Archive for November, 2008
Body Acne – an Introduction
Whenever someone talks about acne or we hear something about acne what comes in our mind? The answer is facial acne as it the most common amongst the different types of acne. However, acne can breakout in different parts of the body like shoulders, neck, back and upper arms. Body acne is difficult to treat as compared to face acne because the body has to be covered by clothing most of the time.
The causes of body acne are more or less the same as facial acne. Acne is caused due to clogging of pores due to excessive oil secretion. Body acne is not caused due to hygiene reasons rather it is caused due to hormones known as androgens which stimulates sebaceous glands to produce excessive oils resulting in acne.
Body acne can grow to a very severe level where cysts appear on the skin sometimes causing blemishes and scars. As soon as body acne appears you should consult a dermatologist and start treatment immediately as body acne can cause discomfort to the patient. Body acne should not be scrubbed or picked as it can further spread and worsen acne. The body area with acne should be cleaned very gently and it should not be rubbed. Apply acne medicine very gently on the affected area.
If your dermatologist has advised you to use a tropical lotion, you should first clean the affected area very gently and then apply the lotion. Try to wear cotton clothing or very soft textured clothes in order to avoid any friction as it can cause inflammation. The friction caused by rubbing of cloth against the skin can increase the acne and its severity thus increasing the total treatment time. Backpacks, purse straps, sporting clothes and other similar items can aggravate the acne. If you are suffering from body acne, it is better for you to wear looser clothes to avoid friction.
It is a bit difficult to treat body acne as compared to facial acne due to the fact that it is impossible to keep the affected area untouched as we have to wear some cloths most of the time. Acne treatment normally takes a few weeks to show some results. Sometimes the skin gets worse for a while before showing any results. But you should not panic in this situation and continue your skin treatment even if the skin does not show some improvement because acne treatment is a long process.
If you are suffering from body acne than you should start your treatment immediately and try to get complete acne information so you can easily cope with the situation.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Severe Acne Treatment Tips
Severe acne can affect many facets of a person’s life, causing a great deal of embarrassment and stress. Severe acne may significantly limit one’s social life and even interfere with opportunities for employment. They are extremely disfiguring and can cause psychological effects on the sufferer. Five types of severe acne acne conglobata , acne fulminans , gram negative folliculitis , nodulocystic acne and Pyoderma faciale. Acne conglobata is a chronic and severe form of acne vulgaris (common acne). It is usually characterized by deep abscesses, severe inflammation, severe damage to the skin, scarring, blackheads are usually conspicuous and widespread. It often appears on the face, chest, back, thighs, upper arms and buttocks. It usually affects those whose age is between 18-30 years old.
Acne fulminans is a sudden onset of highly hurtful inflammation. It appears suddenly in a person with inflammatory acne. Symptoms of severe acne nodulocystic, often ulcerating acne, aching joints and fever are apparent. A person who develops acne fulminans may have had unsuccessful treatment for another form of severe acne, acne conglobata. Another types of Acne gram-negative folliculitis. Gram-negative folliculitis is a complication of abused and long- term use of antibiotic. Patients with this type of acne are usually treated with accutane since it is known to be effective against gram- negative bacteria. Pyoderma faciale is the type of acne that affects females mainly belonging to the 20-40 age groups. Physical methods and prescription medications that dermatologists use to treat severe acne
Antibiotic gels and lotions are applied directly onto the skin (eg, Clindatec, Eryacne, Dalacin). Isotretinoin is the usual treatment of choice for acne conglobata. Isotretinoin is a synthetic (man-made) retinoid (form of vitamin A) that comes in pill form. It is usually taken once or twice a day for 16 to 20 weeks. Corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be given to reduce inflammation. Nodulocystic acne usually requires an aggressive treatment regimen that may include isotretinoin and antibiotics, or intralesional corticosteroids that “melt” the cyst over a period of 3 to 5 days. Spironolactone anti hypertensive drug has anti androgenic activities and can be used by both males and females to treat severe acne. Oral contraceptives have been shown to effectively clear acne in women.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Acne Treatment – and Things you Should Know
General information.
