Everything Acne

I have been told that I have Rosacea. What exactly is this skin disorder?

2011-02-21T15:15:00.001-08:00

Rosacea is a common skin disorder characterized by intense redness of the face (sometimes referred to as flushing) around the nose and cheeks. It does look similar to acne but it is a different skin disorder. The skin in rosacea appears more red (inflamed) and there are many small red blisters or pus filled pimples. It is commonly mistaken for Acne. Rosacea is often called Acne Rosacea but the disorder is distinct from the common acne seen in younger people. Unlike acne, blackheads are never seen in Rosacea. Sometimes rosacea is mistaken for dermatitis or an allergic reaction.

What causes the facial redness in Rosacea?

2011-02-21T15:14:00.007-08:00

The red rash on the face (flushing) seen in individuals with Rosacea can come on anytime and is not related to use of alcohol or drugs. The rash is often aggravated by make up, moisturizers, facial make up products and certain soaps.

Who usually develops Rosacea?

2011-02-21T15:14:00.005-08:00

Rosacea is a skin disorder which occurs in adults and is most common in Caucasians (or those with fair skin). The disorder affects both sexes but is slightly more common in males. Rosacea is most often seen in the late 20s and early 30s.

Does Rosacea cause any complications?

2011-02-21T15:14:00.003-08:00

Not physically, but it can cause severe emotional distress. The skin disorder can create a very poor aesthetic feature. Most people who develop rosacea become withdrawn, isolated and develop low self esteem. The disorder often does not immediately respond to treatment and many people develop varying degrees of depression

What happens if Rosacea is not treated?

2011-02-21T15:14:00.001-08:00

Rosacea never spontaneously disappears. Without treatment, the disorder progresses and gets worse. Sometimes the skin disorder can flare up and quieten down but in most cases, if not treated, it can also lead to severe disfiguring of the nose. The flare ups of rosacea usually occur every few weeks or months

What causes Rosacea?

2011-02-21T15:13:00.006-08:00

Like most things in medicine, no one knows- bad luck I guess. The skin disorder has been linked to an extreme hypersensitivity of the blood vessels to open up and flush at the slightest irritation. It is the opening up of these blood vessels which mimics the intense red flush on the nose and cheek area.

Is Rosacea caused by a bacterial infection?

2011-02-21T15:13:00.004-08:00

Well there is some evidence that the bacteria which causes peptic ulcer disease ( H pylori) may also be responsible for rosacea- but for the moment it is all speculation. Other experts think that perhaps some small skin mites (Demodex folliculorum) which reside on skin may plug the hair follicles and block the sweat pores. However, no one really knows why rosacea occurs

Does alcohol cause rosacea?

2011-02-21T15:13:00.002-08:00

Definitely not, but alcohol is known to worsen rosacea. There are plenty of people who drink excessive alcohol and do not have rosacea, and there are plenty of people who have rosacea who have never touched alcohol.

What triggers Rosacea?

2011-02-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

The individual’s diet and life style are two major triggers for Rosacea.
Factors which can trigger or worsen rosacea include:
-         Consumption of hot and spicy foods
-         Intense sun exposure
-         Drinking hot beverages
-         Prolonged use of corticosteroids
-         Intense Emotional distress
-         physical stress or illness
-         exposure to extremes of hot and cold weather
-         extensive use of harsh creams and soaps
-         Use of exfoliating creams
-         Excessive use of chemical peeling agents
-         Frequent Hot baths, saunas
-         Extreme mood (anger)
-         Medications used to treat chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure

Control of the trigger factors can significantly reduce the facial flushing and can make rosacea more manageable. However, despite rigid control of these triggers, many individuals still develop facial flushing.

Can laser be used to treat rosacea?

2011-02-11T12:17:00.001-08:00

Almost every cosmetic physician thinks that laser is like “penicillin” and can cure every skin ailment. Lasers only help very few individuals with rosacea. In the majority of cases, lasers cause more harm than benefit. Lasers are also expensive, do not cure rosacea, and are never the first choice of treatment.

There is no clinical evidence that lasers can alter the course of rosacea or prevent recurrence. All lasers do is reduce the redness. This same benefit can be obtained with use of Retinoids for 1/20^th cost and without having to suffer pain or potential complications. If you have any common sense, than avoid laser as the majority of people have worsening of their condition.

Besides antibiotics, what else can be used to treat Rosacea?

