David Berrington asked:


Acne is known by many names - pimples, zits, etc. Whatever name you give it, let’s not deny that acne can be a nuisance that can cause depression, anxiety and even low self-esteem.

Who are the victims of Acne?

Hormonal changes that occur during teen years are considered to be one of the major causes of acne. Androgen, also called the ‘male’ hormone is produced both by males and females, though in greater quantities in males. Androgen pushes up the production of a kind of oil (sebum) in the skin pores of certain body parts like the chest, face and back. This is why acne affects more male teenagers than females.

Hormones that cause menstruation are responsible for worsening of acne in women, who can experience this soon after their period. Acne can affect both pre-teenagers and adults. Adult women who have acne need not have had acne during their teens.

What Causes Acne?

There are three main causes of acne:

- Presence of excessive oil (sebum) in some skin pores.

- Malfunctioning of skin (epithelial) cells, which clog pores.

- Growth of bacteria in the oily region with blocked pores, resulting in swelling and formation of pus.

How Do Acne Medicines Work?

Benzoyl peroxide is a medicinal compound present in prescription and non-prescription acne medicines. Available in liquid, gel or cream form, this facial medicine needs to be applied once or twice daily. Be cautious as it leaves stains. It works by destroying the bacteria and promoting cell growth.

Topical antibiotics are available through prescriptions only. Available in liquid and gel form, apply it on the affected area. It works by killing the bacteria which cause swelling and pus.

Oral antibiotics are prescribed by doctors when topical applications have failed to yield results. These are taken in small doses but for a long period of time.

Retinoic acid is another topical acne medicine. Available in gel or cream form, it takes care of many acne blemishes (comedones). It turns your skin extra sensitive to the sun - so use sunscreen or wear a hat for protection.

Isoretinoin, also known as Accutane is an effective but strong oral acne medicine. Used when all other medicines have failed, it is usually taken for about 4 months. Usually prescribed by specialists it is prohibited for women who may become pregnant during medication, as it may cause severe birth defects.

Acne Cure needs Patience

It is worthwhile to remember that acne medicines are slow to yield results. Continue taking your medicines every day as per doctors advice. Your doctor may even change the medicine after 8 weeks after monitoring your condition. Enquire about side effects of the medicines and try to understand them well.



Lori

Dr John Anne asked:


Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease that involves pimples, primarily on face. Acne specifically occurs in teenagers and young adults sometimes causing them embarrassment, even psychological stress as well. Poor diet, stressful life, and hormonal changes are a few reasons for acne breakout. Also, incorrect use of beauty products or using poor quality acne skin care products can aggravate acne.

You can try using some natural or home remedies for mild acne, if it is initial stage and you see an occasional whitehead or a blackhead. However, if your acne is moderate, you should see a dermatologist and seek proper acne medication, before it gets severe. A doctor generally refers a few acne creams, and guides you on using acne skin care products. A variety of acne products are available at medical stores. Some of these are good to cure acne, and while others help you prevent acne.

There are many OTC medicines that people take for acne. This may be a good option for initial stage but if your acne is getting worse, seek proper acne medication. The dermatologist examines the symptoms and gives you prescribed medicine for effective treatment and cure. Apart from treatment, you should change your diet plan and avoid foods that can cause acne or that slow the recovery process.

Most often, the acne products contain benzoyl peroxide and some antibiotics. These help the affected area to dry out, and take care of acne scar as well. Many acne creams and lotions that you use for treatment contain vitamin A. However, you may feel some irritation or itching on your skin when you begin the treatment. Use a good quality skin moisturizer for in such cases. In case of severe acne, you may also require to take oral acne medication. Many prescribed medicines eliminate the reasons that can cause acne. Generally, these help you fighting against the bacterial infection that leads to acne.

