Top 10 Myths About Acne
April 30, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Justin Chelf asked:
Top 10 Myths About Acne
I have been treating acne in my patients for over a decade. And during that time many patients have asked me questions related to myths that they have heard, that simply aren’t true. Here I will address the top 10 acne myths that I have heard over the years with detailed explanations of why they are false.
Acne Myth 1 – Washing your face more often will help clear up acne
Facial blemishes are not caused by dirt. Contrary to what you may have seen in commercials, pores do not get blocked from the top down due to “impurities”. Rather, the walls of a pore stick together deep within the skin, starting acne formation. Far from preventing acne, frequent washing may actually irritate pores and cause them to become clogged. A washcloth can add even more irritation. The best bet is to wash very gently with bare hands, and only wash twice a day.
Acne Myth 2 – Stress causes acne
Stress may have an effect on hormones and theoretically can promote acne. However, an effective acne treatment regimen is more powerful than a bout of stress any day. Some psychiatric medications may have acne as a side effect, but stress itself is no big deal. Your time is better spent determining the right course of acne treatment rather than feeling guilt about stress.
Acne Myth 3 -Masturbation or sex causes acne
This antiquated notion, originating as early as the 17th century to dissuade young people from having premarital sex, is just plain wrong. Don’t believe the hype.
Acne Myth 4 -The sun will help get rid of acne
Although a tan may temporarily mask acne, the sun can make the skin dry and irritated, leading to more breakouts in the future. In fact, there’s no link between sun exposure and acne prevention, but the sun’s rays can cause premature aging and skin cancer. Always protect your skin by choosing a sunscreen of at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15 that says noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic on the label, which means it won’t clog pores.
The sun also reddens your skin, blending your skin tone with red acne marks. However, a sun burn is actually skin damage, and sun exposure can cause irritation which will make acne worse. People will often notice their skin breaking out as it heals from sun damage. The sun is a short-term band-aid which will often bite back with more acne in the weeks following exposure. However, some sun exposure is not evil. It is actually important, and we get our vitamin D from the sun. Limiting sun exposure on acne prone areas of your body is most likely prudent, but some exposure from time to time is not only unavoidable, but is perfectly okay.
Acne Myth 5 -Diet and acne are related
The bottom line is we need more research. We do know that people in some indigenous societies do not experience acne at all. This is in contrast to the widespread presence of acne throughout all modern society. It leaves us to question whether the indigenous people’s diet contributes to their acne-free skin. Discovering a dietary way of preventing acne may be a future reality.
Although eating too many sugary, high-fat foods is never a good idea, studies show that no specific food has been proven to cause acne. Every individual is different, though. Some people notice their breakouts are worse after eating certain foods — and these foods are different depending on the person. For example, some people may notice breakouts after eating chocolate, while others are fine with chocolate but notice they get breakouts after drinking too much coffee. If that’s the case for you, it can help to cut back on that food and see if it makes a difference.
Acne Myth 6 -Popping pimples will help them go away faster
Popping a pimple may make it seem less noticeable temporarily, but popping can cause it to stay around longer. By squeezing pimples and zits, you can actually push bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil further into the skin, causing more swelling and redness — and sometimes causing a red or brown mark or scar to form. Sometimes marks can last for many months and true scars (dents and pits) will last forever.
Acne Myth 7 -Don’t wear makeup if you want clear skin.
As long as you choose cosmetics that are nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, they shouldn’t cause breakouts. In fact, some concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to fight acne. You can also try tinted benzoyl peroxide creams that hide pimples while helping treat them.
If you’ve had moderate to severe acne, though, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best cosmetics to use — he or she may recommend avoiding cosmetics altogether or only using certain brands so you’re acne isn’t aggravated.
And even if a product is labeled nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, you should stop using it and talk to your doctor if you notice that it’s irritating your skin or seems to cause breakouts.
Acne Myth 8 – If you keep getting breakouts, it helps to use more acne medication until the breakouts stop.
Because acne medication contains drying agents like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, using too much medication may cause overdrying, leading to irritation and more blemishes.
If over-the-counter acne medication doesn’t seem to work on your acne, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or dermatologist. Also, if you’re taking a prescription acne medication, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions — some medications may take up to 8 weeks to make a significant difference.
