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Recent findings in acne research indicate that genetics may play a role in the etiology of the skin disorder. If you or a family member have acne you may want to check with your parents and close relatives; you may be surprised just how prevalent acne may be in your family. |
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What is acne? Acne is an inflammatory condition of the skin that shows up as  various types of skin eruptions including whiteheads (comedones), blackheads, rash like pimples, and cysts. Acne is usually classified into three treatment categories; comedonal, inflammatory and nodulocystic. When acne appears in your skin it can really shake your self confidence but there is hope with proper acne treatment and a good facial care routine with healthy healing products you will once again put your best face forward.
Acne is usually considered a disorder of adolescence but that has changed over the past several years. A community based study was conducted to investigate the current prevalence of facial acne in adults and females. The results of this study and others indicate that females have acne in greater numbers and well into our later years. Acne vulgaris afflicts 79% to 95% of the adolescent population. In men and women older than 25, 40% to 54% have some degree of facial acne, and clinical facial acne persists into middle age in 12% of women and 3% of men.
Whiteheads ( closed comedones) are small pimples about a millimeter in size, and slightly larger than blackheads (open comedones). Whiteheads occur when pores get clogged with dead skin cells, excess oils and bacteria. The pores of the skin contain oil glands, which lubricate your hair and skin. Anybody who has oily skin can get comedones. They seem to be more prevalent in those that use oil based products on their hair or face. All acne vulgaris has three factors in common, too much facial oil (sebum), hormones and bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) which causes infection. Poor hygiene does not cause acne although it certainly helps to keep your skin clean.
If the pore becomes clogged and then totally blocked, you have a whitehead. If the pore becomes clogged but remains open to the air, the material inside the pore becomes dark by oxidation and you are left with a blackhead. Sometimes the walls of the pore become damaged allowing bacteria and dead cells to work their way deep in the inner layer of the skin; this is the beginning of a cyst. A cyst is a trapped infection that does not come to the surface of the skin but remains deep beneath the surface infecting the healthy cell and surrounding areas. To minimize dark spots and scars don't be tempted to squeeze whiteheads, blackheads or cysts with your finger nails. Let them drain on their own or see your physician for professional extraction or treatment.
Cystic acne is pus filled lesions, also known as cystic acne nodules, that are deeply lodged in the skin. These cysts are usually painful and can cause scarring. Women with this type of acne often have extreme hormone imbalance. Treat inflammatory acne gently. Inflamed papules are usually more severe than comedones and may not respond to over-the-counter treatments.
Your dermatologist may prescribe stronger antibiotics for aggressive treatment. Strong antibiotics usually produce side effects which may include yeast infections, sun sensitivity, headaches, nausea, vomiting and ineffectiveness of birth control pills. Treatment failures with systemic antibiotics occur in 80% of adult women, and recurrences after Accutane (isotretinoin) therapy occur in 15% to 30%.
Acne in females may be influenced by hormonal changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, stress, ovarian disease or endocrine imbalance. The hormones that have the most influence on acne are the androgens. Low dose oral contraceptives have been prescribed by dermatologists for years in the treatment of acne due to their effects in lowering androgen production.
A study was conducted of a dermatology clinics female patients to ascertain their views, attitudes and concerns about the use of hormonal agents and oral contraceptives for acne treatment. The results indicate that most of the women (86%) were aware that oral contraceptives were used to treat acne and 68% were agreeable to this treatment. The main overall concern (85%) was side effects from the use of oral contraceptives. Younger teenage female patients were also concerned about the social message and perceptions attached to taking oral contraceptives. The FDA has approved a form of birth control specifically to treat acne in women.
Accutane (isotretinoin), a vitamin A derivative, is the strongest oral medication for fighting cystic scarring acne and other severe forms of the disease that do not respond to standard therapy. The FDA has released several warnings regarding Accutane and the possibility of serious birth defects if a woman taking this retinoid should become pregnant. Patients usually are screened and have to undergo a blood test before starting on Accutane therapy, during and throughout the recommend five month treatment period. Some of the side effects are liver damage and in rare cases, depression. Doctors strongly advise that you not become pregnant right before, during or two months after taking Accutane. Controversial information regarding Accutane (istretinoin) and adverse psychiatric effects such as depression, aggression and suicide has also been released. You may want to discuss all aspects of your physical and emotional health with your physician if you are considering this therapy.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
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