Sometimes, a medicine has its side effects as well. Discuss with your doctor, if you notice any rashes on skin, or some stomach problem, and seek any alternative medicine, or some medicine to counter the side effects of acne medication. Research has shown that a few acne medicines may cause malformation of the teeth; and a few others can cause changes in the color of the skin. Your skin may get dark, or lighter than its normal color.

A few other common side effects are as below.

• Your hair may lose their natural color, and may turn white.

• You may notice skin allergy.

• There may be blisters or some swelling over affected areas on skin.

• In some cases, you may also see burning or redness of skin.

Some doctors recommend that you should not take calcium supplements, or any laxatives while you are taking acne medications. Select your acne skin care products carefully, and if possible, use only those products that are prescribed or recommended by your doctor.

Washing your face is the most important factor that contributes to early recovery. Wash your face to revoke any oils or dirt from your face and do not apply any make up or cream while going to bed. It enables your skin to breathe which is very important for a healthy and fresh skin. Do not touch, prick or pierce your pimples as it may leave permanent scars on the skin. Let them heal naturally or though acne medications, and the scars will automatically disappear over a period of time.

Sometimes, a few medicines are not recommended for special cases such as for a pregnant women and patients of Hansen’s disease. Also, the patients of asthma, hay fever or those who have a weak liver are also advised against using some particular acne products. In such situations, discuss all the symptoms with your dermatologist, along with any medication that you are already taking. You may require some different acne creams or medication in such cases.

While purchasing acne products, read the instructions carefully. See the manufacturing and expiry dates of products, and read how to use those. There may be instructions that require that you should not expose your skin to sunlight after applying a specific acne cream. Following the instructions properly will help quick acne treatment and cure.

Apart from traditional acne medications, you can control acne using herbal products as well. The advantage with using herbal products is that these do not cause any side effects, though sometimes, the recovery process is slow. Even if you are taking traditional medicines, you can take herbal and natural treatment for acne, simultaneously. However, consult with your doctor before using a herbal product since it may hinder the effectiveness of prescribed medicines. Also, take required precautions in your diet and lead a positive and stress free life style.



Willie

SUPerTie asked:


Such as before i do anything to my face, i rub the cleansing pad over my face, instead of using a face wash?

Or do i use a face wash and then use the rub the cleansing pad on affected area because its an acne medicine?

And then afterward could i apply a moisturizer over?

Donald

Ness asked:


Im a boy and im afraid of buying medicine for my face. I dont know why. I just imagine myself being in the aisle for make up or something for too long and i wuss out…

Michele

Karen Cheong asked:


Did you know that over 180,000 people search for information on acne everyday, out of which 77,000 want to know more about acne medicine ? And that there are over 22 million sites talking about acne, and acne medicine, treatment and products ? This tells me a few things. One, there are many people out there suffering from acne, and they are interested in knowing what kind of acne medicine is available to help them cure their problem. Equally, there are millions of available acne treatments and products out there. Obviously, no one acne medicine is suitable for any one person then.

First, a quick review on what acne is. It is what the layperson calls “pimples” or “zits”. There are different forms of acne, and all can occur at the same time, though one stage does not necessarily progress to the next. There are comedones, or blackheads and whiteheads, as they are usually called. Then there are acne spots caused by bacteria, leading to inflammation, resulting in a red possibly painful swelling called a papule. If the papule does not subside spontaneously, a pustule may form. This heals by discharging pus. A severe enough reaction may cause a lot of deep damage, leaving behind scars.

Acne medicine has different purposes. There is acne medicine to prevent acne. There is medicine to prevent infection of the acne. And there is medicine to prevent scarring from the acne. Finally, there is medicine to minimise the effects of acne scarring, should scars form.

Acne medicine can be divided into those that are applied to the skin - called topical acne medicine, and those that are taken orally - called systemic medicine.