Acne Myth 9 – Acne is just a cosmetic disease.
Yes, acne does affect the way people look and is not otherwise a serious threat to a person’s physical health. However, acne can result in permanent physical scars–plus, acne itself as well as its scars can affect the way people feel about themselves to the point of affecting their lives.
Acne Myth 10 – You just have to let acne run its course
The truth is, acne can be cleared up. If the acne products you have tried haven’t worked, consider seeing a dermatologist. With the products available today, there is no reason why someone has to endure acne or get acne scars.
For more information on acne, including: medication reviews and skin care tips, click here, or visit: www.skincarehelp.me.
Best Acne Medication
Top 10 Myths About Acne
I have been treating acne in my patients for over a decade. And during that time many patients have asked me questions related to myths that they have heard, that simply aren’t true. Here I will address the top 10 acne myths that I have heard over the years with detailed explanations of why they are false.
Acne Myth 1 – Washing your face more often will help clear up acne
Facial blemishes are not caused by dirt. Contrary to what you may have seen in commercials, pores do not get blocked from the top down due to “impurities”. Rather, the walls of a pore stick together deep within the skin, starting acne formation. Far from preventing acne, frequent washing may actually irritate pores and cause them to become clogged. A washcloth can add even more irritation. The best bet is to wash very gently with bare hands, and only wash twice a day.
Acne Myth 2 – Stress causes acne
Stress may have an effect on hormones and theoretically can promote acne. However, an effective acne treatment regimen is more powerful than a bout of stress any day. Some psychiatric medications may have acne as a side effect, but stress itself is no big deal. Your time is better spent determining the right course of acne treatment rather than feeling guilt about stress.
Acne Myth 3 -Masturbation or sex causes acne
This antiquated notion, originating as early as the 17th century to dissuade young people from having premarital sex, is just plain wrong. Don’t believe the hype.
Acne Myth 4 -The sun will help get rid of acne
Although a tan may temporarily mask acne, the sun can make the skin dry and irritated, leading to more breakouts in the future. In fact, there’s no link between sun exposure and acne prevention, but the sun’s rays can cause premature aging and skin cancer. Always protect your skin by choosing a sunscreen of at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15 that says noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic on the label, which means it won’t clog pores.
The sun also reddens your skin, blending your skin tone with red acne marks. However, a sun burn is actually skin damage, and sun exposure can cause irritation which will make acne worse. People will often notice their skin breaking out as it heals from sun damage. The sun is a short-term band-aid which will often bite back with more acne in the weeks following exposure. However, some sun exposure is not evil. It is actually important, and we get our vitamin D from the sun. Limiting sun exposure on acne prone areas of your body is most likely prudent, but some exposure from time to time is not only unavoidable, but is perfectly okay.
Acne Myth 5 -Diet and acne are related
The bottom line is we need more research. We do know that people in some indigenous societies do not experience acne at all. This is in contrast to the widespread presence of acne throughout all modern society. It leaves us to question whether the indigenous people’s diet contributes to their acne-free skin. Discovering a dietary way of preventing acne may be a future reality.
Although eating too many sugary, high-fat foods is never a good idea, studies show that no specific food has been proven to cause acne. Every individual is different, though. Some people notice their breakouts are worse after eating certain foods — and these foods are different depending on the person. For example, some people may notice breakouts after eating chocolate, while others are fine with chocolate but notice they get breakouts after drinking too much coffee. If that’s the case for you, it can help to cut back on that food and see if it makes a difference.
Acne Myth 6 -Popping pimples will help them go away faster
Popping a pimple may make it seem less noticeable temporarily, but popping can cause it to stay around longer. By squeezing pimples and zits, you can actually push bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil further into the skin, causing more swelling and redness — and sometimes causing a red or brown mark or scar to form. Sometimes marks can last for many months and true scars (dents and pits) will last forever.
Acne Myth 7 -Don’t wear makeup if you want clear skin.
As long as you choose cosmetics that are nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, they shouldn’t cause breakouts. In fact, some concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to fight acne. You can also try tinted benzoyl peroxide creams that hide pimples while helping treat them.
