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Acne Treatment: A Basic Understanding

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:49:54 +0100

Statistics indicate that as high as 80% of the entire American population has ever had acne. Acne afflicts all genders, sexes and ages making it a universal skin disorder. As a form of skin disease, the good news is that acne is not transmittable.

Although acne is not contagious from person-to-person, it can spread to the whole face and can severely affect all the skin tissues that have pilosebaceous units. It is not true that acne just affects those going through puberty. Even infants or individuals who may be well over their forties, can develop this skin disorder. Acne infantilis is the term used for acne that grows on newborn babies, on the other hand acne rosacea is related to middle-aged people.

Acne has different classifications, according to the severity of the infection.

Comedo is the form where all severe acne cases originate. This is characterized by red swelling or small lesions on your skin. Whiteheads and blackheads are two forms of comedo. Conversely, blackhead is an open comedo. The coloration is due to the accumulation of dark skin pigments called melanin, plus hardened sebum and other skin debris and particles. This is the basic structure of whiteheads, however, the only difference is the coloration and these are deeply situated into the skin layers.

If you have sandpaper-like skin around the tissue of your mouth and on the surface of your forehead, chin and cheeks, you probably have papules. Pus-filled lesions are also termed as pustules.

Nodules on the other hand are similar with pustules. However, nodules are firmer and are larger acne growing deep in the skin. Inflammation may develop your pustules into containing semi-liquid or liquid materials composed of white blood cells (which are dead because of the acne-infecting bacteria named as Propionibacterium acnes), dead skin cells and active or inactive bacteria. This can result into more serious acne called cysts. In such situations, you may need the assistance of a skin dermatologist or physician.

What is the cause of acne? It is quite difficult to exactly determine what may have caused your acne infection as reasons differ case to case. Studies indicate that the skin disorder may be brought about by many factors, including poor diet, stress, weather elements, and hormone changes or may be genetically influenced.

Medically speaking, acne starts from the formation of hardened sebum, or the oily substance secreted to the skin through the sebaceous glands. This then will be permeated with acne-infecting bacteria, which in return will trigger the immune system to release white blood cells to obstruct the attack of the bacteria. As this happens, dead white blood cells and bacteria will accumulate in the hair follicles mixed with skin debris and dead skin particles, which then will inflame the lesions.

Most mild case acne may be treated with over the counter acne medications. They are generally topical drugs, which you apply on your skin for acne treatment. They may come in the form of soaps, lotions, gels and creams. Conversely, systematic acne medications are taken orally. The most common of which are the antibiotics.

Knowing that you are not the only one inflicted with acne at some point in life or another helps in that there will always be new research and new products coming on stream. Continue to read up on acne research and help your fight against it.

Different ways to get rid of cystic acne

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:53:17 +0100

All of the above cystic acne information not only will help learn how to get rid of acne, but will make you healthier as well.

Topically: After washing with a mild soap, use tea tree antiseptic cream. It can be bought or ordered at a health food store. This acne remedy is very antibiotic, also it is incredibly anti-inflammatory so all the redness and swelling goes down and as a side effect it moisturizes and leaves your skin baby soft. This acne cure can be an absolute miracle for you and it is especially good for after shaving.

Internally: Eat as close to a natural foods diet as possible avoiding chemicals and preservatives and additives as much as you can. Never drink chlorine always drink lots and lots of filtered, distilled or spring waters. Always use a Laundry detergent that is free of perfumes and dyes. Normal scented detergents remain on the clothes after drying and we absorb the chemical scent through our skin and it aggravates our skin. Also absolutely never use fabric softener especially those poison dryer sheets.

Take garlic capsules with every meal, garlic is highly antibiotic and will eventually work better than all those Immune system compromising drug anti-biotic the MD's have been pushing on us. Also crush 1-2 fresh raw cloves and mix it in with each meal in plenty of food. The garlic must be raw not cooked. The pills work good but fresh, raw, crushed garlic with food is simply amazing.

Start using lots of extra virgin olive oil on everything, again raw. Pour it on salads, on pastas (after they are on your plate). This kind of food is like gold for your skin and liver. Heating it will turn it into toxic grease. Also deep fried foods have toxic grease so avoid them.

