Dealing with acne breakouts is bad enough for some people. Insult is added to injury, however, when the condition is brought into check, but scars are left behind. An unwanted and often very visible reminder, this scarring can leave people seeking out options for treatment. There are some acne scar treatment options out there, but they might not be for everyone.
Since many of the treatment options for serious acne scar problems tend to fall in on the medical side, the best option for many is to avoid the chance for developing scars all together. This might not be possible in all cases, but there are things people who have acne issues can do to help prevent them. These things include:
Treating the acne itself: The best way to avoid acne scar problems is to avoid acne. If cases reach the moderate to severe condition, it's not a bad idea to seek out remedies for the breakouts. Whether the road to fewer blemishes is an over-the-counter gel or cream or it's a prescription or herbal aid, treating the acne and helping prevent its return can be crucial. Finding what works
to speed up healing and prevent new breakouts might take a little time, but the simple fact is if there isn't an acne breakout, there can't be acne scars.
Use caution when breakouts are present: It might not be entirely possible to avoid all scars, but if pimples aren't forcibly popped,poked or smashed, the chances for scarring can be reduced greatly. Treat active blemishes and pimples with extreme care so healing can begin.
Even when the most aggressive acne treatments are brought into play, it is still possible for some people to end up with acne scarring. No matter what is done, or isn't done, these scars can happen. There are some options to help remove or at least reducethe appearance of these scars down the road. The options, which might not be advised in all cases include:
Laser resurfacing: This process involves the use of a laser to actually remove the top layer of the skin. While this is typically performed by a medical practitioner, such as a dermatologist, some clinicians also will perform this procedure. Several visits might be required for this treatment to be fully completed. The procedure will not work in all cases.
Dermabrasion: This is similar to laser removal, but in this procedure, a special instrument is used to remove the top layer of skin to reveal the healthier skin below. This might also take several treatments, but can produce fairly good results. A period of irritation
and redness is likely following dermabrasion.
Peels: Acid peels and other similar chemical treatment that work like resurfacing can have fairly good results for some patients. These treatments can generally be obtained in doctors' offices and through some spas and other similar businesses.
Surgery: In some cases, actual plastic surgery might be in order to help improve the appearance of skin.Enduring acne can be hard enough, but when scars are left behind, the nightmare might never seem to end for some people. In some cases, acne scar treatments can help, improving appearance and self-esteem as they do.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter medication that’s frequently used to treat mild-to-moderate acne. Found in products, such as Clearasil and Proactiv, it works in a few different ways. First, once a pore is clogged, bacteria can invade the pore and cause redness and inflammation. One of the types of bacteria commonly found in clogged pores is known as propionibactera acnes, and it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. Benzoyl peroxide introduces oxygen in to the pore, effectively killing the bacteria. Second, it also helps to clear the pore of any dirt or cellular debris.
It is important to read the instructions of the individual product before using it. Start with a mild form, usually 2.5%. If it does not work within a couple of weeks, then look for a stronger product. Make sure to apply it to your entire face, as it can help to prevent breakouts as well. You will probably need to continue taking this medication, even once your acne begins to improve.
As with any drug, there can be side effects. The most common ones are increased sensitivity to the sun; mild burning; and red, irritated or inflamed skin. If these become bothersome or worsen, you may need to speak with your physician about an alternative. Finally, other products may interact with benzoyl peroxide. Be sure to avoid cosmetics or other cleaning products that may also dry the skin, and let your physician know of any other medications you are taking.
Tips for Using Benzoyl Peroxide
Tips for Using Benzoyl Peroxide
1. Use a Moisturizer
Benzoyl peroxide will dry your skin. If you have super oily skin, you might actually welcome this drying -- no more oily shine. But many people find benzoyl peroxide leaves the skin uncomfortably dry and flaky. To counteract this, use a noncomedogenic moisturizer after cleansing. Just a dab is enough to keep your skin smooth.
2. Keep Away From Clothing, Towels, and Hair
Benzoyl peroxide acts like bleach, and will discolor everything it touches. Many people learn this the hard way, after ruining countless towels. Thoroughly rinse off benzoyl peroxide cleansers. Let benzoyl peroxide creams and lotions dry completely before dressing, or lying on your pillow at night. And always wash your hands well after using any benzoyl peroxide treatment.
If you have darker hair, you'll also want to keep benzoyl peroxide away from your hairline. Regular exposure can bleach your hair too.
3. Always Wear Sunscreen
Benzoyl peroxide can cause photosensitivity, or sensitivity to the sun. So during use you will be more prone to sun burn and sun damage. Too much sun time and you may find yourself with a nasty burn. And yes, you'll want to stay out of tanning beds as well.
Wear an oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 everyday. You'll protect yourself from skin cancer and premature aging. Today's sunscreens don't have much in common with the thick, smelly lotions of the past. Plenty of light, nongreasy sunscreens are available.
Don't like the thought of applying a separate sunscreen? Many moisturizers have SPF 15 or more. You can moisturize and get your sun protection in just one step.
