Adult AcneBy: Greg Mauro Just because you are no longer a teenager doesn't mean you are free from acne. Adult acne affects slightly more than one-third of all adults. The below article offers information on why adult acne occurs and what can be done to treat it. Acne is bad enough to face during adolescence, at least then it's a somewhat regular occurrence and you know it's only a phase. But when it strikes during adulthood, it can be much more of a pain in the you-know-what. Adult acne affects 25% of all adult men and 50% of adult women at some time in their adult lives. People can develop unpleasant acne or have an acne recurrence in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. It can be difficult to cope with no matter your age, and can cause depression and social anxiety in an adult the same way it can in a teen. What Causes Adult Acne? Acne is an inflammation of the skin that can form in adulthood just as easily as it forms in pubescence. Acne is caused by a number of factors. Contact with an oily substance such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum is a common cause of acne, as is the use of certain medications and steroids. However, acne is most often cause by the secretion of androgens. Acne occurs most often to teens and preteens because these androgens are initially secreted at the onset of puberty. But these sex hormones are secreted into adulthood as well and can continue to cause problems with acne. Poor dietary habits and lack of exercise also contribute to adult acne. Androgens are male sex hormones but they are secreted by females as well. Androgens stimulate the production of oil from the skin's oil glands. Acne occurs when these oil glands become overactive and the exit from the gland is blocked, causing the oil to build up in the gland and swell. Sometimes even though you never had acne as a teen, it can occur in adulthood. If this happens, you should consult your doctor to see what the underlying reasons may be. Some causes of adult acne of this type are: Medication. Some medications that can induce acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to "bulk up"), some anti-epileptic medications, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium and iodine-containing medications. Chronic physical pressure on the skin. Chafing from the straps of a backpack or tucking a violin between the jaw and chin can cause chronic physical pressure on the skin and may induce a condition known as acne mechanica. Metabolic conditions. Changes in the hormonal balance, such as those brought about by pregnancy, menstruation or hormonal abnormalities can induce acne. Since adult acne may be difficult to treat, acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined and treated by a dermatologist. What Are Some Ways To Treat Adult Acne? There are many different ways to treat adult acne. Some are more extreme than others, so your treatment should be decided by talking to your doctor or dermatologist. Home Therapy: Organic Apple Cider Vinegar swabs and other astringent cleansers work to remove the oil buildup that may become blocked in the skin's glands. These products may cause dryness, itching, and redness, so be sure to use them only on problem areas. Herbs: Herbs such as chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, and burdock root can be used to reduce toxicity and improve the overall condition of the skin. Echinacea and poke root are often used for their anti-inflammatory properties and red clover may be beneficial for its estrogenic action. Witch hazel has excellent astringent properties and may be very effective on adult acne. Acupuncture: Stagnant of Chi in the channels of the face is said to be the cause of acne. Acupuncture performed on these points of the face may help relieve adult acne. Surgery: In moderate to severe cases of acne, doctors may use surgery to open up the blemishes and remove blackheads and whiteheads. Unlike medication treatments, the effects of acne surgery are usually more immediate. And surgery is also effective in reducing the development and visibility of adult acne scars. For all your health needs, visit Help For Health. |
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