The moment you spot acne, you are sure to feel distressed if you know the effects acne could have on your skin and your mind. The bad news about acne is that it could attack people of any age group; however, the good news is that acne is curable. Acne, a skin condition caused by various factors is classified as mild acne, moderate acne and severe acne. If you are suffering from acne, you need to know in which zone you are in to identify the right treatment to cure the skin disease.
Severe Acne And Its Signs
While acne is not categorized as a dreaded disease, severe acne gives you some cause for concern owing to its effects on your skin. It could cause pimples, blemishes with the lesions occurring deep inside and they could be painful. The breakouts are worse as well and they occur on any part of the body including chest, back and neck apart from the face. Moreover, severe acne could ruin your confidence.
You need to know the signs of severe acne to ascertain if you fall under this category. In severe acne, the blemishes are widespread, deep and painful. The cysts are tender. Inflammation of the skin would be high. Irregularities on the skin surface are noted. Severe acne leaves scars on the face.
When you find that you have severe acne, you need to seek the help of your dermatologist, as over the counter medications would miserably fail to perform.
Causes Of Severe Acne
Acne is a result of hormonal changes, which could be due to various causes including improper diet, medications, cosmetics, stress and lack of exercise. Women experience hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, while pregnant and while going through menopause. Acne is mild for some and severe on some. While there are no definite explanations on why it is severe on some, certain triggers could cause acne to become severe. Bad choice of cosmetics, hereditary reasons, cleanliness, diet and lifestyle could turn mild acne to severe acne. Moreover, if mild acne is not attended to immediately, there are possibilities for it to get severe.
How To Treat Severe Acne
To treat severe acne, you need to step in the right direction. Wrong choice of treatment will not only aggravate the condition but also bring you more distress.
Avoid using over the counter products. They are not for you if you have severe acne. Once you understand that your skin condition is indeed severe, lose no time in reaching for your dermatologist. You will be prescribed medications to address severe acne. Your dermatologist will suggest topical treatment as well as oral medication.
Topical Treatments
There are various topical treatments to cure severe acne. To obtain satisfactory results, the treatment has to be used continually as prescribed by your dermatologist.
1) Topical Retinoids
Being vitamin A derivatives, topical retinoids prevent dead cells from plugging your hair follicles. They work on blackheads and treat inflamed breakouts. They are to be applied before bedtime. On applying, leave it for 20 minutes before you wash your face. Topical retinoids have certain side effects including mild irritation. Pregnant women are not supposed to avoid topical retinoids. Some of the commonly used topical treatments include isotretinoin and adapalene.
2) Topical Antibiotics
Topical antibiotics are prescribed, as they are effective in killing bacteria. Minor infections are thus reduced. They are applied once or twice a day depending on the condition. Some of the most commonly suggested topical antibiotics include clindamycin, erythromycin and tetracycline.
Oral Antibiotics
Oral medications are prescribed along with topical treatment to quicken the results. These medications are to be had strictly as prescribed by your physician.
1) Erythromycin
Erythromycin is the only antibiotic that could be used by pregnant and nursing women for severe acne. Dosage of the drug depends on the skin condition and the individual. It cures inflammation and redness. It has side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.
2) Doxycycline
This comes to rescue when other treatments fail to produce results. It aids in killing the bacteria and curing infections. It helps to cure back acne and body acne. It also carries side effects such as diarrhea and other stomach disorders.
Change In Lifestyle Helps In Cure
Taking treatment to cure severe acne is only a part. You need to ensure that you prevent further breakouts to stay clear off acne. Have a balanced diet that supplies you with necessary protein, vitamins and nutrients. Go minimal on usage of cosmetics. If you need to use, ensure that you go for skin friendly cosmetics that do not irritate your skin. Give your body and mind the rest they deserve. Sleep disorders might cause acne. Hence, ensure that you have right amount of sleep. Being stress free helps a lot. Go for regular exercise that keeps your body and mind fit and de-stress you.
Severe acne does cause problems to your skin and mind. However, you could win if you attempt and display patience and perseverance.
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