If you’ve had moderate to severe acne, though, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best cosmetics to use — he or she may recommend avoiding cosmetics altogether or only using certain brands so you’re acne isn’t aggravated.
And even if a product is labeled nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, you should stop using it and talk to your doctor if you notice that it’s irritating your skin or seems to cause breakouts.
Acne Myth 8 – If you keep getting breakouts, it helps to use more acne medication until the breakouts stop.
Because acne medication contains drying agents like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, using too much medication may cause overdrying, leading to irritation and more blemishes.
If over-the-counter acne medication doesn’t seem to work on your acne, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or dermatologist. Also, if you’re taking a prescription acne medication, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions — some medications may take up to 8 weeks to make a significant difference.
Acne Myth 9 – Acne is just a cosmetic disease.
Yes, acne does affect the way people look and is not otherwise a serious threat to a person’s physical health. However, acne can result in permanent physical scars–plus, acne itself as well as its scars can affect the way people feel about themselves to the point of affecting their lives.
Acne Myth 10 – You just have to let acne run its course
The truth is, acne can be cleared up. If the acne products you have tried haven’t worked, consider seeing a dermatologist. With the products available today, there is no reason why someone has to endure acne or get acne scars.
For more information on acne, including: medication reviews and skin care tips, click here, or visit: www.skincarehelp.me.
Best Acne Medication
Inflammed Acne – Treatment With Topical Antimicrobials
April 29, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
CD Mohatta asked:
Acne inflammation and infection causes acne to grow in to the stage of cysts and nodules. The bacteria P. acnes that infect acne should be controlled at an earlier stage otherwise the acne damages the skin cells deeper inside and causes scars. If you control your acne at the stage of pimples, your acne will get resolved without any scarring. This prevention is done by using antimicrobials. Antimicrobials kill the P.acnes bacteria and inhibit their growth. Let us look at the topical antimicrobials that are commonly used to treat acne.
Common Antimicrobials-
Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Benzoyl Peroxide, Azelaic acid, Sodium sulfacetamide are some of the topical antimicrobials. Let us look at each of them.
Benzoyl Peroxide-
This is one of the oldest acne medications. This is still the most popular medication and is available in various strengths and in all forms such as – washes, gels, creams, lotion etc. Benzoyl Peroxide kills the bacteria P. acne but does not reduce the inflammation. One important property of Benzoyl Peroxide is this- if used along with antibiotics; it enhances the effects of antibiotics and also reduces the possibility of body developing resistance to antibiotics. That is why it is used along with other topical medications such as Clindamycin and Erythromycin.
Clindamycin-
One of the common antibiotics, it effectively kills the P.acnes bacteria. It also reduces inflammation and does not have many side effects. It should be used as directed otherwise body develops resistance to it.
Erythromycin-
Erythromycin is used to treat acne inflammation and infection. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and quickly controls the growth of bacteria P.acnes. It should be used as directed otherwise body develops resistance to it.
Sodium sulfacetamide-
Sodium sulfacetamide is an effective medication to treat acne. It kills bacteria P.acnes, reduces inflammation and opens the clogged pores.
Azelaic acid-
Azelaic acid is another effective medication to treat acne. It kills bacteria P.acnes, reduces inflammation and opens the clogged pores. Azelaic acid has bleaching properties and needs to be used with care.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
Website content
Acne inflammation and infection causes acne to grow in to the stage of cysts and nodules. The bacteria P. acnes that infect acne should be controlled at an earlier stage otherwise the acne damages the skin cells deeper inside and causes scars. If you control your acne at the stage of pimples, your acne will get resolved without any scarring. This prevention is done by using antimicrobials. Antimicrobials kill the P.acnes bacteria and inhibit their growth. Let us look at the topical antimicrobials that are commonly used to treat acne.
Common Antimicrobials-
Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Benzoyl Peroxide, Azelaic acid, Sodium sulfacetamide are some of the topical antimicrobials. Let us look at each of them.
