Plagued by Acne
Acne is a skin disorder that affects millions of Americans each year. Because of this, most people are interested in finding out what acne is and how to treat it. Acne is a result of increased hormones overproducing the amount of sebum, or oil that is released through pores. When the increased amount of oil begins to make its way to the surface it clogs up the pore and then bacteria and dead skin cells form a pimple or lesion on the face. There are more pores on your face, neck, shoulders and back so these areas are more prone to developing acne. Acne is not a fatal disorder, but it can leave some pretty ugly scarring, disfigurement, and cause embarrassment for individuals with the disorder.
Doctors are not exactly sure what causes acne, although changes in hormones do not affect the onset of acne. For instance, individuals in puberty have increased hormones, pregnant women, and women who start or stop birth control pills. The change in hormones affects the way the pores on the face secrete sebum, which can cause acne. Also, acne may be hereditary because in many studies of individuals with acne other family members in previous generations also were plagued with the disorder. Regardless, acne is an annoyance to many.
There are many myths about what causes acne, none of which are true. First, eating chocolate or greasy foods will not cause you to develop acne. It might cause you to gain a few pounds, but acne no. Apparently, food does not have an impact on whether an individual develops acne or not. Stress is also said to lead to increased zits and pimples, however stress does not have an affect on acne either. The only things doctors have been able to pinpoint are increased hormones and the way the sebum reacts to this.
Also, most people have an idea that certain things cause acne and by avoiding them you will not have to worry about developing acne. For instance, there is a myth that eating greasy foods or chocolate will cause you to develop acne, which is completely untrue. In fact, doctors and researchers have pretty much eliminated food as a trigger for acne. Another myth is that increased stress levels will cause your face to react with acne. Fortunately, this is untrue as well. Acne is simply a skin disorder related to increased hormone levels and the ultimate reaction of sebum, hormones, and the individuals skin. It is also important to keep in mind that an individuals age or race does not determine whether he or she will develop acne. Anyone of any age or race can develop acne, and do. Although, individuals are more prone to acne during their puberty years when hormone levels are higher as well as women on birth control pills or who are pregnant.
The treatments include medicated creams to apply to the affected areas several times a day as well as pills. Sometimes doctors use a combination of the above to get the desired affect of clear skin because different people react differently to medications. If you have a problem with acne make an appointment with your local dermatologist in order to get the disorder under control as quickly as possible and minimize scarring and/or disfigurement.
Rickey Lyssy is the owner of Lowr Acne which is an excellent place to find acne links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.lowracne.com/
