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Acne Cures – Do They Work for You.

Dec 9

Posted by Mike in Acne Cure | No Comments

To many of us, especially teenagers, with sexual stirrings under way, and hormones racing in directions never before experienced, acne can potentially be the biggest downer known to either sex.

What bigger agony than to be getting ready to go to a Summer Ball, only to find a row of red prominent zits appearing all over our face?

It can make you feel worse inside than you actually look. Many shy and embarrassed youngsters between the ages of twelve and twenty four suffer from acne in some form or another. It’s uncomfortable and embarrassing, although not strictly life threatening. Boys tend to fall victim to it more than girls at the onset of puberty, probably because of the increased level of the hormone testosterone in the body. Acne is generally caused by bacteria filling up clogged pores, resulting in zits breaking out.

The zits usually spread over the face, back, shoulders, chest and neck. Some doctors think it may be hereditary. There is a whole industry dedicated to finding cures for acne, and there is a plethora of advice when it comes to supposed acne cures.

To some people, the acne condition seems so bad to them emotionally, they seek medical help and advice from their own doctor, or even specialist dermatologists to try and find a cure. Some sufferers use over the counter treatments, some have prescription treatments and others prefer to use natural methods. There is a lot of anecdotal promotion of the merits of one treatment or another and it all gets very confusing. You just have to see which acne cures work for you and it may be a case of trial and error. There are some experts who say there is no such thing as a cure and that you should disregard such claims. One thing is for certain with that advice – if you can grin ( and hide the zits) then you will certainly save your pockets with all the ‘Quack’ cures that do the rounds every year. In fact, it is a superb market to be in, as every year, and constant stream of newcomers march in search of a cure for acne.

Whatever the claims and counter claims of different sorts of treatment, prevention is certainly preferable to acne cures. It’s definitely worth a try, as most prevention stems around eating habits and cleanliness. Attention to diet is important and avoiding fried fatty foods (sorry – burgers and chips or fries are definitely out while the zits are popping all around your mouth, also with refined and processed foods in general is a good start. Also, try to cut down on caffeine, alcohol, soft drinks and tobacco. I know, just the stuff you are starting to survive on!

Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, and drink plenty water. Eating irregularly can cause constipation and this can promote acne because the toxic material has to break out somewhere.

It may not be possible to prevent the acne but you may be able to lessen its effects. If all measures fail, it’s time to decide on which of the acne cures to try. There are numerous gels, lotions, creams and solutions on the market. Benzyl Peroxide is a common ingredient in over the counter medications and some people have found that it works very well, especially when combined with regular cleansing and moisturizing. Other acne cures are antibiotics, salicylic acid and sulfur.

Unfortunately, some of these so-called cures can leave a strange smell lingering around the sufferer’s face, so they get hit two ways socially. You should always ask a good friend to check if any sulfer based products for instance are causing any lingering whiffs.

For other people, they prefer to try remedies that work from the inside, and prefer to try vitamins or natural herbal remedies. You can find all of these easily available as acne cures. Vitamin A and Niacin is recommended, and also Zinc tablets. There are a number of home remedies that you could try.

Some sufferers apply orange peel crushed with water or lemon juice. Another acne cure is coriander or mint juice mixed with a little bit of turmeric powder. Others apply grated cucumber leaves or crushed garlic cloves. You could also try an overnight face mask made from mashed up fenugreek leaves, to be washed off when you wake next day. Tea Tree Oil is said to be another acne cure. You can also bathe in a soothing hot tub of Epsom Salts.

Whichever method you decide to use, don’t undo the benefits of your acne cures by picking at the skin. Also, don’t make it worse by scrubbing at the acne with any harsh material. Be kind to yourself! And don’t, whatever you do, take part in the messy ritual of squeezing the extra large zits.

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Acne Cures – Do they work for you ?

