Acne Treatments for Acne Vulgaris and Cystic Acne
Teenagers are always on the lookout for the latest acne treatments. Acne Vulgaris (meaning “common acne”) is one of the most widely experienced skin conditions in the world, affecting more than 85% of all teenagers. We can all remember those horrifying days when we would get out of bed in the morning only to find new unsightly pimples populating our face. How could we go to school and see our friends -- or go out on a date looking like this? Acne vulgaris was – and still is one of the leading causes of stress in teenagers. In severe cases, large nodules can form under the skin and cause very painful areas commonly referred to as “cysts”, or Cystic Acne. Acne treatments for this condition are more difficult. Acne Vulgaris Causes
So what causes acne anyway? Let’s start out with what DOESN’T cause acne.
The primary cause of acne in so many people is simply a blockage in the skin pores. Naturally occurring skin oils secreted by the sebaceous glands travel up through the pore, taking along with it any accumulation of dead skin cells. Once “plugged”, either by the inability of dead cells to separate from the pore wall, or from an over abundance of sebum, the combination of oil and dead skin makes a great habitat for the ever present bacteria. These bacteria feed and grow, and subsequently produce the inflammation and resulting lesions (dermatology lingo: papules, pustules or nodules) referred to as acne. Additional factors such as genetics, hormonal activity, over-active sebaceous glands, anabolic steroids, certain medications, exposure to halogens and amounts of certain vitamins (i.e. Vitamins A and E) can increase the likelihood and/or the severity of acne. Types/Stages of Acne
In the beginning stages of a new “pimple”, a papule is formed. It will appear as a small, pinkish colored bump. In the next stage, the papule becomes further inflamed and forms a pustule. These are larger, redder bumps with the signature “whitehead” -- and is where most pimples stop.
Nodules and cysts can also lead to scarring, a condition that is often associated with family history. Scars (tissue loss) in some individuals can lessen or disappear over time, while in others the scar can remain for a lifetime. Acne Treatments
There are lots of ways to treat acne. Most acne treatments fall into one or more of the following attack pathways:
Bactericidals These are topical creams and solutions that contain bacteria killing agents. Benzoyl peroxide is a common chemical used for this purpose that also incorporates the additional benefit of acting as a mild “keratolytic” (dissolves pore plugging keratin). It’s a strong oxidizer, so the bacteria resistance problem sometimes found with antibiotics is minimized. However, it should be noted that continued, daily use of these types of acne treatments can lead to skin dryness, redness and irritation. So use a sensible concentration (i.e. 2.5%) and consider adding a suitable non-comedogenic skin moisturizer to your daily regimen. Also remember that sense benzoyl peroxide is essentially a “bleach”, be mindful of it’s use around clothing and hair. Antibiotics Usually taken orally, these products can also be used as a topical. Topical use can get around the problems of upset stomach or drug interactions sometimes present with oral medications. These products work by both killing the bacteria trapped inside plugged follicles, and reducing the body’s production of acne causing bacteria.
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