PIMPLES

PIMPLES (acne, skin problems)

Acne or pimples is the inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands in the face and also in the scalp, neck, chest and back. Pimples start at puberty, and are characterized by small red bumps on the skin and, sometimes, large cysts or nodules. Pimples cannot be cured, but it gradually clears up after adolescence. Acne runs in families and is more common in men than women.

Symptoms

• Painful red pimples that are sometimes filled with pus on the face and, in some cases, on the back, chest, neck, and scalp.
• Painless black bumps (pimples).
• Cysts.
• Nodules.

Causes

Not yet fully known, but attributed to the blockage of hair follicles and the sebaceous glands by plugs of oil (sebum). Bacteria in the plug multiply and cause the collection of pus in the pimples. Pimple is associated with:

• Increased production of androgen (male sex hormone). At puberty, the levels of androgen in both men and women go up, simulating the production of oil (sebum).
• Heredity.
• Menstruation, in women.
• Stress.
• Certain medicine (e.g., corticosteroids), which simulates sebum production.
• Exposure to grease (e.g., fast food cooks, mechanics), which may block hair follicles.

What you can do

• Apply anti acne cream. Do not squeeze a pimple, as scarring can occur.
• Wash your face twice a day to get rid of debris which could cause acne infection.
• If you use cosmetics, choose water-based not oil based cosmetics. Use clay masks which remove excessive oil.
• Expose yourself to sunlight.
• Avoid stress.
• Consult a doctor if the acne is severe or scarring occur.

What your doctor can do for you

• Prescribe anti-acne cream.
• Prescribe and supervise appropriate acne treatment. Acne treatment involves appropriate washes, lotions, creams and oral tablets including antibiotics hormones, and retinoids. Acne treatment can:

1. Prevent scarring.
2. Clear the acne.
3. Reduce the size and the number of acne.
4. Prevent new acne formation. Acne treatment has to be individualized and monitored.

• Prescribe special medicines for severe cases although there may be serious side effect (liver damage)
• Recommend the use of oral contraceptives to regulate production of hormones. However, oral contraceptives are not effective in all acne cases.
• Treat acne lesions by injecting medicines into them. The treatment also decreases scarring.
• Perform dermabrasion (removal of the epidermis), when scarring is severe.

Product Guide

Acne Aid

Bar 25 g, 90 g
Contains Sulfonated surfactant blend of vegetable oil 6.3%
Uses Treatment of acne & greasy skin.
How to use Use like an ordinary soap. Repeat as required.


Benoxyl 5 / Benoxyl 10

Benoxyl 5 Lotion 5% x 30 ml
Benoxyl 10 Lotion 10% x 30 ml
Contain Benzoyl peroxide
Uses For the treatment of acne
How to use Apply once daily to the affected areas after washing the skin with soap & water.
Precaution For external use only. Avoid application to sensitive area e.g eyes, mouth & other mucous membrane & skin of the neck. Discontinue treatment when there is a feeling of discomfort, redness or excess peeling occurs. May bleach dyed clothing & fabrics.
Warning Known allergy to benzoyl peroxide

Betadine Skin Cleanser

Cleanser 60 ml, 120 ml.
Contains Povidone-iodine 7.5%
Uses For feminine hygiene during menstruation. For cleansing wounds. For pimples, ringworms, athlete's foot & other skin fungal infection.
How to use use as a liquid soap.
Warning Discontinue use if there is skin irritation or sensitivity.

Cetaphil

Lotion 250 ml
Contains Purified water, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, soduim lauryl, sulfate, stearyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben,
Uses Atopic dermatitis & other diseases which may be aggrevated by oily and greasy substances of animal & vegetable origin. General cleanser for patient with acne or with dry skin. Diaper rashes & cradle craps.
How to use Apply & massage to produce lather.
Precaution Avoid Contact with eyes