Dec 9

Posted by Mike in Acne Cure | No Comments

To many of us, especially teenagers, with sexual stirrings under way, and hormones racing in directions never before experienced, acne can potentially be the biggest downer known to either sex. What bigger agony than to be getting ready to go to a Summer Ball, only to find a row of red prominent zits appearing all over our face?
It can make you feel worse inside than you actually look. Many shy and embarrassed youngsters between the ages of twelve and twenty four suffer from acne in some form or another.
It’s uncomfortable and embarrassing, although not strictly life threatening. Boys tend to fall victim to it more than girls at the onset of puberty, probably because of the increased level of the hormone testosterone in the body.
Acne is generally caused by bacteria filling up clogged pores, resulting in zits breaking out. The zits usually spread over the face, back, shoulders, chest and neck. Some doctors think it may be hereditary. There is a whole industry dedicated to finding cures for acne, and there is a plethora of advice when it comes to supposed acne cures.
To some people, the acne condition seems so bad to them emotionally, they seek medical help and advice from their own doctor, or even specialist dermatologists to try and find a cure.
Some sufferers use over the counter treatments, some have prescription treatments and others prefer to use natural methods. There is a lot of anecdotal promotion of the merits of one treatment or another and it all gets very confusing. You just have to see which acne cures work for you and it may be a case of trial and error.
There are some experts who say there is no such thing as a cure and that you should disregard such claims. One thing is for certain with that advice – if you can grin ( and hide the zits) then you will certainly save your pockets with all the ‘Quack’ cures that do the rounds every year. In fact, it is a superb market to be in, as every year, and constant stream of newcomers march in search of a cure for acne.
Whatever the claims and counter claims of different sorts of treatment, prevention is certainly preferable to acne cures. It’s definitely worth a try, as most prevention stems around eating habits and cleanliness. Attention to diet is important and avoiding fried fatty foods (sorry – burgers and chips or fries are definitely out while the zits are popping all around your mouth0, also with refined and processed foods in general is a good start.
Also, try to cut down on caffeine, alcohol, soft drinks and tobacco. I know, just the stuff you are starting to survive on!
Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, and drink plenty water. Eating irregularly can cause constipation and this can promote acne because the toxic material has to break out somewhere.
It may not be possible to prevent the acne but you may be able to lessen its effects. If all measures fail, it’s time to decide on which of the acne cures to try.
There are numerous gels, lotions, creams and solutions on the market. Benzyl Peroxide is a common ingredient in over the counter medications and some people have found that it works very well, especially when combined with regular cleansing and moisturizing. Other acne cures are antibiotics, salicylic acid and sulfur.
Unfortunately, some of these so-called cures can leave a strange smell lingering around the sufferer’s face, so they get hit two ways socially. You should always ask a good friend to check if any sulfer based products for instance are causing any lingering whiffs.
For other people, they prefer to try remedies that work from the inside, and prefer to try vitamins or natural herbal remedies. You can find all of these easily available as acne cures. Vitamin A and Niacin is recommended, and also Zinc tablets. There are a number of home remedies that you could try.
Some sufferers apply orange peel crushed with water or lemon juice. Another acne cure is coriander or mint juice mixed with a little bit of turmeric powder. Others apply grated cucumber leaves or crushed garlic cloves. You could also try an overnight face mask made from mashed up fenugreek leaves, to be washed off when you wake next day. Tea Tree Oil is said to be another acne cure. You can also bathe in a soothing hot tub of Epsom Salts.
Whichever method you decide to use, don’t undo the benefits of your acne cures by picking at the skin. Also, don’t make it worse by scrubbing at the acne with any harsh material. Be kind to yourself!
And don’t, whatever you do, take part in the messy ritual of squeezing the extra large zits.

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Over 99 Topics on Acne Cures, Treatments, and Prevention

Dec 5

Posted by Mike in Acne | No Comments

Acne is a common problem in adolescents and young adults. Acne is one of the misfortunes of adolescence. While most people suffering from acne do not experience any kind of physical discomfort, some do experience psychological scarring. Around 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 are affected by acne. Acne usually subsides after adolescence, but may last into middle age. Although commonly associated with adolescence, this is a condition that can erupt at any time, and particularly when your body undergoes hormonal changes such as during pregnancy. Acne can also be commonly found in young infants in the first one to two months of life. This form of acne, called neonatal acne, is thought to be caused by a temporary increase in hormone levels just before and after birth.Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples, or more scientifically, vulgaris. Some people call it blackheads, blemishes, whiteheads, or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne is not just a problem at the surface of the skin. Acne bacteria are just the symptoms and you need to remove the cause of the disease. Acne is a skin disorder associated with one and all. It knows no discrimination on the basis of creed or color.Acne fulminans is the rapid onset of severe, inflammatory acne, often accompanied by fever, arthralgia, and bone diathesis. The triad of severe acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp may require aggressive treatment.Acne conglobata (AC) is an uncommon and unusually severe form of acne characterized by burrowing and interconnecting abscesses and irregular scars (both keloidal and atrophic), often producing pronounced disfigurement. The comedones often occur in a group of 2 or 3, and cysts contain foul-smelling seropurulent material that returns after drainage.Acne also has nothing to do with poor hygiene. Acne is not caused by dirt or surface skin oils. The best approach to hygiene and acne : Gently wash your face twice a day with a mild soap, pat dry–and use an appropriate acne treatment for the acne. Acne is influenced by several factors, many of which are out of your control. However, the way you treat your skin does play an important role.Acne skin care products can cause severe allergic reactions in patients who are sensitized to their ingredients. These ingredients can have some rather unpleasant side effects and one must weight the benefits of using such products against their potential drawbacks. Acne vulgaris is the most common form of the condition. Acne vulgaris is what most people think of when they think of spots and zits.Acne scars can definitely become more serious if it is not taken care of in the moderate stage. Therefore, it is very important to try to resolve acne as soon as you can. You should consult with a dermatologist if your acne is severe.

