common names-blackheads, pimples
Causes
1)This occurs due to hormonal changes.
2)sebaceous glands get blocked & oily secretions accumulate.
3)diet rich in fats & carbohydrates
4)stress-causes stimulation of adrenal gland & increased hormones
5)propionibacterium acnes-bacteria
Common sites -
on face, nose, upper chest & back
This is a annoying problem & takes longer time to get cured. Also recurrence is common.
Types Of Acne
Adult Acne
Acne fulminans (Too Much Testosterone Acne)
Acne rosacea
is a variant of acne.Acne medicamentosa (Drug Induced Acne) - Acne brought on by medications. Common culprits include
Phenytoin (Dilantin) -This is a drug used in Rx of epilepsy ( fits)
Isoniazid - This is a drug used in Rx of TB Lithium
Lithium worsens acne vulgaris and can bring on acne in persons who have never experienced acne.
Bromides
Iodides
Androgens and corticosteroids.
Oral contraceptives
Premenstrual acne
Acne provoked by hormonal changes prior to menstruation
Do’s and Don’ts for Acne
Avoid high carbohydrate diet, excess of coffee, chocolates and junk food
Why And How Acne Form?
Within every hair follicle there are sebaceous glands. These glands produce an oil called as sebum
What is rhe function of sebum?
Its function is to oil the hair shaft and to spread out over the top of the skin, It maintains skin healthy, soft, youthful and wrinkle free. The sex hormones are made from the same basic nutrients as is the oil made by the sebaceous glands. When there are not enough of these nutrients to do both, the production of sex hormones takes all the nutrients and the skin begins to suffer as the result of a poor quality of oil being produced by the sebaceous glands.The bacteria become trapped in the pores that are clogged with the thick and sticky oil.
Acne And Menstrual Period
Most women find acne gets a lot worse in the week before their menstrual period.
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome( PMS) - Studies have demonstrated a link between the skin’s pore size and the menstrual cycle. For example, the study showed that the skin’s pores are smallest in days 15 to 20 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. Facial oil secretion increased in days 21 to 26 of the cycle If diet is supplemented with 50 mg of Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6) each day, it eliminated this pre-menstrual flare up of symptoms. When Vitamin E is low, glutathione peroxidase in the skin drops to a low level. This means there is a loss of effective prostaglandin regulation of skin cells that resulted in an increase of acne.
What Is The Role Of Diet?
“What you are eating and drinking today, is determining what the state of your health will be ten years from now!”
The modern teenage diet which is not correct as far as proportion of fat, protein and carbohydrate is considered. The diet of the teen consists of excess simple carbohydrates and junk food.
Psychological Effects Of Acne - Self Esteem Suffers When Acne Is Present
Acne is considered as a cosmetic blemish.Many teenagers feel inferior and develop inferiority complex. They are unable to concentrate in studies and career. They should be counseled and told that this is a common condition and many adolescents get affected.
Rx methods include
Good hygiene-
Cleansing lotions -
Washing face 2 times in a day is recommended and not 5-6 times.
Oral tetracyclines , minocycline
Creams -
Eyrthromycin and benzoyl peroxide cream /ointment
Tretinoin (vit A ointment )
Vit A and E supplements
Consultation with a skin specialist is must.
Role Of Macronutrients and Micronutrients (Vitamins And Minerals)
Several micro nutrients (vitamins and minerals) are important in preventing the development of acne. The most important is Vitamin A.
Why Vitamin A Is So Important?
Vitamin A is essential for the conversion of the fatty acids in the blood stream into the oil of the sebaceous gland in a form that is normal and healthy. In other words, oil that flows smoothly out of the glands and pores of the skin and provides a thin protective barrier over the skin.
Following vitamins and minerals are recommended for treating acne.
Vitamin A is to be taken in an amount in International Units that is 100 times greater than that of milligrams of Riboflavin. For example, 5000 IU of Vitamin A would need to be balanced by 50 mg. of Riboflavin.
Deficiency of Niacinamide - Taking it 200 mg 3 times a day is very important.
Zinc is absolutely essential for good skin health. 60 mg. Of zinc and 200 mg. of lipoic acid three times per day is recommended for treating acne.
50 mg of Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6) each day
Magnesium -supplements of about 500 mg. of this mineral each day
1,000 mcg. per day of Chromium in the Picolinate form
Selenium - 400 mcg. per day as selenomethionine
Myths
Sun exposure helps acne. - Wrong. While small amounts of sun exposure may initially improve acne, continuous sunbathing often increases plugging of the pores.
Face Hygiene techniques
Moisturize your face in the morning and evening with natural oils. In addition to the acne fighting oils listed above, you can mix essential oils such as frankinsense, myrrh, neroli and rose to help encourage the growth of new skin cells. Massage your face daily when you apply your facial oil.
Many Rx options are available
1. oral tetracycline
2. local creams-
erythromycin,
tetracycline,
vit.A-tretinoin
3. Vitamin A & E supplements
4. Cleansing lotions
5. Oral vit A supplement
During healing it may leave scars behind & creates cosmetic problems.
Acne rosacea
is a variant of acne.The natural way to get rid of acne is to eat a balanced diet full of fiber and green vegetables. Include spinach, fenugreek in your diet. This will give you relief from constipation & also gives you necessary vitamins and proteins which will keep your metabolism functioning properly and help regulate the hormones.
It is necessary to avoid milk fats, vegetable fats and animal fats. Fats will tend to block the escapes of glands further and make things worse. Avoid meats. Meats contain toxins which may elongate the problem.
Drink a lot of water. This will detoxify body by removing toxins and unwanted hormones from the body through urine and sweat and also reduce inflammation. Do your exercises regularly.
Consultation with a Dermatologist is essential
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