How to Stop Acne
Common Myths About Acne – Part 2
Copyright © Zion
Myth # 5: All Make-up Should be Avoided
Looking presentable is an important part of personal grooming, which should also be very much part of life for people with acne. It is useful, however, to avoid oil-based make-up, especially occlusive foundations. Loose powder can be used without major problems. When shopping for skincare products or cosmetics, look-out for well established, reputable brands that have tested their products extensively and have labeled them to be non-comedogenic or specially formulated for oily skin.
Myth # 6: Sun Exposure Makes Acne Worse
There is no medical evidence to suggest that people with acne should stay away from the sun. However , excessive sun exposure may cause more severe post-acne pigmentation. Judicious use of non-oily sunscreen (at least SPF 15) is recommended to minimize sun-related problems.
How to Stop Acne
Myth # 7: Facial Treatments by Beauticians Help Clear Acne
Simple procedures that involve cleansing and extraction of blackheads (open comedones) are usually safe. However, indiscriminate squeezing of inflamed acne lesions or pimples must be avoided. Also, the skills of beauticians or aestheticians in different salons vary tremendously. Facial treatments are generally not essential in the overall treatment of acne nor a fundamental way on how to stop acne.
Myth # 8: Oil Blotters are Bad for Acne
There is no good evidence to suggest that oil blotters make acne worse or that they cause more oil to be produced. The effect of removing excess oil from the skin with blotting paper is temporary, it reduces the shine caused by the excess oil on the surface of the skin.
Myth # 9: Antibiotics Should be Avoided as They are Bad for the Body
Oral antibiotics may be necessary to control the inflammation of severe acne that fails to respond adequately to topical treatment. They have proven effective, and have been used with good safety records for periods of more than 30 years without any long-term harm to the body. Your body will closely monitor your progress while you are on oral antibiotics and will stop acne treatment once the inflammatory lesions are cleared. There is no need to be on maintenance oral antibiotics for fear of relapses.
How to Stop Acne
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
How to Stop Acne - Common Myths About Acne - Part 1
How to Stop Acne
Common Myths About Acne - Part 1
Copyright © Zion
There are many myths about acne which often create added anxiety for the sufferer. Certain practices may aggravate the acne or even cause more complications, such as scarring and pigmentation. And in this case, some of the ways on how to stop acne that have been learned by the sufferers are just wasted because most of them believe in those myths.
Myth # 1: Certain Foods Make Acne Worse
In the Asian culture, the right food nourishes the body and the wrong food is often regarded as a cause of many ailments. Oily, greasy, deep-fried food, chocolates, nuts and sweets have been implicated in acne flares. This myth is prevalent among the young and old. However, to date, there is no scientific evidence that diet plays an important role in causing acne; rigid food restriction is unnecessary. For general health benefits, a well-balanced diet rich in fiber and low in fats, salt and refined sugar is recommended.
How to Stop Acne
Myth # 2: Dark Foods Cause Pigmentation After Acne
Parents (especially Chinese) often advise their children to avoid taking dark-colored foods such as soy sauce and coffee, to prevent black marks (pigmentation) from appearing during the healing process. In fact, the pigmentation results from the inflammation, rather than from staining by the food. This post inflammatory pigmentation is common after any form of injury to the skin and is a predisposition of the darker Asian skin. This topic is further discussed later.
Myth # 3: Squeezing Pimples Helps Unblock Pores and Aids Healing
This unhealthy practice often results in greater inflammation and damage to the skin. Instead of faster healing. Scars tend to be deeper, and post-acne pigmentation tends to be darker and more prolonged.
Myth # 4: Poor Skin Hygiene Causes Acne
The cause of acne has been well studied and is explained earlier. Acne is not caused by poor skin hygiene, and certainly can not be washed away. This myth often leads to vigorous and excessive cleaning of the face with harsh medicated soap or abrasive skin cleansers, which results in additional irritation, redness and soreness of the skin. Gentle cleansing two or three times each day with a mild soap is recommended. This will help remove excessive oil (sebum) on the surface of the skin without causing unwanted irritation.
How to Stop Acne
Common Myths About Acne - Part 1
Copyright © Zion
There are many myths about acne which often create added anxiety for the sufferer. Certain practices may aggravate the acne or even cause more complications, such as scarring and pigmentation. And in this case, some of the ways on how to stop acne that have been learned by the sufferers are just wasted because most of them believe in those myths.
Myth # 1: Certain Foods Make Acne Worse
In the Asian culture, the right food nourishes the body and the wrong food is often regarded as a cause of many ailments. Oily, greasy, deep-fried food, chocolates, nuts and sweets have been implicated in acne flares. This myth is prevalent among the young and old. However, to date, there is no scientific evidence that diet plays an important role in causing acne; rigid food restriction is unnecessary. For general health benefits, a well-balanced diet rich in fiber and low in fats, salt and refined sugar is recommended.
How to Stop Acne
Myth # 2: Dark Foods Cause Pigmentation After Acne
Parents (especially Chinese) often advise their children to avoid taking dark-colored foods such as soy sauce and coffee, to prevent black marks (pigmentation) from appearing during the healing process. In fact, the pigmentation results from the inflammation, rather than from staining by the food. This post inflammatory pigmentation is common after any form of injury to the skin and is a predisposition of the darker Asian skin. This topic is further discussed later.
Myth # 3: Squeezing Pimples Helps Unblock Pores and Aids Healing
This unhealthy practice often results in greater inflammation and damage to the skin. Instead of faster healing. Scars tend to be deeper, and post-acne pigmentation tends to be darker and more prolonged.
Myth # 4: Poor Skin Hygiene Causes Acne
The cause of acne has been well studied and is explained earlier. Acne is not caused by poor skin hygiene, and certainly can not be washed away. This myth often leads to vigorous and excessive cleaning of the face with harsh medicated soap or abrasive skin cleansers, which results in additional irritation, redness and soreness of the skin. Gentle cleansing two or three times each day with a mild soap is recommended. This will help remove excessive oil (sebum) on the surface of the skin without causing unwanted irritation.
