Better Health & Living
Posts tagged pimples
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.
Treatment for Rosacea
Mar 22nd
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. It is not contagious. It occurs as a result of inflammation o
f the capillaries or the blood vessels that are present under the surface of facial skin. It causes redness and flushing of the face. It commonly affects the forehead and the cheeks. This condition is usually harmless unless it affects the eyes.
Diagnosis of Rosacea
There are no specific procedures or laboratory tests to diagnose rosacea. The doctor reaches a diagnosis after examining the facial skin and asking about the symptoms and factors that trigger the onset of these symptoms.
Rosacea treatment is mainly targeted at symptomatic relief
There is no permanent cure for rosacea. But the attacks of rosacea can be reduced simply by avoiding the trigger factors.
Treatment is mainly targeted at relief of the symptoms.
Many cases of rosacea are mild. The patchy redness on the face can usually be treated with the help of normal cosmetics or antibiotic creams and lotions.
These are used to relieve the inflammation and redness of the face. They are applied to the skin once or twice a day,
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are prescribed mainly because of their anti inflammatory properties. They are more effective in reducing the redness and inflammation of the skin as compared to the topical creams.
Treatment for Ocular Rosacea
When the rosacea affects the eyes and eyelids it is called ocular rosacea. It causes inflammation and redness of the eyes and the eyelids. There is burning pain and excessive lacrimation or watering of the eyes. The symptoms can be relieved by washing the eyes frequently with warm water. Some eye drops can be prescribed by the doctor in order to reduce the redness and burning pain of the eyes.
A rare but extremely serious complication of ocular rosacea is keratitis. Keratitis is the inflammation of cornea. If left untreated it may lead to corneal damage, resulting in visual impairment and even blindness. See a doctor urgently if you develop any eye pain or visual problems.
There is no cure for rosacea. Some steps can be taken in order to avoid the triggering factors that lead to the onset of rosacea.
Stress is one of the leading trigger factors in the onset of rosacea. Practicing relaxation techniques and meditation helps in reducing stress. If stress and embarrassment are a result of rosacea symptoms you can consider the option of talking to a professional counselor.
· Avoid exposure to sunlight. Use broad spectrum sunscreen while going out in the sun.
· Avoid hot and spicy food if that is one of the trigger factors for your rosacea.
· Avoid excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol if that leads to flare up of the symptoms of rosacea.
· Avoid the use of over the counter steroid creams unless they have been prescribed to you by your doctor.
· Avoid using saunas and hot baths. Also avoid getting too hot which may cause the existing symptoms to flare up.
Treatment for Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. It is not contagious. It occurs as a result of inflammation of the capillaries or the blood vessels that are present under the surface of facial skin. It causes redness and flushing of the face. It commonly affects the forehead and the cheeks. This condition is usually harmless unless it affects the eyes.
Diagnosis of Rosacea
There are no specific procedures or laboratory tests to diagnose rosacea. The doctor reaches a diagnosis after examining the facial skin and asking about the symptoms and factors that trigger the onset of these symptoms.
Rosacea treatment is mainly targeted at symptomatic relief
There is no permanent cure for rosacea. But the attacks of rosacea can be reduced simply by avoiding the trigger factors. Treatment is mainly targeted at relief of the symptoms.
Many cases of rosacea are mild. The patchy redness on the face can usually be treated with the help of normal cosmetics or antibiotic creams and lotions.
Topical ointments
These are used to relieve the inflammation and redness of the face. They are applied to the skin once or twice a day,
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are prescribed mainly because of their anti inflammatory properties. They are more effective in reducing the redness and inflammation of the skin as compared to the topical creams.
Treatment for Ocular Rosacea
When the rosacea affects the eyes and eyelids it is called ocular rosacea. It causes inflammation and redness of the eyes and the eyelids. There is burning pain and excessive lacrimation or watering of the eyes. The symptoms can be relieved by washing the eyes frequently with warm water. Some eye drops can be prescribed by the doctor in order to reduce the redness and burning pain of the eyes.
A rare but extremely serious complication of ocular rosacea is keratitis. Keratitis is the inflammation of cornea. If left untreated it may lead to corneal damage, resulting in visual impairment and even blindness. See a doctor urgently if you develop any eye pain or visual problems.
There is no cure for rosacea. Some steps can be taken in order to avoid the triggering factors that lead to the onset of rosacea.
· Stress is one of the leading trigger factors in the onset of rosacea. Practicing relaxation techniques and meditation helps in reducing stress. If stress and embarrassment are a result of rosacea symptoms you can consider the option of talking to a professional counselor.
· Avoid exposure to sunlight. Use broad spectrum sunscreen while going out in the sun.
· Avoid hot and spicy food if that is one of the trigger factors for your rosacea.
· Avoid excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol if that leads to flare up of the symptoms of rosacea.
· Avoid the use of over the counter steroid creams unless they have been prescribed to you by your doctor.
· Avoid using saunas and hot baths. Also avoid getting too hot which may cause the existing symptoms to flare up.
