Rosaceaa

Is your acne really acne? If you’re over thirty, have fair skin that flushes or blushes easily and have had a bad reaction to acne medication, your problem may not be acne at all. Frequently mistaken for acne, rosacea affects one in twenty adult Caucasians – yet a recent Gallup survey showed that nearly 80% of people surveyed were unfamiliar with the condition. Symptoms include skin redness and swelling in the areas that typically flush when we’re excited or embarrassed; telangiectases (the appearance of broken blood vessels), and, occasionally, acne-like papules and pustules. For this reason, rosacea is often misdiagnosed as acne and treated with acne medications. While these courses of treatment may have some success, there are treatments that target rosacea specifically that may have better results.

It’s not acne! Scientists are unsure what causes rosacea, but they do know that it differs from acne in one important way. Unlike acne, which is a condition of the sebaceous hair follicles, rosacea is a condition that involves both the skin and the blood vessels. Says Vic Narurkarm M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of California at Davis: “Blood vessels in people with rosacea seem to dilate easily, causing a flushing response to any number of triggering factors. After years of frequent dilation, it’s thought that the blood vessels ‘wear out’ and stay dilated permanently.”¹ For this reason, it’s important to treat this condition properly – or risk permanent damage to the skin.

Understand your triggers. Like any skin condition, rosacea is different for everyone – so first step in treatment is to identify your personal triggers. Flushing triggers vary widely between individuals, but studies have identified a number of common foods and situations that can bring on the flush response. These may include: cheese, chocolate, vanilla, alcohol, spicy foods, hot beverages, spicy foods, sunlight, cold winds, stress, steroids, vigorous exercise and alcohol-based skin products. Since prevention is the best medicine for rosacea, it’s important for sufferers of this condition to be aware of diet, habits and surroundings. If you think a particular food, skin product or lifestyle issue may be triggering your flushes, try discontinuing it for a few weeks; if your flushing subsides, it’s a good idea to eschew it altogether.

Find the right treatments. Of course, it’s difficult to pinpoint every single thing that affects your rosacea. So when you do have flushing, blushing or breakouts, be sure to treat them as rosacea, not as acne. The acne-like lesions can be treated with topical and oral antibiotics, which stem the profusion of the bacteria p. acnes as well as demodex mites, which are five times more prevalent in patients with rosacea as in those who don’t have the condition. Topical antifungal agents, such as metronidazole, are also quite helpful. There are also a wide variety of pulsed dye lasers that can reduce the redness of telangiectases, or broken blood vessels. Most importantly, just be kind to your skin; use a gentle cleanser without alcohol or exfoliating grains.

If you think you may have rosacea, see a dermatologist right away. While there is no known cure for this condition, it is treatable – and early treatment will help prevent permanent damage to your skin.

(Source: www.acne.com)

Adult Acne

When most of us think of acne, we think of adolescence; pimples go hand-in-hand with puberty and all its bothersome bodily changes… right? Wrong. While teenagers do make up the largest percentage of the acne-afflicted population, they’re not alone in their suffering. Acne strikes adults, too — more than half of all adult women and about a quarter of adult men. And these figures appear to be climbing. As the world begins to wake up to adult acne, it’s becoming clear that the psychological, social and physical effects of this condition don’t diminish with age. 

Why the sudden interest in adult acne? It’s difficult to know for sure exactly why adult acne seems to be on the rise. In their 1999 study "Prevalence of facial acne in adults," Goulden and Cunliffe found that the mean age of patients treated for acne had increased significantly over the course of a decade, from 20.5 years to 26.5 years.1 This could mean one of two things: Either more adults are getting acne, or more adults are seeking treatment for their acne. One can make a compelling case for either statement — but most likely both are true. While some recent studies have suggested that incidences of adult acne are increasing, others suggest that adults (particularly women) are simply more concerned about their skin than they used to be.