How to Stop Acne
Saturday, August 23, 2008
How to Stop Acne - Factors that Make Acne Worse – Part 2
How to Stop Acne
Factors that Make Acne Worse – Part 2
Copyright © Zion
F. Cosmetics
Most people can use cosmetics without any side effects, but a small group of users develop cosmetic acne, which usually presents as small, raised whiteheads or small, inflamed papules and pustules over the face where the products has been applied. And because other people are not aware, it has been very difficult for them to find ways on how to stop acne caused by those.
Some cosmetics can cause acne breakouts that occur months from the start of use.
A woman with cosmetic acne is caught in a vicious cycle: the more she breaks out, the more make-up she uses to cover it up, which only leads to worsening of the acne.
Ingredients in cosmetics that may aggravate acne include lanolin, analogs of isopropyl myristate, algae extract, cocoa butter, laurenth-4, lauric acid, octyl palmitate, coconut oil and D&C red pigments. Practically speaking, it is difficult to remember all the ingredients in cosmetics that may aggravate acne. As a general rule, it is best to use cosmetics from well-established, reputable companies that have tested their products extensively and have labeled them
non-comedogenic.
Factors that Aggravate Acne:
How to Stop Acne
G. Climate
Acne tends to worsen in hot, humid climates and work environments, such as kitchens and steam rooms. Why heat and humidity have such an aggravating effect on acne is not exactly known. We do know, however, that the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum) swells tremendously under humid conditions. The pressure from the swelling could block the opening of the pilo-sebaceous unit and cause acne to develop.
An artificial source of steam may also aggravate acne. Many people who use facial steaming devices believe they are ‘opening the pores’ – they may actually be swelling them shut.
H. Occupation
Jobs that involve contact with certain chemicals may also worsen acne. These chemicals include insoluble cutting oils (in the engineering and manufacturing industries), crude petroleum (in oil refining industry), diesel oil (in motor mechanics) and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (in industries manufacturing conductors and insulators, and insecticides, fungicides and herbicides)
All these factors contributes to acne worsening. Avoiding all mentioned factors above can even help any individuals to stop acne no matter how bad it is, its just a matter of discipline and knowledge on how strong are you to avoid all these things. If you are serious in seeking ways on how to stop acne, prevention is the best thing to do first while it is not yet worst.
How to Stop Acne
Factors that Make Acne Worse – Part 2
Copyright © Zion
F. Cosmetics
Most people can use cosmetics without any side effects, but a small group of users develop cosmetic acne, which usually presents as small, raised whiteheads or small, inflamed papules and pustules over the face where the products has been applied. And because other people are not aware, it has been very difficult for them to find ways on how to stop acne caused by those.
Some cosmetics can cause acne breakouts that occur months from the start of use.
A woman with cosmetic acne is caught in a vicious cycle: the more she breaks out, the more make-up she uses to cover it up, which only leads to worsening of the acne.
Ingredients in cosmetics that may aggravate acne include lanolin, analogs of isopropyl myristate, algae extract, cocoa butter, laurenth-4, lauric acid, octyl palmitate, coconut oil and D&C red pigments. Practically speaking, it is difficult to remember all the ingredients in cosmetics that may aggravate acne. As a general rule, it is best to use cosmetics from well-established, reputable companies that have tested their products extensively and have labeled them
non-comedogenic.
Factors that Aggravate Acne:
- Picking and Squezzing- Stress- Thick, greasy or comedogenic cosmetics
- Steroid Creams
- Certain Drugs
- Heat and Humidity
- Certain Chemicals
How to Stop Acne
G. Climate
Acne tends to worsen in hot, humid climates and work environments, such as kitchens and steam rooms. Why heat and humidity have such an aggravating effect on acne is not exactly known. We do know, however, that the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum) swells tremendously under humid conditions. The pressure from the swelling could block the opening of the pilo-sebaceous unit and cause acne to develop.
An artificial source of steam may also aggravate acne. Many people who use facial steaming devices believe they are ‘opening the pores’ – they may actually be swelling them shut.
H. Occupation
Jobs that involve contact with certain chemicals may also worsen acne. These chemicals include insoluble cutting oils (in the engineering and manufacturing industries), crude petroleum (in oil refining industry), diesel oil (in motor mechanics) and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (in industries manufacturing conductors and insulators, and insecticides, fungicides and herbicides)
All these factors contributes to acne worsening. Avoiding all mentioned factors above can even help any individuals to stop acne no matter how bad it is, its just a matter of discipline and knowledge on how strong are you to avoid all these things. If you are serious in seeking ways on how to stop acne, prevention is the best thing to do first while it is not yet worst.
How to Stop Acne
Friday, August 22, 2008
How to Stop Acne - Factors that Make Acne Worse – Part 1
How to Stop Acne
Factors that Make Acne Worse – Part 1
Copyright © Zion
Certain factors are known to cause or aggravate acne. Avoiding these factors contributes to better treatment results and eventually stop acne permanently, as well as preventing relapses after successful treatment.
A. Picking and Squeezing
It is common to pick at acne lesions and squeeze out the retained sebaceous materials, under the mistaken impression that this will unblock the pore and speed up healing. In fact, this often causes unnecessary skin injury, introduces bacteria, and worsens inflammation. The result is often darker, deeper and more permanent scars.
B. Premenstrual Flares
Women may complain of acne flares just before their menses. These premenstrual flares affect up to 40% of women with acne, and are related to normal fluctuations in hormone levels over the menstrual cycle. The flares usually resolve quickly after the menses end. The regular use of topical anti-acne creams may help reduce premenstrual flares.