Benzoyl Peroxide-
This is one of the oldest acne medications. This is still the most popular medication and is available in various strengths and in all forms such as – washes, gels, creams, lotion etc. Benzoyl Peroxide kills the bacteria P. acne but does not reduce the inflammation. One important property of Benzoyl Peroxide is this- if used along with antibiotics; it enhances the effects of antibiotics and also reduces the possibility of body developing resistance to antibiotics. That is why it is used along with other topical medications such as Clindamycin and Erythromycin.
Clindamycin-
One of the common antibiotics, it effectively kills the P.acnes bacteria. It also reduces inflammation and does not have many side effects. It should be used as directed otherwise body develops resistance to it.
Erythromycin-
Erythromycin is used to treat acne inflammation and infection. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and quickly controls the growth of bacteria P.acnes. It should be used as directed otherwise body develops resistance to it.
Sodium sulfacetamide-
Sodium sulfacetamide is an effective medication to treat acne. It kills bacteria P.acnes, reduces inflammation and opens the clogged pores.
Azelaic acid-
Azelaic acid is another effective medication to treat acne. It kills bacteria P.acnes, reduces inflammation and opens the clogged pores. Azelaic acid has bleaching properties and needs to be used with care.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
Website content
Acne Medication – 4 OTC Acne Medications and Side Effects
April 28, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
W. Darren - asked:
Most people experience mild cases of acne breakouts. So, it is not unusual for people to go to their local drugstores and get over-the-counter or OTC medications for acne. They opt for this than go to their doctor and seek prescription medications for acne. This is perfectly alright since this treatment works wonderfully as long as you have a good skin care regimen.
There are actually several OTC acne drugs that are sold in the market. You should know your options before you actually purchase one. If you’re not comfortable with purchasing a popular brand, you could consult with your healthcare provider before you opt for any OTC acne medication.
There are several options that you can consider when choosing your OTC drugs. Here are some of the OTC acne medications:
1. Benzoyl Peroxide – This is one of the most common ingredients for acne treatments. In fact, this is the primary OTC choice of many people suffering from mild acne. This medications works by killing the bacteria which causes the acne. It also helps in shedding off dead skin cells in order to clear blocked pores. The popularity of this medication may be attributed to the fact that it is one of the oldest OTC acne drugs around. Of course, like any other drug, benzoyl peroxide has its side effects which include drying of the skin. This ingredient is also found in a lot of products like soaps, gels, bath washes, lotions and creams. If you’re going to pick out a product, opt for gel formulations because these are non-drying.
2. Salicylic Acid – Aside from benzoyl peroxide, many people also use salicylic acid. It is another common acne medication because it is one of the safest acne treatments around. This compound is also found in aspirin but as an acne treatment medication, it is great in removing blackheads and whiteheads. It also helps in the shedding off of dead skin cells so accumulation of dirt, oil and dead skin cells is less likely.
3. Resorcinol – This medication, if combined with sulphur, is quite effective. It actually wears away hard dead skin cells in order to clear clogged pores. So, this helps in preventing pore clogging and dirt buildup.
4. Alcohol with Acetone – This is one of the mildest antibacterial acne treatments around. This treatment has always been used by many people. This actually helps in removing the dead skin cells and oil from the skin surface. However, the treatment value of alcohol and acetone are limited. It can only treat the problem on the skin surface.
The Drawbacks of OTC Acne Medications
First and foremost, you have to understand that not all of these OTC drugs or medications will work for you. In fact, they might not work for you at all. Even some treatments are not recommended by physicians today like alcohol and acetone combination. This treatment is quite harsh although this is an old-fashion acne treatment method.
There are drawbacks to the various OTC acne treatment medications. For instance, the shortcoming in using benzoyl peroxide is that you cannot use other forms of acne treatment. This treatment should stand alone. Otherwise, you might experience skin allergies or irritation. This also comes in various strength forms. You have to be careful when choosing the dilution strength, otherwise, you could end up aggravating the condition. Another disadvantage to using benzoyl peroxide is that while you attempt to treat your acne by using this medication, you also accelerate your skin aging.
Another product with significant drawback is the salicylic acid combined with sulfur. Although this can be effective and may be less harsh than benzoyl peroxide, it can turn your skin into a shade of brown. So, before making your choice, you should carefully consider all possible side effects.
acne medication
Most people experience mild cases of acne breakouts. So, it is not unusual for people to go to their local drugstores and get over-the-counter or OTC medications for acne. They opt for this than go to their doctor and seek prescription medications for acne. This is perfectly alright since this treatment works wonderfully as long as you have a good skin care regimen.
