Acne101.org - "A Doctor Compiled Directory On All Aspects of Acne and Its Treatment"
Mission Statement
This non-profit physician authored directory provides
information on all aspects of acne and its treatment based on
the latest medical literature. The author has no affiliation with
any pharmaceutical companies or any acne related products. As
a service to consumers it is made available free of charge.
This non-profit physician authored directory provides
information on all aspects of acne and its treatment based on
the latest medical literature. The author has no affiliation with
any pharmaceutical companies or any acne related products. As
a service to consumers it is made available free of charge.
Acne - the 101
'Advances in our understanding of acne and its treatment
means people no longer have to suffer for years with
acne. This includes all spectrums of the disease from mild
to severe.'
Acne Vulgaris, Acne, Pimples, Zits they go by many names but
for many they are all too common. Almost 80% of people will
have acne in their teenage or young adult life. For some acne
can have a strong negative impact on their psychological
development, resulting in withdrawal from society and
depression. It can also persist for years resulting in permanent
disfigurement and scarring. Clearly, acne is a problem which
has definite impact on one's overall well being. So let's begin
the process of learning how to get rid of acne.
On this site we will review all the important information about
acne from the causes, different types of acne, cystic acne,
adult acne, acne scars, treatment options available and
medication regimens both over the counter (OTC) and those
that may be prescribed by your doctor. Facts will be revealed
and myths debunked. So get out your cup of coffee (caffeine
does NOT cause acne) and get ready for the truth about acne
skin care on your road to becoming acne free.
We will begin with what is probably the first question you have:
what causes acne?
It is important to realize that acne results from a combination of
factors. Briefly reviewing how acne is caused will help one
understand how to treat acne and how you and / or your doctor
would tailor an individual regimen. Also, it is important to
understand what NOT to do so one doesn't make acne worse.
Located primarily on one's face, back and chest are glands
known as sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for
the production of sebum, your skin's natural oil. These glands
are located in specialized follicles known as sebaceous
follicles or pores in simple terms. Acne results from a cascade
of events. The first is the pore becomes plugged due to
excessive amounts of sebum. Next dead skin gets trapped in
the pores. This results in the non-inflammatory lesions of acne
"blackheads" and "whiteheads"
The next factor involved is the bacteria P. Acnes. The
excessive sebum combine with the dead skin cells to create a
nice environment for P. Acnes to grow. One's immune system
recognizes this and tries to kill P. Acnes. The resulting battle of
your immune system against the bacteria results in the red,
painful inflammatory lesions known as papules, pustules, and
nodules. That's it for the complicated stuff now lets get into
acne treatment and ultimately acne cure.
Acne Treatment Medications
The vast majority of acne treatment can be broken down into
one of two broad categories:
1. Reducing the growth of P. Acnes
2. Allowing the pores to open up.
P. Acnes can be killed using medications which have
anti-bacterial or antibiotic (bacteria killing) properties. The
most commonly used of these agents is benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl peroxide is applied topically (to the skin) and is
available over the counter in 1, 2.5, 4, and 10% strengths both
as gels and lotions. Benzoyl peroxide can be irritating to the
skin which can be a limiting factor in its use. It should not
generally be applied more than once or twice a day.
Topical antibiotic medications such erythromycin, clindamycin,
azelaic acid also reduce the growth of P. Acnes and may be
prescribed by your doctor. Preparations combining benzoyl
peroxide with clindamycin (Benzaclin) and benzoyl peroxide
with erythromycin (Benzamycin) may also be prescribed by your
doctor.
The next type of medications help to open up pores. A
commonly used medication is Salicylic acid which is applied
topically and available over the counter. It is generally
reserved for milder forms of acne. Skin irritation, can be a
limiting factor in using Salicylic acid.
Other prescription medications which help open pores include
tretinoin (Retin - A) and adapalene (Differin). These
medications fall under the class of medications known as
retinoids. Retin-A must be applied at bedtime as the sunlight
inactivates it. It can be irritating to the skin but most people
get used to these side effects especially when used in lower
concentrations. Retin-A can cause sun sensitivity so it is
important to where sunscreen (oil-free) during the day. These
medications are often prescribed in conjunction with topical
benzoyl peroxide or topical or oral antibiotics. Thereby the
acne is being targeted at two levels:
1. Reducing P. Acnes.
2. Opening up pores
Oral Acne Medications
For moderate to severe acne your doctor may also prescribe a
oral antibiotic. Commonly used medications are doxycycline,
minocycline and erythromycin.
Sebum production is influenced by male hormones
(androgens). Therefore, for females an OCP (oral
contraceptive pill) may be helpful in acne by reducing
androgen levels.
For severe nodular cystic acne the oral medication isotretinoin
(Accutane) may be used. Accutane works by profoundly
reducing sebum production. Accutane is the drug of choice in
patients who have severe acne with scarring. Accutane can
only be prescribed by your dermatologist. Females taking
Accutane must NOT get pregnant as Accutane causes severe
birth defects. Other side effects include joint pains, stiffness,
tendinitis, and high triglycerides. Nevertheless, for those with
severe acne Accutane can lead to prolonged remissions.
