Acne affects all people of all ages from all walks of life. It makes no
exceptions. Acne is commonly known as pimple or zit. Acne is a skin
condition which is common across the globe. These factors clog the
pores and the result is acne. This is mainly because of hormone level
fluctuations and increased sebum production. This is mainly found on
the various parts of the body such as back, face, shoulders, neck and
chest. It develops when the pores on your skin get plugged. This
happens due to the action of hormones and other substances on your
skin's oil glands. It is the most common among teenagers in puberty,
but can also affect infants, teenagers and adults alike. It is also not
limited to any creed or race. One of the major causes of acne is
increase in hormones known as androgens. This is caused in both boys
and girls during the period of puberty and makes the sebaceous glands
enlarge and creates more sebum. Another cause of acne is heredity which
can be inherited from parents. The skin lesions formed by acne can take
on several forms, with the most common type known as acne vulgaris.
While skin lesions are most frequently found on the the face, they may
also be present on the chest, back, shoulders and upper arms
Actually, acne is such a common condition that it affects approximately
85% people between the ages of 12 and 24. 25% of this 85% suffer from
acne in other places besides the face. Many teens will withdraw from
social activities and will often feel anger and frustration. As a
matter of fact, acne can be so severe that you can be forced to seek
medical help, which is done by at least 40% of all acne sufferers. Acne
scars result from two types of tissue response to the inflammation of
acne: (1) increased tissue formation, and (2) loss of tissue. Both may
leave behind acne scar. Scars caused by increased tissue formation are
caused by a build up of collagen in the skin. These are called
hypertrophic and keloid scars. For many teenagers acne can result in
feelings of depression and a lower self-esteem. It usually clears up
within a year. Rosacea is called "adult acne." It usually appears in
patients over 30 and causes a rash on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and
chin. Pimples and other skin blemishes may also occur. It is more
common in females than males, but men usually have more severe
symptoms. There are many myths among public on acne prevention. Many
people do various things like - scrubbing face all day, eating various
foods, avoiding sweat, exercising, and so on. But, in reality, these
have nothing to do with preventing acne.
Severe Types of Acne is men and women. First is Nodules are larger than
other types of acne. These are hard lumps which form beneath the
surface of the skin causing pain and discomfort. Nodules are
particularly vulnerable to scarring, so should be treated by a
dermatologist. Second is Cysts are also a more severe type of acne.
They are similar to nodules except they are filled with pus and can be
extremely painful. Cysts are also likely to cause scars, and should be
treated by a dermatologist. Third is Conglobata is a rare type of Acne
Vulgaris which causes extreme disfigurement. It is characterized by
large lesions and blackheads on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper
arms, and thighs. It is extremely painful and can cause psychological
suffering, as well as lead to permanent scarring. Fourth is Acne
Conglobata can last for several years and is more common in males than
females. Fifth is Gram-Negative Folliculitis is a condition associated
with the long-term use of antibiotics. It is a bacterial infection
which causes pustules and cysts to form on the skin. Six is Pyoderma
Faciale-This type of acne only affects adult females, most of whom have
never before had acne. Large painful pustules, nodules and cysts form
on the face which can cause permanent scarring.
Treatment of Various types of Acne
Resorcinol – This is helpful in breaking down the whiteheads and blackheads.
Benzoyl Peroxide –It is helpful in reducing production of oil and destroys the bacteria P.acnes.
Sulfur – It breaks down the whiteheads and blackheads.
Salicylic Acid –It also eliminates the shedding of cells which are under the hair follicles.
Light therapy and acupuncture are two natural remedies that have their
fans. Light therapy is expensive, but for many very helpful. It
involves treatments of light in wavelengths that many believe kills
bacteria. |