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Naturopathic Philosophy, Diagnosis and Treatment of Acne

Nov 16

Posted by Mike in Treatment For Acne | No Comments

`Naturopathy’ or `natural medicine’ is a largely pseudoscientific approach said to `assist nature’ that is `support the body’s own innate capacity to achieve optimal health’ and `facilitate the body’s inherent healing mechanisms’.

Naturopathic medicine is very safe, natural therapy with services of different alternative therapies. The age old philosophy of naturopathic medicine is based on six important principles which have their roots is Indian [Ayurveda], Chinese [Traditional Chinese medicine], Native American and Greek [Hippocratic] cultures.

The following are the six principles of naturopathic therapy.

1- The healing power of nature – naturopathy is basically the body’s inherent ability to treat itself

2- Identify and treat the cause – naturopathy believes in finding the underlying cause rather than eliminating it

3- First do no harm – naturopathy uses methods and medicines to reduce the further harmful effects

4- Doctor as a teacher – naturopathy educates patients and emphasizes self responsibility

5- Treat the whole person – naturopathy treats all aspects of body that is physical, mental, emotional and spiritual

6- Prevention is better than cure – naturopathy prevents the formation of disease into more severe condition

Although acne seems to be a disorder of skin oil glands, naturopathic philosophy is best suited for diagnosis and treatment of acne.

Naturopathic diagnosis is the best approach for identification of acne and this could be attributed to the following beneficial reasons

- It will help the patient to identify the cause of acne and also help in specific treatment for acne symptoms

- It will help in revealing the underlying conditions that impede body’s ability to function normally

- It will help to determine the proper assessment tools which are most helpful in establishing a treatment strategy specific to patient’s health

- It will help to identify and treat the underlying root cause of acne and avoid further damages to skin

- It will be a comprehensive treatment plan with range of complementary and alternative therapies.

A naturopathic doctor or health care provider will take a complete history of the patient that includes skin care, cosmetic use, diet, factors triggering flare-ups, medications used, occupational and environmental exposures, prior treatment and an examination of the face, chest and other blemishes, lesions and scars. This assessment is oriented towards the determining what is impeding patients body’s ability to function normally.

As far as naturopathic treatment for acne is concerned, from a naturopathic view point acne is an external manifestation of an internal imbalance. Nutrition is the key to treating acne. In 420 BC Hippocrates, the father of medicine said let food be your medicine and medicine be your food’.

The poor quality foods eaten by an individual clogs the pores and attracts bacteria however with consumption of better quality foods the sebaceous glands get all of the nutrients and are bound to produce good quality oil which flows well and nourishes the skin.

In nutrition, a high protein, low carbohydrate diet including vegetables, sea weeds, fish (salmon, sardines, and trouts), whole grains, sprouts and fruits is advisable and avoiding all fried foods, dairy products, processed foods, junk foods, sugar, margarine, nut butters, citrus except [lemon juice] and caffeine is suggested.

In addition, consumption of plenty of water everyday is beneficial; water helps in retaining moisture of the skin keeping it full, fresh and youthful.

Thus, by changing our diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle we can often change or reverse course of illness and restore our health. Thus, the possible lifestyle changes to treat acne in addition to eating diet high in raw vegetables and fruits and avoiding all forms of sugar, alcohol, butter, caffeine, cheese, chocolate, cocoa, cream, fat, margarine, processed food, and drinking plenty of water, beneficiary dietary supplements are also required. The beneficiary dietary supplements are

Alpha-sterol – helps open blocked pores

Tea Tree oil – is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial substance that will eliminate [Propionibacterium acnes] the causative bacterial strain of acne, thus reducing inflammation associated with skin.