How to Stop Acne
C. Stress
Acne often worsens during periods of stress, worry, anxiety and tension. A recent study by researchers from Stanford University published in the July 2003 Archives of Dermatology reported that acne in a group of students deteriorated with increasing stress levels in the examination period, suggesting that changing hormones and neuroactive substances produced during stress may have a significant influence on acne. Flares during stressful periods are probably also exacerbated by failure to use the anti-acne creams regularly. To prevent and minimize such flares, patients should learn stress reduction and relaxation techniques and diligently apply anti-acne creams daily over acne-prone areas, even if they have no breakouts.
D. Creams and Medicaments
Certain creams and medicaments may make acne worse, including some medicated creams and thick, oily creams. Topical steroids, often prescribe to treat eczema, may lead to a breakout if used excessively and inappropriately. This type of acne is often characterized by multiple red, inflamed monomorphic papules and pustules.
E. Drugs
Some drugs are well documented as aggravators or even causes acne. These include corticosteroids given either orally or by injections, lithium for treating manic-depressive illness and testosterone pills/injections which may ba used by professional athletes and bodybuilders to increase muscle mass. Danazol, sometimes given to women for endometriosis (growth of tissue from the uterus in parts of the body other than the uterus), similar in effect to testosterone and can aggravate acne. Avoiding all these drugs will definitely help you stop acne. It doesn’t matter how good these drugs are but bear in mind that all drugs can make acne worse, and that’s a fact.
How to Stop Acne
Factors that Make Acne Worse – Part 1
Copyright © Zion
Certain factors are known to cause or aggravate acne. Avoiding these factors contributes to better treatment results and eventually stop acne permanently, as well as preventing relapses after successful treatment.
A. Picking and Squeezing
It is common to pick at acne lesions and squeeze out the retained sebaceous materials, under the mistaken impression that this will unblock the pore and speed up healing. In fact, this often causes unnecessary skin injury, introduces bacteria, and worsens inflammation. The result is often darker, deeper and more permanent scars.
B. Premenstrual Flares
Women may complain of acne flares just before their menses. These premenstrual flares affect up to 40% of women with acne, and are related to normal fluctuations in hormone levels over the menstrual cycle. The flares usually resolve quickly after the menses end. The regular use of topical anti-acne creams may help reduce premenstrual flares.
How to Stop Acne
C. Stress
Acne often worsens during periods of stress, worry, anxiety and tension. A recent study by researchers from Stanford University published in the July 2003 Archives of Dermatology reported that acne in a group of students deteriorated with increasing stress levels in the examination period, suggesting that changing hormones and neuroactive substances produced during stress may have a significant influence on acne. Flares during stressful periods are probably also exacerbated by failure to use the anti-acne creams regularly. To prevent and minimize such flares, patients should learn stress reduction and relaxation techniques and diligently apply anti-acne creams daily over acne-prone areas, even if they have no breakouts.
D. Creams and Medicaments
Certain creams and medicaments may make acne worse, including some medicated creams and thick, oily creams. Topical steroids, often prescribe to treat eczema, may lead to a breakout if used excessively and inappropriately. This type of acne is often characterized by multiple red, inflamed monomorphic papules and pustules.
E. Drugs
Some drugs are well documented as aggravators or even causes acne. These include corticosteroids given either orally or by injections, lithium for treating manic-depressive illness and testosterone pills/injections which may ba used by professional athletes and bodybuilders to increase muscle mass. Danazol, sometimes given to women for endometriosis (growth of tissue from the uterus in parts of the body other than the uterus), similar in effect to testosterone and can aggravate acne. Avoiding all these drugs will definitely help you stop acne. It doesn’t matter how good these drugs are but bear in mind that all drugs can make acne worse, and that’s a fact.
How to Stop Acne
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
How to Stop Acne - Acne Through the Ages
How to Stop Acne
Acne Through the Ages
Copyright © Zion
Acne occurs most commonly after puberty and affects adolescents and young adults. However, it can also occur during infancy, and even in adulthood . Although its appearance may vary at different ages, the basic lesions of comedones, inflamed papules and pustules remain the same. And the methods on how to stop this acne is definitely the same.
Neonatal Period (First Month of Life)
Hyperactivity of oil-producing glands stimulated by androgens at birth and in the following few weeks, may cause acne in the first month of life. This is known as neonatal acne. Males are more often affected than females. Comedones and red inflamed papules and pustules are seen, mainly on the cheeks, The eruption is usually mild and clears after a few months.
Childhood
Infantile acne starts later, at around 3-24 months of age, and tends to be more severe and persistent, lasting many months or up to 5 years of age. Non-inflamed comedones predominate, with inflamed lesions such as papules, pustules and even nodules, occurring mainly on the cheeks. Scarring occasionally results. If it is severe and persistent, or if its onset occurs after the age of one. An underlying hormonal abnormality should be ruled out.
Pre-pubertal children may start developing comedones and an oily complexion from about 10 years of age, heralding the onset of puberty.
How to Stop Acne
Adolescence
This is the usual age where acne sets in. It is often preceded by increasingly oily skin and formation of whiteheads and blackheads, culminating in the appearance of red, inflamed papules and pustules on the forehead and cheeks. Sometimes acne may involved the chest and back (truncal acne). Most adolescents will have at least a few acne lesions at some time or other. In more severe cases, nodules and cysts develop, resulting in scarring and disfiguration.
Adolescence is the most common age where acne starts to appear. At this stage, acne frequently recurs, even after treatment. However, the majority of acne sufferers will notice improvement or resolution in early adulthood.
Adulthood
Acne is widely regarded as a problem of adolescence, and in most cases, resolves by early adulthood (mid-twenties). However, about 15% of male acne sufferers, particularly those with more severe facial and truncal acne, continue to suffer fro it well into adulthood; that is, past their thirties. The jaw line, chin upper chest, and back are sites that are preferentially affected in adulthood.
About one-third of female acne sufferers will continue to have acne persisting into adulthood, mostly in a low-grade form with premenstrual flares, that occur around the period of menstruation. Adult acne tends to stop by menopause in women or the equivalent in men.