Adult Acne - Lingering problem, lasting effects. Whether one’s acne persists through adolescence into adulthood or strikes suddenly after 30, the condition can have lasting physical and psychological ramifications. Dermatologists have known for many years that adult acne is more likely to leave permanent physical acne scars; as the skin ages and loses collagen, it’s much harder for it to bounce back after tissue damage.Psychological scarring is much harder to trace. For many years, the prevailing perception was that older acne patients were less affected by their condition than younger patients, having accepted its symptoms as part of life. Without a visible peer group, many of these people felt too ashamed to step forward to get treatment. Adults with acne found themselves suffering silently — and most importantly, privately.

Adult Acne - We're not going to take it anymore! Two recent developments suggest that public perceptions are changing. Dermatologists have reported an increase in the number of adult patients coming to them for help. As the world's awareness shifts to include adults in the group of acne-afflicted people, more adults are coming forward with their skin problems. "I wasn't looking forward to hitting the big three-oh," says Chantal, a Marketing Manager, "but I thought this would be the one thing that would go away. It didn't. Lately it's gotten worse."2 Of course, Chantal is not alone — and like more and more adult acne sufferers, she knows it. Bolstered by this fact, today's adult acne sufferer is learning to be proactive. Not surprisingly, these new attitudes are reflected in the product market. Both prescription treatments (including oral contraceptives) and over-the-counter acne products have experienced an increase in sales. Also on the rise: Hope.

Adult Acne - Greater awareness, new hopes. As we begin to recognize acne as a condition for all ages, we can find better ways to fight it. Doctors, like everyone else, are beginning to see acne as an adult problem. "Fifty years ago, we were taught that acne was an adolescent condition," said Dr. Albert Kligman, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and author of several books on acne. "That is no longer the case."² With reported cases of adult acne on the rise, doctors will be considering the special causes and unique effects of this condition on older patients. And as public awareness increases, more people are likely to consider seeking treatment — and take the first steps toward an acne-free existence. More about causes and treatments.

(Source: www.acne.com)

Teen Acne

If you’re a teen suffering from acne, you’re certainly not being singled out. At least 90% of adolescents have acne — it affects teens of every size and shape, in every country from America to Zimbabwe. A recent study by the American Medical Association revealed (not surprisingly) that acne is one of today’s teenagers’ biggest worries. “Acne can, without question, affect self-esteem,” says Diane Berson, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. “Some kids have it so severely that they don’t even want to go out of their house. They make excuses for not going to social functions.”¹

It seems unfair, doesn’t it? Just when you’re beginning to grow up and get some ideas about exactly who’s behind the face in your mirror, you’re staring at a minefield of bumps and blemishes. It can be downright depressing — but since everyone has acne, you’re supposed to suck it up and suffer through it… right? Wrong! Today we know more about fighting acne than ever before. And the best way to stop acne is to find out why it starts when it does — during adolescence. Get rid of your acne with Proactiv® Solution - GO NOW!

Why does acne strike teens? At the onset of puberty, the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. These “male” hormones are a natural part of development for both boys and girls, but boys tend to produce more of them — and therefore tend to have more severe breakouts. Why? Our faces and bodies are covered with tiny hairs, each one fitting snugly into a hair follicle, sometimes called a pore. Deep within each follicle, oil glands are hard at work producing sebum, which travels up the hair and out onto the surface of your skin. Sebum’s job is to form a protective layer between your skin and the world, keeping it soft and smooth.

But when androgens enter the picture, your oil glands go into overdrive. They produce extra oil, which can clump together with the dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin. When this sticky mixture finds its way into your pores, it acts just like a cork in a bottle — trapping oil and bacteria inside. Unfortunately, your oil glands just don’t know when to stop; they keep producing oil, and the follicle becomes swollen. Your body’s natural defense system, white blood cells, rush to the area to clean up the mess. The result? Red, painful bumps. Yucky black spots. Zits. Blackheads. Pimples. Acne. It has nothing to do with what you eat, or how often you wash your face.

How can I strike back against teen acne? The best way to zap zits is to prevent them from showing up in the first place! Following are a few simple practices than can help you minimize your breakouts.

A Tip on Avoiding Teen Acne - Keep it clean. Since teenagers produce more oil, it’s important to wash twice a day with warm water and a mild cleanser. Since your skin does need some sebum in order to stay healthy, don’t be tempted to overwash; your glands could pay you back by producing more oil.