2011-02-11T12:16:00.005-08:00

Other treatments for Rosacea include the use of Azelaic acid, Flagyl, Retinoids or some sulfur formulations. It is important not to combine these treatments but stick to one that works. What may work for one individual may not always work for another. Unfortunately results from peeling agents suck. However, retinoids do offer superb symptom relief.

When Rosacea is severe enough, it may even require surgery to help reduce the visible blood vessels and remove excess skin tissue from the nose. Remember, surgery is not a cure for Rosacea; it is only designed to reshape the nose.

Are there any medications that can be used to treat rosacea?

2011-02-11T12:16:00.003-08:00

When self-care remedies are not adequate to control symptoms, one needs to see a decent skin doctor. For moderate and severe rosacea, oral or topical antibiotics can do wonders. The most common antibiotics used are clindamycin or doxycycline. These antibiotics can rapidly reduce the inflammation and redness. The treatment may be required for several weeks to completely eradicate the symptoms. The treatment of Rosacea requires patience because the disorder generally takes time to resolve. In some cases, prescription antibiotics may be required for many weeks and months. Unfortunately, at least 50% of people with rosacea see no response with antibiotics alone.

What are essential home remedies for Rosacea?

2011-02-11T12:16:00.001-08:00

Good skincare is vital to prevent worsening of rosacea. Do not use harsh skin cleansers or peeling agents. Avoid all oily fragrances, moisturizers, cream, and lotions. Creams and lotions with fragrances contain many synthetic chemicals that can worsen your rosacea and even cause allergies.

All individuals with rosacea must regularly use sunscreens when they go out in the sun. Select a water-based sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Many individuals who have rosacea get worsening of their symptoms after intense sun exposure.

Finally stop applying lotions and potions that are sold on the internet. The majority of these products are scams and only worsen your rosacea.

How do I know what triggers my rosacea?

2011-02-11T12:15:00.003-08:00

The only way to identify the triggers is to keep a diary and write down when the episodes occur and what you think was the most likely cause. Over a few weeks or months, you will have a good idea what the trigger factors are. Once you have identified the factors, all you need to do is avoid them or limit the exposure. A lot of clinical evidence reveals that mild to moderate Rosacea can be successfully treated with this simple method.

I have rosacea. What factors can trigger rosacea?

2011-02-11T12:15:00.001-08:00

Common triggers that are known to aggravate Rosacea include:

- Exposure to extremes of temperatures (either too hot or too cold)
- Alcohol consumption
- Eating hot and spicy foods
- Intense exercise under humid conditions
- Stress (both physical and emotional)

Unfortunately, in many people there are no trigger factors. The disorders comes and goes without any explanation.

Is there a medication that can cure rosacea?

2011-02-11T12:14:00.001-08:00

Every single treatment available today can only control the symptoms. In general, medications used for Rosacea are used to control facial redness, eye irritation, and pimples. No matter what treatment one undertakes for Rosacea, it is essential to avoid or control factors that trigger skin to flush.

I have terrible rosacea. How should I get it treated?

2011-02-11T12:13:00.001-08:00

Once Rosacea is acquired, it is important to seek early treatment. Individuals who seek care for their rosacea on cyberspace and from alternative care practitioners usually end up with permanent disfiguring scars. All individuals who have Rosacea should understand from the onset that there is no cure for Rosacea. There is no medication, lotion, potion, herb, nutrient or physician that can cure Rosacea. Rosacea is best treated by a skin physician who has experience with the disorder. The more you muck around with crappy treatments, the worse will your face become.

I have terrible acne and my doctor has prescribed me minocycline. Is this an effective drug?

2011-01-19T17:12:00.001-08:00

Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that is frequently used for treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Minocycline only needs to be taken once or twice a day and can be taken with food, but it is also more expensive than the other tetracyclines. Concerns have also been expressed over its safety and a few deaths have been reported. Even among skin doctors, the use of minocycline is questionable. So far there is not a single decent study that has shown that minocycline is better than other tetracyclines. Considering that the drug is expensive and has undesirable side effects, I personally would not recommend it.

Is there a natural treatment for acne? Does tea tree oil work?

2010-11-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, there are hundreds of natural supplements hyped to treat acne but no one knows if they work. Almost every week a new cream, lotion, potion, paste, enema and pill is discovered as a cure for acne. While there is a lot written about natural supplements, most of the data on acne are unproven and not verified by scientific studies. One natural substance now used in many skin care products is tea tree oil. The question remains, “does tea tree oil cure acne?”

