Medicines: Acne and Greasy Skin Conditions

Acne is the result of inflammation of the sebaceous glands that open into the hair follicles. It can vary in severity from a few blackheads to a condition involving many large and inflamed pimples. Although acne is primarily a condition of adolescence, it does not always clear spontaneously. If untreated, it may persist throughout adulthood, causing self-consciousness and embarrassment.

Symptoms of Acne

The main symptoms are blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed red spots, painful cyst and/or scarring. The spots occur mainly on the face, neck, upper chest, back and shoulders.

Causes of Acne

Acne is the most common of all skin conditions. It is often triggered by the hormonal changes of puberty, and is most common in adolescents with an oily skin. Hereditary factors, certain drugs, exposure industrial chemicals, emotional stress and oily cosmetics can affect predisposition or make existing acne worse. Squeezing or picking at spots may further damage the skin and spread the infection. As a general rule diet is a less important factor than previously thought.

Self-treatment of Acne

• Wash affected areas two or three times daily. Use soap and warm water, then rinse with cold water. Let the skin dry naturally at room temperature, or pat it dry – never rub it.

• Acne soaps, washes and lotions may be helpful.

• Topical acne preparations are for external use only and should be kept away from the eyes, mucous membranes and irritated skin.

• Shampoo hair regularly to keep oil build-up to a minimum.

• Use oil-free skin care products.

• Don’t squeeze spots or blackheads. This spreads infection.

• Exposure to sunlight will often help to improve the acne.

When to consult a doctor about your Acne Problem.

Although acne poses no direct risk to general health, untreated moderate to severe acne may cause scarring and pitting and loss of self-confidence. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor of the condition does not improve or if any of the soaps , washes, lotions or creams your use irritate the skin causing a burning feeling and persistent redness; or if inflamed lesions and cysts appear.

What the doctor might do about your Acne

Explain that treatment may be required for prolonged periods as the disease id chronic and tends to recur.

Prescribe an alternative soap, gel or lotion.

Prescribe antibiotics to be taken for three to six months. Antibiotics are the mainstay treatment for moderate to severe acne.

If antibiotic treatment is unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend treatment with a drug called isotretinoin. Oral isotretinoin is highly effective but may produce side effects such as dry lips, dry eyes, nosebleeds and drying and flaking of the skin. Isotretinoin should not be taken during pregnancy as it may cause fetal malformation.

Questions to ask the doctor about Acne

·         To ensure that you fully understand the condition and the treatment regimen prescribed you should ask your doctor the following questions:

• For how long should I use the treatment?

• How soon can I expect any improvement?

• Are there any precautions I should take?

• What side effects, if any, may I expect from the treatment?

• For how long might I need treatment?

·         What you need to know about Acne Treatments        

Topical anti-acne treatment:

• Topical anti-acne preparations are for external use only and should be kept away from the eyes, mouth, mucous membranes and raw or irritated skin.

• Some redness and peeling  is to be expected with preparations containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sulphur, especially when first applied. So consult a doctor if the reaction persists of is excessive.

• Many topical acne preparations contain benzoyl peroxide. As it may bleach fabrics, you should avoid getting it on your clothes.

• Over- the-counter hydrocortisone creams should not be used in the treatment of acne.