Health Tips

In simple terms Acne denotes:
• Plugged pores including blackheads and whiteheads
• Lumps including cysts and nodules
• Pimples

Acne can occur irrespective of the age factor ranging from severe acne to mild acne. It can surface on the face, neck, chest back, scalp, legs and even upper arms. If not treated properly it can even cause disfiguring, and scarring. It is only through a continued treatment that you can prevent acne from recurring. On an average it takes 6-8 weeks for an acne treatment to display visible results.

It occurs in men and women alike. Acne responds well to early treatment. Acne treatment may vary from individual to individual depending on the skin type, severity of acne and cause of acne. It is mainly caused due to the over activity of sebaceous glands that secrete oily substances onto the skin. It can also surface as a side-effect of steroids usage.

Acne treatment includes:
• Prescription medicines
• Home treatment
• Topical treatment
• Oral medications

Prescription medicines prescribed by your General Practitioner may include a preparation containing benzoyl peroxide.

Home treatment comprises use of over-the-counter medicines like benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide can dry out the skin and result in shedding of the surface layer of dead skin. This makes it difficult for infection to build up

A number of topical treatments can also prove to be beneficial in treating acne. Topical treatments such as Retin-A, Renova, BenzaClin, and Tazorac can be obtained for effectual treatment of acne.

Retin-A unplugs the acne follicles, and brings the comedones on the surface of the skin. In this way, it acts an acne treatment.

Renova is an emollient cream which is used as an adjunct to a proper skin care programme. Renova should be applied once a day on a clean and dry face.

BenzaClin with two proven acne fighters namely benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin, is used to treat acne vulgaris. It is applied on the affected area, twice a day.

Tazorac is used to treat both acne and psoriasis. It is applied once a day on the affected skin area.

Oral medications or antibiotics (tablets), such as tetracycline, are usually given for inflammatory acne. The accomplishment of this treatment is restricted since the strains of bacteria are often defiant to the common antibiotics. Antibiotics do not avert pores from becoming sterile; therefore use of benzoyl peroxide usually accompanies oral medications.

Prior consultation with your doctor is required before you embark upon any of the above mentioned acne treatment.