The following article presents the very latest information on Acne. If you have a particular interest in Acne, then this informative article is required reading.

The best time to learn about Acne is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable Acne experience while it’s still free.

Herbal Treatment of Acne:

Conventional treatment of acne are usually quite successful. They can include cleansing agents and lotions made with benzoyl peroxide, gels or creams made modified forms of vitamin A, and antibiotics applied to the skin or taken orally. The risk of scarring is an important factor when considering the type of treatment.

Diet

A diet based on whole, unprocessed foods may benefit people with acne. Try to eat at least five servings of vegetables per day and at least one serving of fruit per day. Avoid eating refined sugar. Fried foods and trans fats such as milk, milk products, margarine, shortening, and other hydrogenated vegetable oils should be eliminated. Foods containing healthy omega-3 oils such as ground flaxseeds and sardines should be increased. Some people find that chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages, iodized salt, shellfish, wheat and/or milk products aggravate acne.

Regular bowel movements are important. Drink at least 8 glasses of day of water. Increase fiber intake. In addition to eating fresh vegetables and fruit, choose whole grains. Some people may benefit from a one- to four-week liver detox diet based on fresh vegetables and fruit.

Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements

Vitamin A—Vitamin A may help to reduce sebum production. However, high doses of vitamin A can carry a risk of decreased bone density, birth defects, headache, and muscle and joint pain. Like the modified vitamin A prescription drugs, vitamin A can cause birth defects. Sexually active women of childbearing age should not take more than 5,000 IU per day unless they are under the guidance of a professional and are using at least two reliable forms of birth control. Vitamin A supplementation may not be necessary if there is adequate intake of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and zinc, all necessary for vitamin A formation. Decreasing unhealthy fats such as margarine, hydrogenated oils, processed foods, and other sources of transfats can also improve absorption.

Zinc—Zinc, especially in the form of zinc gluconate or zinc sulfate, can help prevent acne. Zinc helps heal blemishes, reduces inflammation, and reduces androgenic hormonal effects on the skin. Begin by increasing food sources of zinc. Two studies comparing zinc to the antibiotic tetracycline found zinc to be as effective as tetracycline. Another study found a mild yet definite effect of zinc.

Vitamin B6—Vitamin B6 may help premenstrual or mid-cycle acne. This vitamin is essential for the proper metabolism of steroid hormones and can reduce the sensitivity of skin to the effects of testosterone.

Herbal Treatment of Acne:

A herbal blend that can help with acne consists of equal parts of the herbal extracts of sarsaparilla, yellow dock, burdock, and cleavers. These herbs are believed to be potent blood and lymph cleansers. Half a teaspoon per day of this blend can be taken three times per day combined with a healthy diet.

Spot application of tea tree oil to erupted blemishes can help to eliminate bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Herbal Treatment of Acne Adult in Comparison of Over the Counter Acne Treatment Products.

When adult acne is treated in a doctor’s office it’s called “acne surgery”. When done at home, it’s called squeezing pimples. It gets immediate results—but when you squeeze pimples at home, you are begging for infection and scars. And squeezing or picking at pimples is a great way to get your acne to spread. Don’t do it! Doctors use a special sterile instrument to prevent scarring, infection, and acne spread.

Or you can check out the skin care products aisle at your local drug store. If you’ve ever tried to buy acne remedies, you know the drug store is loaded with all kinds of products. Which ones should you use? It’s not an easy choice, says dermatologist Julie Anne Winfield, Mill Valley, Calif.

“Which treatment is best depends on which type of acne you have,” Winfield tells WebMD. “It may well be worth a visit to dermatologist. They often have samples they could give you to try. People can spend a fortune on over-the-counter medicines when there is maybe one single prescription drug that could solve the problem. Be sure to use oil-free, non-comedogenic lotions or sunscreens. Use something very simple to wash your face with, as well as low-strength benzoyl peroxide. But it would be best to see a doctor to prevent possible acne scarring.”

The biggest breakthrough in acne treatment has been the development of topical retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A. New slow-release forms of this medicine greatly reduce the irritation it can cause.

Comparison of Over the Counter Acne Treatment Products:

Other acne treatments target the various causes of acne. They’re often used in combination. These acne treatments include:

Azelaic acid cream

Alpha-hydroxy acids (including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and gluconic acid)

Benzoyl peroxide

Topical antibiotics (gels, lotions, and solutions)

Antibiotic pills (haphazard use may lead to antibiotic resistance)

Birth controlBirth control pills for women

Accutane or Sotret for severe acne

One caveat: Accutane and Sotret can cause birth defects. Women who opt for this treatment must use foolproof birth control. Despite this and other concerns, these drugs are the treatment of choice for severe acne.

