Medical treatment for acne vulgaris can take several forms. The first stage is to try applying certain topical treatments. You can try each of these in turn for a month to six weeks. If the acne improves, continue. If not, move on to the next option.

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

This can dry up acne vulgaris for many people. Products containing benzoyl peroxide include Brevoxyl and Benzac.

2. Salicylic Acid

This is another option which many people find helps their acne. Products containing salicylic acid include Propa pH and Stridex.

Aspirin is a derivative of salicylic acid and that is why some people treat pimples at home with soluble aspirin dissolved in a few drops of water to make a paste. However, it is more convenient to buy a commercial acne treatment. It looks pretty weird walking around with white aspirin paste on your face!

If neither benzoyl peroxide nor salicylic acid works for you, you will need to have a prescription medication.

3. Topical Antibiotics

The first step for a medical practitioner is often to prescribe antibiotic creams, gels or lotions which are applied directly to the pimples. These are for external use only.

4. Oral Antibiotics

In some cases you may be prescribed a course of oral antibiotics that you take internally. This treatment often helps acne scars to heal so it is more likely to be used where the acne is deep or is producing scarring.

If you take oral antibiotics, be sure to follow up with a course of probiotics afterward. You can buy probiotics from any health food store. This repopulates the healthy bacteria in the stomach. These can be killed off by antibiotics and the result can be an overgrowth of candida, leading to yeast infections.

If you think that you already have an overgrowth of candida, it is better not to take antibiotics for your acne but treat the candidiasis first. You may find that acne improves or even disappears when the yeast is under control. Candidiasis is not so likely to be a problem for teenagers, but is sometimes involved in adult acne.

5. Prescription Retinoids

Retinoids are related to vitamin A and they have many applications in medicine, one of which is treating acne. As with antibiotics, you can get topical retinoids in the form of creams or gels which are applied directly to pimples (e.g. Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac). Retinoids can irritate the skin so in some cases the acne gets worse before it gets better.

There are also oral retinoids that you take internally, such as Accutane. These usually take several months to have an effect. Oral retinoids should only be taken under medical supervision. There can be side effects and overdose is dangerous. Women taking retinoids must not get pregnant because they can cause birth defects, so oral retinoids are more likely to be prescribed for men as a medical treatment for acne vulgaris.

Acne is formed when the pores around the hair follicles become blocked with dead skin cells and oil secreted from the skin. It may be manifested in the form of blackheads, whiteheads or pimples. Sometimes the clogged pores may even get infected and take the form of cystic lesions. Any of these can be a cause of concern.

  Hormonal acne is closely linked to hormone fluctuations in the body. Interestingly most of the hormones that cause acne are male hormones but women are the most affected by them. This is because women experience a lot of hormonal changes at the various stages of life. On the contrary men secrete almost the same ones throughout except at pre-puberty and puberty. The frequent hormonal fluctuations in women are the most general causes of acne. There are a number of androgenic hormones involved in this process, too. For example, acne produced from androgens is a symptom of polycystic ovary.

Hormonal acne is caused when hormones, released from the respective glands are directed towards the skin. If there is an increase in the secretion of these hormones the skin pores swell up and eventually burst. This problem is most visible in women when they are going through the vulnerable period of the menstrual cycle. This causes mental distress along with a physical reaction. Most women try anti-acne creams but normally these don’t work. It is important to find out the real cause of the specific acne and treat it from within.

Adult women generally suffer from hormonal acne for which the standard remedy is the use of antibiotics, or topical preparations like Accutane. But surveys reveal that most women use over-the-counter common medicines rather than resorting to these general treatments. In working-women, levels of male hormones often go up most often due to stress. As if to add insult to injury, several female hormones start acting like male ones! Treating acne with countering hormones is an effective way to calm the eruptions and, in most cases, it yields positive results. Starting, changing the dosage or stopping contraceptive pills may also result in acne. This is because of the chemical changes that ensue once the hormones fluctuate. Extra oil is secreted from the sebaceous glands, which may lead to a flare-up of acne.