Within this article you will find out all about Acne or Acne Vulgaris as it’s medically known, and about recommended treatment that there is available. I will also touch on the different causes of acne, and things you should know about to avoid being a sufferer.
It is the curse of up to 85% of teenagers, and even into adulthood can be an unsightly and embarrassing problem. Some cases like other diseases are worse than others, yet any skin problems like this can alter a person’s outlook on life.
This inflammatory disease of the skin has been around for thousands of years, and is not a modern disease. There are many medical explanations as why acne occurs but at this point I’m just going to tell you about the main one.
Reading different medical articles it is said that the Sebaceous gland becomes swollen, and produces an overdose of something called Sedum.
This in turn reacts with the hair follicles of the body, which then create a breeding ground for bacteria to form due to their blockage.
Once the bacteria builds up the end results are spots, or pimples, or zits, or what ever you want to call them. In severe cases they can even turn into cysts.
Most cases of Acne are confined to the face area, yet some can have them all over the top half of their body.
Causes of Acne.
There is a strong case saying that Acne can run in the family history, and if either of your parents had acne there’s a good chance that the off spring will get it as well. Some Doctors can even put in down to hormone levels, and that on the onset of puberty, or the onset of a menstrual cycle can bring on, or make the Acne flare up.
It is also said that stress can play a major part, and that if the individual is having problems with their job, or their love life this can be a major influence.
Other contributions on making the Acne flare up even worse have been put down to things like Anabolic Steroids, or certain medications can also affect.
Chlorine is another one that is said to make matters worse, as any contact with Chlorine will dry the skin causing a dead cell build up, which then block the pores of the skin and cause the bacteria to take over.
One of the largest causes has been put down to food, and the greasier the food the worse the problem can be. Some can have a reaction to things like milk, skimmed milk, and other dairy products.
Over the last few years there has been a building theme to stay away from junk food, and things like french fries, chocolate, and sugar based products can cause the blood sugar to rise which in turn makes the acne bacteria increase.
Treatment of Acne.
The more I read about the treatment of Acne the more confusing it became. Some say that the only way to beat it is by exfoliating twice or three times a day. There are several antibacterial creams on the market, and many Doctors believe in Antibiotics, along with the cream.
What suits one does not suit everybody, and I personally worry about the continual usage of things like antibiotics, and the creams and the potions that are pumped out by the drug companies. The power of the multi million advertising does not always produce the goods, and that the creams and the potions have only a limited success.
One thing that is getting more and more popular, and is getting a very good success ratio is purely based around diet. The ideal diet would be an alkaline one, where foods that are high in acidity levels, like that of meat, fizzy drinks, rice, bread, and sugar based products should be avoided.
You may have looked at that last list and had to take a sharp in take of breath, but the fact is that it does work, and that if you eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables your Acne problems will fade away.
For those who would like to try this type of diet there are many books, and eBooks that go into this with more detail, and can be purchased at most book stores, or on the Internet.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Acne Treatment – the Real Secret to Quickly Heal your Acne
Acne is an all too common skin condition, and in some cases the chemicals used to treat it can further damage the skin. Here are some tips that will help you heal your acne:
No scrubbing or rubbing.
You can’t scrub your acne away. In fact abrasive or frequent washing can lead to dry skin and irritated acne. Your skin will respond best to kind attention. Gently wash your face no more than twice a day with a mild cleanser and pat your skin dry with a clean towel. If you exercise hard and sweat a lot you may want to wash your face afterwards.
Don’t pop pimples.
Don’t pop or squeeze pimples, as it could lead to inflammation and infection. It could also push the infected materials deep into the skin and create more swelling. Squeezing or popping pimples could lead to permanent scars on the face.
Breathe deeply.
It is advisable to breathe deeply when you feel stressed. Doctors have found out that there is a direct link between stress and acne. Studies have shown that there is increased amount of androgen production when a person is under stress. Not only mental but physical stress such as allergies, surgery etc could activate the androgen production. When androgen is activated the sebaceous glands pumps out more oil/sebum leading to acne.
