Acne is not dangerous, but can leave skin scars. Human skin has pores (tiny
holes) which connect to oil glands located under the skin. The glands are
connected to the pores via follicles - small canals. These glands produce
Sebum, an oily liquid. The sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles
to the surface of the skin. A small hair grows through the follicle out of the
skin. Pimples grow
when these follicles get blocked, resulting in an accumulation of oil under the
skin.The word acne comes from the word acme meaning "the highest point", which comes from the Greek akme meaning "point" or "spot" - it was originally mispelt, with an 'n' rather than an 'm' in 1835.
In humans, pimples tend to appear on the face, back, chest, shoulders and neck.
Simply put - skin cells, sebum and hair can clump together into a plug, this plug gets infected with bacteria, resulting in a swelling. A pimple starts to develop when the plug begins to break down.
Scientists from the Washington University School of Medicine found that there are good and bad strains of bacteria which determine the severity and frequency of developing acne. They explained in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (March 2013 issue) that not all acne bacteria trigger pimples - in fact, one strain they identified can actually help keep the skin pimple-free.
Acne, medically known as Acne Vulgaris, is a skin disease that involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. It commonly occurs during puberty when the sebaceous (oil) glands come to life - the glands are stimulated by male hormones produced by the adrenal glands of both males and females.
There are various types of pimples
Whiteheads - remain under the skin and are very small.
Blackheads - clearly visible, they are black and appear
on the surface of the skin. Remember that a blackhead is not caused by dirt.
Scrubbing your face vigorously when you see blackheads will not help.
Papules - visible on the surface of the skin. They are
small bumps, usually pink.
Pustules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin.
They are red at their base and have pus at
the top.
Nobules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin.
They are large, solid pimples. They are painful and are embedded deep in the
skin.
Cysts - clearly visible on the surface of the skin.
They are painful, and are filled with pus. Cysts can easily cause
scars.
How common is acne?
Dermatologists (skin specialists) say that approximately
three-quarters of 11 to 30 year-olds will get acne at some time. Acne can
affect people of all races and all ages. It most commonly affects adolescents
and young adults, although there are people in their fifties who still get
acne. According to Brown University, USA, approximately 17 million Americans
are estimated to have acne at any one time.
Although acne affects both men and women, young men suffer from acne for longer - probably because testosterone, which is present in higher quantities in young men, can make acne worse.
Although acne affects both men and women, young men suffer from acne for longer - probably because testosterone, which is present in higher quantities in young men, can make acne worse.
What causes acne?
Nobody is completely sure what causes acne. Experts believe
the primary cause is a rise in androgen levels - androgen is a type of hormone.
Androgen levels rise when a human becomes an adolescent. Rising androgen levels
make the oil glands under your skin grow; the enlarged gland produces more oil.
Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in your pores, causing bacteria
to grow.
Some studies indicate that susceptibility to acne could also be genetic. Some medications which contain androgen and lithium may cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may cause acne in some susceptible people. Hormone changes during pregnancy may cause acne to either develop for the first time, or to recur.
A study published in February 2013 has suggested a link between a diet high in glycemic index foods and dairy products.
Some studies indicate that susceptibility to acne could also be genetic. Some medications which contain androgen and lithium may cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may cause acne in some susceptible people. Hormone changes during pregnancy may cause acne to either develop for the first time, or to recur.
A study published in February 2013 has suggested a link between a diet high in glycemic index foods and dairy products.
Treatment of acne
How your acne is treated may depend on how severe and
persistent it is.
Treating mild acne
The majority of people who get acne will develop mild acne. This can usually be treated with OTC (over-the-counter) medications. OTC medications can be bought at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. They are usually applied to the skin - topical medicines.
Most acne OTC products may contain the following active ingredients:
Treating mild acne
The majority of people who get acne will develop mild acne. This can usually be treated with OTC (over-the-counter) medications. OTC medications can be bought at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. They are usually applied to the skin - topical medicines.
Most acne OTC products may contain the following active ingredients:
Resorcinol - helps break down blackheads and
whiteheads. It is a crystalline phenol and comes from various resins.
Resorcinol is also used for treating dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.
Benzoyl Peroxide - kills bacteria and slows down your
glands' production of oil. Benzoyl peroxide is a white crystalline peroxide
used in bleaching (flour or oils or fats) and as a catalyst for free radical
reactions. It works as a peeling agent, accelerating skin turnover and clearing
pores, which in turn reduces the bacterial count in the affected area.
Salicylic Acid - helps break down blackheads and
whiteheads, also reduces shedding of cells which line the follicles of the oil
glands, effective in treating inflammation and
swelling. Salicylic acid is a white crystalline substance which is also used as
a fungicide, or in making aspirin or dyes or
perfumes. It causes the epidermis to shed skin more easily, prevents pores from
becoming blocked while at the same time allowing room for new cells to grow. It
is commonly added to shampoos used for treating dandruff.
Sulfur - helps break down blackheads and whiteheads.
Sulfur, in its native form, is a yellow crystalline solid. Sulfur has been used
for centuries for treating acne, psoriasis and eczema. Scientists are not sure
how sulfur works to help skin diseases. We do know that elemental sulfur does
oxidize slowly to sulfurous acid which is a mild reducing and antibacterial
agent.
Retin-A - helps unplug blocked pores. Retin-A contains
Tretinoin, an acid from of vitamin A, also
known as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Tretinoin is also used for the
treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Retin-A has been
used widely to combat aging of the skin, it also acts as a chemical peel.
