One of the most frustrating and embarrassing skinconditions faced by nearly every teen, and many adults, isAcne. This condition is caused by pores in the skinbecoming clogged, and the skin’s natural oils becomingtrapped. The pores usually clog up due to skin cellsshedding too quickly, and then blocking the oils in theskin from draining properly. Then bacteria trapped in theskin begins to grow, and whiteheads, blackheads or otherlesions form.
There are quite different levels of severity of acne, themost common being Acne Vulgaris, which is simple pimples,whiteheads, and blackheads. It is a common form of teenacne, and is usually easy to treat.
A more common variety of adult acne is Acne Rosacea, whichcan cause blood vessels to burst under the skin, as well aswhiteheads, but is recognizable by a lack of blackheads. Treatment for this adult form is quite different thantreatment for teen acne, so a doctor should be consulted.
Much more severe is Acne Conglobata, which is rare, butusually strikes males under 30. Symptoms include largelesions, and extensive blackheads. It can cause permanentskin damage including infections and scarring, to saynothing of the psychological damage. It needs to be treatedby a doctor.
However it happens, acne can be embarrassing and awkward,to say nothing of the potential for scars and permanentdamage. So what to do?
There are several commercially available Acne medicationsavailable by prescription. Some of these includeAdapalene, Benzol Peroxide, and Isotretinoin treatmentslike Accutane. While Benzol Peroxide is available throughmany over the counter treatments like Oxy Clear, generallyIsotretinoin treatments are considered the most effective.
Accutane, the most popular of these Acne solutions, is apill taken for 15 to 20 weeks. It is generally prescribedfor severe cases of Acne that do not respond to othertreatments. Because of the strong likelihood of severedeformities in children born to women taking Accutane whilepregnant, many women are asked to take birth control bytheir doctors when taking this medication. Other sideeffects may include dry cracked lips and skin, and muscleand joint pain.
