This week Bernie Fahy, the skin specialist, examines the causes and treatment of acne.
Acne is a chronic condition involving inflammation of the skin’s pores which can affect all age groups. In the teenage years acne can be severe enough to cause scarring and this will often be worse in boys than girls.
Several hormonal processes can cause pores to narrow and become blocked which results in blackheads, white heads, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, flesh coloured bumps, and inflammation. The face is the most common site of an acne flare up. Back, shoulders, chest, and neck can also present with symptoms. This condition can severely affect self-image and has a huge impact on sufferers and their families both psychologically and financially.
Stress can be a contributing factor for the development of acne in young adults. Under conditions of stress, sebaceous glands secrete increased amounts of sebum. Helpful bacteria that normally digest this substance can’t cope with the increased volume, and blockages can occur.
Testosterone (boys between 10 to 14 suddenly develop high levels of testosterone, as do women with ovarian cysts ) directs dramatic changes in our skin for various reasons. It can cause an over production of keratin that lines the interior of our pores. This causes a blockage, trapping dead skin cells and infected debris inside the pores.
Hormonal imbalance is the main cause of acne in women. The contraceptive pill can be prescribed to balance these hormones and calm acne flare up.
There are other hormonal causes of acne. Insulin resistance can be a factor. If skin cells are unable to receive sugars from the blood, sugar collects in the fluid between cells. This accumulated fluid flows into the hair follicle and drowns healthy feeding bacteria that are essential for supple skin. As a result, pores become inflamed and acne flares up.
Acne breakout can also occur bacterially due to picking and squeezing spots, thus spreading infection.
Acne is a common side effect of prescription drugs such as steroids and lithium. Drugs used for conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, bipolar disorder, and tuberculosis often trigger flare up. Prescription drugs to treat acne often make the condition worse before it gets better and have side effects of their own to contend with.
Treatment
Natural organic treatments are available for acne and provide excellent results. These have no side effects and can stabilise and purify the sub dermal layers of the skin using herbs and minerals to restore balance. Treatments incorporating stinging nettle and algae naturally kill harmful bacteria.
Dietary help can come into play by avoiding caffeine, soft drinks, and refined sugars. Starchy foods should be reduced or stopped and iodised salt and shellfish are to be off the menu. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water every day to naturally flush toxins out of the system. Supplements such as vitamins A, C, and E can help reduce symptoms. Zinc is also effective. Healthy bowels are a prerequisite for alleviating skin conditions, particularly acne flare up. Fibre and probiotic flax seed oil are beneficial for the bowel. A clarifying supplement to clear blemishes is advisable. Professionally monitored supplementation allows the body to heal naturally from within.
Advice should be sought by a qualified practitioner to devise a personalised programme for each individual case. Contrary to popular belief, avoid over-washing as this can make your skin dry and sore. A recommended effective cleanser is enough. Avoid alcoholic astringents as they only tighten an already inflamed skin surface.
A simple routine of cleansing and moisturising morning and night, along with exfoliation once a week, is recommended. The use of a benzyol-based cream is also advised. Moisturising skin with acne is a must. If skin is not moisturised, it will compensate by producing more sebum, thus exacerbating the situation. Investing in microdermabrasion treatments is also an excellent natural way of combating acne. Towels should never be shared and hands should always be clean. Avoid touching the face and keep long hair off the skin. Never go into the sun to “dry out” spots, it will just give you wrinkles and pigmentation, not to mention the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.
Acne is a common condition but is manageable and treatable with the right advice. A personalised programme, tailored by a professional, is recommended to specifically treat each individual. Contact Bernie today on 086 222 0125; www.bernietheskinspecialist.com or e-mail [email protected]
