Acne results when the oil glands that remain under the hair follicles become overactive. Sin cells can connects all the skin pores causing white heads and with pigmentation blackheads. A acne is an oil gland that is infected with bacteria, which results in the inflammation of the area along with formation of pus.
Acne is a common skin disease associated with scaly red skin, blackheads and whiteheads, pinheads, pimples, large papules and possibly scarring. It occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne appears mostly on faces, neck, back and shoulders. Acne occurs during adolescence and continues into childhood. Mostly acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear or at the very least decrease after one reaches one's early twenties. But removal of acne(pimple) and scars needs medical treatment.
Acnes heal slowly, and when one begins to resolve, others seem to crop up. They may cause emotional distress and lead to scarring of the skin depending on the severity.
Symptoms of Acne
Acne usually appears on the face and neck but it may also appear on the shoulder, arms and legs. The common signs and symptoms may include:
• Blackheads
• Crusting of skin bumps
• Cysts
• Papules (small red bumps)
• Pustules
• Redness around the skin eruptions
• Scarring of the skin
Whiteheads
Causes of Acne
Three factors contribute to the formation of acne:
• Overproduction of oil (sebum)
• Irregular shedding of dead skin cells resulting in irritation of the hair follicles of your skin
• Buildup of bacteria
When the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells it results in acne. Hair follicles are connected to sebaceous glands which secrete an oily substance known as sebum to lubricate the hair and skin. Sebum normally travels up along the hair shafts and then out through the openings of the hair follicles onto the surface of the skin. The excess amount of sebum and dead skin cells produced by body, builds up in the hair follicles and form together as a soft plug, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive.
This causes the follicle wall to bulge and produce a whitehead. Or, the plug may be open to the surface and may darken, causing a blackhead. When blocked hair follicles become inflamed or infected they give rise to pimples, red spots with a white center, are raised. Cysts are lumps beneath the surface of the skin which are produced by blockages and inflammation that develops deep inside hair follicles.
Factors that may worsen acne
These factors can trigger or aggravate an existing case of acne:
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications
• Diet such as bread, bagels and chips, which increase blood sugar, may trigger acne.
Risk Factors in Acne
Factors that are likely t put you at a greater risk of developing acne lesions are:
• Teenagers are at higher risk of having acne due to hormone changes
• Women and girls
• Pregnant women
• People using certain medications containing corticosteroids, androgens or lithium
• Direct skin contact with greasy or oily substances, or to certain cosmetics applied directly to the skin
• A family history of acne
• Friction or pressure on the skin caused by various items, such as telephones, helmets, tight collars and backpacks
• Stress may make acne worse
Diagnosis for Acne
The doctor may diagnose acne looking at the appearance of the patient. He may also examine the symptoms. The diagnosis may be needed to determine the severity of the acne.
Treatments of Acne
Mild acne can be treated by self care methods. Treatment also includes medical methods.
Steps you can take to control acne:
• Clean your skin gently with a mild, nondrying soap.
• Remove all dirt or make-up.
• Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising.
• Avoid scrubbing or repeated skin washing.
• Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it is oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.
• Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to skin infections and scarring.
• Avoid wearing tight headbands, baseball caps, and other hats
• Avoid touching face with hands or fingers.
• Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams
Medical treatment option may include:
• Over-the-counter topical treatments such as acne lotions are generally mild and contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or sulfur as their active ingredient.
• Topical treatments available by prescription such as Tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, others), adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage)
A number of benzoyl peroxide and antibiotic combination medications are available, including different dose combinations of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin (Benzaclin, Duac, Acanya) and benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin (Benzamycin). Dapsone gel (Aczone)
• Laser and light therapy
• Cosmetic procedures which includes Chemical peels and microdermabrasion
Acne scar treatment may include:
• Soft tissue fillers
• Chemical peels
• Dermabrasion
• Microdermabrasion
• Laser, light source and radiofrequency treatments
• Skin surgery
• Removal of acne(pimple) and scars
Prevention of Acne
Prevention tips for acne include:
• Wash acne-prone areas only twice a day.
• Use an over-the-counter acne cream or gel to help dry excess oil
• Avoid heavy foundation makeup.
• Choose powder cosmetics over cream products because they're less irritating.
• Remove makeup before going to bed
• Wear loose fitting clothing
• Shower after exercising or doing strenuous work
Continue the acne medication once the acne improves or clears to prevent break out of new ones.
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