Causes of Rosacea
Mar 19th
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by facial redness and development of papules and pustules on the face.
The capillaries or the small blood vessels that are present beneath the surface of the skin become engorged. As a result of which they become visible on the skin in the form of small red lines. This gives the appearance of a permanent blush and facial redness. In this condition scarring does not occur.
The exact causes of rosacea are yet to be determined. But some of the risk factors are as follows:
Disorders of the facial capillaries causes rosacea
Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that are present in the surface of the skin. Inflammation of these facial capillaries leads to their enlargement. This results in a flushing appearance of the face and red patches. What causes the inflammation of the facial capillaries is not known. Some studies have suggested that the inflammation of the blood vessels may be caused as a result of abnormal immune reactions.
Rosacea is more common in fair skinned people
People with a Caucasian background and light skinned people have shown a higher incidence of rosacea compared to other races and ethnicity.
Rosacea is linked to higher numbers of demodex folliculorum
Demodex follicularum is a tiny mite that lives on the human skin. It is usually harmless and does not cause any problems.But in people affected by rosacea the presence of demodex follicularum has been found in significantly high numbers.
Rosacea is known to run in some families
Genetic predisposition may play a role in the development of rosacea. In many cases of rosacea there is usually a close relative who also suffers from the same condition.
Helicobacter pylori may cause rosacea
Some studies have suggested that H. pylori, a bacteria found in the intestine may be linked to the inflammation of the blood vessels of the face leading to the development of rosacea. This bacteria stimulates the production of bradykinin, a protein known to cause dilation of the blood vessels, thereby increasing the blood flow and leading to their enlargement.
Rosacea is triggered by a number of factors. Some of the common aggravating factors for rosacea are detailed as below:
- Hot foods and hot drinks may aggravate the existing symptoms
- Excessive intake of caffeine may worsen the facial erythema or redness.
- Dairy products have been linked to the attack of rosacea in some people.
- Hot baths and saunas may trigger rosacea symptoms.
- Consumption of spicy, greasy and oily food has been linked to the attacks of rosacea.
- Exposure to sunlight or bright light may bring on the inflammation and engorgement of the facial blood vessels thereby triggering the attack of rosacea.
- Use of corticosteroids is also associated with the triggering of the symptoms of rosacea.
- Symptoms of rosacea may appear after vigorous exercise
- Stress and anxiety flare up the inflammation of facial capillaries and cause redness of the face.
- Some acute medical conditions like fever, cough and cold are also the known trigger factors for rosacea.
What is Rosacea
Mar 18th
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition. It is a type of inflammatory condition of the skin and it typically affects the face. Acne rosacea is not contagious.
This condition is characterized by enlargement of the capillaries or the blood vessels present in surface of the skin. As a result of this the person suffering from this condition appears to have a permanent flush. The forehead, cheeks and chin may develop flushing, redness, red pimples and papules.
Who is at risk of developing rosacea
It primarily attacks Caucasians of mainly northwestern European descent. But rosacea is also common in people of other races and ethnic backgrounds.
Acne Rosacea
Acne rosacea is one of the types of rosacea and it can be commonly mistaken for acne. It has to be taken into account that rosacea and acne are two entirely different skin conditions. Acne is mainly caused by bacterial infections and the blocking of the sebaceous ducts that are present under the skin. Acne rosacea occurs when blood vessels just below the surface of the skin become enlarged, which in turn leads to blotchy red patches on the face. These patches of redness on the face have a tendency to fade and then appear again. Acne rosacea is a chronic skin condition and it becomes more permanent over a period of time.
Acne rosacea is mainly characterized by facial redness, papules, blotchy red patches and the appearance of a permanent flush on the cheeks and forehead. These papules are usually solid and hard to touch.
Vascular rosacea
Vascular rosacea is also one of the common types of rosacea. Blood vessels under the surface of the facial skin of the face may become engorged. These enlarged blood vessels may be visible through the skin in the form of small red lines. This skin condition is more common in women than men. The condition is due to swollen blood vessels in the face. This gives the facial skin a puffy, red and swollen appearance..
When the blood vessels under the surface of skin enlarge, they have a tendency to leak fluid. This fluid is accumulated under the surface of the skin over a period of time. This gives the face a swollen and puffy look. The affected parts of the face feel warm and uncomfortable. This condition may be associated with a burning pain.
Ocular Rosacea
When the inflammatory condition of the skin affects the eyes and the eyelids then this condition is diagnosed as ocular rosacea. There is inflammation of the eyelids resulting in redness and pustules. The person affected by acne rosacea often complains of redness, burning pain and irritation of eyes. There may be formation of crusts on the eyelids and the person may experience difficulty in opening the eyelids after a night’s sleep. Washing the eyes with warm water helps to relieve the burning pain and irritation of the eyes.
Ocular rosacea can affect the cornea and cause inflammation of cornea which is known as keratitis. It is a rare but serious complication and may lead to blindness.
