Acne which is very often seen in people who are in their teenage and also in their adulthood is medically discovered as a skin disease.  This is caused by excessive secretion of oily substance called the sebum by sebaceous glands which are present on the skin .  Sebum is very good secretion in maintaining skin and hair texture,but excess secretion of it get clogged  in hair follicles and leads to formation of acne lesions or commonly known as pimples . Due to this oily nature of sebum and its exposure to dust and dirt which causes P.acne bacterial growth and results in a  pimple formation. Read the rest of this entry »

Feline Acne is a problem found in cats . This type of Acne is found on the chin and sometimes around the lips of the cat .this can effect cats of all ages , sex, breed no matter whatever the size of the cat may be ..

Meaning of feline acne

In these feline acne, the follicles become blocked up with black sebaceous liquid material which is greasy and leading to the formation of comedones which are also known as blackheads. These comedones become irritated, swollen & infected, leading to pus filled pimples. The cats may also experience itching and discomfort due to swelling and bacterial growth is seen in the effectd area

Causes of Feline Acne in Cats

Cause for this acne to develop in cats is found out to be by the secretion from Sebaceous glands which is a oil & which is biologically known to be Sebum.This Sebum is used to lubricate the skin , preventing dryness & irritation in the cat’s body. The sebaceous glands are mostly found in dorsal part, eyelids , chin, on thesurface end of the tail, lips, scrotum. They are connected to the hair follicles through a membrane . Hair loss can also take place in the effected region.

These glands play a pivotal role in territorial marking of the cats as they rub their face & chin along objects to let other cats know their presence. Over time this rubbing will leave greasy patches at the marked places as the oil left on the surface due to atmospheric conditions turns greasy and blackish –brown in colour.

Factors such as stress, a weak immune system, poor grooming habits, the presence of other diseases are also a added cause for this feline acne to arise in the cats .

The feline acne may appear only once in the life of a cat or may remain for the lifetime of the cat. In Persian cats, the condition may also affect the face and skin folds.

Diagnosis of Feline Acne

Diagnosing this feline acne is simple . The skin scrapping samples can be taken to the diagnostic center and can be confirmed for this skin disease. Even other diseases like Demodicosis, Malassezia (yeast) infections, Allergies, Ringworm, and a condition called Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex can be of the same symptoms but must not be mistaken for this feline acne. Total skin Biopsy report may also be conducted to rule out these diseases. A 48 hour Culture and Sensitivity test may also be performed for a detailed confiramation of this feline acne.

Treatment of feline acne

Mild or moderate Feline acne treatment

v If the acne is mild or moderate i.e if the acne is in small or medium concentration cleansing the area with with an antibiotic soap, hydrogen peroxide, iodine or betadine solution or by dissolving Epson salt in water and cleansing the effected area can be done to cure the feline acne

v Vitamin A or Retinoids can be injected for the cure of these feline acne.

v Cleaning the skin with an ointment or gel containing benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine as bases may be of used for the cure .

v Injecting glucocorticoids to reduce inflammation is also a remedy.

Severe feline acne treatment

1. The fur around the chin of the cat must be be clipped under a veterinarian supervision to enable deep cleaning of the affected area.
2. Oral antibiotics to treat infection must be given prescribed by the vertinary doctor.
3. Oral glucocorticoids such as prednisone for severe inflammation must be injected and parallel to this a vitamin dose must also be induced as the cat feels weak due to the medicines like antibiotics and inflammatory drugs.

Prevention of Feline Acne

v Use of plastic bowls and plates must be avoided as they have bacteria retaining surfaces even when cleaned.

v Instead use of porscelean or glass or even ceramic vessels is encouraged.

v Cleaning the chin and the face of the cat after its meal is recommended.

?Feline Acne

?Feline Acne Cat chin Picture

Acne Treatment  :

Acne which is the worst nightmare in every teenagers life is a disorder of the skin which is the result of hormonal Changes or human body secretion imbalance which is caused from some body glands like the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Acne is also known by different names such as Pimples.

These secreations block the skin pores and the result is a formation of a pimple . this acne is found on skin,face,shoulders,neck,chest , back,and on thighs.

This is not serious concern but if untreated can be a serious concern as the individual who is suffering will be emotionally down and the teenagers are the worst hit by this acne .some acne can also cause permanent scaring on the effected areas.

Acne causing factors

The causes of cane formation is little known but there are many factors which influence in formation of pimples. One of the major cause is increase in androgen levels by the excessive production of androgen formed from the pituitary glands in the human body . this acne is caused in males and females during the adolscence period or even after age of puberty making the sebaceous glands enlarge and secretion of sebum more . . another cause is heriditory as this can be transmitted from the ancestors to coming generations .

Different forms of Acne

There are various types of acne and they are:-

A] Acne Rosacea- Redness on the area where the pimple has erupted and also little

of flushing of liquid is called Acne Rosacea.

Acne Rosacea Picture

B} Acne cosmetica- When the pimples are erupted due to allergy,when a cosmetic

like face powder,face cream are used is called Acne cosmetica.