4. Don't Use Benzoyl Peroxide with Other Acne Medications
Everyone wants their skin to clear up quickly, but layering on several different treatment products won't speed the process. It can cause severe redness, drying, peeling and flaking. Don't use benzoyl peroxide with other acne medications unless your doctor has recommended you do so.
In some cases, layering your medications can thwart your acne treatment. When applied at the same time, benzoyl peroxide essentially de-activates Retin-A (tretinoin). Probably not the result you're looking for. So again, whenever you're in doubt, ask your doctor first.
1. Use a Moisturizer
Benzoyl peroxide will dry your skin. If you have super oily skin, you might actually welcome this drying -- no more oily shine. But many people find benzoyl peroxide leaves the skin uncomfortably dry and flaky. To counteract this, use a noncomedogenic moisturizer after cleansing. Just a dab is enough to keep your skin smooth.
2. Keep Away From Clothing, Towels, and Hair
Benzoyl peroxide acts like bleach, and will discolor everything it touches. Many people learn this the hard way, after ruining countless towels. Thoroughly rinse off benzoyl peroxide cleansers. Let benzoyl peroxide creams and lotions dry completely before dressing, or lying on your pillow at night. And always wash your hands well after using any benzoyl peroxide treatment.
If you have darker hair, you'll also want to keep benzoyl peroxide away from your hairline. Regular exposure can bleach your hair too.
3. Always Wear Sunscreen
Benzoyl peroxide can cause photosensitivity, or sensitivity to the sun. So during use you will be more prone to sun burn and sun damage. Too much sun time and you may find yourself with a nasty burn. And yes, you'll want to stay out of tanning beds as well.
Wear an oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 everyday. You'll protect yourself from skin cancer and premature aging. Today's sunscreens don't have much in common with the thick, smelly lotions of the past. Plenty of light, nongreasy sunscreens are available.
Don't like the thought of applying a separate sunscreen? Many moisturizers have SPF 15 or more. You can moisturize and get your sun protection in just one step.
4. Don't Use Benzoyl Peroxide with Other Acne Medications
Everyone wants their skin to clear up quickly, but layering on several different treatment products won't speed the process. It can cause severe redness, drying, peeling and flaking. Don't use benzoyl peroxide with other acne medications unless your doctor has recommended you do so.
In some cases, layering your medications can thwart your acne treatment. When applied at the same time, benzoyl peroxide essentially de-activates Retin-A (tretinoin). Probably not the result you're looking for. So again, whenever you're in doubt, ask your doctor first.
Acne Prevention
One of the most common misconceptions about acne is that it's caused by dirt. It's not! Acne is caused by a combination of factors you can't control, like your hormone balance and the natural pace of your skin's renewal system. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can control that may help you keep your acne in check. Begin by following these simple suggestions for healthy-skin hygiene.
Acne Prevention - Tip #1: Don't over-wash. Since dirt is not causing your acne, excessive scrubbing and washing won't make it go away. Try to limit yourself to two washings per day — anything more than that can leave your healthy skin dry, and your acne-prone areas irritated. Habitual over-washing may also stimulate extra oil production, which could result in more breakouts.
Acne Prevention - Tip #2: Skip harsh scrubs. It's okay to exfoliate, but be sure to use a gentle formula with small, smooth grains. Avoid products with almond or apricot shell fragments; they can irritate or even tear your skin and further aggravate your acne.
Acne Prevention - Tip #3: Say no to alcohol. If you use a toner, avoid products with high concentrations of isopropyl alcohol, or common rubbing alcohol. A strong astringent, alcohol strips the top layer of your skin, causing your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. The result? Dry, red skin — and possibly more blemishes.
Acne Prevention - Tip #4: Don't squeeze or pick. Squeezing or picking your blemishes — with fingernails, pins or anything else — can force bacteria deeper into the skin, causing greater inflammation and infection. You'll also increase the damage to the surrounding skin, so the blemish is more likely to leave a permanent acne scar.
Acne Prevention - Tip #5: Hands off! Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria that causes breakouts) is a normal resident of your skin; it doesn't lead to acne until it gets trapped inside the hair follicle. Excessive touching of your face, including rubbing or even resting your chin in your hands, can drive bacteria into your pores — where it can begin its dirtywork.
Acne Prevention - Tip #6: Work out, wash off. When you exercise, your movement generates heat; clothing and equipment cause friction. Until you shower off, heat and moisture are trapped against your skin, creating an ideal breeding ground for the spread of bacteria. So whenever you can, shower off immediately after exercising.
Acne Prevention Treatment - Find a regimen and stick with it. Most cases of mild acne can be improved with "over-the-counter" products, or products that don't require a prescription from your doctor. There is a wide range of treatments available, and there’s a good chance one of them will work for you. If you start treatment before your acne gets severe, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding physical and emotional problems down the road. But if your acne gets worse or lasts more than a couple of weeks, see a dermatologist. Here's a quick listing of the most common products used to treat acne — click on the links that interest you for more information on that course of acne treatment.
