The Problem Of Acne - A Brief Introduction

Who is unaware of the menace called acne, commonly known as pimples, spots or zits? Most teenagers and even some grown-ups face this problem. It is basically a disease of the skin that's caused by changes in the skin structure which consists of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland. It won't come as a surprise to you that acne affects almost 85% adolescents and frequently continues well into adulthood. The good thing to know is that in most of the cases, it tends to reduce as you age. In early twenties, it starts to decrease and by the late twenties, almost disappears. The most common form of this problem is known as " Acne Vulgaris".

Types Of Acne And Its Appearance

All acne begins with comedo. It is an enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria. As the skin continues to produce more oil, bacteria begins to flourish. The surrounding skin becomes inflamed as the white blood cells fight against the bacteria. Let's take a look at the different kinds of pimples or acne generally seen on the skin:

Non-Inflammatory:

• Whiteheads: They appear on the skin as whitish bumps. These are closed comedos which remain below the surface of the skin.
• Blackheads: If the plug pushes through the surface of the skin after enlargement, then it becomes an open comedo or a blackhead.

Inflammatory:

• Papules: These are slightly inflammatory pimples where a small firm pink bump appears on the skin.
• Pustule: These are small round lesions which are painful and contain pus. This inflammation results from a chemical irritation by the sebum components.
• Nodules: These are large and painful pimples that are lodged deeply within the skin. When the contents of the comedo spill on the surrounding skin, the body responds by producing pus, and thus nodules are formed. In its severe form, these nodules may take weeks to subside and they generally leave deep scars.

Can You Prevent Acne From Happening?

Although you must always good care of your skin using standard products, but you cannot do much to prevent acne from happening. Try these, they may help:

• Skin hygiene: It's imperative to keep your skin clean, but it's also important to avoid over-cleansing. If the skin is scrubbed too much, it will be robbed off the natural oils that will lead to more oil secretion, hence more acne.
• Follow a specific regimen: Any one or the other "over-the-counter" product will suit you when it comes to fighting off acne. But, if the problem seems to get severe and continues for weeks in a row, you should see a dermatologist.
• Sleep well and relax: A good uninterrupted sleep boosts your immune system and helps your body fight infection so that the lesions are cleared up more quickly. Relax as stress can increase pimples.

You sure can't prevent acne from breaking out, but with certain healthy practices, you can control its occurrence and make it disappear faster. Don't panic if you see those dreaded zits making their presence felt all over your face, they will take their own sweet time to go.till then let them be!