Acne Health Dictionary

Acne: From 4 Different Sources


A chronic skin disorder caused by inflammation of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands in the skin. The most common type is acne vulgaris, which almost always develops during puberty.

Acne spots are caused by the obstruction of hair follicles by sebum (the oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands). Bacteria multiply in the follicle, causing inflammation. The change in sebum secretion at puberty seems to be linked with increased levels of androgen hormones (male sex hormones).

Acne may be brought on or aggravated by drugs such as corticosteroids and androgens. Exposure to certain chemicals and oils in the workplace can also cause a type of acne.

Acne develops in areas of skin with a high concentration of sebaceous glands, mainly the face, centre of the chest, upper back, shoulders, and around the neck. Milia (whiteheads), comedones (blackheads), nodules (firm swel-lings beneath the Sebaceous Inflamed skin skin), and cysts gland (larger, fluid-filled swellings) are the most commonly occurring spots. Some, particularly cysts, leave scars after they heal.

There is no instant cure for acne, but washing the affected areas at least twice daily may help to keep it under control. Topical drug treat-ments, such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoic acid, unblock the pores and promote healing. Ultraviolet light can be beneficial. If topical treatment has failed, oral drug treatment with antibiotics, hormones, or isotretinoin may be given. Acne improves slowly over time, often clearing up by the end of the teenage years.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
An inflammatory disease occurring in or around the sebaceous glands
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
A common skin condition starting after puberty, and which may persist for many years. It involves plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples and deeper nodules on the face, neck, trunk and even the upper arms. It arises from pilosebaceous glands (relating to hair follicles and associated SEBACEOUS GLANDS). SEBUM production is increased and bacterial proliferation causes in?ammation with PAPULE and PUSTULE formation. Plugs of sebum and epidermal cells form blackheads (comedones); the colour is not due to dirt but to dried oil and shed skin cells in the hair-follicle openings.

Treatment Twice-daily washing with a salicylic-acid cleanser can help remove the pore-blocking debris, as can daily shampooing. Use only oil-free cosmetics and hide blackheads with a ?esh-tinted acne lotion containing benzoyl peroxide, acid or sulphur. Never squeeze blackheads, however tempting; ask a skin specialist how to do this properly. Other treatments include microdermabrasion, and the antibiotic lotions erythromycin and clindamycin may be e?ective. Tretinoin and adapilene can be used on the skin but are not permitted in pregnancy and may cause problems such as hypersensitivity to sunlight, so medical advice is essential. In resistant cases, long-term suppressive oral therapy with one of the TETRACYCLINES or with ERYTHROMYCIN may be necessary. In females a combined oestrogenantiandrogen ‘pill’ is an alternative. Severe resistant acne can be cleared by a 16- to 24week course of oral isotretinoin, but this drug is teratogenic (see TERATOGENESIS) and can cause many side-effects including depression, so its use requires specialist supervision.

See www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/

Health Source: Medicinal Plants Glossary
Author: Health Dictionary
(acne vulgaris) n. a common inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous glands. These grease-producing glands are under androgen control, but the cause of acne is unknown. It typically involves the face, back, and chest and is characterized by the presence of blackheads with papules, pustules, and – in more severe cases – cysts and scars. Acne is readily treatable. Mild cases respond to topical therapy with *benzoyl peroxide, while more refractory conditions require treatment with long-term antibiotics or (for treating women only) the oral contraceptive pill; severe or cystic acne can be treated with oral *isotretinoin. Exogenous or occupational factors, such as occlusion from tight or impermeable clothes, make-up, or chemicals, may trigger or exacerbate acne (see chloracne).
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Acne Rosacea

See ROSACEA.... acne rosacea

Get Rid Of Acne With Tea

Having a perfectly clear skin can be tricky, especially if you have oily skin. However, drinking tea - the right type - can help with this problem. Find out more about the teas for acne! How teas for acne can help While classical medication or skin lotions can help a lot, tea counts as a natural solution for solving acne problems. Whether applied topically or drunk, various types of tea can improve your skin condition. Applied topically, it has a direct effect on the skin, especially on the oily type. Other types of tea, the kinds that help you relax, also reduce stress, which often causes breakouts. Some help with acne scars, as well. Tea for acne Spearmint tea is one type of tea you can drink in order to get rid of acne, as it helps regulate hormones. It prevents breakouts and slowly works to reduce the number of zits on your face. You can get the same results if you drink rooibos tea, licorice tea, burdock tea, echinacea tea, sarsaparilla tea, or ginseng tea . Drinking one of these teas, 2-3 cups a day, is bound to lead to pleasing results when it comes to getting rid of acne. Chamomile tea helps you relax, which reduces stress - a common cause for acne. While drinking it does not have a direct effect on acne, it can help reduce this skin problem. Tea for acne scars In some cases, acne can leave nasty scars behind. Once you get rid of acne, you can start focusing on how to get rid of the scars, as well. In this case, green tea can help. It can be drunk or applied topically - brew some green tea and use it to rinse your face or just as a face lotion. Side effects of tea for acne Despite the benefits of teas for acne, their consumption can lead to a few side effects, as well. Spearmint tea can lead to unwanted stomach problems (diarrhea) and headaches; it can also cause your menstruation to be late. It all depends on the amount of spearmint tea you drink, which varies from one person to another. Using green tea may lead to side effects related to its caffeine content. If you know caffeine does not do you any good, be careful with the amount of green tea you drink or use. The symptoms you might get include dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite and irritability. For skin problems, try one of the various teas for acne. Consuming or using tea counts as a natural remedy, so give it a try!... get rid of acne with tea

