Sabtu, 19 Januari 2013

Acne - Cystic Acne

One of the most severe forms of acne is nodular or cystic acne. The lesions associated with this form can be quite large and very painful, and can cause a tremendous amount of damage. If cystic acne is not treated and controlled, it can result in extensive scarring and pitting. It is beyond the ability of many acne medications (especially OTC medications) to treat. Cystic acne almost always requires the involvement of a dermatologist.

In cystic acne, the skins oil glands overproduce sebum (oil). The glands become engorged and swollen and incapable of pushing out the excess oil. The swollen glands can rupture underneath the skin, leading to the redness, inflammation and the eventual scarring that often results.

Cystic acne can also have a tremendous psychological and emotional effect on its sufferers as well, as they are more likely to isolate themselves to avoid attracting unwanted attention. And their fears are often warranted as some people shun those afflicted with this form of acne. They may lose out when it comes to advancement at work, and also in social situations where they avoid risking rejection because of their condition. This illness can significantly erode the quality of life and the self-esteem of those who suffer from it.

Though this form of acne is a challenge to live with and to treat, there are medications available to fight it. If other drugs fail to get a handle on it, isotretinoin, a retinoid that's related to vitamin A is the drug most often prescribed. In fact, it's only available by prescription. As it's taken orally over a period of some weeks, it shrinks the oil glands so that mush less sebum is produced. It also helps unblock pores and restricts the production of new lesions. By unclogging the skin's pores, isotretinoin (sold as Accutane) also helps to reduce the inflammation associated with cystic acne. It's reported that up to 90% of patients have greatly diminished acne after a using it for the recommended period (up to 20 weeks). There may however be a need for repeat use if the acne returns, and it won't eliminate any pre-existing scarring.

There are some significant side effects to consider if one is going to use isotretinoin. The most serious one is that it's teratogenic and may cause severe birth defects. Pregnant women should never use it, nor should any woman become pregnant while taking isotretinoin. It's important that women who are going to use this drug, and who plan to get pregnant discuss with their doctor when it's safe to do so. Usually birth control is started one month before, and continued one month after this acne drug has been used.

Other side effects from using it include drying and inflammation of the mucous membranes, increased liver enzymes, a decrease in night vision, sun sensitivity, muscle soreness, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and severe acne flare-ups. Some doctors will start with a low dose and increase it over a period of time while monitoring the patient to determine if there are adverse effects. It's possible that side effects may disappear if the dosage is reduced.

Isotretinoin is a potent medicine that should only be acquired by prescription and taken while under monitored by a doctor. If any adverse effects appear it's important that your doctor know right away so that the appropriate steps are taken.

While cystic acne is a potentially serious or even devastating medical problem, there are ways to attack and defeat it so that these sufferers can enjoy an improved quality of life.            Acne- Does Rubbing Alcohol Help?

Recently I cam across a question about acne. Someone wanted to know if rubbing alcohol would cure acne. Such ideas about acne are widespread. It is not only rubbing alcohol, but also whites of eggs, toothpaste, tanning and other miracle cures for acne. Let us find out if rubbing alcohol will help.

Acne- why it formsall

Once you understand why acne forms, you can decide what will help. Because of hormonal changes in the body, the sebaceous glands that are always open start getting blocked. Because of this block the sebum that is produced by the glands gets accumulated inside the gland. This is the beginning of acne. If the gland were open the sebum would have gone out on the skin. We now have a gland that is everyday getting bigger with more sebum. The bacteria P.acnes loves this sebum and begins multiplying in the gland. This infects the gland. Now we have a gland that is full of sebum, dead cells and bacteria. The body sends white cells to fight the bacteria. So pus also gets inside the gland. This inflating gland that is called a pimple, bursts when it can no more hold the matter inside. You land up with acne scar.

Acne- treatment

the acne treatment is directed towards keeping the gland open, reducing sebum production, and killing the multiplying bacteria. If one can take steps to treat all these three issues the acne will get cured. Rubbing alcohol will only kill any bacteria that are present on the skin. It will not help in keeping the gland open or reducing the sebum production. It is also doubtful about how much alcohol will reach inside the acne and kill the bacteria there. It is therefore not advised to try treating acne with rubbing alcohol.            Acne- Does Rubbing Alcohol Help?

Recently I cam across a question about acne. Someone wanted to know if rubbing alcohol would cure acne. Such ideas about acne are widespread. It is not only rubbing alcohol, but also whites of eggs, toothpaste, tanning and other miracle cures for acne. Let us find out if rubbing alcohol will help.

Acne- why it formsall

Once you understand why acne forms, you can decide what will help. Because of hormonal changes in the body, the sebaceous glands that are always open start getting blocked. Because of this block the sebum that is produced by the glands gets accumulated inside the gland. This is the beginning of acne. If the gland were open the sebum would have gone out on the skin. We now have a gland that is everyday getting bigger with more sebum. The bacteria P.acnes loves this sebum and begins multiplying in the gland. This infects the gland. Now we have a gland that is full of sebum, dead cells and bacteria. The body sends white cells to fight the bacteria. So pus also gets inside the gland. This inflating gland that is called a pimple, bursts when it can no more hold the matter inside. You land up with acne scar.

Acne- treatment

the acne treatment is directed towards keeping the gland open, reducing sebum production, and killing the multiplying bacteria. If one can take steps to treat all these three issues the acne will get cured. Rubbing alcohol will only kill any bacteria that are present on the skin. It will not help in keeping the gland open or reducing the sebum production. It is also doubtful about how much alcohol will reach inside the acne and kill the bacteria there. It is therefore not advised to try treating acne with rubbing alcohol.           

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar