of acne, the acne scars. There are typically two kinds of acne scars, one is the hypertrophic scars and the other one is the deep craters on the skin surface.
Hypertrophic scars are sometimes called keloids and they are characterized by their thick elevation above the normal skin surface. The craters on the skin surface come in three shapes, the ice-pick, box-car, and the rolling scar. Ice-pick acne scars are the most common and they’re shaped like deep pits in the skin. Box-car acne scars are somewhat similar to the chicken pox scars and they may either run deep within or just superficial on the skin surface. The rolling acne scars are not as deep as the other crater acne scars and they just form a wave-like appearance on the skin.
There are many acne treatments for removing scars. You can use commercially prepared exfoliating products to peel off the skin surface and reveal the fresher skin underneath. However, if your scars really run deep, you might need to undergo a dermatologist’s acne scar treatments. You can choose from punch techniques, laser resurfacing or laser treatment, dermabrasion, and chemical peeling.
The punch techniques aim to join together the loopholes of your skin by scarring your face once more. This is a painful process that needs a longer time period to heal but it is very effective in acne scar craters. Laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and chemical peeling methods aim to remove the skin surface that manifests the acne scars using different materials and technology. However, these are not one-time treatments because you will need to undergo several sessions in order to achieve the desired results.
About the Author
Skincare, acne and health expert. I also have been building a variety of websites for the last 3 years. Julia Elorriaga LastSkinCare.com For more information about Acne visit Acne - LastSkinCare.com
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