Turmeric Tea Acne Treatment

Turmeric Tea has been known for centuries thanks to its popularization done by the Ayurvedic medicine. The main field where this tea has the greatest effects is the anti-inflammatory one. Turmeric is a perennial plant originally from India, but which can be found almost everywhere around the globe, where it’s used as a health adjuvant. Turmeric grows up to 1 meter tall (3 feet) and it has green lance-shaped leaves that hide the stamina in, during the hot season. The roots of this herb resemble to a rhizome and can easily be confused with ginger. Turmeric Tea Properties The anti-inflammatory property of Turmeric Tea is due to an active ingredient called curcumin, which is actually a group of very strong antioxidants. Also, curcumin is the substance that makes Indian food and the tea, as well, look yellow. It is important to know that this group of antioxidants prevents and treats inflammations by inhibiting all infection triggers and by cleansing the affected areas. Turmeric Tea Benefits Aside from its anti-inflammatory properties, Turmeric Tea is a great remedy in case you are suffering from one of the following conditions: - Joint and bone pains (in order to treat these affections, you can either drink the tea or topically apply the smashed Turmeric leaves). - Skin conditions, such as acne. Turmeric Tea (applied on the spot or drank) can also heal the scars of bad acne. - Arthritis, tendonitis or bursitis, by calming the pain and making your coronary walls much more elastic. - Cholesterol, gallstones and other digestive track problem. - Alzheimer, gingivitis, upset stomach, bad breath and other conditions that may weaken your general well-being. How to make Turmeric Tea Infusion In order to make Turmeric Tea infusion, you need to follow these steps: properly wash the parts that you are about to use (leaves or rhizome), put them in a teapot and add water. Boil for 8 or 10 minutes and let it infuse for another 5 minutes. You can add a small amount of ginger or honey if you feel that the taste is too strong. Don’t drink more than 3 cups per day. Turmeric Tea Side Effects When taken properly, Turmeric Tea has no side effects at all. However, a high dosage may cause irritations of the stomach and hallucinations. It’s best to ask for specialized help before starting a treatment based on Turmeric Tea. Turmeric Tea Contraindications Do not take Turmeric Tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may cause uterine contractions and irritated stomach. The same advice if you are on blood thinners. If you have already taken it and were not aware of this, talk to a doctor immediately! It’s better to be safe than sorry. If your doctor gives you his approval, buy Turmeric Tea from a trusted provider and enjoy the wonderful benefits of this well-known Ayurvedic herb!... turmeric tea acne treatment

Acne, Vulgaris

Inflammatory sebaceous skin disease with pustules, papules and cysts found frequently in adolescents at commencement of puberty when the sebaceous (grease) glands become more active. Blackheads are formed by blockage of follicles with sebum. A black pigment, melanin, concentrates on the top of the hair follicle forming a plug.

Lesions may appear on face, neck and chest. Worse in winter, better in summer. Acne vulgaris has blackheads (comedones) that distinguish it from acne rosacea. Studies show low zinc levels. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia records Poke root singularly effective. Medicines containing iodine and bromine (Kelp) should be avoided. Dr Edward Frankel, Los Angeles, warns against use of Vaseline which, through build-up of bacteria, may cause pustular reaction.

Alternatives. Teas. Agrimony, Alfalfa, Burdock leaves, Chamomile, Dandelion, Figwort, Gotu Kola, Heartsease, Hibiscus, Marigold petals, Mate tea, Nettles, Redbush (rooibos), Rose Hip, Violet, Wood Betony.

Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag, Dandelion, Echinacea, Queen’s Delight, Seaweed and Sarsaparilla, Poke root, Devil’s Claw, Goldenseal.

Formula. Echinacea 2; Blue Flag 1; Poke root half. Dose – Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 30-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. Thrice daily before meals. Evening Primrose oil. Success reported.

Maria Treben. Nettle tea.

French traditional. Horse radish vinegar.

Greek traditional. Marigold petal poultice.

Topical. cleanse lesions with distilled extract of Witch Hazel or fresh lemon juice. Follow with Marshmallow and Slippery Elm ointment, dilute Tea Tree oil, Evening Primrose oil, Jojoba or Aloe Vera gel. Thyme Lotion (Blackmore’s).

Aromatherapy. Sandalwood oil. Or Lavender and Tea Tree oils.

Diet. Lacto-vegetarian. Low fat, low carbohydrate. Avoid chocolate, cow’s milk, sugars and drinks that induce facial flushing. Raw fruit and vegetables.

Supplements. Vitamins A, B-complex, B6, C, E. Chromium, Selenium, Zinc. ... acne, vulgaris




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