How to Stop Acne
Post-acne Blemishes and Scars – Part 3
Copyright © Zion
Non-ablative Lasers
Newer laser technology allows the upper dermis to be selectively heated with resultant collagen remodeling, without damaging the epidermis (outer layer of skin). These newer lasers often incorporate a cooling device (cold spray or chilled tip) which first cools the epidermis before the laser is fired. This pre-cooling prevents the epidermis from damage, and significantly reduces patient downtime. The laser procedure can be safely performed with normal or no anesthesia and carries the risk of few complications. Several treatments are needed (usually 4-6), at 4-8 weeks intervals. The results of non-ablative laser treatment are gradual; the patient may see 15-20% improvement. The effects on shallower acne scars are better than on deeper ones.
Chemical Peeling
Repeated superficial chemical peeling, for example with glycolic acid, may mildly improve shallow acne scars by stimulating gradual remodeling of the collagen fibers in the upper dermis. Additional benefits include improvement in surface texture and fewer blackheads. Unfortunately, deep scars do not improve much with chemical peeling. Superficial chemical peeling should be performed by an experienced dermatologist to avoid complications, such as chemical burns to the skin.
How to Stop Acne
Filler Injections
Filler substances can be injected directly into the dermis below the scar, to elevate it for rapid, albeit temporary, improvement. Most fillers generally last about four to six months before absorption by the body. This technique can be considered for box-car type scars and rolling scars, especially if there are only a few isolated scars.
Dermabrasion
This technique, using a medical-grade sending device to manually remove the surface skin up to the upper dermis has largely been replaced by laser resurfacing as manual dermabrasion is a bloody procedure and is highly dependent on the skill and judgement of the doctor performing the procedure.
Hypertrophic and Keloidal Acne Scars
These are the thickened, cord-like scars resulting from excessive formation of scar tissue following active acne. Such scars appear more frequently in the Negroid race, and in individuals with a past history of keloids following skin injury. Hypertrophic and keloidal scars are also more common over the jaw line, anterior chest and shoulder regions. Treatment is difficult – partial flattening of the thickened scars can be achieved by techniques such as liquid nitrogen cryotherapy and careful injections of steroids into the scar by an experienced dermatologist. Over-the-counter scar cream and silicone gel sheeting are usually ineffective.
Hypertrophic and keloidal acne scars can be partially flattened with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy and steroids injections.
How to Stop Acne
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
How to Stop Acne - Post-acne Blemishes and Scars – Part 2
How to Stop Acne
Post-acne Blemishes and Scars – Part 2
Copyright © Zion
Acne Scars
The most important reason for treating acne early and effectively is that permanent scarring can occur if the inflammation is left too late. Acne scars, unlike post-acne redness and pigmentation, are permanent.
Unfortunately, current treatments for acne scars are costly, and only partially improve the scars. Scar treatment should only be considered for patients whose acne is well controlled dormant.
The Two Main Types of Acne Scars and their Treatment is as follows:
Depressed Acne Scars
These are the most common acne scars. They vary in appearance and depth. Dermatologists classify them as ice-pick scars (narrow, deep-pitted scars) box-car type scars (round, oval depressions with sharply demarcated vertical edges) and rolling scars (scars causing the skin to take on an undulating appearance) to fine-tune techniques of improving them. Most patients display a combination of the different types of acne scars.
How to Stop Acne
Total removal of acne scars is not possible but the following treatments may improve the appearance of depressed scars by making them shallower and their margins less distinct.
Scar Revision
Scar Revision (surgery) is necessary to improve the appearance of deep scars, for example, ice pick scars be cut-out (excised) and the skin stitched back to close up the scar. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and several sessions may be needed. Scar revision results in a shallow scar than originally; residual scars can subsequently be further improved by other non-surgical techniques.
Treatments for Acne Scars:
- Surgery
- Ablative Laser Resurfacing
- Non-ablative Laser Treatment
- Chemical Peeling
- Filler Injections
- Dermabrasion
How to Stop Acne
Post-acne Blemishes and Scars – Part 2
Copyright © Zion
Acne Scars
The most important reason for treating acne early and effectively is that permanent scarring can occur if the inflammation is left too late. Acne scars, unlike post-acne redness and pigmentation, are permanent.
Unfortunately, current treatments for acne scars are costly, and only partially improve the scars. Scar treatment should only be considered for patients whose acne is well controlled dormant.
The Two Main Types of Acne Scars and their Treatment is as follows:
Depressed Acne Scars
These are the most common acne scars. They vary in appearance and depth. Dermatologists classify them as ice-pick scars (narrow, deep-pitted scars) box-car type scars (round, oval depressions with sharply demarcated vertical edges) and rolling scars (scars causing the skin to take on an undulating appearance) to fine-tune techniques of improving them. Most patients display a combination of the different types of acne scars.