Acne cosmetica picture

C] Acne Vulgaris – Acne vulgaris includes blackheads,pimples, lumps whiteheads

which are caused either due to consuption of oily food or any hormonal balance.

Acne Vulgaris Picture

D] Acne Fulminans- This type of acne is caused due to Deep cysts, inflammation,

and excessive damage to the acne scars on the surface of theskin can cause severe Fuluminan acne.

Acne Fulminans Picture

E] Acne keloidalis Nuchae- This is caused at an old age . For men it is caused at the

age above 50 and for women it is caused for the females

who are above 45 years of age .

Acne kelodalsi Nuchae Picture

F] Acne Chloracne – This type of acne is caused due to deficiency of chlorine

minerals in the body

Acne Chloracne Picture

g] Acne Medicamentosa - Acne obtained due to reactions from some medicines which are not digetstable by the body or are the side effects caused due to consuption of such medicines.

Acne Medicamentosa Picture

Factors that make acne worse -

There are various factors which makes the acne worse and they are:-

1] Oil obtained from skin products like cosmetics or moisturizers or grease while working in completion of daily chores

2]cange in hormonal levels in adult women and teenagers and mainly girls of 2-7 years of age .

3] Stress in the work or mental tensions.

4] Environmentally High humidity and pollution in the air mainly carbon dioxide

5] By pricking a existing pimple it can cause spreading of pimples to other parts

6] Friction from tight clothes like jeans ,denims helmets sports equipment etc..

Acne treatment

Acne is treated by dermatologists who rae also called as skin specialists . the main work of the suppression of acne is to stop new pimples,heal the presnt acne without scars . and most importantly lessen the burden of mental stress or depression.

Treatment for Whiteheads, Blackheads and Mild Inflammatory Acne

People suffering from mild acne use prescription of medicines to treat acne which are available in the forms of soaps,lotions,gels,creams ..

This has to be applied directly on the surface and the acne subsides . but there are some side effects for this like irritaion,redness,numbness, some medicines are

Resorcinol – This is helpful in diminishing down the whiteheads and blackheads count .

Benzyl peroxide –

It is helpful in reducing production of oil and destroys the bacteria P acnes.

Sulfur –

it is used in dimishing of black and white heads.

Salycilic acid it helps in clearing the dead cells which are under the skin.

Treatment of Moderate and Severe Inflammatory Acne

This type of treatment can be treated with prescribed medicines such as antibiotics, retinoids, tetracycline and also by oral medicines like erytromycin,sulphomides,clindamycin.some acne which is severe requires long term treatment like oxygen surgery .

They are some surgical treatments such as dermabrasion & micro dermabrasion . laser teraphy is also a remedy

There are some surgical treatments such as Dermabrasion or Microdermabrasion. There are various home remedies also for treating acne which is 100 percent natural and does not contain any artificial preservatives which can reduce acne and acne scars naturally without any pain like use of turmeric while having bath . putting the mixtur of neem and turmeric and after 10 minutes of application washing it with warm water .

Aloe vera when also consumed in minute quantities can be helpful in treating acne problems

So Acne though a dreaded skin disorder can be controlled or surpressed by many medical treatments and home remedies .

Genital acne

The acne, which is caused in the genital area, is termed as genital acne. This genital acne is also caused by the same factors, which cause acne on the face, back, legs & chest.. This type of acne is also a result of excess secretion of sebum which is an oil and produced by sebaceous glands. The clogged pores due to this sebum form a source for acne causing bacteria and as a result acne is caused in genital area .

Both Men and Women are suffers for this genital acne . It does not depend upon age and also can stretch till the age of 30 –40 years in both Men and Women .

The acne causing factors in genital area are

Poor hygiene – using unwashed under garments and prolong use of undergarments can become a cause in genital acne eruption. .so it is better to use a cleanly washed underwear everyday.

While bathing –it is better to clean the private parts with an antibacterial soap while having bath and to scrub well at the place so as to remove any dead cells or bacteria which has been accumulated. The wiping of the genital area with a clean towel again follows this. if one happens to visit the beach also the same procedure of having a bath with an anti-bacterial soap and then wiping it with a clean towel is advised to follow. If these are not followed then genital acne is caused.

Sweat – While using any sports or any kind of heavy clothing it is better to have a bath after we wear them in order to get rid of sweat. Having a bath twice a day, once in the morning and at the night is advisable.if not acuumulation of sweat can give a cause for genital acne .

Washing the clothes with a detergent, which is gentle to the skin and harsh on the dirt accumulated on the clothes, is advisable. Proper drying after the clothes are washed is also a must. If the garments are not washed properly then acne can be aroused when these garments are worn .

Treatment for genital acne –

When the cause of the genital acne is suppressed then there is no use of the treatment for it.

But still if at all the genital acne occur we must use benzyl peroxide solution and must apply all over the effected area to kill the acne causing bacteria.

If the cane is severe in the genital area it is better to take the advise of the dermatologist.

