Sebaceous gland blockage

One of the common problems of modern cosmetology, dermatology, is the blockage of sebaceous glands. This is a condition that entails a number of unfavorable consequences in the form of rashes, acne, purulent-inflammatory process. Quite quickly there is the development of purulent inflammation, because normally the sebaceous glands should release outward secretion. When they are blocked, this secret lingers in the gland, is not released outside, causing inflammation. A characteristic feature is that not only the sebaceous gland suffers, but also the skin as a whole, because it does not receive the necessary sebum, which plays an important role in ensuring the normal functioning of the skin.

Risk factors

Risk factors include skin disorders, violation of the normal state of skin microbiocenosis (dysbactriosis, other disorders), disorders of the nonspecific link of the immune system (defense mechanisms of the skin), violation of skin hygiene, recently transferred infectious lesions of the body, skin. Traumatic damage to the skin, getting under the skin infection can lead to infection, blockage of glands. Blockage can occur due to the fact that the secretion of the sebaceous gland has changed its biochemical parameters. Most often this is due to the fact that it becomes more viscous. Such a change can occur due to the fact that in the body there are violations of normal metabolic processes. For example, the hormonal background may be disturbed, the state of immunity, a person may lack in the diet of certain substances, vitamins, trace elements. Often the cause is a lack of fluid in the body (insufficient consumption of pure water, or fluid retention in the body). Banal lack of skin hygiene, improper skin care, can lead to the development of blockage of sebaceous glands.

Any trauma or microdamage to the skin, and the gland itself, can act as a trigger factor contributing to the development of the pathological process. To minimize the risk, when receiving an injury, damage to the integrity of the skin, it is necessary to immediately treat the damaged area with disinfectants. Often incorrect application of creams, improper use of masks, leads to blockage of sebaceous glands. The inflammatory process in the gland is intensified if a person has chronic inflammatory processes, there are sources of infection, acute allergic, infectious, infectious, diseases are noted. Progression of inflammation contributes and increased fatigue, inadequate nutrition, insufficient sleep, tissue metabolism disorders, violations of transdermal transport of substances. Blockage can occur against the background of severe stress, nervous shock, exhaustion, depression. In the hot season can also occur blockage due to the fact that the secret becomes more dense and concentrated, mixed with sweat, other secretions. Settling on the skin dust, small particles of sand, dirt, can also lead to blockage of the glands. The application of greasy cream, film-like substances can lead to blockage.

Overweight as well as underweight can lead to the development and maintenance of inflammation. Often glandular blockage develops against the background of multiple inflammations, low immunity, frequent colds, infectious diseases. In the risk group fall women during menopause, adolescents in the transition age, the elderly. This is primarily due to violations of the hormonal background (its changes and transformations). This entails changes in the properties of the secretion itself, as well as changes in the properties of the skin. In pregnancy and during postpartum recovery, sebaceous gland blockage can also develop.

Of course, an important risk group is patients who are overweight. Their biochemistry, microflora, and skin properties are significantly disturbed. Also with excessive body weight a person sweats more often. The mixture of sweat and sebum can clog the glands.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of sebaceous gland blockage is based on the disruption of metabolic processes and neuroregulatory mechanisms. This occurs both at the systemic level and at the level of the skin, as well as its individual derivatives. Metabolic processes are disturbed in the skin, metabolites (processed substances, free radicals, products of incomplete decomposition of individual substances) accumulate. Sebum, which is normally produced by the sebaceous gland and discharged outside, moisturizing and lubricating the skin, changes its characteristics. As a rule, it becomes more dense and viscous, in connection with which it lingers in the gland, gradually clogging it.

Gradually pus is formed, there is an accumulation of toxic substances, poisons and products of their metabolism. Then there is a violation of trophics, that is, it is difficult to enter the gland of nutrients, it is difficult to process them and extract useful nutrients. Local blood flow is disturbed, bacterial infection joins. A purulent-inflammatory process develops, which manifests itself in the form of pustules, rashes, abscesses on the skin surface.