These therapies are two parts: Antibiotic both internal and external to kill off the infection which as you guessed is a major deep skin problem especially in the case of cystic acne. Also the therapies are purifying, when we have a toxic system the liver and Kidneys become taxed and clogged up and we throw off toxins through the sweat glands. While it’s the oil glands that plug up the sweat pores it’s the toxemia of the sweat glands and the Inability of the Liver to break down hormones that causes excess oil and a poorly functioning pore.

Don’t forget to exercise and reduce stress although it’s difficult when the cystic acne is there, but stressing about it will make it worse. Best wishes and a speedy cure.

Anybody can find online weight loss programs which aim to help those who cannot keep up with a diet on their own.

Fighting The Germs Off The Acne Medicine

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:59:28 +0100

Acne is an inflamed disease of the skin, and it has many causes. One such cause is bacteria that is breeding in the pores of the skin. When the body's immune system is weak, it becomes allergic to this type of bacteria. Blood cells are attracted to fight the allergy, and the pores become blocked. Oil secretions begin to build up at these pores and provide a breeding ground for even more bacteria. Eventually, pimples form.

When faced with a bacteria causing acne, it is likely that you will begin to panic. Just imagine when you have red bumps that resemble small boils on your face. These red bumps get filledl with a nasty puss caused by the body fighting the infection of the bacteria. What can you do? Well, there are a number of things that you can do to fight the bacteria for acne treatment.

Treatments that kill the bacteria that cause acne included the use of antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline and minocyclne. These are to be taken orally. Also topical antibiotics or bactericides like Benzoyl peroxide or erythromycin can help. The bacteria also known as "P. acnes", does however become resistant to the antibiotics eventually. However Benzoyl peroxide, an oxidizer, does not seem to generate resistance by the bacteria. While the acne will come back, it is a short term and temporary cure and is applied topically.

Gently exfoliating the skin can also help. This method can be done by using a cloth or a liquid scrub, or by using certain chemicals. Chemical exfoliating substances include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Both of these agents cause a peeling of the top layer of skin, which prevents a build up of dead skin.

Another over the counter acne treatment is salicylic acid, which softens skin and gets rid of dead skin cells, which in turn unclogs pores. Many face wash products contain this ingredient. Also sulfur contained in many over the counter products works well for many people. Another product is glycolic acid, which is found in anti-aging products as well as acne medicines.

However, natural health practitioners prefer to recommend the use of natural acne treatment. Tea tree oil is gaining in popularity. It kills the bacteria and also reduces redness and inflammation. It works much the same as Benzoyl peroxide but causes less skin irritation. Tee trea oil can be easily found at health food stories.

Acupuncture is used by some and is thought to alleviate hormonal imbalances in the body. Those who use acupuncture also usually suggest lifestyle changes and a change in diet, including cutting back on dairy products.

Light therapy is another natural remedy to fight the bacteria that has many adherents. Many people believe that the bacteria that causes acne insensitive to light in the blue wavelength of the light spectrum. Light therapy means shining blue light onto a patient for fifteen minutes at a time twice a week, usually for four weeks. This treatment can be expenses, running about $150 per treatment. Not all patients have had good results, but some have. Also since light in this wavelength is not harmful to the skin, there are no side effects or after effects.

Some people think that acne is caused by poor hygiene and by eating certain foods. There is no scientific evidence linking diet to acne. But a good diet sure will not hurt in skin repair and damaged tissues.

Good personal hygiene also goes a long way in your acne treatment. Also using makeup that doesn't clog pores helps prevent the spread of bacteria and acne from getting worse.

Any of the above mentioned methods for acne treatment should help you in your fight against bacteria. You will see clearer skin as your bacteria is being wiped out. Practising good hygiene and adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle should also help in the acne inflammation.

Prevent Hair Loss - The Hair Loss Treatments buyer's guide

Acne And Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) Deficiency

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:03:48 +0100

Acne Specialist believes there is a correlation between Vitamin B5 deficiency and acne (the most common skin disease), due to modern food processing.

Vitamin B5, aka pantothenic acid, serves the body in many ways. It is a member of the nutritionally elite group of eight vitamins lovingly called the Vitamin B complex. This powerful group of vitamins has a role in nearly every major body system and process. The Vitamin B complex keeps both body and mind functioning and in good health.

Vitamin B5, like all of the vitamins in the B complex, is essential to the body for a number of reasons (also see other sections of acne-specialist.com for more information):

-Pantothenic acid as coenzyme A is closely involved in adrenal cortex function and has come to be known as the "antistress" vitamin. It supports the adrenal glands to increase production of cortisone and other adrenal hormones to help counteract stress. Coenzyme A is vital in the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, steroids, sphingosines, and phospholipids. It also helps synthesize porphyrin, which is connected to hemoglobin.

