Archive for May, 2009

No problem is a problem any longer, and acne problem is no exception either. Readers, in general, and acne victims, in particular, would not agree with me is understandable, but only till they haven’t finished reading this. The solutions to our multiple, varied, and complex problems are very much there in the present problem-ridden world itself. I am talking about the Internet you see. It is a vast expanse of knowledge that is for our benefit, available at the click of a mouse. If knowledge is power and forewarned is fore-armed, then I am sure I am on the right track. There is no subject or topic that is not available on the Internet and acne is no exception.

You would be surprised to know, at least I was, that not only acne problem and its multiple solutions are discussed on the Internet, but reviews about these treatments are also there. There are umpteen numbers of sites related to acne that are bursting with knowledge about all aspects of acne. This includes sites that review acne treatment products available in the market. Reviewers are people who have actually used these products themselves. So the first hand experience helps us in choosing the appropriate acne product for our own use wisely.  So what more is left of the problem, especially acne, that is still bothering you?

Not much, do you now agree with me? I guess the answer must be yes, even though a reluctant one. I would like to share with you the experience of my friend, who was suffering from back acne. He thanked God that his face was clear, but the problems were there. His irritation increased in hotter environments and applying anything on the back was pretty bothersome. Internet search led him to treat his acne with Accutane pills within two weeks. And I am sure his is not the only success story, nor such that cannot be duplicated. Confidently go ahead and say NO to acne.

A visit to a dermatologist for severe cases of acne is mandatory. Mostly an antibiotic cream for application and antibiotic pills for ingestion is prescribed. Acne medication sometimes includes creams containing Retin, a derivative of Vitamin A. This cream helps in the flaking off of the top layer of skin that had been previously infected.

Very severe cases are prescribed Isotretinoin. This is an oral acne medication which dries up glands that secrete oil in excess. This medicine has acute side effects like birth abnormalities and liver damage. It is not preferred always but is resorted to as the final stage. But these medicines are very effective and completely clear and cure acne in a period of four to six months.

The male sex hormone androgen is largely responsible for the production of oil. Thus birth control pills, which reduce androgen activity, are used in the treatment of acne in teenage girls. Hormonal imbalance has been considered as a cause of the dreaded acne since a long time. Phototherapy is another process that’s being considered as a treatment for acne. Bulbs emitting blue light or a combination of blue and red light have proved to be effective against pimples.

Occasional break outs can be managed by counter medications. Acute conditions require a dermatologist. Therefore, the choice of acne medication should depend on the severity of the skin condition.