Tag Archives: acne

Hormonal Acne

How To Treat Hormonal Acne

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Hormonal acne affects adults between the ages of 20 and 50. Acne causes bumps on your back, chest, shoulders, and face in the following forms:

Hormonal acne is the main cause of excess sebum in oil glands. It affects both men and women, but the majority of cases occur in women, pregnant women, and women going through menopause.

Causes

Hormonal acne develops when hormonal changes increase the amount of oil your skin makes. This oil interacts with bacteria on the pores of your skin where hair grows and results in acne.

Causes of hormonal acne that you can control:

  • Lack of sleep
  • Stress
  • Using hair and skincare products that are not oil-free or free of ingredients that won’t clog pores

Causes of hormonal acne that you can’t do anything about:

  • Family history of acne
  • A side effect of a medication
  • Changing hormone levels in women
  • Men undergoing testosterone treatment
  • Pre-existing medical conditions

Risk Factors

  • Age – people of all ages can get acne.
  • Family history – genetics plays a role in this condition. If both of your parents had acne, you are likely to develop it too.
  • Hormonal changes – during pregnancy or certain triggers, genetics plays a role in acne.
  • Friction or pressure on your skin – this could be caused by items such as helmets, backpacks, tight collars, or mobile phones.
  • Greasy or oily substances – you are likely to develop acne when your skin comes into contact with oil or oily creams and lotions.

Symptoms

Acne causes lesions that can become inflamed and sore. Lesions are most likely to appear on your cheeks, but may also appear in the following places such as:

  • Chest
  • Shoulders
  • Back
  • Neck
  • Face

Hormonal acne can appear in the following types of lesions:

  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
  • Papules
  • Cysts
  • Pustules

Treatment

Treatment for acne focuses on reducing oil production, swelling, and treating bacterial infections. Most prescription acne medications take four to eight weeks to take effect. You may have to wait a long time for your acne to clear up completely.

Based on your age, your acne’s type and severity, and how much time you are willing to commit, your doctor will recommend a treatment regimen. It may be necessary for you to wash and apply medications twice a day for a few weeks. You may need to take both topically applied medications and drugs taken orally. There are limited treatment options available to pregnant women due to the risk of side effects.

Medicine

Topical Medications

  • Antibiotics – Clindamycin with Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzaclin, Duac)
  • Retinoid and retinoid-like drugs – Tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A), Adapalene (Differin), and Tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage)
  • Dapsone
  • Azelaic acid and salicylic acid

Oral Medications

  • Isotretinoin – Isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis)
  • Anti-androgen agents – Spironolactone (Aldactone)
  • Antibiotics – Tetracycline (Minocycline, Doxycycline) or a Macrolide (Erythromycin, Azithromycin)
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What Condition Does Tretinoin Cream Treat and It’s Price?

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Tretinoin cream is a treatment of choice for comedonal acne as well as blackheads and whiteheads. It is a form of vitamin A that helps renew the skin by increasing the skin cell turnover, promoting the extrusion of the plugged materials in the follicles.

What condition does Tretinoin Cream treat?

Tretinoin cream is used for treating acne vulgaris, a common chronic skin disease involving the formation of :

  • Comedones: These are small bumps found on foreheads and chins. Open comedones are known as blackheads, while close comedones are known as whiteheads.
  • Papules: It is a type of inflamed blemish that looks like a red bump of the skin with no visible fluid. It develops excess oils, and skin cells clogging the pores.
  • Nodules: Nodules are the growth of abnormal tissue that develops just below the skin.
  • Pustules: These are bumps on the skin that contains pus or fluids. The bumps look very similar to pimples, but they can become significant.
  • Cysts acne: It’s the most severe type of acne. Cystic acne can result from a combination of oil, dry skin, and bacteria trapped in the pores.

Tretinoin cream can also treat sun-damaged skin by:

How does Tretinoin Cream work?

  • Tretinoin cream, also known as retinoic acid, is a vitamin A derivative. It works by loosening the cells on the surface of the skin. Using tretinoin cream helps unclog the pores so the sebaceous gland can function normally.
  • Also, Tretinoin cream works by increasing skin cell turnover. It lightens the skin and replaces the old skin cells with newer skin naturally. The cream helps unblock the skin pores and decrease the formation of blackheads.
  • Tretinoin cream slows down how your body removes skin cells that may have been harmed by the sun.

What is the dosage of Tretinoin Cream?

How to use Tretinoin Cream?