-Through the above mechanism, Vitamin B5 is also thought to help prevent aging and wrinkles and is important for hair and healthy skin. As you can imagine, it is used in a variety of cosmetic products.

-It has the ability to utilize the food it takes in as fuel for its myriad of processes, great and small. As the coenzyme, Vitamin B5 is important in cellular metabolism of carbohydrates and fats to release energy.

-It works in the regular maintenance and repair of all bodily tissues, from the cellular level on up. This makes it a critical part of the body's efforts to fight the physical damage to which excessive stress contributes.

-Vitamin B5 serves many important functions in the nervous system -- for example, Vitamin B5 contributes to the production of neurotransmitters, which are important to the ability of the nerves to communicate.

-Through its adrenal support, Vitamin B5 may reduce potentially toxic effects of antibiotics and radiation.

-Vitamin B5, acting as a cofactor or partner to other members of the Vitamin B complex as well as other nutrients, has a great role in the functioning of the adrenal glands and also promotes normal growth of the body. This is due to its role in hormone production throughout the body.

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B5 is stable to moist heat and oxidation or reduction (adding or subtracting an electron), though it is easily destroyed by acids (such as vinegar) or alkalis (such as baking soda) and by dry heat. Over half of the pantothenic acid in wheat is lost during milling, and about one-third is degraded in meat during cooking. In many whole foods, Vitamin B5 is readily available.

Only recently the general public is becoming more aware of the importance of whole foods. Yet, diets of the majority of the population are still made up of mostly heavily processed foods (available Vitamin B5 activity is lost during refinement of foods) due to our fast pace, time poor lifestyle of the modern world.

"NO WONDER THE SERIOUS GLOBAL ACNE PROBLEM, PARTICULARLY AMONGST DEVELOPED NATIONS!!!"
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Vitamin B5 / pantothenic acid is found in yeasts, molds, bacteria, and plant and animal cells, as well as in human blood plasma and lymph fluid.

Good sources of pantothenic acid include the organ meats, brewer's yeast, egg yolks, fish, chicken, whole grain cereals, cheese, peanuts, dried beans, and a variety of vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, green peas, cauliflower, and avocados. Vitamin B5 is also made by the bacterial flora of human intestines, another source for this important metabolic assistant or coenzyme.

Fatigue is probably the earliest and most common symptom of pantothenic acid deficiency. A diet high in refined and processed foods or a reduction or destruction of intestinal flora, most commonly by antibiotic use, can lead to a vitamin B5 deficiency.

Teenagers are more likely to experience a deficiency, because their diets often include high amounts of "fast foods" sugars, and refined flours (all low in B vitamins). And the problem may be compounded because the acne often associated with this type of diet is commonly treated with tetracycline antibiotics, which reduce the intestinal bacteria and thereby the production of pantothenic acid in the colon.

Studies of pantothenic acid deficiency in rats showed increased graying of the fur, decreased growth, and, in the extreme, hemorrhage and destruction of the adrenal glands. In humans, the decreased adrenal function caused by B5 deficiency can lead to a variety of metabolic problems. Fatigue is most likely; there may also be physical and mental depression, a decrease in hydrochloric acid production and other digestive symptoms, some loss of nerve function, and problems in blood sugar metabolism, with symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) being the most common. Pantothenic acid affects the function of cells in all systems, and a deficiency may reduce immunity, both cellular and antibody responses. Other symptoms of B5 deficiency include vomiting, abdominal cramps, skin problems, tachycardia, insomnia, tingling of the hands and feet, muscle cramps, recurrent upper respiratory infections, and worsening of allergy symptoms.

Therapeutic ranges are more like 250-500 mg daily and even higher, taken, of course, along with the other B complex vitamins. Individual needs vary according to food intake, degree of stress, and whether one is pregnant or lactating. Those people who eat a diet of processed foods, have a stressful lifestyle, or have allergies require higher amounts of pantothenic acid.

As with other B vitamins, there are no specific toxic effects from high doses of pantothenic acid. Over 1,000 mg daily has been taken for over six months with no side effects; when 1,500 mg or more is taken daily for several weeks, some people experience a superficial sensitivity in their teeth. However, it is possible that if B5 is taken without other B vitamins, it may create metabolic imbalance.

