Acne can negatively impact your self-image and, over time, can lead to permanent facial scarring if left untreated. There are several highly effective treatments for acne that reduce both your likelihood of developing new pimples and the amount of scars you will have. For most people, good skin care starts with a clean, fresh face, free of unsightly pimples or blackheads. But it's not just about washing, scrubbing and drying. There is also a science to treating acne so that you can keep your skin looking its best.
If you do not treat your acne appropriately, you could damage your skin, possibly resulting in more severe scarring, even if you only use the appropriate products. If you do not treat your skin appropriately, you could damage your skin, possibly resulting in more severe scarring, even if you only use the appropriate products. Because most dermatologists recommend using some form of topical medication to fight acne, your primary care doctor may suggest some kind of oral prescription or, rarely, a prescription for a topical cream or lotion. Sometimes, depending on the severity of your condition, your dermatologist will recommend both topical medications and oral medications.
Skin Conditions
One of the most common skin conditions among teenagers is acne. Acne has many causes, including hormone level fluctuations, bacteria on the skin and sometimes even improper cleaning. The condition causes painful inflammation and, at times, redness, tenderness and itching. It can make you feel unattractive and depressed. In extreme cases, it can cause emotional distress, anxiety and depression. Treating this common skin condition may require the assistance of a dermatologist who will usually prescribe topical prescription medications, antibiotics and other medicines to help alleviate your symptoms.
There are several factors which can contribute to the onset of acne during puberty. First, there is normally an increase in the amount of oil production during puberty. Second, hormonal changes also take place during puberty. For teenagers, the onset of puberty brings about the onset of testosterone and androgen (male hormones) production. When these two hormones increase, sebaceous glands become enlarged and oil production is increased. Some of the medications that are prescribed by dermatologists for the treatment of acne are oral antibiotics, retinoid creams, acne pills and Accutane (a powerful antibiotic).
The sebaceous glands become inflamed when the excess oil is not properly removed. This excess sebum sometimes clogs the pores, which may make bacteria inside the skin become trapped. The trapped bacteria, in turn, releases harmful toxins into the blood stream. These toxins may make the bacteria more aggressive and they may cause a pimple to erupt and then leave a permanent scar.
Because severe acne may require medical treatment from a dermatologist, it's best to see your dermatologist at the first sign of an outbreak. You can get an accurate diagnosis for your condition if you visit a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will be able to tell you the proper treatments that you need for your specific condition. He may prescribe special topical medication, prescribe antibiotics only, or he may recommend a combination of medications.