Skin Conditions and Skin Care

Hormones

Acne is a skin disorder. When hormones react on the oil glands and hair follicles lesions, commonly known as pimples, may develop. The face, neck back and shoulders are the areas which most commonly suffer from acne but it can occur on any part of the body. Although acne is usually not considered to be a serious health concern it can be a source of emotional distress. Teens, in particular are often troubled emotionally by outbreaks of acne.

Acne Myths

There are many popular myths surrounding the cause of acne. Chocolate, greasy foods, failure to wash properly and stress are all commonly believed to cause acne but there is little evidence supporting the fact that any of the aforementioned factors contribute to an outbreak of acne. There is, however, evidence supporting the fact that stress can exacerbate an existing bout of acne.

Factors

Despite the myths mentioned above, there are some factors which have been demonstrated to cause acne. These factors include:

• A change in hormone levels
• Skin products, such as cosmetics, containing oils
• Environmental sources such as pollution and humidity
• Harsh scrubbing of the skin

Products and Treatments

The treatments for acne range from over the counter (OTC) topical products to prescriptions medications. A dermatologist will recommend treatments based on the severity of the condition. For a relatively mild case of acne, the dermatologist will likely recommend OTC topical treatments. These products come in the form of gels, lotions, creams, soaps and treatment pads and are applied directly to the lesion.

Burning, redness and skin irritation are common side effects of OTC acne treatment products. A dermatologist may recommend prescription treatments for moderate cases of acne. These prescription treatments may include topical treatments as well as oral treatments. The most common treatments include topical antibiotics, topical Vitamin A derivatives and oral antibiotics. For severe cases of acne, a dermatologist may prescribe a Vitamin A derivative known as isotretinoin. This oral drug helps to reduce the size of oil glands drastically decreasing the amount of oil which is produced.

Choosing acne treatment products can be difficult for mild cases of acne. Moderate and severe cases will likely be treated by a prescription topical or oral medication specifically prescribed by a dermatologist. However, even with these treatments, patients should carefully monitor themselves and contact their dermatologist if they experience severe side effects or if the condition does not improve after a specified duration. The doctor may be able to prescribe another treatment option if the patient does not fare will with the first prescription.

Wading through the OTC treatments available for acne can be a dizzying experience. There are many different products available on the market today. Carefully reading labels and recommendations for use can help the patient to decide which product or products to try. There may also be some trial and error involved.

If a patient reacts severely to a particular treatment he or she should discontinue use immediately and wait until the side effects subside before trying another treatment option. In choosing another treatment options, compare the active ingredients to ensure the new product is not similar to the one which caused a reaction.