“How do I get rid of acne?”

Who hasn’t ask that question?

Has acne ever embarrassed you to the point where you don’t even want to go out?

Here are a few tips to help you get rid of acne, or at least tame it down.

1. A QUALITY UTAH DERMATOLOGIST

There are many “quick fixes” out there. At Aspen Dermatology our goal is to take the best care of you and help you get the results you want. Contact us today for more information on getting rid of your acne!

2. VISION EYE DROPS

This is to take away redness in your pimples and acne. It will not clear it up, but it will lessen the appearance of it and make it easier to conceal. Add a drop or two to the area (a q-tip or cotton ball works great) and leave it on for about 30 minutes.

3. NEOSPORIN

This is an antibiotic, which will help kill the bacteria that causes acne. Apply before bed and your pimple will have a much shorter life.

4. HONEY

Honey has antibacterial properties to it that make it perfect for a gentle and natural acne healer. If acne is a regular problem, you can use this for a mask weekly.

5. TOOTHPASTE

This is very effective if you have a zit pop up over night and it’s horribly red and swollen in the morning. Simply dab a bit of toothpaste on the area and let it sit for about an hour or so. You will notice the swelling and redness has disappeared and it will soon go away.

6. BAKING SODA

Make a baking soda paste, add a couple drops of water at a time to a small scoop of baking soda. Stir until it’s a thick paste. Apply it to your pimple and let it dry before rinsing off.

7. BASIL

Basil is known for it’s toning properties in at-home facials. Boil some water and add a bail leaf. Let it cool and apply to your face to get rid of blackheads and heal acne faster.

We talked last week about how to determine if you have severe acne.

This week we’d like to share insights on how to treat severe acne with hopes to help you overcome the lasting effects of doing nothing.

Severe acne requires aggressive treatment. Acne treatment options include the following:

• Isotretinoin, such as Amnesteem™ and Sotret™. (Accutane™ is no longer commercially available)
• Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, minocycline (Solodyn).
• Intralesional corticosteroid injections may be used to treat acne cysts. The acne medication reduces the inflammation and “melts” away the cyst over a period of 3 to 5 days.
• Acne surgery (excision and drainage of the cyst).

Acne treatment will be recommended based on the type of severe acne, its location, and the degree of acne scarring that has occurred.

Severe acne may require months of treatment to see significant improvement. During this period, it is very important to take the acne medication every day as recommended. It takes time for the inflammation to subside and the skin to heal, but meanwhile the medication will be hard at work keeping preventing new acne lesions and acne scars.

Treatment for severe acne may need to be repeated multiple times over the years because of the high chance of the acne returning.

Regular skin checks should be performed to ensure that acne remains under control.

If you’d like more information about treating severe acne, please contact Aspen Dermatology today!

Do you have severe acne?

Severe acne is usually categorized by acne lesions that are deep, widespread, red and inflamed. Severe acne may also be classified as painful and is likely to lead to permanent acne scars if left untreated.

Severe acne can cause embarrassment and stress, and limit one’s social life. Fortunately, severe acne can be controlled with the use of prescription acne medications and other procedures.

Before treatment

After treatment

A bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) causes the inflammation seen with moderate and severe acne. P. acnes normally lives on the top of the skin, but can infect the oily substance called sebum within the clogged pores. In cases of severe acne, these infected pores (sebaceous glands) burst and release sebum, bacteria, and irritating substances into the deep layers of the skin. This results in even greater inflammation and the development of nodules or cysts.

4 Types of Severe Acne

There are four types of severe acne with overlapping qualities.

1. Gram-negative folliculitis is a type of severe acne caused by a class of “gram negative” bacteria that infect the hair follicles on the skin. Gram-negative folliculitis often occurs in people who have been treated with antibiotics for prolonged periods. The treatment of this skin condition requires the use of select antibiotics since “gram negative” bacteria are not killed by the antibiotics normally used to treat acne.

2. Nodulocystic Acne (cystic acne) describes acne lesions that  are large (several centimeters in diameter), deep, and painful. They may occur alone or on multiple locations over the body. The cyst may appear to be filled with thick, yellow pus-like fluid. Attempts to drain an acne cyst. Drainage of an acne cyst should be performed in the doctor’s office, not at home.

Cysts that arise close together may merge, resulting in large areas of inflammation and skin damage. This results in acne conglobata.

3. Acne conglobata is most common in males 18 to 30 years old. Acne conglobata appears with deep abscesses, significant inflammation, and acne scars. Blackheads (open comedones) are widespread and may appear on the neck, shoulders, chest, back, and buttocks. The severe acne lesions grow in size and discharge pus before developing thick scars (keloids).