Teen Acne Advice - Skip harsh scrubs. It's okay to exfoliate, but be sure to use a gentle formula with small, smooth grains. Avoid products with almond or apricot shell fragments; they can irritate or even tear your skin and further aggravate your acne.

Avoiding Teen Acne - Say no to alcohol. If you use a toner, avoid products with high concentrations of isopropyl alcohol, or common rubbing alcohol. Alcohol strips the top layer of your skin, causing your glands to produce more oil. The result? Dry, flaky skin — and possibly more blemishes.

Ways to Avoid Teen Acne - Don't squeeze or pick. Squeezing or picking your blemishes with fingernails, pins or anything else can force bacteria deeper into the skin. This can cause greater inflammation and infection, increasing the chances that your pimple will leave a permanent scar. Remember, a zit that’s bugging you today will go away if treated properly; if you pick at it, it may stick around forever.

Being Smart about Teen Acne - Hands off! The bacteria that causes acne, Propionibacterium acnes, hangs out on your skin all the time; it doesn't lead to acne until it gets trapped inside the hair follicle. Touching your face, including rubbing or even resting your chin in your hands, can drive bacteria into your pores — where it can begin its dirtywork.

Dealing with Teen Acne - Choose products wisely. If you wear make-up, be sure it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic — that means it won’t clog your pores and make your breakouts worse. The same goes for your sunscreen and even your hair products; sticky sprays, gels and pomades can aggravate acne, too.

Getting Ahead of Teen Acne - Be smart about sun. If you think tanning helps youracne, you’re right — and wrong. Small amounts of sun exposure may improve acne for a few days. But suntans (and burns) also make you shed your dead skin cells faster, so in the long run, you’ll end up with more clogged pores. And that means more acne. Another thing you should know: some kinds of acne medication make skin more sensitive to the sun. So if you’re headed outside in sunny weather, be sure to slather up with sunscreen. Look for sun protection products that are oil-free and have a “sun protection factor” (or SPF) of at least 15 for both UVA and UVB rays.

Avoiding Teen Acne - Accessorize wisely. Heat and friction (rubbing) can cause acne flare-ups. So steer clear of hats and headbands — and if your sports team requires you to wear a helmet or any other equipment that might rub against your skin, try lining it with a layer of clean, soft cotton. And remember to shower immediately after exercising — don’t sit around in a sweaty uniform, no matter how cool you look.

Teen Acne Treatment - Find a regimen and stick with it. Most cases of mild acnecan be improved with "over-the-counter" products, or products that don't require a prescription from your doctor. There is a wide range of treatments available, and there’s a good chance one of them will work for you. If you start treatment before youracne gets severe, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding physical and emotional problems down the road. But if your acne gets worse or lasts more than a couple of weeks, see a dermatologist. Here's a quick listing of the most common products used to treat acne — click on the links that interest you for more information on that course of treatment.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills the bacteria that causes acne.

• Proactiv® Solution: A dermatologist formulated Combination Therapy® acne management system. Click Here and receive 2 free bonuses when you try Proactiv® Solution Risk-Free for 60 Days!

• Salicylic Acid: Unclogs your pores and encourages skin renewal.

• Tretinoin (Retin-A®): Promotes healthy sloughing.

• Antibiotics: Kill bacteria and reduces inflammation.

• Oral Contraceptives: Help regulate hormone levels.

• Anti-Androgens: Inhibit the body's production of acne-causing hormones.

• Isotretinoin (Accutane®): Treatment for severe cystic or nodular acne.

Relax — it’s not your fault. The most important thing to remember about acne is that it’s not your fault. You didn’t make your face break out by eating too many french fries, wearing make-up or daydreaming about your crush. Now you know a few of the things that can aggravate acne in teenagers. But since acne is different for everyone, you should watch your own skin carefully for things that trigger breakouts — and avoid them. If your acne still hangs around, see a doctor.

(Source: www.acne.com)

Acne Imposters

As if acne weren’t enough! Occasionally, acne vulgaris is accompanied by other bothersome skin conditions. Some are simply unpleasant tagalongs, like dandruff; some may actually be mistaken for acne, but require a different course of treatment. Of course, only your dermatologist can make a conclusive diagnosis. But learning a little about these conditions may help you formulate questions for your doctor.