  • Use tretinoin cream with other skincare products such as moisturizers and sunscreen.
  • Tretinoin cream is very effective against blackheads and whiteheads. However, it may take 6 to 9 weeks before you will see noticeable differences in acne. It may also take up to six months to work against fine facial wrinkles.

What are the precautions in using Tretinoin Cream?

  • This cream is not the right choice for women who are pregnant or who want to become pregnant.
  • Long-term use of this cream can change the color and texture of your skin.
  • Tretinoin cream can make your skin sensitive to UV light. Avoid prolonged sun exposure or artificial tanning while you are using Tretinoin Cream. If possible, use protective measures such as protective clothing over your skin’s treated areas or use sunscreens.
  • If you have sunburned skin, wait until your skin is fully healed before applying Tretinoin cream to avoid skin irritation and other adverse side effects.
  • If you get skin irritation, redness, itching, swelling, or burning sensations on the treated areas, apply the cream less frequently. If redness, swelling, and irritation persist, discontinue using the cream and talk to your doctor.
  • Tretinoin cream is for external use only. Do not swallow the cream. Do not use the cream on your eyes, nostrils, mouth, eyelids, and broken skin. If you accidentally get the cream on these areas, wash it off with clean water.
  • When using cosmetics or moisturizer, do not apply at the same time with Tretinoin cream. You need to wash your face first before applying the cream. You can apply moisturizers or makeup when the cream is fully absorbed into your skin.

Costs of Generic Tretinoin Cream vs.

The generic Ondansetron is an effective drug against nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, radiation, and cancer therapy. It’s cheaper than the brand name Zofran. Ondansetron 4mg only costs $1 per tablet or $10.00 per 10 tabs at Rx2go.Com. The brand name Zofran 4 grams cost $233.80 per 10 tablets or $23.38.

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Medication That Treats Swelling and Pimples Caused By Acne

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Azelaic acid cream is a topical medication that helps prevents, soothes, and treats swelling and pimples caused by acne. It’s a dicarboxylic acid type of cream that kills the bacteria that causes acne, thereby decreasing redness and swelling of the skin.  

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring compound that your skin’s microbiome produces to control inflammation and redness. This “unsung hero” is found in whole grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. It’s an acid that helps exfoliate the skin. Unlike the “acid” most people know, this one is actually better for delicate, easy inflamed skin. When applied topically, Azelaic acid can fight acne, calm inflammation, and fade skin discoloration.  

What condition does Azelaic Acid Cream treat?

Azelaic acid cream is very effective in treating cystic, fungal, and adult acne. It’s often recommended for people dealing with acne, rosacea, and pigmentation issues. If you have been using benzoyl peroxide for your acne, opt for Azelaic acid instead. Azelaic acid can reduce acne by an average of 70% on an average compared with 5% benzoyl peroxide or 0.05% tretinoin. 

Compare with salicylic acid and glycolic acids, this cream skin exfoliate skin but it doesn’t exfoliate the same way glycolic acid or salicylic acid does. It offers additional benefits that glycolic and salicylic acid don’t provide such as improving a markedly uneven skin tone and treating swelling and pimples caused by acne.  

How does Azelaic Acid Cream work? 

Azelaic acid works by: 

  • Encouraging your skin cell’s turnover so it heals more quickly with minimal scarring. 
  • Clearing up the bacteria that causes breakouts and irritations 
  • Inhibiting the production of melanin to help curb down the development of dark spots while brightening darker areas of your skin. 
  • Protecting and strengthening your skin tone as it is naturally rich in antioxidants. 
  • Inhibiting misbehaving elements on the skin and within the skin’s uppermost layers. When left untreated, these misbehaving elements on the skin can lead to persistent, visible skin imperfections such as brown patches, and posh-blemish marks, signs of sensitivities, and dull skin tone.  

What is the dosage of Azelaic Acid Cream? 

  • Use Azelaic acid cream twice a day. You can use it at night but since it doesn’t cause light sensitivity, you can use it in the morning. 
  • Do not use it in a larger amount as this will not result in quicker results. 
  • Azelaic acid takes time to work. It can take months before you can see significant results. Since it works slowly, your dermatologist may often prescribe it along with other forms of acne treatment.  

How to use Azelaic Acid Cream? 

