Acne (cont.)
What other skin conditions can mimic acne?
- Rosacea: This condition is characterized by pimples in
the middle third of the face, along with redness, flushing, and superficial
blood vessels. It
generally affects people in their 30s and 40s and older. There is sometimes no
"bright line" separating acne from rosacea; however, there are no blackheads or
whiteheads in rosacea.
- Pseudofolliculitis: This is sometimes called "razor bumps" or "razor
rash." When cut close to the skin, curly neck hairs bend under the skin and
produce pimples. This is a mechanical problem, not a bacterial one, and
treatment involves shaving less (growing a beard, laser
hair removal.) Pseudofolliculitis can, of course, occur
in patients who have acne too.
- Folliculitis: Pimples can occur on other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks, or legs. These represent not acne but inflamed follicles. If these don't go away on their own, doctors can prescribe oral or external antibiotics, generally not the same ones used for acne.
- Gram-negative folliculitis: Some patients who have been treated with oral antibiotics for long periods develop pustules filled with bacteria resistant to the antibiotics which have previously been used. Bacterial culture tests can identify these germs, leading the doctor to prescribe different antibiotics or other forms of treatment.
When should you start to treat acne?
Since everyone gets acne at some time, the right time to treat it is when it bothers you. This can be when severe acne flares suddenly, mild acne that just won't go away, or even when a single pimple decides to show up the week before your prom or wedding. The decision is yours.
Next: What can you
do about acne on your own? »
- doxycycline, Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and Others - Learn more about Doxycycline, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
- Photodynamic Therapy - Read about photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT uses a photosensitizing agent and light source to treat cancers (skin, lung, esophageal, Barrett's esophagus), acne and rosacea.
- Boils - Learn about boils (skin abscess), localized infections deep within the skin that begins as a reddened, sore area. Eventually, the area hardens and fills with pus. Boils may be caused by ingrown hairs, clogged sweat glands, or foreign material that becomes imbedded in the skin. Treatment typically involves heat application, draining the boil, and antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infection.
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