4. Acne Fulminans describes the rapid onset of highly destructive acne that may be accompanied by fever and aching joints.

Last week we talked about 3 of the most common acne myths that everyone has heard.

Today, we want to share a couple others that are just as “fictional” when it comes to acne and skin care.

Acne Myth #1: The More Acne Medication You Use, the Better!

Acne Fact: Simply stated, More Isn’t Better when it comes to over-the-counter acne medication containing active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. It may seem obvious, Using too much medication can actually worsen acne because it leads to dryness, irritation, and more blemishes.

But kids can get help for acne. Your Utah dermatologist can suggest acne treatments if your child: has tried over-the-counter acne treatments with little or no success, has developed acne scars, has painful, large pimples, is dark-skinned and has acne that’s causing dark patches to form, has low self-esteem or a reduced enjoyment of life because of acne.

Prescription acne medication may take up to 8 weeks to have a noticeable effect, so remind kids to use the medication exactly as directed. If the acne doesn’t improve within 6 to 8 weeks, talk to the dermatologist.

Acne Myth #2: If You Want Clear Skin, Don’t Shave or Wear Makeup.

Acne Fact: Good news: you don’t have to forego cosmetics as long the products you’re using are labeled noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, meaning they won’t cause acne breakouts. Some concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to fight acne. Tinted acne-fighting creams may also help to fight pimples while hiding them.

If any product seems to be irritating the skin or causing breakouts, have your child stop using the product and call your dermatologist.

Cosmetics labeled “organic,” “all natural,” or those containing herbs have gained popularity, but they may contribute to clogged pores and acne, so it’s best for kids who are prone to breakouts to steer clear of them.

Teen boys who have acne and shave can use either safety or electric razors, but should shave lightly around blemishes to avoid nicking the skin and causing irritation and infection.

Kids, teens, and even adults have to cope with some form of acne. It’s a common part of puberty, and some people think that once they’ve passed that phase of life, acne will automatically stop. However, adults and preteens get acne too.

This makes acne the subject of much discussion, thus leading to many myths and rumors that we’d like to “clear up” for you. Clearing up some of the common fables about acne can help you all get through it!

Acne Myth #1: Just Pop Your Zits and They’ll Go Away Faster

Acne Fact: We’ve talked about popping zits before, and I’m sure we’ve all followed this myth at one time or another. Popping a pimple may make it seem less noticeable temporarily; however, picking at your face can actually cause the zit to stay around longer. Did you know that popping a pimple pushes bacteria from the zit further into the skin, making the area around the acne even more reddened and inflamed? Pimple-popping devices — such as “blackhead extractors” advertised in magazines — aren’t any safer. Sometimes, popping a pimple will cause a brown or red scar to form that could last months; and scars, in the form of dents and pits, can last forever.

If you are bummed because a huge zit arrived just in time for a special event, apply a dab of benzoyl peroxide gel to dry it. Your Utah dermatologist (Aspen Dermatology) can also recommend treatments for severe scarring.

Acne Myth #2: Wash Your Face More and You’ll Prevent Breakouts

Acne Fact: Sometimes we wonder if this myth was created by face soap companies looking to promote their products. Unfortunately, hygiene isn’t related to the development of acne. Washing the face each day gets rid of dead skin cells, excess oil, and surface dirt, but too much cleansing or washing too vigorously can lead to dryness and irritation — which can actually make acne worse.

Dermatologists in Utah usually recommend gently washing — not scrubbing or rubbing — the face no more than twice a day with a mild cleanser and patting the skin dry. Kids should steer clear of harsh exfoliants or scrubs, which can actually irritate blemishes. In addition, toners containing high concentrations of alcohol can dry out the skin and should be avoided.

Acne Myth #3: I’ll Just Bake Off My Zits with a Tan…

Acne Fact: Even though a tan may temporarily cover the redness of acne, there’s no evidence that having tanned skin helps to clear up acne. People who tan in the sun or in tanning booths or beds run the risk of developing dry, irritated, or even burned skin. They’re also at increased risk of premature aging and developing skin cancer.

We recommend to keep skin safe by wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors. You should also wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (or SPF) of at least 30 that’s labeled “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic,” which means the product won’t clog pores. Ask your doctor whether a sunless tanning product would be a better alternative.

It’s especially important for kids who use prescription acne medications (including oral contraceptives, which are often prescribed to help clear up acne) to stay out of the sun and away from tanning beds. These drugs can make skin extremely sensitive to sunlight and the rays from ultraviolet tanning booths.

We hope you’ve found these myths about acne helpful.

What causes acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs because of clogged pores that result from an overproduction of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance secreted from the sebaceous glands under the skin of the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. Acne in teenagers is most common because of the hormonal activity of puberty, which stimulates sebum production.

