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Articles by Dan Kern

Should You Pop Cystic Acne?

No, You Should Never Attempt to Pop Cystic Acne Lesions The Essential Info Cystic acne lesions include nodules and cysts, which are large, painful lesions more than 5 millimeters in diameter. Although it is OK to pop less severe types of acne, like pustules (run-of-the-mill “zits” with a white or yellow center), nodules and cysts …

Why Don’t Hunter-gatherers Have Acne?

Genetics May Play a Role, but Lifestyle Appears to Be the Answer The Essential Info As the decades pass, the incidence of acne increases around the globe. However, isolated hunter-gatherer peoples in developing countries are a startling exception. Adolescents and adults in these communities suffer from acne at a far lower rate than in industrialized …

How Common Is Adult Acne?

On Average, 31.9% of Women and 20.5% of Men Between the Ages of 20 and 70 Years Are Affected by Acne, but the Answer Varies and Depends on Gender, Age, and Ethnicity The Essential Info After compiling all of the available studies, the stats show us that 31.9% of women and 20.5% of men between the ages …

The Side Effects of Antibiotics

Are Some Worse Than Others? The Essential Info Topical antibiotics often produce skin irritation, and oral antibiotics are well known to produce gastrointestinal upset and nervous system problems, and sometimes more serious lifelong side effects like permanent tooth discoloration, hearing loss, or death. Despite these side effects, and despite the fact that antibiotics produce only …

Spironolactone in Acne Treatment

Spironolactone Is an Anti-androgen Medication That May Be Somewhat Effective for Females The Essential Info Spironolactone is an oral medication prescribed almost always to females that suppresses the production of androgens (male hormones found in both males and females). Higher levels of male hormones in both males and females lead to more skin oil production, …

Human Skin: Basic Anatomy and Functions

The Skin Is the Largest Organ of the Human Body and Carries Out Several Vital Functions The Essential Info The skin is the body’s largest organ, and consists of three main layers: Epidermis – topmost layer Dermis – middle layer Hypodermis – bottom layer These layers are composed of skin cells called corneocytes, keratinocytes, melanocytes, …

What Is the Actual Relapse Rate of Accutane (isotretinoin)?

Isotretinoin Does Not Always Achieve a Long-term Result, and 14.6 – 52% of Patients Relapse The Essential Info Isotretinoin, often known by its original brand name, Accutane®, is an oral prescription medication that dermatologists sometimes prescribe to people with severe, scarring acne that does not respond to other treatments. It is effective, and can provide …

How to Get Enough Omega-3 In Your Diet

Wild, Fatty, Cold-Water Fish Is a Good Source, and So Are Fish Oil and Micro-algae Supplements The Essential Info Omega-3 fatty acids are important to the body in a variety of ways, including reducing inflammation. Since acne is primarily an inflammatory disease, they could potentially play a role in helping to reduce acne. The two …

Zinc and Acne Overview

Taking 30 mg of Oral Zinc per Day May Help. Topical Zinc Has Less Evidence Behind It. The Essential Info Inadequate levels of zinc in the body may be linked to acne. Bringing levels of zinc up to adequate levels may reduce the symptoms of acne by: Suppressing inflammation Reducing bacteria Balancing hormone levels Oral Zinc: Taking up …