How to Stop Acne
Acne Through the Ages
Copyright © Zion
Acne occurs most commonly after puberty and affects adolescents and young adults. However, it can also occur during infancy, and even in adulthood . Although its appearance may vary at different ages, the basic lesions of comedones, inflamed papules and pustules remain the same. And the methods on how to stop this acne is definitely the same.
Neonatal Period (First Month of Life)
Hyperactivity of oil-producing glands stimulated by androgens at birth and in the following few weeks, may cause acne in the first month of life. This is known as neonatal acne. Males are more often affected than females. Comedones and red inflamed papules and pustules are seen, mainly on the cheeks, The eruption is usually mild and clears after a few months.
Childhood
Infantile acne starts later, at around 3-24 months of age, and tends to be more severe and persistent, lasting many months or up to 5 years of age. Non-inflamed comedones predominate, with inflamed lesions such as papules, pustules and even nodules, occurring mainly on the cheeks. Scarring occasionally results. If it is severe and persistent, or if its onset occurs after the age of one. An underlying hormonal abnormality should be ruled out.
Pre-pubertal children may start developing comedones and an oily complexion from about 10 years of age, heralding the onset of puberty.
How to Stop Acne
Adolescence
This is the usual age where acne sets in. It is often preceded by increasingly oily skin and formation of whiteheads and blackheads, culminating in the appearance of red, inflamed papules and pustules on the forehead and cheeks. Sometimes acne may involved the chest and back (truncal acne). Most adolescents will have at least a few acne lesions at some time or other. In more severe cases, nodules and cysts develop, resulting in scarring and disfiguration.
Adolescence is the most common age where acne starts to appear. At this stage, acne frequently recurs, even after treatment. However, the majority of acne sufferers will notice improvement or resolution in early adulthood.
Adulthood
Acne is widely regarded as a problem of adolescence, and in most cases, resolves by early adulthood (mid-twenties). However, about 15% of male acne sufferers, particularly those with more severe facial and truncal acne, continue to suffer fro it well into adulthood; that is, past their thirties. The jaw line, chin upper chest, and back are sites that are preferentially affected in adulthood.
About one-third of female acne sufferers will continue to have acne persisting into adulthood, mostly in a low-grade form with premenstrual flares, that occur around the period of menstruation. Adult acne tends to stop by menopause in women or the equivalent in men.
How to Stop Acne
Thursday, August 14, 2008
How to Stop Acne - Mimics of Acne
How to Stop Acne
Mimics of Acne
Copyright © Zion
Mimics of acne are skin conditions that may look acne at first glance, but which are not. These skin conditions often do not respond well to standard acne treatment and require different treatments. Your dermatologist is trained to distinguish acne from mimics and should be consulted if you have any doubts.
Rosacea
Early rosacea is characterized by flushing and blushing with sun exposure, alcohol, spicy food, and strong emotions. Later, inflamed papules and pustules resembling acne may appear, together with persistent redness of the face, visible fine blood vessels and swelling of the skin. In the late stage in men, the nose may become enlarged and deformed.
Steriod-induced Acne
Acne induced by the prolonged use of steroid creams on the skin, or the ingestion of steroid tablets, or by repeated injections of steroids, differ from regular acne in that the lesions tend to be monomorphic (uniform in size and appearance). Inregular acne, a variety of different acne lesions (non-inflamed comedones and inflamed papules, pustules, nodules and cysts) are present at any one time.
Perioral Dermatitis
The patient has acne –like papules and pustules appearing symmetrically around the mouth while the rest of the face and often results from prolonged inappropriate use of steroid creams.
How to Stop Acne
Gram-negative Bacterial Folliculitis
The condition is due to infection of the hair follicles by gram-negative bacteria. It often shows up as multiple small, inflamed, pus-filled lesions that do not respond to standard acne antibiotics. It may be a complication of repeated antibiotic acne treatments.
Pityrosporum Folliculitis
This is caused by the infection of the hair follicles by a yeast called Malassezia furfur (previously called Pityrosporum Ovale). Small red papules and pustules centered around hair follicles are seen on the shoulders, back and chest. The lesions are monomorphic and develop suddenly over a short period of time. Young, healthy adults involved in high levels of physical activity, with increased sweating and occlusion are usually affected.
Pseudofolliculitis
Pseudofolliculitis occurs mostly in men with kinky or curly hair, in hair-bearing areas such as the chin. It arises when the tip of shaved hair pierces the hair follicle wall, causing inflammation.
Keratosis Pilaris
This common condition involves rough red bumps around the hair pores on the upper arms and thighs. It tends to be persistent and is associated with dry skin and atopic dermatitis.
How to Stop Acne
Mimics of Acne
Copyright © Zion
Mimics of acne are skin conditions that may look acne at first glance, but which are not. These skin conditions often do not respond well to standard acne treatment and require different treatments. Your dermatologist is trained to distinguish acne from mimics and should be consulted if you have any doubts.
Rosacea
Early rosacea is characterized by flushing and blushing with sun exposure, alcohol, spicy food, and strong emotions. Later, inflamed papules and pustules resembling acne may appear, together with persistent redness of the face, visible fine blood vessels and swelling of the skin. In the late stage in men, the nose may become enlarged and deformed.
Steriod-induced Acne
Acne induced by the prolonged use of steroid creams on the skin, or the ingestion of steroid tablets, or by repeated injections of steroids, differ from regular acne in that the lesions tend to be monomorphic (uniform in size and appearance). Inregular acne, a variety of different acne lesions (non-inflamed comedones and inflamed papules, pustules, nodules and cysts) are present at any one time.
Perioral Dermatitis
The patient has acne –like papules and pustules appearing symmetrically around the mouth while the rest of the face and often results from prolonged inappropriate use of steroid creams.
How to Stop Acne
Gram-negative Bacterial Folliculitis
The condition is due to infection of the hair follicles by gram-negative bacteria. It often shows up as multiple small, inflamed, pus-filled lesions that do not respond to standard acne antibiotics. It may be a complication of repeated antibiotic acne treatments.
