home conditions acne

This is a chronic skin disorder caused by inflammation of the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands in the skin.

This is one of the most common diseases of the skin. Usually occurs at puberty in most people to varying degrees. Often peeking around 16-18 years and gradually regressing into early adulthood. However it may persist for decades.

Acne effects areas that have a high concentration of sebaceous glands - face, back, shoulders, neck & chest.

Acne spots are caused by the obstruction of hair follicles by sebum (the oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands). When a plug of sebum becomes trapped in a follicle, the bacteria multiply and the follicle becomes inflamed. The cause of the change in sebum secretion at puberty is uncertain but seems to be linked with a rise in the hormone levels that occur at this age. There may also be a genetic factor since acne can run in families.

There are many common myths about the prevention of acne, particularly related to diet. There is no evidence that diet plays any part in causing acne.

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It can start for the first time in 20s especially in women. Women can also develop acne around the menopause (post adolescent acne).

Acne has a tendency to develop pustules (yellow heads), but not always as some can be hard nodules that come to the surface and resolve without developing into pustules. Deep pustules and cysts can leave scarring to the skin.

Any skin disease effecting the face can be inhibiting, but it is generally taken that teenagers in the prim of their social life can be greatly effected. Leading to an isolated experience in teenage years than can have a knock on effect depending on how long the condition lasts for.

Traditional Chinese names for this include "pink/white thorns", "wine thorns".

Chinese Herbal Medicine has proven to be effective in treating this condition.

Conventional treatment of acne starts with topical applications of various creams and lotions. If topical treatment fails, the long term use of antibiotics are prescribed regularly for six month at a time. If this treatment fails then the use of retinoid drugs can be used. Retinoid drugs have the effect of reducing oil production and drying the skin. These drugs are reserved for severe cases of acne where all other treatments have failed. This is a severe treatment and must be taken cautiously as these drugs can cause liver damage and other serious problems.

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