  • Use the Azelaic acid cream in treating swelling and pimples caused by acne.  
  • Start by putting a small amount on your arm for a test patch. If it does not irritate your skin, you can put a thin layer on your face twice a day. Before applying, wash your face thoroughly with mild soap and warm water then pat it dry.  
  • See to it that your hands are clean when applying the cream. Apply a small amount on the affected area. Rub it and let it dry completely. Wait for the cream to dry before you apply any cosmetics. There’s no need to cover the affected area.  

What are the precautions in using Azelaic Acid Cream?

  • It should be used exactly as directed by your dermatologist. To get the most benefit, use it regularly. If your condition persists for longer than four weeks, let your doctor know. 
  • Avoid using deep-cleansing or astringents while you use Azelaic acid.  
  • Do not use this if you have eczema or sunburned skin. 
  • This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions and other problems. Before using this, read the product label carefully.  
  • During pregnancy and breastfeeding, medications should be used only when deemed necessary. Talk to your doctor about the risk and benefits you can get from using this product.  
  • Before using Azelaic acid cream, tell your doctor about your medical history such as repeated episodes of cold sores, asthma, and fever blisters.  
  • Azelaic acid cream can take some time to take effect. If you are using this to treat uneven skin tone, assess the result after 6 months of use. If an uneven skin tone still persists, increase the strength of the prescription or you might as well try other ingredients.  
  • Azelaic acid cream is a mild exfoliant. It can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, avoid prolonged sun exposure. It is highly recommended that you wear sunscreen during the day.  
  • This product can cause temporary stinging, itching, burning of the skin especially at the beginning of the treatment.  
  • Serious allergic reaction to Azelaic acid cream is rare but let your doctor know if you are bothered by the side effects or if they do not go away.  

Costs of Generic Azelaic Acid Cream vs. Azelex

Azelaic acid cream is a cost-effective topical medication for the treatment of acne, rosacea, uneven skin tone, and other inflammatory skin conditions. It’s cheaper than the brand name like Azelex. The generic Azelaic acid cream 20% cost only $14.00 per tube of 15 grams while the brand Azelex 20% cost $232.49 per tube of 15 grams. Both the brand name and the generic version have the same active ingredient and offer the same mechanism of action. 

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Treating Pimples And Swelling Caused By Acne or Rosacea

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Azelaic acid is a topical antibacterial cream. It can treat pimples and swelling caused by acne. It helps reduce redness and bacterial growth in the hair follicle. It also removes dead skin cells to prevent acne breakout in the future. Azelaic acid works by unplugging blocked pores.

You can buy Azelaic acid only with your doctor’s prescription. It is available in the form of cream, foam and gel.

What are the uses of Azelaic Acid Cream?

Azelaic acid is an effective treatment for:

  • Mild to moderate acne
  • Rosacea – a condition that causes spots. It affects your cheeks, nose and forehead.
  • Skin pigmentation
  • Melasma

How does Azelaic Acid Cream works?

Azelaic acid belongs to the class of dicarboxylic acid. It works to treat:

  • Acne
    • It kills the bacteria on the skin that causes acne.
    • It helps decrease keratin production. Keratins are natural substances that promote bacterial growth.
  • Rosacea
    • It decreases the redness, lesion and swelling of the skin.

What is the dosage for Azelaic Acid Cream?

  • Acne
    • Adult- Apply a thin layer two times a day. Apply in the morning and evening.
    • Children younger than 12 years old- Their dose and use are determined by their doctor.
  • Rosacea
    • Adult- Apply a thin layer in the affected area. Apply the medication two times a day in the morning and evening.
    • Children younger than 12 years old- Use the medication according to your doctor’s prescription.

How to use Azelaic Acid Cream?

  • Follow the direction on the prescription label.
  • Clean and dry the affected area.
  • Rub the cream gently.
  • Apply the medication two times a day.
  • Wash your hands before and after using the medication.
  • Use the cream for full course of treatment.

What are the precautions in using Azelaic Acid Cream?

  • Tell your doctor if you have:
  • Do not use the cream more often than directed.
  • Do not use a large amount.
  • Do not cover the affected area.
  • Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Azelaic acid.
  • Tell your doctor if you have any allergies.
  • Use the medication with care if you are asthmatic.
  • Azelaic is for topical use only.
  • Do not use astringents and alcoholic cleansers with this medication.

Costs of Generic Azelaic Acid Cream

The generic brand Azelaic Acid Cream is cheaper than the brand name Aziderm. Azelaic Acid 20% 15g costs $14.00 per tube. While the branded Aziderm 20% 15g costs $23.00 per tube.