Pityrosporum Folliculitis
This is caused by the infection of the hair follicles by a yeast called Malassezia furfur (previously called Pityrosporum Ovale). Small red papules and pustules centered around hair follicles are seen on the shoulders, back and chest. The lesions are monomorphic and develop suddenly over a short period of time. Young, healthy adults involved in high levels of physical activity, with increased sweating and occlusion are usually affected.
Pseudofolliculitis
Pseudofolliculitis occurs mostly in men with kinky or curly hair, in hair-bearing areas such as the chin. It arises when the tip of shaved hair pierces the hair follicle wall, causing inflammation.
Keratosis Pilaris
This common condition involves rough red bumps around the hair pores on the upper arms and thighs. It tends to be persistent and is associated with dry skin and atopic dermatitis.
How to Stop Acne
Monday, August 11, 2008
How to Stop Acne - Special Underlying Medical Conditions Associated With Acne
How to Stop Acne
Special Underlying Medical Conditions Associated With Acne
Copyright © Zion
Some medical conditions may cause or aggravate acne. Patients with these medical conditions often have more severe acne that does not respond well to standard treatment.
Androgen Excess
Acne in females, if accompanied by irregular periods, excessive hairiness and oiliness, male-pattern baldness, and deepening of the voice, is suggestive of androgen
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
This is the most common cause of androgen excess in women, where the ovaries are large and contain many cysts, resulting in an imbalance in the hormones produced by the ovaries. The affected woman has oily skin, acne and irregular menstrual periods. She is also usually obese, hairy and sub-fertile.
- Androgen-secreting ovarian or adrenal tumours
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21-hydroxylase deficiency)
The lack of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase in the adrenal glands (special glands found just above the kidneys) causes an overproduction of precursor hormones with androgenic properties. More severe and classical forms of this condition are usually detected during infancy. Non-classical or late-onset forms may occur with symptoms of androgen excess and acne during childhood or after puberty.
How to Stop Acne
Cushing’s Syndrome
This condition results from too much cortisol (a glucocorticoid hormone) in the body. This may result from an excess production of the hormone by the body, from prolonged ingestion of steroid tablets (prednisolone, dexamethasone), or from repeated injections of steroids for other skin or medical conditions (for example, eczema, or asthma)
Cushing’s Syndrome is characterized by obesity affecting the face (moon face), neck (buffalo hump) and body but not the limbs. Apart from acne, excessive growth of facial and body hair, skin thinning, fragility and easy bruising, purplish stretch marks (striae) are often signs of Cushing’s Syndrome as well.
How to Stop Acne
Special Underlying Medical Conditions Associated With Acne
Copyright © Zion
Some medical conditions may cause or aggravate acne. Patients with these medical conditions often have more severe acne that does not respond well to standard treatment.
Androgen Excess
Acne in females, if accompanied by irregular periods, excessive hairiness and oiliness, male-pattern baldness, and deepening of the voice, is suggestive of androgen
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
This is the most common cause of androgen excess in women, where the ovaries are large and contain many cysts, resulting in an imbalance in the hormones produced by the ovaries. The affected woman has oily skin, acne and irregular menstrual periods. She is also usually obese, hairy and sub-fertile.
- Androgen-secreting ovarian or adrenal tumours
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21-hydroxylase deficiency)
The lack of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase in the adrenal glands (special glands found just above the kidneys) causes an overproduction of precursor hormones with androgenic properties. More severe and classical forms of this condition are usually detected during infancy. Non-classical or late-onset forms may occur with symptoms of androgen excess and acne during childhood or after puberty.
How to Stop Acne
Cushing’s Syndrome
This condition results from too much cortisol (a glucocorticoid hormone) in the body. This may result from an excess production of the hormone by the body, from prolonged ingestion of steroid tablets (prednisolone, dexamethasone), or from repeated injections of steroids for other skin or medical conditions (for example, eczema, or asthma)
Cushing’s Syndrome is characterized by obesity affecting the face (moon face), neck (buffalo hump) and body but not the limbs. Apart from acne, excessive growth of facial and body hair, skin thinning, fragility and easy bruising, purplish stretch marks (striae) are often signs of Cushing’s Syndrome as well.
How to Stop Acne
Saturday, August 9, 2008
How to Stop Acne - Diagnosis of Acne
How to Stop Acne
Diagnosis of Acne
Copyright © Zion
Clinical diagnosis of acne is based on history and the presence of characteristics lesions. Special tests are not required. Your doctor will be able to help you and teach you proven methods on how to stop acne.
Diagnostic Criteria
To diagnose your condition as acne, your doctor will first examine your skin and confirm that the blemishes are those of acne. The characteristic lesions are non-inflamed comedones (whiteheads and black heads) and inflamed lesions consisting of papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. These most occur together in characteristic oil-producing areas such as the face, upper back and upper chest in the typically affected age group, namely adolescents and young adults. And they are the ones who are active on searching a proven way on how to stop acne.
During the consultation, your doctor will also analyze aggravating factors and rule out special underlying conditions associated with acne, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and Cushing’s Syndrome.
Your doctor will also assess the severity of your acne and determine your responses to previous treatments given, so that he can plan the best strategy on how to stop your acne.
Are Special Blood and Skin Tests Needed?
Special blood and skin tests are not routinely required. However, in situations where your doctor suspects that your skin condition is not a typical case of acne, he may order certain special tests. These are usually carried out to include mimics of acne and to identify underlying medical conditions that may cause or aggravate acne.
How to Stop Acne
Some Tests Include:
A. Skin Smear for Microscopy
This is done to identify bacteria or yeast when gram-negative folliculitis – inflammation of the follicle – or pityrosporum (a type of yeastlike fungi) folliculitis is suspected. (Gram’s stain is a method of treating bacteria with dyes; gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria show different stains, due to differences in the structure and composition of the cell walls.) A swab from affected skin is smeared on a glass slide, which is then stained with special chemicals and examined under a microscope to demonstrate the causative organism.
