Acne and Pimples

Acne is term used to describe the disorder resulting from the action of hormones and other substances on the skin’s oil glands i.e. sebaceous glands and hair follicles. These factors lead to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions. These blemishes occur where there are many oil glands mainly on face, chest and back. Acne can appear as pimples, cysts, white heads or blackheads. Pimples are the inflammation right at the surface of the skin and if it gets deeper it’s a cyst. If the oil breaks through the surface, the result is a whitehead. In case the pore gets clogged but stays open, the top may darken as the oil gets oxidized leading to blackhead. Acne affects people of all skin colours. The process that cause acne are exactly the same in people with different skin colour but the impact is altered by the skin pigmentation.

Causes
Acne and pimples are the result of over-activity of the oil (sebaceous) gland that secretes oily substances onto the skin. These inflammations occur when oil glands come to life around puberty stimulated by the male hormones from the adrenal glands of both the sexes. Oil is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin. In certain circumstances the cells that are close to the surface block the opening of the sebaceous gland leading to buildup of oil underneath. This oil further stimulates the bacteria on the surface of the skin leading to pimples.

Myths
Contrary to popular belief the following factors don’t usually cause acne by themselves.

• Eating fatty-food or chocolate.
• Washing your face more often will help clear acne.
• Masturbation or sex.
• Stress.
• Heredity.
• Sun exposure helps acne.

Treatment
Acne and pimples are often treated by dermatologist who treat all kind of acnes particularly the severe ones. The aims of treatment are to heal existing lesions, prevent scarring and minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by the disease. Depending on the extent of the problem, the doctor may recommend one of the several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or prescription medicines. Some of the medicines may be tropical i.e. applied to the skin and others may be oral. Oral antibiotics have high success rate, and can be safely used for up to a year. It can take up to six month to fully take effect, but there should be a noticeable difference within six weeks. Oral antibiotics include erythromycin, monocline and tetracycline.

For Extreme Cases
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics have a high success rate, and can be safely used for up to a year. It can take up to six months to fully take effect, but there should be a noticeable difference within six weeks. Oral Antibiotics include erythromycin, minocycline and tetracycline

Antibacterial cream
Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria which cause inflammation. It is available over the counter in 2.5%, 5% and 10% creams and lotions. It is available in gels in the same percentages but only by prescription. Clinically, there’s not much difference between the effectiveness of the various strengths and types used.

NOTE: Unfortunately, there can be some ‘side effects’ of the use of Benzyol peroxide, including hypersensitivity, irritation, and contact dermatitis (although these are very rare). Remember to always keep Benzoyl peroxide away from clothing as it has a bleaching effect.