Acne Relief

Archive for June, 2006

A microdermabrasion acne procedure is one to consider if your facial skin has suffered scarring due to nodules, cysts or other severe forms of acne. The treatment will remove the skin’s top layer of dead cells and smooth scarred tissue. This procedure works especially well for those who have suffered rare, disfiguring acne conditions. Microdermabrasion smooths the surface of the skin, removes very fine lines, stimulates collagen production, and reduces skin imperfections.

Microdermabrasion acne scars removal is an option for people whose severe breakouts result in scars on the face. However it will not work on acne scars that are very deeply imbedded in the skin; it is for scars that have not extremely deep, but are closer to the outer layer of skin. It’s important to note that acne microdermabrasion is not a good choice for those individuals with the following conditions: rosacea, herpes, warts, eczema, lupus, and diabetes. Other conditions may also influence the safety of the treatment and a dermatologist will help to determine what is best for each patient.

Acne microdermabrasion will further promote new skin cell production in the deepest layer of the skin as it clears dull and congested skin. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and maximum results are achieved between 4 to 12 visits, depending on the severity of the skin in the area. Skin in the acne dermabrasion area will be slightly pink for a couple of weeks afterward.

Patients find the skin from acne dermabrasion to be tight for the first 24-48 hours. One’s skin may feel like a mild sunburn or windburn, but any further pain is not common. Using a good moisturizer along with a high SPF will help soothe skin after the microdermabrasion acne scars treatment. Also, some peeling and light crusting may be expected in the area. No anesthesia is needed for the procedure, since it is non-invasive. Patients can drive home right after. Patients will see results for up to a year and as such maintenance will be required.

Microdermabrasion acne scar treatment is a good option for those who wish to unclog pores and reduce fine acne scarring. It may be the answer for some individuals, but a trip to the dermatologist is the first step to consider before this procedure. Acne microdermabrasion results will last if done properly and the healing of skin proves to heal acne scars, as well as the individual’s overall appearance.

The causes of cystic acne are an overproduction of sebum and a buildup of bacteria in the skin, which may be influenced by the male hormone androgen. Similar to common breakouts, acne is considered cystic when it is severe and causes deep, inflamed and painful legions.

Increased oil production and hormonal changes, such as are found in teenagers, prove too much for the skin to handle and the problem often becomes uncontrollable. Heredity can play a part in just how pronounced the problem is. If a parent suffered from severe acne, most likely the children will be more prone to cystic acne also. Nodules and cysts that produce inflammation and pus on the skin are common symptoms. These lesions can last for months and cause pain and damage to the skin.

Sufferers wonder how to get rid of cystic acne. A good starting point is getting medical assistance and guidance from a dermatologist. He or she might recommend acne surgery, which entails draining and extracting acne lesions. A dermatologist uses sterile instruments to extract imbedded lesions that have not responded to traditional treatments. Another answer to how to get rid of cystic acne is Interlesional Corticosteroid Injections. A dermatologist will inject a mild corticosteroid directly into an inflamed legion. This causes elimination of the cyst slowly over a period of a few days.

No matter what the causes of cystic acne, Isotretinoin can also work to clear up problem skin. Sold as Accutane, it is a prescription drug derived from a man-made form of vitamin A. It is a pill, taken orally, for a range of about 5 to 6 months that lessens the production of sebum in the pores. Accutane has many benefits as well as many side effects, so it’s important to learn about these before beginning treatment. But, this drug may be one answer to how to get rid of cystic acne. Accutane’s benefit is clear skin that lasts for years, sometimes with only one treatment. A second treatment may be taken if results are not as positive as the patient desires.

Another potential cystic acne cure is a product called Acuzine, which is a natural alternative to prescription meds such as Accutane and Retin-A. This is a special herbal formula with antioxidants that can treat problem skin from the inside out.

While the exact causes of cystic acne remain unknown, there are ways to safely and effectively treat the problem if you or your child experiences it. Speak to your dermatologist and find out how to get rid of cystic acne once and for all.

Acne Vulgaris is a form of acne that affects people all over the world. It is mainly found in teens, but adult cases are quite common. The exact cause of the condition is unknown.

All cases begin with a comedo, or acne lesion, that is clogged with oil and bacteria. It lies beneath the skin and grows as the skin produces oil (sebum). The bacteria feed off the oil and it can become enlarged and swollen. If this occurs, the skin in turn becomes irritated as white blood cells try to fight the inflammation.

If the clogged follicle stays beneath the surface of the skin, but does not become inflamed, it is called a whitehead, or closed comedone. If the plug enlarges and pushes through the skin’s surface, it is called an open comedone or blackhead. The dark appearance of the plug is due to the melanin buildup on the surface and not dirt.

Acne vulgaris can cause skin to become inflamed. The mildest form of this inflammation is a papule, which appears as a small, hard bump on the skin. Pustules are similar to papules but they have a white or yellow center. This type of acne vulgaris is inflamed and causes irritation. A nodule is a large legion that can be painful and last for a few months. Cysts are similar to nodules, but are pus-filled and also leave deep scars. Both cause scarring and can last for a few months. A rare form is called acne conglobata. This is a condition that usually affects men between the ages of 18 to 30 years old. It affects the face, chest, back, upper arms, buttocks and thighs. It can cause severe scarring of the body.

