What is Acne?
Acne (acne vulagaris) is a common skin disorder that affects nearly 100 million people worldwide. Regardless of age, acne is commonly found in adolescents undergoing puberty as the new hair follicles tend to get clogged beneath the surface of the skin. This certainly does not rule out acne affecting women and men likewise, as many people of all age groups and skin types suffer symptoms of acne globally.
Some forms of acne are often mistaken or perhaps associated with Seborrheic dermatitus, being relative to having scaly and flaky skin. This is common after acne sufferers administer strong doses of medicinal strength prescriptions, as they can cause adverse effects if not used properly. Thus, resembling symptoms similar to Seborrheic dermatitus, as the treated skin becomes dry, flaky, scaly, and discolored.
While there are several terms used to define and identify specific types of acne, the most common are as follows:
• Acne vulgaris (cystic acne or simply acne)
• Seborrhea (scaly red skin)
• Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)
• Papules (pinheads)
• Pustules (pimples)
• Nodules (large papules)
• Cysts (large nodules or boils)
Acne is most commonly located on the face, neck, back, arms, and buttocks, as these areas are more prone to release the secretions of oils, collect bacteria, amass hair follicles, and produce sweat which tends to open these pores making these areas susceptible to multiple toxins which are known to cause skin blockages, leading to various forms of acne.
Acne has also been considered as a potential sign that the health of the body could be suffering from other toxic bacteria possibly in the liver, kidneys, and these infections being carried through the blood cells, is believed to result in acne breakouts.
Speculations are often asserted that certain greasy foods and ones dietary intake may also be a major factor in causing certain types of acne.
Working to rid acne can be a tedious process as it can also lead to inner-complexity issues, depression, or in severe cases even suicide.
The best defense against acne is to arm yourself with knowledge, and test several proven methods that have worked for others until you find a treatment and prevention regiment that works best for you and your skin type.
What Causes Acne?
Most forms of acne are caused when the sebaceous follicles become infected, clogged, or contaminated. In most cases common acne occurs when excessive sebum oil collects around the hair follicles, or from toxins collecting in the pores becoming infected by dead skin, bacteria, or the body's natural acidic waste.
Normally, the body's sebaceous glands are designed to release specific amounts of sebum oil which is excreted from the pores and rises to the skin's surface. The body's natural release of sebum oil helps the skin to remain moist and semi-lubricated, and in turn protects your skin from many of the harmful or harsh elements in the environment.
Once pores become blocked, oil becomes trapped beneath the skin which can no longer be excreted through the skin as normal, leading to blockages. As a result, these areas can become inflamed or infected, which can lead to blemishes, spotting, or the formulation of pimples.
As conditions below the skin worsen, the body still attempts to naturally excrete more oils, and as such, the excess oil builds pressure beneath the skin, causing greater infections known as boils, or cystic acne.
Often, when a blockage occurs the pressure can cause the pores inner walls to explode under the skin surface, forcing the body's white blood cells to move in, in an attempt to absorb the collagen from within the pores of your skin. When this takes place, the results can lead to blemishes in the skin, scarring, or eventually pockmarks.
Acne Prevention
When treated early, the chances of infection or severe acne scarring is greatly reduced. General prevention can be accomplished through a disciplined daily cleansing regiment, such as using a quality cleansing program, and/or in conjunction with a topical acne cream to prevent the follicles and pores from becoming clogged after cleanings. Employing these measures can greatly reduce the risk of causing further damage to the treated area.
Ultimately, identifying the severity of the problem and obtaining knowledge about the specific types of acne and treatments available can be the best defense against acne. Understanding the specific type of acne and proper treatment regiment can assist in the prevention of future breakouts, while minimizing the chances of pockmarks or permanent scarring.
When acne is identified and addressed early, before pimples become severely infected and bursting takes place under the skin, acne scarring can usually be prevented, and save further damage from taking place. Especially, when the appearance of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) become noticeable, as these can become easily infected, leading to more severe cases of cystic acne, which can often cause pockmarks or permanent scars.
While acne can be a very complicated issue to resolve, many sufferers undergo multiple treatments before finding the solution which works best for their skin type. It goes without saying acne really doesn't discriminate, and affects numerous age groups, skin types and is not always due to poor hygiene or diet as often suggested.
Most types of acne can be treated with proper cleansing, home remedies, and over the counter topical acne creams over a period of weeks or even months before resolving the problem. In severe cases, it is suggested sufferers seek professional care, and contact a dermatologist for stronger prescription medications.
As an acne sufferer myself, I am passionate in educating and providing preventative solutions to fellow acne sufferers, such as; investigating and exploiting proven home remedies, topical ointment applications, holistic medicines, and known solutions to help prevent, and cure acne.
