Freederm Gel
Freederm Gel is produced by one of the UK’s leading, independent pharmaceutical companies, specialising in prescription and Over the Counter (OTC) skincare medicines. Freederm Gel is an anti-inflammatory treatment for mild to moderate acne that is especially suitable for tackling the redness and tenderness of inflamed spots. In fact it is the only over the counter skincare medicine specifically aimed at reducing the acne inflammation,(see later section: Types of Acne). Freederm Gel’s active ingredient has been clinically proven to help get rid of inflamed acne spots. These are the ones that are reddish in colour, are usually tender and may have pus in them.
How Freederm Gel Works
When applied to the skin, Freederm Gel works differently from other spot treatments because it actually targets the inflammatory process underlying inflamed acne spots. The special hydro-gel format has been formulated to penetrate the skin, reaching the oil producing sebaceous glands. And this is the problem area where Freederm Gel can exert its anti-inflammatory action, not only to tackle visible spots, but also those that are just starting to form.
Freederm Gel’s hydro-gel format also means it is less drying than some treatments, without being greasy.
Using Freederm Gel
Freederm Gel gel should be applied to the affected areas of the face, chest, back and shoulders (as appropriate) twice a day, morning and night after washing and gently drying with a clean towel. Apply a thin film of Freederm Gel using three fingers to ensure that the gel is applied over the entire affected area.
Don’t forget to read and retain Freederm Gel’s patient information leaflet supplied with each pack for further instructions before you start to use Freederm Gel.
What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects around three-quarters of teenagers and young adults. It usually starts during puberty and is associated with the appearance on the skin of a variety of different types of lesions. Whatever you call them - pimples, zits, spots - ‘acne’ is the umbrella medical term for the condition. Of course acne can present itself with varying degrees of severity.
What Causes Acne?
Although spots can occur at any age, the main trigger for acne is the onset of puberty and is linked to an increase in hormonal activity. Testosterone in both males and females can make the sebaceous glands in our skin go into overdrive and produce excess of an oily substance called sebum, which normally helps protect skin and hair. When this happens, the pores in the skin through which the sebum is supposed to pass can’t cope, and become blocked. A type of bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes, which normally lives onthe skin, can thrive in the blocked pore. These bacteria break down the sebum to produce very inflammatory fatty chemicals that cause the redness, pain and pus formation associated with acne spots.
Sometimes the pocket of inflammation inside the pore can rupture, releasing the pus deep into the skin. This may lead to local scarring and cyst formation. Acne spots usually occur on the face, where there are the greatest number of sebaceous glands. The back,chest and shoulders can also be affected.
What’s important to remember is that acne is not caused by poor hygiene. Hormones stimulating the oil producing glands in the skin cause the spots. Although good hygiene and cleansing is important, no amount of scrubbing or excessive cleaning will make the spots go away - because the problem lies within the skin. In fact, excessive washing can make the problem worse because cleansers can sometimes be harsh. When your skin is already inflamed and sensitive the last thing you want to do is irritate it more.
Types of Acne
It is important to try and identify the types of spots you suffer from. Most people have several different types, and the particular ‘mix’ has an important bearing on the potential severity of the acne and the choice of treatment.
There are basically three levels of acne severity:
- Mild Acne involves blackheads, whiteheads and some papules (inflamed, red pimples or spots) which may also contain pus (pustules).
- Moderate Acne involves more numerous papules and pustules (inflammation) with possible mild scarring.
- Severe Acne is the same as moderate acne but with the addition of nodular abscesses (see below for definitions)
Blackheads and whiteheads are what doctors sometimes refer to as ‘comedones’. These are basically the fatty plugs blocking the skin pore. If the plug is exposed at the skin surface, it develops a dark pigment (hence the name ‘blackhead’). Sometimes the blockage remains deeper, in which case it has the appearance of a small firm bump with a white centre. Both of these types of spot can sometimes remain in the skin for months or even years without really coming to much.
Papules and pustules are the names used to describe the spots when they have reached the inflammatory (red) stage. The tell-tale features are redness and the development of tenderness and pain. Some people describe these spots as feeling ‘angry’. If the spot is just red and inflamed, we call it a papule. If it also contains pus, the term pustule is used. These types of spots, which doctors refer to as ‘inflammatory’, are amongst the most common types of acne, and it is important to bear this in mind when selecting an appropriate skincare medicine.
Nodules and cysts are more severe. They occur when the duct wall ruptures, releasing the inflammatory contents deep into the skin. They feel deeper seated and painful, and can involve a larger area of skin and persist for months. Do not attempt to squeeze these types because they can extend deep into the area that contains the skin’s structural support, so the risk of scarring is high.