Acne Causes and Treatment - Dr. Brian Evans Plastic Surgery
The exact cause of acne is not known, but the following factors are considered important:
What Causes Acne?
Acne is the visible end result of hormonal, bacterial and inflammatory disturbances that take place at the level of the oil pore (pilosebaceous follicle):
• As the process advances, greater amounts of oil may be produced within the sebaceous glands, though the change in composition and quality of the oil may be more important than the quantity. The scale produced on the inside walls of the hair follicle becomes stickier, and it builds up and blocks the pore. This shows up as whiteheads and blackheads (comedones).
• The acne bacteria (Propionobacterium acnes) grow and multiply in the retained oil. The sebum acts as a nutrition source for the bacteria, which in turn releases chemicals within the pore. These alert and attract white cells from the blood, and that’s what leads to inflammation. On the skin, the inflammation is seen as pimples or zits (papules and pustules).
• As these inflamed hair follicles (pores) and glands enlarge, the surrounding skin also becomes inflamed and may lead to even larger lumps and cysts (also called nodules).
• Inflammation may damage the cells that make collagen. Less collagen production causes thinning of the skin, which is seen as depressed scars. Occasionally, collagen production will increase, which then causes the scars to become thickened.
Acne and Pregnancy
Pregnant Woman: There are many types of Acne medication. These range from oral, topical, antibiotic, antimicrobials, retinoids amongst countless other varieties. During pregnancy you have to be incredibly careful before using any form of acne medication. A select few medications can cause defects in the unborn fetus; others on the other hand can are dangerous for breast feeding children. It’s imperative that pregnant women only take medicines after consulting the doctor.
Always avoid common acne medications, especially Isotretinon which must be strictly avoided in all cases. Other topicals that contain tazarotene, tretinoin and vitamin A derivatives are not to be used. A general rule of thumb is to only use what your doctor advises. Many over the counter skin care medicines contain Vitamin A derivatives. These should not be used.
All antibiotics that contain tetracycline on the ingredients list must not be used. This also applies to doxycycline products. They can damage the fetus and breast feeding child. Do not take antibiotics for granted, the health of your baby is crucially important so speak to your doctor.
Please avoid the use of all hormone preparations for your acne treatments. Many hormones such as estrogen and other common anti androgen hormones can cause irreversible damage to the fetus and may in severe circumstances be passed on to breast feeding children. It’s best to avoid the use of as many medicines as you possibly can. Get everything you plan to take certified by a doctor if you are planning to have a baby, are pregnant or you’re breast feeding your child.
A Look at Topical Treatment Options for Acne
The most commonly used topical acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide, retinoid, topical acne antibiotics, azelaic acid, and combination topical products.
1) Benzoyl Peroxide:
Benzoyl peroxide can improve acne by killing the acne bacteria and by unblocking oil gland pores. There are many different benzoyl peroxide products available to you. The lower concentrations can be obtained over the counter (OTC), while higher strengths require a prescription.
2) Retinoids:
These products are the most effective type of medications for unblocking the pores of oil glands. They are generally considered to be the first choice of treatment for whiteheads and blackheads (comedones). Although there are a variety of topical retinoids, your physician can choose the one that is best suited to your needs.
- Tretinoin
- Adapalene
- Tazarotene
- Isotretinoin
3) Topical Acne Antibiotics - Antibacterial/Anti-Inflammatory:
- Clindamycin
- Erythromycin
- Sulfacetamide
This brief article is for informative purposes only. It is not intended to as medical advice and is not to be used as a substitute for pro medical advice. Take the time and consult Dr. Brian Evans Plastic Surgery with any medical concerns.
Brian Evans MD is a plastic surgeon in West Hills, California and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center and San Joaquin Community Hospital.
For More Information Visit:
Dr. Brian Evans Plastic Surgery
Phone Number
(818) 676-4001
http://www.drbrianevansplasticsurgery.com