What is acne and how does it develop?
Acne is considered as a skin disease that affects the sebaceous glands or the oil glands. The skin is made up of small holes called pores. And these connect to the oil glands under the skin. When the oil glands produce the oily substance called sebum, these carry dead skin cells to the skin surface. And when the pores clog up, a pimple develops.
Types of Pimples
There are many types of pimples but the most common ones are:
Whiteheads - pimples that appear just under the surface of the skin.
Blackheads - these usually come to the surface of the skin and look black; hence the name. However, the colour black does not come from dirt.
Papules - the small pink bumps that usually become tender to touch.
Pustules - red at the bottom and produce pus on the surface of the skin.
Nodules - large, painful, solid pimples that are deep seated into the skin.
Cysts - deep, painful, pus-filled pimples that usually leave a mark or scar.
Why are teenagers prone to acne?
Acne does not choose age, gender nor colour of the skin. However, those in their pre-teen and teenage ages are most prone to getting acne. Why? It is mainly because of hormonal changes that happen during this age. This is also the age when one engages in many activities such as sports. Sweat produces more oil and grease and this can make pimples worse. Plus not to mention that girls start experimenting with makeup and putting a lot of skin care products on their faces. And since they are not conscious about the type of products they use and the ingredients these contain, these sometimes clogs their pores, causing pimples to develop.
Areas that are mostly plagued with pimples
The following body parts are the most prone to be affected with pimples: face, back, shoulders, and chest. This is mainly because these areas have concentrations of sebaceous glands.
What causes of acne?
Although until now there is no single known cause of acne, doctors believe that there are certain factors that contribute to its appearance. Acne causes can be triggered by hormonal changes and imbalances both in teenagers and pregnant women, taking birth control pills, hereditary, certain medications and the use of greasy makeup.
How to prevent acne scars?
If you cannot avoid getting pimples, you can definitely prevent the unsightly marks it leaves behind. Here are simple tips to consider:
Wash your face at least two times a day. By keeping your face clean at all times, you minimize the production of sebum and bacteria. Use a mild soap and warm water to wash your face in the morning and before going to bed at night. But if you work out, make sure to also wash your face afterwards to get rid of excess oils.
Never, ever squeeze a pimple. By doing this you increase the risk of developing a scar.
Avoid too much sun exposure. The sun can further damage your skin and stimulate the appearance of acne.
Consider putting topical acne medications that contain the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
When you develop a severe case of acne, it is better to see a dermatologist. This will allow you to get the best treatment option to prevent scarring and to get rid of your acne.
Treatment Options
The most common acne treatments are topical medication that are specially formulated for treating acne. It usually contains the active ingredients: retinoid, prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide, antibiotic, or salicylic acid. These either kill the bacteria causing the pimples or reduce the oil. It may be best to visit a dermatologist for they will be able to prescribe the best acne treatment for your specific case of acne breakout.
The other treatment option are procedures that your dermatologist may recommend. These may include: laser and other light therapies, chemical peels, acne removal that involves drainage and extraction. This type of procedure is only reserved for the removal of a large acne cysts, and is usually done when the cyst does not respond to medicine. Page updated 06/04/18 12:47:36 p.m.
