Acne

Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition resulting in pustular skin eruptions (pimples), which occur most commonly on the face, neck, shoulders and upper back.

Acne is caused by a blockage at the opening of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands in the skin. These glands normally produce an oily substance called sebum, which is required to keep the skin supple and healthy. Puberty causes these glands to produce excess oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the skin pores are not shed properly and clog up the follicles. These two effects result in a build-up of oil-producing whiteheads and blackheads (where a darkened plug of oil is visible). This build-up of oil creates an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red or pus-filled spots.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat this condition. Sometimes your Doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. If the case is severe there are other treatments available from your Doctor

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Vitamins may be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.
• Zinc supplementation has been shown to improve Acne in some cases.
• Zinc combined with Vitamin B3 (also known as nicotinamide, niacin or nicotinic acid) and Folic acid helps to manage Acne.
• Vitamin A, as a supplement or in skin preparations, plays an important role in the treatment of Acne. Vitamin A is not suitable for pregnant women.
• Calendula is used widely as a soothing ingredient in skin preparations. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound-healing properties.
• Sarsaparilla and Gotu kola, taken orally, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to improve Acne.
• Tea tree oil has been shown to be an effective treatment in skin preparations for Acne.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE
Ask your MedAux Pharmacist for advice.
1. Follow the Diet Hints.
2. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fresh water a day. This helps prevent dehydration and constipation that can be associated with acne. Water is thought to help with cleansing of the body.
3. Cleanse the skin thoroughly with a medicated face wash recommended by your Pharmacist. A special Acne product containing Benzoyl Peroxide might be suggested to apply after cleansing the skin. Ask your Pharmacist for advice. There are many brands and they are available as a soap, liquid or a foam. Always pat the affected area dry rather than vigorously rubbing.
4. Include yoghurt or some acidophilus in the diet. Acidophilus can be useful in establishing a healthy internal flora and promoting the bowels to eliminate properly.
5. Some cosmetic products may aggravate the condition, especially those that contain certain ingredients such as isopropyl myristate. Non-greasy, water-based products are best. Some products use the description 'non-comedogenic' or 'non-acnegenic'. This means the products have been tested and shown not to worsen Acne.
6. If the diet is inadequate consider some supplements. The B Group Vitamins may be helpful for stress. Stress tends to deplete B vitamins and stress is often associated with Acne. Zinc is suggested because it is reputed to help the immune system. Vitamin A is useful for a number of skin conditions including Acne.
7. Apply topical preparations to the area involved, not just to individual lesions.
8. Sunlight may aggravate irritation caused by topical applications (i.e. retinoids), therefore these need to be applied at night.