Acne

Facts about Acne:

Acne is a disease that affects the skin's oil glands. The small holes in the skin (pores) connect to oil glands under the skin. These glands make an oily substance called sebum. The pores connect to the glands by a canal called a follicle. Inside the follicles, oil carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. A thin hair also grows through the follicle and out to the skin. When the follicle of a skin gland clogs up, a pimple grows.

Most pimples are found on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne is not a serious health threat but, it can cause scars.
Acne is not just a problem for teenagers, it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. It is not unusual for women, in particular, to develop acne in their mid-to-late 20's, even if they have not had breakouts in years (or ever). Acne can appear as congested pores, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules, or cysts (deep pimples).
Sources:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Acne/acne_ff.asp  
MedicineNet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/acne/article.htm  

Types of Acne:
Here are four common types of acne:

1. Nodules are the most severe form of acne. These are called cysts because of their pus-filled, sac-like formation. These cysts are the worst infection which spreads under the skin to the adjoining tissue around the primary infection site. cystic acne contains large amounts of pus and runs deep in the skin. These are very painful and the scarring caused by cystic acne is much more frequent than caused by any other form of acne.
   
   
2. Cystic Acne is often cause by the pinching or squeezing of small pus-filled acne. This causes the pus to burst deep into the skin tissue. This triggers a body mechanism which sends white blood cells to the infected site to fight off bacteria. This results in swelling, causes deep rooted inflammation, and this deep infection causes pain. So keep in mind to keep your hands off your acne-infected skin, otherwise you will be spreading the infection deeper and creating more trouble for yourself.
   
   
3. Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne is called acne vulgaris, which comprises of both whiteheads and blackheads. This form of acne is incredibly easy to treat, as many don't know. 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most recommended solutions available. 
   
   
4. Acne Rosacea is often suffered by middle aged adults .This is characterized by flushing of the face and red nose caused by inflamed bumps. This infection takes place on chin and forehead. Because of the flushing face, it gives rise to wrong perceptions of the person being drunk, although this type of acne has absolutely nothing to do with drinking. In the severe form, Acne rosacea causes red nose or bulbous nose (rhinofima), especially in men.

Sources: 
WrongDiagnosis: http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/a/acne/subtypes.htm  
AcneResource.org: http://www.acne-resource.org/acne-skin-care/types-of-acne.html  

What are the causes of Acne?

The cause of pimples is unknown. The process by which a pimple develops is highly intricate. While we do know that a pore collapses on itself and blocks sebum (oil) from escaping, we do not fully understand why this process takes place in one sebaceous gland versus another. 
The main culprit is horomonal changes which influence oil production. It is thought that our hormones play a big part in developing acne, especially in teenagers. This is because our hormones have been known to be responsible for the maturation of the oil glands. This means that any hormone differences can cause acne to flare up. 
Stress can contribute to acne because when you get stressed, it stimulates our body enzymes and immune systems and in turn stimulates the oil glands. These then produce more oil and that is when acne can flare up.
Other causes may include diet, evolutionary biology, vitamin deficiency, and more. The real explanation may be a complex mix of many of these factors. 
 Sources:
MedicalNewsToday: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/71611.php 
MedicineNet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/acne/article.htm  

What are the symptoms of Acne?
There are two main types of acne: non-inflammatory and inflammatory. 
In non-inflammatory acne, there are usually just a few whiteheads and blackheads on the face. A relatively mild type of acne, it can often be treated effectively with nonprescription medicines. The majority of people with acne have this type of acne. 
With inflammatory acne, the whiteheads become inflamed, and red pimples and pustules develop. In its most severe form, inflammatory acne can cause disfiguring cysts and deep, pitting scars of the face, neck, back, chest and groin. Prescription drugs and sometimes surgery are needed to treat inflammatory acne.
Sources: 
Mayoclinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne/DS00169/DSECTION=symptoms 
HealthScout: http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/131/main.html 

What treatments are available for Acne?
Here are a few common treatments for acne: 
Cosmetic procedures - Chemical peels and microdermabrasion may be helpful in controlling acne. These cosmetic procedures -- which have traditionally been used to lessen the appearance of fine lines, sun damage and minor facial scars -- are most effective when used in combination with other acne treatments.

Acne can be treated effectively by a dermatologist. Options may include:

• Topical treatments such as retinoids (tretinoin, tazarotene, or adapalene) or antibiotics (benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin)
• Oral antibiotics
• Hormonal medications like oral contraceptives
• In severe cases, an oral medication called isotretinoin (Accutane) may be prescribed. This is extremely effective, but side effects may include severe birth defects, changes in blood fats and cholesterols, and mood changes. Because of these side effects, Accutane is usually used only for patients with severe acne, or, in patients who have failed all other treatments.

Laser and light therapy reach the deeper layers of skin without harming the skin's surface. Some laser systems are thought to damage the oil (sebaceous) glands, causing them to produce less oil. Other laser and light therapies target Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the bacterium that causes acne inflammation. These therapies can also improve skin texture and lessen the appearance of scars, so they may be good treatment choices for people with both active acne and acne scars.

Combination therapies, for example, using prescription creams and oral antibiotics, target all the causes of acne, which makes the treatment plan more successful. Several combination therapies have been shown to be effective in controlling acne:

Here are some tips given by doctors to treat acne:

• Get a nonprescription acne medicine and apply regularly. Over-the-counter drugs containing sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide, are all effective for treating mild acne.
• Use ordinary hygiene on affected areas, washing your face once or twice daily with your usual soap or cleanser. Deodorant soaps may be used, but they are of no particular value for acne.
• Do not scrub or use a loofa. Friction makes acne worse.
• Do not pick or squeeze. This may worsen scarring.

As with most diseases, acne responds best if treatment is begun early in the course of the disease. Treating your acne before it becomes severe may also help to reduce permanent scarring.

Sources:
HealthScout: http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/131/main.html  
MayoClinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne-treatments/SN00038  

 
HerbaCall Acne Testimonials:

• Anee-Kit Littler says, "I am 47 years old, and I suffered from Acne Rosacea for 10 years prior to using Herbalife's nutrition products... started on the Herbalife Nutritional Programme in June 1999. I was using F1, F2, F3, F5, F6, NRG, Thermojetics Beverage, Aloe Concentrate and Herbalifeline . Three weeks into the programme and after gradually stepping down my skin medication I threw away the antibiotics altogether. The symptoms are gone and my skin has never looked better!" 
  
  
• Valerie Morris tells HerbaCall, "Before Herbalife I was overweight, asthmatic for over 30 years and had terrible acne scarring. I went on the Quick Start Weight loss programme, rose ox andschizandra plus, herbal aloe drink and florafibre. I added some awesome Dermajetics Skin care products to that. In 4 months I lost over 26 lbs, 6 dress sizes, all my allergies, threw away my prescription asthma medication, discovered I no longer needed to wear glasses...... but THE MOST amazing thing for me was THE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN MY SKIN!"
  
  
• Roger Schie proudly said, "My skin problems started in 1989 whilst living in far north Queensland. I suddenly developed severe acne and highly sensitive skin on my face and neck, made worse by the intense humidity of that environment. I was so impressed by these results that on my return home, I started using the Dermajetics Natures Mirror Hydrating System (cleanser, toner and moisturiser) morning and night. I had been using the Ultimate Nutritional Program and all the targeted products for a period of six months before including the Dermajetics products. I used the products regularly and consistently and, after three and a half months, you wouldn't even know I had had a skin problem. My face is clear of blemishes, my skin tone healthy and there is no scarring."