Everyone suffers from acne at some point in their lives, especially during the adolescent years.
However, acne is not limited to teenagers.
The condition is linked to hormonal changes in the body, so anyone can be afflicted at any point in their lives.
Acne also comes in many forms and is most prevalent on the back, chest, face, neck and shoulders where there are a large number of functional oil glands.
Acne and Its Causes Acne generally has three primary causes: the buildup of bacteria, an irregular shedding of dead skin cells that result in the irritation of the skin's hair follicles and an overproduction of oil also called sebum.
The result of these incidents takes the form of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), cysts, nodules, papules or pustules.
Comedones appear when bacteria, dead skin cells or oil secretions block the openings of hair follicles.
Cysts develop as blockages or inflammation that makes painful and pus-filled lumps underneath the skin.
They may also leave scarring.
Unlike cysts, nodules are solid lump buildups of secretion in the hair follicles that are also painful.
Papules, or the bumps that are a sign of an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles, are different from pustules in that pustules have white pus tips.
Although it is understood how the blockage or clogging of the follicles leads to acne, it is not really understood how the overproduction of oil results in acne though factors such as bacteria, heredity, hormones and medications are believed to play a role.
Treatment with Anti Acne Products Most acne conditions are not serious enough to require medical supervision.
If the condition is particularly persistent or painful, it may be best to check with a doctor.
However, acne can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications or other means.
Over-the-counter medications may be used for mild acne conditions.
They generally have active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, lactic acid, resorcinol, salicylic acid or sulfur.
Products such as these include Clear & Clean's Persa-Gel 10, Clearsil's Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream, Clinique's Acne Solutions Emergency Gel and Neutrogena's Hydrating Acne Treatment.
Of course, there are stronger medications, but a prescription may be required for them.
Antibiotics or topical treatments like lotion contain stronger elements to kill bacteria, prevent clogging and fight inflammation.
Sometimes these medications are used together, but it is recommended that those on antibiotics gradually decrease usage when it begins to take effect or it clearly is not working.
Side effects of antibiotics may include discoloration of the skin, dizziness or upset stomach while topical treatments may cause burning, redness, peeling or stinging.
Isotretinoin is a stronger treatment for scarring cystic acne when other treatments fail and is reserved for the most severe cases of acne.
Although it is effective, it requires close supervision and includes side effects like dryness in various areas of the face as well as others such as itching, muscle aches, nosebleeds and sun sensitivity.
Acne scar treatments include procedures such as dermabrasion, laser treatments, skin surgery and soft tissue fillers.
However, acne is not limited to teenagers.
The condition is linked to hormonal changes in the body, so anyone can be afflicted at any point in their lives.
Acne also comes in many forms and is most prevalent on the back, chest, face, neck and shoulders where there are a large number of functional oil glands.
Acne and Its Causes Acne generally has three primary causes: the buildup of bacteria, an irregular shedding of dead skin cells that result in the irritation of the skin's hair follicles and an overproduction of oil also called sebum.
The result of these incidents takes the form of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), cysts, nodules, papules or pustules.
Comedones appear when bacteria, dead skin cells or oil secretions block the openings of hair follicles.
Cysts develop as blockages or inflammation that makes painful and pus-filled lumps underneath the skin.
They may also leave scarring.
Unlike cysts, nodules are solid lump buildups of secretion in the hair follicles that are also painful.
Papules, or the bumps that are a sign of an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles, are different from pustules in that pustules have white pus tips.
Although it is understood how the blockage or clogging of the follicles leads to acne, it is not really understood how the overproduction of oil results in acne though factors such as bacteria, heredity, hormones and medications are believed to play a role.
Treatment with Anti Acne Products Most acne conditions are not serious enough to require medical supervision.
If the condition is particularly persistent or painful, it may be best to check with a doctor.
However, acne can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications or other means.
Over-the-counter medications may be used for mild acne conditions.
They generally have active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, lactic acid, resorcinol, salicylic acid or sulfur.
Products such as these include Clear & Clean's Persa-Gel 10, Clearsil's Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream, Clinique's Acne Solutions Emergency Gel and Neutrogena's Hydrating Acne Treatment.
Of course, there are stronger medications, but a prescription may be required for them.
Antibiotics or topical treatments like lotion contain stronger elements to kill bacteria, prevent clogging and fight inflammation.
Sometimes these medications are used together, but it is recommended that those on antibiotics gradually decrease usage when it begins to take effect or it clearly is not working.
Side effects of antibiotics may include discoloration of the skin, dizziness or upset stomach while topical treatments may cause burning, redness, peeling or stinging.
Isotretinoin is a stronger treatment for scarring cystic acne when other treatments fail and is reserved for the most severe cases of acne.
Although it is effective, it requires close supervision and includes side effects like dryness in various areas of the face as well as others such as itching, muscle aches, nosebleeds and sun sensitivity.
Acne scar treatments include procedures such as dermabrasion, laser treatments, skin surgery and soft tissue fillers.
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