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Acne precursors treatment goals
Elimination of microcomedones,
the precursor to all subsequent lesions, would optimize acne therapy
by preventing the later inflammatory stages of disease. Prevention
can be achieved by reducing sebum production and tightening enlarged
pores, accelerating skin cell turnover, fighting bacterial infection
or doing all three. With most prescription types treatment of acne,
you may not see results for 6 to 8 weeks, and your skin is likely
to get worse before it gets better. Skin care especially tailored
to remove blackheads are very recommendable. Pregnancy, especially
during the early stages is a contraindication for oral prescription types treatment of acne.
You may find one or more of the following treatments
to remove blackheads through your doctor or over the counter.
Topical preparations to get rid of
bacteria and inflammation
Acne lotions dry up the excess oil, kill bacteria,
promote shedding of dead skin cells and help to remove comedones
. Over-the-counter acne lotions are generally mild and contain benzoyl
peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic
acid as their active ingredient. These products can be helpful
for very mild forms of acne lesions. If your acne doesn't respond
to an otc treatment, you need to see a doctor or dermatologist to
get a stronger prescription lotion. Tretinoin treatment (Retin-A)
and adapalene are topical prescription products derived from vitamin
A. They work at the skin pore level to prevent plug formation. A
number of topical antibiotics also are available. They work by killing
excess skin bacteria. Often, a combination of such products is required
to achieve optimal results. Antibiotics: For moderate to severe
acne, prescription oral antibiotics may be needed to reduce bacteria
and rid inflammation. You need to take these antibiotics for months
and often need to use them in combination with topical products
such as Isotretinoin. Acne spots and other
pigmentations are another concern of many patients suffering
acne. More
new treatment options.
Combination therapy
Treatment combinations is essential to get rid of deep cysts and severe blemishes. Isotretinoin (Accutane)
is an effective medication available for severe forms such as cystic
acne or a blackhead that doesn't respond to other treatment options. Patients
who take Isotretinoin require close monitoring by a dermatologist
because of the possibility of severe side effects such as allergic
reaction (inflammation of face and tongue) blurred vision, dryness
of the vision and etc.
Oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives, including a combination
of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen),
have been shown to improve acne in women. Oral contraceptives may
cause other side effects that you'll want to discuss with your doctor.
Cosmetic surgery. Doctors are able to use cosmetic surgery to diminish
scars left by cystic acne. Procedures include peeling away damaged
skin with chemicals or by freezing it, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing.
Peeling procedures eliminate superficial facial scarring. Dermabrasion,
which is usually reserved for more severe scars, involves removing
the top layers of skin with a rapidly rotating wire brush. Laser
resurfacing involves using short pulses of intense light to remove
the outer layer of your skin. If your skin tends to form scar tissue,
these procedures can make your complexion worse.
Comedones (whitehead
and blackhead) prevention
Whitehead and Blackhead control can be achieved
in most cases with good basic skin care and the following grooming
ideas:
How to efficiently get rid of acne
Wash problem areas with a gentle non-alcoholic
cleanser. Soaps are not recommended since they can stimulate the
skin to secrete more oil. Products such as facial scrubs and astringents
generally aren't recommended because they tend to irritate skin,
which can aggravate initiation of your whiteheads, blackheads. Excessive
washing and scrubbing also can irritate skin. Scrubbing the skin
may be avoided. Try over-the-counter solutions to dry excess oil
and promote peeling. Look for products containing benzoyl
peroxide, resorcinol or salicylic acid as the active ingredient.
Avoid irritants. You should avoid oily or greasy
cosmetics, sunscreens, hair- styling products or acne concealers.
Use of products labeled "water-based" or "noncomedogenic"
does not guarantee their safety to your skin. Unlike a common misbelief
use of oily products could be good when they use good, penetrating
oils. These oils can regulate sebum overproduction and reduce oiliness
of your skin. If the sun worsens your acne breakouts, protect yourself
from sunlight which is a good idea in general. If stress causes
outbreaks, work on reducing your stress level.
Mechanical stimulation of blemishes may lead
to infection or scar tissue. Try to sleep in a way that your face
does not touch pillow. Avoid using tweezers or any other removal
objects. Hair products can contribute to blemishes on your forehead.
Watch what touches your face. Keep your hair clean and off your
face. Also avoid resting your hands or objects on the affected areas.
Sweating in tight clothing also can pose a problem. Sweat, dirt
and oils can contribute to acne breakouts, so if you exercise take
a shower right after and don't let the sweat on your body for any
time. Don't pick or squeeze blemishes. This might lead to severe
scars.
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