Acne
Posted on 17 November, 2009 | No Comments
Around 80% of teenagers get some form of acne. Here are the facts and details of treatments. Acne can appear as spots and painful bumps on the skin, noticeably on the face, even on the back, shoulders and buttocks. Severe acne can cause scarring.
Acne causes mostly because of the way skin reacts to hormonal changes. There are different kinds of spots:
- Blackheads -small, blocked pores.
- Whiteheads-small, hard bumps with a white centre.
- Pustules-spots with a lot of pus visible.
- Nodules- hard, painful lumps under the skin.
Inflammatory acne can cause by picking or squeezing spots. The skin can be red and swollen, and this needs to be treated early in order to help prevent scarring. In women acne can be worst during times of stress and can be affected by her menstrual cycle. Also, some people may find that certain foods make the condition worse.
Treatments
Acne usually goes away on its own, but it can take many years. Over-the-counter treatments may help with mild acne that consists of whiteheads and blackheads. Gels or lotions that contain retinoids (vitamin A), adapalene is prescribed. This will slow down the growth of skin cells, or benzoyl peroxide, which is antibacterial.
Mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne consists some pustules and nodules. Treatment for this can include gels with benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid (which stops the growth of bacteria), also antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics. This can be taken up to eight weeks before you see a difference in your skin, and treatment can be continued for six months if needed.
Contraceptive pills contain oestrogen which also help clear acne in women.