ACNE

Acne - skin disease consisting of blemishes that occurs on the skin.

To keep the hair and skin lubricated body depends on sebaceous glands, which seats just under neath the skin.

These glands secrete on oily substance called sebum, which coat the skin and hair to prevent them from drying out. Sebum travels up the hair follicles and out trough the pores on to the surface of the skin. Hair follicles shed dead skin cells, which

sebum carries out of the body. When body produces extra sebum and dead cells, they can stick together and clog the pores resulting in skin blemishes. Then bacteria that normally exist in small amounts on the skin, can flourish in the sebum in the clogged pores leading to inflammation.

Depending on where the clog is located, and if there is occurring inflammation, acne may appear as a whitehead, which are clogged follicles closed off from the air.

Blackhead that are clogged follicles that

turn a darker colour when the clog is exposed to the air, pustules commonly called pimples which are inflamed follicles clogged with pus, or cyst which are larger, painful and pus-filled lumps going deep under the skin.

Hormonal changes particularly, a rise in testosterone, can lead to sebum overproduction which is why acne often occurs during the teen years. However, it can occur at any age. Other factors contributing to the development of acne are bacteria, certain medications, and genetics.

Mild case of acne – recommendations:

Over the counter lotions with one of several active ingredients:

1- Benzoyl Peroxide kills bacteria, dries excess oil, and removes dead skin cell clogging pores.

2- Salicylic Acid slows the loss of skin cells to prevent clogged pores. It may also break down whiteheads and blackheads.

3- Alpha Hydroxy Acids such a Lactic Acid, help remove dead skin cells, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the growth of new smoother skin. Sulfur removes dead skin cells and dries excess oil.

These are strong chemicals that may irritate the skin therefore it’s so important to follow the direction of use exactly.

If over the counter products are not effective, stronger lotion may be recommend such as:

Vitamin A, which reduces the build-up of dead skin cells in the pores, Topical Antibiotics which kills bacteria on the skin, or combination of Benzoyl Peroxide and Topical Antibiotics.

Moderate to severe cases – recommendations:

1- Oral medication - Oral Antibiotics which kill bacteria and reduce inflammation and Isotretinoin which is used only for the most severe cases!!!

2- Combination oral medication and topical treatment.

A Corticosteroid Injection may be recommend to relive the pain and help clear up a particularly large lesion.

For women, birth control pills containing estrogen may be recommend to minimise the effect of testosterone.

Regardless of the treatment plan good skin care is ESSENTIAL!

Problem areas should be washed minimum twice daily with gentle cleanser without scrubbing. Look for product that are oil free and water based or noncomedogenic label which means it won’t clog the pores. Remember to avoid picking or squeezing blemishes as this action may lead to infection and scarring!

Avoid touching the area with the hands, hair or with any objects such a mobile phone!