Azelaic Acid - strengthens cells that line the
follicles, stops oil eruptions, reduces bacteria growth. It is a saturated
dicarboxylic acid found naturally in wheat, rye, and barley. Azelaic acid also
mops up free radicals, which reduces inflammation. It is useful for patients
with darker skin who have dark patches on their face (melasma), or whose acne
spots leave persistent brown marks.
You can buy acne medications in the forms of gels, soaps,
pads, creams and lotions. If your skin is sensitive you may prefer a cream or
lotion. Gels, which are usually alcohol based and tend to dry the skin, are
better for people with oily skin. OTC medications will have these ingredients
in different concentrations. It is advisable to start with the lowest
strengths. You may experience skin irritation, redness, and/or burning when you
first try them. These side effects usually go away after continued use. If they
don't you should see your doctor.
Virus may be possible acne cure - researchers from the University of Pittsburgh believe that a virus that lives on our skin might one day be used to effectively treat acne.
Treating more severe cases of acne
If your acne is more severe you should consider seeing a dermatologist - a skin specialist. The specialist may prescribe a treatment that contains some of the active ingredients mentioned above, such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, as well as adabalene. Prescription medications for acne are presented in many forms, such as creams, lotions, etc. Your dermatologist will decide what is best for you.
You may be prescribed an oral or topical antibiotic. Antibiotics can combat the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Most commonly Erythromyocin and Tetracycline are prescribed as antibiotics for the treatment of acne.
Virus may be possible acne cure - researchers from the University of Pittsburgh believe that a virus that lives on our skin might one day be used to effectively treat acne.
Treating more severe cases of acne
If your acne is more severe you should consider seeing a dermatologist - a skin specialist. The specialist may prescribe a treatment that contains some of the active ingredients mentioned above, such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, as well as adabalene. Prescription medications for acne are presented in many forms, such as creams, lotions, etc. Your dermatologist will decide what is best for you.
You may be prescribed an oral or topical antibiotic. Antibiotics can combat the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Most commonly Erythromyocin and Tetracycline are prescribed as antibiotics for the treatment of acne.
Treating a cyst with interlesional corticosteroid injection
If an acne cyst becomes severely inflamed there is a high risk of rupturing. A rupturing acne cyst can often result in scarring. The specialist may inject a diluted corticosteroid to treat the inflamed cyst and to prevent scarring. The injection will lower the inflammation and speed up healing. The cyst will "melt" within a few days.
If an acne cyst becomes severely inflamed there is a high risk of rupturing. A rupturing acne cyst can often result in scarring. The specialist may inject a diluted corticosteroid to treat the inflamed cyst and to prevent scarring. The injection will lower the inflammation and speed up healing. The cyst will "melt" within a few days.
Isotretinoin
This is a strong oral retinoid, used for the treatment of severe cystic acne, as well as severe acne that has not responded to other medications and treatments.
This is a strong oral retinoid, used for the treatment of severe cystic acne, as well as severe acne that has not responded to other medications and treatments.
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are frequently prescribed for patients with severe acne and some patients with moderate acne too. The aim of such oral antibiotics is to lower the population of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacterium commonly found on the skin, which will multiply rapidly in blocked follicles. The dosage will be initially high, and then as the acne reduces so will the dosage. Antibiotics are not taken for more than six months. As time passes the P. acnes can become resistant to the antibiotic and another antibiotic is needed. Some American studies have indicated that it is better to use oral broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Oral antibiotics are frequently prescribed for patients with severe acne and some patients with moderate acne too. The aim of such oral antibiotics is to lower the population of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacterium commonly found on the skin, which will multiply rapidly in blocked follicles. The dosage will be initially high, and then as the acne reduces so will the dosage. Antibiotics are not taken for more than six months. As time passes the P. acnes can become resistant to the antibiotic and another antibiotic is needed. Some American studies have indicated that it is better to use oral broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Oral contraceptives
The majority of women with acne find that taking certain oral contraceptives clears it up. Oral contraceptives suppress the overactive gland and are commonly used as long-term treatments for acne in women. If the woman has a blood-clotting disorder, smokes, has a history of migraines, or is over 35, she should not take this medication without checking with a gynecologist first.
The majority of women with acne find that taking certain oral contraceptives clears it up. Oral contraceptives suppress the overactive gland and are commonly used as long-term treatments for acne in women. If the woman has a blood-clotting disorder, smokes, has a history of migraines, or is over 35, she should not take this medication without checking with a gynecologist first.
Topical antimicrobials (topical = applied to the skin
or mucus membranes)
As with oral antibiotics, the aim of topical antimicrobials for the treatment of acne is to reduce P. acnespopulations. Topical antimicrobials are used for patients with moderate to severe acne. Examples may beclindamycin, erythromycin, and sodium sulfacetamide
The dermatologist may prescribe a topical retinoid. Topical retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin A and are very popular for the treatment of acne. They unclog the pores and prevent whiteheads and blackheads from developing. Examples of topical retinoids prescribed in the USA are adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107146.php
As with oral antibiotics, the aim of topical antimicrobials for the treatment of acne is to reduce P. acnespopulations. Topical antimicrobials are used for patients with moderate to severe acne. Examples may beclindamycin, erythromycin, and sodium sulfacetamide
The dermatologist may prescribe a topical retinoid. Topical retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin A and are very popular for the treatment of acne. They unclog the pores and prevent whiteheads and blackheads from developing. Examples of topical retinoids prescribed in the USA are adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107146.php