Symptoms of the sebaceous gland blockage

The symptoms are quite simple and unremarkable - an ordinary pimple, a pustule, appears on the face. Often patients do not notice any changes and do not worry until the pustule begins to grow, becomes painful, or their number increases. Usually it increases in size fairly quickly, can rupture, and pus comes out. As a rule, no other complaints are presented by patients. There is no pain, itching or burning. Only in one out of 20 patients, pathology is accompanied by discomfort, painful sensations.

Diagnostics of the sebaceous gland blockage

When the first signs of sebaceous gland blockage appear, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. It is better to go to a dermatologist. If it is not possible to go to a dermatologist, you can turn to a cosmetologist. The doctor will make a diagnosis, diagnose, determine the cause of the blockage, prescribe the necessary treatment. As a rule, the diagnosis is based on the usual physical examination of the patient, collection of anamnesis, examination. A visual inspection of the external coverings of a person is carried out, and if necessary, the skin is examined under a magnifying glass (with a magnifying glass), which allows a more detailed examination of the features of the pathological process. If necessary, additional tests, instrumental studies are prescribed, sent for consultation with other specialists.

If necessary, prescribe clinical and biochemical analysis of blood, urine, feces. This is a significant addition to the data of the examination. Only the analysis allows you to draw a conclusion about the state of the body, the current physiological and biochemical processes occurring in it. Accordingly, you can judge the cause of inflammation in the sebaceous gland, as well as the cause of its blockage. This will allow you to correctly and timely select the treatment

Often in the conditions of a special laboratory, a skin microdissection, scraping is carried out. If an infection is suspected, a bacteriological study is necessarily carried out, washes are taken from the skin surface, In the course of bacteriological studies determine the presence or absence of the causative agent of infectious genesis. Also often do an analysis of demodex - a microscopic mite that parasitizes on the surface of the skin, can penetrate the sebaceous and sweat glands, leading to their blockage. If necessary, other laboratory and instrumental methods of investigation may be used.

Sometimes there is a need to assess the state of microflora, immunity, hormonal background. In this case, venous blood is taken, further immunologic, serologic reactions are performed. A virological study may be required, determination of the viral load, since viral infection can also lead to blockage of glands, the development of inflammatory processes in the skin. Microbiologic screening may be required to determine the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the microflora.

Instrumental diagnosis is rarely used in sebaceous gland blockage. Perhaps the only method of instrumental diagnostics, required directly in the diagnosis, may be the examination with a magnifying glass or magnifying glass.

But instrumental diagnosis may be required if the doctor is searching for the cause of pathology, in order to eliminate it, to conduct etiologic treatment. The fact is that if the cause is not eliminated, treatment will be ineffective, as there is a high risk of relapses, complications, progression of inflammatory and infectious process. In such a case, the doctor usually sends the patient for additional consultation to a subspecialist. For example, if the doctor suspects that the blockage of the gland occurred as a result of a violation of the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the doctor sends to a gastroenterologist. He, in turn, conducts an examination and prescribes the necessary methods of research, for example, gastroduodenoscopy, fibroscopy, colonoscopy, X-ray examination of the GI tract, ultrasound. Similarly, other specialists do the same, choosing those methods of research that will be informative for them. For example, a gynecologist is very likely to prescribe pelvic ultrasound, CT or MRI, hysteroscopy, Dopplerography, and other methods of research.

Differential diagnosis

The basis of differential diagnosis is the need to differentiate the etiologic factor that determines the cause of glandular obstruction. Knowing the etiology (cause) of the pathological process, it is possible to accurately select a treatment that will be effective. For example, if the cause of glandular obstruction is a bacterial or fungal infection, a bacteriological culture is performed. This allows you to differentiate the pathogen, up to the determination of its species and genus, and with extreme accuracy to select a treatment that will have a directed effect against this pathogen. It is also possible to determine the quantitative indicators of viruses, bacterial or fungal microflora. This also largely determines the choice of a particular treatment tactic, as well as the dosage of the drug.