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Treating Severe Type of Acne

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Isotretinoin treats a severe type of acne. It belongs to the class of medication called Retinoid. It is a big problem for youths. Different medicines, capsules, lotion etc. are available in order to get rid of it. But people many a time fail to do so. Isotretinoin is helpful in treating acne and the others fail to improve. It is helpful treating some type of skin cancer and in treating other cancers. It show result in skin disease. It is retinoid that means it relates to vitamin A. This is available in small amount naturally in the body. This type of acne causes painful cyst and nodules, deep in the skin layer.

HISTORY:

Roche laboratories discovered the compound in Switzerland by Werner Bollag in 1960s. This studies was for the treatment of skin cancer. But it was inactive for cancer. It showed benefits in case of acne. In 1975 Gary and Frank Yoder rediscovered the drug to use it in case of cystic acne and published his work. Rochis New drug application got approval from FDA in 1982. He organize a program called pregnancy prevention program. He inform possible defects in the fetus in pregnancy with above pill. His patent for this drug expired. Now many other companies sell cheaper generic version of the drug.

WORKING:

Its exact mechanism is unknown. It is form of vitamin A. It controls the amount of oil released by the oil glands in your skin. This help skin to renew itself in short period. Acne occur due to the increase in the secretion of oil from oil glands. Several studies show that it induces cell death in various cell in the body. This include sebaceous gland cell too. One more studies show that it help the production of NGAL in the skin. This induce death of cell in glands and reduce oil production. Thus the size and oil output decrease. Only isotretinoin can effect major four pathogenic processes in acne. This separates it from other medicines. The significant decrease in P.acne amount leads to the decrease in acne inflammation.

DOSAGE:

A dose of 0.5-1.0 mg/Kg/day reduces the (oil) sebum excretion by 90% within 6 weeks. Dose is dependent on body weight. It is decided by Doctor. It is available in 10 mg and 20 mg tablet. Give it in two divided dose with food for 15 to 20 weeks. Dose is adjusted according to how the disease respond and the side effects occur in the person.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Any drug administered in the body takes time to adjust in the body. This shows some common side effects which don’t need medical attention. They disappear with time. They are;

  • Itching
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Hair thinning and breakage
  • Dry mouth, ears, throat, anus
  • Changes in the nail and skin texture

It is necessary to check out for major side effects. It can lead serious conditions. They are;

  • Temporary depression
  • Inflammation of liver or pancreas
  • Bone disorders
  • Vision changes
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Continuing headache
  • Abdominal and stomach pain

PRECAUTIONS:

It is necessary to take precaution to take medicine in certain cases. Don’t use this tablet if a person belong to following medical conditions;

  • Person showing allergy to the ingredient in the above drug
  • Children younger than 12 years
  • Teenagers with bone problems or disease
  • In pregnancy, as it can produce fetal defects
  • Breast feeding, as no adequate evidences show its safety
  • Certain drugs can interact with above medicine. Check with doctor and consume with doctors permission.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol and tobacco

Some other medical conditions like

COST OF GENERIC VERSUS THE BRAND NAME OF DRUG:-

The generic drugs are cheaper as compared to brand name drug. They contain same active ingredient as the brand name. It is an effective medicine. The difference between the prices is due to the packaging and the brand name. The generic form of this drug is $0.88 for 20 mg and $0.94 for 10 mg per pill. The cost of brand Accutane is $4.71 for 20 mg per pill and $1.48 for 10 mg per pill.

This represent the difference between the prices of generic versus the brand version of Isotretinoin. It shows visible improvement in the acne.

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Tretinoin Gel

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Tretinoin Gel is a prescription topical treatment for acne vulgaris. It’s a first generation retinoid that is chemically related to vitamin A. It helps reduces acne formation as well as preventing signs of aging like wrinkles, age spots and sun-damaged skin.

Tretinoin gel belongs to the topical retinoid group of drugs. It works by clearing up the acne by speeding the rate at which skin cells turn over. It acts as a comedolytic that unclogs the pores. It makes the blackheads less sticky helping it make its way to the surface. Unclogging the pores helps clear the inflamed pimples and blackheads.

Why Buy Tretinoin Gel?

Tretinoin gel is most commonly sold as Retin-A and other brand names. However, it’s also available as a generic medication. It is a long-term treatment for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. It’s one of the few acne medications that work well for comedonal acne.

How to Take Tretinoin Gel?