B. Skin Smear for Bacterial Culture
A smear from the affected skin is plated on a special medium that allows the causative bacteria to grow. The bacteria can then be identified and its susceptibility to various antibiotics, or antibiotic sensitivity, determined. This test is to identify the bacteria in gram-negative bacterial folliculitis so the doctor can decide on the most suitable antibiotic to stop acne infection.
C. Hormonal Blood Tests
This test screen for hormonal disorders in females with difficult to stop acne in the presence of irregular menstrual periods and hirsutism (male-pattern hair distribution in females). They include the raios of serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS), total and free testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH), to follicular stimulating hormone (FSH). If the results are abnormal, your doctor will refer you to an endocrinologist or gynaecologist for a more detailed evaluation and assessment.
With these procedures, it is posible to determine the cause easily, and affected persons would have enough time to do effective ways on how to stop acne without much trouble.
How to Stop Acne
Diagnosis of Acne
Copyright © Zion
Clinical diagnosis of acne is based on history and the presence of characteristics lesions. Special tests are not required. Your doctor will be able to help you and teach you proven methods on how to stop acne.
Diagnostic Criteria
To diagnose your condition as acne, your doctor will first examine your skin and confirm that the blemishes are those of acne. The characteristic lesions are non-inflamed comedones (whiteheads and black heads) and inflamed lesions consisting of papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. These most occur together in characteristic oil-producing areas such as the face, upper back and upper chest in the typically affected age group, namely adolescents and young adults. And they are the ones who are active on searching a proven way on how to stop acne.
During the consultation, your doctor will also analyze aggravating factors and rule out special underlying conditions associated with acne, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and Cushing’s Syndrome.
Your doctor will also assess the severity of your acne and determine your responses to previous treatments given, so that he can plan the best strategy on how to stop your acne.
Are Special Blood and Skin Tests Needed?
Special blood and skin tests are not routinely required. However, in situations where your doctor suspects that your skin condition is not a typical case of acne, he may order certain special tests. These are usually carried out to include mimics of acne and to identify underlying medical conditions that may cause or aggravate acne.
How to Stop Acne
Some Tests Include:
A. Skin Smear for Microscopy
This is done to identify bacteria or yeast when gram-negative folliculitis – inflammation of the follicle – or pityrosporum (a type of yeastlike fungi) folliculitis is suspected. (Gram’s stain is a method of treating bacteria with dyes; gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria show different stains, due to differences in the structure and composition of the cell walls.) A swab from affected skin is smeared on a glass slide, which is then stained with special chemicals and examined under a microscope to demonstrate the causative organism.
B. Skin Smear for Bacterial Culture
A smear from the affected skin is plated on a special medium that allows the causative bacteria to grow. The bacteria can then be identified and its susceptibility to various antibiotics, or antibiotic sensitivity, determined. This test is to identify the bacteria in gram-negative bacterial folliculitis so the doctor can decide on the most suitable antibiotic to stop acne infection.
C. Hormonal Blood Tests
This test screen for hormonal disorders in females with difficult to stop acne in the presence of irregular menstrual periods and hirsutism (male-pattern hair distribution in females). They include the raios of serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS), total and free testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH), to follicular stimulating hormone (FSH). If the results are abnormal, your doctor will refer you to an endocrinologist or gynaecologist for a more detailed evaluation and assessment.
With these procedures, it is posible to determine the cause easily, and affected persons would have enough time to do effective ways on how to stop acne without much trouble.
How to Stop Acne
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
How to Stop Acne - The Role of Genes and External Factors in Causing Acne
How to Stop Acne
The Role of Genes and External Factors in Causing Acne
Copyright © Zion
Genetic factors play an important role in acne, although which genes exactly are involved have yet to be identified. It is likely that a combination of genes from both parents is responsible. And by identifying this factors would be a very big help to be able to know how to stop such acne.
It is often observed that several members of the same family have acne, albeit to varying degrees. Identical twins are usually both affected by acne, while such an incidence is much less for non-identical twins. If one or both parents has or had a severe acne, then the child is at risk of also developing severe acne in his teens. The methods how their parents stop their acne should be taught carefully to them.
External factors also play a role in aggravating and/or causing acne. These includes a hot, humid climate, stress, picking and squeezing at the lesions, medicaments, drugs, cosmetics, and occupation. These factors should ideally be minimized in the overall management of acne.
How to Stop Acne
Severity Grades of Acne
1. Mild Acne
In mild acne, the degrees of inflammation is minimal, with mainly comedones and small, inflamed papules and pustules. The risk of scarring in mild acne is low. There is often associated increased oiliness (seborrhoea) of the skin.
2. Moderate Acne
In moderate acne, the degrees of inflammation is more intense. In addition to comedones and increased oiliness of the skin there are many inflamed papules and pustules. There maybe a few nodules present as well. The risk of scarring increases with the degree of inflammation.
3. Severe Acne
In severe acne, the inflammation is very intense and extends deep into the skin, with multiple nodules and cysts. The individual lesions may merge to form larger confluent lesions and pus-filled tracts (sinuses). The inflamed nodules tend to be painful, and discharging pus is often seen. Over-the-counter acne creams are generally ineffective against severe acne. As there is great risk of scarring in severe acne, patients should seek early medical advice on how to stop of acne of this grade, so that the inflammation can be reduced rapidly.
How to Stop Acne
The Role of Genes and External Factors in Causing Acne
Copyright © Zion
Genetic factors play an important role in acne, although which genes exactly are involved have yet to be identified. It is likely that a combination of genes from both parents is responsible. And by identifying this factors would be a very big help to be able to know how to stop such acne.
It is often observed that several members of the same family have acne, albeit to varying degrees. Identical twins are usually both affected by acne, while such an incidence is much less for non-identical twins. If one or both parents has or had a severe acne, then the child is at risk of also developing severe acne in his teens. The methods how their parents stop their acne should be taught carefully to them.
