What causes acne vulgaris?
The development this condition in both young men and women is often associated with male hormones known as androgens. These hormones can stimulate the production of a substance called sebum by the sebaceous glands. Sebum isn't bad and is actually instrumental in keeping the skin healthy, but too much can cause pores to become clogged, leading to inflammation.
Increased sebum production tends to go hand-in-hand with hormonal changes, which may occur as the result of puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Acne can also signify other medical conditions such as Cushing's syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Taking some types of oral contraceptives or using steroid creams can also aggravate the sebaceous glands.
What are the symptoms of acne vulgaris
It is recognisable by the presence of spots on the face, back or chest. These spots can be a combination of six different types, namely: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. The area that can be covered in spots that can be small or large, but the symptoms are usually easily recognisable.
Can I do anything to prevent acne?
There are no specific measures that can be taken to avoid it, but you can make yourself less vulnerable to outbreaks. You can, for example, ensure that you wash your face on a regular basis, particularly after exercise, although you should avoid over washing, as this can have the opposite effect. You can also try to use non-acnegicic or non-comedogenic skin products, to avoid further clogging of pores, and take care to remove all make-up (if you wear any) before going to bed at night. You should also try to avoid touching your face too much as this can cause the spread of bacteria.
Acne treatment
This is a very common skin condition and for that reason there are many different treatments available. Over-the-counter face cleansing products, creams, ointments and lotions are widely used and contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxyl acids, salicylic acid or sulphur.
For most people using over-the-counter products are effective and provide results, but for more advanced cases, a prescription treatment can be used. Minocin and Oxytetracycline are treatments that target acne bacteria and are usually taken for a period of six months. Dianette on the other hand is an oral contraceptive that controls the effects of androgens and is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for young women.
Ordering treatment online
121doc provides patients with a chance to order Minocin, Oxytetracycline and Dianette online with the help of our online consultation service. This forms part of our ordering process and is completely free and will help our doctor evaluate accurately whether you should be prescribed a particular treatment or not. If a prescription is approved for you, it will be passed to our pharmacy from where it will be shipped for next day delivery so you can start your treatment as soon as possible.
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These treatments suppress sebum production so that the skin in the affected areas can dry out. In addition, the active ingredients counteract the spread of bacteria.
In the case of severe acne, you can combine topical therapy with antibiotics and retinoids. This combination therapy can take a few months for full effects to be experienced.
An effect of certain hormonal contraceptives is clearer skin and reduced acne and hirsutism (excessive facial hair growth). These treatments are only available to women.
FAQs
Our consultations include general questions about your health (e.g. blood pressure levels, current and past conditions), as well as specific questions related to your selected treatment. We will also request relevant personal information to complete payment and delivery.
All questions are necessary, and your answers and details will not be shared with any third-parties. Only our doctors have access to your medical information.