About Acne, its Types & Symptoms

What is Acne?

Acne is a chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Some of the characteristics of acne include black heads, pimples, cysts, infected abscesses, and rarely scarring. Acne usually occurs during adolescence in both men and women. To be more specific, acne starts during puberty and tends to get worse for people with oily skin. Acne badly affects teenage boys. Only mild to moderate forms of acne occur in middle-aged women. Acne can be seen most commonly on the face. The other places where it can occur include the neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, and upper arms and legs. Most forms of acne are the result of heredity and hormonal problems and has nothing to do with a harmful diet or poor hygiene.

Types of acne

Acne starts in a similar way for all but can take different forms and can react in a unique way according to the body conditions of the individual. A basic lesion called the comedo is the begining of acne. The comedo is an enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria residing under the surface of your skin, that waits for the right conditions to grow into an inflamed lesion. Whenever the skin produces more oil, the bacteria grows within the swollen follicle. The surrounding skin becomes increasingly inflamed as your white blood cells fight against the intruders. Two main types of acne include non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne.

Non-inflammatory acne

Closed comedo:

If the plugged follicle stays below the surface of the skin, the lesion is called a closed comedo. This usually appears on the skin as small, whitish bumps. This condition is otherwise called as whitehead.

Open comedo :

If the plug enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin, the lesion is called an open comedo. The dark appearance of the plug is not due to dirt, but due to the buildup of melanin, the pigmentation element of the skin. This condition is otherwise called as blackhead.

Inflammatory acne

Papule:

This appears on the skin as a small, firm pink bump. The papules are tender in nature and are often considered an intermediary step between non-inflammatory and clearly inflammatory lesions.

Pustule:

These are small round lesions that are inflamed and contain visible pus, which appear red at the base with a yellowish or whitish center. Pustules do not contain a large amount of bacteria. The inflammation is caused by chemical irritation from sebum components such as fatty free acids.

Cyst:

These are large pus-filled lesions that are usually present deep within the skin. The cysts are very painful lesions, as they are inflamed. Cysts form as a result of the contents of a comedo spilling over the surrounding skin and due to the response of the local immune system in producing pus. The cysts often leave deep scars.

Acne conglobata:

This is a rare but serious form of inflammatory acne that develops primarily on the back, buttocks, and chest. In addition, to the presence of pustules and cysts, there may be severe bacterial infection.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of acne include persistent, recurrent red spots or swellings on the skin known as pimples. The pimples become inflamed and get filled with pus. The pimples usually occur on the face, chest, shoulders, neck, or upper portion of the back. Some of the other symptoms include dark spots with open pores at the center, which are known as blackheads, bulged spots under the skin without openings, which are known as whiteheads, and red swellings or lumps filled with pus, which are known as pustules. The pustules can develop from blackheads or whiteheads. Inflamed fluid-filled lumps under the skin known as cysts are also a symptom of acne. These cysts can become as large as an inch across.

7 Ways To Conquer Acne

The most effective methods to combat acne include a combination of prevention and better skincare.

Here are some of the ways you can use to prevent and treat acne:
1. Exercise

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.
2. Safe Cosmetics

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "oil-free." Opt for "hypo-allergenic" perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Use a lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can clog.
3. Healthy Diet

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts. These include

* Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
* Vitamin B Complex
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin E
* L-Carnitine
* Zinc

A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices.
3. Hormonal Treatment

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation.

Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.
4. Healthy Skin Regimen

Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that contain alcohol.
5. Acne Products

Some of the more popular products on the market that can prevent acne include:

* Benzoyl Peroxide
* Proactiv® Solution
* Salicylic Acid
* Retinoids
* Antibiotics
* Oral Contraceptives
* Anti-Androgens
* Isotretinoin (Accutane)

6. Shaving

Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas taht are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.

Shave with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or "grain." A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.
7. Stress

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External Stressors are those that compromise your skin's ability to heal, like oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.

5 Acne Treatment Tips You Can Use Today

Luckily, there are a number of things you can do everyday to make sure your skin is less prone to flare ups. Here are five tips for taking control of your acne starting today.

1. Exercise - Keeping in shape can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. However, some safeguards need to be in place to ward off acne that can result from your workout routines. Watch what you put on your body with regards to clothing, sports gear and equipment.

For example, tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits might look great in the movies and on magazine models, but if you are susceptible to acne problems, avoid these synthetic fabrics that tend to trap in body moisture and heat resulting in a bacteria frenzy. Instead, choose loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends to allow more air to get to your skin.

And when you are finished with your workout, get out of clothing wet from perspiration or water sports. Shower and change into dry, clean clothing. And keep your sports gear and equipment clean, too. Dirty headgear, for instance, can irritate forehead areas prone to acne problems. So toss headbands into the washing machine after workout sessions.

2. Cosmetics - To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that are similar to acne and that can contribute to acne, use products labeled noncomedogenic or oil-free. Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Other additives in coloring that can cause similar reactions are coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes.

More preventative measures include using a lip gloss that promotes a matte finish instead of a high gloss for less pore-clogging; note the more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more the pores can clog. Beware that eye creams can contain heavier concentrations of moisturizers than regular creams and lotions, meaning they have greater potential to clog pores in the surrounding facial areas.

3. Diet - Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is recommended for acne preventative care is this: what is best for your body is best for your skin, especially since your skin is the largest organ of your body. So remember to watch your diet and consume healthy vitamins, minerals and other supplements. This will help to prevent and help conquer acne breakout.

