Conventional Treatments for Acne
Acne is the scientific term for what we normally call pimples, blackheads, whiteheads or nodules that form on the face, chest, upper back or shoulders. Acne sufferers experience persistent, recurring reddish blemishes on the face, chest, shoulders, neck, upper back or buttocks. When these blemishes are spots that have a dark, open center, they are called blackheads. Whiteheads are spots that bulge under the skin and have no opening. Pimples, on the other hand, are whiteheads that rupture. The boil-like lumps are called nodules.
Despite the common myth, poor hygiene or poor diet does not cause Acne. It is believed to be the result of an overproduction of sebum, a waxy substance that lubricates the skin. The sebum may plug a hair follicle, bacteria grows inside the blocked follicle resulting in an inflammation. This can result in a pimple, or in rare cases, a boil or a cyst. Acne is an outbreak of many pimples, blackheads, etc.
If you have persistent, uncontrollable acne, see a dermatologist.
A prescription drug called tretinonin, a derivative of Vitamin A, alters the growth of oil glands. It can dry up current pimples and prevent others from forming. Unfortunately, it also has an uncomfortable, burning or drying sensation.
For inflamed acne, your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics.
For out of control acne, your doctor may prescribe a drug called isotretinoin (Accutane). It is one of the most potent acne remedy and can, in some cases, virtually eliminate the problem. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most hazardous. Use of this drug may result in itching, headaches, and muscle pain and hair loss. It may cause birth defects if taken by pregnant women. So, it is only used when nothing else works. In order to minimize the problems cause by this drug, researchers are now testing preparations that can be locally applied at the affected areas, so as to minimize its reach.
Herbal Medicine for Acne:
- Black currant seed oil or evening primrose oil, three 500-milligram capsules a day daily for three months or until your acne clears up.
- Herbalists also may recommend echinacea, calendula, tea tree oil, and goldenseal. Drinking a tea made with a combination of nettles and cleavers tincture may be effective for acne.
- If stress is a contributory problem for your acne, try relaxing with a cup of tea made from lavender or chamomile.
- Chinese herbs cnidium seed and honeysuckle flower are prescribed by Chinese herbalists.
To know more visit the Proactiv Reviews site for more details on acne treatments.
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