<h1>Acne vulgaris – Facts & Myths You Must Know about Acne</h1>

Author: Barbra Fonseca
Managing Your Acne

• Acne is treatable and disappears in time, until then continuous treatment is usually needed.
• t takes at least 2 months of treatment to see any benefit.
• Over-washing, scrubbing, using abrasive cleaners can lead to over drying and irritation to the skin, and does NOT improve acne. The black tip of a comedo is oxidised sebum, not dirt, and it cannot be removed by scrubbing.
• Do not pop inflamed lesions without heads as this can cause secondary infections and scarring.

• Acne is NOT caused by chocolate or chips.
• Contrary to popular belief you cannot catch acne from another person.
• Light, non-greasy and non-comedogenic moisturisers and make-up do not worsen acne.
• Acne is not an infection and is not caused by poor hygiene or diet. A healthy and well- balanced diet helps the skin.
• Does stress cause acne? No but it can worsen the symptoms. Stress triggers the release of cortisol and other hormones which put a strain on all areas of the body including the sweat glands. And it is the sweat glands which are responsible for the production of sebum which triggers an outbreak of acne. The more sebum that is produced the greater the extent of the outbreak.

• If you are prone to acne and are stressed then don't be surprised if your acne worsens as a result. Look at the root causes of your stress and deal with those before dealing with your acne.

Available Treatments

• Your treatment will depend on the type of acne you have. If you have blackheads and/or whiteheads then a topical cream or gel can help.
• Other options include antibiotics and retinoid (Vitamin A based therapies). These are ideally suited to mild to moderate forms of acne.

• Severe cases will need to be seen by a dermatologist, who will prescribe an oral retinoid such as Roaccutane or recommend alternative treatments such as a chemical peel.

Topical treatments for Acne
Benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid

• Start with low concentration products applied daily or on alternate days to minimise irritation, this is increased up to a maximum of twice daily application.
• Azelaic acid should be prescribed if both topical retinoid and benzoyl peroxide are poorly tolerated; it is similar to Benzoyl peroxide, but less irritant.

Topical retinoids

• Retinoids (tretinoin, isotretinoin, or adapalene) can initially worsen acne and irritate skin but this is temporary. Irritation should settle after a few days and worsening of acne should resolve in a few weeks.
• Female patients – Retinoids should not be used in pregnancy and contraception is needed during use and for 1 month following treatment
• Retinoids are most effective when used with other treatments; use other treatment in the morning and retinoid at night to prevent dilution and UV light exposure

Topical antibiotics

• Topical antibiotics cause less irritation than other topical treatments.
• Most effective when used with other topical treatments.
• Continuous use is important in preventing resistance.

Oral antibiotics

• Most effective when used with a topical retinoid.
• Minocycline is not recommended due to potential severe side-effects.
• Take tetracyclines at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food and not at the same time as dairy products, antacids or supplements.
• Tetracyclines should not be used in children
• Female patients – tetracyclines should not be used when pregnant or breastfeeding and contraception is needed during use and for 1 month following treatment.
• Take erythromycin with food and monitor effectiveness closely as levels of resistance are high.
• Continuous use is important in preventing resistance

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/acne-articles/acne-vulgaris-facts-myths-you-must-know-about-acne-6968438.html
About the Author
Barbra Fonseca is a Pharmacist which has a vast experience in community pharmacy, including seven years as Supervising and Superintendent Pharmacist in Ireland and over four years in the UK and also has a special interest in Natural Products.