How To Fight Acne

Acne is a disorder of the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands) that results in plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.

Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring, permanent scarring, which can be upsetting for people who suffer from the disorder.

Acne is a disease associated with the oil glands connected to hair follicles, which are largest on the face, chest, and upper back. It is believed to be a result from the change of the inner lining of the follicle, which prevents the oil from seeping through. The clumped cells plug the follicles opening and the oil cannot reach the surface of the skin, where it would be wiped or sweated away. This becomes an inflamed bacterium, which causes pain, redness, swelling of the area-lesions, which are called pimples. There are actually four different kind of pimples, and this is important to know so that the right OTC medicine is purchased to treat them effectively:

· Papules — inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch
· Pustules (pimples) — inflamed, pus-filled lesions that can be red at the base
· Nodules — large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin
· Cysts — deep, inflamed, pus-filled lesions that can cause pain

The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors. One important factor is raising hormone levels. These hormones, called androgens (male sex hormones), increase in both boys and girls during puberty and can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Another factor is heredity or genetics.

Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder. This can be made worse by stress or tension and certain drugs such as lithium and barbiturates, friction from bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars. Pollution and high humidity are big factors, and your mother was right, picking and squeezing only make them worse, and you probably will grow out of it. However, mom was wrong about chocolate and greasy foods; they’ve not been proven to contribute to acne.

Acne is often held at bay with over the counter medications, but a dermatologist must treat severe cases of acne. Your family physician should be able to prescribe the right kind of medication for mild or moderate acne. The main goal of acne treatment is to prevent scarring. Additional goals are to reduce the number of painful lesions and to minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by this disease.

Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the most common topical OTC medications used to treat acne. Each works a little differently, which is why its important to know which type of lesion you have. Benzoyl peroxide is best at killing P. acnes and may reduce oil production. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help break down blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands. Topical OTC medications are available in many forms, such as gel, lotion, cream, soap, or pad.

Remember that acne is not about being dirty or greasy, and although it’s a good idea to gently wash your face each day, only topical or drugs prescribed by a physician can effectively treat severe cases.