Overview of the Symptoms & Causes of Acne
Do you know how to treat an acne or what causes it? A lot of
people deal with acne at some point in their adolescence but
you can deal with it right now.
You may be wondering if it is really that big a problem.
Acne may not be life threatening but it can cause scarring
and breakouts if not treated properly. Not to mention the
damage to your self-esteem this problem can cause as well.
It is very important that it be given proper treatment. And
this can only happen if you understand the cause of this
skin condition and know some effective ways to treat it.
Here are Some Common Misconceptions About This Skin
Condition
Stories abound about what causes acne. These stories could
have been passed down from parent to child and moved around
in the school hallways. The followings however are simply
not true and do not necessarily contribute to skin
outbreaks:
- They say that sun will improve you skin. The fact is, the
sun can even cause more harm than good on your skin. And
this has been documented many times. So this is just not
true. It does not cure nor improve your skin. It can only
mask the acne symptoms.
- Another myth is that of poor hygiene. Just because you
don't wash your face does not mean it can cause acne. In
fact, the opposite is true. What may contribute to this skin
problem is frequent washing. Twice a day is enough. And you
have to do it gently.
- Poor Diet is another myth. You've probably heard that
eating pizza, chocolate or French fries can cause pimples.
The best option is to practice eating a well balanced and
healthy diet.
- Another misconception is stress. Again, it is not true
that stress causes acne. Up to now, there is still no proof
to support it.
So What Causes This Skin Problem?
Basically, bacteria and oil are trapped when the skin's
pores are clogged. When this happens, skin conditions like
whiteheads, pimples and other blemishes occur. This will
then result in inflammation caused by white blood cells sent
by the body to the clogged pore.
Effective Treatments
Finding treatments for this skin condition abound in the
market and sometimes involve some trial and error. Below are
some effective ways to find which treatment will work wonder
for you:
1. Wash your face gently with a mild cleanser.
2. Avoid touching, squeezing or playing with the blemishes.
3. Use cosmetics labeled noncomedogenic.
4. Whichever treatment you pick, use it as directed and for
enough time to determine if it works.
5. If after 8 weeks there is no good result, then find
another solution.
So, now that you have a better understanding of what really
causes acne and know which treatment will work best for you,
put this to work right away and you can look forward to a
clearer beautiful skin.
/
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Clear Up Acne? How Long Will that Take?
Clear Up Acne? How Long Will that Take?
Have you ever heard a statement like this? "Oh man the prom
is next week and...argh...my face...how long to clear up
acne?"
As comical as that scenario may appear, similar situations
are not uncommon. Regardless, this is an important question,
"How long does it take for acne to clear up?" The answer is
that the amount of time varies from person to person and the
severity of the acne. Something very important to consider
that will determine the time it takes to clear up acne is
the action plan that you put in place. Also is your response
time to a new acne breakout, do you jump on it at the first
sign. There are some complex skin types with certain people
that it is not always easy to determine that right
medication that will work the best. Each individual person
is different so no one treatment is right for everyone.
Since there is not a one treatment cures all, don't be
alarmed if you must try several different products before
finding the one for your skin type. Don't not give up hope
or persistence because there is a treatment out there for
your skin type.
For more sever acne that does not vanish within one to six
months, professional counsel from a dermatologist should be
sought. From there they might give you some regiments by
prescription.
As we know acne can be a terrible experience on three
different levels:
1) It can make you feel self-conscious and even awkward as
the breakouts occur.
2) It can make anyone the center of jesting, joking and
ridicule from their classmates or coworkers.
Bad acne can scar skin for life that will serve as a
reminder of the skin condition that plagued and made their
life hard at a sensitive time in their life. People can be
really challenged psychologically into adulthood from acne
and the scars.
Not be affected emotionally by acne is not always possible,
what you need to know is that there are some steps you can
take that will help. For the average acne sufferer simple
over the counter medications are all that's needed to do the
trick, but even then, trying to figure out which one and how
long to try it for can be a chore in itself. If you are a
teenager or the parent of a distressed teenager who is
facing acne for the first time or are just facing their
first breakout that's terrible enough to warrant medicine,
there are a few rules to help making choosing an over the
counter acne remedy:
Here's what to do: The first thing that you need to do is
pick a medicine that you may be familiar with. Spend some
time researching, asking questions and seeing what has
worked for others. Whether the treatment is a cream, gel or
pad, try using the one with the least amount of medicine
first. If Benzoyl Peroxide is the chosen medication, pick
one that has a concentration of about 2.5 percent. Do not
pick one that exceeds that limit. As long as the medication
doesn't cause severe drying or irritation, keep using it for
about two months.
Secondly, after the 60 days you need to re-evaluate the
situation. If the medication seems to have worked, keep
using it. If not, try a higher dose. It may appear that two
months is a long time. Acne is not something that will go
right away since there are some underlying elements that
need time to be corrected even though some companies
proclaim immediate results. 60 days is a good amount of time
to see how a particular acne treatment is going to work.
