Complete guide for acne and acne scars in 2021

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Your guide to beating acne and scars Acne can strike at any age but today there are many effective treatments to tackle the problem. We reveals a few of them Mild acne Mild acne is categorised as temporary small clusters or single pimples. It is normally treated with creams and lotions which can be highly effective. Medicated creams/antibiotic lotions: These are only available on prescription. The creams used most commonly are those containing tetracycline, erythromycin or clin-damycin, which help cut down the level of bacteria reduce inflammation. They dry up pustules quickly and, for mild to moderate acne, clindamycin lotion is as effective as oral antibiotics. Benzoyl peroxide: Available over the counter and recommended as a once-a-week facial cream wash. It can dry out the skin so, if using it regularly, you should also use an oil-free moisturiser. Topical vitamin A derivatives: Available as creams, gels and lotions, these are good for clearing up blackheads but often dry the skin....

what is acne and how to cure

What is Acne and how to cure it.

There is point to know about acne.

What is Acne and how to cure, acne is a normal skin condition that happens when hair follicles beneath the skin become clogged and Acne causes many types of lesions,or pimples. Medications and other treatments such as light and laser therapies are the most common treatments for Acne.

The goals of procedure are to help heal lesions, reduce or stop new lesions from forming, and prevent scarring.

Acne can cause embarrassment or make you feel unhappy or anxious. If you have any of these feelings, talk to your dermatologist or doctor.

Want to know more What is acne?

Acne is a normal skin condition that occur when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. Dead skin cells and oil plug the pores, and outbreaks of acne . Mostly, the outbreaks occur on the face skin but can also appear on the shoulders,chest and back.

For many people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties , but some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem or acne.

What causes acne?

Acne occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked with dead skin, oil or bacteria. Each pore of your skin is the opening to a follicle. The follicle is made up of a hair and a sebaceous (oil) gland.

The gland releases sebum (oil), which travels up the hair, out of the pore, and onto your skin. The sebum keeps your skin moisturized and soft.

But this lubrication process can cause acne. It can occur when

• too much oil is produced by your follicles

• dead skin cells accumulate in your pores

• bacteria germs build up in your pores

These problems increase chance to the development of Acne and pimples. A pimple appears when bacteria grows in a clogged pore and the oil is unable to escape.

What are the symptoms of acne?

Acne or pimples can be found almost anywhere on your skin . but It mostly develops on your face, back, neck, shoulders, and chest .

If you have acne, you’ll  notice pimples that are white or black. Both Whitehead and blackhead are known as comedones.

Blackheads open at the surface of your  body, giving them a black appearance due to oxygen in the air. Whiteheads are closed just beneath the surface of your skin, giving them a white appearance.

While whiteheads and blackheads are the most common pimples seen in acne, other types can also occur. Inflammatory lesions are more likely to cause irritation, scarring of your skin.

Examples :

• Papules are small,pink and red, raised        bumps caused by infected hair follicles.

 • Pustules are small pink or red pimples        that have pus .

•  Nodules are solid, and painful lumps           under the surface of your skin.

• Cysts are large lumps found under your      skin that contain pus and are usually           painful.


What are the risk factors of acne?

Myths about what contributes to acne are quite commonly known.  Many people believe that foods such as french fries or chocolate will contribute to acne. While there’s no scientific evidence for these claims, there are some risk factors for developing acne. These include:

• hormonal changes during puberty or             pregnancy. 

• medications, such as certain birth                 control pills or corticosteroids.

• a diet high in refined carbohydrates or        sugar,such as chips and bread.

• Genetically, having parents who had   acne.

People are most at high risk for developing acne during puberty or hormonal changing During this time, your body undergoes hormonal changes. These can trigger oil production, leading to an increased risk of pimples and acne. Hormonal acne related to puberty usually subsides, or at least improves when you reach adulthood.

How is acne diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of acne, skin irritation. Consult to dermatologist or doctor who can make a diagnosis by examining your skin. Your doctor or dermatologist will identify the types of lesions or acne and their severity to determine the best treatment.

How is acne treated at home naturaly. 

Acne care at home :

There are a few self-care activities you can try at home to prevent pimples and clear up your skin irritation and acne. Home remedies for acne include:

• Wash your skin daily with a mild soap to    remove excess oil and dirt.

• shampooing your hair regularly and       keeping it out of your face or skin.

• using water based makeup that's labeled   “noncomedogenic” (not pore-clogging).

• not squeezing ,popping or picking   pimples, which spreads bacteria and   excess oil.

• not wearing hats,caps  or tight           headbands.

