Acne Treatments – What Is Acne And How To Treat It
Acne, also known as pimples, is a skin condition that is common amongst teenagers. It usually appears on the
face but it is not unusual to find it on other parts of the body such as the shoulders, back chest and neck.
Although most teenagers will experience some form of acne, it is also a condition which can affect adults.
The occurrence of acne is universal, it affects both male and female and can occur in every race. There are
many acne treatments available that can help alleviate acne in both teenagers and adults.
Acne Vulgaris is the proper term for acne. It is characterized by lesions that break out on the skin.
These lesions can be blackheads, whiteheads or even cysts that are formed do to clogged pores. The body at
puberty produces an abundant supply of an oily substance called sebum which results in an increase in acne.
Sebum is needed to keep the skin and hair well lubricated and soft. The excess sebum during puberty can clog
pores and leave the skin very oily.
Another change that occurs during puberty is the excess production of follicle cells. There is a build up
of dying cells that can combine with sebum to form whiteheads. The mixture of dead cells and oil can create
a breeding ground for bacteria. This can result in swelling and redness which are commonly known as pimples.
Acne is a very common condition that affects roughly 85% of individuals between the ages of 12 and 24.
One quarter of these people have acne on various parts of the body, such as the neck and back. It is estimated
that approximately 40% of acne sufferers will have a severe breakout and need to seek medical attention.
For many people acne can be a major problem in that it can affect ones self image and appearance.
For many teenagers acne can result in feelings of depression and a lower self-esteem. Many teens will withdraw
from social activities and will often feel anger and frustration.
Fortunately today there are many modern treatments available for acne. As always the first line of defense
is to keep the skin oil free and clean. This can be done by washing soap and water approximately two times a
day, and particularly after performing activities which cause you to perspire.
Acne treatments are also available in the form of medical prescription and over-the-counter. It is best
to consult a dermatologist for sever acne conditions. A good dermatologist can prescribe various ointments to
apply on the skin, as well as various prescription drugs such as antibiotics to help fight the bacteria that
causes pimples. A well-trained dermatologist can also offer advice on the proper lifestyle and diet changes that
may help in alleviating acne.
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