TREATMENT OF ACNE-skin diseases

ACNE is a long-term
skin disease that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin . Acne is characterized by areas of blackheads , whiteheads , pimples , and
greasy skin, and may result in scarring . The resulting appearance can lead to anxiety , reduced self-esteem and, in extreme cases,
depression or thoughts of suicide .

Acne is not just a facial condition it can appear on other parts of the body such as shoulders, arms and on the back. These areas of the body have lots of glands which produce oil. If a sustained hygiene regime is not followed then acne can be a result due to infections occurring. Proper hygiene can prevent acne flare-ups.
Keeping the whole of your body clean is important as it will help to keep your skin acne free. Never neglect your personal hygiene regime and clean yourself effectively.
Because we all have different skin and the causes vary from one person to the next there is no cure which will suit all.

However there are many ways of keeping on top of your hygiene by following some simple tips:

■Showering is advisable over a bath – the constant flow of water opens the pores. It can also help with any pain you may experience with acne. Bathing may cause infections to move to a new location and create further outbreaks.
■Shower twice a day under warm water to open the pores which will help wash away dirt, bacteria, oil and chemicals followed by cooler water which will close the pores preventing the pores from being blocked with dirt and bacteria. By showering twice a day will ensure cleanliness. A warm shower is also beneficial for skin which is extremely oily as they can have a drying effect on the skin thus removing any excess oil which can cause acne.
■Do not use harsh soaps: choose soaps, shampoos and cleansers made from natural ingredients which contain vitamin E and antioxidants.
■Do not scrub your skin, as scrubbing can irritate the skin causing discomfort.
If you prefer or have no choice but to take a bath consider adding a few ounces of hydrogen peroxide to the water this will help destroy bacteria in the opened pores. You can bath for approximately 20-30 minutes.
■Use scent free mild soap: your doctor/dermatologist can recommend the best soap to use. Soap containing sulphur has anti-bacterial properties which can help kill bacteria.
■Use a good quality gentle moisturising body wash applied to a sponge.
After every bath/shower you may wish to consider applying a cream containing benzoyl peroxide on the areas of the body covered by acne. This type of cream can kill the bacteria. Before using a cream containing benzoyl peroxide you should seek advice from your doctor as the content of benzoyl peroxide is important – too much can cause redness and irritation.
■Make sure that you remove all soap residues from your body especially when taking a bath – not removing all the soap can aggravate acne especially on the back where it is difficult to get to – consider showering off your body after taking a bath.
■Make sure you wash both your cleaning cloths/towels immediately after having a shower or bath to prevent bacteria breeding.
Purchase a good quality bath sponge with some texture. You may wish to consider using a loofah or a long armed product which will reach those difficult areas such as the back. Using a textured sponge will exfoliate your skin which will remove dead cells preventing further acne. Keep it gentle though; remember you should not scrub your skin.
■Wash from top to bottom in that order. It is advisable to wash your hair first so that the dirt and bacteria is washed down and away. By following this method means by the time you have got to your feet your body is clean and free from dirt, oil, bacteria and chemicals from hair products etc.
■You should shave last if doing so in the shower: not only will it soften the hair and prevent irritation it will stop your pores from collecting dirt, oil, bacteria and chemicals. Shaving also acts as an exfoliator.
■You should shave last if doing so in the shower: not only will it soften the hair and prevent irritation it will stop your pores from collecting dirt, oil, bacteria and chemicals. Shaving also acts as an exfoliator.
■You may wish to invest in a shower filter, they can attach to your shower head: you can then use the shower head for a shower or to fill your bath with water.
■Steam baths/saunas can help in the treatment of acne: the steam will open and cleanse the pores and enhance blood circulation bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface. You are advised to shower immediately after a steam/sauna to remove the sweat. Before considering this method of treatment it is always advisable to seek advice from your doctor or dermatologist.