In order to make a differentiated diagnosis, a number of diagnostic methods and diagnostic tools are used: these can be laboratory tests, instrumental methods, consultations of specialists of narrow profile.

Treatment of the sebaceous gland blockage

It must be remembered that treatment is always sequential, in two stages.

The first stage is the treatment stage, in which you need to eliminate the inflammatory and infectious process. At this stage, it is better to consult a dermatologist. The second stage is cosmetic, or restorative. It is aimed at correcting the resulting damage, eliminating external defects that have arisen in connection with the blockage of the gland.

Various methods can be used to treat sebaceous gland blockage. First, it is necessary to relieve the inflammatory process, so it is advisable to resort to the use of special anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ointments. They will help to stop the inflammatory process, as well as prevent further spread of infection, which inevitably occurs with blockage. You can use special lotions to wipe the face, balms, medical suspensions, pharmacy creams anti-inflammatory action. With severe blockage and progressive inflammation, as well as if local means are not enough, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibacterial drugs are prescribed inside. Vitamins are not recommended, although many doctors prescribe. This is a big mistake, because when the blockage of sebaceous glands always develops an infectious process. And vitamins, on the contrary, act as growth factors that enhance the growth and reproduction of bacterial and fungal microflora. After completing the course of antibiotics, probiotics or prebiotics are prescribed in order to restore the normal microflora of the body. If the effectiveness of these means is insufficient, hormonal preparations, such as ointments, are used. They quite quickly stop the inflammatory process and relieve pain.

At the recovery stage, after the main inflammatory-infectious process is removed, you can apply various cosmetic products and procedures. At this stage, face masks are widely used. They help to enlarge pores, cleanse the face, restore the skin. Many masks have a therapeutic effect.

Masks can be bought ready-made, you can prepare your own. After blockage of sebaceous glands, it is better to choose masks with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic or degreasing effect, or use components that have such an effect. If you prepare a mask on your own, it is better to use various means of plant and animal origin. As the main active substances used herbs, essential oils, pomace, extracts, hydrolysates, decoctions and infusions of plant components, juices, purees. Masks, applied to the face for an average of 5-30 minutes. Some of them require washing off with water, some do not require. After applying the mask is recommended to put a cold compress, or ice. This will narrow the sebaceous gland, prevent its further inflammation.

At this stage it is important to provide the skin with proper care, strictly observe sanitary and hygienic requirements. Cosmetics are the main means of skin care. It is possible to use therapeutic cosmetics. Independently choose cosmetics is not recommended. It is better to consult a doctor (dermatologist, cosmetologist), who will select cosmetics for your skin type, according to the characteristics of your disease.

It is important to observe the principle of regularity: to apply cosmetics not from time to time, but regularly, systematically.

The principle of sequence is also important: first cleansing, then toning, then moisturizing or nourishing the skin. It is important to follow this sequence, because its violation can lead to recurrences and complications.

At the cleansing stage, special gels and mousses for washing, cleansing tonics, cleansing and demakeup products are used. About 2-3 times a week it is recommended to perform a deeper cleansing of the skin. First, a steam bath (or facial sauna) is recommended. After that, cleansing is carried out. Cosmetic products such as scrub, peeling, gommage, dry or wet cleansing for the skin are used.

To tone the skin several times a week it is recommended to conduct compresses, dousing, use special toning products.

To provide nourishment, moisturizing apply specially selected creams.

When choosing cosmetics, you should focus primarily on the composition of the product. It is important that the composition of the mask included various vitamins. In particular, vitamins of group A, B, C, E, PP, D are necessary. They can not be used at the stage of treatment, because they increase bacterial and fungal infection. But at the stage of recovery, vitamins are necessary, as they provide rapid recovery of the skin.

