Melaleuca Oil Might Be A Natural Acne Cure
Many young people face a lack of confidence and embarrassment due to their skin being badly affected by acne and pimples. This disease (acne vulgaris) is most common in adolescence, although many cases continue into adulthood. Bad cases of acne can lead to permanent scarring, and often sufferers may also suffer from psychological ill effects, such as low self-esteem, which can lead to depressive illness and possibly even suicide. Medical treatments include topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and isoretonin, which can be used for more severe cases. Some may however prefer a natural acne cure: aloe vera and melaleuca oil may be effective.
Acne vulgaris is a disease of the skin. Most commonly it starts at adolescence, but it can continue into adult life. It affects the skin area where the density of sebaceous follicles is highest: the face, the back, and the chest. These follicles contain as sebaceous gland, which secretes a natural skin lubricant called sebum. This is an oily or waxy substance.
Changes which occur at puberty can cause blockages in the follicles. There is also an increase in sebum production. This can cause blackheads and pimples. In blackheads the excess sebum has clogged the duct of the sebaceous gland. This is open to the air, and oxidizes, causing the black appearance. In pimples, or whiteheads, the blocked duct lacks an opening to the air and remains white.
The redness of pimples is due to inflammation caused by a bacterium. There are various names for the lesions: papules, pustules or nodules depending on severity. These can eventually lead to scarring of the skin.
Acne vulgaris is most often caused by the hormonal change at puberty, but it can be triggered at other times of hormonal change, such as pregnancy, during menstrual cycles, and due to PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Acne caused by changes at menopause is called acne climacterica.
The usual first line medical treatment for acne is a topical (cream or gel) course of benzoyl peroxide. This can clear up mild and moderate cases of acne. There can be some mild side effects: dry skin, redness and peeling are the most common. The benzoyl peroxide can make the skin more susceptible to sun burn, so a sun block should be used during the course of treatment.
More severe cases are treated with antibiotics. Depending on the type these can be applied to the skin, or taken orally (tablets). Erythromycin, clindamycin and tetracyclines are the types usually prescribed.
Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) are needed for the most severe cases. Topical treatments (Differin, Retin-A, Tazorac) can cause skin irritation, but generally have much less severe side effects than oral treatments. Nonetheless most topical retinoids are only available on prescription from a doctor.
Oral retinoids contain isoretonin, a vitamin A derivative. These include Roaccutane, Accutance, and several others. These can be highly effective, often providing a permanent cure, but the side effects may be severe. Their use must be supervised by a dermatologist. There are proponents of a natural acne cure using melaleuca oil, or tea tree oil. This is of similar effectiveness to benzoyl peroxide, but without causing the skin dryness problems.
For the latest information on a natural acne cure, check out this site on natural treatment for acne first before you start any solutions.