Finding what is the best acne skin care product is harder nad harder with all the treatments available. Read this articles to learn more about this topic

Everything About Acne Antibiotics

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:07:14 +0100

No matter where you are in the world, there is a good chance you have had to deal with some sort of acne in your life. Seeing that this skin condition is so common, there have been various acne antibiotics, pills, and lotions introduced to consumers. Most of the time these antibiotics for acne can treat your acne rather fast, as opposed to doing nothing about it.

Despite the various treatments provide various solutions, the typical acne antibiotics help sooth your skin and protect you from getting acne scars. Most antibiotics for the treatment of acne are taken orally - a method that is proved and relatively safe.

Sometimes dermatologists start by prescribing some sort of topical cystic acne cure, and then move onto oral antibiotics. Oral medications are known to work in 9 out 10 acne cases, since they go after the bacteria that cause acne breakout.

The second type of acne antibiotics are known as systematic antibiotics, which reduce the production of hormones that cause inflammation. The result is a milder case of acne, with reduced pinkness and swelling, and fewer acne scars.

Oral antibiotics typically need to taken for about 5 weeks to see results as long as you follow directions and stick to the prescription. You can start taking less of this acne cure treatment once your acne starts to clear, until no more is taken.

However with cystic acne, it can take up to half a year to be free from acne - but it all depends on what antibiotics you take, the severity of your acne and how well you follow the prescription. If this is the case, you will normally be put on systematic acne antibiotics - that are safer to use for such a lengthy period.

The good thing with oral antibiotics for acne is that they not only improve your skin and complexion, but they improve your confidence too. If you think that over half of Americans suffer from acne, these treatments can help a lot of people feel better about themselves.

But if you do nothing about your acne, you risk permanent damage not only to your skin, but also your self-confidence. That is why getting the right acne antibiotics is crucial to reduce your chances of scarring so that you can heal emotionally too. If you are unfortunate enough to have an acne problem, help is right around the corner.

Before you try anything, speak to a skin specialist about using a pimple or cystic acne cure for your condition, so that in a few weeks you will be on track to clearer skin and improved self-confidence. Now that you know more about acne antibiotics and their effectiveness, you should do what you can to have the skin you always dreamed of.

How Antibiotics Work--the Mechanism of Action. Aminoglycosides: Inhibit protein synthesis by binding to a portion of the bacterial ribosome...

Natural Antibiotics For Acne - Going Natural Against Acne

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:09:35 +0100

Natural antibiotics are very underrated when it comes to treating acne. With all the side effects that the medical antibiotics carry while treating your acne, it may be a good choice to switch medical antibiotics to natural antibiotics. Research on long term consumption of medical antibiotics has shown a greater chance of bacterial tolerance and a degraded liver functionality. Currently you might not know what are the best natural antibiotics for acne and how to use them to your advantage, but I assure you that after reading this article you will know just exactly how to treat your acne without expensive and ineffective acne medication.

What I am about to reveal to you is so powerful that you can just stop taking or using any special cleansers, cream, antibiotics, over the counter medications and so on.

The big secret of natural antibiotics for acne

We use antibiotics to kill acne causing bacterias. We have been using those pills or topical gel for such a long time effectively that it is very hard to ignore just how good they are at treating acne. But what most of us don't know yet is that antibiotics of natural sources exist and still do the job similarly well, if not better, than medical antibiotics.

Wondering what are the best natural antibiotics? Some of the best of these include ginger, turmeric, onions and the similar kinds of plant in the family. They are very good for your health if you just consume them regularly. My personal experience with these herbal remedies has told me that these most overlooked herbs can do a lot more than those conventional acne products or medications.

I have since then stopped using any expensive medicine and products after consuming these magical herbs. In other words I have saved at least a five thousand dollars on medical treatment, cleansers, pills, creams and other so called proactive acne solution.

How to use these magical herbs effectively:

You make juices out of them and drink glasses of these herbs as frequent as possible. Since there are no side effects, only positive effect you can expect your body to feel better after drinking these juices. I recommend that you pick one herb that you most like among these herbs and drink them as juices regularly, preferably 3 times a day or more.
You can add these herbs to your food.

Basically, it is more effective to drink pure juices of these natural herbs.

