Clear solution for clearer skin

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with cells and sebum. This mixture of sebum can allow Cutibacterium acnes bacteria live on the to grow in follicles, causing swelling, redness, pain, pimples most teenagers know well. Fortunately, several OTC medications are available heal existing lesions, minimize new prevent scarring.Acne teens young adults, although patients all ages develop acne. Interestingly, acne more males, while continues into adulthood females. The increase androgens during puberty causes sebaceous glands enlarge produce sebum, contributing development Hormonal changes pregnancy may also cause acne, as some contain hormones, corticosteroids, phenytoin, vitamin B12, or lithium. Research has shown genetics contribute prevalence; is, if patient's parents had their children likely acne.Acne treatmentAcne usually appears face, forehead, chest, upper back, shoulders. Patients one 6 types lesions any these areas. ▪Whiteheads: White bumps under caused by follicles▪Blackheads: Open surface skin; they appear black because air discolors sebum▪Papules: Small, inflamed pink skin▪Pustules pimples: Lesions filled white yellow pus▪Nodules: Large, painful solid deep within skin▪Severe nodular (cystic acne): Deep, painful, pus-filled lesionsFor minor cases consisting whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and/or pimples, generally effective. Some products remove excess oil dead cells, others kill acne-causing bacteria. active ingredients include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic adapalene, α-hydroxy acids.Benzoyl which strengths 2.5–10%, removes kills skin. Because it dry skin, scaling, irritation, burning, stinging, it's best start low-concentration form.Salicylic acid without prescription 0.5–2% leave-on wash-off products. These clear both blackheads whiteheads reduce shedding follicles. Possible adverse effects mild discoloration, irritation.Azelaic pores from becoming clogged up 10%. dark spots remain after clears (postinflammatory hyperpigmentation). Glycolic lactic acids used treat removing calming improving appearance scars.The newest treatment for retinoid previously approved only use 12 years older. Approved FDA 2016, treats regulating proliferation differentiation epidermal keep clogging. According FDA, adapalene gel external should be applied once daily thin layer affected It not cuts, abrasions, eczema, sunburn, avoid contact eyes, lips, mouth. Slight stinging upon application, other scaling. As products, take few weeks work, limit sunlight exposure sunscreen regularly.More severe such those nodules cystic require (e.g., tretinoin isotretinoin). In 2020, clascoterone, first-in-class topical androgen receptor inhibitor older.What tell your patientsAdvise lowest strength sure clean thoroughly at least twice day. Avoiding environmental irritants, pollution high humidity, breakouts. rubbing touching blemishes, scars splotches develop. studies show diets carbohydrates, milk, saturated fats, trans-fatty stress. Finally, advise sun always sunscreen. scarring. For acids. Benzoyl form. Salicylic irritation. Azelaic scars. regularly. More What Advise