Acne Causes

Having a clear face and complexion is every young man and woman’s dream for one always desires to look beautiful and best at all times. Pimples and Acne are the worst nightmares of every youth. One can find most children in their teens and adolescent years spending hours in front of the mirror and trying to use all kinds of creams and ointments to keep their skin free from pimples. They often get worked up before going to a party if they find that their face has acne. In many cases people are found to have gone into depression and also develop suicidal tendencies due to severe acne which causes trauma.

What is acne?

Acne, commonly referred to as pimples, is a form of human skin disease with eruptions on the skin surface. Eruptions of inflammatory and non inflammatory follicles appear on certain spots on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks and upper chest below the neck and back.

While Acne is a general term used to describe this condition, there are many types and variations. In normal usage we refer to the different acne types as blemishes, spots, pimples, boils etc. In medical terminology, however, the various types have been listed. Some of the types of acne commonly found are Acne vulgaris, Tropical acne, infantile acne; Drug induced acne, Acne with facial edema, blackheads, oil acne etc.

Acne normally occurs during adolescence period and most often youths of both the sexes are affected by this condition. When the structure of the skin, which contains hair follicles and sebaceous glands, changes this condition occurs. Acne also develops when the follicles under the skin get blocked with sebum and the oil secreted by the skin and dead skin tissues.

Inflammation is caused when in such cases bacteria attacks such acne. Normally with the onset of puberty, when the hormonal changes occur in the body, especially with the increase in male hormones in both genders, this condition is found to occur. With passage of time, this condition often diminishes and disappears over a few years. Acne can cause pigmentation and scarring of the skin, which is why it carries the perceived social stigma attached to it.

Causes Of Acne

Acne can be caused by many other factors, including genetics, psychological stress, skin infections, diet etc, besides hormonal changes.

However this condition can persist in some cases for a number of years and might need medical treatment.

Though acne is generally found on the forehead, in a few cases acne is to be found erupting on the chest, back and shoulders. These are of a different type of lesions and not exactly acne.

Treatment For Acne

Treatment includes using antibiotics like benzoyl peroxide, sulfur based ointments, destroying bacteria, using anti inflammatory treatments and products, besides hormonal balancing and keeping skin clean. Many more detailed treatments are available in severe cases of acne, including surgery as last resort.

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.