Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. Acne occurs when
the natural oils that the skin produces clogs the pores of the skin.
Acne is worldwide problem. Acne lesions usually occur on the face,
neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne that develops into cysts or
nodules is called cystic acne. It is not contagious, but rather
develops most prevalently during the teenage years and the early 20s.
Cystic acne is often cause by the pinching or squeezing of small
pus-filled acne. Cystic acne is characterized by the appearance of pus
filled cysts, and these cysts can easily lead to scarring and other
serious complications. In most cases of cystic acne the cyst can appear
similar to an acne nodule, but it will be filled with pus, and the
diameter of the cyst is generally at least 5 millimeters across.The
lack of estradiol also causes thinning hair, hot flashes, thin skin,
wrinkles, dryness, and predisposes to osteopenia and osteoporosis as
well as triggering acne (known as acne climacterica in this situation).
Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the
most common skin disease. The male hormone androgen is also believed to
play a role in acne because they effect the production of sebum. Before
finding effective acne control, people with cystic acne try a number of
over-the-counter products without success. Cystic acne cure will
consist of oral or topical antibiotics. Depending on the severity of
your condition, you may be able to purchase over-the-counter products.
Cysts or nodules are blockages of the oil glands that have burst open
and produced inflammation and pus in the surrounding tissue.
Development of acne vulgaris in later years is uncommon, although this
is the age group for Rosacea which may have similar appearances. True
acne vulgaris in adults may be a feature of an underlying condition
such as pregnancy and disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or
the rare Cushing's syndrome. Seafood often contains relatively high
levels of iodine. Iodine is known to make existing acne worse but there
is probably not enough to cause an acne outbreak.[6] Still, people who
are prone to acne may want to avoid excessive consumption of foods high
in iodine. Most cases of acne can be cleared, including cystic or
severe nodular acne, though they require the treatment of a
dermatologist. With modern methods, there is no reason for acne to be
so long lasting that it leaves scaring. This deep infection could in
turn cause a much more painful inflammation, and cause a much longer
healing time Dermatologists are seeing more cases of
menopause-associated acne as fewer women replace the natural anti-acne
ovarian hormone estradiol whose production fails as women arrive at
menopause. The lack of estradiol also causes thinning hair, hot
flashes, thin skin, wrinkles, dryness, and predisposes to osteopenia
and osteoporosis as well as triggering acne (known as acne climacterica
in this situation).
People with nodules or cysts should be treated by a dermatologist. One
of the most important and easiest treatments is to drink at least 8
glasses of water each day. Detoxification, or cleansing of body of
accumulated toxins, is a treatment mostly used in alternative medicine.
Oral antibiotics such as Tetracyline, Minocycline and Doxycycline may
be even more effective. Isotretinoin is a very effective medicine that
can help prevent scarring. After 15 to 20 weeks of treatment with
isotretinoin, acne completely or almost completely goes away in up to
90 percent of patients. Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in
cystic acne treatments. It is popular because it is an excellent drying
agent. If you suffer from acne you need to use a moisturizer that is
designed for acne prone skin. Once a week gently exfoliate to help
slough off dead skin cells. OTC topical medicines are somewhat
effective in treating acne when used regularly. Patients must keep in
mind that it can take 8 weeks or more before they notice their skin
looks and feels better. In some patients, OTC acne medicines may cause
side effects such as skin irritation, burning, or redness. Traditional
Chinese Medicine philosophy is based around the idea than illness is a
form of imbalance, and acne is no exception. One idea is that the body
of the patient contains a lot of "hot" energy, and may be due to diet
(e.g. fried foods, chocolate, lychee, durian) or an imbalanced life
style (this may be connected with hormone activity).
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