A few small studies indicate that gels’ containing at least 5% tea tree oil are as effective as 5% benzyl peroxide. This is not saying a lot because benzyl peroxide is the crappiest acne product ever made. Tea tree oil does not work in all individuals and it does take a few weeks or months to get the response. Before you start using tea tree oil, remember that it can cause a contact dermatitis and there are reports that excess use of this supplement in young males can cause breast enlargement.

Tea tree oil should be avoided if you have been diagnosed with acne rosacea because it can worsen the disorder. Finally, there are many formulations of tea tree oil and it is impossible to know which will work and which one will not. The only way to know if tea tree oil works for acne is to try out one formula for a few months. If your acne is gone, you can brag about this oil, but if your acne is still present, then you just got suckered again!

Can I use the birth control pill for acne?

2010-11-17T16:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, the birth control pill is very effective in some cases of acne.

These pills are usually used when other conventional medications for acne do not work. Moreover, birth control pills are only meant for use in women. Several types of birth control pills are available on the market and the three most prescribed for acne include Ortho Tricyclen, Estrostep and Yaz. Acne is usually caused by excess oily secretions that combine with dead skin and debris to plug up the pores in the hair follicles. This allows the follicles to get bigger and become inflamed.

Birth control pills (BCP) work by decreasing the amount of these oily secretions. The BCP work best when used with other acne treatment like salicylic acid or benzyl peroxide. The results are not immediate and the BCP may have to be taken for 2-3 months.

Birth control pills can also make the skin texture soft and smooth but these pills are not for everyone. Moreover, the pills have side effects that include changes in menstrual cycle, headaches, weight gain, decreased libido, changes in mood and risk of blood clots. Women who are > 35, those who have a history of heart disease or cancer of the breast, history of blood clots and those who smoke should not take the birth control pill.

How can I treat Arm Acne?

2010-11-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

Many young people have upper arm acne but do not realize it. Unlike face acne, arm acne is usually ignored until the problem is severe. In many cases, the acne is hidden under the sleeves or shirt and most people are unaware of it. Arm acne is just as common as face acne and both tend to occur at the same time. Arm acne is also a problem of young people. In general, arm acne tends to be more common in men than women. The only advantage of having arm over face acne is that the former can be hidden underneath the clothes.

How to treat arm acne

There is no difference in treatment of arm or face acne. The same over the counter products and prescription drugs are used to treat arm acne. Initially it is recommended that one try conservative means to treat arm acne. If the acne still persists or gets worse, then one may want to get prescription medication from a physician.

In addition to medication, one should also avoid wearing tight restrictive clothing. Excess sweating and the constant irritation of tight sleeves often makes arm acne worse. Moreover, if you exercise, change your clothes often.

Try to maintain good arm hygiene. Shower frequently and wash off the excess sweat. Wear loose fitting clothes and allow the body to aerate when home. Some people who get recurrent arm acne should try a change of fabrics. Some individuals are very sensitive to certain fabrics like nylon and thus cotton fabrics should be selected. In addition, keep the arm clean, change clothes often and avoid use of harsh soap products.

When you bathe, do not scrub excessively as this only worsens acne. If you have long hair, which is always falling on your shoulders or upper arm, get a haircut or keep your hair tidy. Having clean and tidy hair is also important when trying to get rid of arm acne.

There are many products on the market for acne but most are junk. If the above home care remedies do not help your arm acne, go and see a decent skin doctor. While these doctors are expensive, at least the advice and treatment you get will be safer than the majority of crap that is sold for acne in local pharmacies and health stores.

What is the best drug to treat acne?

2010-03-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

Hands down- retinoids are the best drugs for acne. There is no better class of drugs that can erase acne like the retinoids. The majority of individuals do respond to retinoids; a few individuals may not. In these individuals, combination therapy with other drugs may be required

The majority of vitamin A derived products are good for acne. Retinoids are vitamin A derived drugs that have been around for more than 20 years.

Retinoids are not the first drugs for acne. A lot of studies exist which show the benefits of these drugs for acne sufferers. Retinoids are frequently used to treat moderate to severe cases of acne. Retinoids act by decreasing black heads and stopping the production of sebum or excess oil. Retinoids are available either as a pill or a topical lotion.