Rinse and repeat.
If the over the counter remedies, even at higher doses, show
no signs of working, it's most likely time to see a
dermatologist. Going to a doctor for acne is a sensible
thing to do if all else fails. The doctor will be familiar
with all of the current drugs available for severe acne
sufferers and will prescribe one to suit you. Don't panic.
In the majority of cases your acne will clear with over the
counter products. Remember, if everything you've tried
hasn't worked, a doctor might have the solution.
Treating acne is highly personalized and not all medicines
will work for every person all of the time. Even the
medications that a doctor may prescribe will take time to
work. Your doctor will be able to monitor your condition and
adjust the medication to suit you.
To conclude, our question "How long to clear up acne?" is
responded to, "Each person is different."
About the Author:
http://www.RevitalizeBeautifulSkin.com is committed to
helping people learn about their skin so they can maintain
the ageless beauty of your skin. Skin conditions like Acne,
Wrinkles and much more are discussed in depth like this
article about How Long it Takes for Acne to Clear Up and can
be seen on the company website at
http://revitalizebeautifulskin.com/acne/time-acne-clears-up/
Have you ever heard a statement like this? "Oh man the prom
is next week and...argh...my face...how long to clear up
acne?"
As comical as that scenario may appear, similar situations
are not uncommon. Regardless, this is an important question,
"How long does it take for acne to clear up?" The answer is
that the amount of time varies from person to person and the
severity of the acne. Something very important to consider
that will determine the time it takes to clear up acne is
the action plan that you put in place. Also is your response
time to a new acne breakout, do you jump on it at the first
sign. There are some complex skin types with certain people
that it is not always easy to determine that right
medication that will work the best. Each individual person
is different so no one treatment is right for everyone.
Since there is not a one treatment cures all, don't be
alarmed if you must try several different products before
finding the one for your skin type. Don't not give up hope
or persistence because there is a treatment out there for
your skin type.
For more sever acne that does not vanish within one to six
months, professional counsel from a dermatologist should be
sought. From there they might give you some regiments by
prescription.
As we know acne can be a terrible experience on three
different levels:
1) It can make you feel self-conscious and even awkward as
the breakouts occur.
2) It can make anyone the center of jesting, joking and
ridicule from their classmates or coworkers.
Bad acne can scar skin for life that will serve as a
reminder of the skin condition that plagued and made their
life hard at a sensitive time in their life. People can be
really challenged psychologically into adulthood from acne
and the scars.
Not be affected emotionally by acne is not always possible,
what you need to know is that there are some steps you can
take that will help. For the average acne sufferer simple
over the counter medications are all that's needed to do the
trick, but even then, trying to figure out which one and how
long to try it for can be a chore in itself. If you are a
teenager or the parent of a distressed teenager who is
facing acne for the first time or are just facing their
first breakout that's terrible enough to warrant medicine,
there are a few rules to help making choosing an over the
counter acne remedy:
Here's what to do: The first thing that you need to do is
pick a medicine that you may be familiar with. Spend some
time researching, asking questions and seeing what has
worked for others. Whether the treatment is a cream, gel or
pad, try using the one with the least amount of medicine
first. If Benzoyl Peroxide is the chosen medication, pick
one that has a concentration of about 2.5 percent. Do not
pick one that exceeds that limit. As long as the medication
doesn't cause severe drying or irritation, keep using it for
about two months.
Secondly, after the 60 days you need to re-evaluate the
situation. If the medication seems to have worked, keep
using it. If not, try a higher dose. It may appear that two
months is a long time. Acne is not something that will go
right away since there are some underlying elements that
need time to be corrected even though some companies
proclaim immediate results. 60 days is a good amount of time
to see how a particular acne treatment is going to work.
Rinse and repeat.
If the over the counter remedies, even at higher doses, show
no signs of working, it's most likely time to see a
dermatologist. Going to a doctor for acne is a sensible
thing to do if all else fails. The doctor will be familiar
with all of the current drugs available for severe acne
sufferers and will prescribe one to suit you. Don't panic.
In the majority of cases your acne will clear with over the
counter products. Remember, if everything you've tried
hasn't worked, a doctor might have the solution.
Treating acne is highly personalized and not all medicines
will work for every person all of the time. Even the
medications that a doctor may prescribe will take time to
work. Your doctor will be able to monitor your condition and
adjust the medication to suit you.
To conclude, our question "How long to clear up acne?" is
responded to, "Each person is different."
About the Author:
http://www.RevitalizeBeautifulSkin.com is committed to
helping people learn about their skin so they can maintain
the ageless beauty of your skin. Skin conditions like Acne,
Wrinkles and much more are discussed in depth like this
article about How Long it Takes for Acne to Clear Up and can
be seen on the company website at
http://revitalizebeautifulskin.com/acne/time-acne-clears-up/
Does the Zeno Device for Acne Work?
