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Acne Problems

Understanding the causes of Acne, Acne Treatment, and Acne Medication.

Published: October 28, 2003

Acne, medically called "Acne vulgaris", is a common skin disease that affects 85-100% of people at some time during their lives. Acne vulgaris affects the areas of skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back.

Follicular epidermal hyper proliferation and hyper keratinization appears to be one of the primary events in the development of an acne lesion. The follicular epidermis is hyper proliferative. Increasing levels of the adrenally derived hormones are correlated with the development of the primary acne lesion. This hyper proliferation may also be stimulated by an alteration in sebum and lipid levels in acne lesions. For example, some fatty acid levels are decreased in acne lesions, and the levels ormalize after successful treatment with isotretinoin.

Excess sebum is also a key factor in the development of acne. The amount of sebum produced and the degree and the severity of the acne are strongly correlated. Sebum excretion is under hormonal control. Androgens stimulate sebum production, whereas estrogens have an inhibitory effect.

P acnes is a microaerophilic organism present in many acne lesions. Although, it has not been shown to be present in the earliest lesions of acne, its presence in later lesions is almost certain. P acnes stimulates inflammation by producing proinflammatory mediators that diffuse through the follicle wall. Hypersensitivity to P acnes may also explain why some individuals develop inflammatory acne vulgaris.

It is obviously a disease: acne can cause physical pain and psychosocial suffering, can lead to scarring, and a severe inflammatory variant of acne, acne fulminans, can be associated with fever, arthritis, and other systemic symptoms. Acne vulgaris is more common in males than in females during adolescence, and is more common in women than in men during adulthood.

Benzoyl peroxide cream is available over the counter and is effective for a number of people. It will kill the bacteria by it's application twice a day. You can find out more about skin care and find an effective benzoyl peroxide product here: http://www.designer-handbags-discounts.com/skincare/index.html

Another topical treatment is called tretinoin/isotretinoin. This acts like chemical sandpaper and dries up the oil. The side effects may leave you very red and are unacceptable to many . With perseverance many will find relief. Users often find it helpful to stop for a day or two if the side effects get too bad and then recommence once the skin has recovered slightly. Like Benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin needs time to work.

Other topical treatments available include topical antibiotics and zinc. Cleocin is a popular topical that many find useful for mild acne.

Antibiotics are often prescribed by physicians and can be effective in clearing up mild to moderate acne. Minocycline is one of the most common and is usually prescribed in six-month courses. It is well tolerated but you should once again avoid the sun as you can develop spots on your skin. Oxytetracycline is another commonly prescribed antibiotic, which is similar in action to minocycline.

If the tetracyclines don't work you will probably be given erythromycin. Whatever antibiotic you go on you should remain on it for a minimum of six months and expect to see an improvement in about a month. This is because the capillaries that feed your skin are very small and so the drug needs plenty of time to get into your system. Antibiotics work best when combined with a topical peeling agent such as tretinoin. It is good to take some yogurt or acidopholous culture to replenish the loss of good bacteria from antibiotics. Also, there are issues around developing a tolerance as well as the usage of antibiotics for skin perhaps conflicting for more urgent medical problems such as strep throat or pneumonia.

There are alternative treatments available, some sufferers have used sun lamps and non-uv light boxes with good effect and homeopathic treatments are well spoken. Of course sun lamps are now controversial due to questions of skin cancer.

If you do have acne remember that there is help available today and many over the counter products have a money back guarantee.

- Roberta Rogers

Roberta Rogers is an author and has been studying skin care for many years. Please visit: http://www.designer-handbags-discounts.com/skincare/index.html for articles and information.

Suggested Links

· Acne.org

· AcneNet

· Acne American Academy of Dermatology

· Acne-Site.com

· Acne-Advice.com