Acne Care Tips

Acne is a skin problem that usually happens in your teens. Acne develops as a result of blockages in follicles. Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin clog up. It is shows up as different types of bumps. They include whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps (pimples), and bumps that are filled with pus (cysts).  Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders.  Hyperkeratinization and formation of a plug of keratin and sebum (a microcomedo) is the earliest change. Enlargement of sebaceous glands and an increase in sebum production occur with increased androgen (DHEA-S) production at adrenarche. Increased sebum production provides an environment for the overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes. Bacterial overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes can cause inflammation.  Some adult women experience mild to moderate acne due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, their menstrual cycles, or starting or stopping birth control pills. More than four out of five people between the ages of 12 and 24 develop acne at least once.

Acne condition is most common during adolescence, affecting more than 85% of teenagers, but frequently continues into adulthood. Acne most common form   acne is  “acne vulgaris.  Many teenagers get this type of acne. Beneath the skin, in your pores, is where the acne forms. The mix of your natural oils and dead skin cells cause the formation of acne. Sebum (oil) which normally drains to the surface gets blocked and bacteria begins to grow. Both whiteheads and blackheads start out as a microcomedone.  There are many misconceptions and rumours about acne. Any medication containing halogens (iodides, chlorides, bromides), lithium, barbiturates, or androgens. Exposure to high levels of chlorine compounds, particularly chlorinated dioxins, can cause severe, long-lasting acne, known as Chloracne. Common myths state that masturbation causes acne and, conversely, that celibacy or sexual intercourse can cure it. Seafood often contains relatively high levels of iodine. Iodine is known to make existing acne worse but there is probably not enough to cause an acne outbreak.

Hormonal changes in your body can provoke or aggravate acne. Friction or pressure on your skin caused by items such as telephones or cell phones, helmets, tight collars and backpacks. Benzoyl peroxide can cause redness and peeling. Externally applied antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin, Stiemycin or tetracycline aim to kill the bacteria that are harbored in the blocked follicles. Oral antibiotics used to treat acne include erythromycin or one of the tetracycline antibiotics (tetracycline, the better absorbed oxytetracycline, or one of the once daily doxycycline, minocycline or lymecycline). Trimethoprim is also sometimes used. Topical antibiotic such as erythromycin (Benzamycin gel), or clindamycin (Duac once daily gel), or treat the outbreak with a topical antibiotic alone, eg clindamycin (Dalacin T), erythromycin (Eryacne gel), tetracycline (Topicycline). Azelaic acid lotion or gel, which is put on twice a day. Long-term treatment with oral antibiotics such as tetracycline or minocycline (eg Minocin), combined with one of the medications mentioned above may be helpful.

Topical Treatments for Acne Tips

1. Acne lotions may dry up the oil, kill bacteria and promote sloughing of dead skin cells.

2. Oral contraceptives, including a combination of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol , have been shown to improve acne in women.

3. Externally applied antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin, Stiemycin or tetracycline aim to kill the bacteria that are harbored in the blocked follicles.

4. Topical antibiotic such as erythromycin (Benzamycin gel), or clindamycin.

5. Azelaic acid lotion or gel, which is put on twice a day.

6. Long-term treatment with oral antibiotics such as tetracycline or minocycline (eg Minocin).

7. Trimethoprim is also sometimes used.