subject: How To Treat Acne Using Self Care And Medications [print this page] How To Treat Acne Using Self Care And Medications
The term acne is a generic term that is used to describe an inflammatory skin condition affecting the face, back, and possibly chest. Acne is common during adolescence. This infection of the skin is caused by changes in the sebaceous glands, which are the tiny glands found under the skin which provide oils for the skin. Acne tends to result in redness and soreness at the point of infection and can be a cosmetic issue.
This article shares how to identify symptoms, causes and treatments associated with acne and what you can do to self-treat this condition.
Acne Treatments and Facts
Symptoms The symptoms are apparent at the surface of the skin and include pus-filled lesions, which are red, firm swellings; or smaller white or black spots.
Causes This condition results when oil glands of the skin become blocked and infected. The increase in hormonal activity when pre-teens or teenagers enter puberty seems to be linked to increased presentation of blemishes. It may worsen if skin is oily as well as during periods of stress. The use of certain drugs such as cortisone, male sex hormone supplements, or oral contraceptives may also exacerbate the symptoms.
Treatment Oily skin should be cleaned often and hair should be washed every 1-2 days to avoid spreading of oil and bacteria to skin. A person prone to blemishes should use water-based make-up which may help as well as over-the-counter acne medications.
Prescription medications include antibiotics, cortisone, drying agents, benzyl peroxide, or isotretenpin. A common and often effective prescription medication for the treatment of acne is Retina-A. This medication may need to be used for a few weeks before clearing of acne begins.
Treating facial or body blemishes can seem like an uphill battle but with the right skin care or the help of medications, you can eliminate this problem.