• not touching your face.

Medication

If self-care doesn’t help with your pimple or acne, a few over-the-counter acne medications are available. Mostly these medications contain ingredients that can help kill bacteria or decrease oil on your skin. These include:

Benzoyl peroxide 

It is present in many acne products, creams and gels. It’s used for drying out existing pimples and preventing new ones. Benzoyl peroxide also kills acne-causing bacteria.

Sulfur 

Sulfur is a natural ingredient with a distinctive smell that’s found in some mask, cleansers, and Lotion's.

Resorcinol is a less common ingredient used to remove dead skin cells.

Salicylic acid 

It is often used in body soaps and acne face washes. It helps prevent pores from getting plugged.

Sometimes, you may continue to experience symptoms. If this happens, you may want to seek medical advice. Your dermatologist or doctor can prescribe medications that may help reduce your symptoms and prevent scarring. These include:

Oral or topical antibiotics reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria that cause acne or pimples. Typically, antibiotics are only used for a short time so that your body does not build up a resistance and leave you prone to infections.

Prescription topical products and creams such as retinoic acid or prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide is often stronger than over-the-counter treatments. They work to reduce oil  production. Benzoyl peroxide serves as a bactericidal agent that prevent the resistance of Acne causing bacteria to antibiotics trusted source. It also has moderate comedone-destroying and anti-inflammatory properties.

Women with hormonal acne may be treated with birth control spironolactone or pills . These medications regulate hormones that can cause Acne through a reduce in oil production.

Isotretinoin (Accutane).

 is a vitamin-A-based medication used to treat certain cases of severe nodular acne .It can cause some serious side effects, and it’s only used when other treatments and procedure don’t work.

Your doctor or dermatologist may recommend procedures to treat severe acne and prevent scarring. These procedures work by removing damaged skin and reducing oil production. They include:

Photodynamic therapy

it is special laser or light to reduce oil production and bacteria. Other lasers may be used alone to help improve acne or scarring.

Dermabrasion 

Dermabrasion removes the top layers of your skin with a rotating brush and would be best for treating acne scarring as opposed to a procedure for acne. Microdermabrasion is a milder treatment that helps remove dead skin cells.

A Chemical peel 

it helps to removes the top layers of your skin. That skin peels off to reveal less damaged skin underneath. Chemical peels can improve mild acne scarring.
Your dermatologist or doctor may suggest using cortisone injections if your acne consists of large cysts. Cortisone is a steroid naturally produced by your body. It can decrease inflammation and speed healing. Cortisone is usually used along with other acne treatments or procedures.

What is the outlook for someone with acne?

Treatment for Acne is often successful. Most people can expect their acne to begin clearing up within four to six weeks. However, flare-ups are common and may require additional or long-term treatment. Isotretinoin is the procedure most likely to provide long-term or permanent positive results.

Acne scarring dark spots on face can cause emotional distress. But, prompt treatment can help prevent scarring. Also, your doctor or dermatologist will have treatment options designed to treat scarring.

Acne precautions ?

It is difficult to prevent acne. But you can take steps at home to help prevent acne after treatment . These steps include:

• washing your face three times a day or   atleast twice a day with an oil-free     cleanser

• using an over-the-counter acne cream or     product to remove excess oil.

• avoid makeup that contains oil.

• removing makeup and cleaning your skin    thoroughly before bed.

• Have Bath after exercising.

• avoiding tight-fitting clothing or warm         clothes.

• eating a healthy diet with minimal refined sugars or carbohydrates.

• reducing stress

Speak with your  dermatologist or doctor to learn more about strategies to manage your acne.

More about acne

Your skin has small tiny holes called pores that can become blocked by dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil. When this occurs, you may develop a pimple or acne If your skin is continuously affected by this condition, you may have acne.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S. Although acne isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can be painful, particularly when it’s severe. It can also cause emotional distress.

Acne that appears on your face can affect your self-esteem and, over time, may cause permanent physical scarring.

There are many effective treatments for acne that reduce both the number of pimples you get and your chance of scarring.

Taking oral antibiotics for more than a few weeks may leave women susceptible to yeast infections.

How can we treat acne ?


The occasional acne can be concealed. If used at all, over-the-counter cover-up cream product's and cosmetic must be water-based. Even if outbreaks of acne can't be eliminated, conventional procedure can provide relief.

The all best treatments inhibit sebum production, control bacterial growth, and encourage shedding of skin cells to unclog pores, or a newer procedure that blocks male hormones in the skin. Because many therapies can have negative effects, any patient with skin issues or acne must be proceed with precautions when trying a new procedure.
People with any type of skin disease or acne that down or lowers their self-esteem or makes them feel unhappy, those with acne that is leaving dark scars or people with severe cases of skin diseas , must need the Care and consultancy of a dermatologist. 