'Advances in our understanding of acne and its treatment
means people no longer have to suffer for years with
acne. This includes all spectrums of the disease from mild
to severe.'
Acne Vulgaris, Acne, Pimples, Zits they go by many names but
for many they are all too common. Almost 80% of people will
have acne in their teenage or young adult life. For some acne
can have a strong negative impact on their psychological
development, resulting in withdrawal from society and
depression. It can also persist for years resulting in permanent
disfigurement and scarring. Clearly, acne is a problem which
has definite impact on one's overall well being. So let's begin
the process of learning how to get rid of acne.
On this site we will review all the important information about
acne from the causes, different types of acne, cystic acne,
adult acne, acne scars, treatment options available and
medication regimens both over the counter (OTC) and those
that may be prescribed by your doctor. Facts will be revealed
and myths debunked. So get out your cup of coffee (caffeine
does NOT cause acne) and get ready for the truth about acne
skin care on your road to becoming acne free.
We will begin with what is probably the first question you have:
what causes acne?
It is important to realize that acne results from a combination of
factors. Briefly reviewing how acne is caused will help one
understand how to treat acne and how you and / or your doctor
would tailor an individual regimen. Also, it is important to
understand what NOT to do so one doesn't make acne worse.
Located primarily on one's face, back and chest are glands
known as sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for
the production of sebum, your skin's natural oil. These glands
are located in specialized follicles known as sebaceous
follicles or pores in simple terms. Acne results from a cascade
of events. The first is the pore becomes plugged due to
excessive amounts of sebum. Next dead skin gets trapped in
the pores. This results in the non-inflammatory lesions of acne
"blackheads" and "whiteheads"
The next factor involved is the bacteria P. Acnes. The
excessive sebum combine with the dead skin cells to create a
nice environment for P. Acnes to grow. One's immune system
recognizes this and tries to kill P. Acnes. The resulting battle of
your immune system against the bacteria results in the red,
painful inflammatory lesions known as papules, pustules, and
nodules. That's it for the complicated stuff now lets get into
acne treatment and ultimately acne cure.
Acne Treatment Medications
The vast majority of acne treatment can be broken down into
one of two broad categories:
1. Reducing the growth of P. Acnes
2. Allowing the pores to open up.
P. Acnes can be killed using medications which have
anti-bacterial or antibiotic (bacteria killing) properties. The
most commonly used of these agents is benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl peroxide is applied topically (to the skin) and is
available over the counter in 1, 2.5, 4, and 10% strengths both
as gels and lotions. Benzoyl peroxide can be irritating to the
skin which can be a limiting factor in its use. It should not
generally be applied more than once or twice a day.
Topical antibiotic medications such erythromycin, clindamycin,
azelaic acid also reduce the growth of P. Acnes and may be
prescribed by your doctor. Preparations combining benzoyl
peroxide with clindamycin (Benzaclin) and benzoyl peroxide
with erythromycin (Benzamycin) may also be prescribed by your
doctor.
The next type of medications help to open up pores. A
commonly used medication is Salicylic acid which is applied
topically and available over the counter. It is generally
reserved for milder forms of acne. Skin irritation, can be a
limiting factor in using Salicylic acid.
Other prescription medications which help open pores include
tretinoin (Retin - A) and adapalene (Differin). These
medications fall under the class of medications known as
retinoids. Retin-A must be applied at bedtime as the sunlight
inactivates it. It can be irritating to the skin but most people
get used to these side effects especially when used in lower
concentrations. Retin-A can cause sun sensitivity so it is
important to where sunscreen (oil-free) during the day. These
medications are often prescribed in conjunction with topical
benzoyl peroxide or topical or oral antibiotics. Thereby the
acne is being targeted at two levels:
1. Reducing P. Acnes.
2. Opening up pores
Oral Acne Medications
For moderate to severe acne your doctor may also prescribe a
oral antibiotic. Commonly used medications are doxycycline,
minocycline and erythromycin.
Sebum production is influenced by male hormones
(androgens). Therefore, for females an OCP (oral
contraceptive pill) may be helpful in acne by reducing
androgen levels.
For severe nodular cystic acne the oral medication isotretinoin
(Accutane) may be used. Accutane works by profoundly
reducing sebum production. Accutane is the drug of choice in
patients who have severe acne with scarring. Accutane can
only be prescribed by your dermatologist. Females taking
Accutane must NOT get pregnant as Accutane causes severe
birth defects. Other side effects include joint pains, stiffness,
tendinitis, and high triglycerides. Nevertheless, for those with
severe acne Accutane can lead to prolonged remissions.
Acne101.org - Acne Treatment / Acne
Medications / Acne Facts / Acne Directory
Medications / Acne Facts / Acne Directory
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Disclaimer** - This site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnosis, treat, or cure
any disease
any disease