4. Hygiene - A healthy skin regimen should include no harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what has washed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with gentle exfoliation ingredients are OK to use; i.e. not scratchy nut or fruit shell pieces that can tear skin. And skip alcohol products when possible; these can take off the top layer of your skin and cause your glands to product more oil, clogging pores in the process.

If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them. Remember that these are already weeks in the making, and squeezing or picking blemishes can force the infected area to regress back inside, further troubling the region and possibly leave a scar. If necessary, seek help from a dermatologist for alternative treatments.

5. Shaving - Shaving for both genders is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. A word of caution: for areas with infection or high inflammatory activity (redness, sensitive, open acne, sores, etc.), do not shave. Or at the very least, use a shaving cream for sensitive skin!

What Is Acne Treatments

Since acne is the most common skin disease in the world, many researches have been conducted to examine how forms of acne and how it was removed. Number of years in a variety of treatments, medications and products have been developed to help control and eliminate acne.

Currently there are about 7 different treatments that are commonly used in the prevention and elimination of acne. Subsequently, there are literally thousands of different products that use these treatments in one form or another.

Treatments against acne

Accutane (Isotetinoin): Accutane is a powerful substance that is a derivative of vitamin A. It is usually prescribed for severe acne in cases where other treatments have failed to work. Accutane is usually taken for 4-6 months. The downside of Accutane is the high incidence of side effects, some serious.

Antibiotics are designed to fight bacteria and are used primarily to control acne from within. There are topical antibiotics such as clindamycin, which are applied directly on skin. Other antibiotics such as tetracycline are in pill form.

Benzoyl peroxide: This is an antibacterial agent that has been used to control acne for many years. It has been shown to work very well to eliminate and prevent acne. Benzoyl peroxide can be found in many prescription and over-the-counter medications and products.

Herbal: A newcomer compared to traditional acne fighting herbs. It is thought that certain herbs are effective in regulating oil levels and other bodily functions that directly affect acne.

Retin-A (tretinoin) Retin-A is a combination of retinoic acid and vitamin A acid. It is designed to treat acne, wrinkles and sun damage. It 'nice to remove the ovarian follicles and a turnover of more than dead skin cells.

Salicylic acid: This is another widely used formula for the management of acne, especially preventing future breakouts. Salicylic acid helps to slow the spread of cells within the follicle. It 'available in many over-the-counter treatments.

Sulfur: Sulfur is used in the control of acne, first and foremost to promote drying and flaking of the skin. It may be appropriate to eliminate existing acne, but its effects on the prevention of future acne are questionable.

There you have it. Most acne regimens consist of one or more of the above. It is important to note that the skin of everyone seems to react differently to these treatments. For some people, benzoyl peroxide works very well. For other salicylic acid may work better. You really have to experiment a bit and know what treatment works best for you.

The Impact Of Acne

Social impact

Many acne sufferers tend to isolate themselves from society and consciously chose not to socialize with their friends. Why? Because acne sufferers are plagued by feelings of depression, embarrassment and poor body image. This then leads to frustration, anger and severe depression. These negative psychological effects can have a very devastating impact on the social life of the individual, which in turn discourage them from pursuing opportunities in life socially, academically and even in the workforce. Depression caused by acne can lead to low self-esteem, who is ill to voluntarily miss the dates, social gatherings, classes, job interviews and even work.

The psychological consequences

Although acne is not considered life-threatening illness, the psychological effects can be very large as acne affects the most visible parts of the body. The psychological effects of acne have emerged only in recent years. Fact: The psychological scars caused by acne can last forever, so it's a very important topic to explore. Please note that the severity of acne can also be measured by its effect on the lives of those who suffer from acne emotional and social.

How to help

Now that we have found that acne blemishes, cysts, etc., can be very damaging to the psyche, especially in the teenage years, which is when the training of an individual undergoes so many changes, which can be done to prevent this. After all, we are talking about dismantling some serious diseases that can lead to depressive disorders, the decline in school, social isolation, abuse and even suicide.

What to do? The first step in an acne sufferer should take is to agree with your condition. It will have a negative impact on your life, because our society judged by our appearance. The trick is that an acne sufferer does not have to face alone. Think of the number on the page "Acne affects about 80% of adolescents." This means that eight out of ten people around you are or have had problems with acne and its negative social impacts. So do not be shy to inform and involve people in touch with you to prevent psychological recovery to become permanent.

Your family, teachers, coaches and doctors all have a better understanding of the effects of acne can have on you. It may seem like a delicate and difficult task, but you'd be surprised how understanding and compassionate, others will be for you. If you feel too shy to bring it into the conversation, print up this page and let your teacher or office trainer and / or your friends and family to read it. Send them a link to this page. This will launch both the understanding, support and open communication on something that should not be kept secret. That the people you love or get in touch with on a regular basis how your acne makes you feel.

You might also want to discuss the myths and truths associated with acne with people who have chosen to listen to or talk about your acne. Make sure they understand that is not due to poor eating habits, poor personal hygiene, or something that can bring the idea that it is your fault that you have acne. People should know that acne is not your fault. Supportive family, friends, support, and also favoring a coach or teacher to help you no end to keep your self-esteem. Do not stress this enough.

Support for current information and the right diet for acne control, all one must deal with this skin disease.