What Is Acne?

Acne occurs when hair follicles are clogged by dead skin cells. Hair follicles produce an oil called sebum. If this oil builds up in the clogged pore it becomes infected, and the hair follicle becomes inflamed. If the follicle bursts, the infected matter inside the pores spreads across the skin, infecting the surrounding area and creating new pimples.
There are a number of ways one can stumble upon acne.One of the common ways are through inheritance from parents,one's lifestyle i.e.what you eat,what you use,or generally how you live and hormonal changes .Before undergoing any treatments to prevent acne or buying products to treat the skin disease, you must first know the primary cause of acne, especially your acne.
Hormonal Changes:Hormonal changes occur in our bodies at different points of our lives.Although hormonal changes mostly happen during adolescent period, these can also be observed on pregnant women.Moreover, acne breakout is also a sign for most women that their menstrual period is about to start.Hormonal changes may increase Androgen, a hormone present in both men and women.Once the oil ducts are triggered, all parts of the body will start to produce natural oil. Eighty percent of people with increased amount of androgen based on a study are likely to have average to serious acne breakout according to their lifestyle.
Lifestyle:A person's lifestyle could determine the presence of acne. One big factor that can highly influence your skin is the way you live your life on a daily basis. Acne can also breakout aside from getting dull and dry skin, by drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes.In addition, pimples, blackheads and different kinds of acne may accrue due to lack of execise and insufficient diet. If you have low levels of Vitamin E and Vitamin A in your body, it's time to take these vitamins found in fruits, vegetables and capsules.
Cosmetics: The excessive use of cosmetics especially for women can clog the pores of the skin causing acne.It is alright to use cosmetics, provided that they must not forget to wash their face before going to bed.In case the use of makeup and other cosmetics are necessary, noncomedogenic products are advised to be used. These are makeup products that do not block the pores. This includes lotion, facial moisturizers and skin creams.
Types of Acne
Acne Vulgaris:Acne vulgaris is the most common form of the condition. "Vulgaris" does not mean "vulgar;" it means "common." It affects approximately 90% of all adolescents, and 50% of adult women. Acne vulgaris is what most people think of when they think of spots and zits. It is a clogging of the hair follicles that leads to unsightly, and sometimes painful, skin lesions and pimples. It ranges in degree from mild to severe and, at its most severe, it can cause scarring.
Acne conglobata : A rare form that usually affects males, acne conglobata covers the back,chest, and buttocks with pustules and nodules, which often connect under the skin. Because of this tendency to connect, severe bacterial infection is possible, as well as extensive scarring. Medical attention is required.
Acne cosmetica : As the name implies, it is triggered by topical make-up. Characterized by small pink bumps, acne cosmetica is usually quite mild, with little chance of scarring.
Acne fulminans : A rare and extreme form of acne conglobata, acne fulminans almost always infects males. Symptoms include a sudden onset of pustules and nodules, infected nodules, fever, joint pain, and possible loss of weight or appetite. Acne fulminans is a serious condition and requires prompt medical attention.
Acne medicamentosa : It is caused by reactions to medicine or drugs. Women often experience acne medicamentosa when starting or ending birth control pills. Steroids and testosterone have also been implicated.
Acne rosacea : It is not true acne, but rather an inflammation of the face, neck or chest that results in red, bumpy, oily skin. Acne rosacea usually appears in people aged 30 to 60. It often begins as a short-term condition that can become chronic and cause facial scarring if not treated. Acne rosacea is often accompanied by acne vulgaris. For more info, click here ---> Acne rosacea treatment
Comedonal acne : Acne characterized by whiteheads and blackheads, without other forms of skin lesions.
Comedones : Enlarged, plugged hair follicles. If the comedone is under the skin, it's a whitehead. If it breaks the surface of the skin, it's a blackhead.
Cyst : Similar to a pustule, a cyst is an inflamed, pus-filled lesion that goes deep into the skin, and can cause pain and scarring.
Cystic acne : One of the most severe forms of acne, cystic acne occurs when the infected contents of a pustule or pimple erupts beneath the skin, rather than on the surface. The body's natural defenses then try to fight the infection, leading to swelling and pain. Cystic acne often causes facial scarring. While it usually occurs spontaneously, cystic acne can be caused by scratching and picking at pimples. Often accutane comes to rescue in this case.
Macule : A temporary red area that is the result of a healing lesions. When macules are massed in an area they make the skin look an angry red.
Nodule : These are large, solid and often painful skin lesions that are buried deep in the skin layers.
Papules : Small, tender pink bumps on the skin.
Pustules : Also called pimples, pustules are inflamed, pus-filled comedones, often red around their edges.
Preventive Measures
Though there are many recommended measures one can take against acne,here are some of the most simple and basic elements:
Follow a gentle approach. Wash gently, and dab your skin clean. You're trying to remove excess oil produced by your skin pores; scrubbing hard will actually force the oil and dead skin cells back into the pores. You can use the assorted acne products that clean the skin, but avoid those products that claim to dry out your skin. Your skin needs moisture and, without it, your pores just produce even more oil.
Changing your diet:Oily foods and junk are one of the leading causes of acne.Moreover,a defeciency in vitamins A and E are other factors.Eat non greasy foods and most importantly maintain a diet rich in Vitamins E and A i.e. vegetables and fruits.
Safflower Oil:Fresh safflower oil is a good skin moisturizer. This can be used to heal vulnerable lesions that are a issue of acne. It won't clog and annoy your pores as it is a easy character of oil.
Tooth Paste:Applying tooth paste is a home remedy which has proven to work in most cases.The toothpaste's main constituent, peroxide, dries up and remedies the acne. Simply splash a small measure on the acne after cleansing your face. Simply be sure not to utilize it to open wounds or popped out acne.
Teatreeoil:The good attributes of tea tree oil run from being antibacterial drug, cleansing and anti-fungal which realise it a strategic cure for acne induced by bacteria. Pure tea tree oil is really powerful so you need to cut it with water initial. Apply it to the acne utilising clean cotton.
Home remedies are good for mild cases but in incidents of severe acne it is recommended you see a dermatologist.
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Acne or no acne,information is power and it pays to be aware.It is necessary to read all you can about acne and other skin ailments.It is also important to visit your doctor once in a while to be appraised on the conditions of your skin.Most important is to keep a breast habits such as smoking, excessive drinking of alcohol and abuse of hard drugs.Last but not least,eat a balanced diet,exercise regularly and live a stress free life.