What are the symptoms?
Generally acne is the result of plugged pores caused by the accumulation of dirt,
sebum, dead skin cells and propionibacterium acnes (p. acnes) in the pores,
particularly in connection with hair follicles.
What treatments are available?
OTC Topical Medications A variety of over-the counter topical medications have
been suggested in the past to deal with one or more of the factors contributing to
acne and include, for example, the combination of isopropyl alcohol and acetone,
benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid and sulfur. The combination of alcohol
and acetone, the acetone functions as a degreasing agent and the alcohol has a
mild anti-microbial effect. Benzoyl peroxide functions to reduce p. acnes and remove
dead skin cells. Salicylic acid assists in the reducing the abnormal shedding of skin
cells to help unplugging pores, but is not believe to have any impact upon p. acnes
or sebum production. It is not understood how the sulfur operates, but due to the
unpleasant odor of sulfur is usually not used alone.
Topical Antimicrobials The antimicrobials include, for example, azeliac acid, which
is believed to function by reducing p. acnes populations, inflammation, and
abnormal shedding of skin cells. Another antimicrobial is clindamycin, which works
by reducing p. acnes and reducing inflammation. Similar to clindamycin is
erythromicin, which is widely effective against bacteria, including p. acnes. Benzoyl
peroxide (in higher doses than in over-the-counter medications) can also be sued,
particularly in combination with erythromicin and clindamycin. Yet another
antimicrobial medication is sodium sulfacetamide that inhibits p. acnes and opens
clogged pores.
Topical Retinoids Topical retinoids (a derivative of vitamin A) function to unclog
pores and prevent the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Adapalene, which
unclogs pores and has anti-inflammatory properties, is an example of a retinoid.
Similarly, tazarotene and tretinoin function to unclog pores and keep them
unplugged.
It has also been suggested that "chemical peels" composed of chemical compounds
such as glycolic acid can be used by dermatologists to loosen blackheads and
decrease acne papules.
Are there any supplements or herbs for acne?
Supplements may include acidophilus, Brewer's yeast, chromium, essential fatty
acids, selenium, folic acid, zinc, vitamins A, B5, C and E.
Aloe, apple cider vinegar, basil, beans, burdock, calendula, carrot juice, charcoal,
colloidal silver, cucumber, egg whites, garlic, lemon juice, molasses, molkosan,
oatmeal, oil of oregano, sugar, sun, tea trea oil, and witch hazel are usually
suggested. It is not sure if they are effective on acne, and they may have
unwanted side effects.
This article can not be replaced for medical advice. If you have question, you should consult
with your doctor immediately. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2007
Generally acne is the result of plugged pores caused by the accumulation of dirt,
sebum, dead skin cells and propionibacterium acnes (p. acnes) in the pores,
particularly in connection with hair follicles.
What treatments are available?
OTC Topical Medications A variety of over-the counter topical medications have
been suggested in the past to deal with one or more of the factors contributing to
acne and include, for example, the combination of isopropyl alcohol and acetone,
benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid and sulfur. The combination of alcohol
and acetone, the acetone functions as a degreasing agent and the alcohol has a
mild anti-microbial effect. Benzoyl peroxide functions to reduce p. acnes and remove
dead skin cells. Salicylic acid assists in the reducing the abnormal shedding of skin
cells to help unplugging pores, but is not believe to have any impact upon p. acnes
or sebum production. It is not understood how the sulfur operates, but due to the
unpleasant odor of sulfur is usually not used alone.
Topical Antimicrobials The antimicrobials include, for example, azeliac acid, which
is believed to function by reducing p. acnes populations, inflammation, and
abnormal shedding of skin cells. Another antimicrobial is clindamycin, which works
by reducing p. acnes and reducing inflammation. Similar to clindamycin is
erythromicin, which is widely effective against bacteria, including p. acnes. Benzoyl
peroxide (in higher doses than in over-the-counter medications) can also be sued,
particularly in combination with erythromicin and clindamycin. Yet another
antimicrobial medication is sodium sulfacetamide that inhibits p. acnes and opens
clogged pores.
Topical Retinoids Topical retinoids (a derivative of vitamin A) function to unclog
pores and prevent the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Adapalene, which
unclogs pores and has anti-inflammatory properties, is an example of a retinoid.
Similarly, tazarotene and tretinoin function to unclog pores and keep them
unplugged.
It has also been suggested that "chemical peels" composed of chemical compounds
such as glycolic acid can be used by dermatologists to loosen blackheads and
decrease acne papules.
Are there any supplements or herbs for acne?
Supplements may include acidophilus, Brewer's yeast, chromium, essential fatty
acids, selenium, folic acid, zinc, vitamins A, B5, C and E.
Aloe, apple cider vinegar, basil, beans, burdock, calendula, carrot juice, charcoal,
colloidal silver, cucumber, egg whites, garlic, lemon juice, molasses, molkosan,
oatmeal, oil of oregano, sugar, sun, tea trea oil, and witch hazel are usually
suggested. It is not sure if they are effective on acne, and they may have
unwanted side effects.
This article can not be replaced for medical advice. If you have question, you should consult
with your doctor immediately. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2007
Health
| TZPSS science |
| Topics Front Page |
Knowledge has power.
| Health Science |
ACNES
The ailment manifesting itself in eruptions of the skin, pimples,
blackheads, whiteheads, lesions, cysts and nodules, and
generally termed acne, has plagued people for generations. Acne
typically develops in patients in their teen years, at the onset of
puberty.
________________________________________________
blackheads, whiteheads, lesions, cysts and nodules, and
generally termed acne, has plagued people for generations. Acne
typically develops in patients in their teen years, at the onset of
puberty.
________________________________________________
| MEDICAL NOTES |