Don’t sweat it! – How to fight frustrating Summer acne breakouts

It’s kind of ironic isn’t it? The summer season is the time of the year when we want/need to bare the most skin, yet can also be the time when some of us suffer the most with acne breakouts.

For those who may have suffered with more acne breakouts lately than usual, perhaps the current glorious weather sweeping across the UK could be to blame.

Heat and humidity result in more sweating so the body can try to remain in a cool state. Unfortunately, this excessive sweating, together with strenuous outside activities air pollutants, dirt, debris, etc. in the air can result in clogged pores on the face, and this is when the blackheads and acne breakouts wreak havoc for our skin.

Acne is caused when the skin produces too much oil, leading to skin pores becoming clogged with bacteria. Though many first believed sweating could aid clearing out these pores, it was eventually discovered that oil pores and sweat glands are independent of one another – thereby one having no benefit to the other. It is in fact the case that sweating leads to more acne by providing a sticky, moist surface for dirt and debris to cling to.

However, the active amongst us may be at an even further risk of acne during the hot summer months. Acne mechanica is a term probably unfamiliarly to most, but it is a form of acne caused by friction, pressure or rubbing from clothing against a particularly sweaty part of the body. It is the trapped heat against the body for long periods of time that leads to this type of acne.

Sports equipment is a common culprit for acne mechanica, and this is why many teenage boys are likely to suffer. Football or hockey pads, sweatbands, helmets, etc. traps sweat and heat against the skin, leading to acne.

It is not just sporty teenagers who are prone to acne mechanica though – Soldiers are another group often suffering with this type of acne. Carrying around heavy equipment, weapons and everything else, puts enormous pressure and friction on the skin, causing breakouts. Any soldier who is based out in hot, humid environments is even more at risk of this form of acne.

So what can be done in the summer months when it is hot and humid, and a higher risk of acne?

.  Consider benzoyl peroxide-containing acne treatments

The majority of acne mechanica cases respond effectively to treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, found in certain body washes, over-the counter acne treatments, as well as highly popular prescription treatments for acne such as Duac Once Daily Gel and Epiduo Gel. In fact, almost every kind of acne treatment recommended by dermatologists will utilise benzoyl peroxide as its primary active ingredient because it is a proven and effective tool at treating acne. After application, the benzoyl peroxide will enter the skin and its free radical oxygen and benzoic acid will combines forces to kill off the acne-causing bacteria.

. Shower frequently

It is obvious that most of us will spend more time outdoors when it is warm. Make sure to shower following excessive sweating and although it may be tempting to have a long soak in the bath after a sweat-filled day outdoors, avoid this as that can actually provoke acne, and stick to having a shower. This will effectively clear away dead skin cells and flush them away from the body. Remember to not shower too frequently though as this can have an adverse effect on the body, and two minutes should be all you need to rinse off.

. Avoid scrubbing

Scrubbing the skin can bring on a high risk of an acne breakout. Therefore, both in and out of the shower, try not to scrub your skin and face. Use a towel to delicately pat yourself dry and simply let the air dry off the skin as much as possible, as this enables essential oils to remain on the skin.

. Choose clothing wisely

It is important to wear light clothing that is loose fitting to lessen the friction against the skin and to ensure the body is kept cool and less likely to sweat. Light cotton, silk, and linen are advisable whilst synthetic fabric appears to be disastrous in respect to acne mechanica as it traps heat against the skin.  Sporty individuals should be cautious that their uniform will probably be made from synthetic fabric. Therefore, it is beneficial to wear a cotton t-shirt underneath the uniform. This is vital under athletic pads to help reduce friction. Athletes should also shower straight after their activities to wash away all that sweat.

. Eat healthily

Greasy foods loaded with fat can release free radicals and other damaging chemicals into the body, causing an accumulation of oil and bacteria. With this in mind, make sure to have a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, which are both fantastic for the skin as they released antioxidants that can fight the free radicals and reduce the risk of acne.