How to Stop Acne
Total removal of acne scars is not possible but the following treatments may improve the appearance of depressed scars by making them shallower and their margins less distinct.
Scar Revision
Scar Revision (surgery) is necessary to improve the appearance of deep scars, for example, ice pick scars be cut-out (excised) and the skin stitched back to close up the scar. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and several sessions may be needed. Scar revision results in a shallow scar than originally; residual scars can subsequently be further improved by other non-surgical techniques.
Treatments for Acne Scars:
- Surgery
- Ablative Laser Resurfacing
- Non-ablative Laser Treatment
- Chemical Peeling
- Filler Injections
- Dermabrasion
How to Stop Acne
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
How to Stop Acne - Post-acne Blemishes and Scars – Part 1
How to Stop Acne
Post-acne Blemishes and Scars – Part 1
Copyright © Zion
Even after the active acne has subsided, post-acne blemishes may remain, including redness, pigmentation and scarring. These are more pronounced in poorly treated acne, or after self-manipulation like picking and squeezing. These blemishes often cause patients much concern and distress long after the active acne has subsided.
Post-acne Redness
After the inflammatory acne subsides, the area often turns a little red. This is normal, although it may last weeks to months for some patients. The redness results from the fine blood vessels that occur under the skin as part of the normal healing process, and appears more pronounced after the patient has been out in the sun on a hot day, and after he has used certain creams that may irritate the skin, such as topical tretinoin.
There are no creams that will effectively make the redness go away faster, although daily application of a sunscreen, sun protection (like hats), and avoidance of aggravating factors to will minimize it. The good news is that post-acne redness clear on its own and patients is all that is required. However, for those who are disturbed by the redness and want it to clear faster, the vascular specific laser – pulsed dye laser, or intense pulse light (IPL) therapy – may speed up the process. However, several sessions may be needed and treatment is often costly.
How to Stop Acne
Post-acne Pigmentation
For some patients, there may be pigmentation over sites of previous inflammation. The tendency to form pigmentation varies between each individual, although deeper and larger acne tends to leave more pigmentation as compared to more superficial and smaller lesions. The pigmentation may be aggravated by picking and squeezing, and by the use of certain oral medication such as the antibiotic minocycline.
Currently available lightening creams are only minimally effective in hastening the clearance of post-acne pigmentation, which can be rather deep. However, the pigmentation will gradually clear over the following weeks to months, and patients should concentrate on controlling their acne to minimize further post-inflammatory pigmentation. Chemical peeling, intense pulse light (IPL) therapy, and lasers should be avoided as they offer no additional benefit, and may in fact injure the skin and cause further pigmentation.
How to Stop Acne
Post-acne Blemishes and Scars – Part 1
Copyright © Zion
Even after the active acne has subsided, post-acne blemishes may remain, including redness, pigmentation and scarring. These are more pronounced in poorly treated acne, or after self-manipulation like picking and squeezing. These blemishes often cause patients much concern and distress long after the active acne has subsided.
Post-acne Redness
After the inflammatory acne subsides, the area often turns a little red. This is normal, although it may last weeks to months for some patients. The redness results from the fine blood vessels that occur under the skin as part of the normal healing process, and appears more pronounced after the patient has been out in the sun on a hot day, and after he has used certain creams that may irritate the skin, such as topical tretinoin.
There are no creams that will effectively make the redness go away faster, although daily application of a sunscreen, sun protection (like hats), and avoidance of aggravating factors to will minimize it. The good news is that post-acne redness clear on its own and patients is all that is required. However, for those who are disturbed by the redness and want it to clear faster, the vascular specific laser – pulsed dye laser, or intense pulse light (IPL) therapy – may speed up the process. However, several sessions may be needed and treatment is often costly.
How to Stop Acne
Post-acne Pigmentation
For some patients, there may be pigmentation over sites of previous inflammation. The tendency to form pigmentation varies between each individual, although deeper and larger acne tends to leave more pigmentation as compared to more superficial and smaller lesions. The pigmentation may be aggravated by picking and squeezing, and by the use of certain oral medication such as the antibiotic minocycline.
Currently available lightening creams are only minimally effective in hastening the clearance of post-acne pigmentation, which can be rather deep. However, the pigmentation will gradually clear over the following weeks to months, and patients should concentrate on controlling their acne to minimize further post-inflammatory pigmentation. Chemical peeling, intense pulse light (IPL) therapy, and lasers should be avoided as they offer no additional benefit, and may in fact injure the skin and cause further pigmentation.
How to Stop Acne
Thursday, August 28, 2008
How to Stop Acne - Common Myths About Acne – Part 2
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
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
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
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