Treatments for acne adult in depend on how much scarring of the skin is being caused by the acne and also how much the person is affected by the acne. The doctor has to establish both of these facts as the treatments for acne are long term and need

commitment from both the doctor and patient. Acne can cause psychological suffering which does not necessarily reflect the acne severity.

Treatment of acne, even if it is mild, is therefore important as a person may be greatly affected by mild acne whereas another person who has very severe acne may not be self conscious at all.

This is very much down to the individual as the face is particularly sensitive an area to be affected during teenage years. Acne adult in can lead to reduced confidence and low self esteem and this should be recognised by healthcare professionals.

Treatment of acne adult in a combination of topical antibiotic and zinc has been shown to be more effective than with topical antibiotic alone [1] and equally effective as treatment with oral antibiotics [2]. Topical antibiotics may also be combined with benzoyl peroxide to improve efficacy [3, 4].

It is crucial to use the topical treatments correctly, in particular the prescribed number of times per day. Benefit will not be immediate and will develop over a number of weeks.

Benzoyl peroxide (2.5 – 10%) has both keratolytic and antibacterial properties. It is available in a range of creams, lotions and gels and is found in several “over the counter” cleansing lotions.

Benzoyl peroxide reduces the number of Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis types of bacteria. It can be very effective in the treatment of mild acne.

Bacterial resistance is much less likely to emerge with benzoyl peroxide than with topical antibiotics. Combination preparations with other antimicrobial agents such as erythromycin also exist, though these are prescription only.

Benzoyl peroxide’s keratolytic action reduces the blockage of the duct of the sebaceous gland.

That’s how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

Herbal Treatment of Acne Adult in Comparison of Over the Counter Acne Treatment Products.

TREATING MILD ACNE

Mild acne consists of small lesions, such as blackheads, whiteheads or pustules, which appear at or near the surface of the skin. As such, mild cases of acne can sometimes be controlled at home by:

• Gently washing the affected area(s) with warm water and a mild soap twice a day to remove dead skin cells and excess oil
• Using a topical (applied to the skin) over-the-counter acne treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Most mild acne can be controlled by gently washing the affected area(s) and using a topical preparation, such as benzoyl peroxide.

At-home treatment requires 4-8 weeks to see improvement. Once acne clears, treatment must be continued to prevent new lesions from forming.
Even mild cases of acne may require the help of a dermatologist. If the acne does not respond to at-home treatment, a dermatologist can assess the situation and determine an appropriate therapy. In these cases, combination therapy (two or more treatments) may be used. Combination therapy may include use of a prescription topical antimicrobial or topical retinoid. These prescription topicals can be very effective in clearing mild acne.

TREATING MODERATE TO SEVERE ACNE

In moderate to moderately severe acne, numerous whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules appear that cover from ¼ to ¾ of the face and/or other affected area(s). Moderate to moderately severe acne usually requires the help of a dermatologist and combination therapy (using two or more treatment options).

Treatments used to treat moderate to moderately severe acne are:
• Physical methods, such as comedo extraction or light therapy
• Prescription Medications
o Topical (applied to the skin) antimicrobials
o Topical retinoids
o Oral antibiotics
o Oral contraceptives
• Over-the-counter topical acne medications

Dermatologists recommend early treatment for moderate to moderately severe acne

Dermatologists recommend early treatment for moderate to moderately severe acne because when moderate to severe acne is not treated early, scars can develop. Acne scars take two forms—as raised thickened tissue or as a depression, such as pits or pock marks. The only reliable method of preventing or limiting the extent of these scars is to treat acne early in its course, and for as long as necessary. Additionally, anyone with acne who has a known tendency to scar should be under the care of a dermatologist.

TREATING SEVERE ACNE

Severe acne is characterized by deep cysts, inflammation, extensive damage to the skin and scarring. It requires an aggressive treatment regimen and should be treated by a dermatologist. Severe, disfiguring forms of acne can require years of treatment and may experience one or more treatment failures. However, almost every case of acne can be successfully treated.

