Treating Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages and ethnicities. Acne is a condition that causes the
skin to become inflamed from clogged pores. This results in pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. The body’s pores
become clogged from the naturally secreted oils of the body. When the body produces too much of the oils, it mixes with
dead skin cells and dirt, which results in a clogged pores. Symptoms of Acne
Acne produces many symptoms
on the body. This skin condition can occur anywhere on a person’s body. The most common symptom of acne involves
inflamed, pus-filled lesions underneath the skin. The lesions often result in pain and scarring. Pimples are a symptom
of acne. Pimples are inflamed, pus-filled lesions that have a red base. Open follicles in the skin that have a dark
color, known as blackheads, are a symptom of acne. Small round bumps, known as whiteheads, are a sign of acne as well.
Types of Acne
There are four types of acne conditions that affect the skin. The most common type of acne
condition is Acne Vulgaris. This form of acne usually affects people during puberty. Another form of this skin
condition is Chemical Acne. Chemical Acne occurs when the skin is exposed to certain oils and chemicals. Chloracne is
a form of acne caused by the exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbon chemicals. The final form of acne is tropical acne.
This type of acne normally affects young Caucasians that are suddenly introduced into hot and humid environment.
Over the Counter Acne Treatments
Many over the counter acne treatments can help relieve the symptoms of
acne. Products containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfer, salicylic acid, and resorcinol can help treat acne. These
products are available in multiple forms including creams, gels, and lotions. It may take up to two weeks for
these products to work. When using over the counter acne treatments, there is a risk of further skin irritation.
- Family Doctor: Information on available over the counter acne treatments.
- Health Guidance: Information on the risks associated with over the counter acne treatments.
Prescription Medications for Acne
When over the counter medications do not successfully treat acne, doctors will often prescribe mediations. Common
medications that are prescribed for treatment include, Retinoid, such as Differin or Tozorac. These medications
contain vitamin A, which is used to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. These prescribed medications can cause
peeling of the skin, redness, and photosensitivity. Accutane is prescribed to treat acne when other treatments
have not worked. Accutane is classified as a retinoid. This prescription medication can take up to two months to shown
an effect. Accutane is not recommended for long term use and the acne can reappear after used for a few months.
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat acne. The antibiotics work to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation of
the pores. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat mild cases of acne. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include
doxycycline and minocycline. Young children and pregnant women can not take these medications.
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin: Information on medications prescribed to treat acne conditions.
Homeopathic Treatments for Acne
Homeopathic treatments can be used to treat acne. Tea Tree Oil is often
used to treat acne by reducing bacteria and skin inflammation. People with mild cases of acne often find this
treatment to be effective. The side effects of this remedy are dry skin, itching, burning, and stinging.
Belladonna is a homeopathic remedy that is often used to treat acne caused by heat and humidity. This type of
acne usually improves when treated with cold applications. Inflamed pores benefit from this treatment.
Other Skin Conditions
Other skin conditions can often be mistaken for acne. One skin condition is
warts. There are many different types of warts
that may resemble acne. Acne and (warts) are two separate skin conditions that produce completely different symptoms.
Treatment for the types of warts is extremely different than the treatment for acne. Often, in order to treat warts, a
medical procedure is used for wart removal. Wart removal can be an uncomfortable experience.
To properly treat acne, it should not be mistaken for other skin conditions. All forms of acne can often be
treated at home using over the counter medications. When over the counter medications do not fully treat the
condition, medications can be prescribed by a doctor. Natural treatments offered through homeopathic medicine can also
be beneficial when treating acne.
- NIAMS:
Common questions and information about acne conditions.
More About Warts
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