Vitamin B3- improves circulation to surface of skin.

Acidophilus Probiotics – helps replenish natural good body bacteria.

Chromium Picolinate – reduces skin infections

Colloidal Silver – is natural antibiotic can be applied topically or taken internally.

Starting from diet and clinical nutrition, naturopathic treatment covers a myriad of healing practices including

Herbal medicine – once naturopathic doctor has diagnosed the lifestyle and dietary factors aggravating acne, they will decide on combination of herbs specific to acne caused and symptoms. Nevertheless, ayurvedic formulations using herbal extracts of plants like Bhavprakasha Nigantu and Charak Samhita have been found successful in treating acne.

Acupuncture – Auricular [acupuncture applied to the ear] and electro acupuncture therapies reducing symptoms of acne.

Homeopathy – There have been few studies on effective homeopathic remedies. Usually acne based treatments depend on homeopath’s knowledge and clinical experience and also patients physical, emotional and intellectual make up.

Mind or Body medicine – Emotional stress can worsen acne therefore relaxation therapies such as hypnosis, biofeedback together with cognitive imagery improve acne symptoms.

Though relaxation using hypnosis an individual becomes relaxed and this positive approach influences the activity of hormones and the immune system contributing to reduced inflammation of acne.

Biofeedback is a technique in which an individual is trained to control certain internal bodily processes that normally occur involuntarily such as hear rate [measured by an EKG] and muscle tension [measured by an EMG].

Guided imagery involves formation of mental pictures to promote a variety of favorable physical and emotional effects. This combination of biofeedback and cognitive imagery allows the person to visualize and understand bodily changes when he or she changes form being tense to being relaxed.

Hydrotherapy – is the use of water to treat acne and maintain health. Colon cleansing using hydrotherapy is the alternative medicine that has improved the conditions of acne. Many practitioners feel that overall bodily health is achieved once colon is clean and free from toxins.

Physical therapy covering photodynamic therapy and ultrasound – Both techniques are safe and painless and its duration varies with the severity of acne.

Photodynamic therapy is improving treatment of acne, using a topical medication called aminolevulinic acid which is effective and ultrasound technique is used to calm and soothe red, inflamed skin, enhancing the healing process.

To Know More. Please Visit http://www.philosophervet.com

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How To Alleviate Your Acne Problem

Nov 6

Posted by Mike in Acne | No Comments

Acne brings huge problems to teenagers. Teenagers who have acne feel isolated, ugly, and insecure. Who wouldn’t when everywhere you look, only clear skinned people are put on the pedestal.

You tried every acne product out in the market but nothing seems to work. At this point, you feel that your social life is doomed but fret not because acne won’t stay forever if you take the proper actions early.

First step to take is to understand what acne really is and from there you can take the necessary actions in curing or at least reducing your acne problem.

Acne is the term for plugged pores (whiteheads and blackheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (nodules) that happens in the face, neck, chest, back and upper arms. Acne is caused by build up of excess oil and dead skin in a pore. The causes of this are natural hormones, clogged skin and bacteria.

The onset of acne happens between the ages of twelve to seventeen. Almost all teenagers had acne. Many of them used non-prescription treatments to alleviate acne but more than 40% of teenagers in their mid-teens have severe acne cases. Normally, it goes away in the early twenties. Then again, there are many cases wherein acne starts or continues into adulthood.

It is interesting to note though that young men who are more likely to have severe acne, don’t consult dermatologists as much as young women do. But then again, young women are more likely to have irregular acne due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycle or due to the cosmetic products they use. This kind of acne may afflict women even into adulthood.

The ultimate question now is how do you reduce acne?

Knowing the facts that debunk the myths and misconceptions about acne may help you alleviate your acne problem.

Myth 1: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.

This may be true if you don’t wash your face at all. But if you resort to frequent and vigorous washing, it will definitely cause scarring which will worsen acne. The best approach is to gently wash face twice a day with mild soap and use appropriate acne treatment after.

Myth 2: Acne is caused by diet.

Scientific studies debunked this having found that there is no connection between food and acne.

Myth 3: Acne is caused by stress.

Stressors are not important factors in acne. Only severe stress that needs medication can cause acne as side effects.

Myth 4: Acne is just a cosmetic disease.

Acne does affect how people look but there’s no serious threat to physical health. However, acne can result to serious scarring which can affect how these people live their lives.