Nonprescription procedure for skin irritation and Acne


• water and soap. Gentle cleansing of the    face with soap and water no more than 2 times in 24 hours can help with  acne. However, this doesn't clear up acne that is already present. Hard scrubbing can injure the skin and cause skin irritation

• Face wash and Cleansers . There are many cleansers and face Wash for treating acne. They mostly contain glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic acid.

• Benzoyl peroxide.

If you have mild acne, you may try, or your dermatologist may recommend, procedure with a nonprescription drug that contains benzoyl peroxide. this compound effect by destroying the bacteria associated with skin irritation and acne. It usually takes at least a month to work and it must be used continuously to keep skin irritation and Acne at bay.
Like other many over-the-counter and prescription products creams , it doesn't  affect sebum production or the way skin follicle cells are shed, and when you stop using it, the skin irritation or acne comes back.
It is available in many forms: lotions,creams, pads, washes,cleansing foams and gels. Benzoyl peroxide may cause dry skin and can bleach fabrics, so take precautions when applying it.

Salicylic acid.

On the irritated skin, salicylic helps to correct the abnormal shedding of cells. For milder acne, salicylic acid will unclog pores to resolve and prevent lesions. It does not effect on sebum production and does not kill germs bacteria. It should be used continuously, just like benzoyl peroxide, because it will not be effective if you stop using it . pores clog up again and the acne will returns. many acne products contain salicylic acid. including lotions, creams, and pads.

Sulfur. 

sulfur is a component for acne medications. It isn't sed by itself because of its bad odor and temporary skin irritation and discoloration.Sulfur will help to prevent pores from being clogged and inhibits growth of bacteria.

Topical retinol creams or gels. Retinol works to keep acne pimples from being able to form. Rentinol affects the growth of cells, causing increased cell turnover to unblock pores. Your acne may get worse before it gets better because it will work on the pimples that have already started forming in your skin. 

It should be used continuously and may take 4 to 8 weeks to get results. Retinoids used to be available in only a prescription strength. Differin Gel is the only topical retinoid approved treatment for acne.
Acetone and alcohol. It is a mild anti-bacterial agent, and acetone may remove oils from the surface of the skin. These substances are combined in some acne drugs. These agents can dry out the skin, have little or no effect on skin irritation or acne, and are generally not recommended by doctors or dermatologists.

Organic, Herbal,and natural medications.
There are many herbal, organic products marketed to treat acne. The effectiveness of these agents isn't proven and they are unlikely to have much benefit for skin irritation and acne

Note: When filled pimples are ready to break, apply warm towel for 2 minutes to encourage the bursting process. Inflamed pimples must be opened only by a dermatologist or doctor using surgical instruments with antiseptic practices. Squeezing pimples yourself can lead to further inflammation and  permanent scars.

Prescription Treatments for skin irritation and Acne.


Antibiotics.
Antibiotics can be used on top of the skin or taken orally . it works by clearing the skin of acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. There are many topical products available in creams, pads,solutions, gels, foams, and lotions. Topical antibiotics are limited in their ability to penetrate the skin and clear more deep seated acne, but systemic antibiotics circulate throughout the body and into sebaceous glands. However, systemic antibiotics mostly cause more side effects than topicals, but they can be used for more severe kinds of skin irritation and acne.
topical antibiotics aren't recommended alone as an acne treatment, as they can increase the risk for antibiotic resistance in skin bacteria. However, using benzoyl peroxide with a topical antibiotic may reduce the chances of developing antibiotic resistance.

Topical clindamycin

(Cleocin T, Clinda-Derm) and erythromycin (ATS,Erygel, Akne-Mycin,Erycette, Ilotycin) are antibiotics that are also anti-inflammatory drugs and are effective against a number of bacteria. They should always be combined with topical retinoid or a benzoyl peroxide and applied directly to the effected area..

Often used antiinflammatory antibiotics are minocycline doxycycline, and tetracycline, all of which are quite effective in many cases of skin irritation and acne. Antibiotics do not address the other causative factors in acne and may take  weeks or months to clear it up. Antibiotics are often used in combination with other drugs that "unclog" follicles. Many oral antibiotics for acne must not be used during pregnancy.

