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Acne Advice For People Wanting
Blemish Free Skin - by Emily Clark
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Acne is a disorder of the skin
that affects adults as well as teens. It occurs when
follicles, or pores, become blocked. Oils, naturally
present in skin, are unable to drain and become blocked
inside the follicles. Before long bacteria begins to grow.
Skin blemishes referred to as blackheads and whiteheads
then begin to appear. When the oil and bacteria that is
trapped remain below the skin, the blemish is referred to
as a whitehead. |
A blackhead occurs when the oil
and bacteria are partially exposed. The color of the blemish
turns black due to pigmentation within the skin. Blackheads
usually last far longer than whiteheads due to the fact that
it takes longer to drain.
It is believed that hormones, diet, stress and vitamin
deficiency may play a role in the development of acne. While
acne includes both whiteheads and blackheads, there are a
variety of types of acne that range in severity.
Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne and includes
everything from whiteheads and blackheads to cysts. Acne
Vulgaris may be either mild or moderate as well as severe. The
mild and moderate forms of Acne Vulgaris include common
pimples with inflammation apparent below the surface of the
skin as well as blackheads. Small red bumps that have no
‘head’ may also be present and are known as papules.
Acne Vulgaris in its most severe form includes lesions that
are known as nodules and cysts. These are normally much larger
than mild or moderate acne and may be more painful. Nodules
are usually small and hard, below the skin and do not contain
pus while cysts do. Scars can appear if Acne Vulgaris is not
treated correctly.
A gentle cleanser and a benzoyl peroxide cream can be
effective in treating mild to moderate forms of Acne Vulgaris.
Avoid overwashing; gently cleansing the face in the morning
and at night should be sufficient. Taking care not to touch
your face during the day and using oil free cosmetics may also
help. Extreme caution should be used in trying to ‘pop’
pimples, as this can result in scarring. Papules (small red
bumps with no head) should never be popped or squeezed.
Acne Rosacea can easily be confused with Acne Vulgaris and
often appears to be quite similar. Most people who suffer from
Acne Rosacea are adults over the age of 30. A red rash along
with bumps and pimples signal the presence of Acne Rosacea,
which normally appears on cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.
Blackheads are normally not present with Acne Rosacea. This
type of acne can be quite serious because when it is left
untreated it can actually cause excessive tissue to begin
growing.
There are three types of extremely severe acne; all of which
can be disfiguring. Acne Conglobata usually appears in men
instead of women. It is commonly found on the trunk and limbs
of the body instead of the face. Individuals normally develop
this form of acne at some point between the ages of 18 and 30.
It can remain active for several years and can be extremely
difficult to treat. Dermatologists normally use Accutane as a
treatment.
Young men sometimes experience what is known as Acne Fulminans.
Typical acne may be accompanied by fever and aching joints
with the onset of Acne Fulminans. Oral steroids as well as
Accutane may be used to treat this form of acne.
Women between the ages of 20 and 40 may experience what is
known as Pyoderma Faciale. This type of acne is generally
confined to the face. Unlike other forms of acne, this form
does not last for years; instead its presence is normally
restricted to a year or less. It can, however; be very painful
as well as disfiguring.
Severe and extremely severe acne should be treated by a
dermatologist.
About The Author
Emily Clark makes it easy for anyone to understand complex
health conditions such as acne. Learn about the best
treatments applicable to your acne problem for free, by
visiting http://www.acne.lifestyle-health-news
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