General Information About Treatments for Acne
Acne is certainly a stubborn, pervasive skin
affliction, but if one is equally vigilant, acne no longer has to be
something to fear. Whether or
not you’ve gone to a dermatologist to handle the more serious cases of acne
outbreak, you wouldn’t want to wake up one day with a face full of
pockmarks, or a back that looks like you’ve been lying on a bed of nails.
Keeping yourself acne-free requires a combination of basic acne
awareness, a system of preventive care, and the occasional medical treatment
for when acne surfaces in spite of your best efforts.
Anti-Acne Skin Care
Since acne is interminably linked with bacteria, dirt
and oil, the best preventive regimen against acne involves thorough
cleansing of the skin, particularly of the face, in a manner that does not
irritate. It is recommended for
one to use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser, and to apply the same with one’s
fingertips in a careful manner.
One should also use warm or lukewarm water when washing.
Though washing is of course generally recommended, one should not be
overzealous with it – twice a day will normally be sufficient, to be
increased only if you find yourself in a particularly hot and dirty
environment.
Washcloths and sponges should not be utilized, as they
may irritate the skin and cause acne breakouts.
Likewise, astringents, exfoliators, rubbing alcohol and other harsh
cleansing products should be diligently avoided.
If a person has oily hair, the oil can travel down to
the forehead and face, causing acne.
Such individuals should shampoo daily to minimize oil buildup.
Frequent touching of the face, particularly if hands
have not been washed, may stimulate the outbreak of acne.
Try to be more aware of the times when you unconsciously reach for
your face, to brush off a speck of dirt, for example, or when you rest your
face in your hands while looking at something with interest.
Acne Treatment
Persons who develop acne should not attempt to pop,
squeeze or pick at the pimples that form, as these may cause infection and
scarring.
Treatment begins with a daily washing of the affected
areas twice a day to remove excess oil, bacteria and dirt, in a manner
similar to that of washing for acne prevention.
Afterwards, various topical remedies, such as those containing
salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, should be applied to the skin regularly
until the acne subsides.
Oral antibiotics are also typically prescribed for
persons with moderate to severe acne, to reduce inflammation and bacterial
infection.
Women may also be given oral contraceptives, which
reduce the activity of overactive oil glands, thus reducing instances of
acne outbreak and helping to clear up existing acne in conjunction with a
cleaning and topical treatment program.
This is due to the link between androgens, a male hormone, and the
production of sebum, the natural skin oil that traps bacteria and leads to
the formation of acne.
If acne does not respond favorably to care and
treatment, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist immediately.
The sooner you get professional help, the less likely the chance that
you will suffer scarring or recurrent outbreaks.
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