As with many areas of medicine, the causes of acne are not fully understood although there are several aspects of the condition which have been well research and about which we do have a pretty good idea.For example, we know that acne is associated with both hormones and sebum. Acne will strike about eighty-five percent of all teenagers and this is a time in our lives when our hormone levels rise dramatically and when androgen levels increase in both girls and boys.
We also know that the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum (the natural oil which is found in hair follicles) are also stimulated at this time, especially on the face, neck, chest and back. Now the fact that we produce excessive sebum is not in itself a real problem, as long as this excess oil is allowed to escape to the surface of the skin where it can be simply washed off with soap and water. In this case it may cause a very slight problem and produce some blackheads, but it is otherwise quite harmless. However, if the pores of the skin become clogged so that this excess oil cannot escape then problems can begin to develop.The build-up of excess oil will result in pressure which can cause follicles to rupture and an ideal environment is created for bacteria to grow. Now, excess oil, dead skin cells, bacteria and white blood cells all combine to produce the inflammation and pus which we know as acne.We also know that certain drugs can also play a part in the development of acne and this is especially true of barbiturates. Anabolic steroids have also been well researches and are known to contribute significantly to the problem of acne. These drugs, and indeed drugs in general, should not be taken other than for a specific medical purpose in order to avoid aggravating problems with acne.Heredity is also know to play a part in acne although, as yet, we are not really sure just how significant a part it plays and this is one area which is still under active research. Nevertheless, statistics do clearly show that acne runs in families and the question is whether this is the result of genetics or results from such things as diet or other factors which may be common within a family.
Having mentioned diet this too, along with skin care, is another important factor when it comes to acne. These are however relatively minor factors and the old myth about acne being caused by eating chocolate has thankfully been put to bed now. A poor diet can however lead to poor skin conditioning and when we then add in inadequate skin care this can contribute to acne. More important however in the case of food, are those foods which stimulate the production of sebum or affect the levels of certain hormones.Of course there is little that we can do about such things as heredity and we will all have to pass through the teenage years so there is a pretty fair chance that most of us will suffer from acne.
We can however choose our diet and take care of our skin and in both of these respects, if we cannot stop an acne attack
ProactiveAcneCreamTreatment.com covers all aspects of acne treatment including natural comedonal acne treatment and using steam for acne
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Understanding Just What Causes Acne
How to Get Rid of Acne – Diet for Acne
Diet plays a significant role to get rid of acne naturally. When treating acne, always keep in mind that you are looking for long-term solution and not just a one-time solution for existing acne. Acne is a skin condition that can recur if it is not treated properly. You want to have a skin care system that not only help you to get rid of acne but also is capable of preventing new ones from forming.If you are looking for how to get rid of acne, this article has covered the do’s and don’t to help you cure your acne. Stress, Anxiety, Soft drinks, Chocolates, Poor sleep, Dry skin, Sun cream, excess hot or cold water, moisturizer and Fast foods are the main reasons for appearance of acne. Proper diet is the most important factor for acne cure. If you are taking unhealthy diet it will be reflected in your skin. Acne occurs when the natural oils of the skin gets clogged in the pores. Acne is common in the onset of puberty when the body starts to produce hormones. A simple diet can cure acne naturally.
Eating fiber-rich foods like fruit, vegetables and cereals help to clean out your digestive tract.Fried food, animal food, dairy food, sugar, tea or coffee, white flower, hydrogenated fats and alcohol is not good for skin. If you are really looking for natural treatment for acne, you have to change your diet. Below are some do’s and don’t to get rid of acne:Do- Take proper sleep – It will reduce your stress, which can control your hormone levels and increase the body ability to fight against skin condition and diseases - Remove your entire make up at bed time- Use normal temperature water for face wash- If your skin is dry you have to be more careful in selecting the sun creamDon’t- Fast food like burgers, chips, oily foods must be avoided- Chocolates are very high in sugar and fat. They can be harmful for your acne- Soft drinks
Know more natural Home remedies for acne. You can also find home remedies for all other common ailments at www.home-remedies-guide.com
Embarrassed by Acne - Teen Acne Information
Teenage or adolescence is the convergence of childhood and adulthood. In this period the mental growth is still incomplete and the maturity level is yet unattained. Also it is that period of life where people stress on beauty and external appearance more than anything else. Acceptance in peer group becomes an important aspect; socializing with people outside family is a common tendency of the developing young adult. In this scenario, if a serious damage in the overall appearance comes in between then it might result in a substantial source of embarrassment. The consequence of this event is not as simple or easy as it sounds since it could exert a massive injury to the person’s self-confidence by heightening the level of frustration to an extreme degree. Nevertheless, this adverse impact of acne vulgaris is not atypical to teens and young adults.