Physical methods and prescription medications that dermatologists use to treat severe acne include:
• Drainage and surgical excision
• Interlesional corticosteroid injection
• Isotretinoin
• Oral antibiotics
• Oral contraceptives

Drainage and Surgical Excision:

Some large cysts do not respond to medication and may require drainage and extraction. Drainage and extraction, or “acne surgery” as it is also called, should not be performed by patients. Dermatologists are trained in the proper technique and perform acne surgery under sterile conditions. Patient attempts to drain and extract comedones by squeezing or picking, can lead to infection, worsening of the acne and scarring.

Severe acne requires an aggressive treatment
regimen and should be treated by a dermatologist.

Interlesional Corticosteroid Injection:

When an acne cyst becomes severely inflamed, there is a good chance it will rupture and scarring may result. To treat these severely inflamed cysts and prevent scarring, dermatologists may inject such cysts with a much-diluted corticosteroid. This lessens the inflammation
and promotes healing. An interlesional corticosteroid injection works by “melting” the cyst over a period of 3 to 5 days.

Isotretinoin:

Isotretinoin is a potent drug reserved for treating severe cystic acne and acne that has proven itself resistant to other medications. Isotretinoin is a synthetic (man-made) retinoid (form of vitamin A) that comes in pill form. It is usually taken once or twice a day for 16 to 20 weeks.
Today, it is the most effective acne treatment available because it is the only acne treatment that works on all four factors that predispose a person to acne – excess oil production, clogged skin pores, P. acnes and inflammation. The remissions achieved with isotretinoin usually last for many months to many years. For many patients, only one course of isotretinoin therapy is needed.

While isotretinoin is the most effective acne treatment available, it cannot be prescribed to everyone due to a number of potential side effects—some serious. One of the most serious side effects is the potential to cause severe birth defects in a developing fetus. For this reason, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that women not be (or become) pregnant while taking isotretinoin. FDA regulations require women of childbearing age to take 2 pregnancy tests prior to beginning isotretinoin therapy and use 2 forms of birth control for 1 month before therapy begins, while taking the drug and for 1 full month after therapy. It is also important that women not breast feed during this time. Women who wish to become pregnant after taking isotretinoin should talk to their dermatologist and gynecologist about when it is safe to get pregnant after receiving isotretinoin therapy.
Other possible severe side effects that may occur while taking isotretinoin include:
• Severe pain in the chest or abdomen
• Trouble swallowing or painful swallowing
• Severe headache, blurred vision or dizziness
• Bone and joint pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or rectal bleeding
• Depression
• Dryness of the skin, eyes and nose
• Thinning hair
If any side effect occurs, the patient’s dermatologist or other healthcare practitioner should be contacted immediately because some of these side effects can lead to serious health problems.

While taking isotretinoin, patients are regularly monitored for side effects through follow-up visits. For most people, these side effects are tolerable and not a reason to discontinue therapy before remission is achieved. However, it is important to keep appointments for follow-up visits because monitoring can reveal conditions that a patient might not notice. For example, a patient may not realize a rapid increase in bad cholesterol that is detected through a blood test.

The decision to use isotretinoin should be made jointly by patient and dermatologist. When used with all due caution under close medical supervision, isotretinoin can resolve severe acne that has not responded to other therapy. It has proven especially effective in resolving cystic acne, a severe form of acne that usually does not respond to other therapies.
For a substantial number of patients, one course of isotretinoin therapy is all they will ever need. A small number of patients require more than one course of isotretinoin therapy to control severe acne.

It is important to take isotretinoin as prescribed—even if the skin clears before all of the pills have been taken—to prevent relapse. At the end of an effective course of isotretinoin therapy, all or most of the acne lesion will have cleared. Patients may notice residual erythematous (reddish) macules (flat spots) where acne lesions were present. These macules are not scars, and they will fade in 6 to 8 weeks.

After therapy, patients should continue to follow the 12 Ways to Get Better Results from Acne Treatment.

Oral Antibiotics:

Oral antibiotics have been a mainstay of therapy for severe acne for many years. Like topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics work to reduce the P. acnes population (a contributing factor in acne), which, in turn, decreases inflammation. Treatment with oral antibiotics usually begins with a high dosage, which is reduced as the acne resolves. Over time, the P. acnes bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotic being used to treat it. When this happens, another antibiotic can be prescribed. Numerous studies support the effectiveness of the following broad-spectrum oral antibiotics that are used to treat acne in the United States: doxycline, erythromycin, minocycline and tetracycline. For information about each of these oral antibiotics, see Prescription Acne Medications.

Oral Contraceptives:

Oral contraceptives have been shown to effectively clear acne in women by suppressing the overactive sebaceous glands. Oral contraceptives can be used as long-term acne therapy; however, this medication should not be prescribed to women who smoke, have a blood-clotting disorder, are older than 35 or have a history of migraine headaches—without the advice of a gynecologist.

