FolliculitisFolliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles most often caused by a fungal or yeast infection. It can remain dormant for long periods of time and then flare up with humid weather. There are bacterial forms of folliculitis as well and one must be tested to know which it is. We can tell that it is folliculitis by the way it extracts. It extracts much differently than an acne lesion. Also, if the condition “comes and goes” then that is a clue that it is folliculitis and not acne. It can be caused by the extended use of antibiotics, the use of steroids, oily skin, humidity, heavy moisturizers, and the use of hot tubs/spas. How to Treat Folliculitis
Staph InfectionStaph Infections on the face or the body can look much like acne, but staph is much more severe. One way to tell the difference is that the staph will not have symmetrical borders like a pimple or a pustule does. If you suspect that you or a loved one has a staph infection, advise them so see a physician immediately for testing. Staphylococcus is a group of bacteria that includes more than 30 types of staph, the most common being Staphylococcus aureus. This type of staph usually causes skin infections that may look like red, swollen pimples or boils with pus. It can lead to crusty skin or red, swollen skin that’s hot to the touch. Telling acne and staph apart can be easy if the staph infection is large, as they will usually resemble boils. It often will not respond to typical acne products and/or treatments. It needs to be treated with the correct antibiotics in order to get it under control. Keratosis PilarisAcne isn’t the only condition that can result in red, raised bumps on the skin. If your bumps are small, rough, and look like patches of goose bumps on your arms, back, and/or thighs, it may not be acne. It could be keratosis pilaris, a condition that affects up to 40 percent of the population. Keratosis pilaris most commonly affects teenagers and disappears by age 30, but many people struggle with this annoying, but harmless skin condition well into adulthood. Like acne, keratosis pilaris is an inherited disorder of the hair follicles. It is not contagious. It occurs when the body overproduces keratin and forms hard plugs on the skin’s surface. For the millions of people who struggle with this unsightly condition, the real question is, how do you get rid of it? Lotions and creams containing lactic acid can effectively manage keratosis pilaris symptoms by exfoliating away rough bumps from keratin overgrowth. For mild to moderate cases, daily or twice daily application of a lotion containing 12% lactic acid, such as AmLactin™ (that can be bought at the drugstore), may be sufficient. Moderate to severe cases may benefit from a deeper exfoliation from products containing stronger concentrations of lactic acid and vitamin A propionate (Clear Body Therapy), such as those available at Face Reality Acne Clinic. Keratosis pilaris is not acne, but is bothersome and can be difficult to treat. Perioral DermatitisPerioral Dermatitis is often confused for acne as it is characterized by clusters of tiny inflamed papules, sometimes pustules, around the chin, nose and mouth area. It is typically itchy and rash like, which should be the first indication that it is not acne. These small groups of papules do not respond to regular acne treatment and in fact can often be exacerbated by exfoliants (AHAs) and benzoyl peroxide. This condition is usually seen in young women (90% of cases), though it can sometimes affect men. There are many theories about the cause of perioral dermatitis, none of which are definitive. The most commonly proposed cause is the overuse of steroid facial creams, which are frequently prescribed by dermatologists. There also seems to be a link between perioral dermatitis and exposure to flouride and chloride in dental products, sodium laureth sulfate, and other harsh detergents. Other exacerbating factors can include heavy creams or oils and exposure to cold and sun. Because it often occurs in young women (usually between ages 20 and 45), it is also believed that the cause of perioral dermatitis may be hormonal in nature. It is rare to see it in women after 50. Severe cases respond to oral antibiotics, but even then it can recur. Some other treatment options include topical antibacterial prescriptions, anti-fungal creams, mild non-halogenated cortisone creams (short-term) and a general “less is more” approach. If you do have an outbreak and you are also using acne products, do the following:
Sebaceous HyperplasiaSebaceous Hyperplasia is a very common benign skin condition. It appears as a small donut-shaped bump on the skin. These lesions show up mostly on the forehead, cheeks and nose and appear as whitish-yellow or skin-colored papules that are soft and vary in size from 2-9 mm. At puberty, sebaceous glands enlarge and become increasingly active due to increased production of androgens, and they reach their maximum by the third decade of life. As androgen levels decrease with advancing age, the sebocyte (the cells that make up the oil glands, and secrete sebum) turnover begins to slow down. This decrease in cellular turnover results in crowding of primitive sebocytes within the sebaceous gland, causing a benign enlargement of the sebaceous gland, or sebaceous hyperplasia. Treatments include photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), cauterization or electrodesiccation, topical chemical treatments, laser treatment (eg, with argon, carbon dioxide, or pulsed-dye laser) shave excision, and excision. These are medical treatments done by a doctor. Isotretinoin aka Accutane has also been used to treat this condition. Truly Beauty does not treat sebaceous hyperplasia. If you have acne, however, we can help you. Treatments include photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), cauterization or electrodesiccation, topical chemical treatments, laser treatment (eg, with argon, carbon dioxide, or pulsed-dye laser) shave excision, and excision. These are medical treatments done by a doctor. Isotretinoin (Accutane™) has also been used to treat this condition. We at Face Reality highly recommend that you try all other options before considering this prescribed medication. Face Reality Acne Clinic does not treat sebaceous hyperplasia. If you have acne, however, we can help you. Steatocystoma MultiplexSteatocystoma multiplex is an uncommon disorder of the pilosebaceous unit characterized by the development of numerous sebum-containing dermal cysts. The relationship of steatocystoma multiplex to the development of sebaceous glands and common presentation at puberty suggest a hormonal trigger for lesion growth.
What can be done for it?As far as we know, there is no easy answer for this condition. Lancing them and trying to remove the sebaceous sac or using laser has proven costly and not that effective with risks of scarring. source: facerealityskincare.com
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You’re not seeing results 😣
When putting time, money and energy into your regimen, you want to see results. Results will look different for everyone, and the amount of time it will to take depends on what you’re trying to treat. Commit 6-12 weeks to see if a new routine or treatment works. You’re breaking out😖 Makes change to routine, breaks out. Who else has experienced this? This can happen when you use products that increase cell turnover such as retinoids or hydroxy acids, these can bring microcomedones to the surface in areas that usually breakout. If the breakouts are in new areas it’s most likely a reactive breakout. You're Really Dry🥶 Dry patches can be such a pain. Flaky, tough to cover up with makeup, and usually in the most unflattering spots. This can be a sign your using the wrong ingredients. Try to avoid products containing the following ingredients: retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, alcohol, salicylic acid, and fragrances. You're Really Oily😓 If your skin looks dewy one minute and a wet, slick shine the next this could indicate it’s time to reevaluate your products. Be sure not to overuse your cleansers or exfoliants, which can cause more oiliness. Skipping out on moisturizer can also be a bad idea. It’s important for oily skin to get moisture because without it, skin will overcompensate with more oil leading to breakouts and uneven skin texture. Redness or discoloration 💢 If you are seeing redness or discoloration you might want to switch up your routine. Stay away from washing your face with hot water and be more conscientious about your usual habits. You just might need to make an upgrade to your typical behaviors. Irritated, Burning, Stinging♨️💢❗️ Peeling, flaking, redness, and any sort of burning or tingling sensations are all signs of chronic inflammation. Tingling or any sort of sensation using home products should occur for no longer than three seconds. If it does, this is a sign that something is wrong and that you need to make some sort of change to your routine- ASAP. White Bumps ⚪️ Little, white bumps may look like breakouts, they could actually be milia. Skin gets trapped under the surface of the skin. Using a moisturizer that is too heavy can also be the cause of milia. Opt for oil free products and a retinoid. |
Amy SalinasLicensed Esthetician & Face Reality Acne Boot Camp Specialist serving Austin Texas and surrounding areas ArchivesCategories |