Due to the advancement in medicine regarding hormonal acne, the silver lining is the diverse ways in which it can be treated. A general prescription would include regular applications of topical antimicrobials such as benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics. Topical retinoids and anti-androgen medication may provide further help. Estrogen-inducing oral contraceptive pills are also useful because these fight androgen secretions.

So the next time you get those pimples that won’t go away, pass up the over-the-counter topicals and try the internal remedies. Find out the “root” of the problem and work towards clearing it up forever. Then you can flaunt a flawless appearance without worrying about hormonal acne! 

Roaccutane works for thousands of acne sufferers in the UK every year – nearly 12,000 prescriptions for the drug were handed out last year.

The leaflet you get with the tablets warns about depression and even suicidal feelings.

It can also cause physical side effects like exhaustion, aching joints and severely dry lips and eyes.

It is licensed in the UK as a last resort for patients with severe acne who have already tried two other forms of treatment.

But top skin doctor Tony Chu says this isn’t happening.

Roaccutane hidden information

“An awful lot of people are being offered Roaccutane almost as a first-line treatment,” she said.

“It’s bad medicine. You know with Roaccutane you can get patients clear and off your books in six months rather than go through the mill and try them on a variety of things until you hit on the thing that will actually work for them.”

Dr Chu says doctors have no way of knowing which patients will get mental health side effects.

But it can take many months to find the right combination of alternative treatments like oral antibiotics and skin creams which is frustrating if acne’s ruining your life.

Different treatments instead of Roaccutane

After spending two years trying different antibiotics and creams 22-year-old student Charlotte Bowser from Truro was desperate to try Roaccutane.

“When I heard about it I was like: ‘Wow! Give it to me now’. I’d tried so many different lotions from my GP.

“I had one that bleached my hair and clothes. And I had another one that was like pouring lemon juice on a cut. That was horrible. I hated it.”

Roaccutane gave Charlotte bad mood swings, but it did get rid of her spots. It also worked for 17-year-old Luke from Hereford.

He said: “I didn’t feel depressed but what I definitely did get, and what a lot of people do say, is that your energy levels are so incredibly low. I always wanted sleep.

Adult Acne

Although less common than adult female acne, adult male acne can continue well after your teenage years. The cause of acne in men can vary but unlike adult female acne which is often related to menstruation, pregnancy or even menopause, male acne is often caused by non-hormonal factors that can be resolved easily.

Types of Adult Acne

Acne Vulgaris- Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition usually suffered by teenagers and is characterized by areas of the skin, often the face becoming covered with blackheads and whiteheads, pimples and papules. Over time this can result in scaring. While the acne you suffered as a teenager may have lessened over the years it has remained persistent. If this is you, it may simply be that your teenage acne has stuck around as your body has failed to fight off the acne causing bacteria propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes for short. The most logical solution would be to take antibiotics as these can kill off the acne causing bacteria once and for all. Antibiotics commonly taken to rid people of acne include clindamycin, tetracyclines, erythromycin and minocycline.

Acne Mechanica – Acne mechanica is a form of acne often seen on athletes and tends to occur underneath clothing. It is caused by irritation to the skin as a result of sweat and friction. This friction can be caused by sports equipment or clothing, helmets or belts rubbing against the skin. Wearing sweat absorbing materials and opting for softer clothing which is less harsh on the skin can make a real difference and can prevent this form of acne from appearing.

Anabolic Steroids – Acne has become increasingly common amongst body builders due to the widespread use of anabolic steroids. These powerful drugs increase the level of the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone when produced in excessive amounts can cause the oil glands to go into overdrive producing an excessive amount of oil in the skin which can clog the pores resulting in blackheads, whiteheads and cystic acne. If you take anabolic steroids, reducing or avoiding them altogether can lead to a significant reduction in these skin problems and reduce the other health problems associated with the misuse of anabolic steroids.

To find out more about male acne and female acne check out the authors site who provides researched advice on acne and other health issues.

Adult Acne is a common skin disease. It often manifests itself by inflammation in the skin, erupting in lesions and is characterized by pimples on the face, chest, and back. Acne is an inflammatory skin condition resulting in clogged pores, blackheads, and pimples. Not surprisingly acne can be triggered by hormones, excessive oil, and bacteria. It is the most common skin disorder among Americans affecting approximately 80 percent of the population. It is definitely the leading skin disorder affecting both men and women and adults and teenagers on a global scale, but is most common in teenagers and young adults.

