Acne
What is Acne?
Acne is the term for clogged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms.
Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring.
Types of Acne
There are two categories of acne:
1) Non-Inflammatory Acne, and
2) Inflammatory Acne
Non-Inflammatory acne are closed comedo (whitehead) and open comedo (blackhead).
Types of inflammatory acne are papule, pustule, nodule and acne conglobata.
Acne Treatment
When treating acne, remember that one treatment that works for one person, may not work for you. Treatment depends upon your skin type and kind of acne lesions present.
Acne does not clear overnight. On average, 6 to 8 weeks are needed to see initial results. Once acne significantly improves or clears, continued treatment is needed to keep acne from re-appearing. If acne does not improve in 6 to 8 weeks, treatment may need to be adjusted as not every acne treatment clears every case of acne.
Follow these tips for treating acne:
- Treating Mild Acne
Gently washing the affected area(s) with warm water and a mild soap twice a day to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. Use an over-the-counter acne treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. - Treating Moderate to Severe Acne
Moderate to moderately severe acne usually requires the help of a dermatologist. Treatments include comedo extraction, prescription medications and over-the-counter topical acne medications. - Treating Severe Acne
Severe acne is characterized by deep cysts, inflammation, extensive damage to the skin and scarring. It requires an aggressive treatment regimen and should be treated by a dermatologist. Methods used include drainage and surgical excision, oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and interlesional corticosteroid injection.
Acne Prevention
One of the most common misconceptions about acne is that it's caused by dirt. It's not! Acne is caused by a combination of factors you can't control, like your hormone balance and the natural pace of your skin's renewal system. Follow these tips to help prevent acne:
- Don't Over Wash
- Skip Harsh Scrubs
- Say no to Alcohol
- Don't Squeeze or Pick
- Nutrients for healthy skin