Birth control pills great for long-term acne treatment, according to study

Oral contraceptive pills are just as effective as powerful antibiotics in the long-term treatment of acne in women, according to the findings of new review of 226 previously conducted clinical trials, and published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
 
Past research has shown how both antibiotics and birth control pills, such as Dianette, work effectively for treating acne in women, but the new review into the two actually compared them side-by-side.

Although antibiotics were found to be more effective in reducing acne lesions at three months (48%, vs. 37% for birth control), after six months, both types of treatments worked to decrease acne by over 50%.

The birth control pills were actually slightly more effective that the antibiotics after six months. Those taking the pill were found to have a 55% decline in their symptoms, compared a 53% decrease in symptoms for the women taking the antibiotics.

Therefore, this has led to dermatologists arguing that the pill is an excellent alternative for some women and a good way to avoid the side effects associated with stronger oral acne medications or long-term antibiotic use.

The wonder of the pill at subsiding acne symptoms is due to the presence of hormones like progestin and estrogen, which work to slow down the production of sebum, a naturally occurring oil that can cause outbreaks of acne.

“Oral contraceptives (OCPs) take longer to work because they have a different mechanism of action,” said Dr. Kelly H. Tyler, who was not involved in the new review.

“Antibiotics have anti-inflammatory properties, and OCPs do not have those same properties, so the reduction in acne is going to be more gradual and less dramatic in the beginning,” said Tyler, a dermatologist at Ohio State University in Columbus.

Dr Tyler, told Reuters Health that antibiotics reduce the inflammation associated of existing acne, whilst oral contraceptives reduce free or circulating androgens, decreasing the production of the oily sebum that plugs pores, therefore lowering the chance of new acne sprouting up.

The authors involved in the review of the 226 clinical trials do stress that the antibiotic trials they studied did comprise of both men and women, which impacts on the comparison to the results of the trials involving birth control pills as hormones are a key factor in acne.

However they write that the findings suggest birth control pills “may have a more important first-line preventive role in chronic acne than previously accepted.”

Spironolactone could reduce the pain for millions with arthritis

The potassium-sparing diuretic Spironolactone may have another use in the near future after scientists found that it could help the millions of people around the world suffering with debilitating arthritis.

Now commonly referred to as a ‘water pill’, due to the fact it can treat fluid retention (edema) caused by various conditions such as kidney or liver disease, Spironolactone was initially developed more than 40 years ago as a treatment for high blood pressure and heart failure.

However since then, the capabilities of Spironolactone have been revealed and the medication can now be prescribed as an acne treatment (for women only). For over 20 years, Spironolactone has been a popular anti androgen in the treatment of acne and hirsutism, becoming the most widely prescribed medication for these problems in the USA.

If all that wasn’t enough, new research has shown a breakthrough that could benefit the estimated 6 million Brits who are struggling with osteoarthritis – the most common type of arthritis in the UK – forcing 1 million people in the UK to see their GP about it each year.

The first study, led by Professor Marion McMurdo, head of ageing and health at Dundee University, was conducted earlier this year and assessed the effects of whether taking 25mg of Spironolactone daily for a duration of 5 months would provide any relief for osteoarthritis sufferers.

The results have been published in the American Journal of Medicine, and report that many patients said they had a decrease in pain levels.

Those behind the study believe that Spironolactone reduced pain by suppressing a hormone called aldosterone, previously linked to inflammation in the joints, or could increase levels of cortisol, a hormone lessens the body’s sensitivity to pain.

The next stage for Professor McMurdo and her team will be the monitoring of 86 patients aged 70 or over, all of whom suffer with severe knee pain. Participants will either be given Spironolactone or a ­placebo, daily for 12 weeks. Pain will be analysed and their joint inflammation will be measured before and after the trial.

Professor McMurdo said: “Osteoarthritis affects over half of the older population and there is no cure, so the goal is to reduce pain and stiffness. Older people are particularly prone to drug side effects. Most commonly used painkillers cause side effects – like confusion and constipation – and can cause bleeding from the stomach. Such bleeds are much more serious in an older person. So fresh drug approaches to managing osteoarthritis in older people are urgently required. If effective, Spironolactone would provide a safer, more economical prospect than many modern anti-inflammatory drugs. It only costs £1 a week and we know from its use as a heart treatment that it is relatively safe.”

