Acne is a skin problem which is faced by a lot of people today.
It is perhaps one of the biggest problems faced by people who are often referred to as ‘zits’ or pimples. It could include the likes of whiteheads, blackheads and the more severe ones like cysts which generally are inflamed patches of skin that are red in colour as well as many other symptoms too.
Acne is a big problem because once someone get it, it is very difficult to remove them and it can become a recurring problem that will continue on for years. Acne will happen when the pores or tiny holes on the surface of the skin become clogged. This is where the follicle is very important because it is where each pore opens up.
Acne Prevalence
A follicle contains a hair and an oil gland where the latter releases oil to help remove the old skin cells. In doing this, the skin is kept as soft as possible and when the glands release too high volumes of oil, it blocks the pore and this will then result in the building up of dirt and bacteria. This naturally becomes a ‘comedone’ or simply a ‘plug’.
Naturally, a whitehead will develop when the top of the plug is white and blackhead when it is black. However, swelling and red bumps might occur when the plug is broken. In more severe cases, the acne which goes deep into the skin will create cystic acne which can be very painful.
The biggest problem with acne is that it could be very painful at times and could happen anywhere like the arms, legs, neck, buttocks and most commonly on the face. In most cases, acne can be cured with some very delicate self-help. Acne can be easily diagnosed by the doctor where you will be given a specific cream to try and subdue its growth. However, there are severe cases in which special medication will be required. Keeping your skin clean at all times will be the most effective ways of ensuring acne do not occur.
Acne Prevention
Preventing acne can be quite difficult as it does not solely depend on food intake although the diet plays an important role. Acne has been known to be the result of excessive oil within the body and this can mostly be prevented by consuming lesser food with saturated fats. However, common hygiene practices can be influential as well where you can use face-wash that has elements like Vitamin D. However, acne can happen at any parts of the body that include the buttocks area, inner thighs and damp areas and keeping dry and clean around such locations will help in reducing the risk of acne developing.
Diagnostics for acne problems
When acne develops at a body part, the most significant symptom is an itch or a minor ache. This can then further develop into full-grown acne that can be very painful especially when it occurs around the buttocks area that can create discomfort when sitting. In most situations, the best way to treat this is to use anti-bacterial cream which is easily available in pharmacists. However, if you are experiencing this problem constantly where multiple acnes are growing or one growing after another subsides, then you should seek medical treatment from skin specialists or medical doctors. This is where you will need to try and get rid of this medical disease once and for all.
Acne Statistics
Almost every adult will face acne problems at one stage of their lives. Either it occur during the puberty years or later while there are many who face this problem until the later stages of life. About 60% of severe acne problems are faced by people in Asian countries which are mainly contributed by the humid weather that contributes to sweating. When sweat is not disposed quickly enough, it will cause bacteria to form around the skin surface that will eventually lead to the developing of acne.
In most cases, acne occurs among teenagers although it can happen to anyone at any age. A person experiencing hormonal changes like puberty and such will experience more oily skin which in return will create acne. The known sources of acne include greasy or oily cosmetic or hair products, certain drugs like steroids and it could be hereditary as well.
Acne Specialists, do they exist
Acne is naturally a skin condition and it could be a long-term treatment process. In most cases, acne occurs among teenagers and it can sometimes be a mild condition and can be treated through proper diet and facial wash. However, there are situations when acne is more serious and that is when you will have to see your doctor who will diagnose if you need to see a specialist. The professionals are usually called skin specialists while a dermatologist can help you with trying to clear the acne whether it is on your face or other parts of your body.
Symptoms of acne
Unlike other types of health conditions, acne is very clear and visible. In certain cases, they can even be painful when touched. You will notice that almost everyone with acne problems will have spots on the face while some might experience it on the back and chest. This includes blackheads which are small and black bumps. Whiteheads are quite similar to this where they are firmer while papules are painful and small red bumps. Other symptoms include pustules and nodules and in more serious acne situations, you could experience cysts that contain pus.
Medication for acne or pimples
Most people with acne problems will use over-the-counter cream or facial wash while prescription drugs could be applied if the condition worsens. In a way, acne is a type of inflammation due to a certain type of bacteria. As such, you might have to take medicines that could be prescribed by the doctor like Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic acid as well as certain types of oral antibiotics like tetracycline and clindamycin.
Home remedies for acne
While you might not jump at the first instance to take oral medicine to treat an acne problem, you can use some home remedies like ice which helps to reduce inflammation and improve your blood circulation. Besides that, you can use lemon as it is rich with vitamin C and helps to dry up the acne condition quicker. Tea tree oil helps as it comes with antibacterial properties and reduces redness. Toothpaste is a very common home remedy used to treat acne. White toothpaste instead of gel toothpaste would be most ideal where you can apply them on the acne before going to sleep at night. Another remedy is to use steam which helps to open up the pores so that your skin breaths better while you can apply garlic where its sulfur heals acne very effectively.