Normally the skin produces oil which carries away sloughed off dead skin cells. Sometimes this process works incorrectly resulting in acne. Excess oil production causes skin bacteria to travel into the pores. Dead skin cells combine with excess oil to clog pores, trapping the bacteria. The bacteria multiply and cause the follicle to rupture, resulting in a pimple. When seeking acne relief, treatment should focus on eradicating excess oil and bacteria and keeping skin clean to prevent dead skin cells from building up.
Significance
According to ZeroZits.com, approximately 85 percent of teenagers suffer from acne, and approximately 25 percent of these cases will result in scarring. In addition, approximately 20 percent of adults suffer from acne. Unfortunately, only about 11 percent of acne sufferers actually seek medical consultation or treatment for acne. Social stigma and embarrassment may prevent people from seeing a dermatologist. The misconception that all teenagers outgrow acne may cause parents to wait it out or not make treatment a priority.
Excess Oil
Mild acne can still be evaluated by a dermatologist, but treatment successful treatment can often be achieved with over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. Many OTC cleansers and lotions contain benzoyl peroxide, which reduces excess oil and bacteria. The most common side effect is excessive skin dryness that often subsides with continued use. Benzoyl peroxide is most effective for mild inflammatory acne and non-inflammatory acne. People with skin that is more dry than oily may wish to use lower concentrations of benzoyl peroxide or use salicylic acid, another OTC treatment, instead.
Dead Skin Cells
Salicylic acid is also available OTC in washes, lotions and toners. While it has no effect on excess oil or bacteria, it reduces inflammation and buildup of dead skin cells. People with non-inflammatory acne and dry or combination skin will likely benefit from salicylic acid treatment. Mild skin irritation may occur with use. People with oily skin or inflammatory acne may find that salicylic acid does little for their skin. Some acne kits contain a salicylic acid product and a benzoyl peroxide product, which may benefit people with non-inflammatory acne, like blackheads, as well as inflamed pimples.
Bacteria
Benzoyl peroxide reduces bacteria, but moderate or severe inflammatory acne may require more bacteria reduction. Oral antibiotics, which are prescribed by a dermatologist, focus on fighting skin bacteria to reduce inflammation. Antibiotics available for acne include doxycycline and tetracycline. A course of oral antibiotic treatment typically lasts about six months. Antibiotics may be used along with topical treatments, like benzoyl peroxide, for increased effectiveness. According to the American Academy of Dermatology's AcneNet, the most common side effect of treatment is gastrointestinal irritation. Antibiotics may also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Multifaceted Treatment
Severe acne may require medication that focuses on all the factors that cause acne. The oral medication isotretinoin is the only medication that treats all the factors that contribute to acne. Isotretinoin reduces excess oil, fights bacteria, unclogs pores and reduces inflammation. A course of treatment lasts about four to six months with permanent results often achieved.
According to MayoClinic.com, isotretinoin is primarily intended for very severe acne and should not be used until other treatments have been ruled out. Women who are able to bear children are required to use two reliable forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Severe birth defects can occur if a woman becomes pregnant while taking the drug. Side effects are numerous and include bone and joint pain, burning or itching of the eyes, nosebleeds, rash, depression, nausea and vomiting.
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