Acne Skin Care - Cleocin



 

Acne is a common skin conditioncaused by inflammation of the hair follicles and oil-producing (sebaceous)glands of the skin. Hair follicles are the tiny tubes that hold the hair in thescalp.

 

Acne may begin during puberty,and affects about 80% of all adolescents. It occurs when skin cells are notbeing shed normally, and these sticky cells block the skin's hair follicles.This traps a body oil called sebum, which is produced by nearby sebaceousglands. The blocked, oil-filled follicle then causes the bacteria normally inthe hair follicles to multiply. This leads to inflammation, redness and pimples(pustules).

 

In adolescents, acne flare-upsprobably are related to a natural increase in androgen hormones during the teenyears. Hereditary factors also contribute to the problem. Other factors thatcan lead to acne include the use of oily cosmetics, humidity, heavy sweating,and troubles with the ovaries or adrenal glands. Acne also can be triggered bydrugs such as lithium or steroids, both the type that are prescribed byphysicians and potentially harmful "body-building" steroids. is not related to diet or poor hygiene. In fact, too much washing can cause anacne flare-up to get worse

 

Acne can cause:

 

Blackheads and whiteheads(comedones) -- Comedones are enlarged hair follicles filled with sebum.Blackheads are comedones that have opened to the skin's surface. The color ofthe sebum makes them appear black. Whiteheads are comedones that are closed onthe surface.

 

Pimples (pustules) -- These areinflamed hair follicles. The bacteria in the follicle multiply, attractinginfection-fighting cells, which release substances that cause irritation andredness. The follicle then ruptures, and spills the contents into the surroundingskin, which causes extra inflammation.

 

Nodules and cysts -- are largerinfections of the hair follicles that extend deeper into the skin, formingfirm, deep bumps and swellings. Like pimples, they are caused by improved sebumproduction and the growth of bacteria, which cause irritation and redness.

 

In girls and women, acne oftenflares up at certain points in the menstrual cycle.

 

Your doctor usually can based on a simple physical examination. He or she will look for acne comedones,pustules, nodules and cysts on your face, chest, back, upper arms andshoulders. He or she also will ask questions about your medical history to tryto identify contributing factors. You will be asked about your menstrualhistory, patterns of hair growth, cosmetics, facial cleansers and medications.Acne flare-ups may occur at any time after puberty, but are more common duringthe teen years.

 

Acne can be treated with:

 

Antibiotics -- Clindamycin(Cleocin) and erythromycin (several brand names) can be applied directly to theskin to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

 

Call your doctor if you or yourchild has acne that is not controlled with over-the-counter washes or gels.Remember that in teenagers, the amount of acne may not be a true gauge of theimpact of the problem on a child's life. Even small amounts of acne can beembarrassing and psychologically painful to young people.

 

On the other hand, if youperceive your child's acne as a problem and he or she does not, be patient. Youcannot force him or her to want treatment. As friends mature and there arechanges in attitude about acne and acne treatment, your child likely willapproach you about seeing a doctor. Buy cleocin it is almost always can be controlledwith medication, although results may not be seen for weeks or months.