Acne

Acne is a disorder of the skin's oil glands that results in plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions, and is the most common of all skin diseases. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne. People of all ages can get acne, but it is most common in adolescents. Nearly 85 percent of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. By the time they reach their mid thirties, most people cease to experience acne. Although acne is not a serious health problem, the more severe form can lead to disfiguring and permanent scarring. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. There are three major forms: vulgaris, conglobata, and rosacea. Vulgaris affects the hair follicles and oil-secreting glands of the skin. Conglobata is a more severe form, with cyst formation and subsequent scarring. Rosacea is a chronic acne-like eruption on the face of the mid-aged and older adults.

• Skin rash or lesion on the face, truck (chest) neck, back, or other area
• Comedones (whiteheads or blackheads)
• Pustules
• Cysts
• Papules
• Nodules
• Redness (erythema) of the skin lesions or skin around a lesion
• Inflammation around the skin eruptions
• Crusting of skin eruptions
• Scarring of the skin
  

• Good facial hygiene along with a healthy low fat diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean sources of protein can assist in prevention.
• Keeping the bowels functioning properly by eating high-fiber diets and drinking plenty of water is also thought to be acne preventative.
• If you are taking birth control pills, discuss the possibility of acne with your doctor.
• Avoid greasy or oily cosmetics. 
• Soaps that dry skin, such as deodorant soaps should be avoided.
• Controlling stress may prevent acne flare-ups.

The exact cause of acne is unknown, but several factors can contribute to the cause of acne or make it worse. The important factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. Another factor is rising hormone levels. These hormones, called androgens (male sex hormones), increase in both boys and girls during puberty and can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne. In addition, certain drugs, including androgens, lithium, and barbiturates, are known to cause acne. Stress, particularly severe or prolonged emotional tension, may aggravate the disorder. Also, environmental irritants (such as pollution and high humidity), squeezing or picking at blemishes, and hard scrubbing of the skin can make acne worse. People believe that dirty skin also causes acne; however, blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt.

Research is being conducted on lipophilic compounds, a class of drugs that are potent in decreasing inflammation and killing P. acnes. Additional research is also being conducted on the potential side effects of isotretinoin and the long-term use of medications used for treating acne. Other researchers are attempting to determine the factors in girls during early puberty that might predict the development of severe acne later. Finally, some researchers are studying how acne affects certain aspects of patients’ lives, including psychological health and quality of life. The diagnosis of acne is not all the difficult as doctors especially dermatologists study the growth or the outbreak on the skin and prescribe medicines according to the condition and severity of the disease.

• Foods high in sugar and fat content should be avoided.
• As milk contains hormones, it should be avoided.
• Foods high in iodine, such as fish and iodized salt should be eliminated from the diet.
• Eat a high fiber diet. Good diet and intestinal function are a major contributing factor to acne.
• Whole grain complex carbohydrates should be incorporated in the diet.
• Use olive oil and cut down on saturated and polyunsaturated fats. Foods containing trans-fatty acids, such as dairy products, margarine, shortening, fried oils or other vegetable oils should also be avoided.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to make it easier for the body to wash out toxins
• Fresh cherries or cherry juice should be incorporated in the diet as it helps clear the blood of toxins.

• Skin should be kept clean at all times. Washing with a mild soap is recommended in the morning and at night.
• Hair should be washed frequently to prevent excess oil production.
• Use benozyl peroxide creams, avoiding the eye area.
• Avoid medications containing bromides or sulfides.
• Topical steroid creams can prolong infection, and should therefore be avoided.
• Oil based foundations should be avoided. 
• Cosmetics containing lanolin, isopropyl myristate, sodium lauryl sulfate, laureth-4 and red dyes should also be avoided. 
• Pimples with distinct whiteheads should be gently removed with a special tool called a comdeo. An antiseptic cream should be applied after this.

The emotional factors, which accompany or even may cause acne, should not be over looked. Acne can cause feelings of withdrawal and can initiate a poor self-esteem. If you have a child who suffers from acne, talking together about treatment options is crucial. Stress plays a role in acne, which is still under study. People who have suffered an emotional trauma may also temporarily have acne like blemishes.