What Is Acne?
Acne is a disorder of the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands) that results in plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring, permanent scarring, which can be upsetting for people who suffer from the disorder
Pimples (acne) are the result of over activity of the oil glands, which are located at the base of the hair follicles, especially on the face, back, chest, and shoulders.
When these oil glands become plugged up, the overactive oil glands become red and inflamed. There are many theories about acne, many of which are myths! Scientific research seems to indicate that there are four key factors involved in the acne process:
- Natural hormones that are produced by the body throughout life undergo a drastic increase during the teen years. These hormones carry out many healthy jobs in the body of a rapidly developing teen. However, they also cause the oil glands to become overactive.
- Family background or heredity plays a very important role as well. If many members of a teenager's family had or now have acne, it is likely that the problem of oily skin has been inherited and the teen's skin will be more sensitive than most people's to the effects of the hormones generated by the body.
- Cells that line the oil glands or pores are present in unusually large numbers, they tend to stick together, clogging the openings to the pores. These "plugs" can be plain white (whiteheads) or if they contain mixtures of skin cells plus skin pigment, they can be darker in color (blackheads).
- Infection of the oil glands. Bacteria thrive on this oil, growing readily beneath the skin cells and leading to infection. This produces redness and pus formation (the classic "pimple"), or in more serious cases, the infection spreads into deeper skin layers and causes cysts. Cystic acne is a deeper infection of the skin and is more likely to lead to permanent scarring.
Treatments
There are currently available very effective over-the-counter medications previously available only by prescription.
Benzoyl Peroxides
Benzoylperoxide is a common anti-acne treatment which helps to shed off skin and decrease the oiliness and bacteriea on the skin.
It is found in products such as PanOxyl Aqueous 5% Gel
The gel form, in the lower 5% strength is generally recommended for initial use. The gel is applied to all affected areas, (including those problem areas which may be forgotten, such as the chest, shoulders, and back!) once daily. Covering the entire area where pimples occur and not limiting application to existing pimples is advised. Frequency of use can be increased to twice a day after a week or so if the skin is not too red or dry. It should be noted that some peeling and dryness is supposed to occur with use of the benzoyl peroxides.
Topical antibiotics such as Topical clindamycin which is marketed as Dalacin-T or Cleocin-T
Dalacin-T or Cleocin-T should be applied to the affected area twice a day after the skin is thoroughly washed with warm water and soap and patted dry. Acne lesions of the face, neck, shoulder, chest, and back may be treated in this manner. However, be careful to keep the antibiotics from the eyes, nose, mouth, and other mucous membranes.
Tretinoin (Retin-A)
Retin-A became available in the United States in 1972. It helps open pores, and its ability to loosen and remove comedones remains unsurpassed.
The preparation is usually reserved for severe acne and may be too drying for mild cases. The quantity of tretinoin applied may be gradually increased as tolerated, and ultimately twice-daily applications may be appropriate. During the initial 4 to 6 weeks of therapy, it is not uncommon to see redness and scaliness of the skin. Stay away from sunlight when using Tretinoin.
Azelaic acid which is also known as Skinoren or Azelex
Azelaic Acid is a compound that functions as an antibacterial agent; it also normalizes the keratinization process and may be anti-inflammatory. Studies suggest that this well-tolerated preparation is as effective as tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, oral tetracycline, and topical clindamycin. The manufacturer recommends that the 20% cream be applied twice daily.
Adapalene which is marketed as Differin 0.1% Gel
Differin is a synthetic retinoid analogue. And is available in a 0.1% concentrated gel formulation, it functions in a manner similar to that of tretinoin but demonstrates greater effectiveness.
Differin may show quicker improvement in reducing the number and severity of acne lesions, however, as much as 40% of patients could experience various degrees of skin irritation, including erythema, scaling, dryness and burning.
|
