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Acne Cause Treatment... Background informationAcne-Vulgaris, vulgaris means common, is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by blockages of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland. Lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, spots, gubers, plooks or zits. The face and upper neck are the most commonly affected, but the chest, back and shoulders may have outbreaks as well. This is most common during adolescence, affecting more than 85% of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood. For most people, it diminishes over time and tends to disappear, or at least decrease, after one reaches his or her early twenties. Aside from scarring, its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and, according to at least one study, depression or suicide. Development of acne in later years is uncommon, although this is the age group for Rosacea which may have similar appearances.True outbreaks in adults may be a feature of an underlying condition such as pregnancy and disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or the rare Cushing's syndrome. Menopause-associated blemishes occur as production of the natural anti-pimple ovarian hormone estradiol fails at menopause. ACNE CAUSES Exactly why some people get these outbreaks and some do not is not fully known. The tendency to develop this skin problem runs in families. A family history is associated with an earlier occurrence and an increased number of long-lasting lesions. Several hormones have been linked to outbreaks:
Stress is considered a causative factor, through increased output of hormones from the adrenal (stress) glands. Hyperactive sebaceous glands are also a factor, although secondary to the hormone sources above. Exposure to high levels of chlorine compounds, particularly chlorinated dioxins, can cause severe, long-lasting problems, known as Chloracne. Exposure to certain drugs and chemical compounds, including narcotics (opiates and opioids), especially when taken intravenously. Skin irritation or scratching of any sort will activate inflammation. Though there is evidence of an association between milk and "zits", the exact cause is unclear. It has also been suggested that there is a link between a diet high in refined sugars and other processed foods and skin outbreaks. MYTHS Common myths state that masturbation causes pimples and, conversely, that celibacy or sexual intercourse can cure it. This skin problem has not been linked to any type of sexual activity.
ACNE CAUSE TREATMENT TIPS
There are many products sold for treatment, many of them without any scientifically-proven effects. Generally speaking successful treatments give little improvement within the first week or two; and then decreases occur over approximately 3 months, after which the improvement starts to flatten out. ACNE MEDICATION TOPICAL
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Benzyl Peroxide: Widely available over the counter bactericidal products containing benzoyl peroxide may be used in mild to moderate cases. Benzoyl peroxide often gives clearance rates of 60-70% after 6 weeks, improvements often continue with longer use. Unlike antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide has the advantage of being a strong oxidizer (essentially a mild bleach) and thus does not appear to generate bacterial resistance. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, has similar but milder effects and is used in many over-the-counter moisturizers and other topical products. Here's a natural acne medicine: Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) has been used on acne with some success, comparable to benzoyl peroxide but without excessive drying, and has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory in acne skin infections. top of pageORAL ACNE MEDICATION Oral Antibiotics Under development A daily oral intake of vitamin A derivative isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane, Sotret, Claravis) over a period of 4-6 months can cause long-term resolution or reduction of outbreaks. Isotretinoin has been shown to be very effective in treating severe cases and can either improve or clear well over 80% of patients. The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and will often cure cases for good.
Over the Counter... under development Specialized non-prescription alternatives... under development Sunlight: It has long been known that short term improvement can be achieved with sunlight. However, studies have shown that sunlight worsens acne long-term. top of pageAcne Blue Light Treatment: Phototherapy: More recently, visible light has been successfully employed to treat acne (Phototherapy) - in particular intense violet light (405-420nm) generated by purpose-built fluorescent lighting, dichroic bulbs, LEDs or lasers. Unlike most of the other treatments few if any negative side effects are typically experienced, and the development of bacterial resistance to the treatment seems very unlikely. Acne cause treatment quote: “I'm basically a sexless geek. Look at me, I have pasty-white skin, I have acne scars and I'm five-foot-nothing. Does that sound like a real sexual dynamo to you?” Mike Myers Resources to find out more about acne cause treatment options...Acne cause and treatment tips from WIKEPEDIAAcne tips from the CANADIAN GOVERNMENT Natural acne medication (and others) top of page ACNE CAUSE TREATMENT home page |