Myth 5: You just have to let acne run its course.

The truth is, acne can be cleared up using acne products available in the market today. If they don’t work for you, then try seeing a dermatologist.

According to Thiboutot (2000), cure of acne lies in knowing three things:

* That resolution to cure acne takes time;* That what works for one may not work for another;* and that a dermatologist’s help may be needed if all actions you take to cure your acne fail.

Remember that acne responds well to early treatment. So to prevent scarring have your acne treated as soon as acne starts showing up on your face.

————————-Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR’S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.————————-

©Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about acne, please go to: http://acne.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/

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Natural Acne Treatments: Do They Really Work?

Nov 3

Posted by Mike in Acne | No Comments

Do you believe that natural acne treatments can be an effective way to treat acne? Million of acne sufferers are using natural acne treatments to achieve clear skin. Worldwide, natural acne treatments are working with sensational results for men, women, and children. With virtually 17 million people in the United States afflicted with acne, there is now new research proving that natural acne treatments are actually curing this disfiguring skin disease.

Natural acne products supply the skin with the essential and healthy ingredients it needs to fight off acne infections. Natural acne treatment can even enhance the circulation and the flow of the nutrients to the skin, shield the skin against impurities and toxins that can trigger acne, and it can aid to soothe and moisturize the skin for a healthy grow. Natural acne treatments help to cleanse the system, and results in clearer, more hydrated skin. Besides being effective, there are three additional reasons why natural acne treatments are most desirable: they have hardly any side effects, are easy on the pocket, and easy to make right in the privacy of your own home. Natural Acne Treatments Have Minimal Side Effects

Natural acne treatments are a limitless and creative way to beat acne, get fantastic looking skin, and most importantly of all, control what you apply to your face. Some of the most common natural acne treatments have been used for centuries. New studies are showing that natural acne treatments are providing relief to acne sufferers all over the world. A number of natural acne treatments are available, do not require a prescription, and can also be rather effective. With literally no side effects, and the fact that you are in complete control, these natural acne treatments really are the best way to fight the war against acne. Natural Acne Treatments Are Easy on the Pocket

The super news is that since the products for natural treatments are often found in the kitchen or the grocery store, the cost is a fraction of some of the very expensive and sometimes-ineffective prescription medications. Natural Acne Treatments Are Easy to Make

When it comes to natural acne treatments, homemade treatments have to be among the most beneficial natural acne treatments that you can use. Homemade natural acne treatments are so easy to prepare and, not only do they help to fight against acne breakouts, but they also take care of blackheads and blemishes, helping to give your skin the smoother, healthier looking appearance we all desire. The best natural acne treatments are great because many can be taken internally as well as applied externally (topically).

To summarize the benefits of natural acne treatment, you can avoid ever having to make an appointment with a dermatologist, your body will profit from healthier eating, and you are not exposing your skin to harsh chemicals. Of course, there is usually a substantial amount of time from the beginning of the treatment until definite results are observed. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural acne treatments to choose from which will produce great results for many acne patients. Believe it or not, many home acne remedies give just as good results as prescription and over-the-counter medicines and they won’t cost you hardly anything. So why not give home acne remedies a try? What have you got to lose?

