As a result of polycystic ovarian syndrome; I have had many
experiences with acne. It usually appears on the side of my face, on my
jawline and under my chin. Understanding what acne is, what the symptoms
are and what treatments are available will reduce or eliminate the
problematic skin.
Acne is a chronic skin disorder caused by an inflammation of hair follicles and the sebaceous glands possibly involving a bacterial infection of the skin. About 20 percent of all cases occur in adults. Acne generally affects the areas of the skin which have the most densest sebaceous follicles which usually includes the face, the chest and the back.
Symptoms include blackheads which are plugged hair follicles, whiteheads which are small bumps white in appearance, papules which are small pink bumps, nodules which are solid swellings below the skin and cysts which are deep inflamed pus filled lesions that can cause pain.
One of the causes of acne in women is an imbalance of androgens which are male hormones produced in small amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. During puberty, a temporary hormone imbalance increases the ratio of androgens to estrogen which in turn causes acne. For most people acne usually diminishes or decreases over time. But there are many cases in which people continue to suffer well beyond their forties.
There are many factors that are linked to acne. Acne can be a result of genetics and family history. It can be a result of mentrual cycles and puberty. It also can be the result of hyperactive sebaceous glands as well as an accumulation of dead skin cells that block pores. Exposure to chemical compounds such as chloracne and halogens (which are iodides), chlorides and bromides can be linked to acne as well.
In some case drugs such as barbituates and steroids may cause acne. Acne can also be aggravated by picking with blemishes as well as having to deal with prolonged stress. Acne can sometimes be the result of lack of exercise, improper diet and consuming an excessive amount of alcohol and/or an excessive amount of caffeine.
For many women, the right topical medications can reduce or even eliminate acne altogether. However there are still other options available for those who have not had success with those medications. After consulting with a physician, many women may turn to birth-control pills. Certain birth-control pills, when used in the proper physician recommended dosages, can decrease the amount of androgens, resulting in fewer breakouts. However, when a woman stops taking birth control pills, her acne can flare back up again. Before deciding on this type of treatment, women should be aware of the side effects associated with birth-control pills and consult a gynecologist.
How can I help prevent Acne?
- Be gentle with your skin
- Always wash your hands before dealing with your face
- Wash your entire face
- Read, read, read labels and avoid products that contain lanolin, and D&C red dyes.
- Make sure to be consistent with daily wash routines
- Check for food allergies
- Check for allergies related to topical facial products
- Avoid oil based makeup
- Avoid refined carbohydrates
- Limit canned and prepackaged food
- Increase consumption of Vitamin A and Vitamin E
- Limit sugar intake
- Increase consumption of antioxidants
- Balance omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
- Avoid rough cleansing pads
- Use products that contain benzoyl peroxide
- Ask your doctor if you should use an astrigent
- Make sure to chose products that are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic
If your doctor subscribes acne medication (1) make sure you take the prescribed dosage and (2) inform the doctor if the the medicines or other health problems make it worse. More severe acne can be treated with antibiotic lotions or gels, as well as retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is a form of vitamin A. It helps prevent whiteheads and blackheads. A doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic pill, such as erythromycin. If you take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, antibiotics can affect how well they work. In this case, one should make sure to inquire about another form of birth control.
In regards to most extreme cases such as deep cysts, redness, swelling, and scarring, one should definitely search for a recommended dermatologist. Scarring can be prevented with appropriate treatments. Some large cysts may need to be drained or removed. A dermatologist is the only person who should drain or remove these. One should never try to drain or remove their acne by squeezing or picking because this can worsen the condition.
Acne is a chronic skin disorder caused by an inflammation of hair follicles and the sebaceous glands possibly involving a bacterial infection of the skin. About 20 percent of all cases occur in adults. Acne generally affects the areas of the skin which have the most densest sebaceous follicles which usually includes the face, the chest and the back.
Symptoms include blackheads which are plugged hair follicles, whiteheads which are small bumps white in appearance, papules which are small pink bumps, nodules which are solid swellings below the skin and cysts which are deep inflamed pus filled lesions that can cause pain.
One of the causes of acne in women is an imbalance of androgens which are male hormones produced in small amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. During puberty, a temporary hormone imbalance increases the ratio of androgens to estrogen which in turn causes acne. For most people acne usually diminishes or decreases over time. But there are many cases in which people continue to suffer well beyond their forties.
There are many factors that are linked to acne. Acne can be a result of genetics and family history. It can be a result of mentrual cycles and puberty. It also can be the result of hyperactive sebaceous glands as well as an accumulation of dead skin cells that block pores. Exposure to chemical compounds such as chloracne and halogens (which are iodides), chlorides and bromides can be linked to acne as well.
In some case drugs such as barbituates and steroids may cause acne. Acne can also be aggravated by picking with blemishes as well as having to deal with prolonged stress. Acne can sometimes be the result of lack of exercise, improper diet and consuming an excessive amount of alcohol and/or an excessive amount of caffeine.
For many women, the right topical medications can reduce or even eliminate acne altogether. However there are still other options available for those who have not had success with those medications. After consulting with a physician, many women may turn to birth-control pills. Certain birth-control pills, when used in the proper physician recommended dosages, can decrease the amount of androgens, resulting in fewer breakouts. However, when a woman stops taking birth control pills, her acne can flare back up again. Before deciding on this type of treatment, women should be aware of the side effects associated with birth-control pills and consult a gynecologist.
How can I help prevent Acne?
- Be gentle with your skin
- Always wash your hands before dealing with your face
- Wash your entire face
- Read, read, read labels and avoid products that contain lanolin, and D&C red dyes.
- Make sure to be consistent with daily wash routines
- Check for food allergies
- Check for allergies related to topical facial products
- Avoid oil based makeup
- Avoid refined carbohydrates
- Limit canned and prepackaged food
- Increase consumption of Vitamin A and Vitamin E
- Limit sugar intake
- Increase consumption of antioxidants
- Balance omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
- Avoid rough cleansing pads
- Use products that contain benzoyl peroxide
- Ask your doctor if you should use an astrigent
- Make sure to chose products that are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic
If your doctor subscribes acne medication (1) make sure you take the prescribed dosage and (2) inform the doctor if the the medicines or other health problems make it worse. More severe acne can be treated with antibiotic lotions or gels, as well as retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is a form of vitamin A. It helps prevent whiteheads and blackheads. A doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic pill, such as erythromycin. If you take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, antibiotics can affect how well they work. In this case, one should make sure to inquire about another form of birth control.
In regards to most extreme cases such as deep cysts, redness, swelling, and scarring, one should definitely search for a recommended dermatologist. Scarring can be prevented with appropriate treatments. Some large cysts may need to be drained or removed. A dermatologist is the only person who should drain or remove these. One should never try to drain or remove their acne by squeezing or picking because this can worsen the condition.
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