Pimples form when the follicle is invaded by the P. acnes bacteria. Adult Acne Pimples can also occur when a clogged pore becomes infected by bacteria causing a red, raised bump to appear on the skin. Pimples can have a pus filled top, which is the body’s way of reacting to a bacterial infection. Whether you call them pimples, zits, or acne, lots of young teens find skin problems confusing and upsetting.

Treatments to get rid of Adult acne are almost the same as that of face acne. Let’s discuss few of the methods available to treat body skin breakouts. Acne treatments involve getting to the root of the problem starting with killing bacteria, minimizing the amount of oil or sebum being produced and exfoliating debris and dead skin cells from the surface layers of the dermis. Acne medications can involve oral and topical products.

Many times, scars left behind by acne and pimples disappear on their own but at times these scars can be more difficult to alleviate than treating the acne itself. Some people get pimples on the scalp that may take a few weeks to clear up. This type of pimple is known as acne necrotica miliaris, and seems to flourish during times of high stress or when the scalp is oilier than normal.

Oily skin causing Adult Acne requires more attention and care for both men and women. http://www.homebizxplosion.com/products/acne2.html

If Adult acne is a problem that you should look at a solution for right now and these ideas should help you out

Acne is a very stubborn skin condition and once it strikes can leave misery to anyone who is effected. Acne effects most teenagers male and female to varying degree’s. Some may only witness minor spots while many have more severe out-breaks. Finding a way to clear acne is usually on the agenda of most of its sufferers.

Many like the idea of a natural treatment but can these be effective as drugs and over the counter remedies? Washes and ointments have little effect, this is because they only reach the surface of the problem. Drugs and antibiotics can help but can be extremely toxic to the body, often requiring regular tests by the doctor. The development of a relatively new natural treatment has cleared many acne sufferers fast with nothing but a natural approach and its called Acne Free In 3 Days.

The title Acne Free In 3 Days does sound rather optimistic, this is probably a way of the publisher explaining that this guide has proved to be fast and effective. Basically its a download able E-Book which explains exactly how to clear your acne fast.

Far from your average E-Book Acne Free In 3 Days is rather more scientific, its unique approach to combating acne relies on altering how your body deals with toxins which in turn effects your skin clearing acne. The main problem associated with acne are hormones, these hormones effect the balance of your bodies chemical structure. Acne Free In 3 Days explains how to counter-act these imbalances safely with natural foods and ingredients. Its an approach which treats the route cause and many feel its more effective than prescribed drugs. Tests have shown a clearer skin within a week, while some have had a total cure in a month.

Acne lesions occur mostly on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. It is the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring and permanent scarring.

Women actually have more and different issues than men with acne.

How does acne affect women?

Most young women and men will have at least a few pimples over the course of their lives. But acne seems to affect men and women in different ways. Young men are more likely to have a more serious form of acne. Acne in young women tends to be more random and linked to hormone changes, such as the menstrual cycle.

As women get older, acne often gets better. But some women have acne for many years. Some women even get acne for the first time at age 30 or 40.

For many women, acne can be an upsetting illness. Women may have feelings of depression, poor body image, or low self-esteem. But you don’t have to wait to outgrow acne or to let it run its course. Today, almost every case of acne can be resolved. Acne also can, sometimes, be prevented. Talk with your doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in treating skin problems) about how you can help prevent acne and if treatment would help you.

To find out about the the Acne No More Book read my review.

What are the different types of acne lesions?

* Comedo (whiteheads or blackheads) or papules. The comedo is the basic acne lesion, which is a plugged pore. If the plugged pore stays under the skin, it’s called a closed comedo and forms a white bump or whitehead. Blackheads are comedos that open up and appear blackish on the surface of the skin. This black color is not due to dirt, but because the air reacts with the excess oil.

* Pustules or pimples. Pustules or pimples are acne lesions that contain pus and are red at the base.
* Nodules. These are more serious acne lesions. They lodge deeper in the skin, are painful, and can cause scarring.
* Cysts. Like nodules, these lesions are deep within in the skin, are painful, and are filled with pus, and can cause scarring.

