All About Acne From A-Z

Acne, otherwise referred to as zits or simply pimples, is a very prevalent skin inflammation condition that affects over 87% of the US population alone. Acne is most prevalent during puberty due to the hormonal changes taking place, but it equally affects adults and kids. The main cause of acne is yet to be established, but there is enough reason to believe that apart from it being hereditary, there are other factors that can trigger acne, such as:-

Skin irritation

Stress

Continuous use of anabolic steroids

Too much exposure to chlorine compounds such as chlorinated dioxins

Deficiency in vital nutrients in the body

While some cases of acne will disappear on their own when someone gets over the teenage years, others will carry the condition into their adulthood. There are different treatment options available that have been in effect for a while now.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation can be done by using an abrasive cloth, liquid scrub, or any other exfoliating agent that will help the skin in peeling to avoid the accumulation of dead skin cells. Exfoliation is also known to unclog skin pores

Antibiotics

One can either use topical or oral antibiotics to treat acne. Topical antibiotics, as the name may suggest, are applied topically on the acne affected area, and help get rid of the acne causing bacteria that has been trapped on the hair follicles of the skin. Oral antibiotics on the other hand helps in the regulation of cell behavior and regulation of oil secretion.

Hormonal treatments

Hormonal treatments for acne have proven very effective for female acne sufferers as the use of oral contraceptives that have estrogen and progesterone has been proven to curb acne. Also, an injection containing cortisone is administered directly on a large pimple to reduce the redness and inflammation.

Advanced acne treatments

Dermatologists have gone a step further to use laser surgery in the treatment of acne scars and even the prevention of future acne breakouts. This is done by subjecting the follicle sac and sebaceous glands to burning so that oxygen can kill the acne-causing bacteria. Laser surgery is however only for people with severe cases of acne.

Acne scars

Severe cases of acne will without a doubt leave unsightly scars which are very difficult and quite expensive to treat. Even though there is no surefire guarantee that the scars will be removed permanently, you can get some scar treatments, as recommended below, that will help reduce the scars.

Dermabrasions

This kind of treatment gets rid of the top layer of the skin using a super-speed wire brush thus reducing the visibility of the scar. However, for success to be achieved, one has to have multiple treatments of dermabrasions. Note that the procedure can only be carried out by a qualified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.

Microdermabrasion

This is an enhancement of dermabrassion where tiny crystals are rubbed directly on the acne affected regions using a suction tool

Chemical peeling

This is the use of organic acid such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid to get rid of the top most layer of the skin to remain with a smoother surface.

But when all is said and done, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, following a well balanced diet and doing some regular exercise, then complemented by proper hygiene will go a long way in reducing the chances of an acne breakout.

Penny J Chaney is an expert in Acne. For more helpful information about Acne and expert tips and tricks, please read all of Penny J Chaney's articles!