Acne rosacea is commonly called adult acne. This ailment is characterized by some or all of the following: unsightly thick red skin on the nose and cheeks, pustules (pus-filled blisters), small red bumps and small red blood vessels visible on the skin surface.
Although triggers for this ailment vary, no single cause has been found. As a result, the treatment depends upon many factors, including the severity of the condition. Adult acne can emerge as a result of blocked hair follicles, overactive oil glands, bacteria and some other causes not yet known. Some factors known to aggravate the condition are stress, hot foods and alcohol consumption. Emotional and psychological stress is also seen as a factor because of the physical unsightliness.
The disease seems to go into remission and then reappears suddenly.
Physicians frequently prescribe antibiotics and topical medications to lessen the intensity of the flare-ups.
Topical medications containing salicylic acid or sulfur can help to unblock clogged hair follicles and relieve the burning sensations experienced with an outbreak. Many over-the-counter medications containing these ingredients are sold without a prescription and are commonly used by both adult and adolescent sufferers. Benzoyl peroxide is the most widely used ingredient in acne medications. Available in varying strengths both over-the-counter and by prescription, this preparation kills bacteria and slows down the action of skin glands. It is highly effective when the condition is moderately serious, though some irritation such as extremely dry skin and peeling have been reported with continued use.
Retin A, a derivitive of Vitamin A has been used with some success as a treatment. It works by drying up the skin eruptions and preventing new pimples from forming. This medication is a prescription drug and should not be used by those having a great deal of exposure to the sun. If the acne becomes infected or inflamed, physicians usually prescribe antibiotics in cream or lotion form. These have been found to be very effective treatments.
The most serious cases of adult acne are usually treated with preparations containing isotretinoin, also derived from Vitamin A. Although these preparations can sometimes eliminate acne outbreaks for extended periods, even years, they have drawbacks. Some of the side-effects are muscle pain, headache, itching and possible birth defects if taken by women who are pregnant. Steroids are also frequently used to treat serious cases of adult acne. Varieties of these drugs can be taken orally and are sometimes injected directly into pimples. Estrogen, which suppresses skin oil production, has also been used as a treatment but the disadvantages, including the formation of bloodclots, make estrogen a rarely-used alternative.
There is no "anti acne" diet. Some people are aware that certain foods aggravate the condition and eliminate those foods from their diets. Others find that food is not a trigger for the condition. The old wive's tales that french fries, chocolate or soft drinks bring on attacks of acne have no scientific basis. Another myth is that keeping the facial area as clean as possible will prevent acne is not totally true. Certainly washing the face will eliminate certain bacteria and lessen the chances of clogged pores but active scrubbing of the face may actually aggravate the condition.
Dermatolists recommend that a person experiencing adult acne seek advice from a physician or dermatologist at the first onset and discontinue the use of oil-based cosmetics and extended exposure to sunlight. Serious cases of adult acne need medical intervention since they cannot be treated effectively with commercial preparations.
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