Self-Conscious About Acne
Most people at some point of their lives are affected by acne, which is a chronic skin condition.
Acne cause spots to develop on the skin, usually on the face, back and chest.
It is most widespread among older children, teenagers and young adults.
About 80% of the population who belong to the 11 to 30 years age group are affected with acne.
The symptoms of acne can be mild, moderate or severe, and usually disappear when a person is in his or her 20's.
However, about 5% of women and 1% of men aged over 25 continue to experience acne symptoms.
Possible Causes Some 80% of adult acne cases occur in women.
It is thought that changes in hormone levels at certain points during a woman's life may result in acne.
Possible triggers for adult acne include: - Period: Some women experience a flare-up of acne just before their period.
- Pregnancy: Many women experience acne during pregnancy, usually during their first three months.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome: This condition can cause acne, weight gain, and the formation of small cysts in the ovaries.
- Side-effects of medication: For some people, certain types of medication can cause acne, for example, starting or stopping birth control pills, steroid medications, and lithium (often used to treat bipolar disorder).
Treatment Options If you have severe acne, you should consult a dermatologist.
A combination of oral antibiotics and topical treatments are usually the first treatment options.
If this proves to be ineffective, a medication called isotretinoin may be prescribed.
Oral antibiotics In most cases, tetracycline is prescribed.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are usually advised to take an antibiotic called erythromycin, which is safer for them.
It will usually take about six weeks to notice a significant improvement in symptoms.
Oral antibiotics are normally stopped after six months, while the local application of cream is maintained until the acne is healed completely.
Co-cyprindiol (oral contraceptives) Women with acne who require contraception are advised to take a type of oral contraceptive called co-cyprindiol, as it helps improve the symptoms of acne.
You will probably have to use co-cyprindiol for 2 to 6 months before you notice a significant improvement in your acne.
Do not take co-cyprindiol or other oral contraceptives that contain oestrogen-progestin if you: - Are aged 35 or older and smoke.
- Have a history of cardiovascular disease.
- Have a history of breast, uterine or liver cancer.
- Have a history of blood clots in your legs or lungs.
Isotretinoin Isotreinoin has a much stronger effect and can only be prescribed by a dermatologist.
It is taken in tablet form, with most people taking a course of 4 to 6 months.
Your acne may get worse during the first 7 to 10 days of treatment, but this is normal.
Isotretinoin carries a very high risk of causing serious birth defects, so you will only be prescribed isotretinoin following a negative pregnancy test, and that you should not become pregnant throughout the treatment.
Acne cause spots to develop on the skin, usually on the face, back and chest.
It is most widespread among older children, teenagers and young adults.
About 80% of the population who belong to the 11 to 30 years age group are affected with acne.
The symptoms of acne can be mild, moderate or severe, and usually disappear when a person is in his or her 20's.
However, about 5% of women and 1% of men aged over 25 continue to experience acne symptoms.
Possible Causes Some 80% of adult acne cases occur in women.
It is thought that changes in hormone levels at certain points during a woman's life may result in acne.
Possible triggers for adult acne include: - Period: Some women experience a flare-up of acne just before their period.
- Pregnancy: Many women experience acne during pregnancy, usually during their first three months.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome: This condition can cause acne, weight gain, and the formation of small cysts in the ovaries.
- Side-effects of medication: For some people, certain types of medication can cause acne, for example, starting or stopping birth control pills, steroid medications, and lithium (often used to treat bipolar disorder).
Treatment Options If you have severe acne, you should consult a dermatologist.
A combination of oral antibiotics and topical treatments are usually the first treatment options.
If this proves to be ineffective, a medication called isotretinoin may be prescribed.
Oral antibiotics In most cases, tetracycline is prescribed.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are usually advised to take an antibiotic called erythromycin, which is safer for them.
It will usually take about six weeks to notice a significant improvement in symptoms.
Oral antibiotics are normally stopped after six months, while the local application of cream is maintained until the acne is healed completely.
Co-cyprindiol (oral contraceptives) Women with acne who require contraception are advised to take a type of oral contraceptive called co-cyprindiol, as it helps improve the symptoms of acne.
You will probably have to use co-cyprindiol for 2 to 6 months before you notice a significant improvement in your acne.
Do not take co-cyprindiol or other oral contraceptives that contain oestrogen-progestin if you: - Are aged 35 or older and smoke.
- Have a history of cardiovascular disease.
- Have a history of breast, uterine or liver cancer.
- Have a history of blood clots in your legs or lungs.
Isotretinoin Isotreinoin has a much stronger effect and can only be prescribed by a dermatologist.
It is taken in tablet form, with most people taking a course of 4 to 6 months.
Your acne may get worse during the first 7 to 10 days of treatment, but this is normal.
Isotretinoin carries a very high risk of causing serious birth defects, so you will only be prescribed isotretinoin following a negative pregnancy test, and that you should not become pregnant throughout the treatment.
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