Most everybody has to deal with acne at one time or the other. Acne is especially noticeable during teen years when individuals are the most self-conscious about their looks and wish to make a favorable impression. The disfiguring effects of acne (especially on the face) are quite depressing and can greatly damage anyone’s self esteem.
Acne is caused by an imbalance in the skin’s physiology. Hormonal changes during adolescence trigger hyperactivity of oil producing glands in the skin. This oil and dead skin cells block hair follicles. Opportunistic skin bacteria then infect these follicles.
With so many commercial anti-acne medications to choose from, how does one know which medication suits him or her best? Different skin types react differently to medications. What works well for one person may not work for another. While it is always best to consult a dermatologist, below are a few popular medications used in the battle against acne. These drugs act on factors that cause acne — oil, dead skin and bacteria.
Accutane is an oral drug that acts on cells that produce oil and reduces their output by as much as 80%. However, Accutane affects all the cells in the body and could cause the mucosal lining in lips, mouth, eyes and vagina to bleed. It also causes significant birth defects and damages the liver.
Antibiotics help in controlling the infectious bacteria in an outbreak of acne. Erythromycin is widely used in topical applications. Continued use of antibiotics though results in the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Individual sensitivity to antibiotics should also be tested prior to use.
Retin A is a topical medication that is quite effective in reducing acne, but it does cause skin irritation, redness, itching and flaking.
Several masks that reduce the oil content of the skin are available. These include charcoal and oatmeal masks. One must be cautious in using these as they may cause over drying of skin.
Salicylic Acid, better known as aspirin, is an effective antidote. When used topically as a 1-2% solution, it promotes exfoliation of the epidermal layer of the skin, and minimizes plugging of follicles.
Precautions such as avoiding exposure to strong sunlight and intake of greasy food, controlling stress, personal hygiene and regular exercising go a long way in controlling the effects of acne.
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Adult Acne Solutions
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Acne is a common skin infection that affects mostly teenagers. However, not only teens suffer from acne, Adults too are also affected by this problem. A complete understanding of acne continues to baffle experts. What really precipitates acne? Why does it disappear without apparent reason...
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Acne Solutions
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The onset of puberty is often signaled by the appearance of tiny reddish bumps on the skin – especially the face. These bumps or pimples better as acne become infected and scar the skin, sending teenagers and adults rushing to the medicine cabinet for an...
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What are the Best Acne Treatments?
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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)....
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Body Acne Solutions
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Surveys reveal that over 75% of people having facial acne also suffer from body acne as well. Of these 90% carry this infection on their back, neck, shoulders and chest. A small percentage has acne on their legs and abdomen. While facial acne is undoubtedly...
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Adult Acne Medication
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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...
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Acne Products
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Female Adult Acne
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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...
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Cystic Acne
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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...
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Prescription Acne Medicine
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Acne can be controlled with certain over-the-counter products in most cases, but since many different types of acne exist, prescription medicine is needed in some cases. Clindamycin solution (brand name Cleocin-T) and erythromycin (T-Stat, Emgel) are commonly used for this. Both are antibiotics, and have...
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Natural Acne Products
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Acne sufferers have a choice between medicated and natural acne products. In contrast to medicated products which contain low to high concentration of Benzoyl peroxide or Salicylic acid, natural acne products make use of herbs and natural oils such as Tea Tree Oil, an antibacterial...