Acne can be a disfiguring and disheartening skin disorder
The good thing is treatment is available
WHO GETS ACNE?
Acne is a disorder that causes outbreaks of skin lesions commonly called pimples. Nearly everyone is afflicted at some time in life, but acne is particularly common in teenagers – in fact more than 90 percent of teenagers have acne. The hormonal changes of puberty enlarge the skin’s sebaceous glands, increasing their output of an oily substance called sebum. A build up of sebum mixed with bacteria, dead skin cells, and other debris clogs pores, leading to one or more forms of acne. Birth control pills are sometimes a triggering factor.
Women are generally affected at a younger age, the peak severity being between ages 17 and 18, while men peak between 19 and 20 years old. Acne seems to affect men and women in different ways. Young men are more likely to have a more serious form of acne. Acne in young women tends to be more random and linked to hormone changes, such as the menstrual cycle.
WHERE DOES IT APPEAR?
Acne appears most frequently on the face, but can also appear on the neck, back, shoulders, behind the ears, on the chest and in the groin. It is the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring and permanent scarring. Usually it’s a mild condition, but for 15 per cent of people it’s severe.
FORMS OF ACNE
Acne comes in a number of forms, however it can be classified into just 3. They are:
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Comedo (whiteheads or blackheads) or papules. The comedo is the basic acne lesion, which is a plugged pore. If the plugged pore stays under the skin, it’s called a closed comedo and forms a white bump or whitehead. Blackheads are comedos that open up and appear blackish on the surface of the skin. This black color is not due to dirt, but because the air reacts with the excess oil.
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Mild inflammatory acne which includes papules (inflamed pimples) and pustules (pus-filled and commonly yellow in colour).
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Cystic acnes (pus-filled and have sac-like formation or nodules (almost the same as pustules, but they differ in size and degree of inflammation).
CAUSES OF ACNE
What exactly causes acne is a topic of much debate. Nonetheless, studies have been made to determine some of the causes which may provoke the production of acne. These include the following:
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Oil-based makeup, suntan oil and hair products
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Hormonal imbalances and changes, especially during puberty or menstruation
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Unhealthy diet
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Immune system. Some people are extra sensitive to the bacteria that get trapped in their hair follicles.
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Squeezing or picking at blemishes
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Hard scrubbing of the skin
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Family History
Many acne sufferers believe there is nothing that can be done to help them and put up with this unwelcome condition.
THIS IS SIMPLY NOT THE CASE.
There are many resources available which may be of help to you.
I have provided vast amounts of information as well as products which you may find beneficial – If you look through the site I’m sure you will find it of value.
One very interesting site I have come across is www.acnenomore.com. Mike Walden, a certified Nutritionist, Health Consultant and Author has written a comprehensive, complete and precise guide to acne freedom. It focuses on 100% natural acne treatment. Imagine being pimple free – how would your life change?
I hope this webpage is of assistance to you. It is continually being improved to provide you with the most up to date resources and information.
Wishing you success,
Peter
For another great site see Routines for Babies