[MERGED] Acne / Pimples

[Gurl_in_Rush]

i started getting it nung gumagawa ako ng thesis...how can i remove them?

[Ira]

Pimples usually develop when your glands get blocked. On warm days, more frequent baths may help, and don't use too much colognes/powders which may block your sweat glands. A trip to the dermatologist will help---you may need to be started on antibiotic therapy.

[Gurl_in_Rush]

thanks for the info.. =)

[Zen]

Pwede rin ba'ng the pimples are your body's way to show na allergic ka to your own sweat?

[Ira]

The causes of acne can be classified into bacteria, genetics, hormones, and clogged pores. All these work together to cause acne. That's it. Sorry, Zen, tough luck.

[wAgKaNgMaKuLiT]

is it true na pag late daw matulog lagi daw nagkaka pimples?

[Ice Burn]

i'm one of those seemingly "lucky" people who hardly gets any zits on the face. But i get them on my back. I feel pissed because they don't seem to go away no matter how much scrubbing I do. How do you get rid of pimples on the back?

[Zen]

Grrr tough luck ka jan.. LOL kainis :P

[Ira]

Acne is caused only by the 4 factors I cited, all working together: Bacteria, genetics, hormones, and clogged pores. Lack of sleep per se will not cause you zits, nor will chocolates or whatever myths abound. You can't do anything about the genetics or hormones. However, you can do something about the bacteria and clogged pores: always wash your face/body with a gentle cleanser (di yung matapang which will strip away the skin's natural defense, making it more bacteria-friendly), especially during warm days, and for faces, follow it up with an astringent. Neutrogena's soap (for acne skin) helps. Don't put too much powder or anything that will block your pores when you have acne at your back, and if you're sweaty, wipe the sweat off. If the acne keeps on coming back inspite of this, go to a dermatologist, you may need to get started on oral antibiotics.

[Guybrush]

Well i kinda exaggerated the topic although i don't have that much acne on my face. Doc Ira, I'm in my twenties and I'm still getting them. Can you give me an advice on how i can get rid of them ESPECIALLY yung mga scars and dark spots they leave. Thanx

[Ira]

The belief that you won't get acne once you're past teenage years is a myth. If you are prone to acne, you will always be prone to acne.

There is no dietary restriction naman--you can take chocolates or whatever you want, because acne is not in any way aggravated by food intake. The only way to prevent acne would be to keep your face clean by washing regularly (at least 2x a day, and more frequently during warm weather) with a mild soap like Ivory, Neutrogena for sensitive skin, or Dr. Stiefel's acne soap (I personally like this one), and follow it up with astringent (J&J's Clean and Clear is a good brand) 2x a day (or less if irritation develops). If possible, see a dermatologist for the acne and scars. You may need to take some antibiotics (if your acne is severe enough) and undergo dermabrasion to remove unsightly marks. To avoid scars and dark spots, do not touch your zits when you do develop them. It's tempting, but do your best to resist pricking, prodding, poking, pinching, pressing, or caressing them. Just leave them alone, and when the pimple disappears, there will be no scar formation.

[ebtg]

I have a related question. I don't know if it's "acne" or "pimples" na but my friend has it all over his face! It's so DAMI he even has some on his nape. I mean, I swear...ANG DAMI. Feeling ko nga wala ng space tumubo ang new ones, eh.

My question: Your suggestion to lessen acne, puwede rin for his case?

(And would he be offended if I gave him Neutrogena as a gift? Hahaha...)

[Ira]

Your friend probably has a severe case of acne vulgaris. He needs to see a dermatologist, who will start him on oral antibiotics for around 2 weeks. He probably needs regular dermatologic treatment also (incision of drainage of cystic growths, steroid injections, special astringents and creams, etc.) over and above what I told Guybrush.

[dudung]

Doc Ira,

Is it possible that the change in weather/season can cause skin breakouts?

I just noticed, when the season changes (e.g. spring-winter, winter-summer), I get skin breakouts. But in the Philippines (where the weather is just tropical all year round), my skin is perfectly fine. It seems like my skin cannot adjust to the 4-seasons.

Or do you feel this could just be latent acne (but how come it's only seasonal)?

[This message has been edited by dudung (edited 07-15-2000).]

[Ira]

Some people experience a worsening of acne when the weather/humidity changes, causing sweat. The sweat blocks oil from leaving the pore, subsequently causing inflammation. Swelling of the pores due to the humidity also causes inflammation, blockage, and subsequent breakouts. Another factor affecting acne development is hormonal changes. Environmental changes affect our body's hormone system, which in turn may lead to acne development.

[MANGO88]

EBTG : you should tell your friend to use ACCUTANE

[dampil]

in my case, Clean & Clear aggravated the condition.Cleaning my face 2-3 times per day did not help. I did use mild soap. Nothing did work.
The only thing that did work is I topically applied erythromycin (antibiotic) on my face. I mixed 300mg of powdered to 20ml of a mosturiser (NuSkin). I applied the mixture twice a day after washing my face.
A word of caution: I am not a dermatologist, i'm no expert on skin care. I tried the mixture as a desperate attempt to stop my acne break-out. I believe that prolonged use may cause a "rebound effect", sooner or later the bacteria may develop immunity to the antibiotic, it may even encourage the proliferation of non-sensitive(to erythromycin) bacteria.
But based on experience, with in one week of use.. dramatic results will be seen.
I also tried to mix antibiotics with skin cleanser... i believe it is more effective but it may be more prone to "rebound".

[gjen]

what do you recommend for blackheads and whiteheads?

[Ira]

Blackheads and whiteheads are treated the same way acne is. Keep a clean face, use mild soaps and non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic makeup, and see a dermatologist for "cleaning" and treatment.

[Guybrush]

Doc Ira, pahabol. I forgot to metion my worst problem...oily skin. I'm a guy and talagang bad-trip wiping the oil off your face every now and then. What do i do?!