Signs or Symptoms
Pimples, white heads, blackheads, oily skin or pus filled cysts.
Description
This condition can range from mild to severe. When severe, it can cause permanent scarring of the skin. It commonly occurs not only on the face but also on the back, neck and buttocks.
This occurs in 3 out of 4 teenagers and is also common in women.
Causes
Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands of the skin produce sebum, a fatty secretion, faster than the pores can excrete it. This along with dead cells creates a plug and blocks the opening of the pore.
The underlying cause of this is an imbalance in hormones. It is during the teenage years that hormone production increases. This condition is also common in women who are supplementing hormones, like taking birth control pills or hormone replacement.
Standard Treatment
There are topical and oral treatments for acne. Medications like Retin A and other topically applied agents attempt to dry the pores and kill bacteria on the skin. Oral agents like Accutane and antibiotics maybe used. These have side effects like dry mouth and can cause birth defects if used by pregnant women.
AK Approach
Testing is done to determine if there are ways to help balance your hormone system using nutrients to up regulate your ability to detoxify these substances in your liver. Common nutritional deficiencies can make you unable to completely breakdown these hormones. Other lifestyle modifications are used to prevent or minimize exacerbating the acne. A specific program for your needs is created.