Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes in the pilosebaseous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). Acne usually appears during adolescence in its most common form known as “acne vulgaris”, which means common acne.

What causes Acne?

Excessive secretion of oils from the glands combine with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block the hair follicles. Acne is caused due to excessive oil in the human body. Generally people those who eat a lot of oily foodstuffs suffer from this problem. Due to Acne some parts of human body are affected. Some of them are face, arms etc. Oil secretions build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for skin bacteria to multiply uncontrolled. In response, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion (acne). Acne occurs on the body, face, chest, back and upper arms.

Acne is common in puberty as a result of an abnormal response to normal levels of the hormone testosterone. Acne occurs when the hormones are increased due to an excess of oil in the body. There is however no way to predict how long acne will take to disappear completely or that it will ever recur again.

The typical lesions of acne are: small whitish or skin-colored bumps (whiteheads) or blackish elevations (blackheads). More inflamed rashes take the form of pus-filled or reddish bumps, even boil-like tender swellings. After resolution of the lesions, prominent unsightly acne scars may remain.

Acne affects a large percentage of humans at some stage in life. Aside from scarring its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and depression.

Acne should not be neglected and should be treated with great care and responsibility to ensure a healthy life.

Acne Treatments and Prevention

The best way to prevent acne outbreaks is to practice proper skin care. Using a clean washcloth daily and washing your skin with a gentle, unscented cleanser can prevent acne by washing away dead skin cells that can clog pores.

Here are 10 things you can do to control and prevent Acne:

• Do not use harsh soaps, or rub, scrub, or pick at pimples
• When washing your face, always pat the skin dry and keep hair away from your face
• Exposure to the sun and tanning beds should be limited
• Wash off sweat and oil as soon as possible
• If you have body acne, wear loose-fitting clothes that won’t irritate the lesions
• Use only “noncomedogenic” or water-based cosmetics and sunscreen lotions. They won’t clog your pores.
• Don’t touch your face, bacteria from your hands can inflame acne
• Shampoo or wash your hair daily because it’s oils can make Acne worse
• Use a skin-tinted medicated cream to cover up acne
• Eat sensibly and drink lots of water

Acne Treatments work by opening blocked oil ducts, killing bacteria and reducing inflammation. There are numerous creams, lotions, gels and soaps on the market that treat many types of acne. Most people often have to try different products until they find the one that works for them.

Acne vulgaris is commonly mistaken for acne rosacea because both conditions exhibit papules and pustules that typically measure 5 to 8 mm in diameter. However, the onset of acne vulgaris usually occurs between 10 and 25 years of age (in your teens - early adulthood). In addition, distribution is more widespread and acne vulgaris is accompanied by blackheads, which are absent in acne rosacea.

Acne Rosacea, sometimes called ”older adult acne,” is not really acne. It usually starts in the 30s, 40s or 50s. Acne Rosacea is a common disorder of the facial skin that typically shows up after age 30. About 10 million Americans have it. It first shows up as redness on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. Also at first it will come and go, but over time the redness deepens and doesn’t leave. Eventually tiny blood vessels can be seen in the skin and acne-like pimples often appear.

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