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Acne

Acne: Help, Support and Overcome

Acne Overview

Acne (medically called acne vulgaris) is a common skin condition, especially among teenagers. Both men and women, irrespective of ethnicity or region, are equally prone to acne. Sometimes, symptoms may persist for longer than a decade. Acne is characterized by red bumps on the skin, known as pimples or zits. This condition is not exclusive to facial skin alone, pimple eruptions may occur on the chest, shoulders, back and buttocks. Although, the condition tends to develop in teenagers, adult acne is not uncommon. In fact, teenagers who did not suffer from acne may be affected in adulthood. Likewise, teenagers who suffered from acne may continue having eruptions of pimples well into adulthood. Abrupt and brief outbursts of pimples during pregnancy are also common. The pimples generally scar the skin and leave behind enlarged pores.

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Acne is a condition related to the endocrinal glands and the dermis. However, severe outbursts of pimples are known to result in depression and related disorders in a few patients, as they think such outbursts mar their appearance. Pustules on the chest, back and buttocks may result in severe inflammation that affects the day-to-day life of the patient. Pimples on the face cause complications among men during shaving. Mild to moderate cases of acne are mostly restricted to facial skin and do not interfere with the daily lives of patients.

Help and Support for Acne

Acne is generally inflammatory and is caused due to blockages in follicles, primarily because the sebaceous glands become clogged with sebum, owing to the increased production of androgens. Certain types of bacteria such as the P. acnes, also play a role in acne infections. Symptoms of the condition include pimples, pustules, whiteheads and blackheads. While whiteheads and blackheads can be removed by using facial scrubs, pimples and pustules should not be scrubbed. Early diagnosis and early treatment can go a long way in controlling the spread of pimples. Ideally, specific treatment for acne should be started as soon as one notices pimples reappearing on the aforementioned parts of the body. Since acne can result due to bacterial infection, measures can be taken to prevent its occurrence. A balanced diet along with clean skin goes a long way in preventing pimple eruptions.

Overcome Acne

In order to overcome severe acne, one must first consult a dermatologist as self-medication could worsen the condition. Mild acne can be treated at home using products with low percentages of salicylic acid that help in removing excess of oil from the skin. Along with this, face packs, particularly those made from mud and clay bases, have proven beneficial in reducing pimples. Post-acne scars can be removed almost entirely using fractal laser or microneedling techniques. Note that both these procedures need to be performed by a medical professional. Once the cause for acne is established, treatment is a simple process. However, most forms of treatment take a considerable amount of time to show results and often, the results are temporary. A dermatologistโ€™s advice and prescribed treatment should be followed religiously for permanent relief from acne.

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