|
AcneControl
Basics of Acne
Acne Scars
What to Avoid
Request a Brochure
Lesions like Acne
Acne Treatments
Order on Line
Before & After
Pictures
Teen's Stuff
Testimonials
Contact Us
Links
| |
Basics of Acne
What is
Acne ?
Acne is
one of the most common of all skin problems. It affects most teenagers to some
degree and even more adults. Acne shows up as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples
and deep painful bumps that look like boils. Acne most commonly occurs on the
face but can also appear on the neck, back, chest and shoulders. It is estimated
that as many as 80% of people between 12 and 25 years of age suffer from acne.
While in most people, acne clears up after few years, many suffer from permanent
scarring of the skin. Even when there are few physical marks left, the
emotional ones can be devastating.
Myths &
Misconceptions:
Is acne caused
by dirty skin?
No - overcleansing and scrubbing your skin
excessively will not help acne and it may make it worse. This can dry out and
irritate your skin, increase inflammation and aggravate the situation.
Is acne caused by certain foods?
There is no clear associations have been made between
foods and acne. However, some people are allergic to certain foods that can make
acne worse.
Is acne caused by sexual activity?
No - When you reach puberty, your body experiences
hormonal changes that lead to the development and maturation of your sexual
features and cause you to get acne. Acne is associated with these changes, not
with sexual activity.
What effects cosmetics have on acne?
While it is true that many creams, oils and greases
can aggravate your acne, there are many cosmetic products you can use that do
not, including sunscreens, moisturizers and foundations. Those that do not
aggravate acne are labeled “non-acnegenic” or “non-comedogenic”.
What causes acne?
During
puberty rising hormone levels cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to get bigger.
It is activated by male-type hormones found in both males and females. The sebaceous
glands secrete an oily substance called sebum which empties onto the skin's surface
through hair follicles. The cells shed more rapidly and stick together, plugging the
opening of the hair follicle, resulting in whiteheads. When whiteheads are exposed to air
they form blackheads. Also, the mixture of oil and cells helps the bacteria, especially P.
Acnes, to grow and become virulent. The
increased pressure within the clogged follicle causes the wall of the follicle to rupture.
As a result, sebum, bacteria and shed skin cells escape into the surrounding tissue,
forming papules, pustules and nodules that can be large and painful. This usually heals
within 8 weeks. Nodular acne can result in permanent scarring.
Acne stages:
Minimal Mild Moderate Severe
Few comedones Moderate comedones Many comedones
Rare papules Few papules Many papules
No nodules/scars Few pustules Many pustules
Face only No nodules No nodules on the face Nodules
No Scars Few Scars Scars on face and back
What
type of acne do I have ?
Acne consists of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and sometimes,
deeper boil-like lesions called nodules. Acne can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild acne
can appear as whiteheads and blackheads or even pimples. If you have moderate acne, you
will see more pimples and pustules on your face, and possibly on your chest or back. In
severe acne, you will see a lot of nodules, which are painful and large, on your face,
chest, back and maybe on other areas of your body, too. It can lead to serious and
permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can be followed by scarring. If you think you
might have nodular acne, see your doctor right away!
Males
generally have more severe acne than females because of their hormonal structure
and they tend to develop acne on the back and chest. This type of acne is more
often difficult to treat than facial acne.
.....Back to the top
|