Acne cosmetica. As its name suggests, this mild and relatively common form of acne is caused by cosmetics. Since it's triggered by topical products, it can strike anyone — even people who are not physiologically prone to acne. It typically consists of small, itchy or rashy pink bumps on the cheeks, chin and forehead, developing gradually over the course of a few weeks or months. It may persist indefinitely, but usually does not cause scarring. How can you avoid it? When shopping for make-up and skin products, look for products that are "non-comedogenic." These products are less likely to cause irritation or clogging of the pores.

Dandruff (or Seborrheic Dermatitis). For reasons we don't know, dandruff often accompanies acne, especially in adolescents. The causes are similar. For dandruff sufferers, the natural process of scalp-cell renewal is accelerated when fighting off P. ovale, a normal fungus found on every human head. This causes dead cells to slough more quickly, creating the symptoms we know as dandruff — flaking, scaling and itching of the scalp. In some cases, dandruff involves tiny pimples on the scalp. Climate, heredity, diet, hormones and stress can also impact dandruff. Most cases can be managed with non-prescription shampoos containing zinc, coal tar or salicylic acid. Stronger shampoos can be prescribed by your doctor if the problem continues. Dandruff isn't caused by overwashing of the hair, so it's okay to shampoo every day. In contrast, scratching or picking the scalp can worsen the condition.

Dermatitis (or Eczema) is characterized by a rapidly spreading red rash which may be itchy, blistered and swollen. Atopic dermatitis is related to asthma and hay fever-type allergies, and is often seen in early childhood. Contact dermatitis is usually caused by contact with irritants (detergents or harsh chemicals) or allergens (substance to which the patient is allergic, like rubber, preservatives or a particular fragrance). Individuals with chronic dermatitis will have a longstanding history of irritation in the affected area or areas. The eyelids, neck and hands are most commonly affected in adults. The skin in these areas may be darker than surrounding skin, and thickened from persistent scratching. This form is thought to be hereditary, but may be influenced by environmental factors as well. Dermatitis may come and go throughout a person's life.

Enlarged pores. Before the onset of puberty, most people have relatively small pores and smooth skin. Pores tend to become larger in adolescence as sebum production increases. Then, as we continue to age, sun damage decreases the skin's elasticity, making pores appear larger. As an adult, the size of your pores is determined by genetics; some people retain the small pores of their youth, while others develop larger pores. Individuals with larger pores may complain of small grayish blackheads on the nose and cheeks. Contrary to popular belief, these "blackheads" are nothing more than normal sebum doing its job: lining the pore. Since the sebum is meant to be there, squeezing is an exercise in futility — the oil comes back the next day, and frequent handling over time may actually damage the pore, causing it to enlarge permanently.

Epidermal Cysts. Unlike cystic acne, which occurs within the confines of an infected follicle, an epidermal cyst is a sac-like growth in the deeper layers of the skin. The cyst sac is filled with a soft, whitish material that may remain indefinitely. Small cysts (less than 5mm in diameter) don't usually need treatment; they can be a nuisance, but are generally harmless. Larger cysts have a higher probability of becoming infected; this is very painful and can lead to scarring. Epidermal cysts are often permanent; even if the material is extracted, the sac remains and the cyst may return. In these cases the entire cyst sac must be excised to prevent recurrence. While cysts are typically benign, it's wise to consult a physician about suspicious lumps and bumps.

Favre-Racouchet Syndrome. Because this condition is caused by severe, progressive sun damage over the course of many years, Favre-Racouchet Syndrome is most prevalent among men and women over 50. Patients are afflicted by large coalescent comedones (blackheads) around the eyes and on the upper cheeks. Unlike acne blackheads, Favre comedones do not regress if left untreated; they must be surgically extracted or treated with topical retinoids.