Ginger, turmeric, onion and other herbs in this family are very effective at killing harmful bacterias, including those that cause acne. Without any side effects, you can consume them with a sense of relief knowing that they would not cause any long term harm to your body. These herbs also will improve your immune system as well as regulate your hormone system. Both of these aspects are very important to any part of your body, let alone your skin and acne condition.

With an improved immune system, you body itself will be able to kill acne causing bacterias as well as many many other benefits. And a balanced hormone system will reduce the production of sebum and the chances of the formation of hormonal acne.

Keep in mind that before you go on and try other expensive treatments and medications that are advertised heavily on the TV and magazines, give this treatment option a try too. Just for a month and you can expect your face and acne condition to improve a lot. I am handing you a greater and better solution than what you can get for the expensive acne medications.

Antibiotics question: What are antibiotics? Answer An antibiotic is a medicine which kills a specific type of pathogenic micro-organism (germ), bacteria, ...

Acne Treatments with the Use of Birth Control Pills and Antibiotics

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:12:23 +0100

Acne / Birth Control Pill

For some female patients, treatment-resistant acne is caused by excessive production of hormones called androgens. With extra androgens in your system, your oil-producing glands go into high gear — and so does your acne. Several clues can help your doctor identify acne that may be influenced by hormones: acne that appears in adults for the first time; acne flare-ups preceding the menstrual cycle; irregular menstrual cycles; hirsutism (excessive growth of hair or hair in unusual places); and elevated levels of certain androgens in the blood stream.

Adult women and teenage girls whose acne has resisted treatment with antibiotics or topical retinoids may be candidates for hormonal therapy. Once a patient's acne is identified as hormonally influenced, the doctor will be able to prescribe a number of different therapies, or perhaps a combination of several different drugs; "combination therapy" is often the best approach to this kind of acne. Following are a few common components of therapy for hormonal acne, but remember to consult your doctor before using any of the remedies listed here.

Acne / Birth Control Pill - Oral contraceptives. Birth-control pills (a combination of estrogen and progestin taken orally) are often prescribed for hormonal acne. Low doses of estrogen help suppress the androgens produced by the ovaries, and the newer progestin agents, including desogestrel and norgestimate, are less androgenic than those found in older formulations. While only Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Estro-Step are currently approved by the FDA for this indication, experts agree that low-dose contraceptives improve acne regardless of which formula is used. Consult your gynecologist to find the formula that's right for you. While side effects are uncommon, some women may experience brownish blotches, or melasma (hyperpigmentation) on the skin. These can be treated with topical bleaching agents.

Acne / Birth Control Pill - Anti-androgens. In combination with oral contraceptives, doctors also may prescribe an anti-androgen ; these drugs inhibit androgen production in the ovaries and adrenal glands and help prevent existing androgens from causing excessive oil production. Spironolactone, a high blood pressure medicine with anti-androgenic properties, has proven quite effective in the treatment of acne. Side effects may include breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities (in women not using oral contraceptives), headache and fatigue; since it's also a diuretic, you may experience frequent urination as well.

NOTE: Spiranolactone is tetrogenic and can cause feminization of a male fetus. If you are sexually active and not taking "the pill," it's imperative that you use another form of birth control.

Acne / Birth Control Pill - Corticosteroids. Small doses of corticosteroids, like prednisone or dexamethasone, may curb inflammation and suppress the androgens produced by the adrenal glands. Keep in mind that in some acne sufferers, corticosteroids may actually aggravate acne; they're most effective when used in combination with oral contraceptives.

In conclusion, if you think your acne is hormonally induced, see your doctor right away. While this kind of acne requires a different course of treatment, it is highly treatable. More about your hormones.

For patients who suffer from moderate to severe acne, doctors may prescribe a combination of topical remedies and oral antibiotics. The most common oral medications used to treat acne are tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline and erythromycin.

Antibiotics for Acne - HOW THEY WORK

Like Benzoyl Peroxide, antibiotics control breakouts by curbing the body's production of
P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, and decreasing inflammation. This process may take several weeks or months, so be patient. And remember, you're not "cured" just because your breakouts have subsided. That's the medicine doing its job — so if you stop taking it, your acne will probably come back. Likewise, doubling up on your medication won't make your skin clear up twice as fast. Using your topical antibiotics more frequently than prescribed may actually induce greater follicular irritation and plugging, which slows clearing time. And taking your oral medications more often than prescribed won't help your skin clear faster — but it will increase your chance of experiencing unpleasant side effects.

