August 10, 2010

Hormonal Acne – Some Effective Treatments

Bertil Hjert asked:

Hormonal acne is a common problem among teenagers. The impact of this condition is sometimes responsible for the development of inferiority complex in teenagers. The reason is the symptoms and effects produced by this embarrassing condition.

The hormonal acne is a result of hormone creation. This hormone is known as androgens. Sebaceous glands are activated by androgen production and this results in their expansion. Hence, anyone who has hormonal acne is having over stimulated sebaceous glands.

Boys and girls between the ages of eleven to fourteen go through puberty and the process of androgen creation is in its full bloom. This problem is most common in young women who can get hormonal acne during inevitable hormonal changes in their body associated with pregnancy, stress, endocrine imbalance, menstruation or ovarian associated sickness.

Sebaceous glands are working really hard during the puberty and tend to manufacture a good amount of sebum. Sebum is actually a natural oil and responsible for making skin waterproof and soft.

Now, the oily sebum, if created in more than the required amount will collect itself inside the follicle when shifting in an upward direction inside the shaft of hair. Thereafter it blends itself with dead follicular skin cells in conjunction with normal skin bacteria.

These dead cells are pushed towards the surface and expelled. Generation of excess amount of sebum results in clogged follicles that ultimately take shape of pimples.

There are many changes that occur during androgen production in young boys and girls such as shedding of skin more frequently, dead cells sticking together and clogging hair follicles.

When follicles tend to clog, it becomes a favorable breeding site for bacteria. This bacteria consumes sebum and creates a chemical that results in inflammation around skin and follicle.

Women are more vulnerable to hormonal acne due to the reasons mentioned below:

a) No reaction to treatment

b) Male patterns of hair growth or hair loss

c) Degenerating state during pregnancy or menstruation

d) Pimples is adulthood for the first time

There are several treatment options available for hormonal acne:

Most of the hormonal acne treatments need prolonged care from several months to years. As soon as some improvement is observed, one requires to take a maintenance dose.

Women who tend to develop this condition late in their life are often recommended oral contraceptives and anti androgens.

One of the most common medications used for treating hormonal acne and excess hair growth in women is spironoactone. This medication works via blocking all the effects of testosterone or androgen present on the hair follicle and oil glands.

The dose of spironolactone usually varies in individuals and also requires certain adjustment. The advantage is seen in about two to three months.

Natural remedies are also known to be beneficial in curing hormonal acne. You can mix 50 per cent lemon juice to 50 per cent rose water for an effective remedy. Apply it to the affected areas and wash off after half an hour.

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