Acne

Although most people associate ache with the teenage years, it can erupt at any age. Indeed up to 8% of people who had clear skin in their youth develop acne as adults. Fortunately, there is a variety of ways to control outbreaks - no matter how old you are when they occur.

What is it  Pimples and other skin eruptions are the hallmark of acne, a sometimes chronic condition of the face, back, chest, neck, shoulders and other areas of the body. The most common form (acne vulgaris) encompasses blackheads, whiteheads and raised red blemishes with semisolid centers. In severe cases (cystic ache), clusters of painful, fluid-filled cysts or firm, painless lumps appear beneath the skin's surface; both can lead to unsightly permanent pitting and scarring. For teenagers especially, acne can be an embarrassing and emotionally difficult condition.

What causes it  Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicles of the skin secrete too much sebum. This thick, oily substance is normally released from the pores to keep the skin lubricated and healthy. If the sebum backs up, it can form hard plugs that block the pores and cause pimples. If one of these oil plugs ruptures beneath the skin's surface, a localized bacterial infection can develop.
Hormonal imbalances can lead to an overproduction of sebum - a common problem problem during adolescence, especially in boys. In women, menstrual periods or pregnancy can also create acne-producing hormonal disturbances. Other acne triggers include emotional stress, the friction or rubbing of clothing against the skin, and certain medications, particularly steroids, contraceptive for drugs that affect hormone levels. Heredity may play a role as well.

Contrary to popular belief, acne probably isn't caused by eating chocolate, shellfish, nuts or fatty snacks, or by drinking colas or other soft drinks. However, some doctors, and patients, contend that it can be brought on or aggravated by certain foods or food allergies.

SYMPTOMS

• Hard red bumps or pus-filled lesions on the skin.
• Red, inflamed skin with fluid-filled lumps or cysts.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

• If acne doesn't respond to self-care within three months.
• If severe acne develops, in the form of fluid-filled lumps, red or purple inflammation, cysts, or hard nodules under the skin.
• If the skin is continually red and flushed, even if no pimples appear.
• Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

Supplement recommendations
SUPPLEMENT	DOSAGE	COMMENTS
Vitamin A	25,000 IU a day with food; reduce dose to 10,000 IU a day when healing is noticed or after a month.	Use pills or drops. Take with 30 mg zinc a day. If pregnant or considering pregnancy, don't exceed 2500 IU a day.
Vitamin B6	50 mg each morning.	Long-term high doses (more than 200 mg a day) can cause nerve damage.
Vitamin C	1000 mg twice a day.	Reduce dose if diarrhoea develops.
Zinc/Copper	30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper a day.	Add copper only when using zinc longer than 1 month.
Flaxseed oil	1 tbsp (15-20 ml) a day with food.	Take in the morning.
Evening primrose oil	1000 mg 3 times a day with food.	Can substitute starflower oil.

How supplements can help  Most people will benefit from trying all of the supplements recommended in the chart; they can safely be combined. It can take three to four weeks or longer to notice results. All these supplements can be used long term and in conjunction with conventional acne medications except prescription forms of vitamin A. Vitamin A is important because it plays a role in controlling the overproduction of sebum, which is the root cause of acne. Because it helps to balance levels of acne-related hormones, Vitamin B6 may be useful for acne aggravated by menstrual cycles or menopause. And Vitamin C boosts the immune system, helping to keep acne-causing bacteria in check. Taken with any or all of these vitamins, zinc enhances immune function, reduces inflammation and promotes healthy hormone levels. Long-term use of zinc inhibits copper absorption and may cause anaemia, so copper should be taken with zinc. It may also help to take zinc along with essential fatty acids: two excellent sources are flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil. Essential fatty acids help to dilute the oily sebum, reducing the likelihood of clogged pores.


What else you can do

• Wash daily, using ordinary soap and water.
• Eat a balanced diet; avoid foods you suspect may act as acne triggers.
• Choose cosmetics labeled "noncomoedogenic" or "oil-free".
• Don't pick pimples; picking increases inflammation and can result in permanent scarring.

Source - The Healing Power Of Vitamins Minerals and Herbs (Readers Digest)