Hormonal acne- its causes and treatments.

Introduction to Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is a condition that affects women and is associated with several natural cycles including menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Women who develop adult onset acne or suffer from worsening acne during adult years commonly consult their dermatologists and look for the best acne therapies. Some of the treatments include topical preparations, antibiotics or Accutane.

Hormonal acne is a treatable condition. This type of acne affects adult women and may also develop in teenage women. In such case acne typically occurs before and during woman's period. The problem usually develops in the early mid-20s and may linger for years. It is essential to mention that acne are actually considered a hormonal disease. Hence it develops in women who are prone to rapid and frequent hormonal changes.

Hormonal treatment for acne (the one limited to women) may be a bit different from other treatments that may have been ineffective or not effective enough. Such treatment is usually prescribed in severe form of the disease such as nodular/cystic acne. Still, hormonally-induced acne are generally moderate and develop in a form of inflammatory papules and small inflammatory nodules. Occasionally the condition occurs in a form of comedones.

Hormonal Acne Treatment

Treatment for hormonal acne basically depends on the individual. The goal of the treatment is to reduce the level of free testosterone and protect the oil glands from the effects of this hormone.

There are several medications prescribed to patients suffering from hormonal acne. Corticosteroids (prednisone, spironolactone and dexamethasone) may be administered to women suffering from hormonal acne. Furthermore, such women may also benefit from oral contraceptives. The mixture of female hormones is highly effective and successfully restricts androgen production of the ovaries. Accutane can be very effective against hormonal acne but it is prescribed only in severe form of the disease and only if other treatments fail to provide desirable results.

It is essential to achieve proper and healthy hormonal balance to completely get rid of hormonal acne and overcome the problems they cause. There is a variety of over-the-counter medications available in such purposes. However, before taking any of them, a woman should consult her dermatologist or a physician who treats her. It is essential to get familiar with all potential side effects of each and every recommended drug and to report adverse effects to the doctor. This way the doctor may prescribe a suitable substitute medication and the treatment continues.

Apart from prescribed medications patients suffering from hormonal acne are also advised to change their diets. Adequate intake of all essential nutrients, vitamins as well as minerals is a must.