Many young people face a lack of confidence and embarrassment due to their skin being badly affected by acne and pimples. This disease (acne vulgaris) is most common in adolescence, although many cases continue into adulthood. Bad cases of acne can lead to permanent scarring, and often sufferers may also suffer from psychological ill effects, such as low self-esteem, which can lead to depressive illness and possibly even suicide. Medical treatments include topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and isoretonin, which can be used for more severe cases. Some may however prefer a natural acne cure: aloe vera and melaleuca oil may be effective.
Acne vulgaris is a disease of the skin. Most commonly it starts at adolescence, but it can continue into adult life. It affects the skin area where the density of sebaceous follicles is highest: the face, the back, and the chest. These follicles contain as sebaceous gland, which secretes a natural skin lubricant called sebum. This is an oily or waxy substance.
The changes in the body which start at puberty can cause blockages of the sebaceous follicles, and an increased production of sebum, which builds up behind the blockages. Where the blockage is open to the air the sebum oxidizes. This is called a blackhead: the black appearance is from the oxidized sebum. In whiteheads, or pimples, there is no opening to the air and the sebum remains white.
The redness of pimples is due to inflammation caused by a bacterium. There are various names for the lesions: papules, pustules or nodules depending on severity. These can eventually lead to scarring of the skin.
Acne vulgaris is most often caused by the hormonal change at puberty, but it can be triggered at other times of hormonal change, such as pregnancy, during menstrual cycles, and due to PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Acne caused by changes at menopause is called acne climacterica.
The usual first line medical treatment for acne is a topical (cream or gel) course of benzoyl peroxide. This can clear up mild and moderate cases of acne. There can be some mild side effects: dry skin, redness and peeling are the most common. The benzoyl peroxide can make the skin more susceptible to sun burn, so a sun block should be used during the course of treatment.
Antibiotics are used for more severe cases. Tetracyclines, erythtomycin and clindamycin are commonly prescribed for acne. Some antibiotics are applied topically (on the skin), and others are taken by mouth.
The most severe cases of acne are treated with retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A. There are both topical and oral forms of this treatment. The topical forms (e. G. Retin-A) can cause skin irritation, but in general have less side effects than the oral forms.
Oral retinoids contain isoretonin, a vitamin A derivative. These include Roaccutane, Accutance, and several others. These can be highly effective, often providing a permanent cure, but the side effects may be severe. Their use must be supervised by a dermatologist. There are proponents of a natural acne cure using melaleuca oil, or tea tree oil. This is of similar effectiveness to benzoyl peroxide, but without causing the skin dryness problems.
For the latest information on a natural acne cure, try out the following website on natural treatment for acne ahead of starting any solutions.
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