Skin Care Information

There is no simple answer to this question. All acne is caused by some sort of infection. It can be due to clogged pores becoming infected, or an infection under the skin that can cause acne on the surface.

Staph infections can manifest themselves on the skin, in the form of eruptions that are pus-filled and look like boils. But, if the eruptions are smaller, they can be more like zits or pimples.

Typically, more than one eruption will be present, and they can be present in one or more areas on the body. They can be painful and very unsightly.

These eruptions are different than normal acne in that they are not caused by pores clogging and becoming infected. Therefore, normal acne treatments like topical Benzoyl peroxide will not be effective in treating the breakout.

If you have a staph infection, you will need a doctor to diagnose it and treat it. Antibiotics MUST be prescribed in order to cure a staph infection.

How do you tell if you have a staph infection or if it is just regular acne? It can be hard to tell the difference, but some signs to look for are eruptions in places you do not normally get pimples. For instance, if you occasionally get pimples, but only on your chin, then suddenly you start to experience eruptions on your cheeks or forehead, it may not be simple acne.

Everyone’s skin is different, and only you know how your skin usually behaves. If you see signs that something unusual is happening, then you should check with your doctor to find out the cause.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and acne skin care products that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

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Benzoyl peroxide is probably the most common acne fighting ingredient found in over the counter topical gels, creams and face washes.

This chemical mixture can be fairly effective topically in treating very mild acne in my opinion, but it just doesn’t cut it for more severe acne that is usually related to hormonal imbalances or high stress levels.

This more severe and “deeply rooted” cystic-type acne is much more stubborn and usually requires a more agressive oral treatment aimed at calming hormones and cleansing the skin from this inside, so to speak.

Benzoyl peroxide is a solution that acts as an antibacterial agent, and helps prevent further infection and growth of acne cysts and postules.

When I’ve used benzoyl peroxide, it was effective for me only in one product for spot treatment - Neutrogena acne spot treatment gel. It helped dry out the blemish, and seemed to keep it from reforming a whitehead pretty effectively. The drawbacks to benzoyl peroxide for me were: increased redness and irritation, excessive dryness and flaking.

Many times these side effects override the benefits, since dry, flaky, red skin can look just as bad if not worse than the acne itself!

Bottom line, this OTC acne medication can come in handy for some spot treatment, but I wouldn’t rely on it for serious acne or any type of cystic acne needing a more serious approach like internal natural medicine (recommended) or even a dermatologist prescription.

Danna Schneider is the founder of CosmeticsGalore.com Cosmetic Product Reviews. Visit Natural Acne Treatments for daily updates on the latest in acne care and acne treatment technology, from over the counter acne products, cleansers and pills, to herbal remedies and natural alternatives for the treatment and elimination of acne vulgaris.

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Improper hygiene, poor diet, stress and sexual behavior were thought to be causes of acne, but in reality the causes are unclear. What is clear is the cascade of events that form acne. Hair follicles, or pores, become blocked by oil, which normally drains to the surface of the skin. This blockage occurs way below the skin surface, and causes the pores to collapse. At this point bacteria begin to overgrow, resulting in the formation of a white head. If this trapped oil, and bacteria partially reaches the surface, a black head is formed. Acne affects most teenagers, however this condition is not restricted to any age group; adults get acne as well. In addition, acne can occur on the face, neck, back, chest, shoulders, and upper arms. While not life threatening, acne has a profound social effect, and if severe enough, can lead to permanent scarring. Avoiding acne is a difficult task; treating acne has become more manageable.

Contrary to popular belief, face scrubbing with an abrasive washcloth will cause skin irritation, and worsen the problem. A gentle cleanser twice per day, that does not over dry the skin, would be the better alternative. Avoid using any bar soaps, which can irritate the area. Research has been done on the efficacy of different antibacterial alternatives. Several studies have shown that a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide solution has a very high acne bacteria kill rate, and is not subject to bacteria tolerance. Applying Benzoyl Peroxide liberally to the infected area should improve the acne within 10 days. It is important that a moisturizer be used in conjunction, since Benzoyl Peroxide does dry the skin. Further, it is important to check to see if any allergies to Benzoyl Peroxide exist by applying a small amount to the skin, and observe any reactions. Most cases of acne can be easily managed, however there are cases that are extreme, and result in scarring.

In cases of extreme acne that cause pain, and scarring it is necessary to see a Dermatologist. Today, virtually every case of acne can be resolved, and future out breaks can be avoided with the appropriate Dermatological care. Several options are available if scarring does occur. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure whereby the physician attempts to make scars less noticeable by sanding them using a small hand held tool. This procedure is ideal for shallow imperfections. Laser Resurfacing works the same as dermabrasion, utilizing a laser rather than a hand held tool. Skin augmentation is a nonsurgical way to remove small skin depressions caused by acne scars. Various materials are injected into or under the skin to raise the surface and make the scar look smooth.

Not only is acne a physical condition, a psychological component is present as well. Acne sufferers can experience, behavioral problems, academic decline, social isolation, substance abuse, depression, even suicide. Teenagers are more vulnerable in this respect because both acne and depressive disorder have a peak incidence during adolescence. Although acne is not a life-threatening disease, appropriate management is vital to its successful resolution.

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Acne Remedies Visit http://newacne-control.com/ for more information.

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