Antibiotics for Acne - WHERE TO GET THEM

If you have moderate to severe acne, consult your dermatologist; he or she will discuss your options and help you make the best choice. Once you've begun treatment, give it time to start working. Keep your doctor apprised of your progress, so he or she can make changes to the course of treatment if necessary. And again, don't stop using your medication when your skin clears — let your doctor make that call.

Antibiotics for Acne - COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

With most of the antibiotics used to treat acne, side effects may include photosensitivity (higher risk of sunburn), upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, hives, lupus-like symptoms and skin discoloration. Some women report a higher incidence of vaginal yeast infection while taking antibiotics; these can usually be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medication or a prescription antifungal, such as diflucan. Tetracycline is not given to pregnant women or children under 12 years of age because it can discolor developing teeth. Lastly (and least common), because doxycycline is also the treatment of choice for Lyme disease, there is the theoretical possibility that a patient who takes this medication for a long period of time would build a resistance, and therefore be unable to fight Lyme.

Boosting the immune system with natural antibiotics, on the other hand, is a way to increase the body's defenses while at the same time nurturing the body ...

Antibiotics and Acne - What You Need to Know

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:53:00 +0100

For some, suffering from acne becomes such a problem that no cream or ointment seems to be able to cure the problem. A lifetime of struggling with painful and unsightly spots has lead to medical research into medicinal help for acne, and is therefore available to those suffering from long term acne problems.

Before rushing to the doctor, however, there are a few things one should bear in mind. It is preferable to only view antibiotics for acne as an absolute last measure, when all else has failed. Antibiotics are powerful drugs and have side effects, and repeated antibiotic use can also build up a tolerance that could be problematic should you suffer a serious infection and need antibiotic treatment. There is a point, however, when it is natural to want to solve an acne problem once and for if nothing else appears to be working; in these situations, an appointment with a doctor is an apposite way of proceeding.

There are several different antibiotics licensed for the treatment of acne. As with any drug, they vary wildly in their side effects and also in their efficacy in different people, and there is no guarantee that the first one you are prescribed will be the one to solve the problem. It may well be a case of trial and error, but by taking steps to treatment acne at its root problem - with the primary infection of the hair follicle - the problem can usually be erased.

There are two types of antibiotics most commonly used for acne treatment. The first port of call for most doctors is tetracycline, which is the most used antibiotic for acne in the world and also one of the most effective. It does, however, have its drawbacks; tetracycline needs to be taken on an empty stomach, and cannot be taken by pregnant women or children.

For those for which tetracycline is not applicable, the second most commonly used antibiotic is erythromycin. Unlike tetracycline, this can be taken by anyone - including mothers to be - and can be taken at any time, rather than just with food. Clinical studies have shown it to be minutely less effective than tetracycline, but the difference is minimal and it is an effective solution for those who cannot take tetracycline.

One of the best natural cures for acne was developed by Chris Gibson by trial and error to rid himself of his own acne problems. His program is called Acne Free in 3 Days and has an incredible 98% success rate. It relies on both a detoxifying diet and application of a topical cream to help rid your body of the toxins that are the root cause of your acne problems.

Can You Cure Your Acne Without Drugs?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:47:42 +0100

Acne affects about 85 percent of the population of America at some time in their life - including some adults -- it is one of the most common skin disease addressed by dermatologists. Almost all teens get the type of acne called acne vulgaris, which can appear on your face, neck back, and shoulders.

The challenge is how to treat acne effectively without the need for drugs. The favoured strategy used by most dermatologists is to prescribe an antibiotic - typically tetracycline-type derivatives which are designed to kill bacterial infections. In this case, it is a propioniform type of bacteria that is mainly responsible for the actual inflammation and infection that occurs.

Propionibacterium acnes can be found on the surface of everybody's skin. Acne eruptions result when the bacteria block your pores, which can lead to inflammation. Antibiotics can be very useful to help clear up your acne. Some other conventional treatments can include using topical agents such as: benzyl peroxide, or in some extreme cases harsher treatment drugs like Accutane.

Accutane is something that should be avoided (also known as isotretinoin),and some doctors strongly advise against it because of it's dangerous side- effects. It's the only drug classified as category X, meaning it is 100 percent guaranteed to cause birth defects .If you are a pregnant woman or of child bearing age, you have to get a pregnancy test before it can be prescribed.