Many things can trigger acne in women:
* Hormone changes during puberty. During puberty, girls have an increase in male sex hormones called androgens. This increase causes the glands to get larger and make more sebum.
* Hormone changes as an adult. The menstrual cycle is one of the most common acne triggers.

Acne lesions tend to form a few days before the cycle begins and go away after the cycle is completed. Other hormone changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, improve acne in some women. But some women have worse acne during these times. Stopping use of birth control pills can play a role as well.

* Medicines. Certain medicines, such as those used to treat epilepsy and types of depression.
* Make-up.
* Pressure or friction on the skin. Friction caused by bike helmets or backpacks can make acne worse
* Family history. If other people in your family have acne, there is a greater chance you will have it.

Does poor hygiene cause acne?

It is a myth that women get acne because they don’t wash enough. Too much washing or scrubbing the skin harshly can make acne worse. And washing away surface oils doesn’t do much to prevent or cure acne, because it forms under the skin. The best way to clean the face is to gently wash it twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Be careful to remove make-up without harsh scrubbing.

Can stress cause acne?
Stress does not cause acne. But, acne may be a side effect of some medicines used to treat stress or depression. And in some cases, the social and emotional impact of acne lesions causes stress. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

Can eating chocolate or greasy foods cause acne?
While many women feel that eating chocolate or greasy foods causes acne, experts have not found a link between the diet and acne. Foods seem to have little effect on acne in most people. But, it’s important to eat a healthy diet for good health.

How is mild acne treated?
There are many treatments for mild acne. Mild acne can consist of whiteheads, blackheads and small pustules. At home, you can wash your face twice per day with warm water and a gentle cleanser or soap. Your doctor may suggest you also try an over-the-counter lotion or cream. These medicines may make your skin dry if you use them too much. Be sure to follow the directions.

If these medicines dont work, your doctor may prescribe a cream or lotion with benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur.

* Benzoyl peroxide works to reduce oil made by the glands.
* Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help breakdown whiteheads and blackheads.

If your acne does not get better after six to eight weeks, talk with your doctor about changing your treatment.

Can more serious forms of acne be treated?

Yes. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment for you.

Moderate to moderately severe acne. This type of acne consists of several whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules that cover the face and/or other parts of the body. It can be treated with antibiotic lotions or gels, as well as retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is an altered form of vitamin A. It helps prevent whiteheads and blackheads. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic pill, such as erythromycin. If you take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, antibiotics can affect how well they work. Be sure to use a second method of birth control with the pill, such as a condom. Retinoic acid and antibiotic pills can make the skin sensitive to the sun. So, wear sunscreen and stay in the shade while using them.

Severe acne. Severe acne consists of deep cysts, redness, swelling, extreme damage to the skin and scarring. You should see a dermatologist to care for this type of acne. Scarring can be prevented with appropriate treatments. Your dermatologist can prescribe oral antibiotics and oral contraceptives. Large inflamed cysts can be treated with an injection of a drug that lessens the redness, swelling, and irritation, and promotes healing.

Your dermatologist may prescribe Accutane, if other treatments have not worked. This is a strong medicine that can help prevent scarring and treat active disease. But, Accutane also can cause birth defects. It is important that you are not pregnant and do not plan to get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use two methods of birth control at the same time. This is done for one month before treatment begins, during treatment, and for a full month after stopping the drug. Talk with your dermatologist about when it’s safe to get pregnant. Other side effects of this drug may include dry eyes, itching, mood changes, and changes in the blood and liver. You and your dermatologist can decide whether this medicine is right for you based on the pros and cons. Use any prescribed medicine exactly as you are advised. Taking more medicine than you are supposed to take may make acne or your general health worse. Ask your doctor what to do if you miss a dose.

Some large cysts do not respond to medication and may need to be drained or removed. Your dermatologist is the only person who should drain or remove these. You should never try to drain or remove your acne by squeezing or picking. This can lead to infection, worsen your acne, and cause scarring.

Overall, if you dont see a change in your skin in six to eight weeks, talk with your doctor about your treatment plan.

