Acne is the term used for pimples and complexion problems wich can occur in young people and some adults. Pimples usually occur on the face, but may involve the neck,the arms, the chest or the neck. Acne is only a skin problem. It does not affect your general health.
Causes? At puberty, the oil glands of the skin start producing an oily material. It is called sebum. Sebum lubricates the skin. In some cases, the wall of the oil gland breaks and spills the sebum within the skin. That causes redness,swelling, and pus. In other words a pimple. Plugged oil glands may form whiteheads and blackheads. Blackheads are not caused by dirt. There is a bacteria that normally lives on the skin called Propionibacterium acnes. This bacteria lives on the sebum produced by the skin oil glands. Sometimes, this bacteria multiplies and causes inflammation and acne. Pimples are built into your genes it runs in families. In women, acne frequently worsens at the time of menstruation. Foods do not cause pimples! But there are cases when certain foods will make pimples worse. The most common ones are chocolate, milk, nuts or carbonated beverages. Acne may become worse under stress. Cosmetics make acne worse. Adult women often have trouble with acne through middle age. The reason is unknown.
The best way in treating pimples is to use benzoyl peroxide 5% gel (available at your local drug store) to the involved areas at night and NeoStrata alpha hydroxyacid in the morning (without using prescription medication). Some people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide. A product named Tend Skin is an effective acne treatment. Another advice is to wash your face twice a day with a mild non-soap cleanser. Do not pick or squeeze your pimples, as it can leave scars. Acne surgery can be done using sterile instruments to remove blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
There is no medical cure for acne. Acne can be controlled, but not cured. Many people do outgrow acne. Altough it is not recommended,sunlight may help some acne patients. Sunlight causes aging, wrinkling of the skin, and skin cancer. If cosmetics are used, they should be oil-free (the kind that separates into two layers). Cosmetics labeled water-based may still contain oil. If a moisturizer is used, it should be labeled non-comedogenic which means does not cause pimples.Your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics to take by mouth,or to put on the skin.
Retin-A can also be used on the skin, even on body pimples. An effective acne regimen is two combine Retin-A with glycolic acid peels every few weeks. This involves coming to the office every two weeks to have a weak acid applied to the face. The acid removes the surface material from the skin that causes pimples to form. The face is left red and irritated for a few days. Once your acne is under control, the glycolic acid peels only need to be done every three months or so. When you come in for a light peel, the esthetician can also remove any blackheads or whiteheads that are found.
Beta hydroxyacid peels also are effective for treating acne.Accutane is a drug taken by mouth which is reserved for severe acne. Accutane has many side effects and if taken during pregnancy will cause birth defects. Patients taking Accutane must have periodic blood tests and checkups.
In conclusion,there are many different treatments for acne. Not all people respond to the same treatments. If the first medications do not work, chances are the second ones will.
About the Author
John Eminescu is a 29 years old writer. He work for a local newspaper and wrote 2 books about skin diseases.