Topical treatments come in the form of creams and lotions. There are two main types of topical acne medicine . The keratolytics , which act by peeling off the top horny outer layer of the skin, so helping to dislodge the comedones ( blackheads and whiteheads), and the antiseptics, which attempt to get rid of harmful bacterial action. Examples of keratolytic acne medicine include benzyl peroxide, Retin A, and sulphur. Examples of antispetic acne medicine include iodine ( eg Betadine), chlorhexidine, zinc salts, which are frequently incorporated into acne creams and lotions, azelaic acid.

One of the main problems with topical acne medicine is that they can be rather harsh. They can cause skin irritation and inflammation. Some, like retin A cannot be used during pregnancy. Sulphur containing acne medicines can be extremely smelly, like rotton eggs !

I can still remember the days when acne used to rule my life. I was so desperate for a cure I must have tried every over-the-counter acne medicine there was available. And there were plenty. That was the time when nobody thought acne was a serious problem. Everyone got it. Nobody had died from it. So it never occured to me that maybe I would need help.

It started with a few small spots. So I tried the standard sulphur-based acne medicine. I would apply it just over the offending spots and wait patiently till they went away. But they gradually got worse, with the number of red spots extending to different areas of my face. Soon it covered large areas of my face. I followed the instructions for how to use the acne medicine. I would cover my face with it faithfully every night, and went to bed smelling of sulphur. Even my pillows would smell of it. But I would hope and pray the medicine would do its wonderful work, and my acne would be gone. I always awoke the next day disappointed. I would wash my face, apply on a fresh layer of acne medicine and go about my day. I finally gave up when someone pointed out to me they always knew when I was coming, because the smell of the acne medicine announced my arrival !

I decided to try the benzyl peroxide-based acne medicine next. At least these did not smell of sulphur. The instructions seemed easy enough to follow. Just apply the acne medicine twice a day after washing the face and the acne would be gone within three to five days. It was again with great hope that I applied the new acne medicine. The first night, nothing happened. By the second night, my face was beginning to get a little itchy. By the third night, the side effects of the acne medicine were causing me to have a rather dry and red face. By the fourth night, my poor face was positively uncomfortable. By the fifth night, I gave up. The acne was still there. This acne medicine had not worked either.

Things just got from bad to worse. The small little red spots progressed to big spots. Big spots joined with other spots to form entire continents. There was hardly a clear space on my face. My confidence dipped to an all-time low. Acne ruled my life. It was the first thing I saw when I awoke, and the last thing I saw when I went to bed. Well meaning friends and relatives constantly commented on it and had lots of advice of what type of acne medicine would work best. I had tried everything.

Generally topical acne medicines work well for those with mild acne. A good number can be simply bought over-the-counter without the need of a doctor’s prescription. And for many, this may be the only treatment required for acne.



Floyd

Bjorn Gutter asked:


Acne can happen to you. In fact it can happen to any of us. Usally acne starts up in the face and can cause embarrassment and even avoidance of going out in public.

Some people only experience light, occasional break-outs. Unfortunately for others, this problem can go on for years and requires treatment.

There are several choices when it comes to healing your acne. A dermatologist is recommended for severe or frequent blemishes. Natural acne treatment is the ideal remedy for milder cases.

Natural acne treatment is simple. Changing your diet or taking herbs and vitamins to cleanse and provide additional nutrition could be enough to clear your skin up. You should eliminate sugars, oils, and fats from your diet as much as possible. They are not part of a good balanced diet and are all unhealthy to begin with.

Start drinking water instead of sugary soda and eat a vegetable snack instead of you usual chips. You will notice that this is not a difficult change to make. Being overall healthier will reflect the health of your skin. It has been debated that diet has no effect on acne. Diet alone is not a suitable natural acne treatment. However, modifying your diet in addition to taking certain vitamins can clear up your skin. Taking certain vitamins is a great natural acne treatment used by many people. Zinc can prevent acne from ever occurring. It also heals existing blemishes.

Vitamin A in small doses reduces the production of your skin’s natural oil, called sebum. Certain herbal blends are also of help to your body and your skin.The advantages to natural acne treatment are that you avoid ever having to see a dermatologist, your body will benefit from healthier eating, and you are not exposing your skin to harsh chemicals.

