Acne
(Acne vulgaris) is a common inflammatory skin condition characterised by
outbreaks of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and cysts. It affects the areas of
skin with the densest population of oil glands (sebaceous follicles) - the
face, the upper part of the chest, and the back. It is common in teenagers and
normally tends to clear up after puberty, though the pimples can leave scars.
The main effects of acne are
psychological, as it usually appears during adolescence, when people already
tend to be most socially insecure.
In
older people acne is uncommon, and is sometimes confused with rosacea.
Symptoms:
1.
Pimples
(Pustules).
2.
Seborrhoea
(Areas of scaly red skin).
3.
Blackheads,
whiteheads, pinheads (papules), nodules.
4.
Scarring
(in more severe cases).
Causes:
Acne
is most common at puberty because the surge of hormones at this time stimulates
the sebaceous (oil-producing glands) in the skin and makes them prone to
blockages and infection. In adolescence, acne is usually caused by an increase
in testosterone that occurs in both males and females at this time. The
testosterone is associated with an enlargement of the sebaceous glands and an
increase in sebum (waxy oil) production. Several hormones have been linked to
acne, including those that change around puberty and menstrual cycles. Taking
pharmaceutical anabolic steroids (which mimic testosterone) can also cause
acne.
In adult women, polycystic ovary
syndrome may cause acne.
1. Stress.
(Some
research has shown that stress can trigger acne. The psychological effects of
acne can also cause stress for some people, so it can be self-perpetuating)
2.
Bacterial infection. (A healthy skin
contains and needs many different bacteria. In the case of acne, some bacteria
take advantage of blocked follicles / glands and multiply)
3. Sugar.
(A
high sugar diet is associated with acne)
4. Milk.
(Dairy
products can cause acne)
5. Oily
processed foods.
6. Constipation.
7. Oil-based
cosmetics.
8. Lack
of fresh vegetables and fruit.
9. Dehydration.
Treatments:
Do not touch the pimples or
affected areas. It is easy to spread a bacterial infection. Be aware if you
have the habit of touching your face absent-mindedly. Gently wash affected
areas twice a day with lukewarm water and a mild soap. Keep your hair off your
face.
1.
Antiseptics.
Benzoyl
peroxide may be used to clean the affected skin and reduce the bacteria. In
more severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed. Tea tree oil is a natural
antibiotic and anti-inflammatory that has been used with some success, and is
better than benzoyl peroxide and does not have the drying side-effect.
2.
Hormones.
For
women, the hormones (oestrogen / progesterone) may be used to treat acne.
Sometimes hormonal contraceptives have a beneficial effect too.
3.
Retinoids.
Some
doctors prescribe drugs such as retinol, which tend to prevent follicle
blockages when applied to the skin. However, they often tend to cause an
initial flare-up of acne, facial flushing, and significant irritation of the
skin. They should only be used for a limited time, and with excessive or longer
use have severe side-effects. Oral retinoids tend to reduce sebaceous
secretion. However, they have severe side-effects, and must only be used for a
limited time. Side-effects include liver damage, birth defects, nose bleeds,
dry skin, hormonal disruption, chronic fatigue and mental disorders including
depression.
4.
Anti-inflammatory.
If
the acne has an inflammatory component, then the anti-inflammatory diet and
lifestyle will help.
5.
Herbs / plants.
In
addition to tea tree oil, some people have had success with aloe Vera, Neem, turmeric
and papaya.
(For persistent skin conditions,
talk to your DOCTOR/ PHARMACIST or consider seeing a dermatologist).
Source:
Dr.
Imtiaz Syed, M.B,
B.S, MBA, CRA, PCQI, CPC
Redditch,
Gloucestershire. UK.
