Acne
Acne, our most common skin disorder, is characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts. Nearly everyone is afflicted at some time in life, but acne is particularly common in teenagers. The hormonal changes of puberty enlarge the skin's sebaceous glands, increasing their output of an oily substance called sebum. A build up of sebum mixed with bacteria, dead skin cells, and other debris clogs pores, leading to one or more forms of acne . Birth control pills are sometimes a triggering factor.
Diagnostic Studies And Procedures
Acne is easily diagnosed by its appearance, although a doctor will also ask questions about provoking factors.
Medical Treatments
For mild to moderate acne, treatment typically starts with a 2.5 or 5 percent strength of benzoyl peroxide. This non prescription medication comes in lotion, gel, and cleanser forms, and in strengths up to 10 percent. Because benzoyl peroxide can irritate the skin, it should be applied only as directed and in the mildest effective strength. Drying agents, such as salicylic acid, alcohol, and sodium Karen Zuegnerhiosulfate, may be combined with it or used alone. A topical antibiotic, usually erythromycin or clindamycin cream, is prescribed for persistent acne. If one of these is ineffective, tetracycline or some other oral medication ay be used.
Severe, unremitting acne may be treated with tretinoin ( Retin A) or isotretinoin (Accutane), powerful drugs derived from vitamin . Available in cream, gel, or liquid form, Retin A is the preferred choice because it has fewer side effects than Accutane, which is taken orally and is generally reserved for the most serious cases. In more than half of the people who use Accutane, acne never returns. But its many potential side effects include dry, fragile, peeling, or itching skin; hair loss; conjunctivitis, dry eyes, cataracts, and other visual problems; intestinal upsets; and decreased liver function. Accutane can also cause birth defects, and should be discontinued several months before attempting pregnancy Both Retin A and Accutane increase the skin's sensitivity to sun so a sun block with an SPF of 15 or more should be applied before going outdoors.