acne treatment uk

People of all races suffer from acne in the U.S. 85% of all aged people aged 12-24 develop some form of acne, which amounts to 17 million people making it the most common form of skin disease.

In 80% of the UK aged 11-30 who suffer from acne at some point.

Acne symptoms tend to disappear for most people when they reach their 30's, however people can still suffer from acne and in their 40's & 50's.

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skins oil glands, known as sebaceous glands, which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly known as blackheads or pimples. They tend to appear in the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders.

Doctors believe acne results from several related factors rather than a single cause. One of the most important factors is the increase in hormones called androgens, a male sex hormone. These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, make more sebum.

Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills also can cause acne.

Heredity or genetics is another factor and researchers believe that acne can be inherited from parents. Studies have shown that many school children with acne have a family history of disease.

Certain drugs that contain androgens or lithium can cause acne. One of the Steroid side effects can be acne.

Greasy cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles in the skin and make that stick causing plugs which can lead to acne.

Factors that can also cause acne are:

1. Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin.
2. Squeezing or picking at blemishes.
3. Hard washing the skin.
4. Environmental irritants such as pollution and high humidity.
5. Changes in hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2-7 days before the start of your period.
6. Pressure from bike helmets, backpacks or necklaces tight.

Myths about the causes of acne include.

1. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed for acne but what we eat seems to have little effect.
2. Acne is caused by dirty skin is another common myth however, blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt.
3. Stress often blamed, but has no effect with respect to the condition.

Acne Treatment

There are 2 ways to treat acne, topical (applied to the skin) or systemic (by mouth). Both at the counter (OTC), so there is no prescription is necessary and prescription remedies are available. Stress The goals of treatment are to heal existing lesions, to prevent the formation of new lesions, stop and minimize the psychological scars and the shame caused by the disease. Drug therapy is aimed at reducing several problems that play a role in causing acne: abnormal cell aggregation in the follicles, increased oil production, bacteria and inflammation.

Depending on the extent of acne people who are recommended to treat one of several prescription medicines that are topical (applied to the skin) or systemic (by mouth) or a combination of both. For medications prescription you should see your doctor.

The current prescription drugs can result in side effects, the skin may look worse to wait a while before to improve. Other side effects include burning, redness, scaling, expansion or change in skin color.

Similarly some prescription drugs orally can have side effects such as increased tendency to sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, and changes in skin color. In addition, some drugs reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills making it necessary to use a backup method of birth control.

About the Author:

John Mac is the owner of fitnessdiethealth.com a website aimed at people looking to improve their fitness diet & health & for information about acne.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Acne Facts, Myths & Treatment

Acne Treatment Success at SkinGenesis