Acne is the nemesis of many teenagers.
It occurs at a time when young people are very self-conscious of their appearance and being attractive is a major factor in self-esteem.
Acne usually begins before puberty.
It starts with an accumulation of skin cells and oil or sebum in the skin follicle.
Then with the onset of puberty, production of male hormones by the adrenal gland results in an increase of sebum which enlarges the follicle.
Finally as the process continues the follicle opens and becomes a blackhead or comedo.
When the comedo becomes infected due to a bacterium known as P.
acne, the follicle ruptures onto the surrounding skin causing pustules, papules, nodules and cysts.
The acne is made worse by any kind of rough treatment, which promotes the rupture of the follicles.
This can be use of some soaps, detergents, and astringents.
Also anything that causes friction such as sports helmets, shoulder pads, bra straps and orthopedic casts can exacerbate acne.
Acne is also vulnerable to hot, humid climates where heavy perspiration occurs.
Oil based cosmetic products can also make acne worse.
People with acne find water-based cosmetics to be better than oil based.
And some medications will cause acne.
Examples of these are: ACTH, androgens, azathioprine, cyclosporine, disulfiram, halogens, iodides, isoniazid, lithium, phenytoin, psoralens, thiourea, and vitamins B2, B6 and B12.
There is a common myth that diet increases the production of sebum however research studies have not been able to find a link between acne and diet.
Although people with acne are advised to avoid certain foods such as chocolate, research has demonstrated that chocolate does not affect acne and avoiding chocolate has not been successful in eliminating or reducing acne.
Overall, diet modification has been found to be totally ineffective in treating acne.
To treat acne, one should first avoid the things that do make it worse.
Then consider the use of available commercial preparations.
These almost always contain benzoyl peroxide, a topical antibiotic, which reduces inflammation by fighting against the P.
acne infection.
Some nonprescription preparations such as Pernox contain salicylic acid which is successful in opening comedos.
Often people with acne need to try many of these preparations to find the one that works for them.
However, if non-prescription medications fail to control the problem then medical intervention is needed.
You should also schedule an appointment with your doctor if there are any large and painful cysts.
The doctor's choice of treatment will depend on how severe your acne is.
Today, there are many medications available to treat acne.
Some are used topically while others are ingested orally.
Many of these drugs, including the topical ones, have side effects and you should be sure to discuss these with your doctor prior to beginning their use.
There are also therapies available in addition to drugs.
One is comedo extraction which is done in the doctor's office.
Chemical peels with glycolic acid are another alternative.
Various types of laser treatments are now being recommended.
However, if you are considering one of these, you should investigate their success rate.
Some are expensive and have only a minimal success rate.
It occurs at a time when young people are very self-conscious of their appearance and being attractive is a major factor in self-esteem.
Acne usually begins before puberty.
It starts with an accumulation of skin cells and oil or sebum in the skin follicle.
Then with the onset of puberty, production of male hormones by the adrenal gland results in an increase of sebum which enlarges the follicle.
Finally as the process continues the follicle opens and becomes a blackhead or comedo.
When the comedo becomes infected due to a bacterium known as P.
acne, the follicle ruptures onto the surrounding skin causing pustules, papules, nodules and cysts.
The acne is made worse by any kind of rough treatment, which promotes the rupture of the follicles.
This can be use of some soaps, detergents, and astringents.
Also anything that causes friction such as sports helmets, shoulder pads, bra straps and orthopedic casts can exacerbate acne.
Acne is also vulnerable to hot, humid climates where heavy perspiration occurs.
Oil based cosmetic products can also make acne worse.
People with acne find water-based cosmetics to be better than oil based.
And some medications will cause acne.
Examples of these are: ACTH, androgens, azathioprine, cyclosporine, disulfiram, halogens, iodides, isoniazid, lithium, phenytoin, psoralens, thiourea, and vitamins B2, B6 and B12.
There is a common myth that diet increases the production of sebum however research studies have not been able to find a link between acne and diet.
Although people with acne are advised to avoid certain foods such as chocolate, research has demonstrated that chocolate does not affect acne and avoiding chocolate has not been successful in eliminating or reducing acne.
Overall, diet modification has been found to be totally ineffective in treating acne.
To treat acne, one should first avoid the things that do make it worse.
Then consider the use of available commercial preparations.
These almost always contain benzoyl peroxide, a topical antibiotic, which reduces inflammation by fighting against the P.
acne infection.
Some nonprescription preparations such as Pernox contain salicylic acid which is successful in opening comedos.
Often people with acne need to try many of these preparations to find the one that works for them.
However, if non-prescription medications fail to control the problem then medical intervention is needed.
You should also schedule an appointment with your doctor if there are any large and painful cysts.
The doctor's choice of treatment will depend on how severe your acne is.
Today, there are many medications available to treat acne.
Some are used topically while others are ingested orally.
Many of these drugs, including the topical ones, have side effects and you should be sure to discuss these with your doctor prior to beginning their use.
There are also therapies available in addition to drugs.
One is comedo extraction which is done in the doctor's office.
Chemical peels with glycolic acid are another alternative.
Various types of laser treatments are now being recommended.
However, if you are considering one of these, you should investigate their success rate.
Some are expensive and have only a minimal success rate.
Source...