Acne Vulgaris treatment can range from over-the-counter solutions such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, found in popular topicals such as Clearasil and Stridex, which fight to clear the skin by reducing the bacteria on the surface and clearing the pores. Other over-the-counter methods that can be used are mild scrubs that will not irritate the skin or tea tree oil (an oil from Australia that has anti-bacterial properties).

Glycolic Acid, a fruit acid that exfoliates the skin to cause quicker cell turnover, works to clear pores quickly and fight clogged pores. In its earlier use, it was only used in a dermatologist’s office, but now it can be purchased over-the-counter in low percentages of the acid.

One of the most promising acne vulgaris treatment products is called Acuzine, an all-natural antioxidant supplement that can treat the problem from the inside out, effectively destroying the acne and preventing its return.

For more severe cases, one must visit a dermatologist for stronger acne vulgaris treatment. Medications such as Accutane or Retin-A may be prescribed. Accutane, or isotretinonin, should only be used when the skin has not responded to other acne vulgaris treatment. It is usually very successful to clear skin of even the worst conditions, but it has serious side effects.

Most people will experience dry face and chapped lips when they take Accutane. Those two side effects are the most common; but other side effects are more serious such as birth defects, neurological and other physical problems and possibly depression. However, if your condition has not improved with OTC remedies, and Accutane is the last resort, the promise of a successful acne vulgaris treatment may outweigh the possible risks.

Back acne is a type of skin condition found on the back, rather than the more common places such as the face and neck area. Modern science does not know exactly what causes the outbreaks, but several factors might contribute to it.

It is thought to be possibly caused by tight-fitting clothes that don’t allow the skin to breathe and trap perspiration under the skin leading to clogged pores. All of the types of blemishes that are common on the face can also appear on the back. Back acne appears in the form of papules and pustules as well as whiteheads and blackheads. Whiteheads occur when the pore is clogged with bacteria, sebum (or oil) and dead skin cells. Blackheads occur when the pore is partially clogged with the same elements. Papules appear as tiny, red bumps on the skin and pustules are similar bumps that have a yellow or white pus-filled center. These back acne types are more resistant to treatment than the acne that appears on the face.

If you suffer from acne back get rid of the problem in a variety of ways. The most common way is to wash the area after perspiring to reduce the bacteria and sebum. Over-the-counter remedies such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help to clear the pores, but the solutions need to be in higher concentrationa than would be used on the face. Tea tree oil can also help get rid of back acne by applying it to dry skin in a thin layer at least twice a day. Finally, try to wear cotton fibers while exercising to allow pores to breathe and remain dry.

One of the most effective back acne treatment methods is a new formula called Acuzine, which can be as effective as prescription medications without the accompanying side effects. It is an antioxidant supplement that can kill the bacteria and prevent future breakouts from occurring.

A more serious approach may be needed if back acne does not clear with over-the-counter products. Some of the more powerful drugs that can be prescribed are antibiotics such as erythromycin or tetracycline. These work to kill the excessive bacteria in the body, however, the results only last for as long as the back acne treatment is administered. Plus, you can develop a resistance to antibiotics over time.

If all remedies for back acne treatment do not work, Accutane or isotretinoin, works to reduce the amount of sebum the pores produce. However, because these are more potent, the side effects can be a lot more serious.

Talk to your dermatologist about your options when it comes to treating back acne as well as breakouts and blemishes anywhere on your body. He or she will point you in the right direction.

Did you know that there is such a thing as baby acne? Actually it is more common than you might think. Many newborns show signs of acne within two weeks of birth. This doesn’t mean that your baby will have blemishes forever; it just needs to be recognized and treated.

Baby acne is one of the most difficult forms to understand. Many scientists still do not know the answer to why your newborn gets blemished skin. Some believe that the hormones received by the mother at birth could be the cause of baby acne. Others believe that medications that the mother is taking while breastfeeding might be the reason. Unfortunately there is no right or wrong answer as to what gives your newborn acne, but there are ways to help prevent and treat it.

There may be no clear answer as to why newborn acne develops, but there are a few ways to help relieve this problem. Be sure to use mild detergents that have been washed thoroughly. This is to prevent irritation. A baby’s skin is much more sensitive to strong detergents than ours and may cause the acne to worsen or even cause a rash. Be sure to clean any milk or food from your baby’s face gently. Just like with adults, baby acne does not get better if you try to scrub it away. A baby is easily scarred from the smaller things, and acne is no exception, so please do not try to scrub your baby’s face. These preventative methods are the best acne baby treatment.

Sometimes the best answer for how to treat baby acne is simple…have patience. Many newborns will close their pumples within two weeks, perhaps a little longer. It is vital that you keep you baby’s face clean and to not apply moisturizer or any other acne treatment medications that you have used for yourself. These types of medications are much too strong and can cause irritation to an infant’s skin.

Many people may be concerned at first sight of the rash-like appearance. You may even be tempted to take your baby to the doctor to find an acne baby treatment. The reality is that there really isn’t any medication for blemishes that is safe for using on a baby’s delicate skin.

If you have kept your child clean and laundered their clothes and blankets properly and the problem hasn’t gotten better, then it may be something else. There are many different types of skin rashes that are more predominant in babies than in adults, which means if it doesn’t look like tiny pimples, then it is best to get it checked by a doctor just to be safe.

You may be concerned about how to treat baby acne, but the only medicine is patience and cleanliness. An acne baby treatment more than likely will never be prescribed because as of today, there isn’t a market for such medications. Baby acne may be a nuisance, but it will most certainly go away within a few weeks.