Acne is a condition that happens when the sebaceous glands get plugged with dead skin cells and oil. It also causes pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads. Acne is most common among adolescents, but it can affect people of all ages, regardless of sex.
What causes acne?
Acne usually develops when a hair follicle becomes clogged by bacteria. When inflammation occurs and the bacteria travel through the plug, the pus-filled pustules become acne.
Teenagers are more likely to suffer from acne because their hormones are not fully developed. They tend to experience higher levels of androgen, which is responsible for sebum production and plugging of the sebaceous glands.
The excess oil block the pores and the result is acne. Pimples are usually small and red, although the size depends on the severity of the acne.
Some acne may also be caused by other factors such as hormonal changes and stress. In these cases, you should see your doctor or a skincare professional. Hormonal changes that occur during puberty can affect the production of sebum, which leads to acne.
If you think that your acne is severe or developing, talk to your dermatologist. He or she may be able to recommend certain medications to help you control your acne or prevent scarring.
Your dermatologist can also give you advice about lifestyle changes that may be necessary to prevent scarring. The good news is that almost all cases of acne are treatable.
Some birth control pills are known to cause acne. Certain medications can reduce the number of hormones in the body. Hormone levels play an important role in determining the severity of acne.
Teenagers who suffer from acne when taking hormonal birth control pills are more likely to develop severe cases later in life.
How to treat acne?
Treating acne may cause dryness and inflammation, especially when using acne creams such as benzoyl peroxide. Excessive exposure to benzoyl peroxide may cause acne in the nose, chest, and skin of the face.
In some cases, excessive salicylic acid may cause pimples as well, especially if the skin is overly dry.
Acne treatment products contain various ingredients to combat the root cause of the condition. For instance, Accutane is prescribed for severe cases.
It is a powerful medication that contains a combination of Vitamin A, benzoyl peroxide, and other medicines that work against the bacteria that causes acne.
You can prevent or minimize acne scarring with over-the-counter treatments, topical medications, and antibiotics. Benzoyl peroxide works best on whiteheads and blackheads.
For more severe acne, your dermatologist may recommend antibiotics for mild to moderate cases. Some topical medications work better for some than others. Keep in mind that acne can be controlled or prevented.
Talk to your dermatologist to find out which method will work best for your type of acne.
Over-the-counter medications are available in both a paste form or as a cream. These lotions can remove oil and dirt from your skin, allowing for more clear skin.
Mild acne lotions should not dry out the skin or irritate it. Acne may respond to over-the-counter medications very well if the medication is properly formulated. Some mild acne lotions that do not contain alcohol can be effective in controlling blackheads and whiteheads.
Sometimes there are more serious problems with acne. If you do you should see a dermatologist. You may need antibiotics to treat your condition.
Keep in mind that people react differently to medications; therefore, your dermatologist will be able to help you determine which medications will be effective for your particular acne problem.