Can birth control pills help treat acne?

For women who break out mainly around their menstrual cycle, some birth control pills can help. Research shows that these pills can clear acne by slowing down overactive oil glands in the skin. Sometimes, birth control pills are used along with a drug called spironolactone to treat acne in adult females. This medication lowers levels of the hormone androgen in the body. Androgen stimulates the skins oil glands. Side effects of this drug include irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, headache and fatigue. Spironolactone is not appropriate therapy for all patients.
When is surgery used for acne scarring?

If you have scarring, your dermatologist may suggest surgery to help heal acne lesions and remove scarring. A laser can reshape scar tissue and reduce redness. Dermabrasion is a type of surgery that can remove surface scars and reduce the depth of deep scars. Another option is to transfer fat from one part of the body to the face. In some cases, a single treatment can help scarring. But for lasting results, several are often needed. There are also topical treatments for acne scarring.

Photodynamic therapy is a new acne treatment. It begins with light microdermabrasion. This is used to remove dead skin cells on the faces surface. Then, an acid is put on the skin for 30 to 60 minutes. After this period, the acid is taken off. Lastly, the skin is treated with a laser. This treatment is still being researched, but seems to give positive long-term results.
How can I help prevent acne and acne scars?

You can help prevent acne flare-ups and scars by taking good care of your skin:

1. Clean your skin gently with a mild soap or cleanser twice a day?once in the morning and once at night. You should also gently clean the skin after heavy exercise. Avoid strong soaps and rough scrub pads. Harsh scrubbing of the skin may make acne worse. Wash your entire face from under the jaw to the hairline and rinse thoroughly. Remove make-up gently with a mild soap and water. Ask your doctor before using an astringent.

2. Wash your hair on a regular basis. If your hair is oily, you may want to wash it more often.

3. Do not squeeze or pick at acne lesions. This can cause acne scars.

4. Avoid getting sunburned. Many medicines used to treat acne can make you more prone to sunburn. Many people think that the sun helps acne, because the redness from sunburn may make acne lesions less visible. But, too much sun can also increase your risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. When you’re going to be outside, use sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Also, try to stay in the shade as much as you can.

5. Choose make-up and hair care products that are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic. These products have been made in a way that they don’t cause acne. You may also want to use products that are oil-free.

6. Avoid things that rub the skin as much as you can, such as backpacks and sports equipment.

7. Talk with your doctor about what treatment methods can help your acne. Take your medicines as prescribed. Be sure to tell your doctor if you think medicines you take for other health problems make your acne worse.

Is rosacea the same as acne?

Rosacea (ro-ZAY-she-ah) is a common skin problem often called adult acne. Faired skinned and menopausal women are more likely to have rosacea. Rosacea also seems to run in families. It causes redness in the center parts of the face and pimples. Blood vessels under the skin of the face may enlarge and show through the skin as small red lines. The skin may be swollen and feel warm.

Women with rosacea don’t have the same lesions as seen with common acne. They may have flushing of the face, when they are hot, drink alcohol or hot drinks, or eat spicy foods. This flushing causes the face to appear red. In the most severe form, this redness does not go away. The eyes may become swollen and nodules in the skin may be painful.

You can help keep rosacea under control by keeping a record of things that cause it to flare up. Try to avoid or limit these triggers as much as you can. Antibiotic lotions or gels can also help. Sometimes, you may need to take antibiotic pills. Your dermatologist may treat you with laser surgery. If you think you have rosacea, talk with your doctor about these treatments.

You might be able to reduce the flare-ups of body acne in the following ways:

• Treatment for body acne and facial acne cannot be considered as the same. Monitor your diet regularly and if your body acne is severe enough to warrant sensitivity tests by your doctor, follow through to find the ingredient or ingredients that lead to acne formation.

• Enhance the amount of fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts in your diet. These will naturally help you to ward off acne attacks because of their vitamin and mineral content. Reducing body acne is a tricky problem but the solution is sometimes very simple.

• It’s prudent to wear loose clothing to enable your body to breathe and not become too oily. Too much oil on the body surface translates into torturous acne!