How is acne different in boys?

In most teens, acne starts with the onset of puberty, a time of increased hormonal activity. In boys, puberty starts later than it does in girls, so boys typically get acne at a later age.

Another key difference is that boys have more androgens, a type of hormone associated with male characteristics (deeper voice, body hair). Androgen stimulates the sebaceous glands, making it a chief culprit in boys’ acne.

Boys are more likely to get acne on the chest and back, and their acne tends to be more severe and long-lasting.

Boys who shave may also be at a higher risk for acne flares, especially if using dull, low-quality razors or not using shaving cream.

Finally, boys tend to be less likely to use acne skin care products than girls, so they may not be aware of the topical treatments available for acne. They may also be less likely to seek help for their acne.

Is it ok to “pop your zits”?

What do you think? I’m sure you’ve heard the sermon from your mom, “Don’t pop your pimples, you’ll only make your acne worse…Blah, blah, blah… That’s why your skin looks awful now. Stop that!” We’ve all heard it.

But really, will popping zits make your acne worse or is it just another Utah acne myth?

Dermatologist Alexa Boer Kimball, MD, decided to place pimple popping into the skin malarkey category, as scientifically unfounded acne aggravator.

The question remains, “Does zit popping make acne worse and what evidence is there to prove it?”

The Real Issue: Why People Pop Zits in the First Place

To solve this issue, first, you need to know why you pop zits. The clear-cut answer is because zits are ugly and make you feel ugly and depressed.

Research supports this finding. For instance, a study published in the 2006 edition of the Journal of the American of Dermatology found that out of 387 dermatology patients who completed the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, 37 patients (9.6%) suffered from major depression.

Similarly, in 2000, a report in the same journal found that of 268 dermatology patients, 11.9% suffered from body dysmophic disorder (BBD), that is, they had a preoccupation with feeling ugly or having a nonexistent flaw in their appearance.

Another study published in Dermatologic Surgery in the June 2004 that examined facial scarring that resulted from acne excoriée concluded facial scarring could be controlled by first removing the underlining psychological disorders to control the impulse for desire to squeeze pimples.

Collectively, this data tells us that people pop zits because pimples the make them feel ugly and in order to stop bursting zits, you need to control the impulse to correct a bodily flaw.

This can be done by reminding yourself that your zit does not look as big to everyone else as it looks to you. Never let a zit make you feel like the village freak.

Even if that self-esteem booster does not work and you go ahead and pop the zit, will it make your acne worse? At first glance, that zit you targeted embodies a number of traits including compromised skin shedding, blockage of the pores and inflammation.

What Matters to Your Skin Is What Happens After You Pop the Zit

Given these circumstances, what will happen after you pop the zit? Well, you will create a mess and after that your skin will need to start the repair process.

Wounds heal in a series of steps. The bleeding must stop, inflammation starts to disinfect the area, this inflammation causes more cells will grow to replace the damaged ones and the finally then skin will begin to renew itself.

The Acne-Triggering Chain Reaction

So, when you squeeze a zit, you immediately trigger more of the traits of acne, which include inflammation. Not only this but squeezing affects multiple pores located next to you target pimple to pop.

This leads us to another cause of acne- premature breaking of a pore that is congested with excess oils and proteins. Busting such a pore promotes the inflammation response to remove the oils and proteins from surrounding tissues. Yes, this means more zits!

There Is a Time to Squeeze and a Time Not to Squeeze

Long answer short, pimple popping can aggravate acne because your skin contains a community of pores and what you do to one pimply-puss infested pore will affect the neighboring pore. The key is to time the popping of your zit right. Not all pimples are ideal for popping. Pop-ready zits are puss filled and above the surface of the skin. Such pimples are easily extracted with a sterile needle.

Acne-inducing pimple squeezing happens when you attempt to pop a pimple that is still beneath the surface of the skin and bordered by healthy, non-infected pores. Such pimples need time to rise to the upper layers of the skin and in some instances, may require medical extraction.

So, listen to Mom and please do not pop your pimples prematurely. Nevertheless, if pimple popping is an uncontrollable problem for you, a report published in Dermatologic Therapy found that hypnosis does help control the impulsive behaviors that can lead to pimple popping. The next time you are gazing into the mirror and that zits looks grossly humongous, but truly should not get squeezed, remove your hands from your face and just repeat after me, “I will let my zit heal, I will let my zit heal, I will let my zit heal…” Good luck.