Visiting a dermatologist to take care of your acne can get expensive. It usually requires many follow-up visits and paying for prescriptions. This can also be time consuming and overall just not worth it if your acne is not severe enough to actually require it.

Avoiding greasy foods will keep your system clean, which is beneficial to your general health as well as your skin. Proper acne medicines include ingredients that can cause your skin to be sensitive to sunlight or even diminish your condition. Changing your diet and taking vitamins are not the only available possibilities as natural acne treatment.

You could suffer from stress-induced acne. Alternatives to reduce stress in your life are different from person to person because everyone gets stressed out by different things. Exercising and having plenty of rest can be of help to calm the stress in your life. Maybe taking a walk or practicing yoga would help you to relax and clear your mind to be stress-free. A life without stress could be a life without suffering from acne.

Perhaps natural treatment may not be the right answer to your acne, depending on the origin of it. Experimenting is an easy and painless method to try, and it could save you a lot of money if it is right for you.



Alicia

Antonio LeMaire asked:


Finding an acne skin care product that really works and doesn’t cause uncomfortable side effects is a never-ending battle for many patients. With all of the “miracle” acne medicines that claim to banish your pimples overnight, it’s no wonder consumers are skeptical.

If you frequently suffer from acne outbreaks, there are several topical skin care products available as an alternative to oral prescription drugs. Acne medicine in the form of topical creams or gels generally has fewer and less serious side effects.

What Causes Acne

Acne occurs when a hair follicle becomes clogged and bacteria grow on the surrounding skin. The overgrowth of bacteria causes the skin to become inflamed and the result is acne in the form of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and boils.

Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter formulations, but moderate to severe cases call for stronger prescription acne medicine.

Acne Affects All Ages

When someone mentions acne, the first thought that comes to mind is a pimply-faced teenager. But acne is not restricted to this age group. Both young and middle aged adults make up a large percentage of patients who use acne skin care products on a regular basis.

Like teens, adult patients often feel embarrassment and anxiety about their skin’s appearance. Finding an acne medicine that works quickly and prevents future outbreaks is important to acne sufferers of all ages.

Acne Skin Care Tip - Seek a Physician’s Advice

It’s best to seek a dermatologist’s advice before selecting an acne medicine to use over the long term. Some skin care products are effective initially but after extended use they may not produce the same results.

A dermatologist is better qualified than your family physician to recommend an acne medicine that best suits your skin care needs, depending upon the severity and frequency of your acne outbreaks.

Advantages of Topical Creams as Acne Medicine

Some prescription acne medicine in pill form can produce unwanted side effects almost as troubling as the acne itself. In order to avoid these complications, many doctors will prescribe a topical cream instead of oral medications.

These acne skin care creams and gels are often just as effective as skin care pills. Topical skin care products can also be used by patients who may be unable to take prescription pills due to drug interactions.

BenzaClin Topical Cream

BenzaClin topical gel is a prescription acne medicine commonly used to treat mild to moderate acne. Unlike other skin care products that require some time before an improvement is noticed, BenzaClin works quickly to treat skin care problems such as acne vulgaris.

Patients wishing to try BenzaClin can do so without the worry of serious side effects that frequently accompany many oral prescriptions drugs. The most common side effects caused by BenzaClin are usually limited to the skin and may include dryness, redness, or itching in the affected area.

BenzaClin acne medicine is applied to acne outbreaks just twice a day. Its active ingredients include clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide is a well-known acne medicine that reduces both oily skin and inflammation. Clindamycin is a powerful antibiotic that kills the bacteria responsible for acne outbreaks.

Coupled together, these two ingredients are the basis for a potent acne skin care product that is generally well tolerated by most people.