Retinoids or vitamin A derivatives. These drugs are available as topical or oral drugs. Topical retinoids clear up moderate-to-severe acne by affecting the way the skin grows and sheds. They can be used in combination with other acne creams and products, such as benzoyl peroxide or oral antibiotics. Topical retinoids don't have the severe negative effects of oral retinoids; however, they aren't recommended for pregnant or nursing womens. Negative effects of topical retinoids include redness, itchy skin and dryness.


For severe cystic acne, isotretinoin (Sotret,Claravis,Absorica, Accutane, Amnesteem, Zenatane) is the effective therapy. This is the only drug that intervenes in all of the causes of acne. It can clear severe acne that hasn't responded to other treatments. However, the product can have side effects. It can cause severe birth defects and must NEVER be taken by pregnant woman or who is not using contraception.

In addition, it must not be taken by a woman who is nursing. Some studies suggest its use has been associated with an increased risk of suicide, depression,  and inflammatory bowel disease. Consult to your doctor about the potential risks of this drug.

Other side effects are dry lips and skin, joint and muscles pain, headache, elevated triglyceride levels (a type of cholesterol), elevated liver enzymes, decreased night vision, and, rarely, temporary hair shedding. For most people taking these drugs, side effects are tolerable and not a reason to discontinue therapy before the acne clears up.

Azelaic acid.

Another topical which comes in a cream ,gel,or foam and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties it may help mild acne.

Oral contraceptives.

Birth control pills contain female hormones that work by counteracting the effect of male hormones (such as testosterone) on acne. Their use is limited to female patients. The maximum benefit of oral contraceptives on acne occurs in three to four months. Side effects include nausea, spotting, breast tenderness, and blood clots.

Spironolactone(Aldactone). Spironolactone is an oral drug that can block the action of the body’s hormones on the skin’s oil glands. This medication is not FDA-approved for acne, but is especially helpful for women who have acne that worsens around the time of menstruation and menopause.

Clascoterone (Winlevi) is a newly approved topical treatment for moderate to severe acne which is considered an alternative to spironolactone. It targets the hormones that cause acne. Just how it works is not quite understood but it has been found to reduce acne in both males and females over the age of 12.    

Another common drug your doctor may try is triamcinolone, a type of corticosteroid solution that is injected directly into acne nodules.

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Warning About Acne Treatments

Patients taking acne drugs should be alert to possible side effects and interactions with other drugs and herbal remedies.

The topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can leave skin reddened, dry, and sensitive to sunlight.

Oral antibiotics may cause sensitivity to sunlight and stomach upset.

Benzoyl peroxide may inhibit the effects of some topical retinoids, so never apply them at the same time of day.

Taking oral antibiotics for more than a few weeks may leave women susceptible to yeast infections.
Some over-the-counter acne products can cause rare but serious allergic reactions or severe irritation. Seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms such as throat tightness, difficulty breathing, feeling faint, or swelling of the face or tongue. Also stop using the product if you develop hives or itching. Symptoms can appear anywhere from minutes to a day or longer after use.

Acne Scar Treatments

Some adults carry scars from acne. Some relatively aggressive surgical procedures can improve scars. Procedures include dermabrasion, several types of lasers, and chemical peeling. These procedures remove the scarred surface and expose unblemished skin layers. Dermatologists may also use the following:

microneedling to stimulate collagen and lessen the appearance of scars.

subcision where a needle is used under the scars to break them up.

fillers, which are injections under the scars to lift them up to the surrounding skin surface.
Dermatologists may use more superficial peels such as glycolic or salicylic acid help to loosen whiteheads and blackheads and decrease pimples.

Microdermabrasion has little effect on acne itself, but is effective in combination with lasers. Before considering any treatment it is important to discuss the procedures, necessary precautions, and likely results with a doctor.


How Can I Prevent Acne?


Because of acne's association with fluctuating hormone levels and possible genetic influences, many doctors believe there is no way to prevent it. The accepted wisdom is that neither good hygiene nor diet can prevent outbreaks. Treatments can control acne and minimize future breakouts. Sensible skin care is recommended, especially during adolescence. The basics include a daily bath or shower and washing the face and hands with unscented or mildly antibacterial soap.

Other tips for preventing future outbreaks include:


• Use non-comedogenic or sensitive skin products to reduce the chance of new lesions and minimize skin irritation.

• Use a mild cleanser twice a day.

• Avoid cleansers or products that contain scrubbing particles or have a gritty texture. These products can irritate the skin and lead to breakouts.

• Use a daily non-comedogenic moisturizer and broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 with zinc oxide).

• Wear makeup that is non-comedogenic.

• Avoid picking, squeezing, or popping pimples. This can lead to Acne scarring and skin infections.



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