Acne Information

Acne Scars


Acne is an inflammation of the skin that affects people from every country and every culture around the world. In the US, acne is predominantly thought of as a teenage dilemma, as more than eighty percent of teens and preteens will develop some form of acne. However, the condition certainly affects a large number of adults and even infants. The scientific name for the condition is acne vulgaris because acne usually strikes in plainly visible locations such as the face, neck, chest and back. There are various types of acne that range in annoyance, severity, and healing time. The most severe type of acne may even lead to scars that if not treated properly, may be visible for a lifetime. If you or a loved one is troubled by severe acne, here's what you need to know about acne scars and what you need to do to avoid and care for them.

How Does Acne Form?

Contact with an oily substance such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum is a potential cause of acne, as is the use of certain medication and steroids. However, acne is most often cause by the secretion of androgens. Acne is also aggravated by milk or dairy products, red meat and fast food. Androgens are sex hormones that are initially secreted at the onset of puberty. They are male hormones but they are secreted by females as well. Androgens stimulate the production of oil from the skin's oil glands. Acne occurs when these overactive oil glands become blocked, causing the oil to build up in the gland and swell. A bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes normally colonizes this swollen gland causing the development of inflammation and pus. In particularly severe cases, the glands may burst into the skin and produce cysts.

Types Of Acne

Acne blemishes are categorized into four grades, ranging from mild to very severe.

Grade I: Mild acne falls into this category. People with grade I acne generally have blackheads and whiteheads but pimples are not present. Grade II: The condition is considered moderate acne when blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples are present, but they are confined to the face and the inflammation they cause is minimal. Grade III: Severe acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, and deeper pimples with more pronounced swelling. Grade IV: acne is considered very severe when it occurs on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. Pustules and deeper cysts occur with very severe acne and scarring may result if the condition is not cared for properly. Preventing Acne Scars

The most important rule for acne sufferers to remember is that you should never pick or squeeze acne blemishes. This can lead to the spread of acne and the development of acne scars. Instead, there are a number of herbal, homeopathic, and traditional formulas that can be used to treat acne and prevent the development of acne scars. Herbs work naturally with the body to reduce acne blemishes and prevent the development of acne scars. Echinacea and poke root are often used for their anti-inflammatory properties and red clover may be beneficial for its estrogenic action. Witch hazel has excellent astringent properties and may be very effective on acne.

Relieving Acne Scars

Acupuncture: Stagnant of Chi in the channels of the face is said to be the cause of acne. Acupuncture performed on these points of the face may help relieve acne, and prevent the development of acne scars.

Surgery: In moderate to severe cases of acne, doctors may use surgery to open up the blemishes and remove blackheads and whiteheads. Unlike medication treatments, the effects of acne surgery are usually more immediate. And surgery is also effective in reducing the development and visibility of acne scars.

Cleaning the intestinal Tract: Acne can be a by-product of a filthy intestinal tract and colon. In most cases when the colon is clean the acne will go away. I recommend the intestinal cleanser Oxy-Powder.

Other remedies include the skin rejuvenation program including 3 products: Oxy-Skin, Oxy-Zap and a strong Aloe Vera concentrate available at http://www.acne-answers.org. These products should help prevent acne scarring.

Dr. Group is heads the research and development division at http://www.acne-answers.org.

Dr. Group, the founder/CEO and clinical director for the Global Healing Center, heads a research and development team producing advanced, new, natural health protocols and products. To learn more visit http://www.ghchealth.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

FDA OKs New Acne Gel Epiduo
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WKRG-TV

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Daily Mail

Bunged-up nose? Just take these acne pills
Daily Mail, UK - Jan 5, 2009
By Roger Dobson A drug used to treat acne and prostate disease may help sufferers of nasal polyps. This is one of several new non-invasive treatments for ...


The Inside Story Of Acne Cleansers - 2
PWO, France - Jan 5, 2009
First of all, let us find out why acne cleansers are called so? How are they different to other cleansers? There is not much difference between an acne ...


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Meadow Free Press, ID - Jan 2, 2009
If you speak about acne, first you should know what causes it. A group of experts at the Aerican Academy of Dermatology affirm that the cause for acne is an ...
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Treating whiteheads: Pore better or for worse
Philippine Star, Philippines - 19 hours ago
Don’t scrub your face hard with a washcloth — acne and clogged pores can’t be scrubbed away, and scrubbing may actually make it worse by irritating the skin ...