Professor Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK, has put his faith into Spironolactone being a successful and viable treatment option for arthritis in the future, even pledging £135,000 to help cover the research cost.

Professor Silman commented: “Spironolactone has been around for decades so we know it is safe.”

Website showing ghastly effects of smoking is launched as Stoptober enters final week

As we enter the final seven days of the Stoptober challenge, Medical Specialists Pharmacy would like to say a huge well done to the thousands of you who have made it this far and good luck in your quest to hopefully remain smoke-free for the rest of 2013 and beyond!

Stoptober is basically just October…without the cigarettes! Health experts say that if you stop smoking for 28 days you are in fact five times more likely to actually remain smoke-free for good!

Almost 21,000 followers have been amassed on the Stoptober Twitter page, as fellow smokers encourage each other on through the month.  In addition to helping each other with words of encouragement, smokers can still receive their free support pack as well as regular text messages that help to keep you focused, daily emails packed full of useful tips and advice, and there is even an interactive mobile app for iPhone and Android smartphones.

If you still need reasons or motivation to quit, this month has seen the interactive website ‘Tobacco Body’ launched by Finnish doctors in conjunction with the Cancer Society of Finland.

Users can first select the female or male body, and then browse through different areas such as ‘acne’, ‘face’, ‘hair’, etc. to see quite disturbing effects of smoking. It is plainly obvious to see the damage when the healthier non-smoker’s portion of the body is juxtaposed against the post-smoking side.
If it’s not bad enough that looks are severely impacted, smokers are at double the risk of a blood clot and usually have a worsened sex life. Male smokers have decreased blood flow to the penis, and are twice as likely as non-smokers to suffer with erectile dysfunction.

Smokers’ sperm density is also negatively affected, with the toxins in cigarettes diminishing both concentration and mobility of sperm cells in semen, harming the cell’s structure, according to the website.

With regards to skin, the website explains “smokers are more likely to get spots as smoking weakens the circulation which increases the risk of infection. It also make acne more difficult to deal with.”
Women smokers may not be aware of this fact, but the site also describes that smoking can actually cause hair growth on the face and arms as smoking increases levels of the male hormone, testosterone. However, there is good news in that acne and excessive hair growth in women can be treated through medications such as Dianette or Yasmin.

One person who is well on the way to permanently stubbing out cigarettes is Mike Wellings, finance director at Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

Mike, a bit fitness fanatic, was finding his stamina being limited because of smoking, saying: “I play lots of sport but I’ve found that smoking really impacts my performance. There’s also the combination of family pressure and health reasons. And, of course, I work in a hospital and it’s important to set an example.”

Like so many who wish to quit smoking, Mike decided to turn to the smoking cessation medication Champix to get him through Stoptober and beyond.

He explained: He said: “I actually started the course on the Sunday before Stoptober started. I used to smoke about 20 a day and now it’s gone down to about three. Champix makes it taste disgusting. And I’ve been drinking lots of fluids to combat the cravings too. I’ve been smoking for nearly 30 years. I tried quitting before, about four years ago when I was in Doncaster, and I managed to stop for three months. Then one day work got the better of me and I had a cigarette.  Everyone has been really supportive this time. I’m taking it just one day at a time.”

If you are a smoker who is aged 18 or above and wants to quit, you can quit today with the help of Medical Specialists Pharmacy. You can obtain the smoking cessation medication Champix following an online consultation with one of Medical Specialists’ GMC registered doctors. Champix works out from as little as just £75.00 per pack and mimics the effect of nicotine on the body, and as Mike Wellings discovered, decreases the enjoyment of smoking if you decide to have a cigarette whilst on the treatment.

Four Welsh drug counterfeiters are sentenced

The UK’s governmental drug body, The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), have confirmed that four people based in Wales (three men and one woman) have been handed prison sentences after illegally supplying prescription-only and counterfeit medicine over the internet.