There are actually several OTC acne drugs that are sold in the market. You should know your options before you actually purchase one. If you’re not comfortable with purchasing a popular brand, you could consult with your healthcare provider before you opt for any OTC acne medication.
There are several options that you can consider when choosing your OTC drugs. Here are some of the OTC acne medications:
1. Benzoyl Peroxide – This is one of the most common ingredients for acne treatments. In fact, this is the primary OTC choice of many people suffering from mild acne. This medications works by killing the bacteria which causes the acne. It also helps in shedding off dead skin cells in order to clear blocked pores. The popularity of this medication may be attributed to the fact that it is one of the oldest OTC acne drugs around. Of course, like any other drug, benzoyl peroxide has its side effects which include drying of the skin. This ingredient is also found in a lot of products like soaps, gels, bath washes, lotions and creams. If you’re going to pick out a product, opt for gel formulations because these are non-drying.
2. Salicylic Acid – Aside from benzoyl peroxide, many people also use salicylic acid. It is another common acne medication because it is one of the safest acne treatments around. This compound is also found in aspirin but as an acne treatment medication, it is great in removing blackheads and whiteheads. It also helps in the shedding off of dead skin cells so accumulation of dirt, oil and dead skin cells is less likely.
3. Resorcinol – This medication, if combined with sulphur, is quite effective. It actually wears away hard dead skin cells in order to clear clogged pores. So, this helps in preventing pore clogging and dirt buildup.
4. Alcohol with Acetone – This is one of the mildest antibacterial acne treatments around. This treatment has always been used by many people. This actually helps in removing the dead skin cells and oil from the skin surface. However, the treatment value of alcohol and acetone are limited. It can only treat the problem on the skin surface.
The Drawbacks of OTC Acne Medications
First and foremost, you have to understand that not all of these OTC drugs or medications will work for you. In fact, they might not work for you at all. Even some treatments are not recommended by physicians today like alcohol and acetone combination. This treatment is quite harsh although this is an old-fashion acne treatment method.
There are drawbacks to the various OTC acne treatment medications. For instance, the shortcoming in using benzoyl peroxide is that you cannot use other forms of acne treatment. This treatment should stand alone. Otherwise, you might experience skin allergies or irritation. This also comes in various strength forms. You have to be careful when choosing the dilution strength, otherwise, you could end up aggravating the condition. Another disadvantage to using benzoyl peroxide is that while you attempt to treat your acne by using this medication, you also accelerate your skin aging.
Another product with significant drawback is the salicylic acid combined with sulfur. Although this can be effective and may be less harsh than benzoyl peroxide, it can turn your skin into a shade of brown. So, before making your choice, you should carefully consider all possible side effects.
acne medication
Oral Acne Treatments – Know The Effectiveness Of Oral Medicines
April 28, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
anonymous asked:
Oral acne treatments ensure an acne free face and body. Oral acne treatments always make use of various kinds of capsules and antibiotic pills that can well fight acne-causing bacteria and controls inflammation caused by acne. Apart from these oral acne treatments, there are various oral acne medications that can eliminate acne completely, reduce blemishes and scars, and control any further burst of acne. All these oral acne treatments along with the medications promise you with a clear, acne-free and glowing skin.
Use of antibiotics
Oral acne treatments include the use of antibiotics like Minocycline, Doxycycline, Azithromycin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin and Trimothoprim. Another very useful and effective oral medication is Isotretinoin that has the same molecular structure as that of Vitamin A. These oral acne treatments include medicines reduces the effect that fatty foods can impose on our body. Deep-fried foods or fatty foods leads to further burst of acne, so one should have a balanced diet as well as these oral medications to reduce fat content and eliminate acne.
Oral acne medications include consuming Accutane that provides long-term results for an acne free skin. These oral medicines actually help to control the secretion of oil thereby unclogging the pores underneath the skin surface. In case of treating severe cases of acne, the oral acne medications are combined with topical agents for enhanced results. The oral contraceptives often decrease the level of androgens, thereby decreasing oil secretion and reducing acne. But to compensate the intake of high-dose medicines, one should also have proper balanced diet comprising fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.
