| By Dr Zulfikar BuxAssistant Professor of Emergency MedicineAcne is the most common skin condition. It affects up to 10% of the world’s population. It usually affects theDr Zulfikar Buxyounger population in their teens but can affect some into their 40s. The prevalence is higher in the teenage population where up to 70% can be affected. The cosmetic effects of acne can be devastating, especially for the teens and young adults. Knowing how to manage their acne, especially during that phase,Charles Aranguiz Jersey, may minimize the emotional distress that comes with the acne experience.WHAT IS ACNE?Acne is the medical term for pimples. Pimples happen when pores get clogged with dead skin and oil, and bacteria build-up. Then the skin gets inflamed and can turn red or swell.IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ON MY OWN TO REDUCE ACNE?Yes. The way you take care of your skin has a big effect on your acne. Here’s what you should do:*Wash your face no more than twice a day. Use warm (not hot) water, and do not use harsh soaps. Instead,http://www.theworldsoccersshop.com/Mexico-Eduardo-Herrera-Jersey.html, use a gentle non-soap facial skin cleanser. Do not scrub your face, because that can make acne worse and damage the skin.*Do not pick or squeeze pimples. This can also make acne worse and damage the skin. Plus it can lead to infections.*Avoid oil-based make-up and skin products. If you use a moisturizer for your face,Ryan Murray Team North America Jersey, a moisturizer labeled as “non-comedogenic” is often best.CAN I TREAT MY OWN ACNE?If you have mild acne,Larry Doby Indians Jersey, you can try non-prescription acne products. You might even try using more than one product at once. That might be more effective than using one single product alone. In rare cases, people have a severe allergic reaction to acne products, so for the first three days,Maury Wills Jersey, try them on just a small area. If you do not improve after 3 months,cheap jerseys from china, or if you have moderate or severe acne, ask your doctor for advice.HOW IS ACNE TREATED?Doctors can treat acne using different types of medicines. Sometimes doctors suggest trying more than one medicine at once.There is no one medicine or combination of medicines that works best for everyone. Instead, people often need to try different medicines until they find what works best for them.The prescription products include:*Retinoids – Retinoids are medicines that help keep your pores unclogged. Most retinoids are available in a gel or cream that you put on your skin. Examples include tretinoin and adapalene. These medicines can also help improve dark spots on the skin caused by acne.*Products that help skin shed – Products such salicylic acid and glycolic acid help remove dead layers of skin. They can reduce acne by helping to unclog pores.*Antibiotics you put on the skin – Antibiotics reduce acne by killing the bacteria inside pimples. They also help bring down inflammation. These medicines include erythromycin, clindamycin, dapsone and others.*Benzoyl peroxide – Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria and helps to unclog pores. Benzoyl peroxide is also available without a prescription.*Antibiotics you take in a pill – Antibiotic pills work for the same reasons antibiotic gels or lotions work. But they tend to be stronger and can cause unpleasant side effects.*Birth control pills – Some of the skin reactions that lead to acne are controlled by hormones. For this reason,Fabian Orellana Chile Jersey, birth control pills can sometimes help with acne.*Isotretinoin pills – One of the retinoid medicines that come in pill form. This medicine, called isotretinoin,Kevin Durant Team USA Jersey, is very effective against severe acne. But it can also cause serious side effects and birth defects. Women who want to take isotretinoin must follow very strict safety rules to avoid pregnancyWHAT IF I WANT TO GET PREGNANT?If you want to get pregnant,Charlie Coyle Jersey, talk to your doctor before you start trying to get pregnant. Many of the medicines used to treat acne are not safe for a growing baby.WILL MY DIET AFFECT MY ACNE?Some studies have found that acne seems to be more common in people who drink a lot of milk. But more research is needed to understand the link between the types of foods people eat and acne. Knowing how to manage your acne can help to prevent unnecessary distress and improve your confidence. Your best bet is to visit your doctor and be patient until he/she comes up with a plan that can combat your acne. |