Severe Acne: 4 types

Severe acne can affect many facets of a person’s life, causing a great deal of embarrassment and stress. Severe acne may significantly limit one’s social life and even interfere with opportunities for employment. Since this condition can be disfiguring and require years of treatment, it is important to see a specialist. Dermatologists have the most experience treating the different types of severe acne.

Four types of severe acne, described in detail below, are:
• Acne conglobata
• Acne fulminans
• Gram negative folliculitis
• Nodulocystic acne

Acne Conglobata:

Acne conglobata is a chronic and severe form of acne vulgaris, characterized by:
• Deep abscesses
• Inflammation
• Severe damage to the skin
• Scarring
• Blackheads (open comedones) are usually conspicuous and widespread—often occurring on the face, neck, trunk, upper arms and/or buttocks.

In acne conglobata, inflammatory nodules form around multiple comedones, gradually increasing in size until they break down and discharge pus. Deep ulcers may form under the nodules, leading to keloid-type scars, and crusts may form over deeply ulcerated nodules
Burrowing abscesses commonly result in deep, irregular scarring.
Acne conglobata may be preceded by acne cysts, papules or pustules that do not heal, but instead rapidly deteriorate.

Occasionally, acne conglobata flares up in acne that had been dormant for many years.

Males are more likely than females to have acne conglobata; the age of onset is usually between 18 and 30 years. The cause of the condition is not well understood.

Treatment. Isotretinoin is the usual treatment of choice for acne conglobata. Antibiotics may also be prescribed. Several courses of treatment may be necessary over a period of years. Even after effective treatment, the patient should have regular checkups by a dermatologist for any signs of recurrence. A dermatologist can also treat the scars.

Acne Fulminans:

Acne fulminans is a sudden onset of highly destructive inflammation. It appears suddenly in a person with inflammatory acne and is characterized by:
• Symptoms of severe and often ulcerating acne
• Fever
• Inflammation and aching of joints, especially hips and knees
A person who develops acne fulminans may have had unsuccessful treatment for another form of severe acne, acne conglobata.
Treatment. Corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be given to reduce inflammation. Attacks of acne fulminans may recur, and the patient may develop acne that requires long-term treatment with isotretinoin.

Nodulocystic Acne
Cysts are relatively uncommon in acne; however, this form of severe acne is characterized by cysts, which may measure several centimeters in diameter.

Cysts may develop singly or be widespread.

Cysts may occur singly, or be widespread over the face, neck, scalp, back, chest and shoulders. And, they can be painful.

The nodular cyst of acne is not a true cyst—an abnormal dilatation of a normal skin structure. Acne cysts are nodules of inflammation. The cysts may arise from a papular or nodular acne lesion, or occasionally from a type of cyst that develops in the outer layer of the skin—a type of cyst not usually associated with acne. A cyst may appear to be filled with thick, yellow pus-like fluid. This is usually an inflamed and infected cyst. If an attempt is made to drain such a cyst, it should be done in a physician’s office under sterile conditions, not in front of a bathroom mirror.
Cysts occurring close together may coalesce, producing soft areas undermined with tunnels, cell destruction and inflammation, resulting in another form of severe acne, acne conglobata.

Treatment:
Nodulocystic acne usually requires an aggressive treatment regimen that may include isotretinoin and antibiotics, or intralesional corticosteroids that “melt” the cyst over a period of 3 to 5 days. Some very large follicular cysts that do not respond to medications may require drainage and surgical excision.

Gram-negative folliculitis:

Gram negative folliculitis is an inflammation of follicles caused by a bacterial infection that can result from long-term antibiotic treatment. Patients who are being treated with antibiotics for severe acne may develop Gram negative folliculitis.

The word “Gram” refers to a blue stain used in laboratories to detect microscopic organisms. Certain bacteria do not stain blue and are called “Gram negative.”

Treatment:
In Gram negative folliculitis, the bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics. Isotretinoin and antibiotics that are effective against Gram negative bacteria are used to treat this condition.

Anyone with severe acne should be under the care of a dermatologist as dermatologists have the experience needed to control virtually every case of acne.It is important for patients and their families to know that severe, disfiguring forms of acne may require years of treatment and patients can experience one or more treatment failures. During treatment, the support of family and friends can greatly comfort patients.