It also has some other nasty side-effects, such as depression, aggression,and has even caused suicide. Although these prescription treatments normally do work, it's important to understand that they in no way, shape or form get to the underlying cause of acne.

How to treat the root cause of acne

What you need to do is to eliminate the underlying reason that is causing the propioniform bacteria that result in these cysts or lesions outbreaks.Thankfully,there are some very simple strategies that will achieve just that,that work almost every single time.

Most experts will tell you that your diet has nothing to do with your acne.Well nothing could be further from the truth. What is clearly apparent is that your diet has everything to do with it. You are what you eat period!

If you are predisposed to developing acne, and are eating a diet that is causing your insulin levels and insulin growth factors to rise, then you will get acne. This will happen because when you eat refined carbohydrates and sugar,it causes a huge surge of insulin and an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor) in your body.

This can lead to an excess amount of male hormones, which will cause your pores to secrete sebum,a greasy substance that will attract acne-promoting bacteria spores. Additionally, IGF-1 also causes skin cells known as keratinocytes to multiply, a process that is usually associated with acne.

A simple solution is to drastically reduce the amount of food in your diet that is causing your body to produce insulin. The main culprits are sugars,and all grain carbohydrates as they are converted into sugar in your body.

This includes foods such as:

Bread
Cereal
Pasta
Rice
Potatoes
Corn

Even thought you can have a healthy grain. You must understand that even a high quality,organic,and whole wheat bread can cause this problem because it's still a carbohydrate.The processes that are used to manufacture modern breads and most cereals alter the protein structures in the grains, this leads to rapid digestion and is followed by an over production of insulin.

Researchers are pointing out that, along with acne, eating processed starches may also be associated with myopia (short-sightedness) and diabetes as well.Also don't think that corn is a vegetable. It's actually a grain, and a high density carbohydrate,which should be also avoided.

Even fruits in your diet can increase the amount of insulin in your body, and can exacerbate your acne if you're predisposed to it.You should replace sugars and grain carbohydrates with vegetable
carbohydrates,as they metabolize slowly and tend to not cause surges in your insulin production.

There are other important factors to consider,especially if you have tried the conventional approach to treating your acne problem. You should establish a proper balance of bacteria -- If you've taken antibiotics it's very important to take a probiotic supplement.

Antibiotics don't discriminate between the good and bad bacteria in your gut.Antibiotics just kill bacteria en-mass as well as the propioniform bacteria causing your acne. One all-too common side effect is an over production of yeast. For example: For a woman, you may experience vaginal yeast infections, but men and women can also develop candida as a result of upsetting the balance of bacteria in your gut.

By reducing your intake of food that bad bacteria and yeast thrive on, i.e. sugars and carbohydrates, you will also help re-establish the delicate balance of bacteria in your gut.Maintain and Optimize your vitamin D levels.Vitamin D is crucially important to help establish a healthy immune system and can control virtually any type of infection. This vitamin (it's not strictly a vitamin) is becoming known as one of the greatest weapons to fight against illnesses like: cancer and heart disease.

It is noticeable that most diseases like: flu and the common cold are
prevalent during the winter months because there is a lack of sunshine - which helps in the manufacturing of vitamin D.The best way to optimize your levels of vitamin D is to treat your skin to healthy amounts of sunshine - but only just enough to cause your skin to turn a light pink.Your body can produce as much as 20,000 IU's at this low level of exposure on most of your skin as you dare to expose.

After enough exposure your body will not make any more vitamin D,and can in fact cause some skin damage if you stay exposed for too long.
By exposing yourself to the sun, you will optimize your vitamin D production naturally.If you are unable to do a little sunbathing you might like to consider a safe tanning bed (you should Google it, to see what's available) which is another great alternative.

If regular safe sun exposure or a safe tanning bed is not an option, you may want to consider taking a vitamin D supplement.If you don't have access to regular sun exposure or a safe tanning bed,you want to consider supplementing with oral vitamin D.Typically the supplemented doses are several thousand units a day that range from 2-3,000 to as much as 10,000 IU's (international units) per day. But if you chose to supplement, only do so if you are monitoring your vitamin D levels with a blood test at a regular intervals.

5 Antibiotics For Acne Cure - Reasons To Be Cautious Using Them

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:43:27 +0100

What causes acne?

