Antibiotics For Acne

Acne-Central.info Weblog � Going Beyond Benzoyl Peroxide:
"The most commonly prescribed acne medications are antibiotics such as Erythromycin and Trimethroprim. These are generally more effective than over the counter treatments because they work by treating the source of acne, the acne causing p.bacteria. Many acne sufferers find antibiotics work well for them in treating acne, and have fewer breakouts because of them.

However, one of the big drawbacks from using antibiotics is developing an immunity to them. This means that over time, the antibiotics are less effective in treating not only acne, but any form of bacterial infection including diseases such as strep throat and even some STDs. This should be considered before undergoing an antibiotic regime to treat acne."

MY REACTION:

Using oral antibiotics for acne is like using a hand grenade for a mosquito. Effective, but highly dangerous as a long-term strategy. Save your antibiotic "points" for life threatening situations. Instead, use a topical application with an antibacterial ingredient.

TEA TREE OIL - acne miracle treatment?

TEA TREE OIL - TOPICAL side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.: "TEA TREE OIL - TOPICAL

USES: Tea tree oil has been used as an antiseptic for burns, cuts and insect bites. It has also been used for acne, eczema and fungal infections of the skin (e.g., athlete's foot). Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives.

HOW TO USE: Apply this product to the affected area of skin as directed. This product is for external use only. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention."

MY REACTION:

One more thing to experiment with. If it works, problem solved. If not, next!

The skin in "skin care"

http://goodbyewrinkles.info/articles/article17.html
A critical step in reducing skin sensitivity is understanding the importance of the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of dead, flat skin cells held together by the protein keratin. This skin barrier prevents molecules from passing into and out of the skin and thereby protects the lower layers of skin while reducing skin sensitivity.

Healthy, uninjured skin is more effective at preventing skin irritations that may result from using cosmetics and skin care products. Individuals with altered nerve endings or more neurotransmitters under their skin are more susceptible to minor skin irritants in cosmetics and skin care products. When the skin is excessively dry or damaged, it cannot adequately protect these nerve endings. Sound moisturizing and a strong immune system help minimize possible skin irritants.

Some recommendations for caring for sensitive skin include:

Selecting mild cleansers. Use mild cleansing agents that have synthetic detergents or lipid-free cleansers. Resist using abrasive cleansers since they can cause microscopic tears in the skin and damage the protective layers of the skin.

Acne patients will benefit from toners that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. However, when starting a retinoid treatment, temporarily discontinue using a toner or astringent since the combination may make the retinoid more irritating. Acne patients must also limit or abstain from excessively rough cleansing and washing.

Using moisturizers. When using treatments that dry the skin, moisturizers may improve the skin’s barrier function.

Acne patients should also stick with products containing the least amount of ingredients.

Acne patients with oily skin should use noncomedogenic, non-pore clogging, products. Select an alcohol-based or gel-based sunscreen.

Preservatives. The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens like methyl paraben and butyl paraben.

MY REACTION:

Sounds good to me.

Acne cure - is it possible?

Acne cure - is it possible?:
"The market is littered with 'cures for acne'. However, if you ask any dermatologist or medical researcher, they will tell you a cure does not exist. While Accutane does provide long term remission for some patients and an argument could be made that it approaches an 'acne cure' in these cases, you will not find a cure on the Internet or in the back of a magazine.

Since there is no cure for acne, your time is better spent looking at how to treat and prevent acne. In my experience, benzoyl peroxide is the best over-the-counter medication for preventing acne. But with benzoyl peroxide, as with any other acne medication aside from Accutane, you must be deliberate and steady and follow an acne treatment regimen until you grow out of acne naturally. Prevention is the key."

MY REACTION:

Exactly! Prevention, prevention, prevention. Then treat any outbreaks.

Hot peppers for your face!

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/7/prwebxml265100.php
It's an accepted fact that nearly 60 million Americans suffer from regular bouts of acne, and more than 20 million of them end up with acne that's severe enough to cause scarring. There are many remedies for acne (and some do work), but they take weeks and even months to make any noticeable difference. Furthermore, most products are filled with chemicals, are expensive and generally require a complicated daily regimen.

Finally one small herbal supplement company has created a giant sensation with the world's first chili pepper based face wash that's guaranteed to wipe out acne within a few short days, and without the burning sensation associated with hot peppers.

Hot pepper face wash? It may sound crazy, but Capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers has been shown to be a promising acne fighter. Researchers believe it works on two fronts – First the thermal heat action of Capsaicin helps to open pores and increase blood flow to the surface of the skin. Secondly, Capsaicin has powerful antimicrobial properties that help distinguish harmful bacteria that's hiding within the layers of skin. Capsaicin also helps to desensitize sensitive skin by affecting a series of tiny nerves, and in this way it may also be beneficial for relieving chronic topical pain associated with certain circulatory conditions.

"It actually leaves your face feeling soothed and clean like you've never felt before. There is a tingling sensation, but no burn even around your eyes," says Wayne Perry, president of SiCap Industries.

"It's a strange feeling, at first you feel as if it should burn, but then you realize it feels terrific," adds Perry.

Why doesn't it burn? Capsiderm uses a tiny amount of natural pepper extract that's carefully mixed with 10 exotic herbals, and then combined with a base of liquefied African Black soap and pure Clove Honey. The final result is a totally unique feeling that does actually tingle. The directions say to leave it on for 30 seconds before rinsing, and literally within those 30 seconds your lines begin to tighten up. It doesn't dry your skin, but instead this liquid black soap somehow seems to pull the wrinkles neatly together. Within 5 minutes of using Capsiderm, the results are immediate. The skin glows with renewed circulation, and the feeling is invigorating.

As far as acne is concerned, there are immediate results within the first day or two of use. The company claims most acne conditions will disappear completely within the first week – even severe cases, and Capsiderm can be used daily to prevent outbreaks.

According to the SiCap team, the healing secret of Capsiderm isn't simply the Capsaicin. This all natural product uses ingredients such as cold pressed Carrot seed oil, Grape seed extract, Green Tea and wild Pine Needle oil to create a super anti-oxidant "Pro-vitamin A" formula that may one day be considered a facelift in a bottle.

To find out more about Capsiderm hot pepper face wash, visit the company website at (www.sinusbuster.com).

MY REACTION:

Heady claims for a new product from a new company. But worth checking into, I think.

Medications & Acne

Yahoo! Health Acne Vulgaris:
"Medications do not cure acne, but they can help manage the severity and frequency of outbreaks. Different medications are used, depending on the type of acne (pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, or cystic lesions). The types of medications used most often to treat acne include those that:

* Help unplug skin pores and stop them from getting plugged with oil (such as tretinoin [sold as Retin-A]).
* Kill bacteria, such as antibiotics.
* Reduce the amount of sebum, such as isotretinoin (Accutane).
* Reduce the effects of hormones in producing acne, such as oral contraceptive pills for women.

The best medical treatment for acne often is a combination of medications. Some medications are combined into one product, such as Benzamycin topical gel, which contains an antibiotic (erythromycin) and benzoyl peroxide, or BenzaClin topical gel, which contains benzoyl peroxide and the antibiotic clindamycin. Other times, two different medications are needed. For example, some people use benzoyl peroxide lotion or gel in the morning and topical tretinoin (Retin-A) at bedtime.

When topical medications do not clear up acne, oral antibiotics are prescribed usually in combination with topical retinoid medications, such as tretinoin (Retin-A), adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene (Tazorac). If these medications satisfactorily control acne flare-ups, they are discontinued, and topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide are used to keep acne in check."

MY REACTION:

Good, solid background info on acne meds. Never the first choice, but sometimes the only choice.