Andrew Luxton was sentenced to 12 months in prison on five counts involving conspiracy to sell or supply prescription-only medicines, possession of counterfeit medicines in breach of trademarks, possession of a Class A controlled drug (Methadone) and supplying a Class C controlled drug (Diazepam).

Samantha Steed also received 12 months in prison suspended for 18 months, on four counts involving conspiracy to supply prescription-only medicines, possession of counterfeit medicines in breach of trademarks and supplying a Class C controlled drug (Diazepam). Ms Steed was also handed a community service order of 18 months.

Carl Willis was sentenced to 6 months in prison suspended for 18 months, on three counts involving conspiracy to supply prescription-only medicines and possession of a class C controlled drug (Diazepam). In addition, Mr Willis must also attend a drug rehabilitation programme.

Anthony Luxton was sentenced to a Supervision Order on three counts which involved conspiracy to supply prescription-only medicines and possession of two Class C controlled drugs (Diazepam and Nitrazepam).

The arrests were carried out following an undercover operation focused on the Ebbw Vale area of Gwent, whereby an MHRA undercover agent obtained medicines online – from a third party based in Pakistan. The guilty foursome were importing the prescription-online medicines from Pakistan and then re-selling them to UK consumers in smaller quantities.

Investigators found large amounts of counterfeit medication and generic prescription-only medicine following searches conducted at the homes of those involved, including: Viagra, Cialis, Diazepam and Methadone. A computer at one of the addresses also unearthed damning evidence in the form of email exchanges between Andrew Luxton, Samantha Steed, Carl Willis and other individuals which showed a history of illegal drug activity.

The four defendants acted as ‘drop shippers’; a term Medical Specialists explained back in January when we reported about Pfizer’s fight against counterfeit drugs.  Although they were receiving large bulks of prescription-only medicine from Pakistan, they aimed to reduce the number of importations to minimise the chance of packages being intercepted upon entering the UK.

Nimo Ahmed, MHRA Acting Head of Enforcement said : “The MHRA is committed to pursuing those involved in the illicit supply of medicines and taking action to ensure the public is protected. These individuals were involved in a concerted conspiracy to supply counterfeit medicine and showed a blatant disregard for public health. Buying medicines from unauthorised sources significantly increases the risks of getting substandard or fake medicines. People who buy medicines without the benefit of a consultation with an appropriate healthcare professional run the risk being supplied with medicines that are not safe or suitable for them to use. You should take prescription-only medicines after an appropriate consultation with your GP.”

However, you can also undergo an online consultation with one of Medical Specialists’ GMC-registered Doctors and we supply prescription-only medicines to treat a wide range of conditions such as: male impotence, male hair loss, female hair loss, acne, obesity, high cholesterol and many more. Once approved by the Doctor, they will then write you a prescription which is passed to our in-house Pharmacy team and subsequently dispensed and dispatched to you within a mere 24 hours! (Allow extra time for overseas deliveries).

Acne drug Accutane nothing but a massive pain

Acne is usually assumed to be a skin condition that is thought to be primarily restricted to teenagers. However, it may come as a surprise to learn that spots can show up in adults too! In fact, 80% of people between the ages of 11 to 30 are affected by acne, with 5% of women and 1% of men over the age of 25 being estimated to suffer from severe form of acne. It is therefore no surprise that Medical Specialists Pharmacy is constantly experiencing an astronomical number of patients requesting effective acne treatments such as Dianette, Spironolactone and Retin-A Gel 0.01%.

One unlucky adult though had an unfortunate experience with the acne treatment he decided to try, and was so irate he has now decided to go all the way to the European Union to get his case heard and is raging about its side effects.  38-year-old Jason O’Sullivan from Ireland used the prescription drug ‘Accutane’ for a skin complaint all the way back in 1998.

After just nine days O’Sullivan voluntary took himself off the course of treatment after suffering from swelling to his face and head. He also says he was struck down with muscular and joint pain, headaches, and subsequently continued to be plagued with chronic fatigue.