Medications

Blockage of sebaceous glands occurs in connection with those changes and pathological phenomena that develop in the body. This is a violation of immunity, and lack of vitamins, and violations of biochemical processes. Therefore, it is not enough to use only external means, or cosmetic preparations. It is important to provide correction from within. Let's consider the main drugs prescribed for the treatment of blockage of sebaceous glands.

Aevit is a complex consisting of vitamins A and E. These are the main vitamins, without which the health and beauty of the skin and its derivatives - hair, nails, eyelashes, eyebrows - are impossible. Vitamin A penetrates deep into the dermal layers, normalizes metabolic processes, saturates the skin with moisture. Vitamin E, as a rule, contributes to better absorption of vitamin A.

Dosage: 1 tablet, 2-3 times a day for a month.

Precautions: do not take in the acute phase of the disease, only after the removal of the main inflammatory process.

Side effects: hypervitaminosis A, E.

AlphavitCosmetic - tablets that include a whole complex of vitamins necessary to normalize metabolic processes, to strengthen facial skin, accelerate its regeneration, improve blood and lymph circulation. Also, this complex strengthens the vascular wall, normalizes vascular permeability, which allows to eliminate vascular mesh, capillary dilation.

Dosage: 1 tablet, 2 times a day, 10-14 days or more.

Precautions: do not take at the initial stages of treatment, in the presence of infectious and inflammatory processes.

Side effects: increased vascular fragility, bleeding gums, nosebleeds with prolonged use.

Perfectil is a complex that includes vitamins A, B, C, D. H. These vitamins stimulate the production of collagen, which structures the subcutaneous layers, evens out the tone of the face, tightens the skin. Promotes skin regeneration, eliminates wrinkles, recovery from scars, scars.

Dosage: 1 tablet, once a day for a month.

Precautions: do not take in the acute phase of the disease, only after the removal of the main inflammatory process.

Side effects: not noted.

Nutricap is a vitamin and mineral complex, which includes not only vitamins, but also minerals. The basis is made up of vitamins B and C. These substances help to normalize the state of connective tissue, structure and smooth the skin, make it smooth and velvety.

Dosage: 1 tablet, once a day for a month.

Precautions: take as prescribed by a physician.

Side effects: hypervitaminosis, nausea, vomiting.

Complivit Siyaniye - a complex of 8 vitamins necessary to normalize metabolism in the skin, to eliminate edema and congestion, also includes green tea extract, which is necessary to eliminate free radicals, acts as an antioxidant.

Dosage: 1 tablet, once a day for a month.

Precautions: in the progression of the disease, in the presence of acute inflammatory and infectious processes, do not take.

Side effects: hypervitaminosis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache.

Herbal treatment

Various herbs are widely used for sebaceous gland blockage. They can be used both internally and externally. Have a positive effect on the skin. Can be included in various cosmetics, used as decoctions, infusions.

Let's consider the main herbs used for sebaceous gland blockage. It should be borne in mind that even treatment with herbs can have contraindications, so it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Plantain plantain has anti-inflammatory, styptic and antiseptic action, normalizes metabolic processes, maintains normal skin vascular tone. It restores skin structure, cleanses, nourishes, prevents the development of inflammation and infection. Used mainly in the form of decoctions and syrups: 2-3 tablespoons 3-4 times a day (internally). Externally used in the form of decoctions, lotions, infusions. Can be used for washing. Can be frozen and used to wipe the face after cosmetic procedures, after sleeping. You can use pure plantain juice.

Peppermint is ideal for women because it contains the full spectrum of female hormones (phytohormones). It is a perennial herbaceous plant. Used mainly flowers and leaves. Decoctions, infusions, extracts of mint normalize metabolic processes, improve skin nutrition, soothing effect on the nervous system. Has antispasmodic, choleretic, diuretic action. Used in the form of infusions, decoctions, collection Zdrenko. You can drink (a glass of boiling water a tablespoon of mint, insist 30-40 minutes). Can be used externally (for rubbing, dousing, as part of creams, masks).