People embarrassed by acne must learn to take it easy. Acne is a very common skin disease and in spite of the fact that there is no permanent cure as yet, it is could be successfully controlled and medically prevented; even the scars could be fixed with innumerable modern medicinal and surgical options within one’s reach. A victim, embarrassed by acne, also feels ashamed of the repulsive appearance and subsequently develops a feeling of shyness due to which one prefers to be alone instead of discussing the problem with anyone, not even a physician. This is why their acne problems remain untreated and the reactions are often misinterpreted.
If a person is embarrassed by acne, he or she should never be left alone with their illogical fear, and frustrating thoughts. Parents of teen or adolescent acne victims must always be informed of what is cooking in their minds. Any sort of underestimation about their problem expressed in the behavior of parents or other concerned persons might lead them feel deserted and misinterpreted. It is not so easy to rationalize things to an adolescent as compared with an adult person. Still, attempts must be taken so that they start believing in the importance of matters other than outward appearance. Get help of professional psychological assistance if you feel that things are going out of hand. Besides, they also must be convinced about the trustworthiness of new advancements in medical science so that they could break the barrier of shyness and approach for proper dermatological advice and treatment. Ridicule or harsh comments on their abnormal behavior or unpleasant look might invite greater danger
Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.healthatoz.info/, http://www.health-disease.org/ and http://www.health-care-articles.info/ .
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Blue Light Acne Treatment – The New Way To Treat Mild Acne
With the recent FDA approval of the use of blue light therapy, and the fact that ultra violet light is no longer used in blue light therapy, a new and improved form of acne treatment has stormed onto the scene. Blue light acne treatment has never been safer and more effective.
How does it work?
Blue light acne treatment works by killing acne causing bacteria, the P acnes. It is also being used to treat inflammatory acne vulgaris in some cases. Patients receive the blue light acne treatment is increments. It is normally an 8 session treatment period that is usually broken down to twice a week treatments. The sessions last approximately 15 minutes. When treating acne vulgaris the blue light may be used in conjunction with aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the acne problem.
What are the side effects of blue light acne treatment?
There are very few side effects associated with blue light therapy, and the side effects that are present in some are very mild. Side effects include some temporary pigment changesHealth Fitness Articles, some swelling and also dryness of the skin in the treated areas. The blue light treatments are very gentle and do not harm surrounding tissues in any way.
What are the expected results from the blue light acne treatment?
After routine treatments of about 2 to 4 weeks the majority of patients have reported a reduction in the amount of acne that is present. When used in conjunction with ALA it will provide a long term solution to overactive sebaceous glands. The normal results are a 60% reduction after 4 weeks of treatment.
Blue light therapy can also be used in conjunction with red light therapy. The red light promotes faster healing of the skin. It has been reported that healing occurs up to 200% faster when blue and red light treatments are used combined. Blue and Red light therapy is effective for about 86% of people. This treatment has been effective for about 86% of people being treated.
Blue light acne treatment is available from a dermatologist and the procedure performed in their clinics. Blue light acne treatment can be purchased for home use but it is recommended that a dermatologist oversee its use.
To read about other acne treatment, including laser acne treatments visit http://acne-treatment.datafeet.com.
Cystic Acne Treatment - Dealing with Cystic Acne
The cyst resembles a nodule except in that the cyst is filled with pus, with a diameter of at least 5 mm. Compared with other pimples, cysts form deeper in the skin. They are usually painful and give rise to scars. To avoid scar formation, therefore, it is necessary to treat cystic acne.Warning About SqueezingOften there is a nonsensical belief that squeezing an acne cyst will root out the problem at that spot. On the contrary, squeezing can result in an even deeper infection, resulting in more pain and inflammation that will be felt longer. It can also cause the development of more cysts.Vulnerable AgeThe adolescent years, the teens, are the most vulnerable for cystic acne to appear. In this age the condition is most severe. But it does affect adults and appears in forms called adult acne, hormonal acne, or body acne.
TreatmentTo prevent the formation of additional cysts and scars, cystic acne must be treated early as it develops. In severe cases, the dermatologist may drain the lesions, prescribing antibiotics to take for destroying the bacteria. Alternatively, cortisone may be injected into the cysts to reduce the inflammation.Many dermatologists prescribe Accutane when acne gets severe. However, this drug is not suggested for pregnant women and even for those women who are to undergo pregnancy in near future. Accutane has also been reported to induce a depressive effect in young men.AcnEase is a famous herbal remedy for cystic acne that remedies the condition without any external ointments for drying and irritating.
It also has no serious adverse effects like that of Accutane and is recommended for both adults and adolescents. In women, its use has shown satisfactory results. It has also been successful in individuals whose cystic acne was not treated effectively by Accutane.AcnEase not only prevents new acne cysyts but ensures the healthy regeneration of skinArticle Search, thus curbing the threat of scarring.