Sponsored by http://www.shermanoakscadermatologist.com

Fort Campbell, KY (PRWEB) February 21, 2006

Your free doctor written Acne Facts / Acne Treatment guide is available at www.acnefacts.blogspot.com. Acne Vulgaris, Acne, Pimples, Zits they go by many names but for many they are all too common. Almost 80% of people will have acne in their teenage or young adult life. For some acne can have a strong negative impact one’s psychological development, resulting in withdrawal from society and depression. It can also persist for years resulting in permanent disfigurement and scarring. Clearly, acne is a problem which has a definite impact on one’s overall well being.

Fortunately, advances in our understanding of acne and its treatment means people no longer have to suffer for years with acne. This includes people with mild to severe disease. This doctor written guide helps one discover the facts and debunk the myths about acne. All information is based on the latest medical literature.

This guide in simple terms explains what really causes acne. This understanding is crucial as one then understands why various treatment regimens are prescribed. Perhaps as importantly, one will understand why other treatment regimens simply don’t work. All major treatment modalities are reviewed as well as the reasons for each one. Many acne myths are debunked along the way leaving one with a clear understanding of the road to clear skin.

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Acne treatment

Berkeley, CA (PRWEB) June 1, 2010

Acne patients can now get in-depth acne information from the source they trust most, their own dermatologist.

In honor of Acne Awareness Month, Vivacare has enhanced the acne education resources made available on the Websites of the 3,000 leading dermatologists that use Vivacare’s ‘From Your Doctor’ patient education service.

Dermatologists use Vivacare to enhance their own practice Websites with customizable patient handouts, patient eNewsletters, and other resources to help patients better understand and manage their skin conditions. Vivacare has expanded the patient education content regarding acne to include adult acne, truncal acne, severe acne and patient handouts on a variety of acne medications including, topical retinoids (Differin, Epiduo, Retin A Micro), isotretinoin and oral antibiotics (minocycline, Solodyn).

“Vivacare makes it easy for dermatologists to educate their patients about acne and the acne treatments that they prescribe”, said Dr. Mark Becker, pediatrician and President of Vivacare. “Acne is a common skin disorder and over reliance on over-the-counter medications may be ineffective and lead to the development of acne scars. We are pleased to expand our acne education content in support of Acne Awareness Month because even mild acne can benefit from professional treatment.”

Nearly 80% of people will experience some form of acne during their lifetimes. Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting 60 million Americans at any one time, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS) has established June as National Acne Awareness Month to increase awareness of the impact of acne on people’s lives and the various acne treatment options that are available.

About Vivacare

Vivacare is a leading provider of patient education services for physicians and medical practices designed to improve clinical care and patient satisfaction. The Vivacare service is available for 12 medical specialties.

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Davie, FL (PRWEB) June 1, 2009

The Natural Source Store, a leading provider of all-natural health and beauty products, is proud to announce the release of its DermaplexMD™ Acne Treatment System.

The DermaplexMD™ Acne Treatment System is a three-step system that uses powerful acne ingredients to fight and prevent acne breakouts. Unlike many other acne treatment products, DermaplexMD™ Acne Treatment System uses a special skin-soothing formula that does not dry skin.

“So many people think that acne is just a problem for teenagers,” said Deborah Covington, Managing Director of The Natural Source Store. “It’s not. Many adults also suffer from acne breakouts and those breakouts can have serious social consequences. We’re proud that the DermaplexMD™ Acne Treatment System will help people of all ages fight and prevent acne breakouts.”

The DermaplexMD™ Acne Treatment System is a three step system consisting of Acne Control Cleanser, Intense Acne Spot Treatment and Acne Control Toner. Together, these three steps help fight and prevent acne breakouts while leaving skin supple and moisture-rich, unlike many traditional acne control products.

“Many acne treatment products can really dry skin out,” said Deborah Covington, Managing Director of The Natural Source Store. “But that’s not the case with the DermaplexMD™ Acne Treatment System. The DermaplexMD™ Acne Treatment System actually soothes and moisturizes the skin as it cleans.”

A leading provider of all-natural health and beauty products, The Natural Source Store is proudly based in Davie, Florida. Learn more about The Natural Source Store or call 954-237-2690. Learn more about the DermaplexMD™ Acne Treatment System.

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Learn how to use a home remedy to open your pores for treating acne and get expert tips and advice on natural home remedies in this free instructional video. Expert: Angela Joyce Bio: Angela Joyce is a fitness instructor and teaches cardio fat burning exercises, muscle toning, and healthy lifestyle habits. Filmmaker: Nolen Quinn
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