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Acne Vulgaris

Oct 11

Posted by Mike in Acne | No Comments

Acne is a disease rarely associated with systemic medical problems; however, the importance and morbidity of acne should not be underestimated because its disfiguring can have important negative psychosocial consequences for affected individuals including diminished self-esteem, social embarrassment, social withdrawal, depression and even unemployment [1, 3]. Risk factors/Triggers1. Food/DietFoods such as nuts, cola, milk, cheese, fried foods and iodised salts have been implicated as triggers of acne vulgaris; however, the connections between nutrition and acne has not definitely been proven as they are rarely supported by good analytical, epidemiological or therapeutic studies [4, 5]. On the other hand, recurrent acne as noted by Niemeier et al (2006) may be a cutaneous sign of an underlying eating disorder.2. GeneticsA genetic background is supported by a case control study by Goulden et al, as noted by Rzany et al (2006). This stated that the risk of adult acne vulgaris in relatives of patients with acne as compared with those of patients without acne is significantly higher [4].3. HormonesAccording to Rzany et al (2006), hormonal influences on acne vulgaris are undisputed as shown by the higher incidence of acne in male adolescents. Premenstrual flare has also been recorded as causing acne [5].4. NicotineSmoking has also been named as a risk factor for acne vulgaris; however, conflicting data exists as to the link between smoking and acne. Some population based studies have found links between smoking and acne whilst some others have not [4].Important!Contrary to popular misconceptions by young patients and occasionally their parents, acne does not come from bad behaviour nor is it a disease of poor hygiene. It also has nothing to do with lack of cleanliness [2].Types of acne vulgarisThere are two main types of acne vulgaris, inflammatory and non-inflammatory; these can be manifested in different ways,1. Comedonal acne, which is a non-inflammatory acne2. Papules and pustules of inflammatory acne3. Nodular acne (inflammatory acne)4. Inflammatory acne with hyperpigmentation (this occurs more commonly in patients with darker skin complexions) [1]Clinical manifestationsIn general, acne is limited to the parts of the body, which have the largest and most abundant sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, upper back and upper arms. Among dermatologists, it is almost universally accepted that the clinical manifestation of acne vulgaris is the result of four essential processes as described below [1, 6],1. Increased sebum production in the pilosebaceous follicle. Sebum is the lipid-rich secretion product of sebaceous glands, which has a central role in the development of acne and also provides a growth medium for Propionibacterium acnes (P acnes), an anaerobic bacterium which is a normal constituent of the skin flora. Compared with unaffected individuals, people with acne have higher rates of sebum production. Apart from this, the severity of acne is often proportional to the amount of sebum produced [1, 6]. 2. Abnormal follicular differentiation, which is the earliest structural change in the pilosebaceous unit in acne vulgaris [1].3. Colonisation of serum-rich obstructed follicle with Propionibacterium acnes (P acnes). P acnes is an anaerobic bacterium which is a normal constituent of the skin flora and which populates the androgen-stimulated sebaceous follicle [androgen is a steroid hormone such as testosterone or androsterone, that controls the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics]. Individuals with acne have higher counts of P acnes compared with those without acne [1, 6].4. Inflammation. This is a direct or indirect result of the rapid and excessive increase of P acnes [1]. Non-inflammatory acne lesions include open and closed comedones, which are thickened secretions plugging a duct of the skin, particularly sebaceous glands. Open comedones, also known as blackheads, “appear as flat or slightly raised brown to black plugs that distend the follicular orifices”. Closed comedones, also known as whiteheads, “appear as whitish to flesh-coloured papules with an apparently closed overlying surface” [1]. Inflammatory lesions on the other hand include papules, pustules, and nodules; papules and pustules “result from superficial or deep inflammation associated with microscopic rupture of comedones”. Nodules are large, deep-seated abscesses, which when palpated may be compressible. In addition to the typical lesions in acne, other features may also be present. These include scarring and hyperpigmentation, which can result in substantial disfigurement [1].Psychological AspectsNumerous psychological problems such as diminished self-esteem, social embarrassment, social withdrawal, depression and even unemployment stem from acne. However, differential diagnosis from a psychosomatic point of view indicates two serious psychological problems, which can arise from acne. These are,1. Psychogenic excoriation, and 2. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)Psychogenic excoriation also referred to as neurotic excoriation, pathological or compulsive skin picking “is characterised by excessive scratching or picking of normal skin or skin with minor irregularities” [5]. According to Niemeier et al (2006) it is estimated to occur in 2% of dermatological patients. Patients with this disorder can also have psychiatric disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, as well as associated disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, substance abuse disorder, obsessive compulsive personality disorder, compulsive buying, eating disorder, and borderline personality disorder, to mention a few [5]. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) “is a condition characterised by an extreme level of dissatisfaction or preoccupation with a normal appearance that causes disruption in daily functioning” [3]. Niemeier et al (2006) described it as “a syndrome characterised by distress, secondary to imagined or minor defects in one’s appearance.” The onset of BDD is usually during adolescence, and it occurs equally in both male and female. Common areas of concern include the skin, hair and nose, with acne being one of the most common concerns with BDD patients [3].According to the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders (2000), BDD has three diagnostic criteria,1. A preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance; where a slight physical anomaly is present, the person’s concern is markedly excessive,2. The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning,3. The preoccupation is not caused by another mental disorder (e.g. Anorexia Nervosa)Characteristic behaviours include skin picking, mirror checking, and camouflaging by wearing a hat or excessive make up. Apart from these, patients often seek reassurance frequently by asking questions such as “Can you see this pimple?” or “Does my skin look okay?” Some patients also have a tendency to doctor shop, which is essentially going from one specialist to another in search of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, willing to carry out a desired procedure or dispense a certain drug, to improve their perceived defect [3, 5].Although it is a relatively common disease, BDD is still an under diagnosed psychiatric disorder and is estimated to affect 0.7 to 5% of the general population. Other psychiatric conditions associated with BDD include major depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder. It is also associated with high rates of functional impairment and suicide attempts, high levels of perceived stress, and markedly poor quality of life [3, 5, 8]. Acne Treatment1. Topical treatment, particularly for individuals with non-inflammatory comedones or mild to moderate inflammatory acne (See types of acne vulgaris). Medications include tretinoin (available as gels, creams, and solutions), adapalene gel, salicylic acid (available as solutions, cleansers, and soaps), isotretinoin gel, azelaic acid cream, benzoyl peroxide (available as gels, lotions, creams, soaps, and washes), to mention a few [1, 2].2. Oral treatment, particularly for acne that is resistant to topical treatment or which manifests as scarring or nodular lesions. Medications include oral antibiotics (e.g. tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, and co-trimoxazole), oral isotretinoin, and hormonal agents (e.g. oral contraception, oral corticosteroid, cyproterone acetate, or spironolactone) [1, 2].3. Physical or surgical methods of treatment, which are sometimes useful as adjuvant to medical therapy. Methods include comedo extraction, intralesional injections of corticosteroids, dermabrasion, chemical peeling, and collagen injections, to mention a few [1, 9].4. Sun exposure, reported by up to 70% of patients to have a beneficial effect on acne [10].5. Light therapy, which is becoming more popular due to the growing demand for a convenient, low risk and effective therapy, as many patients fail to respond adequately to treatment or develop side effects, from the use of various oral and topical treatments available for the treatment of acne [11]. Methods include the use of visible light (e.g. blue light, blue/red light combinations, yellow light, and green light), laser treatment and monopolar radiofrequency [11]. Many of these light therapy treatments can be used at home.Recommended Products for AcneReferences1. Brown SK, Shalita AR. Acne vulgaris. Lancet 1998; 351:1871-1876.2. Webster GF. Acne vulgaris. Br Med J 2002; 325: 475-479.3. Bowe WP et al. Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms among patients with acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 2007; DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2007.03.030.4. Rzany B, Kahl C. Epidemiology of acne vulgaris. JDDG 2006; DOI: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2006.05876.x5. Niemeier V, Kupfer J, Gieler U. Acne vulgaris-Psychosomatic aspects. JDDG 2006; DOI: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2006.06110.x6. Gollnick H. Current perspectives on the treatment of acne vulgaris and implications for future directions. Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2001; 15 (Suppl. 3):1-4.7. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th Ed. Accessed via: BehaveNet® Clinical CapsuleTM; http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/bodydysdis.htm. Accessed on: 28th June 2007.8. Phillips KA et al. A retrospective follow-up study of body dysmorphic disorder. Comprehensive Psychiatry 2005; 46: 315-321.9. Taub AF. Procedural treatments of acne vulgaris. Dermatol Surg 2007; 33: 1-22.10. Cunliffe WJ, Goulden V. Phototherapy and acne vulgaris.Br J Dermatol 2000; 142 (5): 855-856.11. Dierickx CC. Lasers, Light and Radiofrequency for treatment of acne. Med Laser Appl 2004; 19: 196-204.DisclaimerThis article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be a medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Kindly follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