Read out for Get rid of blackheads. Check out skin diseases and makeup tips.
What Grade of Acne Are You Suffering From Now?
Understanding the grade of your acne problem is instrumental in deciding the course of treatment and products that will be most effective for it. If you have a mild case of acne, sometimes over the shelf products are enough to help you curb it. But if you have a very severe case of acne, it is best to schedule at least a visit to the dermatologist for professional advice.
MILD ACNE
In mild acne, the degree of inflammation is minimal, with mainly comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). Small pimples may appear at times, in small numbers. The risk of scarring in mild acne is low. This type of acne is common in adolescents and adults, especially at areas on the nose and forehead. You can usually self-treat mild acne with topical medications easily bought over the counter.
MODERATE ACNE
In moderate acne, the degree of inflammation is more intense. There will be more blackheads and whiteheads and increased oiliness of the skin observed. Papules (small reddish bumps) and pustules (small bumps filled with pus) will appear more frequently. The risk of scarring increases with the degree of inflammation. You may also see other areas of your face or body affected with acne. For men, they may find breakouts at the chest or back. For women, breakouts will usually appear at the cheeks, chin and jaw line areas.
SEVERE ACNE
In severe acne, the intensity of inflammation increases and extends deep into the skin. Papules and pustules will develop in greater numbers and nodules will appear. The inflamed nodules tend to be painful and often discharge pus. Over the counter creams are generally ineffective against severe acne. Acne will affect other areas of the body such as the chest, shoulders, neck and back. The chances of scarring get higher as the inflammation worsens.
Due to fluctuations in your hormones and other acne aggravating factors, the grading of your acne may get more severe especially if you leave it untreated. Be proactiveBusiness Management Articles, and seek help as soon as you find your acne condition worsening!
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Acne Treatment Depends Upon The Type Of Acne You Have
Before you can treat your acne it is vital to know just what sort of acne you have because, despite what many of us think, acne can be more than a simple case of spots caused by trapped skin oil (sebum), dead skin cells, white blood cells and bacteria.Acne is often classified by grade starting with grade I which includes mild, non-inflamed forms of acne such as blackheads and whiteheads. From here we move to grade II acne which involves cases of acne with a large number of blackheads and whiteheads and generally also includes papules or pustules which are mildly inflamed. A papule is a small lesions, or break in the skin, which appears as a bump that rises above the surface of the skin and is normally smaller than about 5 mm across.
A pustule is very similar to a papule but is pus-filled and contains a mixture of dead skin cells, white blood cells and bacteria.Next on the scale come grade III acne which is simply a more severe case of grade II acne in which the papules or pustules are red, larger and more numerous.Finally, we come to grade IV acne which is the most severe case of acne and includes nodules and cysts. Inflammation in the case of grade IV acne is normally wide spread and grade IV acne generally encompasses more than simply the face.Grade I acne, which includes the common form of mild acne known as acne vulgaris, is not normally difficult to treat and can generally be cleared up with over-the-counter medications.A more severe form of acne is acne congoblata which is characterized by heavy inflammation and deep abscesses which can frequently result in scarring and other forms of skin damage. Inflamed and often painful nodules form around comedones (a medical term for mild acne spots) and will often grow until they spontaneously discharge pus.
This type of acne can often result in keloid-type scarring.Acne fulminans is another form of acne in which nodules will often ulcerate, resulting in a painful and recurrent form of acne. Sufferers can also sometimes run a fever and experience aching joints and treatment with corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is normally required. Such drug treatments are however designed to treat the symptoms of this form of acne and not its underlying cause.Continuing on up the scale some people will develop nodulocystic acne. Unusual cysts (red bumps caused by severe inflammation) form and occasionally they become so numerous and appear close enough together to create a fairly large area of inflammation. Nodulocystic acne can form small tunnels below the surface of the skin allowing infection to spread easily and quickly. This form of acne is generally treated using antibiotics and a commonly used drug treatment is isotretinoin, which many people will know by the name of Accutane.Finally, we come to gram-negative folliculitis which occurs when hair follicles become infected. Bacteria growing at the base of a hair follicle cause the body to respond by sending white blood cells to fight the infection and this can occasionally result in a deep eruption which requires special treatment. This particular form of acne is often resistant to treatment with antibiotics and indeed the condition can sometimes by causes by using antibiotics to treat other forms of acne.
Although extremely common, acne is not the simple condition which many of us have always thought it to be and it is not always a simple case of buying a cream from the corner drugstore to treat it. So, as soon as acne appears pop along to your doctor, or better still a professional dermatologist, and get a diagnosis so that you can knock it on the head with the correct treatment right from the outset.
ProactiveAcneCreamTreatment.com covers all aspects of acne from using a simple natural clay mask acne treatment to the best treatments for cystic acne
