Diet
Remedies
How important is a balanced diet in the prevention of acne.
This article highlights the significance of the different vitamins in diet to avoid the occurrence of acne.
It gives the sources of vitamins found in food and the right doses to be taken in a day.
Are you tired of using ointments and medicines, which are ineffective for treating your acne?
If you are looking for natural methods of treatment of acne scars, here is a detailed treatment of the various home remedies you can use for the treatment of acne scars.
Various myths abound regarding acne. For myths surrounding acne this article is an in-depth study.
It dispels these myths with the actual truth behind these myths.
Types of Acne
Introduction: Acne vulgaris is the condition where there are numerous lesions in the face known commonly as pimples. This acne vulgaris is a caused by a bacteria, P. acne.The initial lesions in acne are the black and white comedones. Comedones are non-inflammatory lesions, whereas papules and pustules signatory of an inflammatory pathology.
Lesions in acne:
Non- Inflammatory lesions:
Comedones:
They are the precursors of acne. Their size is approximately 1mm. There are of 2 types, blackheads (open) and whiteheads (closed). A. Whiteheads: They occur when a pore in the skin is blocked completely. There is trapping of sebum and dead skin cells. This produces a white appearance on the surface termed as Whitehead. B. Blackheads: They result when a pore is partially blocked the trapped sebum secretions and dead skin cells along with the bacteria come to the surface.
The black color is not caused by dirt, but due to a pigment called melanin. Melanin reacts with oxygen in the air to produce a black color.
Inflammatory lesions:
Papules:
Inflammation turns the comedones bright red. They are now known as papules. Papules are small, tender lesions that are in level with the skin surface. Papules are said to be 'active' when their color is bright red. Smaller and paler lesions are termed 'less active' papules.
Pustules:
Severe inflammations is excited, this accumulates pus in the lesions. These pus filled lesions are then called as pustular acne. Pustules are painful and scar the skin. Pustules can be superficial or deep. If you squeeze a pustule, the superficial pus is pushed out but deep pus and inflammation is worsened.
Nodulocystic acne:
These lesions are bigger than papular or pustular acne. Nodules are painful lesions that look like a bump on the skin. Cysts are fluid filled lesions. These lesions are notorious for scarring the skin. Nodulocystic acne spots can be quite painful lasting for months. These hard bumps are found under the skin surface. Squeezing a nodule is not a wise thing to attempt. By doing so, the risk of scar formation is increased. The fluid filled cyst has a diameter of 5 mm or more.
Scars:
Acne is a dermatological diseases associated with scar formation. Several types of scars are found over the skin. These scars can appear as shrunken, bulged, pitted or ice pick type. Prevention of scar formation is one of the goals of treatment. Severe forms of acne are a great hardship to people experiencing them. Hence it is essential to treat acne carefully to avoid future complications.
Serious Forms of Acne:
Acne Conglobata - This is a collection of different acne lesions. Acne conglobata is very rare. It is particularly common in males. Deep seated nodules and minute opening on the skin oozing fluid are commonly observed around the nose and cheeks. The disesse is difficult to treat. Scarring occurs in inefficient treatment.
Acne Fulminans -Acne fulminans is an over reaction of the body's defense against acne. Our body immunity is a vital contributor in the development of fulminant signs. Patient will have fever, weight loss, loss of appetite and joint pains associated with acne Gram - negative folliculitis - Infection of hair follicle and sebaceous gland is seen in patients taking antibiotics for long periods. They suddenly develop pustules and cysts. It is due to infection by bacteria belonging to a different group other than the organisms that are affected by the drugs taken. They are not affected by routine treatment of acne. Hence they proliferate necessitating a change in treatment.
Other Acne - like eruptions/Acneiform lesions/ Acne variants
Maturity onset acne:
Acne with inflammation persists for a long time in these cases. Lesions are usually found around the chin and jaw. Acne is reported even in people of 25 years. This is because people are better informed in identifying the lesions as acne. People especially women developing late onset acne often have demanding jobs. Stress exacerbates this type of acne. Hormonal imbalance also plays a causative role.
Infantile and Juvenile acne:
As the name suggests, these acne are common in children. Maternal hormones in breast milk can stimulate the sebaceous glands of infants. In a majority of such children, acne is self limiting, clearing in about a year's time. An over growth of the adrenal glands may also present as acne in infants. In such children a doctor should examine the child and prompt treatment started.
Pomade acne:
This acne is seen on the forehead region of Afro-Caribbean. Various oils used in hair dressing procedures cause this type of acne. It is non inflammatory. Use of these oils should be stopped immediately. Topical retinoids can be used to cure the lesions. A doctor's advice should be sought.
Cosmetic acne:
Cosmetics can cause acne or a folliculitis. A variety of substances like propylene glycol and isopropyl myristate used in cosmetics are capable of causing acne. Cosmetics that are classified as non-comedogenic can be used. Sunscreens with adequate SPF (sun protection factor) can be used to protect the skin from harmful rays of the sun.
Acne excoriee:
This type of acne is occasionally found in young, psychiatric patients. They have multiple excoriated lesions on areas that are within reach of their hands. Common sites are forehead, chin and cheeks. They are irregular and deep, so scarring is a risk. Treating the psychiatric cause is the main aim. Local applications may further irritate the skin because the deeper layers of the skin are exposed. We should take oral drugs in this situation.
Pyoderma faciale:
This type of severe facial acne affects only females aged between 20-40 years .It is characterized by painful large pustules and sores. Large bumps (nodules) are also seen.
Adolescent acne and Adult acne
