Enlarged sebaceous glands, responsible for producing sebum. Enlarged glands are common during adolescence. These glands are concentrated in areas such as the face, upper back and chest.
Increase in bacterium growth. The increased sebum in the face, back and related areas promote the overgrowth of a type of bacteria referred to as “propionibacterium acnes” which results in acne.
“Inflammation due to bacteria growth. Sometimes an eruption occurs as skin cells and follicles become inflamed due to bacterial growth. ”
“Hormonal changes that typically occur during the teen years are often responsible for acne formation. Teens generally produce more sebum than adults, resulting in an increased incidence of acne. Other substances including oil-based cosmetics may contribute to a build up of fatty sebum in the skin, producing an environment that is more acne prone. Even excess humidity and moisture on the skin can contribute to acne. ”
“Some oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can make acne worse. Women should ask their physician to prescribe a pill that typically has a low activity of androgens, such as demulen, ortho-cyclen, ortho-tricyclen, desogen, ortho-cept or yasmin.”
Treatment Options for Teen Acne
There are many different treatments of acne. The treatment method you select will depend in part on the severity of your condition and the type of acne you have. It is important that you work with your medical care provider to select a treatment method that is most likely to be effective. Most doctors will start with medications that cause the fewest side effects. Treatment duration is usually for two to three months.
The whitehead or blackhead pimple is the easiest to treat. It is the least severe type of acne. Retinoid topical medications are applied directly to the skin in the form of a cream, gel or lotion. Retinoid medications slow the growth of keratin and thus decrease pimple formation as well as prevent the blockage of hair follicles which also can lead to new pimples. If you have oily skin you will be given a retinoid jell, which has a drying effect. For dry skin you will be given a retinoid cream or lotion that has a moisturizing action. The topical treatments are usually applied twice a day. If you can not tolerate the Retinoid topical medications other topical treatments are available such as Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid and an antibiotic preparation.
The more severe forms of the whitehead or blackhead pimple may require mechanical removal; this is referred to as comedo extraction. This procedure is performed by a dermatologist or family physician. The physician will use an anesthetic cream to numb the area, then open the top of the pimple and remove the inner plug. Follow up treatment with a cream is generally recommended.
Mild to moderate acne associated with inflammation are usually treated with a combination of different types of topical medication. The treatment combination includes topical retinoids or topical antibiotics, and benzoyl peroxide. The treatment of choice is usually topical retinoid and benzoyl peroxide. Bensozyl peroxide works both as an antibiotic and prevents pimple formation.
Acne associated with severe inflammation and pain may require oral antibiotics (tetracycline or erythromycin) or oral retinoid known as isotretinoin. Oral antibiotics are rapid and effective in inhibiting the growth of the bacteria that causes acne. Oral isotretinoin is potent treatment of severe acne. It blocks sebum secretion, inflammation, and the overgrowth of keratin that leads to pimples.
Common Misconceptions
About the Treatment of Acne
Despite the wide spread notion that vigorous washing will clean away the oils that produce pimples, this is not true. Too much washing may make the inflammation around pimples worse and no amount of cleaning will reduce the amount of sebum in the glands that leads to acne. The common notion that fat from junk foods may lodge in the skin and cause acne is not true. There is no evidence that the oils contained in fatty food increase acne.
It is vital that you consult with a physician to discuss your treatment options and the potential side effects of treatment before deciding on a therapy. Your physician may also recommend certain dietary changes that may help improve your overall health and well being. Though there is no one answer when it comes to acne treatment, there certainly is hope! Be sure you investigate all your options thoroughly, and you are bound to come up with a plan of action that is best suited to your individual needs and overall health situation.