Skinimal.com

All about acne

Also called acne vulgaris technically, this skin disease affects millions of Americans annually and others all over the world. In form, it can vary from mild to severe.

What is acne? This is the term for plugged pores or blackheads and white heads, pimples and even cysts or nodules that make their appearance on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Beginning in teenage, acne is not limited to any age group and continue to show up until one is in his or her 40s. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring.

Causes of acne: The main reasons for breaking out in acne are:

• Genetics: If either parent had it as a teenager, you too will have acne.
• Hormones: In your adolescence, your hormones called androgens turn so active that they stimulate the oil glands of your skin, thereby increasing oil production. This results in clogging your pores, causing pimples and blackheads.
• Stress: This doesn’t cause acne but can aggravate a skin condition that you already have, such as acne.
• Diet: Experts believe that food allergies cause acne outbreaks.
• Washing your face too often: Don’t wash your face too often as this too can aggravate your skin and cause acne.
• Using greasy skin care products: If you use cosmetics that clog oil ducts, it can result in acne.
• Medication: If you are on a regular regimen of drugs such as barbiturates, seizure medication and steroids, you’re a sure candidate of acne.
• Body acne: Adults and teenagers get body acne on the chest, back and buttocks. These can cause blemishes. It is caused due to perspiration and tight-fitting clothes. To treat body acne, wash with a salicylic-acid-based cleanser daily and shower whenever you sweat.

Symptoms of acne: Acne is either non-inflammatory or inflammatory. In the former type, a few white heads and blackheads appear on the face. This is a mild form of acne and an be treated with non-prescription medicines.

Inflammatory acne results when white heads are inflamed and pimples and pustules develop. It can cause disfiguring cysts and deep, pitting scars on the face, neck, back, chest and groin. With prescription drugs and surgery, it can be treated.

Treating acne: Mild acne can be treated as follows:

• Use non-prescription acne medicine or over-the-counter drugs containing sulphur, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.
• Wash your face once or twice daily with soap or cleanser.
• Ask your dermatologist for advice.
• Use topical treatments such as retinoids (tretinoin, tazarotene, or adapalene) or antibiotics (benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin)
• Take oral antibiotics
• Use hormonal medications like oral contraceptives

Home remedies: If you treat acne early on, it can give you relief. Here are some effective home remedies:

• Cleanse your face with a gentle formulated soap or an antibacterial lotion that contains benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. Do this twice a day but take care not to over cleanse your face as this would stripe the skin from it natural oil.
• Add to Vitamin A and beta carotene to your diet.
• Don’t pick pimples.

No matter how embarrassing acne may seem to you, remember that it can be a transitory phase if you take steps to cure it.