Causes Of Acne And Its Prevention

Acne can be found in many forms. Papules, which are usually characterized by small pink bumps, painful to the touch; Pustules or pimples, pus filled lesions that can be red, Nodules which are lesions lodged deep within the skin and finally Cysts, possibly the most painful form of the disorder, are usually responsible for scarring. Doesn’t sound fun, does it? Good thing there are ways to prevent the problem, but first you must understand what causes it to form.

Doctors are unsure of the exact cause of this disorder, but many believe it to be due to several different reasons. During puberty, in both males and females, an increase in hormones called androgens cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, thereby producing more sebum. Additionally, hormonal changes due to pregnancy can also cause this skin disorder. Genetics also seem to play a role in the formation, meaning the tendency to develop it can stem from whether your parents had it or not. Pore-clogging cosmetics and certain drugs (Lithium, for example) have also been known to make the situation even worse.

What can make it worse? Well, for starters, friction. Rubbing, excessive scrubbing, or leaning on the skin, especially your face, can lead to an increase. However, chocolate and greasy foods do not cause this problem. Neither does stress nor dirty skin. It’s nice to know we can still enjoy a chocolate bar without worrying about a gigantic pimple cropping up!

If you suffer from this problem, know that you are not alone. People from all age groups and races can get it, from adolescents to even adults.

It is often treated by dermatologists, who are doctors trained specifically in skincare. While very good at treating all types, they specialize in treating more severe cases. For moderate cases, seeing your primary physician should be sufficient. Stopping scarring, psychological distress and prevention, while also healing preexisting problems, are the main goals of any practitioner. Your doctor will discuss with you treatment options, and whether over the counter, prescription drugs or a combination of both will be the most effective treatment for your particular case.

There’s no doubt that it's embarrassing, not to mention unsightly. To avoid any reoccurrence, especially if you are using anything to treat the condition, be sure you follow a few key steps:

Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser, and do not scrub too hard. Also, try to stay away from pore clogging makeup and cosmetics, because that will have a detrimental effect on your skin. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as much as possible, and if you must go out wear a mild sunscreen to prevent burning.

With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to acne-free skin in no time.

Treatment Of Acne: Prevention Is Better Than Cure!

The first and the foremost point to be remembered in the treatment of acne is not to panic. Whiteheads or blackheads will have to be treated with a cool head! No doubt, acne on the face is bound to cause a confusing contour in the curtain of your mind, but desperate remedies are not the solutions for desperate situations.

A basic understanding of the acne situation in each individual case requires a thorough study. Fortunately or unfortunately, the literature and expertise regarding the treatment options available are likely to be confounded! A mountain of literature about the molehill that is acne!

Let it be perfectly understood that total cure of acne is an impossibility. If someone, some product or some company- national or multinational promises it, take it as a business advertisement! They dwell upon it, because they have to sell. And all the selling is done at somebody's cost!

If the golden rule, an ounce of prevention is better than a cure, is to be applied anywhere, apply it here; and apply it with profit. What is your basic formula for skin care? If it is no new spots, improved skin condition and making efforts to deny future scarring, you are on the right track! You have understood your acne! Personal treatment for a universal disease!

Human skin needs a certain amount of oil to maintain its natural condition. And when it comes to acne skin, skin care becomes even more important. Keep the spot-prone areas clean. Wash the affected area twice a day with a perfume free cleanser. Note that aggressive washing and strong soaps are big enemies of your acne skin.

Plus, hundreds of over-the-counter remedies are available with your chemist. The anti-bacterial agents in them, like benzoyl peroxide will help you a great deal to defeat acne. The skin areas where you feel that the spot is likely to emerge, must be kept clean. In effect, these agents dry out the skin and encourage it to shed the surface layer of dead skin. These effects make it harder for pores to become blocked and infection does not spread. When the antibacterial effects dry out the skin, the surface layer of the skin begins to fall. The pores are not blocked and infection is checked.

No treatment will tender on the spot results. Significant effects, if they materialize hopefully, will take their own time. If results are not forthcoming, say within a period of two months, then it the time to switch over the treatment after consulting a dermatologist. At this stage, he has many options depending upon your case-history and his understanding of the problem, after certain investigations, if necessary. He has an armory of treatment options- both for external application and internal consumption.

And finally, do not fail to consult your Grandma! That walking 'encyclopedia' may have unfailing solutions!