When puberty begins, young people begin to experience a wide variety of developmental physical, physiological and emotional changes. The obvious physical changes include beard and muscle development in young males, and young females, with the onset of menses, also start to develop breasts and wider hips. In addition, the normal progressions toward adulthood produce rapid hormone changes frequently causing mood swings and the often embarrassing side effect of Acne Vulgaris.
More commonly known as just simply acne, breakouts or pimples, Acne Vulgaris is caused by an overproduction of the natural skin oil glands. When this excess oil combines with dead skin cells and surface dust, it forms hardened blockages in the ducts leading to the surface of the skin-these are usually called blackheads or whiteheads. Sometimes these blockages produce a localized infection, which manifests as pimples or Acne breakouts just under the surface of the skin. Of course, there are other factors which contribute to the development of Acne breakouts, including diet and genetics, but dermatologists have a great many options available to them for its treatment.

Medical research and breakthroughs

The treatment of Acne has become a multi-million dollar industry. Although Acne may seem very superficial and irrelevant in comparison to many other diseases, its effects on the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of adolescents can have far reaching consequences. The scars left by acne is one of the leading causes of low self-esteem among young adults, and has long reaching effects even for adults. Because of this, dermatologists and medical researchers are constantly working toward the development of better treatment options.

Unfortunately, there is no “magic bullet” in the treatment of Acne Vulgaris because there are many different factors that contribute to its development. However, medical practitioners have been employing several different oral medications for its treatment. Some of these have undesirable side effects, and some cannot be used under certain conditions (such as during pregnancy or before a specific age) but they are often effective in controlling Acne.

Examples of commonly prescribed medications and their effects.

The following is a list of commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of Acne. While these treatments have positive outcomes for many users, there are side effects which should be considered when taking them. In addition, no one drug will work for everybody, so sometimes an Acne sufferer may have to try several treatment options. It must be noted that this list is neither exhaustive nor completely comprehensive but is designed as an overview of currently available treatment options.

Antibiotic Acne Medication

Taken orally, various antibiotic medications have been employed in the treatment of acne. Research has shown that many antibiotics ameliorate Acne and are often prescribed for persistent, moderate-to-severe acne. As with all these medications, they should be administered only by a qualified physician.

1. Cortiscosteroids: This potent antibiotic treatment should only be prescribed for very severe cases of acne, and should only be taken for short periods of time. The metabolic side-effects of steroids have been well-documented and if taken in large quantities, or for long periods of time, may have long-term effects on the reproductive capabilities of young people. As a result, they are not recommended for most cases of acne treatment.

2. Tetracycline: Tetracycline has been the most commonly prescribed acne treatment for many years. It has had good results for moderate-to-severe acne. The usual dosages range from 500 to 1000 mg per day, and dosage is decreased as the skin condition improves. Tetracycline has been associated with decreased bone development and teeth staining, and therefore it is not appropriate for children under the age of eight. Due to its effects on bone development, it is also not an appropriate choice for pregnant or nursing women. Other common side effects include increased sun sensitivity, diarrhea and nausea.

3. Minocycline and Doxycycline: Derived from Tetracycline, research suggests that these drugs may be more effective in the treatment of Acne. Both drugs have higher concentrations in the tissues and have been associated with more effective and more rapid improvements in visible Acne. Doxycycline may cause sore throats or heart burn and must be taken with large amounts of water. Minocycline has been associated with drug induced lupus symptoms but is the least likely of the Cycline drugs to induce photosensitivity. However, skin pigmentation problems do occur with both these medications. The higher concentrations of both drugs in the tissues may also lead to liver reactions. Neither is appropriate for use in young children or for pregnant or nursing women.

4. Erythromycin: Available in both oral and topical applications, is a safer alternative for pregnant women and young children. It has the advantage antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment results, reducing both the cause and the effects of acne. Its oral form is easy to use but may cause some gastrointestinal upset. It is also a good alternative for those who are allergic to penicillin and the cyclines.

5. Isotretinoin: Derived from Retinoid A, this antibiotic is a revolutionary new treatment that has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of severe and treatment resistant Acne. Clinical trials have shown it to be beneficial for all forms of Acne, but there are many side affects attributed to Isotretinoin. These include severe effects such as birth defects, excessive dryness of mucous membranes and the skin, depression, inflammatory bowel disease and erectile dysfunction. There are several other milder effects which should be thoroughly discussed with a physician before this drug is prescribed. In addition, there is disagreement among medical practitioners concerning the dosage levels needed for optimum effects and the long term effects are still under investigation.