How do the oral acne medications work?
Other typical oral medications that you can consume include Retin-A, Cyproterone Acetate, Clindamycin, Adapalene and Sodium Sulfacetamide. All these oral medicines can reduce the sudden bursts of acne and acne scars in both children and adults. You should take these capsules as directed with fat-containing foods [like 2% or whole milk]. The fat in the foods helps the acne germs to be fully absorbed thereby promising you acne-free skin. Pregnant women, however, need to use two reliable forms of contraception while taking this medication. The daily dose for normal people is determined at 0.5 to 1 mg per kg of your body weight.
All of these oral medications act as an anti-androgen thereby reducing the formation of acne and acne scars. Isotretinoin is an approved oral medication that prevents the maturing of sebaceous glands. It is these sebaceous glands that produce different oil and influence the lining of the hair follicles to produce acne bursts. Other medications help change the composition of oil to prevent the pores from clogging up with bacteria and pus.
Oral acne medications are truly most effective therapies that can reduce acne, however severely they affect your face and skin. They also reduce the risk of intense scarring. However, you should take the doses as prescribed by your doctor. Regularly undergo blood tests and blood pressure monitoring tests to make effective use of these medications and avoid any side effects.
Treat acne to enjoy a fresh, healthy and acne-free skin.
Website content
Oral acne treatments ensure an acne free face and body. Oral acne treatments always make use of various kinds of capsules and antibiotic pills that can well fight acne-causing bacteria and controls inflammation caused by acne. Apart from these oral acne treatments, there are various oral acne medications that can eliminate acne completely, reduce blemishes and scars, and control any further burst of acne. All these oral acne treatments along with the medications promise you with a clear, acne-free and glowing skin.
Use of antibiotics
Oral acne treatments include the use of antibiotics like Minocycline, Doxycycline, Azithromycin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin and Trimothoprim. Another very useful and effective oral medication is Isotretinoin that has the same molecular structure as that of Vitamin A. These oral acne treatments include medicines reduces the effect that fatty foods can impose on our body. Deep-fried foods or fatty foods leads to further burst of acne, so one should have a balanced diet as well as these oral medications to reduce fat content and eliminate acne.
Oral acne medications include consuming Accutane that provides long-term results for an acne free skin. These oral medicines actually help to control the secretion of oil thereby unclogging the pores underneath the skin surface. In case of treating severe cases of acne, the oral acne medications are combined with topical agents for enhanced results. The oral contraceptives often decrease the level of androgens, thereby decreasing oil secretion and reducing acne. But to compensate the intake of high-dose medicines, one should also have proper balanced diet comprising fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.
How do the oral acne medications work?
Other typical oral medications that you can consume include Retin-A, Cyproterone Acetate, Clindamycin, Adapalene and Sodium Sulfacetamide. All these oral medicines can reduce the sudden bursts of acne and acne scars in both children and adults. You should take these capsules as directed with fat-containing foods [like 2% or whole milk]. The fat in the foods helps the acne germs to be fully absorbed thereby promising you acne-free skin. Pregnant women, however, need to use two reliable forms of contraception while taking this medication. The daily dose for normal people is determined at 0.5 to 1 mg per kg of your body weight.
All of these oral medications act as an anti-androgen thereby reducing the formation of acne and acne scars. Isotretinoin is an approved oral medication that prevents the maturing of sebaceous glands. It is these sebaceous glands that produce different oil and influence the lining of the hair follicles to produce acne bursts. Other medications help change the composition of oil to prevent the pores from clogging up with bacteria and pus.
Oral acne medications are truly most effective therapies that can reduce acne, however severely they affect your face and skin. They also reduce the risk of intense scarring. However, you should take the doses as prescribed by your doctor. Regularly undergo blood tests and blood pressure monitoring tests to make effective use of these medications and avoid any side effects.
Treat acne to enjoy a fresh, healthy and acne-free skin.
