Adult acne
If the word acne is something you associate with distant
memories of your teenage years, consider yourself lucky. In
the United States, cases of adult acne are on the rise and researchers are at a loss to determine the exact cause
of the increase. Acne vulgaris is characterized by
outbreaks of tender, red, pus-filled bumps over the face,
neck, back or chest. It's not only the painful bumps
that cause a host of problems for sufferers. Oftentimes people
with acne suffer from embarrassment and shame due to the condition,
and may avoid social situations or even work if the outbreak
is severe. The psychological impact of adult acne is often
quite serious, and some individuals also suffer from depression
as a result of the condition.
Why the sudden increase?
There are a number of theories as to what causes acne. Acne
can be caused by a change in hormone levels, and while it
is most often associated with puberty, acne can also arise
during pregnancy or menopause. Some research indicates that
stress may also be a leading cause of acne outbreaks, which
may shed some light on the sudden increased incidence of the
condition in American adults, many of whom lead a strenuous
life. Additional research points toward evidence that diet
may be the culprit behind adult acne. Although previous research
theorized that there were no direct links between food and
acne, current scientists are beginning to rethink that hypothesis.
The typical American diet is frequently full of fast foods,
sugars, caffeine and alcohol, all of which can lead to increased
toxicity and inflammation in the body. When our bodies are
overtaxed, our organs, especially the liver, cannot keep up
with the increased toxic burden. The excess toxins are then
filtered out for elimination by organs such as the lungs and
skin, and an increase in toxins and bacteria are then deposited
on the surface of the skin. This may cause an increase in
the frequency or severity of skin conditions such as acne
or psoriasis.
Treatment
Over the years many different treatments for acne have become
available. Ranging from prescription drugs to dietary changes,
these treatments also vary greatly in cost, side effects,
and efficacy.
- Prescription drugs
There are a number of prescriptions available for treating
acne, ranging from antibiotics to vitamin A derivatives
known as retinoids. One commonly prescribed oral retinoid
is Accutane, which reduces the body's amount of oil production.
Though effective for treating some acne patients, side effects
associated with this form of treatment can be quite severe
and include birth defects, liver damage, dry skin, and nosebleeds.
Patients taking this drug are often closely monitored by
their doctors.
- Topical treatments
Topical treatments are another common way to combat adult
acne. Topicals are available by prescription or purchased
over-the-counter, and may contain a number of different
antibacterial or exfoliating additives. Some topicals are
used for treatment of skin eruptions to hasten the healing
process, while others assist in sloughing off dead skin
in an attempt to prevent the pores from becoming clogged.
- Extractions
Some acne patients have eruptions removed by dermatologists
or aestheticians in a procedure known as an extraction.
This procedure, although usually quick, can be painful and
if necessary to repeat often can become costly. If performed
incorrectly, extractions may also cause scarring.
- Phototherapy
Phototherapy utilizes special lights which emit UV rays
directed onto the area affected by acne. Patients are then
asked to treat the area with topical lotions as well. This
method of treatment is effective for many patients, but
is quite costly, and must be repeated to maintain results.
- Diet and lifestyle
Some acne sufferers have found relief by modifying their
diet and lifestyle choices. Current research indicates that
acne and other skin conditions may be caused by inflammation
in the body as a result of an overabundance of built-up
toxins.When an individual consumes foods that contain simple
(refined) carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, chemicals
and additives, toxins in the system may not be adequately
processed by the liver. By examining the diet and eliminating
foods that can overtax the system, acne sufferers may see
improvement in their condition.
How can DermaHarmony help?
At DermaHarmony we firmly believe in healing from the inside
for visible improvement on the outside. Diet and lifestyle
changes may help people to overcome the pain and embarrassment
of adult acne and gain a greater sense of overall well-being.
Many researchers suggest undergoing a detoxification program
such as DermaDetox at least once a year, to cleanse the system of toxins and
improve the health of the liver and colon. Included with the
DermaDetox program is an easy-to-follow dietary guide written
by Deirdre Earls, a registered dietician who used diet to
cure her psoriasis. This diet may be useful for those suffering
from other skin conditions such as adult acne.
In addition to DermaDetox, you may want to complement your
diet with our DermaEssentials supplements. These pharmaceutical-grade supplements are specifically
designed to provide extra nutritional support to those suffering
from skin conditions, and may benefit the overall health of
anyone, not just those affected by conditions such as acne
or psoriasis.
References:
CHOICE - Citizens for Healthy Options In Children's
Education. November 2003. Acne has nothing to do with diet
- wrong! The McDougall Newsletter. URL: http://www.choiceusa.net/news_articleAcne&Diet11.03.htm (accessed electronically August 10, 2006).
DeNoon, D. 2006. Acne... again? WebMD. URL: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/72/81835.htm (accessed electronically August 10, 2006).
Earls, D. 2005. Your Healing Diet - A Quick Guide
to Reversing Psoriasis and Chronic Diseases with Healing Foods.
Charleston, SC: BookSurge Publishing.
Latona, V. 2000. Saving face — adult acne. Vegetarian
Times. URL: http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0820/is_2000_August/ai_63902656
(accessed electronically August 11, 2006).
Lipski, E., 2005. Digestive Wellness. NY: McGraw-Hill.
Pagano, J. 1991. Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Pagano Organization, Inc.
Principal Author: K. Kastelein, Editor-in-Chief
Date of Publication: 08/25/2006
Updated: 03/31/2007
This website is protected by the copyright
laws of the United States of America.
Pursuant to Title 17, United States Code, the owner of this
content has filed a valid certificate of registration with
the United States Copyright Office.
The statements within this website have not
been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose,
treat, prevent or cure any disease. If pregnant or nursing,
please consult a physician before taking any dietary supplement.
You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase products.
Individual results do vary.
|
