DEFINITION

There are many different types of Acne. The most common type is Acne Vulgaris which is also known as Acne Simplex. Other types of Acne include Acne Cosmetica, Acne Excriee, Cystic Acne and Occupational Acne.

DESCRIPTION

ACNE VULGARIS: This is a chronic inflammatory condition in which excessive fluid, (sebum), is created by over-active oil and sweat glands. Hair follicles become clogged with this excess fluid which is unable to escape. The trapped sebum can then cause bacterial inflammation in and around the hair follicle. This type of Acne usually begins at puberty and appears particularly on the face as pimples, cysts and blackheads.
ACNE COSMETICA: The prolonged use of cosmetics, especially those containing isopropyl myristate and greasy ingredients such as lanolin, can be responsible for this type of Acne. Various cleansing creams, foundations, blushers and moisturisers may contain chemicals which can aggravate Acne. These products do not physically block the ducts but induce the formation of blackheads which progress into pimples. Acne Cosmetica appears mainly on the chin and cheeks. It has been suggested that approximately 25% of women suffer from this type of Acne, most of whom have a history of heavy make-up use. The management is simple. Discover which cosmetic is causing the Acne and stop using it.
ACNE EXCORIEE: This condition is usually found in young girls, beginning in adolescence. The girl may find a pimple and start scratching at it viciously. The skin is damaged by the fingernails and is not able to heal due to persistent scratching, which leaves a broad, shallow scar. This should not be confused with an unconscious nervous habit.
CYSTIC ACNE: This type of Acne usually affects the back, upper arms, shoulders and neck. It is a very severe type of Acne which produces visible pimples, cysts, abscesses and scarring. Cystic Acne usually occurs in males and generally persists beyond 20 years of age and may lead to permanent scarring. This type of Acne can be medically treated and requires specialist advice. In some cases it can be quite painful and may result in the patient feeling unwell.
OCCUPATIONAL ACNE: This is a type of Acne which usually forms as the result of contact with mineral oil or petroleum. This is a common condition suffered by motor mechanics who are frequently exposed to oils and grease. The oil irritates the hair follicles causing blackheads to form deeply in the skin and are difficult to treat. Contact with the oil should be eliminated or reduced.
A more severe form of occupational Acne can occur in some people working with chemical substances such as chlorinated hydrocarbons and dioxin (a bleach used to whiten paper and used as an insecticide). Large inflamed spots and cysts can occur all over the body and may last for many months even after exposure to the chemicals is stopped.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Some people may notice a change in the appearance of the skin after moving to an area with a different climate. Moving from a cool to a warm climate may cause the skin to release more fluid in the form of sweat and oils in an attempt to keep the body cool. This can result in the pores of the skin becoming enlarged and shiny with the skin appearing greasy. The excess oil and sweat may clog the pores forming blackheads and Acne. In this case it is a good idea to use a light moisturiser and cleanse the skin regularly. (See the Skin Cleansing and Skin Moisturising topics).

TREATMENT OPTIONS

In cases where Acne persists into adulthood and appears to be triggered by the hormonal cycle, your Doctor may prescribe medication to help balance the hormonal activity. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to treat severe Acne and oestrogen-based oral contraceptives are prescribed for some women to help control the amount of oil flow to the skin.
Picking and squeezing of pimples and blackheads should be avoided as this can cause the skin to rupture, spreading the inflammation and increasing the risk of scarring. (See the Acne (Management of) topic).

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

1) Ask your Pharmacist or beauty consultant for advice about skin treatments which can be used regularly to remove blackheads and pimples under hygienic conditions.
2) Your Pharmacist or beauty consultant can instruct you on how to use the cleansing and exfoliation treatments to keep the skin clean.
3) It is a good idea to follow a simple diet of fresh fruits and vegetables with plenty of pure, filtered water. Eight glasses of water a day is recommended. Avoid eating saturated fats e.g., butter and lard and limit your intake of fast food and sugar which can stimulate oil production and Acne in the skin of some people.
4) Try to drink plenty of fresh, filtered water. Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is recommended to help eliminate waste products from the body.
5) Consider some nutritional supplements if the diet is inadequate.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Vitamins may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.
- Vitamin A and zinc may help relieve acne.
- Vitamin B6 and folic acid may aid in acne related to menstrual dysfunction.
- An antioxidant or multivitamin may help if the diet is high in refined foods.
- Vitamin B2 supplementation may aid in acne rosacea.
- It is important to eliminate lymphatic congestion. Echinacea can be taken as a lymphatic herb or fresh lemon juice in water will also help clear lymphatic congestion.
- Ginkgo biloba may help stimulate blood circulation throughout the body, especially to the skin.
- Marshmallow has a soothing, healing and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.
- Calendula may have a soothing and antiseptic action on the skin. Calendula may also stimulate the lymphatic system.
- Sarsaparilla may help balance hormones and clean the blood.

NOTES

Information compiled by Miss Sue Freeborn, Dip BTh, Dip H Med, Principal of the College of Natural Beauty, Brisbane, Queensland.

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