Acne

Did you know that acne is the most common skin disease in the United States, and that it affects more than 60 million adults and teenagers each year?

Acne won’t get you any dates, that’s for sure. Teenagers abhor it, and adults sufferers don’t embrace it either. As most teenage girls will attest, pimples arise at the most inopportune moments, which can be anytime on any given day for them.

Acne affects self esteem, self worth, and self identity, and can turn a once outgoing person into a recluse.

There are different types of acne that occur on the body, and not just on the face, which is the most common. Acne, commonly known as pimples, zits, whiteheads, or blackheads, start to form in hair follicles or pores when the oil or sebum is trapped beneath the skin surface causing bacteria to form.

Acne can be mild or severe, which is called acne vulgaris, and can cause disfiguration and severe scarring. It’s important to keep hands off, and if you must, wash the area and your hands first. If you are successful in expelling any of the gooey ingredients, be careful not to spread it to surrounding areas where it can cause another eruption.

To pop or not to pop?

It is tempting, because you just want it to go away. Popping it will not always cause scarring, but only pop if it’s ripe and ready! Otherwise, the skin can become more irritated if you continue to pick at it, then a scab will form and more bacteria has been spread as well, leaving you with a bigger mess than you had to begin with!

If you must pop, you should wash your face with warm water and cleanser and remove all makeup, and of course, wash your hands too! Try to avoid using your fingernails because dirt can be trapped beneath which will be introduced to the open skin when popping and spread germs. Use a tissue to apply pressure or a tool specifically designed for this purpose (available at most cosmetic supply retailers). Stop after pus has been expelled and if nothing comes out, this will just create further irritation.

Acne Treatments

There are many different acne treatments available, some of these work and some don’t. If acne is severe it would be wise to consult a dermatologist, who can prescribe a treatment plan to lessen the number of outbreaks, and subsequent scarring.

The most common ingredient in most acne treatments is 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which can be very effective for mild to moderate acne in combination with regular gentle cleansing of the skin. There are also many websites dedicated to various acne treatments that provide a wealth of information for the acne sufferer. For those who have severe cases, antibiotics or Retin-A may also be added to the treatment regimen. Whatever type of acne you suffer from, no matter if it is mild or severe, it is possible to have clean skin. Start now and send acne on its way, forever! 

Related Articles

Nutrition and Acne Problems

I eliminated all unhealthy foods from my diet. It took longer than I would have thought, but I stuck with it. Within a month, my acne problems were mere acne inconveniences. And a few weeks after that, they were gone. I don't know if this solution will work for everyone. Probably, for some people, even with a healthy diet the cleansers and medications are necessary. But if acne is making your life miserable, eating balanced, nutritious meals is certainly worth a try!

Acne Cures

Acne is generally caused by bacteria filling up clogged pores, resulting in zits breaking out. The zits usually spread over the face, back, shoulders, chest and neck. Some doctors think it may be hereditary. There is a plethora of advice when it comes to acne cures.

Acne Natural Cures

There are several types of treatments that have been found to be beneficial as acne natural cures and for stubborn skin problems. These treatments are simple to use and ones that you can use at home.

Acne Scar Removal

No one likes pimples that leave scars, but there are ways to help remove them. If you have had severe acne in the past, or if you have pimples now, and they’re leaving scars, there is help. Know what some of your options are for treatment, and understand that thanks to research and technology acne scar removal is possible even with persistent acne woes, and scarring.