Keratosis Pilaris. Common among teenagers, keratosis pilaris is characterized by patches of tiny, red, kernel-hard bumps on the backs of the arms, shoulders, buttocks and the front of the thighs. Occasionally it occurs on the cheeks as well, with numerous bumps in the affected areas. Unlike acne, keratosis pilaris is usually painless and feels spiny to the touch. It tends to be more severe during the winter months when humidity is lower, and is more prevalent in arid climates.

Milia. These tiny, white bumps are found mostly in the area around the eyes. Cystic in nature, they are hard to the touch and deep in the skin. Milia may last for weeks or even months; if they are particularly troublesome to you, consult your dermatologist for professional, safe removal.

Peri-Oral Dermatitis. Primarily affecting women in their 20s and 30s, this condition is characterized by patches of itchy or tender red spots around the mouth. The skin bordering the lips may appear pale and dry, while the chin, upper lips and cheeks become red, dry and flaky. It can also affect the skin around the nose.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is just a fancy name for the acne-like breakouts commonly called "shaving bumps." As hairs begin to grow back after shaving, waxing or plucking, they get trapped inside the follicle and cause irritation and swelling. Not everyone gets shaving bumps; people with curly hair are more susceptible, but anyone can take steps to prevent them. If you can, use an electric razor. If you prefer blade shaving, use a new, single-edge blade every time you shave. Prep the area with warm water and use a rich shaving cream. Always shave with the grain, not against it. Then, after you're done, apply a mild toner or antibacterial gel. Get more information on shaving.

Rosacea. Frequently mistaken for acne, rosacea is a skin condition most commonly found in adults between 30 and 60 years of age. Unlike acne vulgaris, rosacea does not involve comedones, and appears only in areas that are likely to flush when we're embarrassed, excited or hot — primarily the face, neck and chest. The skin is bumpy, red and oily in appearance, and may also involve papules and pustules. Rosacea begins as an episodic inflammation, or a temporary annoyance. Left untreated, however, it can become a chronic condition, causing facial scarring. If you think you may have rosacea, it's best to contact a dermatologist right away.

(Source: www.acne.com)

Types of Acne

Though all pimples start the same way, they can take many forms and may react differently for different people. All acne begins with one basic lesion: The comedo, an enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria. Invisible to the naked eye, the comedo lurks beneath the surface of your skin waiting for the right conditions to grow into an inflamed lesion. As the skin continues to produce more oil, bacteria flourishes within the swollen follicle. The surrounding skin becomes increasingly inflamed as your white blood cells fight against the intruders.  

NOTE: The following guide is not intended to be used for conclusive self-diagnosis; it’s best to consult a dermatologist if your acne persists.  These definitions may be used to help you decide whether or not you should consider seeking medical attention.

Types of Acne - NON-INFLAMMATORY ACNE  

Closed comedo, or whitehead. If the plugged follicle stays below the surface of the skin, the lesion is called a closed comedo, or whitehead. They usually appear on the skin as small, whitish bumps.  

Open comedo, or blackhead. If the plug enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin, it's called an open comedo, or blackhead. The plug's dark appearance is not due to dirt, but rather to a buildup of melanin, the skin's dark pigment.

Types of Acne - INFLAMMATORY ACNE  

Papule. The mildest form of inflammatory acne is the papule, which appears on the skin as a small, firm pink bump. These can be tender to the touch, and are often considered an intermediary step between non-inflammatory and clearly inflammatory lesions.  

Pustule. Like papules, pustules are small round lesions; unlike papules, they are clearly inflamed and contain visible pus. They may appear red at the base, with a yellowish or whitish center. Pustules do not commonly contain a great deal of bacteria; the inflammation is generally caused by chemical irritation from sebum components such as fatty free acids.

Nodule or Cyst. Large and usually very painful, nodules are inflamed, pus-filled lesions lodged deep within the skin. Nodules develop when the contents of a comedo have spilled into the surrounding skin and the local immune system responds, producing pus. The most severe form of acne lesion, nodules may persist for weeks or months, their contents hardening into a deep cyst. Both nodules and cysts often leave deep scars.  

Acne conglobata. This rare but serious form of inflammatory acne develops primarily on the back, buttocks and chest. In addition to the presence of pustules and nodules, there may be severe bacterial infection.

(Source: www.acne.com)