• Long hair can be beautiful but it also has potential to inflame body acne. Clean your hair regularly so that when it comes in contact with the body it doesn’t lead to the formation of acne.

• In today’s fast-paced life your worst enemy is stress. It can cause numerous problems, including body acne. If you want to know how to reduce body acne the answer lies in decreasing the amount of stress. Take time off to relax and de-stress yourself.

Body acne reduction can be emolliated in commercial creams and lotions, as well. These have three major components, which help in combating acne namely, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid and salicylic acid. They unclog pores, decrease the amount of oil formation and help to avert acne.

If you want herbal remedies, there are many creams available which have different herbs in them that act as antibiotics and also reduce skin inflammation. Many of these contain neem, yellow dock, sarsaparilla, dandelion root and/or honeysuckle (these can quite often be found in health food stores). Herbal body scrubs open up pores and clean out oil and debris to allow your skin to “breath”. Apricot pit is a common ingredient in these. There are oral antibiotics, too, which include vitamins A, B2, B3 and E. These can be of real help in the treatment of body acne.

The key to reducing body acne may lie in your general health and hygiene, however. Just get into the habit of cleaning your body regularly with antibacterial scrub and taking off sweaty clothes without rubbing or irritating your skin. Get the right amount of sleep, relax and take it easy. It’s always sensible to consult a doctor before you take any medication for body acne. There are always advancements in medicine and alternative discoveries that may improve your chances of leaving body acne behind!

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is launching a special Web page to warn consumers about the dangers of buying isotretinoin (Accutane) online. Isotretinoin is a drug approved for the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne that does not respond to antibiotics. Improperly used, isotretinoin can cause severe side effects, including birth defects. Serious mental health problems have also been reported with isotretinoin use.

The Web page, http://www.fda.gov/buyonline/accutane, will be positioned as a search result on Google and other search engines when a consumer initiates an online search for the drug under any one of its four names (Isotretinoin is sold under the brand name of Accutane and in generic versions called Amnesteem, Claravis, and Sotret.) The web page warns that the drug “should only be taken under the close supervision” of a physician or a pharmacist, and provides links to helpful information, including ways to check that drugs purchased online come from legitimate pharmacies.

“This Web page is yet another step we’re taking to ensure the safe use of a drug that can provide significant health benefits when used properly, but that can also cause very serious side effects if used without supervision of a health professional,” said Steven Galson, M.D.,M.P.H., Director, FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

FDA and the manufacturers of isotretinoin have put in place special safeguards to reduce the risks of isotretinoin, including a strict distribution program, called iPLEDGE. The aim of the distribution program is to ensure that women using isotretinoin do not become pregnant, and that women who are pregnant do not use isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is available only at a pharmacy that is registered for this distribution program. Additionally, the distribution program is designed to prevent the sale of isotretinoin over the internet. Dispensing must comply with the agency’s risk management requirements.

There are a couple of products that I have recommended in the past to combat and cure acne. The first one is the herbal product Acnezine and the other is the Acne no more program

Professionals recommending a course of treatment will rank acne by Grade.

Grade I includes milder, non-inflamed types such as blackheads, whiteheads or milia. Grade II involves a larger number of these, and frequently includes papules or pustules that are mildly inflamed.

Grade II Acne. Papules are small lesions, a change or break in the skin, that is smaller than 5 mm – about the width of a thin cigarette. They’re in the form of a bump that rises above the surface. A pustule, by contrast, is pus-filled – a mixture of bacteria, white blood cells and dead skin cells.

Grade III is more severe. The papules or pustules will be red, larger and more numerous. Grade IV is the most severe level, and includes nodules and cysts. The inflammation is usually wide spread and includes more than just the face.

Acne vulgaris is the common form of mild acne. Any of the Grade I forms will fall under this heading. They can usually be treated with over the counter medications.

In more severe form acne can develop into a type known as acne congoblata. The name may sound amusing, but the condition is anything but. It’s characterized by heavy inflammation and deep abscesses. The result is often scarring and other forms of serious skin damage.

Inflamed nodules will form around comedones – a general term for blackheads, whiteheads and milia. They often grow until they spontaneously discharge pus. While they do, they’re painful. When they do, they’re unsightly. Keliod-type scars are commonly left behind.