Jason now hopes to get the acne drug completely banned in his native Ireland after furiously complaining that he has not been able to work as a heavy machinery driver since he first took Accutane fourteen years ago. In addition, he says there are more than 6,000 fellow countrymen who are suffering from the side effects of the drug.

To support his complaint, O’Sullivan has managed to receive the backing of Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly, and the pair now hopes that the case will be taken into consideration by the EU Petitions Committee.

O’Sullivan says, “I want to make people aware of the possible side effects of this drug, which was used originally in chemotherapy.”  Manufactured by Swiss company Roche Holding AG, Accutane first entered the market in 1982, but the drug was hauled from the US market in 2009 after juries awarded more than $33m (€26.6m; £21.13m) in compensation to users who blamed the drug for causing their bowel disease. Accutane has also been taken off the market in 11 other countries, including Denmark, Austria, France, Germany, Spain and Portugal.

ASA ban Proactiv acne product ads after spotting difference in UK and US versions

A company who use various celebrities to promote their range of skincare products have been slapped down with a ban from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for misleading claims in their television adverts.

Advertisements for a supposed ‘miracle’ spot cream have been played repeatedly in the UK on a shopping channel, starring acne-plagued pop stars such as Katy Perry and Justin Bieber. However, watchdogs have now put an end to this advertising campaign.

The ads for Proactiv’s acne products depict Perry endorsing Proactiv and subsequently informing viewers how the products had helped to banish her skin problems. More ads on Proactiv’s website show Bieber, Elle Macpherson and Avril Lavigne giving their seal of approval.

However, the chain of events that kick-started the removal of the ads from the shopping channel and other sources was initiated after a woman decided to complain to the Advertising Standards Authority, stating that the promotional adverts were misleading to viewers because the British versions of the products do not contain the same active ingredient included in the American brand.
The woman who filed the complaint to the ASA had a very good point when she argued that it was more plausible the celebrity endorsers would have used Proactiv’s American version, and not the UK one. Guthy-Renker UK Ltd (GRUK), the direct marketing company responsible for the controversial ads, attempted to deflect any criticism and claimed that featured ‘stars’ had been given the UK formulations of Proactiv products to try.

Despite their protestations however, the ASA have now forbid the ads on the grounds that the adverts suggest skin improvements are seen from continual usage of the product, whilst five of the seven celebrity backers said that they had merely used the UK Proactive range for just ‘several weeks.’

A statement made by an ASA spokesperson said, “We considered the overall impression of the ads was that the celebrities were continued and regular users of Proactiv and noted the same endorsement claims were included on the US Proactiv website. We noted the signed statements, which related to only five of the seven testimonials, said the celebrities had each used the UK formulation of the product for a period of only several weeks, between one and three years before the ads appeared. We noted the ads were targeted at a UK audience and that the UK Proactiv products had a different active ingredient to the US version. In that context, we therefore considered the claims of continued use had not been substantiated. We concluded that the ads were misleading. The ads must not appear again in their current form. We told GRUK to ensure endorsements and testimonials in future ads related to the product being advertised.”

Medical Specialists Pharmacy are always fully honest with our patients and do not mislead – the products listed on our website are exactly what you get. If you are a woman who is suffering from acne, we have various highly effective treatments available to help you.

Dianette is one such medication. Your body makes both male and female sex hormones and the hormones (androgens) stimulate the grease-glands in your skin and hairs that grow from it. If you produce too much androgen, or if you are particularly sensitive to their effects, the grease glands may produce too much sebum. This can block the grease-glands, which can become infected and inflamed causing acne spots. The main action of a special hormone in this medicine (cyproterone acetate) stops androgens affecting the skin. Dianette is also an oral contraception for women and can work to treat hirsutism or female hair loss. A six month course will cost the equivalent of just £9.99 per month.

Alternative treatment is the non-hormonal medication Spironolactone. This medication has actually been used for over 20 years as an anti-androgen in the treatment of acne and hirsutism, and is currently the most widely prescribed medication for these problems in North America. Treatment works out from as little as £17.63 per month following an online consultation with one of our doctors.