Website content
Acne Treatment And Smoking
April 27, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
CD Mohatta asked:
All of us have ideas about acne and the factors that affect acne treatment. Smoking is one such factor. Does smoking reduce the chances of quick cure? Many trials have been conducted to find out about the effect of smoking on acne formation and acne treatment. Till now no specific results have been found out. It is a known fact that smoking reduces the healing rate. So you can be sure that if you have acne that is ulcerating or is infected, it may take longer in getting healed. Smoking also makes skin age faster. Smoking may not cause acne, but to treat acne faster, it is better to drop smoking. Smoking affects all the vital organs of the body and it is better avoided. How about sunlight?
Acne and Sunlight
Many teenagers believe that sunlight reduces the acne. It may be possible that the rays of the sun may be reducing the population of the bacteria P.acnes. But this has not been established scientifically as yet.
Sunrays can prove to be dangerous to the skin. Sunrays age the skin very fast. Wrinkles, blotches, sunspots, etc all form because of sunrays. The sunrays also cause skin cancer.
Most of the acne medications make the skin sensitive to sun. If you are using some of these medications such as retinoids, your probability of getting sunburn increases. It is better to protect yourself from the sun. What about supplements?
Acne and supplements
Can supplements cause acne? People take variety of supplements to gain weight, muscles and for other purposes. Most of them are protein powders. Supplements are enriched foods. No relation has been established between supplements and acne. Unless you are taking hormones your chances of getting acne are very poor. However if you feel that a particular supplement is causing acne, please stop taking that.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
acne medication
All of us have ideas about acne and the factors that affect acne treatment. Smoking is one such factor. Does smoking reduce the chances of quick cure? Many trials have been conducted to find out about the effect of smoking on acne formation and acne treatment. Till now no specific results have been found out. It is a known fact that smoking reduces the healing rate. So you can be sure that if you have acne that is ulcerating or is infected, it may take longer in getting healed. Smoking also makes skin age faster. Smoking may not cause acne, but to treat acne faster, it is better to drop smoking. Smoking affects all the vital organs of the body and it is better avoided. How about sunlight?
Acne and Sunlight
Many teenagers believe that sunlight reduces the acne. It may be possible that the rays of the sun may be reducing the population of the bacteria P.acnes. But this has not been established scientifically as yet.
Sunrays can prove to be dangerous to the skin. Sunrays age the skin very fast. Wrinkles, blotches, sunspots, etc all form because of sunrays. The sunrays also cause skin cancer.
Most of the acne medications make the skin sensitive to sun. If you are using some of these medications such as retinoids, your probability of getting sunburn increases. It is better to protect yourself from the sun. What about supplements?
Acne and supplements
Can supplements cause acne? People take variety of supplements to gain weight, muscles and for other purposes. Most of them are protein powders. Supplements are enriched foods. No relation has been established between supplements and acne. Unless you are taking hormones your chances of getting acne are very poor. However if you feel that a particular supplement is causing acne, please stop taking that.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
acne medication
Is There A Cure For Acne ?
April 25, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Ken Black asked:
According to most medical experts, teenagers tend to develop acne at a higher rate compared to adults or to any other age groups.
The major reason for this risk is the increased output of hormones during puberty, the production of sebaceous glands and the continuous increase of skin cell turnover within the skin follicles. It is also noted that increased stress also affects the development of acne and that the condition tends to get worst if the patient undergoes rigorous work loads.
Dermatologists also believe that improper diet contributes a lot to the development of acne. Poor dietary habits like taking in foods with too much sugar and fat content affect your skin follicles. Although there is no concrete clinical evidence to support this hypothesis, most doctors still advise their acne patients to balance their diet and develop good eating habits.
What Can You Do? Studies have shown that there is a proven genetic tendency or pattern for acne especially if other family members of the acne patient have developed acne. Naming propionibacteria as the most common bacteria that cause acne and other skin infections, medical experts agree that these bacteria, when present on the skin, can lead to adolescent, persistent, or adult onset acne.
Due to recent science and medical developments, more and more acne treatments have been discovered. Some are quite effective than the others depending on the patient’s condition. Effective acne cure and treatment are sometimes recommended by dermatologists in single or various combinations depending on the stage and development of the acne the person has.