It is a fact that this genital acne is not transmitted trough sexual intercourse and if at all it takes place proper advise of the dermatologist must be taken to first determine it and then to cure it.

Acne is a big curse to the skin . It can happen to the people of all ages . But mainly effects the people who are in their teenage . Acne depending upon its formation can be classified into Mild acne in which the acne is very less . It is formed on the face,ears,chest , neck. The effected area appear sto be in light red in colour. And scars are left behind when the acne diminishes gradually.

Moderate acne is the acne which is formed mainly on the face , chest , neck . It appears very red and mild itching is presnt at the place of occurance . Scars are formed after the acne disappears which can be treated with medicine to cure it . generally it is better to consult a dermatologist if the acne is in the moderate stage .

Severe Acne is the last stage of the acne . It is advised that the individual who is having acne must go for treatment when this acne is in moderate stage . treating severe acne is time consuming and there are many factors such as cost of treatment ,mental depression and also cost of the treatment which can be a concern .

Severe acne can be classified into 4 types… they are –

1. Acne conglobata

1. Acne fulminans

1. Gram negative folliculitis

1. Nodulocystic acne

1. Acne conglobata- This type of acne is a chronic and severe form of acne Vulgaris. The symptoms include-Deep abscesses, Inflamation, deep damage to the skin surface, scarring & blackheads which are in constant spreading over the surface of the skin . these symptoms are found on the cheeks of the face , on the chin, neck, chest and back .

In this Acne conglobata inflammatory nodules form around the blackheads and pimples causing pus formation and at last leading to the bursting of the pustules and emmiting pus from them . Deep ulcers can be formed under these nodules to form keloid type scars . generally burrowing type abscess lead to these type of scars.

Acne conglubata may be perpentuated by acne cysts or pustule that do not heal worsening the condition . this can be dorminant for many years over the skin surface for further Mental stress.

Males are known to have more prone to this than women and can get this at the age around 18 –26 years.

Treatment to cure acne conglobata-

Generally in treating this type of acne supervision of a well qualified dermatologist is advisable . Isotretinoin is the usual treatment and also antibiotics are a must is treating this acne from the roots . several courses of treatment are necessary and can take several years in doing so . the individual who is suffering must regularly visist the dermatologist in order to determine the acne severiety and also whether the reoccurrence of acne is taking place . the scars are also treted by the dermatologist after the treatment to cure the acne conglobata.

2] Acne fulminans –Acne fulminans is a sudden eruption of highly destructive acne . it can appear without any pre- symptoms.

The symptoms such as sever fever , inflammation and paining of joints, hips and knees is seen . the area which is effected by this acne is red ,dry and also itching and is a ulcerating acne with pus as its nucleus .

If the acne conglobata is not treated well it can lead to a severe stage called acne fulminans

Treatment of this acne fulminan-

Cortecosteroids or non- steroidal anti inflammatory medications can be used to reduce the inflammation initially . Isotretinoin is used as a long term treatment as this can be used to treate it from the root cause . but if the treatment is left in the middle reoccurence can be seen .

3] Nodulocystic acne -This is also a very severe acne occurring in teenagers . in this type of acne cysts are the main cause of this acne .These cysts can appear in a single or can be more in concentrations accompanied by lot of pain .

the nodular cyst of acne is not a exact cyst. It is a abnormal dialation of normal skin structure and are nodules of inflation . this cysts can erupt from papular acne .These cysts develop in the outer layaer of the skin and can be filled with yellow pus and is very painful at slightest touch . these type of cysts must be drained out from pus then can be treated .

Treatment of Nodulocystic Acne –

This type of acne treatment must be carried out in the presence of a dermatologist . At first the pus must be drained out of the cyst if it appears to be a large and resitant to all medication . Then Isotretinoin must be applied on the surface of the cyst formation . a dose of antibiotic must also be induced into the body for the demolition of the cyst causing bacteria . even intralesional corticosteroids that melt the cyst in 4-6 days can be used .

4]Gram –negative folliculitis –Gram negative is the name which is got from the chemistry . bacteria are stained bluish in colour in the laboratoty to detect it microscopically when a chemical “Gram” is used over them .But certain bacteria do not stain bluishly when the Gram is applied .So it called a Gram negative bacteria.

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This type of acne is caused by the inflammatory infection of the follicle by a bacteria which causes a pus filled pimple which can last for a long time if untreated .

Treating the gram –Negative folliculitis .

This treatment consumes time to be treated and also needs family support as this has to be treated not only on the skin but also the mental condition of the suffering individual must be controlled as the people who get infected with these type of acne often fall into a depressive stage as they feel embarsed to go into public with the acne visible.to everyone .

Treating with Isotretinoin helps to decrease this acne gradually .

Treatments side effects

Patients who take Isotretinoin feel severe pain in chest or abdomin, vomiting, joint pains ,swallowing the food as the trachea is in a painful condition which is a result of intake of this medicine .even hair loss is observed in this treatment .

So though this severe acne is very problematic to the infected person it can be cured but time is the main factor as this may take 1 or 2 years to cure .

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