Acne is a skin condition characterized by plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that especially occur on the face, chest and back. Acne caused by the overactivity and plugging of the sebaceous glands (skin’s oil glands) affects more that eighty percent of teenagers and preteens to some extent. However, the disease can affect people of every age, gender, and race.
People with acne frequently demonstrate lesions. The basic acne lesion, called the comedo, is a sebaceous follicle plugged with sebum, tiny hairs, dead cells and sometimes bacteria. Closed comedones with some pathological changes in pilosebaceous ducts (hypercornification of the duct) are called whiteheads. Open comedones that present when whiteheads reach the skin’s surface and touch air are called blackheads. Their black color is not dirt, but the melanin (skin pigment) that accumulates in the opening of the oil gland.
Other troublesome acne lesions can develop such as papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Papules and pustules are blockages of oil glands that are inflamed. Papules are red lesions (pimples). Pustules are pimples topped by pus-filled lesions that are usually red at the base. Nodules are large, painful, solid lesions that are deep-seated within the skin. They may develop additional infection and have the potential to produce long-term scarring. Cystic acne is considered the severe acne form. They are tender, sensitive, deeper, painful, pus-filled lesions that cause scarring.
The goals of acne treatment should include clearance of acne, prevention of scarring and, morbidity minimization. Patient education is the first and at times the most crucial step for effective acne treatment. It is essential to dispel myths that consumption of greasy food, potato chips, sugar and chocolates are responsible for the development of acne. The patient must be advised to cleanse the skin gently and use a non-comedogenic moisturizer. The patient should also avoid picking and rubbing the skin and using scented or harsh skin products. Other important preventive measures should include use of proper shaving technique and being consistent with the skin care regimen. Drinking more water can also help skin stay healthy. Evidence states that modification of the testosterone dose; dosing schedule or delivery method helps improve acne symptoms.
Patients with mild to severe acne can be treated with topical or oral medicines. Although systemic therapy is mainly used for treatment of severe acne, it is sometimes needed for moderate cases.
A variety of systemic agents used to clear acne include interlesional corticosteroid injection, isotretinoin, oral antibiotics (tetracycline and erythromycin) and oral contraceptives.
Azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, erythromycin, and sodium sulfacetamide are the prescription topical antimicrobials used to treat acne vulgaris in the United States. Several types of prescription topical retinoids used to treat acne include adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
A Guide To Adult Acne
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Adult acne (also called “rosacea”) is a common inflammatory skin disorder that tends to arise between 30 and 50 years of age. It is a disease of uncertain etiology and is more likely to affect faired skinned persons. The basic adult acne lesion, called the...
-
Acne Medicine
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Acne is a combined term that is used to describe a number of skin conditions, like blackheads, blemishes, lumps, and whiteheads. Teenagers and adults can have acne. Stress, hormonal activity, bacteria, steroids, and overactive glands can cause acne. The various forms of acne are: Blackheads...
-
Adult Acne Medication
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Acne is a skin condition that affects areas of the body containing the largest oil glands, such as the nose, forehead, cheeks, chin, back, and trunk. It is caused by a disorder of the oil glands, called sebaceous glands, and results in clogged pores and...
-
Acne Treatment
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The goals of acne treatment should include clearance of acne and prevention of scarring. Patient education is the first and at times the most crucial step for effective acne treatment. It is essential to dispel myths that consumption of greasy food, potato chips, sugar and...
-
Cystic Acne
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
A cyst is a closed pouch of tissue that may be filled with pus, fluid, air or other material. Cysts may form within any tissue in the body but are not very common. Cystic involving the skin is a tender, sensitive and deep painful lesion...
-
Acne Medication
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
A variety of acne medications with proved efficacy are used in the United States. The selection of the prescription medication for the patient is based on the severity and type of acne. Patients with mild to severe acne can be treated with topical or oral...
-
What are the Best Acne Treatments?
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The most common home treatment for acne is twice daily application of a benzoyl peroxide solution such as Neutrogena On-The-Spot. This works by killing bacteria, drying up the oil, and causing your skin to peel. It is effective for minor acne (whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples)....
-
Acne Therapies and Therapeutic Agents
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The market for acne therapies and therapeutic agents presents various products for the effective prevention and treatment of acne. The important oral acne treatment products that are available in the market include Vibramycin (doxycycline), Minocin (minocycline), Zovia (ethynodiol diacetate), OrthoCyclen (norgestimate), Norlutin (norethindrone), Aygestin (norethindrone...
-
Female Adult Acne
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
We all know that there are many underlying reasons for the outbreak of acne. Most are related to the overproduction of oil by our sebaceous glands and trapped dirt and dead cells in our pores. However, many women often break out in their late 20s...
-
Adult Acne Cures
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Acne is a skin condition that affects areas of the body containing the largest oil glands, such as the nose, forehead, cheeks, chin, back, and trunk. It is caused by a disorder of the oil glands, called sebaceous glands, and results in clogged pores and...