Acne Fulminans

Another type is known as acne fulminans. Here, the nodules will often ulcerate, leading to a painful and recurrent form of acne. The person afflicted may even develop a fever or aching joints. Treatment with corticosteroids or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is usually called for. But these treat symptoms, not the underlying cause.

In still more severe forms, a person may develop nodulocystic acne. Cysts form (red bumps produced by severe inflammation), but they’re of an unusual type. Sometimes they become numerous and close enough together to form a larger inflamed area. When they form small tunnels under the skin, infection can spread more readily. A treatment of antibiotics is called for, and isotretinoin (brand name: Accutane) is frequently employed.

Gram-negative folliculitis occurs when the follicles – the shaft in which hairs grow and sebum flows from the sebaceous glands – become infected. Bacteria grow inside and the body responds by dispatching white blood cells to fight the infection. The result is a deep eruption that calls for special treatment.

The type of bacteria that produces it may be resistant to normal antibiotics. In fact, the condition may have resulted from treatment of other types of acne treated with antibiotics.

Proper diagnosis of these forms of acne calls for a visit to a professional. A dermatologist’s care is warranted in these cases, as it may be in other forms of severe acne.

Q: My child has acne and the dermatologist we have been going to just keeps giving them antibiotics.

The problem got slightly better but now they want them to keep taking antibiotics long term.  I am concerned about this, and the long term effects of the drugs on my child.  Is there anything that acupuncture, Chinese medicine or other chinese acne cure holistic therapies can do to heal this?

A:  Thank you for your question, and it is a common question indeed!

First of all, the presence of acne (usually in adolescence) is a manifestation of a systemic disorder from a Chinese medicine perspective.  Therefore, in order to attempt to use a chinese acne cure, one MUST address the reason the acne is there in the first place.  From a Western medicine perspective often the finger is pointed at “hormone imbalance” as the cause of acne.  However, if this were the case then all teenagers would have acne, which is not the case.  The question of “why are the hormones out of balance?” needs to be asked on an individual basis.  This will then assist in getting down to the bottom of the issue, and therefore the cause of acne.  When this is done in a thoughtful and educated manner, then their is hope for finding a chinese acne cure for that acne sufferer.

Chinese Acne Cure and Food

From my chinese acne cure medicine experience, usually the child’s diet is a major factor in contributing to the cause of acne.  In addition, the gut’s micro flora (healthy gut bacteria  such as L.Acidophillus, etc.) which is in part responsible for the proper breakdown of food, is often wiped out due to repeated courses of antibiotics.

This is true because as the antibiotics attack the infection causing bacteria, they ALSO DESTROY HEALTHY, IMMUNE ENHANCING , HEALTH PROMOTING BACTERIA that lives in your body.  Unfortunately, this will, in the long run hinder the person’s ability to assimilate food and nutrients, and will cause a weakening of the person overall.  Of course, this does not lend itself to a healing environment of the body-mind.

Therefore, the chinese acne cure, holistic time-tested approach to treatment is one that takes into consideration the entire person, and their unique lifestyle, diet, stresses, etc.  This is the way to promote long term systemic health.  Health not just for the acne, but for the entire person’s well-being.  The acne is just an external manifestation of the health of the internal environment of the body.

Chinese Acne Cure is Holistic

For chinese acne cure usually what we recommend is a combination of modifying what one is eating so as to not promote infection causing foods.  This change, in combination with getting the whole person back into homeostasis or balance from an energetic or “Qi” standpoint, will help the person heal.  In addition, to teach each individual about their constitution so they can  learn about exactly what makes them healthy, because everyone’s health needs are unique and different.  All these methods are coupled with topical use of true essential plant oils in an aloe gel base that help the skin heal externally, while simultaneously healing the internal environment for a long term chinese acne cure.
Please write with questions on your or a family member’s health & what you would like have answered to info@RootandBranchOM.com.

Geoff and Eileen DePaula are licensed acupuncturists from the Root and Branch Oriental Medicine, located at 77 West Main Street, Suite 205 in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. For more information on their practice, go to www.RootandBranchOM.com, or call 508-435-8184 to set up an appointment.