Do Staph Infections Cause Acne Breakouts
There is no simple answer to this question. All acne is caused by some sort of infection. It can be due to clogged pores becoming infected, or an infection under the skin that can cause acne on the surface.
Staph infections can manifest themselves on the skin, in the form of eruptions that are pus-filled and look like boils. But, if the eruptions are smaller, they can be more like zits or pimples.
Typically, more than one eruption will be present, and they can be present in one or more areas on the body. They can be painful and very unsightly.
These eruptions are different than normal acne in that they are not caused by pores clogging and becoming infected. Therefore, normal acne treatments like topical Benzoyl peroxide will not be effective in treating the breakout.
If you have a staph infection, you will need a doctor to diagnose it and treat it. Antibiotics MUST be prescribed in order to cure a staph infection.
How do you tell if you have a staph infection or if it is just regular acne? It can be hard to tell the difference, but some signs to look for are eruptions in places you do not normally get pimples. For instance, if you occasionally get pimples, but only on your chin, then suddenly you start to experience eruptions on your cheeks or forehead, it may not be simple acne.
Everyone’s skin is different, and only you know how your skin usually behaves. If you see signs that something unusual is happening, then you should check with your doctor to find out the cause.
Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and acne skin care products that you can research in your pajamas on his website.
Tags: acne treatment, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, breakouts, clear skin, clogged, pores, staph infection, zits-
Posted by admin on September 9th, 2008 filed in Acne Treatment | Comment now »
Acne Treatment - Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the common ingredients used to treat acne. You can find this active ingredient in the form of a cream, gel, lotion, facemask, or cleansing bar. Benzoyl Peroxide is very effective in treating mild cases of acne. This acne treatment drug is available in non-prescription form for concentrations of 2.5%, 5% and 10%. If you are looking for concentrations higher than 10%, you need a doctor’s prescription. Several studies have shown that 2.5% benzoyl peroxide is equally effective to combat pimples and is less irritating. Therefore, if you want to try Benzoyl Peroxide to treat your acne, you should begin with a low concentration (example 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide).
How Benzoyl Peroxide works
Before we go into details on how benzoyl peroxide can prevent acne, it is useful to understand how acne is formed. Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) is a bacteria that causes the skin disorder acne. P.acnes is a major inhabitant of human skin and is the causative agent of acne. This skin-dwelling organism will multiply rapidly within clogged sebaceous follicles if left untreated. Fortunately, these bacteria cannot live in the presence of oxygen. Benzoyl Peroxide is an oxygen-releasing chemical in the organic peroxide family. Upon applying on the affected area, this chemical is absorbed into the pores and releases the oxygen to destroy P.acnes.
Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide
It is important to note that there are some side effects when using this anti-acne medication:
a. Dryness
If you are using 5% or 10% of benzoyl peroxide, you may want to try a lower concentration, say 2.5% of benzoyl peroxide.
b. Irritation
For irritation, you can reduce the usage frequency. If you encounter severe irritation even the usage frequency is low, you should discontinue using the product.
c. Allergy
If you are allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide, you should discontinue using it and consult your dermatologist for other acne treatments.
d. Bleach
Benzoyl Peroxide is a powerful bleaching agent. You should prevent your hair from contacting this bleaching agent as this medicine can cause permanent color dampening.
Before using Benzoyl Peroxide for your acne treatment, please take note that this medicine generates free radicals in the skin. The result is redness of the skin due to oxidative stress. The effect is similar to unprotected sun exposure. If you are using a benzoyl peroxide product to treat your acne, you should avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use a sunscreen during the day.
Please be reminded that the above information is for informational purposes only and it is not intended to replace any health care services you need. The information provided is strictly not meant to diagnose medical conditions, offer medical advice, or endorse specific products or services. Do not rely upon the information provided alone for medical diagnosis or treatment. Kindly consult your doctor about any personal health concerns.
Julian Chee is the founder of Skincare Daily. This accredited skin care website provides information on acne, acne treatments and acne products. For more acne information, please visit http://www.skincaredaily.com
Tags: acne, acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide, pores, Propionibacterium acnes, skin, skin disorder-
Posted by admin on August 16th, 2008 filed in Acne Treatment | Comment now »