Face Up To Acne

We all know something about acne – usually through bitter experience. Very few of us will have been able to avoid those facial spots during our teenage years.

Despite being so common, there are still many myths and misconceptions about acne. The truth is, acne is very treatable. Even the most severe forms respond well to modern therapy.

At the very least, acne is annoying and unpleasant. At the other end of the scale, acne can leave sufferers with both physical and psychological scars.

But if you want some helpful hints on how to treat acne in the most logical and effective way, ask at pharmacies providing the Self Care health information. You can get a "fact card" which provides useful advice on how to best treat and prevent acne.

It helps to understand how acne occurs. About the age of puberty, there is a surge in the production of sebum – an oily substance whose function is to lubricate and soften the skin. The small ducts that allow the sebum to flow from the oil glands to the surface of the skin become blocked and more easily infected with the bacteria which inhabit this area of our body, usually with no ill effect.

Depending on the increase in build-up of sebum and bacteria, inflammation follows and this gives rise to the very recognisable signs of acne.

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Products which are very effective for mild cases of acne, have an anti-bacterial effect and a skin peeling action that helps unblock the so-called sebacous duct.

For more resistant acne, low dose antibiotics taken orally have proven to be extremely effective. The antibiotics seem to have both an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Treatment is long-term, maybe up to 6 months; but results are very good.

For the most severe cases of acne, a derivative of Vitamin A, can be prescribed by the dermatologist; and in some cases in women, hormonal therapy is now used to good effect.

Of course there are some self care procedures that will help too. Don’t scratch, pick or squeeze pimples. This will only aggravate the inflammation and increase the risk of scarring. Keep your skin clean. Gentle washing is best, vigorous scrubbing and abrasive cleaners should be avoided.