Preventative Skin Care Tips - Recognizing Acne Triggers

In addition to finding an acne skin care treatment that works well for you, it is just as important to know what conditions or substances can trigger your acne outbreaks. Here are some tips to reduce your acne woes:

1. After an acne flare up, do not pick or scratch at the affected area. Doing so can postpone the healing process and lead to scarring. Instead, continue using your prescribed acne medicine or other skin care product until the condition subsides.

2. Don’t over wash or scrub your blemishes. Many acne sufferers think their skin condition is due to poor hygiene. This is not the case. In fact, many acne patients clean or wash their faces too often, which can aggravate the skin.

3. Although no specific foods have been linked to acne, eating a well balanced diet should be part of your overall health and skin care regime. By eating a healthy diet and avoiding an excessive amount of processed foods, you can improve your health as well as limit acne occurrences.

4. Get enough rest. While a good night’s sleep won’t rid your face of pimples, a regular schedule that includes at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep will help your body function better and limit the number of future acne outbreaks.

5. Try not to stress out over acne. Stress is one of the leading causes of acne in adults. To increase the effectiveness of your acne skin care product, try incorporating various stress techniques into your daily routine. Exercise or participate in some other activity that helps take your mind off of your acne.



Alex

Bjorn Gutter asked:


Acne can happen to you. In fact it can happen to any of us. Usally acne starts up in the face and can cause embarrassment and even avoidance of going out in public.

Some people only experience light, occasional break-outs. Unfortunately for others, this problem can go on for years and requires treatment.

There are several choices when it comes to healing your acne. A dermatologist is recommended for severe or frequent blemishes. Natural acne treatment is the ideal remedy for milder cases.

Natural acne treatment is simple. Changing your diet or taking herbs and vitamins to cleanse and provide additional nutrition could be enough to clear your

skin up. You should eliminate sugars, oils, and fats from your diet as much as possible. They are not part of a good balanced diet and are all unhealthy to begin with.

Start drinking water instead of sugary soda and eat a vegetable snack instead of you usual chips. You will notice that this is not a difficult change to make. Being overall healthier will reflect the health of your skin. It has been debated that diet has no effect on acne. Diet alone is not a suitable natural acne treatment. However, modifying your diet in addition to taking certain vitamins can clear up your skin. Taking certain vitamins is a great natural acne treatment used by many people. Zinc can prevent acne from ever occurring. It also heals existing blemishes.

Vitamin A in small doses reduces the production of your skin’s natural oil, called sebum. Certain herbal blends are also of help to your body and your skin. The advantages to natural acne treatment are that you avoid ever having to see a dermatologist, your body will benefit from healthier eating, and you are not exposing your skin to harsh chemicals.

Visiting a dermatologist to take care of your acne can get expensive. It usually requires many follow-up visits and paying for prescriptions. This can also be time consuming and overall just not worth it if your acne is not severe enough to actually require it.

Avoiding greasy foods will keep your system clean, which is beneficial to your general health as well as your skin. Proper acne medicines include ingredients that can cause your skin to be sensitive to sunlight or even diminish your condition. Changing your diet and taking vitamins are not the only available possibilities as natural acne treatment.

You could suffer from stress-induced acne. Alternatives to reduce stress in your life are different from person to person because everyone gets stressed out by different things. Exercising and having plenty of rest can be of help to calm the stress in your life. Maybe taking a walk or practicing yoga would help you to relax and clear your mind to be stress-free. A life without stress could be a life without suffering from acne.

Perhaps natural treatment may not be the right answer to your acne, depending on the origin of it. Experimenting is an easy and painless method to try, and it could save you a lot of money if it is right for you.



Shannon

Trina P asked:


When I use regular products they may clear my skin, but after a week or two my skin begins to develope a fine rash.

Elizabeth

mb55113 asked:


I found out that i am allergic to salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide so i am trying to find an over the counter product. I do not want to go to a dermatologist becuase my acne is not that bad. If anybody can help, please it will be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

Pauline