Better Health & Living
Acne
Treatment for Acne
May 21st
Antibiotics used in the treatment of acne
Some of the common antibiotics that are used in the treatment of acne are tetracycline and erythromycin. Tetracycline is the most widely prescribed antibiotic for acne. This antibiotic must be taken on an empty stomach. Tetracycline is never prescribed to children under the age of nine years. It is not prescribed to women during their pregnancy.
Another antibiotic that is commonly prescribed by the physician in the treatment of acne is erythromycin. The anti-inflammatory properties of erythromycin play a significant role in reducing the irritation of the skin and the redness associated with the acne. It also helps in killing the acne causing bacteria present on the skin. Another advantage of this antibiotic is that it can even be prescribed by the dermatologist to pregnant women. But it is known to cause nausea in some people.
Other antibiotics used in the treatment of acne are minocycline and doxycycline. Doxycycline is often used to treat people who do not respond to erythromycin or tetracycline or in some cases where the person suffering from acne cannot tolerate erythromycin or tetracycline.
Topical antibiotics used in the treatment of acne
Topical antibiotics are extensively prescribed by the dermatologists in the treatment of acne. Topical antibiotics are highly effective as they work by killing the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. These bacteria are present on the surface of the skin and they are present in all individuals. However, research has found that people suffering from acne show increased numbers of these bacteria on the skin. The bacteria cause an increase in the number of the white blood cells and this result in an inflammatory response causing redness and acne. Topical antibiotics kill the acne causing bacteria and reduce the redness and inflammation of the skin. Some of the widely used topical antibiotics are clindamycin, erythromycin and metronidazole.
Face washes can be used in the treatment of acne
Another line of treatment is the use of face washes. Some dermatologists can prescribe face washes that are available in supermarkets or in the pharmacy. These face washes when used regularly help to keep the face clean and oil free and may help in reducing the severity of the acne.
Natural remedies in the treatment of acne
One of the most popular natural remedy used in the treatment of acne is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is applied to the skin topically in its diluted form. It acts on the acne by killing the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. Another natural remedy used to treat acne is turmeric. Turmeric powder is mixed with a few drops of milk and applied to the acne. Turmeric has anti bacteria properties which help to kill the acne causing bacteria on the skin. Another treatment that is highly recommended by the herbalists is aloe vera
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Causes of Acne
May 20th
Acne is a common skin disease which is characterized by the appearance of pimples on the face, chest, and back. It is an 
inflammatory condition involving the sebaceous glands of the skin.
Mechanism in the formation of acne
The hair follicle of the skin is surrounded by the sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland secretes sebum. Sebum is an oily and waxy secretion that protects the skin and keeps the skin waterproof. The sebaceous gland is connected to the hair follicle by the sebaceous duct. The sebum secreted by the sebaceous gland is released into the sebaceous duct. The sebaceous glands are distributed over the entire body except the palms and soles. They are present most abundantly on the scalp, face and the neck. When the production of the sebum increases it may lead to the blocking of the sebaceous duct. This results in the production of the acne.
Acne commonly occurs during puberty
The sebaceous glands are large and well developed at birth. They gradually shrink in size during childhood but enlarge again at the time of puberty. They secrete excess amount of sebum during puberty. This may lead to the blocking of the sebaceous duct, thereby resulting in the formation of acne. Studies have suggested that excessive production of sebum during puberty may be triggered by increased levels of a hormone called testosterone. Testosterone surge occurs during puberty. This hormone plays an important role in stimulating the growth and the development of the penis and testicles in boys. Testosterone is also necessary for building up muscle and bone strength in girls. The sebaceous glands are particularly sensitive to hormones. So it is thought that the increased testosterone causes the glands to produce much more sebum than the skin actually needs.
Women are more likely to suffer from acne than men
According to some dermatologists many cases of adult acne are a result of the changes in hormone levels that many women will experience at certain points during their life. Possible causes of acne in women are listed below:
- Menstrual cycle
Some women experience flare up of their acne just before their periods are due. This may be caused as a result of increased levels of the hormone progesterone and estrogen.
- Pregnancy
Many women experience flare up of their acne during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is again attributed to the hormonal changes in the pregnant woman.
This is a common condition and it may lead to weight gain and formation of acne in some women.
Acne may be caused due to increased numbers of bacteria present on the skin surface
Propionibacterium acnes, is a bacteria that is normally present on the surface of the skin. The bacteria use sebum as a nutrient for its growth. Hence it is a normal inhabitant of the skin surface. Research has found that people suffering from acne show increased numbers of these bacteria on the skin. Due to the increased numbers of the bacteria, there is an increase in the number of the protective white blood cells which is an immune response of the body to fight these bacteria. These white blood cells, in the process of fighting the bacteria, secrete various enzymes. This results in an inflammatory response which in turn causes the formation of papules, pustules and acne.
