Adult Acne and Rosacea

Adult Acne and Rosacea Related Information:

Although acne is associated with teenagers, it can strike at any age. The scientific name for acne is acne vulgaris because it usually appears on parts of the body that are visible, such as the face, neck and back. It is an inflammation of the skin that is caused by a number or things. Using skin products that contain a lot of oil is a common cause, but certain foods and medications can also bring on acne. Stress, because of the over production of the cortisol hormone, is also a contributing factor. The most common cause, however, is the secretion of androgen hormones, which begins with purberty and continues on into adulthood.

There are many different types of acne treatments available both over the counter and by prescription only. Most people use the over the counter remedies and find them to be very effective. If the acne problem persists or worsens, then you may need to see your doctor for more specialized treatment. Along with whatever treatment you choose, you should eat healthy foods and exercise on a regular basis.

Some of the common treatments for adult acne are:

Using astringent cleansers to remove the build up of oils that are clogging the pores. They should only be used on problem areas because they may dry out the skin causing it to become red and itchy.

Many herbs such as lavender, camomile or tea tree oils are beneficial in improving the skin and reducing toxicity. Witch hazel is one herb that is particularly effective in treating acne.

Acupuncture. Acupuncture, using stagnants of Chi in the channels of the face, is the favorite acne treatment of many people.

Surgery. Doctors may open the nodules or cysts to remove the acne problem. This is one acne treatment that works immediately.

Detoxification. Some people like to detoxify the body to rid it of the harmful toxins that cause the bacteria build up leading to acne.

Skin rejuvenation products. There are many products on the market designed to rejuvenate the skin and restore it to a normal condition. You have to read the labels on these products because some of them are specific to certain types of skin such as dry skin or oily skin. You can also buy medicated pads to remove the acne on your face and heal the skin. Of course, these do not work overnight and you shouldn’t dismiss them unless you try them for several weeks without noticing any results.

Rosacea has often been confused with acne, when it is actually a different skin condition. It is a common skin disease that causes the skin to become red and itchy. It has been called “adult acne”, but there is no cure for rosacea. It develops over a long period of time and with the proper treatment it can be controlled.

In many cases, rosacea starts as a flushed face or reddening of the face that occurs very easily. It later manifests itself as a permanent redness on the cheeks, forehead, shin or nose. As the disease progresses, small pimples begin to appear on or around the reddened area. Blackheads are not associated with roscaea in any way.

Some of the common symptoms of rosacea are:

Red areas of the face
Visible blood vessels on the face
Bumps or pimples
Watery eyes

Advanced rocasea sometimes presents itself in an enlarged red nose, puffy cheeks or enlarged bumps on the cheeks, forehead, nose or chin.

Some of the treatments for rosacea include oral antibiotics, topical creams and ointments, cortisone cream and in extreme cases, laser surgery.