External factors also play a role in aggravating and/or causing acne. These includes a hot, humid climate, stress, picking and squeezing at the lesions, medicaments, drugs, cosmetics, and occupation. These factors should ideally be minimized in the overall management of acne.
How to Stop Acne
Severity Grades of Acne
1. Mild Acne
In mild acne, the degrees of inflammation is minimal, with mainly comedones and small, inflamed papules and pustules. The risk of scarring in mild acne is low. There is often associated increased oiliness (seborrhoea) of the skin.
2. Moderate Acne
In moderate acne, the degrees of inflammation is more intense. In addition to comedones and increased oiliness of the skin there are many inflamed papules and pustules. There maybe a few nodules present as well. The risk of scarring increases with the degree of inflammation.
3. Severe Acne
In severe acne, the inflammation is very intense and extends deep into the skin, with multiple nodules and cysts. The individual lesions may merge to form larger confluent lesions and pus-filled tracts (sinuses). The inflamed nodules tend to be painful, and discharging pus is often seen. Over-the-counter acne creams are generally ineffective against severe acne. As there is great risk of scarring in severe acne, patients should seek early medical advice on how to stop of acne of this grade, so that the inflammation can be reduced rapidly.
How to Stop Acne
Monday, August 4, 2008
How to Stop Acne - How Common Is Acne?
How to Stop Acne
How Common Is Acne?
Copyright © Zion
Acne is extremely common, affecting about 4 in 5 (80%) of adolescents and young adults aged 11 to 30 years. And most of the people of different ages affected by ance never give up researching for the best ways on how to stop it.
Although acne usually first appears during the teenage years, it can occur for the first time in one's twenties or thirties. It is one of the most common skin disorders treated by doctors at Skin Centers around the world. And association of doctors are continouosly formulating effective medicines and methods on how to stop acne which has been the cause of most teenager's problem.
How Does Acne Form?
Acne formation is a complex interplay between genetics, hormones, excessive sebum production, blockage of pore openings, bacteria and the body's immune response. Studying ways on how to stop the cause are bit sensitive and need plenty of time, same as healing someone's acne when it is already acute.
Acne begins at the pilo-sebaceous unit (the oil-producing gland and associated hair follicle). Around puberty, the sebaceous glands grow in size and start producing more sebum under the influence of increased amounts of androgens (male sex hormones) circulating in the body. Androgens are present in both males and females, though males have higher levels of it.
How to Stop Acne
While the enlarged sebaceous the increased and abnormal growth of the cells lining the opening of the pilo-sebaceous unit results in clogging of the opening, causing retention of the sebum and dead skin cells - sebaceous materials - under the skin. The retained sebaceous materials result in the formation of whiteheads (closed comedones) and blackheads (open comedones): the early, non-inflamed lesions of acne.
The retained sebaceous materials provide a good environment for the bacterium (Propionibacterium acnes) to grow and multiply. The body's immune response to the bacteria and its products leads to inflammation, and the formation of red, sometimes painful, pimples. Deeper more intense inflammation results in the formation of larger lesions (nodules) and even pus-filled cavities (cysts).
While the inflammation helps clear the bacteria from the skin, it unfortunately destroys tissue around the pilo-sebaceous glands. This may cause permanent scarring as a final result of the healing process.
How to Stop Acne
Inflammation in Acne Produces Troublesome Lesions:
1. Papules - inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch
2. Pustules (pimples) - papules topped by pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base
3. Nodules - large painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin
4. Cysts - deep, painful pusfilled lesions that can cause scarring
Understanding the various steps in acne formation has allowed doctors and researchers to develop better ways on how to stop acne at different levels, with better results. The trend is towards early treatment, and preventing or minimizing inflammation, thereby preventing scarring.
How to Stop Acne
How Common Is Acne?
Copyright © Zion
Acne is extremely common, affecting about 4 in 5 (80%) of adolescents and young adults aged 11 to 30 years. And most of the people of different ages affected by ance never give up researching for the best ways on how to stop it.
Although acne usually first appears during the teenage years, it can occur for the first time in one's twenties or thirties. It is one of the most common skin disorders treated by doctors at Skin Centers around the world. And association of doctors are continouosly formulating effective medicines and methods on how to stop acne which has been the cause of most teenager's problem.
How Does Acne Form?
Acne formation is a complex interplay between genetics, hormones, excessive sebum production, blockage of pore openings, bacteria and the body's immune response. Studying ways on how to stop the cause are bit sensitive and need plenty of time, same as healing someone's acne when it is already acute.
Acne begins at the pilo-sebaceous unit (the oil-producing gland and associated hair follicle). Around puberty, the sebaceous glands grow in size and start producing more sebum under the influence of increased amounts of androgens (male sex hormones) circulating in the body. Androgens are present in both males and females, though males have higher levels of it.
How to Stop Acne
While the enlarged sebaceous the increased and abnormal growth of the cells lining the opening of the pilo-sebaceous unit results in clogging of the opening, causing retention of the sebum and dead skin cells - sebaceous materials - under the skin. The retained sebaceous materials result in the formation of whiteheads (closed comedones) and blackheads (open comedones): the early, non-inflamed lesions of acne.
The retained sebaceous materials provide a good environment for the bacterium (Propionibacterium acnes) to grow and multiply. The body's immune response to the bacteria and its products leads to inflammation, and the formation of red, sometimes painful, pimples. Deeper more intense inflammation results in the formation of larger lesions (nodules) and even pus-filled cavities (cysts).
While the inflammation helps clear the bacteria from the skin, it unfortunately destroys tissue around the pilo-sebaceous glands. This may cause permanent scarring as a final result of the healing process.
How to Stop Acne
Inflammation in Acne Produces Troublesome Lesions:
1. Papules - inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch
2. Pustules (pimples) - papules topped by pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base
3. Nodules - large painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin
4. Cysts - deep, painful pusfilled lesions that can cause scarring
Understanding the various steps in acne formation has allowed doctors and researchers to develop better ways on how to stop acne at different levels, with better results. The trend is towards early treatment, and preventing or minimizing inflammation, thereby preventing scarring.