Retinoids are very potent drugs and besides acne, can help erase fine lines, and dry up oily skin. Because the drugs can cause excess drying and skin peeling, their use must be closely monitored. Retinoids should not be taken by females who intend to get pregnant or are breast feeding.

If you fail to respond to a retinoid, chances are you will not respond to any other drug.

Is oracea a good drug for my acne?

2010-03-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

Let me make this clear- Oracea is the biggest rip off in all of medicine. Oracea is a tetracycline antibiotic and these drugs have been around for more than 50 years. All the claims about tetracyclines being a cure for acne are hogwash- tetracyclines are widely prescribed for acne but in 99% of cases the drugs do nothing. Many individuals who have used tetracyclines will attest to the fact that these drugs are a complete waste of money.

So what about Oracea?

Well, Oracea is just another fancy name for a tetracycline but it is useless for acne. The only skin disorder that may be improved by oracea is Rosacea.

Oracea should not be combined with any other medications for acne- it just increases the side effects and allergic reactions. Oracea is supposed to be taken every day as prescribed.

What to watch out for?

Avoid the sun if you take oracea as it can sensitize the skin to the UV rays and cause blisters.

Side effects of oracea include:

Mild nausea
Skin blisters
Swollen tongue
Vomiting or stomach upset
Others may develop candida in the mouth, vagina or rectal area.

Oracea is exorbitantly expensive and there is ZERO evidence that it can cure or prevent acne. There are no randomized clinical trials that have shown oracea works for acne.

Final point: Oracea is a drug that is just another tetracycline. It does zilch for your acne and costs a fortune. If you want to get rid of your acne, get your physician to write you a script for a retinoid. To date, these are the only drugs that work for acne.

Why do i have acne: part 3

2009-06-14T01:33:00.000-07:00

How does one get rid of acne scars?

If you think acne is a real hassle, then acne scars can be a real pain in the arse.
In the last few years, lasers have been developed which can help reduce acne scars. Lasers are never the first choice for acne and only used after other treatments have been tried out. Most physicians use lasers in combination with drugs to cure the resistant inflammatory acne outbreaks. The results after laser for acne scars are mediocre at best. Most of the time, you end up wasting thousands of dollars and end up with a face which looks a lot worse than what you previously had.

Finally there are a number of chemical peels which are available to treat acne. Glycolic acid is probably the best as it is gentler to the skin. However, chemical peels like laser are an adjunct to medicines for the treatment of acne. Results after chemical peels for acne scars are terrible.

Final point

So in the end, be a wise consumer, read about acne and the available treatments. Do not always stand in a queue for the latest treatment and never fall the pre and post photo routine. The majority of treatments are nothing more than a scam. Medicine is first of all a business and many health professional care more about money than your skin. Always check up the credentials of your provider, ask questions, and if in doubt get a second opinion.

Why do i have acne? part 2

2009-06-14T01:30:00.000-07:00

How can I manage acne at home?

For those who develop acne, all oily cosmetics should be avoided. If one does wear cosmetics, they should be water based. The majority of synthetic chemicals have the ability to irritate and make acne worse. Therefore, the fewer cosmetics you wear, the better it is for your skin. Wash your face to rid of the oils and debris. Do not use harsh detergents and soaps on your face. Avoid too much sun. If you find that one particular food aggravates your acne, change your diet. Further, stop picking at your acne; it can cause severe scarring. Lastly, do not look for a cure for acne online- you will only find a lot of disappointments.

So how can I treat severe acne?

The treatment of acne is difficult. Almost everyone has an opinion on how to best treat it. For those who have persistent or inflammatory acne, it is best to seek help from a dermatologist. There are many antibiotics which can help. The latest creams and pills derived from Retinoids and can do wonders for acne. However, one should be reminded that what works for one individual may not work for another.

In the initial phase one may try to apply a topical antibiotic for several weeks and when that fails, one may try a retinoid. The Retinoids come as a cream and also as a pill. Retinoids do work well but can cause skin irritation and photo sensitivity of the skin.

One of the best acne drugs is Accutane, Accutane has been found to be an excellent treatment for acne when used under the guidance of a dermatologist. The drug is relatively safe and the two most common side effects include skin dryness and also the risk of damage to the fetus when taken by a pregnant female. Thus, Accutane is often not prescribed to females of child bearing age. Each female has to discuss this issue with the physician before taking Accutane.