Tretinoin gel comes with an information leaflet. Read and follow the instruction found on the leaflet. To use the gel, apply a pea-sized on the affected area. Rub it gently. Apply the gel on the affected areas once a day at bedtime. Before applying, wash your face with a mild cleanser then pat it dry. Wait for 20 minutes before applying the gel to make sure your skin is completely dry. Do not apply the gel if your skin is still wet.

Use this gel as directed by your dermatologist. Do not use more than what is directed or longer than the required time. Do not use the gel on sunburned skin and open wounds. Do not use it around your eyes, lips or inside the nose.

Things to Remember

  • Tretinoin gel won’t help get rid of acne scars. It only stimulates new skin cell growth giving your skin a more smooth and even texture.
  • This gel can reduce dark discoloration on your skin caused by acne.
  • Avoid too much sun exposure and extreme cold and wind.
  • Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin.
  • Do not scrub the affected area or wash it too often.
  • Use moisturizer at least two times a day to moisturize your dry skin.
  • Tretinoin gel may cause side effects like any other acne medications. Common side effects are dryness, peeling and flaking. Other side effects are burning or stinging of the affected area.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use this gel only when clearly needed.

Acne

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Acne vulgaris or commonly known as acne is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition. It often causes pimples and spots on the face, neck, head and chest. It’s most common among teenagers when their sebaceous glands are very active though it affects people of all ages. In the US alone, at least 85% of the people experience acne between the ages of 12 to 24.

Effective treatments are available over the counter but the more severe forms should be treated by a dermatologist.

Types of acne

Acne pimples may vary in level of pain, color and size. The following types are possible:

  • Blackheads: They are black and visible on the skin surface.
  • Whiteheads: They remain under the skin.
  • Pustules: They are red at the base with pus at the top.
  • Papules: Usually small, pink bumps that is visible on the surface of the skin.
  • Nobules: They are solid, large and painful pimples under the skin.
  • Cysts: They are painful and are filled with pus. They can cause scars.

What are the causes of acne?

There are four main factors causing acne. These are:

  1. Bacteria- Propionibacterium acnes that live on the skin can contribute to the infections.
  2. Excess oil production- Increased production of sebum can plug the skin pores. The plugged hair follicle slowly become big and produces bumps. Eventually, the wall breaks allowing bacteria and other harmful substances into the skin.
  3. Clogged hair follicles– The clogged hair follicles allow oil build-up under the skin.
  4. Excess activity of androgen hormone– Excess androgen hormone can cause the oil gland under the skin to grow.

Other factors that may cause and worsen acne are:

  • Greasy cosmetics
  • Menstruation
  • Dirt
  • Foods
  • Hormonal change
  • Stress
  • Genetic reasons
  • Certain medications
  • Occupations
  • Diet

What are the signs and symptoms of acne?

The signs and symptoms of acne depend upon the severity of the conditions:

  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
  • Pimples
  • Painful lumps under the skin
  • Lumps that are filled with pus under the skin.

The adverse effect of the problem

Acne problem can have both psychological and physical effects. People with recurrent acne can experience the following:

  1. Low self-esteem
  2. Image problems at school and work
  3. Attitude problems
  4. Problems having friends
  5. Depression

How can I prevent acne?

Here are some prevention tips for acne-prone skin.

  • Do not scrub your face when washing.
  • Do not pop the pimples.
  • Refrain from touching your face.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before applying gels and creams.
  • Avoid using oil-based products.
  • Avoid stress and anxiety.
  • Keep your skin cool and dry.
  • Avoid irritants such as acne concealers and greasy cosmetics.
  • Protect your skin from too much exposure from the sun.
  • Avoid pressure on your skin.

What treatments are available for acne?

Acne treatment depends on the severity and how often acne occurs.

  1. Mild acne

OTC medicines, gels, soap and cream can treat mild acne. OTC medicines may contain active ingredients like:

  • Salicylic acid- assist the breakdown of whiteheads and blackheads
  • Azelaic acid- to strengthen the cell that lines the follicles; stop the production of sebum; reduces bacterial growth
  1. Moderate to severe acne

Your doctor may prescribe the following:

  • Antibiotics– It works by killing the bacteria and fights the inflammation. It is best used with topical benzoyl peroxide.
  • Injections- A specialist may inject diluted corticosteroid to treat inflamed cyst.
  • Oral contraceptive- It is a long-term treatment for acne.
  • Topical medicines like Retinoid- It come in the form of gels, creams and lotions.
  • Therapies like chemical peel, laser and whiteheads and blackhead extractions.

Common acne medicines