It's an all-too-frequent scenario that can fill even the sanest of teenagers with dread. You're about to go on a long-awaited big date, but an enormous pus-filled pimple suddenly sprouts on your chin - and two more on your forehead and left cheek. Or it's the eve of your senior prom, and from out of nowhere a huge, greasy pustule pops up smack dab in the middle of your nose. Aaagggh!
You cannot get acne by eating greasy food, neglecting personal hygiene, or masturbating (if that was the case, virtually the entire human race would be covered in zits from head to toe).
For many people, especially teenagers, oily skin and adolescence go hand in hand. Teenage acne in particular is incredibly common, yet suffers of this often unsightly condition say the problem is more than just skin-deep. Most teens in the throes of break-outs don't just worry about getting pus smeared all over their prom tux: they are affected emotionally and socially as well.
It is estimated that 85 percent of the human race is affected by acne during their teenage years. What differs, however, is the degree to which we are affected. Some people may have the occasional spot, while others may have such severe acne that they find themselves riddled with deep, pitted acne scars in adulthood.
Why the degree to which acne affects us fluctuates so wildly is a mystery. But one thing is certain: for the vast majority of people affected by acne, there are things they can do to minimize its effects, and in some cases, even make it go away completely. Hooray!
So Why Do We Get Acne, Anyway?
Hundreds of myths surround acne, so let's start by putting a few to bed straightaway. You cannot get acne by eating greasy food, neglecting personal hygiene, or masturbating (if that was the case, virtually the entire human race would be covered in zits from head to toe). You can't even get it by having sex (with another person, that is). In fact, acne is caused primarily by several main culprits, which are:
* Blocked hair follicles. You usually get acne when the body produces too much sebum, or the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands, which seem to go into overdrive during adolescence. When the sebum plugs a hair follicle, the result is a pimple.
* Increase of growth of bacterium. Teens in particular will experience a growth in a bacteria called P. acnes due to the over-production of sebum again, which results in acne. Naughty, naughty sebum!
* Inflammation. Areas can become inflamed because of the increase in aforementioned bacteria, causing even more zits.
* Hormones. Hormonal fluctuations in both boys and girls during puberty can result in more sebum being produced, as scientists believe the hormone androgen is responsible for its production. Acne will also often get worse a few days - or a week - before a girl gets her period.
* Stress. A long debated issue, this one, but one that puts blame for eruptions of acne on stress, despite previous theories to the contrary. In fact, tests carried out on students going through stressful exams conclusively pointed out that they suffered more acne than those not going through such a trying time.
* Outside Influences. Occasionally there are things we do unwittingly that can make us more prone to acne. They include taking oral contraceptives which are high in androgens, and using specific oil-based cosmetics that lead to a build-up of sebum etc. Non-comedogenic cosmetics and beauty products are always the preferable choice.
Treatment Options
Acne is not always easily cured - although the good news is that sometimes it is. Treatment options vary greatly, depending on the individual, the severity of the acne and its duration. Options include:
Over-the-counter remedies. Certain creams that contain a low dose of retinoid or just benzoyl peroxide can work wonders on mild to moderate acne. It's a case of trial and error, as what works well for your best friend Chris may not work for you...
Topical ointments, creams or antibacterial preparations. This is usually the first place to start if the acne is moderate to moderately severe, although it works best in acne that is relatively young.
Hormonal applications. Usually this means oral contraceptives for girls for moderate to moderately severe acne. If you go down this route, don't be complacent: keep in mind that only a condom can protect you from a sexually-transmitted infection.
Oral antibiotics. Usually used in tandem with a topical prescription with more severe acne. Remember though, that treatment can often result in your acne worsening before it shows any signs of improvement, so try not to get discouraged too quickly. And some harsh medications, such as those containing an oral retinoid, can cause serious birth defects, so talk out the implications in detail with your doctor beforehand.
Tips to Keep Acne at Bay
Apart from visiting a dermatologist and starting a proper treatment program, there are other things you can do yourself to keep your face in good nick. The include:
* Avoiding the temptation to wash to extreme. We don't get acne because we're naturally dirty, and the notion that washing your face or back vigorously will help get rid of acne is a myth. In fact, too much washing will only make your acne worse.
* Practice a proper skin-care regime. While you shouldn't over-wash, that doesn't mean becoming negligent about your skin. A decent foaming cleanser that contains either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is recommended, although the latter can irritate some types of sensitive skin and cause excess flakiness. Special body washes are also available.
* Eating a balanced, healthy diet. While studies have not conclusively proven whether or not a bad diet can contribute to acne, it's a good idea to eat healthily anyway. At the least, a diet rich ion whole grains and fresh fruit and veg can help boost your immune system. And everyone knows that blowing a blocked nose 250 times a day can easily result in a lovely ring of pimples around the schnaz area...
* Drinking lots of water. Some people say this is a myth, others swear by it. One thing is clear: downing lots of H20 is good for you, so try it and see if your acne improves!
* Using noncomedogenic toiletries and cosmetics. Avoid anything that is oil-based and make sure you take all make-up off at night with special cleansers.
* Keeping stress to a minimum. Easier said than done, but stress does make acne worse.
* Stop that pickin' and scratchin'. However tempting it might be to try and pick your spots away, putting oily, often greasy hands all over your skin will only make things worse. So keep them in their pockets, where they belong!
Having acne shouldn't be a life sentence for a teenager, although sometimes it can feel like one. Scientists believe that genetics play a role in whether or not children get acne, so if you have a really pimply face, you can thank your Mom or Dad for that - and make them pay for all your acne potions and lotions while you're at it. In fact, you might even ask them to buy you a new car to make up for the emotional turmoil your acne has caused you...
If you have severe acne, take solace in the thought that laser therapy can help remove acne scars once you're out of puberty - although adult acne is not that uncommon either. Take comfort also that when you do go on a date it's because some gorgeous young thing is interested in the real you, and is mature enough to look past those nasty skin eruptions!
Sarah Matthews is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a Healer at local.yodle.com/articles Yodle Local or more local.yodle.com/articles/topics/health-medicine Health & Medicine articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.
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