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Cystic acne – how to clean your acne skin

Oct 7

Posted by Mike in Acne | No Comments

In order to get rid of cystic acne you should adhere to strict cleansing. That is my best advice. Wash, wash, and wash your face. If you have blackheads, it means dirt is trapped, if you have cystic acne it means bacteria are trapped. And an oily face traps more dirt in so wash the oil away every night before you sleep and don’t think using harsh soaps will help. If you are naturally oily, the drier your skin is the more oil it will produce to counter react the dryness.

Use the Glycerin and Oat facial wash from Body Shop. It cleans your cystic acne face squeaky clean with leaving it dry. You can also use a good toner from Body Shop because you want to keep your pores close and not open to prevent dirt from getting in. Do not use a scrub. You will over activate your glands and have more breakouts. I believe at this point your skin is very sensitive but you may use a weekly masque (peel off or wash off masque) for deep cleansing.

During the day use oil blotters to ‘eat ‘ up the oil on your face. This works wonderfully if you can’t wash your face while you are outside. You can also use other products in pharmacies to dry up pimples while you sleep at night.

Learn to relax. That is a vital factor in your healing. The more you worry, the worse it gets believe me. I have been there done that. I have had acne for 10 years since I was 16 and now it has finally cleared up. Once your skin clears too, you can start using products with glycolic acid (Neo Strata) to peel away the old skin and scars to reveal newer skin. But do not do anything drastically. This will take time. You have to make sure your cystic acne problem clears before you use this as it can make you scar if you use it wrongly. You have had cystic acne for a long time, be prepared to spend the next 6-8 months in healing it. I wish you all the best.

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A Guide To The Most Popular Acne Treatments

Oct 6

Posted by Mike in Acne | No Comments

Everyone knows how irritating and embarrassing acne and breakouts can be. While there are a variety of treatments, but it can be hard to find the best acne treatment for you. Some of the most popular treatments include bactericidal, natural acne treatments, and hormonal therapy. Keep reading to learn more about the most common types of acne treatments. The most popular method of treating acne is the use of a topical bactericidal. These are widely available and contain a chemical known as benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is oxidizer-essentially mild bleach. It works as a keratolytic, dissolving the keratin that causes blocked skin pores. Also, this medicine helps prevent new breakouts from happening. Topical bactericidals are found in either an ointment form or as a wash. Ointments should be applied to the affected area twice daily. Don’t overuse either form, as this could cause dry and irritated skin. If you’re one who wants to try a more natural or homemade acne treatment, you will be pleased to know that there are a variety of natural remedies that can aid in the treatment of acne. Some of the most popular include Tea Tree Oil and Witch Hazel. Tea tree oil is an anti-bacterial oil produced from the leaves of an Australian shrub called Melaleuca Alternifolia. Just put a bit on a cotton swab and dab at the affected areas. It will leave your skin tingling with a cool, fresh sensation. Witch hazel is a great natural astringent to use even if you have sensitive skin. It’s very soft and won’t strip your skin’s moisture. You can also try other natural oils, such as Bergamot and Lavender oils, which are also natural anti-bacterial drying agents. And for those of you who have oily skin, you can use rosewood oil to reduce the amount of sebum (natural oil) your skin produces. For females, hormonal treatment for acne is also an option. Balancing hormone levels can reduce the frequency and intensity of outbreaks. Birth control pills often reduce acne due to the combination of controlled estrogen and progestogen. They are particularly effective when high levels of androgens are detected in the blood. Contraceptives, however, have many side effects. They should not be taken without the guidance of a physician to make sure the type of pill is a good match for you. Out of all the acne treatments available, bactericidals are definitely the most widely used. However, the amount of people who are trying natural acne remedies is increasing all the time. Finding the right acne treatment product is really just a system of trial and error. Just hang in there and you’re sure to find a treatment that works for you!

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Looking To Naturally Treat Your Acne? Look At These Tips!

Oct 6

Posted by Mike in Acne | No Comments

Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that acne is a common condition that almost everyone has to deal with at some point in their life. Teenagers and young adults have a particular struggle with acne, as hormones and stress are especially common during those ages, which produces acne breakouts. So, are you currently dealing with acne? If so, you may have tried several popular (and expensive!) store-bought treatments, but you might find that you can get great results from natural acne treatments. This article is going to talk about some effective all-natural remedies you can try. Of course, acne always pops up at the worst times, although we’re not so sure there ever is a good time to have acne! But for those last-minute, emergency treatments, there are a few things you can try without having to run to the store and shell out for an expensive name-brand product. The first all natural acne treatment is found in almost every bathroom, but the thought of putting toothpaste on your face could seem a bit…odd. That’s right—toothpaste! Put a generous amount of toothpaste on each pimple right before bed. The toothpaste will help dry up the excess oil and greatly reduce redness while you sleep. Of course you can put toothpaste on your acne in the day time, just make sure you’re able to leave it on for a while so that it has plenty of time to soak up the excess moisture from the pimple. A good tip for those red pimples is to apply a bit of Visine eye drops. It won’t treat the pimple, but it will get rid of the redness. Did you know that Neosporin could help you? Neosporin is an antibiotic that will kill the bacteria in the area you apply it to. Before bedtime, you should apply it to the acne in order to cause it to have a short life span. Honey is something that has natural antibacterial properties in it and it is perfect to use in the homemade acne treatment. In the end, some of the other types of homemade acne remedies you could use consists of baking soda, garlic, ice cubes, crushed aspirin (our favorite to use), potatoes and much more.

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