> Have you tried anything topical, such as sulfur, or an [[antibiotics]] such as minocycline? 10% sulfur soap leaves an antiseptic residue on the [[skin]] that can prevent infection. > > I think it would be good to try the sulfur soap first. > [SULFUR SOAP] The simple ones are what I use; I haven't tried one with salicylic acid. > Is it okay to shower twice a day and use sulfur soap? The sulfur lingers on the [[skin]] for at least a day. It can leave you fairly smelly. > [Can [[FLOWERS OF SULFUR]] taken internally help with acne? Would minocycline also help?] Either of them can help, but with prolonged use the intestine can develop sensitivity to the sulfur. causing irritation instead of stopping it. >[[Vitamin A]] affects the differentiation of [[skin]] cells, the production of steroids, and resistance to infection and [[inflammation]]. The great increase in formation of the sex steroids at puberty increases the need for [[vitamin A]], and makes its regulatory actions more important. [[Thyroid]]'s important functions for the [[skin]] are the production of steroids and preventing their imbalance, and maintaining the immune function and production of sebum. Other nutritional deficiencies, especially the balance between [[vitamin E]] and unsaturated fats, affect the functions of [[vitamin A]] and [[thyroid]], so it's important to include foods like liver, [[eggs]], oysters, fruits, and [[milk]] in the diet. Sometimes it's easier just to use Benadryl or minocycline to reduce the [[inflammation]] and infection. > A solution of [[aspirin]] in water on the [[skin]] helps with the [[inflammation]], and is mildly germicidal. > [Why do many women get rid of acne using CONTRACEPTIVES (estrogen)?] Estrogen causes the oil glands to atrophy, so the [[skin]] doesn't support bacterial growth so well. Topical sulfur's germicidal effect can help, and topical [[aspirin]] and [[caffeine]] are antiseptic as well as antiinflammatory. One function of [[vitamin A]] is to increase [[progesterone]] in the [[skin]], and it has to be in balance with [[thyroid]] to do that. Another function is to differentiate the [[skin]] cells, reducing keratin plugging of the glands. > [[ANTIBIOTICS]] can be used topically, but the tetracycline type is usually taken internally, for their antiinflammatory effect. Changing the diet while using an antibiotic can make the effect permanent. [Best topical form of tetracycline for acne?] I think the easiest thing would be an over-the-counter neomycin lotion. > [BENZOL PEROXIDE] I suspect that it will age the [[skin]]. Have you tried topical sulfur and oral tetracycline? [follow up:Tetracycline safe when pregnant?] [[Antibiotics]] generally shouldn't be used during [[pregnancy]]. Sulfur (precipitated or sublimed) can be mixed into a slurry with water and patted onto the area. Dissolved [[aspirin]] used with it increases the antiseptic effect and reduces [[inflammation]]. [follow up: Is BRIMSTONE POWDER safe?] The people who wrote the label should be removed to fresh air immediately, their brains aren't getting enough oxygen. There are forms of sulfur that are ground, rather than precipitated, and they aren't as effective, but they aren't harmful. If it has a very strong smell, it might be contaminated; the smell should be mildly unpleasant. Ground sulfur/brimstone is commonly used in animal feed, so it isn't toxic. [Does the precipitated sulfur smell like a match also?] Yes, the smell varies slightly. When there's a [[skin]] fungal infection, there's a hydrogen sulfide stink, which is what kills the fungus. > [[ZINC]] isn't directly an oxidant, but when it's used as a chemical supplement it can cause problems that it wouldn't in the form of foods. Both [[vitamin A]] and [[zinc]] are essential in the right amount for good [[skin]] health, but too much of either can disturb the immune function. Irritation of the intestine is often involved in [[skin]] problems, and [[supplements]] always contain trace contaminants that can cause reactions. When ADM bought Distillation Products from Eastman several years ago, the composition of their vitatmin E products went through several changes, and competing companies began making similar changes. Since then research results haven't been as consistent as they were 40 to 60 years ago, and I stopped recommending amounts up to a few hundred units per day, waiting to see more results of research. Some of the products sold as [[vitamin E]] now contain significant amounts of [[PUFA]], and lack some of the substances such as octacosanol that were in traditional products. The right amount of [[thyroid]] is essential for [[skin]] immunity and metabolism of steroids in the [[skin]]. Topical anti inflammatory things such as tetracycline and [[aspirin]] often produce the quickest response.