Aspirin for teen acne

Understanding the causes of acne helps those that suffer from it have a better understanding of treating symptoms, and getting acne cleared faster and more efficiently. Acne is a common skin condition encountered by the adolescents and it affects both the sexes equally. The highest incidence is noted between the ages 14 and 17 for girls, and 16 and 19 for boys. It becomes more marked at puberty and during adolescence. Acne ia a follicular disorder affecting pilosebaceous follicles of the face, neck and upper trunk. They can present as whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.

Acne appears to stem from an interplay of genetic, hormonal and bacterial factors. Each type is managed differently with different therapies. There is actually no predictable cure for the disease, but a combination of therapies will control the activity effectively. The basic treatment starts with skin hygiene, followed by dietary therapy, topical pharmacotherapy, systemic therapy and surgical treatment finally.

Aspirin, also called as acetylsalicylic acid is used as a topical treatment for acne. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is used for treating many other problems as well. Aspirins are not used widely these days because of the difference in opinions about the effects and side effects of the drug. However, some doctors do prescribe aspirin for a few days because they are just applied topically over the skin lesions. The side effects like redness (erythema) and skin peeling should be immediately notified to the treating physician and the drug must be stopped on the first notice.

Aspirins act rapidly over the acne by reducing the inflammation at the site of application. They depress the sebum production and lead to the breakdown of the comedone plugs. The anti-inflammatory action suppresses the action of the organism causing inflammation. Initially there is some amount of redness and scaling noticed, soon the skin adjusts quickly to its use. Aspirin is available as over the counter and by prescription depending upon the combination and dosage used.

Instead of creams and gels, the aspirin tablets can be powdered and applied as face mask or used as a face wash. A few aspirin tablets should be powdered finely and made in the form of paste with water, then they are applied over the face, neck, upper back/chest (wherever required) as mask. They can be kept for 10-15 minutes and be washed with warm water. They have to be removed immediately if severe irritation or itching occurs. This can be applied once a week.

For face wash, a few aspirin tablets can be powdered coarsely and mixed with required amount of water (like a scrub) to wash the face. The face wash can be used once or twice a day daily. Again the adverse effects should be watched carefully. They are not advised for more than 12 weeks. It is better to consult your dermatologist before going for any such self treatments involving chemicals.

Most acne that arises during teenage are because of hormones and it resolves by its own without any treatment. But if it causes any problems like pain, pus discharge or scarring, its better to seek advice of the dermatologist and be treated accordingly. Washing the face daily (at least thrice) with plain warm water or mild cleansing soap will clear most of the acne.