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Acne Problems
Copyright © 2003, Roberta Rogers
Acne, medically called Acne vulgaris, is a common skin disease
that affects 85-100% of people at some time during their lives.
Acne vulgaris affects the areas of skin with the densest
population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the
face, the upper part of the chest, and the back.
Follicular epidermal hyper proliferation and hyper
keratinization appears to be one of the primary events in the
development of an acne lesion. The follicular epidermis is
hyper proliferative. Increasing levels of the adrenally derived
hormones are correlated with the development of the primary
acne lesion. This hyper proliferation may also be stimulated
by an alteration in sebum and lipid levels in acne lesions.
For example, some fatty acid levels are decreased in acne
lesions, and the levels ormalize after successful treatment
with isotretinoin.
Excess sebum is also a key factor in the development of acne.
The amount of sebum produced and the degree and the severity
of the acne are strongly correlated. Sebum excretion is under
hormonal control. Androgens stimulate sebum production, whereas
estrogens have an inhibitory effect.
P acnes is a microaerophilic organism present in many acne
lesions. Although, it has not been shown to be present in the
earliest lesions of acne, its presence in later lesions is
almost certain. P acnes stimulates inflammation by producing
proinflammatory mediators that diffuse through the follicle
wall. Hypersensitivity to P acnes may also explain why some
individuals develop inflammatory acne vulgaris.
It is obviously a disease: acne can cause physical pain and
psychosocial suffering, can lead to scarring, and a severe
inflammatory variant of acne, acne fulminans, can be associated
with fever, arthritis, and other systemic symptoms. Acne
vulgaris is more common in males than in females during
adolescence, and is more common in women than in men during
adulthood.
Benzoyl peroxide cream is available over the counter and is
effective for a number of people. It will kill the bacteria by
it's application twice a day. You can find out more about skin
care and find an effective benzoyl peroxide product here:
http://www.designer-handbags-discounts.com/skincare/index.html
Another topical treatment is called tretinoin/isotretinoin.
This acts like chemical sandpaper and dries up the oil. The
side effects may leave you very red and are unacceptable to
many . With perseverance many will find relief. Users often
find it helpful to stop for a day or two if the side effects
get too bad and then recommence once the skin has recovered
slightly. Like Benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin needs time to work.
Other topical treatments available include topical antibiotics
and zinc. Cleocin is a popular topical that many find useful
for mild acne.
Antibiotics are often prescribed by physicians and can be
effective in clearing up mild to moderate acne. Minocycline is
one of the most common and is usually prescribed in six-month
courses. It is well tolerated but you should once again avoid
the sun as you can develop spots on your skin. Oxytetracycline
is another commonly prescribed antibiotic, which is similar in
action to minocycline.
If the tetracyclines don't work you will probably be given
erythromycin. Whatever antibiotic you go on you should remain on
it for a minimum of six months and expect to see an improvement
in about a month. This is because the capillaries that feed your
skin are very small and so the drug needs plenty of time to get
into your system. Antibiotics work best when combined with a
topical peeling agent such as tretinoin. It is good to take
some yogurt or acidopholous culture to replenish the loss of
good bacteria from antibiotics. Also, there are issues around
developing a tolerance as well as the usage of antibiotics for
skin perhaps conflicting for more urgent medical problems such
as strep throat or pneumonia.
There are alternative treatments available, some sufferers have
used sun lamps and non-uv light boxes with good effect and
homeopathic treatments are well spoken. Of course sun lamps are
now controversial due to questions of skin cancer.
If you do have acne remember that there is help available today
and many over the counter products have a money back guarantee.
Roberta Rogers is an author and has been studying skin care
for many years. Please visit:
http://www.designer-handbags-discounts.com/skincare/index.html
for articles and information.
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