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How To Diagnose Acne
Diagnosis of mild forms of acne is not difficult. Most people who reach their teens will know that the blackheads they have is a form of acne. Worse types, producing nodules or cysts, where papules or pustules have spread around the face, shoulders and chest should be discussed with a medical professional. These skin professionals will ask how the disease has developed and carefully examine the affected areas. They will be checking the state of the condition, how many spots there are and how big they are, for example.. The outbreak might constitute a small area of whiteheads. Whiteheads tend to disappear of their own accord. Blackheads arise when the contents extrude into the air, where it reacts with oxygen to form the characteristic dark color. A whitehead is a closed comedone while a blackhead is an open comedone. Cleanliness and time will usually clear both types of spot. In the more severe cases that have developed nodules or cysts the patient may have other symptoms not usually associated with acne, like a high temperature, aching joints, or even headaches and GI (gastrointestinal) distress. Extra symptoms always require specialist treatment, such as prescription drugs or lasers. The chronology of the appearance of the symptoms is important in the diagnostic process. Usually it is only the patient who has this information. Regular sufferers should keep a diary. Note what type of lesion occurred before the appearance of any pustules and when. As part of the diagnosis the doctor will try to rule out other possibilities. Common insect bites, such as mosquito or spider bites, can look like acne. The marks left by mosquito bites soon clear up except where there is an allergy. Usually spider bites are harmless, but some may be poisonous and lesions can spread. Do not treat these bites like acne. Rosacea is a common skin disorder which has differences to acne, despite the papules and pustules it develops. Whiteheads are caused by keratosis pilaris. Heat rash (miliaria rubra) forms small red lumps. Do not try to treat any of these as acne. In the same way, several allergies appear and look like acne. Sexually transmitted diseases are a common ailment. Among the skin disorders they can cause is acne. Herpes, for example, may show up as red, painful bumps on the buttocks. Certain drugs can actually cause acne. Anabolic steroids, lithium and prednisone, are common today. Phenobarbital and tetracycline can start an acne attack. Without a full record of any drugs in use, a medical professional cannot make a full diagnosis. Vitamin B complex used to excess can cause acne. The medical professional will need to know about diet, supplements and whether any over the counter medications or remedies have already been tried. Knowing as much as possible about your own skin and the history of any outbreaks will aid proper diagnosis. That, it should go without saying, is key to any proper treatment. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Acne is a disease that is still generally misunderstood. Having seen the distress it can cause to so many young people I am hoping these articles will help clarify some aspects. go2-url.com/aeiasr www.costa-classified-ads.com |
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