Archive for September 7, 2010

Whiteheads, pimples, blackheads, zits, or spots, sound familiar? These are also commonly known as acne. This dreaded condition generally affects teenagers during puberty. The areas usually affected are the face, neck, chest, and back. These are generally known as Acne Vulgaris, which means common acne.

Myths About Pimples

Although there are a lot of myths about pimples, like eating excessive oily food, pollution, increase in the body temperature, and diet, only some of them are true. Acne is generally caused by a change in hormone levels. Therefore, acne generally occurs during puberty as hormonal changes take place in the body. Although girls are more prone to acne during puberty and pregnancy, men are equally affected during teenage years.

Causes of Acne

Acne is also caused when a pore gets blocked and the sebum (oil) is not able to escape. In general, clogged pores are attributed to pimples. It is due to this reason that the myth of avoiding oily food to avoid pimples was started. However, there are various other causes of acne that contribute to acne, like pollution, unclean skin, deficiency of vitamin C, among others. Recent studies have also shown a correlation between stress and pimples. An increase in stress levels showed an increase in the eruption of pimples. This is due to an increase in the production of androgens. As women produce more androgens than men, they are more prone to acne. Acne also causes low self-esteem, low confidence, and embarrassment due to the eruptions on skin, and sometimes permanent scars are left by acne.

Acne Treatments

Although there are a lot of acne treatments available, like over-the-counter medications, holistic medicine, and natural cure for the general acne, it is better to use the medication prescribed by a doctor, which suits your skin the best. You will first need to diagnose the kind of acne you are suffering from. After this, curing it would take patience and determination, with many kinds of treatments available. However, if a person is suffering from severe skin eruptions, it is best to consult a doctor for the cure as soon as possible.

Prevention is Better than Cure

However, as the prevention of pimples is better than curing the flare-ups, it is best to make certain changes in your lifestyle. One way to avoid the scars left by the pimples is to not to touch or squeeze them. Small precautions like washing the face before going to sleep and keeping the face clean help in avoiding more eruptions on the face. A stress-free life, diet rich in vitamin C, and adequate sleep, all contribute toward an acne-free skin.