Use honey.
Apply a honey mask once a week. Honey is regarded as a disinfectant and also it has medicinal properties believed to heal minor blemishes. It has the properties of destroying the bacteria present in the skin.
Pay kind attention to your skin.
Use a mild cleanser no more than twice a day and gently wash and dry your skin. Apply a noncomedogenic (won’t clog your pores) sunscreen.
Patience is a virtue.
Be patient. Healing takes time. Unfortunately this doesn’t happen overnight. Results are generally seen in a few weeks, but may take up to 8 weeks or more. Don’t be tempted by over night promises. So give your acne treatment a fighting chance.
Use sunscreen.
Many acne medications contain ingredients that can make your skin extra sensitive to sunlight and ultraviolet light from tanning booths. Read the label warnings, avoid tanning booths, and always use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15. Sun exposure can actually irritate acne even if you are not using an acne medication. So don’t make sunbathing a part of your lifestyle and always use sunscreen.
More is not better.
If you use more acne medication than directed by your doctor you can actually worsen your acne. Many over-the-counter acne treatments contain active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Too much of either of these can cause your skin to become excessively dry or irritated. It can take time for your skin to adapt to new medications. Remember that it may take up to 8 weeks for any acne medication to have a noticeable effect. Use the medication exactly as directed by your doctor and if you don’t see an improvement within 8 weeks talk with your dermatologist.
Use only noncomedogenic products.
When purchasing cosmetics, sunscreen or other skin care products, make sure the label reads noncomedogenic. These products, as well as those labeled nonacnegenic, won’t clog your pores and therefore won’t cause or make your acne worse.
Here’s the rub.
Headbands and hats can aggravate your acne as they rub against your forehead. Try to avoid these things when possible.
Don’t touch your face.
It’s amazing how often we touch our faces during an average day. Our hands have oil on them and of course bacteria too, both of which can make acne worse. So avoid touching your face or leaning your chin on your hand. Be sure that other objects that come in contact with your face like cell phones, telephone receivers, eye glasses, etc are clean.
Wash your face.
It is advisable to wash your face at least twice a day with sulfur-based soap. Once when you wake up and again when you go to bed. Do not scrub; just give it a smooth touch. Washing your skin over and over again will create more trouble than help you.
Cut your hair.
If you have long hair it is advisable to cut it short. Your hair contains oil and when you move, the dust particles do mix up with your hair and when your hair bangs on your face or neck or forehead or the affected area, the situation could worsen. Also wash your hair on a daily basis.
Eat fruits and vegetables.
Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
Drink lots of water.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Water helps in cleaning and hydrating the skin and maintaining overall health.
Change your pillowcase.
Wash or change your pillowcase every day.
Exercise.
Exercise moderately as it helps in blood circulation and helps eliminate toxins.
Review your environment.
Pollution, airborne grease (such as in a fast food restaurant), irritating clothing – all these can aggravate your acne. It isn’t always possible to avoid all the various irritants that may contribute to your acne. You can, however, make educated decisions that may help to minimize their impact. Loosen tight, irritating clothing or find fabrics that breathe better and don’t aggravate your acne.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Five Common Facts About Acne Treatments
Everyone’s life has had some sort of issue with acne. This is especially true when you hit the teenage years. The acne seems to be a problem that is a constant in this time of life. The belief is that the female hormone cycle has a hand in the condition of hormonal acne and the acne treatments used to clear it. When you know what to look for with hormonal acne, you can begin to work to treat it. This is what was found to be true about it.
There Is No Growing Out
Many individuals believe that acne will go away with age. This is why some do not seek out acne treatments options because they believe it is not bad enough. Some adults have had acne since they were teenagers and have done nothing about it. This is sad because the advancements in treatment technology could have given them relief years ago. Hormonal treatment options are out there if you take the time to look. A dermatologist is the best place to start in the right treatment options for hormonal acne.
