ACNE – CAUSES, TREATMENT, & PREVENTION

By definition, acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin.  The medical term, acne vulgaris meaning common acne, pertains to the type of acne most commonly found in teenagers and its onset normally coincides with puberty.

There are a number of causes of acne including hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles and puberty.  Stress, accumulation of dead skin cells, bacteria in the pores, skin irritations, and even the use of anabolic steriods can cause acne as well.  Some medications containing such things as halogens, lithium, barbiturates, or androgens as wll as exposure to high levels of chlorine are other things that can cause acne.

Acne usually appears in the form of lesions or "pimples" as they are more commonly known.  The slang term "zits" also refers to these types of lesions.  They are normally reddish-colored bumps with a white pus-filled head or even a blackhead.  These lesions are normally caused by secretion of oil on the skin combining of dead skin cells.  These lesions can typically be found on the face, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms, but are not limited to those areas of the body.

First appearing during adolescence, acne can have psychological effects, such as reduced self-esteem and depression.  This is because at adolescence, people tend to be more insecure socially and teenagers are typically more apt to be insecure or self-conscious about their appearance.

There are a number of treatments available, most of which are available over-the-counter..  Such things as cotton pads, which can be used to exfoliate the skin, peroxide cream, various antibiotics, and others are no more than a pharmacy away.  Other treatments are available as well.

Most dermatologists recommend a regular cleaning of the skin as a preventary measure.  A regular cleaning of the skin reduced a buildup of skin oils, which in turn, prevents acne buildups.   This is especially true as it pertains to the areas of the body mentioned above such as the face, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms.

As mentioned before, this condition is most commonly found in adolescent teenagers, but can still be found throughout the course of adulthood, however, the recurrence of acne tends to become less frequent.   One other effect of acne is scarring, which is the result of "popping" the lesions, which generally involves squeezing the head of the lesion until the pus-like fluid is drained from within the lesion.  Although this is not recommended by most dermatologists, the "popping" of the lesions can reduce the swelling and soreness that are associated with the lesions.  Once popped, most lesions disappear within a few days while some may scar permanently.   Dermatologists usually recommend an over-the-counter treatment rather than "popping" the lesions.