ACNE and RASHES

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ACNE & HEAT RASH

A pimple is a kind of Acne that results from excess sebum ( a thick oily substance, secreted by the sebaceous glands of the skin) and dead skin cells getting trapped in the pores of the skin.

A build-up of bacteria also contribute to pimples formation. Areas of the skin that have the largest number of functional oil glands, such as the neck, face, chest, back and shoulders, are often affected. Pimple is the commonest type of Acne.

Acne is a long-term skin disease that occurs when dead skin cells and oil from the skin clog hair follicles and it is also caused by the inflammation of sebaceous glands through bacterial infection.

Many people think that acne is just pimples. But a person who has acne can have any of these;

Blackheads

Whiteheads

Papules

Pustules (what many people call pimples)

Cysts

Nodules

CAUSES

1.Hormonal Fluctuation

Changes in hormone Levels contributes to Acne formation.

Hormonal level increases mostly during the periods below;

1. Puberty- Acne (usually pimples) starts during puberty (from Age 10-13). The skin is more thicker at puberty and the Sebaceous gland produce more Sebum due to hormonal increase during Puberty.

2. Menstruation- Many women find out that they are prone to having pimples during or before the commencement of menstruation. Increased levels of certain hormones may be a cause.

3. Pregnancy- Acne is common during pregnancy. In fact, more than one out of every two pregnant women can expect to develop acne. In some cases, the acne may be severe. The primary cause of acne when you're pregnant is the increased hormone levels in the first trimester. Pregnancy acne will likely become worse in the third trimester when androgen levels increase even more.

Hormonal Acne can appear on the Face,neck and breast

2.Stress- may cause the Sebaceous glands to go into overdrive and produce more oil, which can make acne worse and lead to more pimples.

3. Genetics- Some research shows that Acne may be Genetic. If a person's Parents or Siblings are prone to Acne or were prone to Acne during their Adolescent period,they may be more likely to develop it.

4. Hair and skin care products- Some hair and skin care products can clog skin pores which lead to Acne formation.

5. Diet- Many studies have shown that Diary products (Milk,ice creams) can lead to Acne in some individuals.

HEAT RASHES

Heat rash develops when some of your sweat ducts clog. Instead of evaporating, perspiration gets trapped beneath the skin, causing inflammation and rash.Most of the time, heat rash isn’t serious. It often goes away on its own in cool temperatures. However, it can be very uncomfortable. It can get worse if excessive perspiration continues.

certain factors seem to play a role in clogging the sweat ducts and they include;

- Immature sweat ducts(in infants)

- Tropical climates

- Physical activity

- Overheating

- Prolonged bed rest

- Avoid overdressing.

- Avoid tightfitting clothes

Heat rash usually heals without problems, but it can lead to infection with bacteria, causing inflamed and itchy pustules(pimples).

Home remedies

Mild acne/pimple can be successfully treated and cleared using these home remedies.

1. Gently wash face with mild soap and warm water twice a day using your hands or immediately after sweating.

2. Avoid irritants like acne concealers or oily cosmetics. Water based cosmetic products are less likely to cause acne

3. Avoid picking/ bursting the acne. This can cause black scars and spots or trigger more acne.

4. The home remedy may be combined with some medications if there are no positive results.

The medications include

- Antibiotics like tetracycline or doxycycline which help to treat the inflammation and reduce bacteria. However, take the antibiotics at the recommended doses to prevent antimicrobial resistance.

-Spironolactone(Aldactone) can be taken if the antibiotics do not work. Though the effects of this drug may be breast tenderness or painful periods.

- Topical medications like creams, gels or lotions containing Salicylic acid or retinoids, which helps prevent plugged hair follicles, or antibiotics eg Clindamycin with Benzoyl peroxide . Both retinoids and antibiotics may be used with the antibiotic applied in the morning and the retinoid in the evening. However , topical antibiotics are not to be used alone

- If the Acne persist,see a Dermatologist.

Pregnancy Acne treatments

-Stop the use of cleansers, makeup, moisturizers, chemical exfoliants made with salicylic acid. Several over-the-counter topicals without salicylic acid, like benzoyl peroxide and glycolic and azelaic acid, are considered safe in limited amounts (to be sure, talk to your obstetrician ).

-Most acne medications including retinoids, oral isotretinoin, spironolactone, oral tetracyclines), and combination birth control pills should not be used if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain drugs used to treat acne may cause serious birth defects.

- Acne if not quickly taken care of may leave scars or dark spots especially when cysts and nodules appear *(check page 3 to view pictures).*

- If your acne doesn’t improve within a few weeks of following a consistent routine, or if your acne is severe or really bothers you, go to a board-certified dermatologist.

Treatment of heat rash

Heat Rashes usually heal on its own after some days. Heat rash remedies work by soothing the skin and reducing sweat.

-Menthol

- Lanolin

-Calamine lotion

-Unscented talcum powder-Talcum powder reduces sweat by absorbing perspiration. In turn, this ensures the pores aren’t blocked.

-Cool baths and showers

-Fans and air conditioners

-While your skin heals, avoid excessive sweating and humid air.

When symptoms such as; fever,sore throat,any other flu-like symptoms,pus,oozing,white or yellowish fluid,increased pain,swelling,muscle aches accompany Acne see a medical Doctor. There are some disease condition in which Acne may accompany so there will be a need to treat the disease and not the pimple itself.

Many people who have Acne suffer low self-esteem and some feel depressed. We should realize how common acne really is and shouldn’t feel bad about it. We are not saying you should move around feeling good about your acne, but Acnes are no reason why you should stop being with your friends and be depressed.

For questions and complaints, visit the teams page to get in touch with any of the team members.

By Semilogo Raphael and Uyinonijesu Victor- Ogie