The appearance of spots - black, white or red (open comedones, closed comedones, papules and pustules), usually heralds at the onset of puberty but contrary to popular opinion, acne does not just affect teenagers. It can persist into adulthood. While the condition can very often be a source of mirth and/or ridicule, spots can in fact be both physically and psychologically scarring. Many are constantly frustrated by the length of time it takes for sufferers to find help - very often five to ten years.
Many sufferers have been told for years: "You'll grow out of it". You may, but maybe not before the condition has left its mark. Acne can almost always be successfully treated, but the scars it leaves are less easily dealt with.
Causes: Acne occurs in those follicles that have a large sebaceous gland and a small, fine hair. At puberty there is a marked increase in sebum production because of increased levels of the male sex hormone androgen (also present in women). This coupled with an abnormally fast turnover of cells lining the follicular canal leads to a blockage of the pore which can cause a relatively innocuous blackhead. If the natural bacteria (in particular Proprionibacterium acnes and staphyloccoccus epidermis) then flourish an this hothouse atmosphere they can break down enough sebum into toxic material for white blood cells to be summoned, leading to inflammation and pus.
It is possible for the infection to break through the follicle wall, which is when you get the more unsightly pustule-type spot, and possibly scarring.
Treatment: Wash your face at least two to three times a day to try and remove some of the sebum and excess skin cells which cause the blockage in the first place. For mild cases first try the many over-the-counter remedies available. Most of these today contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid which aim to control bacteria and pore blocking respectively - abrasive scrubs are not generally recommended as they are often used too aggressively and can exacerbate your condition.
Dermatologists course of action in moderate acne will usually be to prescribe topical retinoids and perhaps antibiotics, the combined pore clearing and bacterial controlling effects of which can give impressive results. You may also have some of the lesions 'removed' in a controlled, sterile manner. Note: never squeeze the spots at home: doing so can rupture the follicular wall and increase the chance of scarring.
Visit www.acnescarremovalguide.net Acne Scar Removal for more information on quick, safe and effective acne treatments. This site also lists many great www.acnescarremovalguide.net/2009/01/home-remedies-for-acne home remedies for acne.
No comments:
Post a Comment