Sources:

American Academy of Dermatology, The Stubborn Truth About Acne: Myths and Misconceptions February 15, 2005.
Bowes L.E.1; Alster T.S. Treatment of Facial Scarring and Ulceration Resulting from Acne Excoriée with 585-nm Pulsed Dye Laser Irradiation and Cognitive Psychotherapy. Dermatologic Surgery: Volume 30, Number 6, pp. 934-938(5), June 2004,
Cohen, Arnon D, Andr’e Ofek–Shlomai, Daniel A. Vardy, Zeev Weiner, MD and Pesach Shvartzman, MD. Depression in dermatological patients identified by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview questionnaire. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: Volume 54, Issue 1, Pages 94-99, January 2006.
Shenefelt P.D. Biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral methods, and hypnosis in dermatology: Is it all in your mind? Dermatologic Therapy: Volume 16, Number 2, pp. 114-122(9), June 2003.

Contrary to popular belief in Utah County, acne and diet are not closely related. Acne isn’t caused by sugar, chocolate, or greasy foods, although it’s generally a good idea to limit such snacks. Nor is acne caused by sexual activity, masturbation, or dirt on the skin. It can be aggravated by oily cosmetics, stress, picking at blemishes, rough cleansers, or hard scrubbing.

Another acne myth is that sunlight can make acne better. A suntan can temporarily lessen the appearance of acne lesions, but it won’t make it go away, and the sun can damage the skin in other ways (wrinkles, skin cancer).

How is teen acne treated?

Acne treatments range from over-the-counter (OTC) topical acne medications to oral drugs for the worst cases. In teens treating acne early is especially important to prevent it from getting worse or causing acne scars.

• Many people attempt to first treat their acne at home with non-prescription medications, such as Proactiv or Sensiclear. Unfortunately, many people discover that these over-the-counter medications take too long to work, prolonging the acne and increasing the risk of developing acne scars.
• For moderate acne, or mild acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, you may need a stronger prescription acne medication that acts faster and provides longer-lasting benefits. Physicians may prescribe a topical retinoid, a mainstay of acne therapy. Topical retinoids help to clear up acne quickly and provide ongoing clear skin. Brands of topical retinoids include Differin™(adapalene), Epiduo™(adapalene + benzoyl peroxide), Retin A Micro™(tretinoin), Tazorac™(tazarotene), or Ziana™(tretinoin + clindamycin). These medications may be used alone or in combination with other acne medications, such as antibiotics.
• For the most severe cases of acne (such as cystic acne), physicians may prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane, Sotret). This daily oral medication has shown to be an effective treatment when other medications have failed, but it has serious possible side effects and should never be taken by pregnant women. Women using isotretinoin must agree to use two types of birth control, and abstain from sex within a month before and after taking the medication.

Stick with it

No medication can do its job properly unless it is given time to work. It’s very important to be patient and take your medication as directed, for as long as directed. If you don’t see results right away, don’t be discouraged. Your medication is hard at work preventing new lesions from forming. Stopping treatment early will likely cause pimples and zits to reappear.

________________________________________________________

©2010 Vivacare.
Last updated July 1, 2010.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

Almost every Utah teenager can expect to get acne at some point during adolescence, but that doesn’t make it easier to bear. The emotional toll of acne is a familiar problem for many young people and can wreak havoc on adolescent self-confidence. Fortunately, almost all cases of acne are treatable

Who gets acne?

Anyone of any age can get acne, even adults, but it is most common in teenagers. In fact, acne is considered a normal part of adolescence. 100% of the population can expect to have acne at some time during adolescence, regardless of race or ethnicity. During puberty, elevated hormone levels stimulate higher sebum production than usual, increasing the chance of acne flares.

Boys are more likely to get it during adolescence because their skin tends to produce more sebum. In adulthood, women are more prone to acne than men, likely because of the hormonal swings of menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

People with a family history of acne are also more likely to get acne.

Sports and acne mechanica

Teens who play sports, wear a backpack, or play a musical instrument that comes into contact with the face and neck may get a form of acne called acne mechanica. This type of acne is caused by irritation to the skin from excessive heat or sweat, friction, or pressure. The American Academy of Dermatology lists these common sports-related sources of acne mechanica:

• Helmets and helmet straps, especially those worn by football and hockey players and motorcycle riders
• Shoulder pads and straps worn by football players
• Tight uniforms made of synthetic fabric
• Tight headbands worn by soccer players and runners
• Straps and packs on backpacks

Other common causes of acne mechanica are:

• Straps used by soldiers for weapons and equipment
• Headbands worn for long periods of time
• Musical instruments, such as the violin, tucked against the neck for hours
• Tight fur caps worn for long periods of time
• Tight clothing, such as jeans and underwear made of synthetic fabric
• Snug bra straps
• Adhesive tape that remains on the skin for several days (occasionally)

Source