Acne is the term for plugged pores (whiteheads or blackheads), deep lumps (cysts or nodules), or pimples that occur on the face, shoulders, upper arms, chest, back & neck. People who produce more oil in their faces are more likely to suffer from acne. Even though there’re cases of acne caused by poor sanitation, overall, acne can be connected with hormones, diet & poor hygiene.
There are many different terms used to describe acne:
Lesions – acne is an example of an external lesion. They can manifest themselves in the manner of blackheads & whiteheads, called comedones, or nodules & cysts. A comedo is a sebaceous follicle that is plugged with dead cells, tiny hairs or bacteria. A popular way to deal with these is to pop or pick them open, which is the worst thing you can do for your skin. Blackheads & whiteheads should only be dealt with by a dermatologist & only under sterile conditions. Picking or squeezing the tissue can cause infection.
Papule – a small, solid lesion that is elevated above the skin’s surface. These are caused by localized cellular reaction to the process of acne.
Pustule – this is considered a fragile lesion. It’s usually dome-shaped & it contains pus. The pus is a mixture of dead skin cells, bacteria & white blood cells. Some have hairs in the center. If a pustule heals before progressing to a cystic form, no scarring occurs.
Macule – a flat, usually red or red-pink spot left by a healed acne lesion. These spots can be around for days or weeks before they finally disappear.
Nodule – a lesion that is solid, dome-shaped or irregularly shaped. It goes into deeper layers of skin & can cause scarring by destroying tissue. Nodules are a severe form of acne & can be very painful.
Cyst – larger than a pustule, a cyst is a sac-like lesion that contains liquid or semi-liquid material made up of dead cells, bacteria & white blood cells. Like a nodule, a cyst extends into deeper layers of skin, can cause scarring & can be very painful. Sometimes, cysts & nodules occur together, which is considered a severe form of acne.
Acne is a skin condition that affects people of all ages & cultures. It affects teenagers & adults alike all over the world – even to age 40 & up. Pretty much virtually everyone between the ages of twelve & seventeen have some for of acne. Acne begins for some at the tender age of ten, finally disappearing sometime in their early twenties.
Most of the adolescents that have acne are now able to control it simply with over-the-counter products. However, for some young people, acne has to be actually treated by a physician with prescription medication. For others, acne can begin in adulthood, as late as age thirty or even beyond.
The percentage of men & women who are affected by acne are about the same, but there’re differences between them. Young men may experience acne for longer periods of time & they will likely have more severe cases. However, young women will have acne sporadically over time & the severity of it can be due to their menstrual cycle or the use of certain cosmetics.
Acne is treated in many different ways all over the world. Several over-the-counter choices are available either in a store or online. Products that contain Benzoyl peroxide, Salicyclic acid, sulfur & Resorcinol have been effective in treating some levels of acne.
Prescription medications can include topical applications, gels, creams, Benzoyl peroxide (in higher percentages than what’s available over-the-counter), antibiotics (a popular one is tetracycline), ointments, retinoid medications, & oral contraceptives.
For those patients whose acne is not responding well to topical or oral medications, dermatologists can now utilize a variety of treatment therapies that can be often used both on occurring acne & on the lingering effects of acne, such as scarring.
Chemical peels & laser procedures are proving to be viable options for all those who suffer with severe acne. One example is a glycolic acid peel, performed every two to four weeks, which exfoliates dead layers of the skin. Salicyclic cid peels are another choice. This type of acid actually penetrates pores plugged with oil. When it’s used as a peel, the procedure can done about every two to four weeks.
Laser treatments are another treatment dermatologists offer their patients. Essentially, the laser treatments vaporize thin layers of the skin & also tightens the skins’ collagen fibers.
Natural remedies are an option for all those who have especially sensitive skin. One method is to increase the garlic in your diet by taking capsules or eating many cloves of garlic a day. Garlic destroys bacteria that is known to cause acne by actually breeding inside of your skins’ pores. It also increases the immune function of your skin.
Kombucha tea is recommended by some for its antibacterial properties. It has been found effective in treating acne. Our diet can be a key tool for fighting acne as well. Eat raw foods like almonds, beets, Swiss chard, & cashews for the oxalic acid. Make sure to eat foods high in fiber so your body can effectively flush toxins. Drink plenty of water as well to keep your body & skin refreshed.
Antioxidants (found in many foods naturally or in whole-food vitamins) fight inflammation, reduce redness & help to rid your body of harmful free radicals that are dangerous to skin.
In Europe, the United Kingdom & Australia, the newest treatment for acne is wide band UVA light. Essentially, it’s an ultraviolet therapy. Many major hospitals & clinics in these countries are utilizing this procedure.
It is possible to stop or to curb outbreaks of acne. An excellent regimen of daily skin care is essential. Make sure you’re cleansing, toning & moisturizing your skin both in the morning & before going to bed. Women need to be especially sure to get rid of all makeup before going to bed for the night.
Also, keep a clean pillow case on your pillow. Fabrics absorb oils from our skin & can be a potential breeding ground for germs & bacteria which could cause acne. Supplements of Vitamins E, A & B5 may also be effective in controlling skin disorders.
Ken Black is a writer & owner of many websites, one of which is Skin Care Reviews. If you want to learn how to get rid of acne, find out what the best acne products are at : Acne Skin Care Product Reviews.
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