Calendula flowers have a powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. Raw material is collected mainly by mechanized method, and is a mixture of flowers, flower stalks, flower baskets. Sometimes there are leaves and stems. Used internally in the form of decoctions, infusions. Used as part of essential oils, cosmetics. You can use decoctions for washing, lotions, compresses. Also calendula is used as part of collections, it can be added to tea.

Galega is a perennial herbaceous plant, which is popularly called goatgrass. Widely used to normalize metabolic processes in the body, to reduce blood sugar levels. It has antiviral, immunostimulating, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic action. Contains flavonoids, tannins. Is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, due to which there is a normalization of metabolic processes. Used in the form of infusions, decoctions, as one of the main components of various medicinal collections. Included in the composition of various cosmetics.

Physiotherapy treatment

There are quite a variety of physical therapy treatments that can be used to treat sebum blockages and remedy the effects.

Often to restore the structure of the skin, its elasticity, elasticity, elimination of scars and scars left after congestion, other defects, such a procedure as mesotherapy is used. This is a special cosmetic procedure in which the doctor carries out the introduction of special preparations of different action under the skin (hormones, plant extracts, phytopreparation, amino acids, peptide chains, vitamins, hyaluronic acid). Substances reach the desired areas of the skin, have the necessary effect there. Some contraindications still exist, for example, the procedure can not be carried out at:

• oncological, acute inflammatory and infectious processes;
• if you are allergic to the substances being injected;
• in case of individual intolerance;
• in pregnancy and during lactation.

To eliminate the consequences of blockage of sebaceous glands, is used and such a procedure as biorevitalization. The essence of this procedure consists in injecting hyaluronic acid (amino acid) under the skin. After injection, scars, scars are eliminated, the functional state of the skin is improved, the tone of the face is evened out, the skin becomes firm and elastic, edema and hematomas are eliminated.

For recovery, you can perform such a procedure as cryolipolysis. The essence of this method of action is to provide a restorative and therapeutic effect by applying cold to the necessary areas. In this case, special equipment with attachments is used. Massage with liquid nitrogen can be used (in a specialized clinic).

The mechanism of action is that cold stimulates and accelerates the natural processes of metabolism in the skin, stimulates the production of collagen, elastin, other natural components. Due to which there is regeneration, tissue renewal and restoration, rejuvenation of the body.

You can try using vacuum jars. They are plastic jars that create a vacuum when they come into contact with the body. The jar as if sucked to the body, pulling part of the skin inside. But it should be borne in mind that the jars can not be used until the pustules do not disappear completely. Until the inflammatory and infectious process is not completely eliminated, banks can not be used, as the infection will only spread throughout the body, progress. This will only lead to the development of complications. Banks are advisable to use when recovering, after the inflammation and infectious process is completely eliminated. Otherwise, you spread the infection throughout the body.

Let's consider the order of massage with cans. First, you need to disinfect the skin, treated with antiseptics. It is necessary to make sure that the skin does not have any pustules, inflammatory processes. Then apply a special massage gel or cream, massage or cosmetic oil to the skin. It is important to moisturize and soften the skin, to provide a sliding effect. You can apply antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents. Carry out a light massage with your hands. This is necessary to prepare the skin, warm it up. Then suck the cans, as written in the instructions. We make them various movements along the course of lymphatic vessels and muscles. It is recommended to use such techniques as: squeezing, stretching, sucking and tearing off the jar. These movements alternate with stretching and rubbing with the hands.

After the intensive massage movements with the cans are finished, return to a light massage with the hands. Perform light stroking, low-intensity movements with the jars. After the jars are removed, it is necessary to thoroughly massage these areas, rubbing (with hands). You can perform a few vibrating movements, which relaxes the skin.

Thus, sebum blockage is not only a cosmetic, but also a medical problem that requires both treatment and special care.