Introduction:

Acne is a skin disorder. Acne Vulgaris is the medical term for common Acne. Blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes, pimples, zits, red spots are other terms used for Acne. In simple terms, Acne is skin inflammation. Acne can be mild or severe.

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Causes:

Acne is the outcome of a complex mix of many factors. The related factors are blockage of external skin pores, hormonal changes at the time of puberty, secretion of excessive oil in the skin, hormonal imbalance, high stress levels, medications, heredity, vitamin deficiency and oil based cosmetics. The combined effect of these factors causes pimples, whiteheads and blackheads associated with acne. Any areas of the skin, which contain largest number of oil glands, are considered to be more susceptible to acne.

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Types of Acne:

Newborn Acne/Baby acne: It isn’t just the teens but even newborns may develop acne. Reasons could be certain hormones passed to the newborn through the placenta, or an increase in release of hormones due to stress of birth. Newborns usually develop only whiteheads. There is no need of treatment for newborn acne as they usually go away without treatment.

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Infantile Acne:

Toddlers as young as 3 months to 16 months are likely to develop infantile acne. Infantile acne could be the result of hormonal changes related to childbirth. Infants affected with infantile acne generally have yellow papules on the face or may also develop blackheads, whiteheads and pustules. Like newborn acne, infantile acne also requires no treatment and goes away within a few months of its eruption. It has been observed that in some cases, toddlers with infantile acne are most likely to develop severe acne during their teen years.

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Acne Vulgaris:

Teens and adults between the ages of 12 to 40 are most likely to get affected by Acne Vulgaris. Rise in hormone levels during puberty, hormonal changes during pregnancy or throughout the menstrual cycle, use of oil-based cosmetics are most likely to result in acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris can be effectively treated using topical and oral medications.

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Acne conglobata (cystic acne):

Acne conglobata is a severe and rare form of cystic acne, which may long as long as 20 years. Acne conglobata usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 30. There are various triggers recognized to be associated with Acne conglobata. This includes stopping a course of testosterone, exposure to halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons or ingestion of halogens (thyroid medications, hypnotic agents), androgens and anabolic steroids. Acne conglobata can cause severe damage to the skin and often leave severe scars.

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Acne fulminans:

Also known as acne maligna, acne fulminans commonly affects adolescent boys. Acne fulminan is a severe form of acne conglobata. Oral steroids and medications are available to help reduce severity of acne fulminan. Acne fulminan can cause severe damage to the skin and often leave severe scars.

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Symptoms:

A few red spots on the face indicate a milder form of acne. Hundreds of pimples in the face, neck, chest and back area indicate a severe form of acne. Acne cysts are bigger and solid and can be painful. The most common area for acne is the face. Besides the face, Acne can occur on many other areas of the human body. Acne can occur at the upper back, lower back, the shoulder area, the buttocks and the chest portion as well.

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Diagnosis & Tests:

Dermatologists diagnose the severity of acne by simple visual inspection. Acne is also self-diagnosable.

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Treatments available:

Treatment of Acne is largely dependent on the type of acne and severity of the problem. Mild Acne treatment option includes gentle cleansing with a mild soap, applying benzoyl peroxide or applying salicylic acid. If the condition persists, you may want to see your doctor. Moderate to severe acne treatment options include applying benzoyl peroxide, draining of large pimples and cysts by a health professional, applying prescription antibiotic gels, creams or lotions, applying retinoids, azelaic acid, taking oral antibiotics and taking oral retinoids. Check with your dermatologist the dos and don’ts that can help fight acne and improve your skin condition.

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Ways to cope with Acne:

You are not alone. Acne is the most common skin disease in the United States. Acne affects almost all individuals at some point of time in their life. All types of acne are treatable. Use these tips to cope with acne.

• Don’t postpone seeking professional help.
• Before acne worsens, resolve to consult a dermatologist.
• Follow instructions provided by your dermatologist.
• Be consistent in using medications prescribed.
• Know your skin type and care for it daily.
• Keep skin pores clean and clear.
• Wash your face few times a day.
• Avoid touching and picking acne.
• Keep stress at bay. Relax and don’t stress out.
• Exercise well as it allows body to sweat out toxins and impurities.
• Be careful in choosing skin care products.
• Don’t always think about acne and let it affect you emotionally.
• Focus on matters that helps boost self-esteem and self-confidence.

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Ways to prevent Acne:

The best way to prevent acne is by removing the factors that may result in acne. Use these tips to prevent acne.

• Know your skin and select the right skin care products.
• Always choose natural skin care products
• Avoid chemical skin care products.
• Every time you wash face, use a clean cloth to wipe face.
• Drink lots of water.
• Consume substantial amount of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Keep away from chemical additives.
• Avoid touching acne.
• Never squeeze or pop pimples.
• Don’t pick at your skin.
• Prefer breathable fabrics like cotton.
• Keep yourself fresh and clean.
• Reduce stress.
• Sleep well.
• Don’t smoke.

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Medicines available at IDM:

A variety of prescription medications are available for acne treatment at www.internationaldrugmart.com. Buy acne treatment medications Accutane (Isotretinoin), Avita (Tretinoin), Azelex (Azelaic acid), Benzac-W (Benzoyl Peroxide), Clindagel (Clindamycin), Doryx (Doxycycline), Eryc (Erythromycin), Differin (Adapalene), E-mycin (Erythromycin), Panoxyl (Benzoyl peroxide), A-T-S (Erythromycin), Ilosone (Erythromycin), P.C.E (Erythromycin), Sumycin (Tetracycline), Renova (Tretinoin) and make incredible savings.

Back to top^ Self-care:

Here are few simple, effective acne self-care tips that can reduce acne breakouts and control future breakouts.

• Limit usage of certain medications and cosmetics, which can lead to acne breakouts.
• Choose water-based cosmetics. Avoid oil-free and hypoallergenic cosmetics.
• Avoid foods you know is not suitable for your health.
• Use acne prevention soaps for neck, chest and back
• Use cleanser or facial washes suitable for your skin type twice daily.
• Use facial wipes to remove excess oil and prevent clogging of pores.
• Improve blood circulation. Exercise regularly.
• After exercise, always shower.
• Check with doctor if vitamin intake can decreases chances of acne.
• Protect skin from the harsh rays of sun. Use a sun block with SPF.
• Find effective ways to de-stress
• Strengthen immune system. Get enough sleep.