How to Stop Acne
Saturday, August 2, 2008
How to Stop Acne - What is Acne Vulgaris?
How to Stop Acne
What is Acne Vulgaris?
Copyright © Zion
Acne is an inflammatory disease of the oil- or sebum-producing glands of the skin, resulting in the formation of whiteheads, blackheads and red, inflamed bumps that may contain pus, and all these problems that have been formed can be avoided if you know how to stop the inflammation of the oil-producing glands that caused acne.
These sebaceous (oil-producing) glands are found in association with hair follicles, and are collectively known as the pilo-sebaceous unit. Acne usually starts to appear during puberty (at 10-13 years of age), when the sebaceous glands become more active due to stimulation by male sex hormones, or androgens. The face, neck, upper back, and chest carry an abundance of sebaceous glands consequently they are the most commonly affected areas of the body.
How to Stop Acne
Although acne may not cause or lead to serious medical problems or physical harm, its psychosocial impact can be tremendous . Adolescents and young adults who suffer from severe acne often have a poorer quality of life due to diminished self-image and negative perception by peers. Acne scars persist into adulthood and may have continued negative psychosocial effects years after the active acne has subsided.
The good news is that modern medicine have the formula and the best method on how to stop acne effectively, which in turn minimizes the problem of scarring. It is not a minor skin problem that can be ignored and left to go away as one grows older. Any individual especially those with severe cases should be given knowledge early on how to stop acne so scarring does not have to occur.
Are Pimples the Same as Acne?
Pimple is the common term used by the layperson to describe the small, painful, inflamed skin lesions in acne.
While acne is the medical term that covers the entire and blackheads (comedones) to severely inflamed acne nodules (boils) and cysts (soft, pus-containing cavities), the layperson’s term pimples and the medical term acne essentially mean the same thing and anyone who have this should do something and seek the best way on how to stop it.
How to Stop Acne
What is Acne Vulgaris?
Copyright © Zion
Acne is an inflammatory disease of the oil- or sebum-producing glands of the skin, resulting in the formation of whiteheads, blackheads and red, inflamed bumps that may contain pus, and all these problems that have been formed can be avoided if you know how to stop the inflammation of the oil-producing glands that caused acne.
These sebaceous (oil-producing) glands are found in association with hair follicles, and are collectively known as the pilo-sebaceous unit. Acne usually starts to appear during puberty (at 10-13 years of age), when the sebaceous glands become more active due to stimulation by male sex hormones, or androgens. The face, neck, upper back, and chest carry an abundance of sebaceous glands consequently they are the most commonly affected areas of the body.
How to Stop Acne
Although acne may not cause or lead to serious medical problems or physical harm, its psychosocial impact can be tremendous . Adolescents and young adults who suffer from severe acne often have a poorer quality of life due to diminished self-image and negative perception by peers. Acne scars persist into adulthood and may have continued negative psychosocial effects years after the active acne has subsided.
The good news is that modern medicine have the formula and the best method on how to stop acne effectively, which in turn minimizes the problem of scarring. It is not a minor skin problem that can be ignored and left to go away as one grows older. Any individual especially those with severe cases should be given knowledge early on how to stop acne so scarring does not have to occur.
Are Pimples the Same as Acne?
Pimple is the common term used by the layperson to describe the small, painful, inflamed skin lesions in acne.
While acne is the medical term that covers the entire and blackheads (comedones) to severely inflamed acne nodules (boils) and cysts (soft, pus-containing cavities), the layperson’s term pimples and the medical term acne essentially mean the same thing and anyone who have this should do something and seek the best way on how to stop it.
How to Stop Acne
Friday, August 1, 2008
How to Stop Acne???.., The Cause of All Your Problems
How to Stop Acne
How to Stop Acne???.., The Cause of All Your Problems
Copyright © Zion
Pimples… Zits… Whatever you call them, acne is the most common skin complaint among us, especially with teenagers. And experts are doing everything as well as searching everywhere just to find the best method on how to stop acne.
Apart from the pain and discomfort caused by the pus-filled eruptions on the skin, sufferers of acne do not have an easy time, struggling with oily skin, deep scars caused by improper handling (picking and squeezing), self-consciousness leading to poor self-esteem.
The doctors, medical social counselors and skin disease experts have written ton of handbooks, and thousands of ebooks are produced as well for easy reading for those who have computers at home.
This How to Stop Acne Guide addresses all interesting issues about acne such as:
- the nature of acne vulgaris
- aggravating factors and associated conditions
- scarring –box-car type, rolling, keloidal, etc
- myths about acne
- recommended methods on how to stop acne
- how conventional and alternative therapies help to stop acne
- strategies for coping with the psychosocial aspects of the disease
- the latest research findings about the best method on how to stop acne
How to Stop Acne
How to Stop Acne???.., The Cause of All Your Problems
Copyright © Zion
Pimples… Zits… Whatever you call them, acne is the most common skin complaint among us, especially with teenagers. And experts are doing everything as well as searching everywhere just to find the best method on how to stop acne.
Apart from the pain and discomfort caused by the pus-filled eruptions on the skin, sufferers of acne do not have an easy time, struggling with oily skin, deep scars caused by improper handling (picking and squeezing), self-consciousness leading to poor self-esteem.
The doctors, medical social counselors and skin disease experts have written ton of handbooks, and thousands of ebooks are produced as well for easy reading for those who have computers at home.
This How to Stop Acne Guide addresses all interesting issues about acne such as:
- the nature of acne vulgaris
- aggravating factors and associated conditions
- scarring –box-car type, rolling, keloidal, etc
- myths about acne
- recommended methods on how to stop acne
- how conventional and alternative therapies help to stop acne
- strategies for coping with the psychosocial aspects of the disease
- the latest research findings about the best method on how to stop acne
How to Stop Acne
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