Myths About Acne, True Or False?

Blackheads are the precursor to acne. No blackheads - no pimples!

A successful treatment for acne (also called acne or pimples) focuses on getting rid of blackheads.

How is a blackhead formed?

The sebaceous gland produces the body's own emollient, sebum, after stimulation of the sex hormone testosterone. The sebum passes through a canal and out through an opening on the skin surface. In patients with acne, sebum production is higher than in others, and opening on the skin surface is smaller than in others. This combination of high sebum production and narrow opening leads to sebum clogging
- a blackhead is formed!

Where do you have acne?

Face, chest and back are typical areas of the body where acne occurs. Less well known is that it also occurs in the scalp. Another disease called acne inversa or hidradenitis suppurativa is localized as abscesses in the armpits, groin, abdomen, and buttocks. Acne inverse is similar to acne but should be treated in a completely different way.

Why take antibiotics for acne?

To answer the question, we must understand how a blackhead becomes a pimple. Our skin is home to a myriad of bacteria that are part of an ecosystem and interact with our skin suit. Blackheads upset this ecosystem - the normal skin flora multiplies rapidly in the blackheads that contain "food" in abundance for the bacteria. The bacteria multiply uninhibited. Finally, the body's immune system reacts to bacterial growth - white blood cells arrive and fight the bacteria. Every now and then what we call inflammation is created - it turns red and yellow where it is formed - and the pimple is a fact!
In this situation, antibiotics are a welcome treatment - locally such as Acnatac, or as capsules in the form of Tetralysal.

How to get rid of blackheads?

Some creams for acne such as Differin or Skinoren can widen the pore opening so that the sebum comes out on the skin surface. Isotretinoin (also called Roacutan) is a medicine that is taken as capsules and contains vitamin A acid which causes the sebaceous gland to shrink and at the same time opens up the pore opening. Isotretinoin causes acne to heal in the majority of patients with acne. The free testosterone that stimulates the sebaceous gland can be reduced in women with combined birth control pills that contain the sex hormone estrogen. Yasmin or Diane are birth control pills that have a good effect on acne by reducing sebum production.

Symptomatic treatment

When we have a cold, we sometimes take Alvedon to feel good until we are healthy by ourselves. Acne is a skin disease that has a beginning and an end. To feel good without cosmetically disturbing pimples, or the development of scars, symptomatic treatment with birth control pills, Differin / Skinoren and antibiotics such as Acnatac / Tetralysal can be given. You do not get well but you feel good! The treatment must be given until you recover by yourself, which can mean several years.

Curative treatment

Capsules with Isotretinoin make 9 out of 10 healthy after a treatment that lasts about 6 months. Of those who recover, 20% have a recurrence of acne and need further treatment to recover.

Can I do something myself to reduce acne?

Let go of the skin. Do not touch - remove fingers from face.

Do not lubricate with creams. Acne in 25-year-olds and older, is about 4 times as common in women compared to men. At the same time, we know that currently 95% of all face creams are used such as moisturizers, day and night creams by women. It is enough with the skin's moisturizer - sebum - which is abundant in those who have acne.

For some, acne gets better with less sugar and milk.

Anabolic steroids can cause a pronounced acne.

Mini-pills, cortisone, lithium, treatment with vitamin B12, epilepsy medication are examples of medications that can cause acne.

Sunscreen during holidays can activate acne and is called "Mallorca acne".

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in 5-10% of women of childbearing age, with symptoms such as irregular menstruation, acne, unwanted hair growth, difficulty ovulating and thus difficulty getting pregnant. Many people suffer from obesity. The condition can be set and treated during a visit to a gynecologist.

Can scars be treated?

Scars are difficult to treat and should not be treated until the acne has healed. Thick scars, called keloids, can sometimes be flattened by cortisone injections into the scars. Sanding, also called dermabrasion, can also improve cosmetics. Submerged scars, can be symptomatically treated with expanders such as hyaluronic acid.

Myths About Acne, True Or False?

"Acne is due to exhaust fumes clogging my pores"
[FALSE!] The blacks you see in blackheads are oxidized fatty acids. It does not matter for the blackheads if you walk on Hornsgatan or in the forest.

"If I eat a gluten-free diet, acne decreases"
[FALSE!] There is no scientific evidence that gluten has an effect on the skin. However, an extremely carbohydrate-rich diet can increase insulin secretion and secondary to more sebum production.

"Smoking worsens acne"
[TRUE!] Acne is more common in people who smoke.

"Acne is a sign of impure skin, so the most important thing is that I clean it properly"
[FALSE!] Unless you need to wash off makeup, there is no need to wash your face. On the contrary, there is scientific evidence that irritation of the skin with washing and masks increases acne.

"If you have acne, it is good to change pillowcases often and to have a separate towel for your face"
[FALSE!] The bacteria found in the sebaceous glands can not infect yourself or others. It can also not be washed off.

"Acne is due to my skin being dry and compensatingly producing more sebum."
[FALSE!] Acne is due to increased sebum production and you do not need a moisturizer on your face. You have enough of your own moisture!

"Pizza, chocolate and french fries do not affect acne"
[TRUE!] There is no scientific support for fatty foods or chocolate itself giving more pimples.

"It's good for acne to drink a lot of water"
[FALSE!] It is great to drink water if you are thirsty. However, it does not affect your acne.