Title:Acne101.org - Acne Treatment / Acne Medications / Acne Facts
Description:Non-profit physician written website with latest medical information on acne treatment, acne medications, acne causes, acne types acne myths and acne facts.
Keywords:acne, acne medication, acne treatment, acne myths, acne facts, acne doctor, acne guide, acne medications, acne treatments, non-profit, acne causes, acne types, blackheads, whiteheads, zit, zits, papules, pustules, cystic acne
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Acne101.org - Acne Treatment / Acne Medications / Acne Facts
Acne101.org - quot;a doctor's guide to the 101 on acne quot;
Mission StatementThis non-profit physician authored directory provides information on all aspects of acne and its treatment based on the latest medical literature. The author has no affiliation with any pharmaceutical companies or any acne related products. Here you will get nothing, but the 101 on acne.
Acne - the 101'Advances in our understanding of acne and its treatment means people no longer have to suffer for years with acne. This includes all spectrums of the disease from mild to severe.'Acne Vulgaris, Acne, Pimples, Zits they go by many names but for many they are all too common. Almost 80% of people will have acne in their teenage or young adult life. For some acne can have a strong negative impact on their psychological development, resulting in withdrawal from society and depression. It can also persist for years resulting in permanent disfigurement and scarring. Clearly, acne is a problem which has definite impact on one's overall well being.On this site we will review all the important information about acne from the causes, different types of acne, treatment options available and medication regimens both over the counter (OTC) and those that may be prescribed by your doctor. Facts will be revealed and myths debunked. So get out your cup of coffee (caffeine does NOT cause acne) and get ready for nothing but the 101.We will begin with what is probably the first question you have: what causes acne?It is important to realize that acne results from a combination of factors. Briefly reviewing how acne is caused will help one understand how to treat acne and how you and / or your doctor would tailor an individual regimen. Also, it is important to understand what NOT to do so one doesn't make acne worse.Located primarily on one's face, back and chest are glands known as sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for the production of sebum, your skin's natural oil. These glands are located in specialized follicles known as sebaceous follicles. Acne results when these specialized follicles become plugged due to excessive amounts of sebum combined with an abnormality in the outer layer of these follicles (known as the epithelial cells) to shed normally. This results in the non-inflammatory lesions of acne quot;blackheads quot; and quot;whiteheads quot;The next factor involved is the bacteria P. Acnes. The excessive sebum combine with the epithelial cells to create a nice environment for P. Acnes to grow. One's immune system recognizes this and tries to kill P. Acnes. The resulting battle of your immune system against the bacteria results in the red, painful inflammatory lesions known as papules, pustules, and nodules. That's it for the complicated stuff now lets get into acne treatment and ultimately acne cure.Facts and Myths -Reducing the production of oil (sebum) - Its a common myth that frequently and vigorously washing one's face will cure acne. However, while soaps, detergents and astringents may remove sebum from one's face they do NOT alter the production of sebum. Vigorous scrubbing or using harsh soaps / detergents will only lead to inflammation which may make acne WORSE. The best approach to washing is to use a mild gentle cleanser such as cetaphil or a mild neutrogena cleanser. Another common myth is that diet (chocolate, caffeine) can lead to oily skin (sebum production), however, it does not.Facts - Reducing the growth of P. Acnes helps prevent the inflammation that results when one's immune system tries to destroy P. Acnes.Acne Treatment Medications (The Facts)The vast majority of acne treatment can be broken down into one of two broad categories:1. Reducing the growth of P. Acnes2. Allowing the follicular epithelial cells to shed normally.P. Acnes can be killed using medications which have anti-bacterial or antibiotic (bacteria killing) properties. The most commonly used of these agents is benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is applied topically (to the skin) and is available over the counter in 1, 2.5, 4, and 10% strengths both as gels and lotions. Benzoyl peroxide can be irritating to the skin which can be a limiting factor in its use. It should not generally be applied more than once or twice a day.Topical antibiotic medications such erythromycin, clindamycin, azelaic acid also reduce the growth of P. Acnes and may be prescribed by your doctor. Preparations combining benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin (Benzaclin) and benzoyl peroxide with erythromycin (Benzamycin) may also be prescribed by your doctor.The next type of medications help to correct the abnormal shedding of the follicular epithelial cells. A commonly used medication is Salicylic acid which is applied topically and available over the counter. It is generally reserved for milder forms of acne. Skin irritation, can be a limiting factor in using Salicylic acid.Other prescription medications which help correct this abnormality in epithelial shedding include tretinoin (Retin - A) and adapalene (Differin). These medications fall under the class of medications known as retinoids. Retin-A must be applied at bedtime as the sunlight inactivates it. It can be irritating to the skin but most people get used to these side effects especially when used in lower concentrations. Retin-A can cause sun sensitivity so it is important to where sunscreen (oil-free) during the day. These medications are often prescribed in conjunction with topical benzoyl peroxide or topical or oral antibiotics. Thereby the acne is being targeted at two levels:1. Reducing P. Acnes.2. Helping the abnormality in epithelial cell shedding.Oral Acne MedicationsFor moderate to severe acne your doctor may also prescribe a oral antibiotic. Commonly used medications are doxycycline, minocycline and erythromycin.Sebum production is influenced by male hormones (androgens). Therefore, for females an OCP (oral contraceptive pill) may be helpful in acne by reducing androgen levels.For severe nodular cystic acne the oral medication isotretinoin (Accutane) may be used. Accutane works by profoundly reducing sebum production. Accutane is the drug of choice in patients who have severe acne with scarring. Accutane can only be prescribed by your dermatologist. Females taking Accutane must NOT get pregnant as Accutane causes severe birth defects. Other side effects include joint pains, stiffness, tendinitis, and high triglycerides. Nevertheless, for those with severe acne Accutane can lead to prolonged remissions.
Acne101.org - Acne Treatment / Acne Medications / Acne Facts / Acne Directory