Acne Prevention - Tip #1: Don't over-wash. Since dirt is not causing your acne, excessive scrubbing and washing won't make it go away. Try to limit yourself to two washings per day — anything more than that can leave your healthy skin dry, and your acne-prone areas irritated. Habitual over-washing may also stimulate extra oil production, which could result in more breakouts.
Acne Prevention - Tip #2: Skip harsh scrubs. It's okay to exfoliate, but be sure to use a gentle formula with small, smooth grains. Avoid products with almond or apricot shell fragments; they can irritate or even tear your skin and further aggravate your acne.
Acne Prevention - Tip #3: Say no to alcohol. If you use a toner, avoid products with high concentrations of isopropyl alcohol, or common rubbing alcohol. A strong astringent, alcohol strips the top layer of your skin, causing your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. The result? Dry, red skin — and possibly more blemishes.
Acne Prevention - Tip #4: Don't squeeze or pick. Squeezing or picking your blemishes — with fingernails, pins or anything else — can force bacteria deeper into the skin, causing greater inflammation and infection. You'll also increase the damage to the surrounding skin, so the blemish is more likely to leave a permanent acne scar.
Acne Prevention - Tip #5: Hands off! Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria that causes breakouts) is a normal resident of your skin; it doesn't lead to acne until it gets trapped inside the hair follicle. Excessive touching of your face, including rubbing or even resting your chin in your hands, can drive bacteria into your pores — where it can begin its dirtywork.
Acne Prevention - Tip #6: Work out, wash off. When you exercise, your movement generates heat; clothing and equipment cause friction. Until you shower off, heat and moisture are trapped against your skin, creating an ideal breeding ground for the spread of bacteria. So whenever you can, shower off immediately after exercising.
Acne Prevention Treatment - Find a regimen and stick with it. Most cases of mild acne can be improved with "over-the-counter" products, or products that don't require a prescription from your doctor. There is a wide range of treatments available, and there’s a good chance one of them will work for you. If you start treatment before your acne gets severe, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding physical and emotional problems down the road. But if your acne gets worse or lasts more than a couple of weeks, see a dermatologist. Here's a quick listing of the most common products used to treat acne — click on the links that interest you for more information on that course of acne treatment.
Acne Medicine
Most cases of acne can be cured with over-the-counter medications. However, the most severe forms of acne will require a prescription drug to eliminate. The type needed will depend on each outbreak, and will be determined by a dermatologist. There are two types of acne medicine: systemic (internal), and topical (external). Topical medicine is nearly always attempted before systemic, which is usually reserved for the most severe cases.
Topical Medicine
Topical creams are used to target a specific bacteria called P. acnes, which is responsible for the majority of acne cases. Applied directly to the lesions, topical creams are generally used for mild and moderate cases of acne. However, for severe cases, topical cream may be used in conjunction with systemic medicine.
The most common acne medications are:
Benzoyl Peroxide: A bleaching agent that kills bacteria and ranges in strength from mild to strong. It comes in various prescription and over the counter creams, gels, lotions, and washes. Benzoyl peroxide has no anti inflammatory properties. While effective in healing acne, if used incorrectly, it an lead to skin burns and bleached hair.
Azelaic acid: This acid naturally occurs in the body and is used to treat both inflamed and non-inflammatory conditions. It has few side effects, the most common being skin irritation. Azelaic acid is used to kill P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. It also reduces peeling and inflammation.
Clindamycin: Much like azelaic acid, clindamycin is effective because it kills P. acnes and reduces inflammation. It is usually side effect free, but has been shown to cause skin dryness and irritation in some people.
Systemic medicine, like topical medicine, is used to treat acne. However, it given internally, usually through oral medication. Reserved for the more severe cases of acne, systemic medicine is usually reserved for persistent pustules, nodules, and cysts. There are many forms for systemic acne medicine, with a few being the most common.
Oral Antibiotics: Because acne is the result of a bacterial inflection, oral antibiotics are usually prescribed to people suffering from large patches of pustules, or from nodules or cysts. Oral antibiotics are usually taken in 6-week periods, starting with a large dosage and reducing towards the end of the cycle.
Isotretinoin: This is a very potent retinoid that is used for severe cases of cysts and nodules. Because cysts and nodules are so deep in the tissue and inflamed, isotretinoin is usually the only option for treatment.
Intersional Corticosteroid Injection: Corticosteroids have a long history of reducing inflammation in a wide array of problems. If severe acne, such as a nodule of cyst, progresses to a point that a rupture is suspected, a dermatologist may apply a diluted shot of corticosteroid in hopes of preventing rupture and the resulting scarring.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Type of acne
Mild to Moderate acne vulgaris consists of the following types of acne spots:
Whiteheads: Whiteheads result when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface. Whiteheads are normally quicker in life cycle than blackheads.
Blackheads: Blackhead result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is not caused by dirt. Rather, it is the skin's own pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air. A blackhead tends to be a stable structure, and can often take a long time to clear.
Papules: Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head. Do not squeeze a papule. It will do no good, and may exacerbate scarring.
Pustules: A pustule is inflamed, and appears as a red circle with a white or yellow center. Pustules are your garden variety zit.
What is Acne?
Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can lead to scarring.
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