Home Remedies for Acne - Top 13 Users Recommended Home Remedies
PWO, France - Jan 4, 2009
Acne can grow for the first time in people in their late twenties or even the thirties. Acne can also be caused by taking extra hormones, in the form of ...


Police seek armed robbery suspect
Today's News-Herald, AZ - Jan 5, 2009
He is 19 to 22 years of age with severe acne and acne scarring or pockmarks. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black jeans. ...


Resolve to use a retinoid regularly
MiamiHerald.com, FL - Jan 6, 2009
Acne, consider Ziana. While all retinoids fight acne (that's what they were first developed for), this prescription-strength retinoid also contains an ...

Acne - Google News

Supplementary Article

Baby Acne

01/07/09

 by: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN

Much to many parents dismay, baby acne is very common. The hormones that are transferred from mother to baby at birth and with breastfeeding can sometimes cause this annoying but painless condition. Baby acne usually appears as small whiteheads on the infant's cheeks, chin and forehead. It may be present at birth, or it may show up after the baby is a few weeks old. If you think your baby has acne, read on to learn more about this condition and what you can do about it.

What Is Acne?

Acne is usually associated with teenagers, as it is often caused by the sex hormones that are released with puberty. But it can affect babies as well. The scientific name for the condition is acne vulgaris because acne usually strikes in plainly visible locations such as the face, neck, chest and back. It occurs when an oil gland becomes blocked.

As excess oil is not allowed to exit, the gland swells and may even become infected.

Does My Baby Have Acne?

If your baby’s skin is irritated, it could be due to a number of conditions. Baby acne usually occurs on the baby's cheeks, forehead, chin, and even the back. The pimples are actually small whiteheads that are surrounded by red, irritated and maybe even inflamed skin. Baby acne may become more pronounced when your baby is hot or fussy, or if his skin is irritated. Common irritants include saliva, spit-up milk, soap, and clothing that has been washed in strong chemical detergent.

If your baby has tiny bumps on his face at birth this may also be milia. These little bumps are unrelated to acne and they will disappear on their own within a few weeks. Cradle cap is another condition that may be irritating your baby's skin. However, this condition looks scalier than acne and it usually occurs at other points on the body like the top of the head and behind the ears. If your baby's breakout looks more like a rash, it may be eczema.

What Causes Baby Acne?

There are a number of factors that may cause baby acne. As with adolescent acne, the condition can be caused by a skin irritation, certain medications, or by a hormonal change. Contact with an oil substances such as petroleum oil or mineral oil can cause baby acne. And if you are taking certain medications while nursing, or if your baby is taking some medications, this may cause a breakout. The maternal hormones that are passed from you to the baby at the end of the pregnancy could also be the cause of your baby's acne.

Does Baby Acne Hurt?

More often than not, you will be more affected by your baby's acne than she is. Baby acne does not itch, sting, or hurt in any way. And she is too young to notice her unsightly appearance. So it is more likely that baby acne will bother you, than your baby. However, with severe cases of baby acne, the blemishes may become so swollen and inflamed that they cause or add to your baby's fussiness. See your health care provider if you think your baby's acne is causing her aggravation.

How long Does Baby Acne Last?

Baby acne usually clears up within a few weeks. But it may come and go until your baby is six months old. See your health care professional if your baby's acne is particularly severe, or if it persists into your child's toddler years.

How Can I Treat My Baby's Acne?

Treating baby acne is more about what you should not do rather than what you should do. Do not scrub or vigorously wash your baby's skin. This will only cause further irritation to the sensitive skin. Wash your baby's face with water and some mild baby soap once a day. If she has particularly sensitive skin, wash with warm water only.

Avoid putting any creams, lotions or oils on your baby's skin. These products can also irritate acne. Use a natural fabric detergent that is made for sensitive skin to wash your baby's clothes.

Can I Cover My Baby's Acne With Make Up?

While it is possible to reduce the appearance of baby acne with make up, it is not advisable. Your baby's skin is very sensitive and make up only adds irritation to this sensitive area. However, there may be special occasions when you choose to use make up to conceal your baby's acne. A photo shoot or special family event may warrant such treatment. Be sure to purchase a organic, chemical free concealer that is made for sensitive skin and use a product that matches your baby's delicate skin tone.

For more information on acne remedies go to http://www.acne-answers.org.

About The Author

Dr. Group, the founder/CEO and clinical director for the Global Healing Center, heads a research and development team producing advanced, new, natural health protocols and products. To learn more visit http://www.ghchealth.com.

myoung@virante.com

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