ACNE VULGARIS

ACNE: (Acne vulgaris) our most common skin disorder, is characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts. Nearly everyone is afflicted at some time in life, but acne is particularly common in teenagers. The hormonal changes of puberty enlarge the skin's Sebaceous glands, increasing their output of an oily substance called sebum. A bulidup of sebum mixed with bacteria, dead skin cells, and other debris clogs pores, leading to one or more forms of acne. Birth control pills are sometime a triggering factor.

TREATMENTS: For mild to moderate acne, treatment typically starts with a 2.5% or 5% strength of BENZOYL PEROXIDE.
Dry agents such as SALICYCLIC ACID, ALCOHOL, & SODIUM THIOSULFATE, may be combined with it or used alone.
A topical antibiotic, ERYTHROMYCIN or CLINDAMYCIN cream is prescribed for persistent acne.
Others are,
TETRACYCLINE, [ TRETINOIN (RETIN-A), ISOTRETINOIN (ACCUTANE) vit-A derivatives]

HOW AN ACNE DEVELOPS:
-In a normal hair folicle, the sebaceous gland produces sebum, which reaches the skin surface through a pore
-An open comedone, or blackhead, forms when sebum combines with skin pigment (not dirt) to block the pore
-A closed comedone, or whitehead, appears when blockage develops below the surface of the skin. Bacteria thrive in this environment, helping to promote acne eruptions.
-As pressure builds, a large, infected cyst can form, resulting in the most severe type of acne.

SELF TREATMENT FOR ACNE:
Always avoid picking or squeezing pimples as this spreads the infection and can cause scarring.
Keep skin clean, but avoid harsh scrubbing and over washing, acne is not caused by dirty skin and you can't wash it away. Cleanse once or twice a day with a mild, unscented soap. If ur skin is very oily, try a drying soap that contains BENZOYL PEROXIDE. Use warm water and ur fingertips (not a wash cloth or scrub brush). Avoid the use of washing granules or other exfoliates, which can worsen acne by increasing skin irritation.
Periodically apply a facial masque of mud, clay (multani matti), basin to help remove oil. Use non-oily water-based makeup and sunscreen.
Diet doesn't cause acne, but in some ppl, certain foods such as those high in iodine may cause it worse (iodated salt). One at a time, eliminate foods you think affect ur acne to see if ur skin improves. Stress also doesn't cause acne but may worsen it; stress reduction techniques such as meditation may be helpfull.