No Jokes
Unfortunately, there is always one person who has to make fun of those with acne. The acne ridden individual feels low and might even have a high level of stress on them. This stress only serves to make the acne worse. Studies show that a good number of unemployed individuals have acne and are the ones discriminated against when they try to get a job. Low self-esteem is a definite problem with severe acne and acne treatments for this is the best way to get your life back on track.
PCOS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in females. There is treatment available for it and it works well. Some things that come from having this syndrome are changes in the skin and hair due to large amounts of testosterone in the body. Facial and body hair are more prominent as is thinning of the hair. It even causes more acne to appear needing more advanced acne treatments regimen. If you find that your normal acne has suddenly worsened for no reason, it might be time to get tested for PCOS.
Past Puberty Years
Studies also show that if the acne you have comes on earlier, it is a probability that the severity of it will be higher for you. It might cause a problem for you medically and leave scars behind. Acne treatments should be started immediately and continued to prevent the scars from forming.
Testing For Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne tests should be completed if you see that more acne is appearing or hair growth has accelerated. If the test comes out positive, treatment for the hormonal issues can begin promptly. If PCOS signs are showing up, you should have this checked, as well. Acne treatments option work well for the hormonal acne and medication is available to help with the extra hair growth and other problematic symptoms.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Some Acne Information And What Causes Them
Acne is the eruption of lesions on various parts of your body. You could have acne on your face, on your chest, on your back, on your neck, on your shoulders, and even on the upper part of your arms. These acne lesions might appear as blackheads, whiteheads, nodules or cysts. Most people get acne in their teen years. Some get it in their forties. Acne isn’t going to threaten your life, of course, but it could seriously interfere with it, especially if it disfigures you for the rest of your life. Acne doesn’t have to be severe to cause disfigurement.
The onset of puberty brings hormonal changes to our bodies and these changes can cause acne. Oil glands, called sebaceous glands because they secrete sebum (oil) are now working more than they were during your childhood before puberty. Androgens, male hormones, are the primary culprit for this abundant secretion. Girls and women have androgens, though they don’t have as many as boys and men.
A hair follicle starts the acne ball rolling. This sebaceous follicle, inside the sebaceous gland, is where acne happens. Puberty gets skin lining cells shedding more than in childhood but when they stick together as they sometimes do the extra oil results in a clogged pore. The oil builds up in this pore but can’t get out. The follicle swells up and you have a lesion.
P.acne, a bacterium present in your skin starts to multiply to excess because of the clogging in the follicle. Your skin is now irritated and probably inflamed. Should the follicle burst at this point the skin around the follicle is going to react too. You are now going to have nodules, blackheads and/or pimples elsewhere on your skin. You now have acne lesions.
There are myths about acne that have been around for a long time that give you false information about acne. Let’s dispel those myths right now. One of the more common of the false ideas you could have about acne is that if your hygiene is poor you’re going to get acne. While you may very well get acne that poor hygiene is not the cause. Believing that could make your acne ever so much worse as you harshly scrub your poor face into irritation. Of course you don’t want excess oil and dirt from the day’s ventures sitting on your face, but when you wash it away be gentle. Only wash your face twice each day, and do so gently. Drying should be patting gently instead of vigorously. If you still have acne try something at the pharmacy that says it treats acne or see a dermatologist.
Stress doesn’t affect or cause acne. This is a myth and it’s not true. The stress you encounter throughout the day isn’t going to bring on acne. Even were you to have stress beyond normal levels and take medication prescribed by your doctor that level of stress still isn’t going to cause acne. The medication might, however, and if it does, tell your physician.
Let’s also dispel the myth that the food that you consume affects your acne. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, do get a healthy balanced diet but don’t think it’s going to clear up your acne or prevent it from occurring. It won’t.
Don’t listen to those people who pooh pooh your acne complaints with comments about it only being cosmetic. As a teen especially, there is no “only” to cosmetic flaws. It’s a self-esteem issue, and it could be that permanently if that acne gets bad enough and exists long enough to scar you forever.
Popularity: unranked [?]