One of the most effective ways to cure acne is by using topical treatments such as acne lotions, acne creams, and gels that are applied on the skin. These topical antibiotic medicines that are formulated to terminate acne-causing bacteria, can help in the reduction of acne.
Medical experts have categorized the types of topical antibiotics to erythromycin, clindamycin, and sulfa drugs. The application of topical medicines is believed to be quite effective in curing acne because the medication is applied directly to the affected area in controlled dosage.
And since there is no need for patients to swallow the medicine, the components of the drugs do not have to travel through the body, thus lessens the possibility of side effects. Retinoid, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic and glycolic acids, are the most common ingredients that respond well to severe blackheads and whiteheads.
Although topical medication is effective in curing acne, it also has minor disadvantages like the possible tolerance of bacteria to the medicine that leads to resistance to the medication over time.
Another way to cure acne is through oral medications. Unlike topical medication that is applied to the surface of the affected area, oral medications are taken orally to be distributed throughout the bloodstream. This is known to be a systemic treatment because the drug is taken to all of the body’s functioning systems and is quite useful when acne develops on the skin on multiple stages. The most common oral acne medications include tetracyclines, minocycline, doxycyclin, and isotretinoin, or retinoic acid.
Other ways to cure acne include hormone therapy that aims to restore the normal balance of hormones in the patient’s body, and acne surgery for severe and persistent acne that cannot be cured by topical or oral medication.
Before using any medication or before undergoing any treatment to cure acne, make sure that you have consulted with your dermatologist or physician first to avoid further complications.
acne medication
According to most medical experts, teenagers tend to develop acne at a higher rate compared to adults or to any other age groups.
The major reason for this risk is the increased output of hormones during puberty, the production of sebaceous glands and the continuous increase of skin cell turnover within the skin follicles. It is also noted that increased stress also affects the development of acne and that the condition tends to get worst if the patient undergoes rigorous work loads.
Dermatologists also believe that improper diet contributes a lot to the development of acne. Poor dietary habits like taking in foods with too much sugar and fat content affect your skin follicles. Although there is no concrete clinical evidence to support this hypothesis, most doctors still advise their acne patients to balance their diet and develop good eating habits.
What Can You Do? Studies have shown that there is a proven genetic tendency or pattern for acne especially if other family members of the acne patient have developed acne. Naming propionibacteria as the most common bacteria that cause acne and other skin infections, medical experts agree that these bacteria, when present on the skin, can lead to adolescent, persistent, or adult onset acne.
Due to recent science and medical developments, more and more acne treatments have been discovered. Some are quite effective than the others depending on the patient’s condition. Effective acne cure and treatment are sometimes recommended by dermatologists in single or various combinations depending on the stage and development of the acne the person has.
One of the most effective ways to cure acne is by using topical treatments such as acne lotions, acne creams, and gels that are applied on the skin. These topical antibiotic medicines that are formulated to terminate acne-causing bacteria, can help in the reduction of acne.
Medical experts have categorized the types of topical antibiotics to erythromycin, clindamycin, and sulfa drugs. The application of topical medicines is believed to be quite effective in curing acne because the medication is applied directly to the affected area in controlled dosage.
And since there is no need for patients to swallow the medicine, the components of the drugs do not have to travel through the body, thus lessens the possibility of side effects. Retinoid, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic and glycolic acids, are the most common ingredients that respond well to severe blackheads and whiteheads.
Although topical medication is effective in curing acne, it also has minor disadvantages like the possible tolerance of bacteria to the medicine that leads to resistance to the medication over time.
Another way to cure acne is through oral medications. Unlike topical medication that is applied to the surface of the affected area, oral medications are taken orally to be distributed throughout the bloodstream. This is known to be a systemic treatment because the drug is taken to all of the body’s functioning systems and is quite useful when acne develops on the skin on multiple stages. The most common oral acne medications include tetracyclines, minocycline, doxycyclin, and isotretinoin, or retinoic acid.
Other ways to cure acne include hormone therapy that aims to restore the normal balance of hormones in the patient’s body, and acne surgery for severe and persistent acne that cannot be cured by topical or oral medication.
Before using any medication or before undergoing any treatment to cure acne, make sure that you have consulted with your dermatologist or physician first to avoid further complications.
acne medication