Acne has become one of the most talked and written about skin issues that affect both adults and teenagers. And ever since, scientists and medical experts alike have tried to come up with the best treatment to help ameliorate the effects of acne on the skin. Here we will try to highlight one of the many methods that do come handy in the efforts to reduce the scourge of acne on the skin.
Does the Zeno Device for Acne Work?
Bacteria that make their communities under your skin and in
your pores are responsible for causing acne and pimples.
That is why many products address acne from the inside out
instead of just a topical gel or cream but there is a new
technology called ClearPoint and they are claiming that they
can "cook" the bacteria and see results within 24 hours.
First lets cover some more information about the bacteria.
There are a lot of myths about pimples and what causes them.
Teenagers in particular believe that pimples are caused by
greasy foods like pizza and potato chips and another food
item that gets blamed is chocolate. These are some of the
myths about pimples and acne. Out of all the food items that
have been thought to cause acne the only foods that has been
scientifically validated are dairy products like ice cream,
yogurt, milk and cheese.
In addition to dairy the primary causes of pimples are
stress and hormones. There are secondary factors that can
cause acne breakouts because they stimulate the primary
factors like stress and hormones that are known to cause
acne.
So dairy, hormones and stress are known to cause pimples and
acne but without bacteria the unsightly pimple would not
exist. Prior to the pimple formation a pore has become
clogged with excess sebum, natural oil in the skin, and dead
skin cells. A skin pore that is clogged will darken over time
resulting in a blackhead. These are the ideal conditions for
a bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes to proliferate
and cause the inflammation. Left untreated or dealt with
improperly this inflammation will progress to pustules or
lesions and can likely leave scarring or hyperpigmentation.
The Zeno Device works by heating the bacterium infected skin
for 2 1/1 minutes after which time the Zeno automatically
turns off signaled by a musical tone. This heat will kill
the bacteria that are responsible for the infected pustule.
In clinical trials the Zeno was shown to cause 90% of
blemishes to disappear or fade when observed at a 24-hour
post treatment checkup.
The Zeno should always be used in conjunction with an
appropriate lifestyle and hygiene that is known to reduce
acne flareups and breakouts.
The Zeno is not for use on blackheads or cystic acne. The
FDA has approved the Zeno and some patients in clinical
trials experienced temporary skin redness but there were no
other reported adverse effects of using the Zeno device for
acne.
If the Zeno can keep someone from taking prescription
medications for their pimples and acne they should refrain
from their potentially dangerous medications and faithfully
use the Zeno.
So this is an interesting way to address pimple problems, to
"cook" the pimple.
About the Author:
Did you know it was possible to "cook" a pimple? Learn more
about skin conditions and how to treat them on the company
website, http://www.revitalizebeautifulskin.com or go right
to this article online,
http://revitalizebeautifulskin.com/acne-vulgaris/does-the-zeno-device-for-acne-w\
ork/
While natural skin oil (sebum) plays a role in developing acne, removing every trace of it is not beneficial. Sebum helps keep skin flexible, which discourages microcracks from forming. These can provide a pathway for bacteria. It also keeps the skin from becoming excessively dry, which can again lead to small cracks in the outer layers.
Astringents that remove oil should be used sparingly. Over the counter acne treatments are specially formulated to achieve the right balance. They should be used according to the directions.
Shaving is always a challenge, of course. Men's faces are the hardest problem to solve. Electric razors help solve it, but even they can nick the skin, especially when it contains blemishes. There's no substitute for patient, careful movements. Use of a pre-shave softener can help, too.
Use of a manual or safety razor is possible. It plays a negligible role in developing acne. An ingrown hair and clogged pores that produce acne follow from different causes. Don't backshave against the direction of hair growth, though. Softening the beard before shaving with warm water and soap can help smooth the process.
Does the Zeno Device for Acne Work?
Bacteria that make their communities under your skin and in
your pores are responsible for causing acne and pimples.
That is why many products address acne from the inside out
instead of just a topical gel or cream but there is a new
technology called ClearPoint and they are claiming that they
can "cook" the bacteria and see results within 24 hours.
First lets cover some more information about the bacteria.
There are a lot of myths about pimples and what causes them.
Teenagers in particular believe that pimples are caused by
greasy foods like pizza and potato chips and another food
item that gets blamed is chocolate. These are some of the
myths about pimples and acne. Out of all the food items that
have been thought to cause acne the only foods that has been
scientifically validated are dairy products like ice cream,
yogurt, milk and cheese.
In addition to dairy the primary causes of pimples are
stress and hormones. There are secondary factors that can
cause acne breakouts because they stimulate the primary
factors like stress and hormones that are known to cause
acne.
So dairy, hormones and stress are known to cause pimples and
acne but without bacteria the unsightly pimple would not
exist. Prior to the pimple formation a pore has become
clogged with excess sebum, natural oil in the skin, and dead
skin cells. A skin pore that is clogged will darken over time
resulting in a blackhead. These are the ideal conditions for
a bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes to proliferate
and cause the inflammation. Left untreated or dealt with
improperly this inflammation will progress to pustules or
lesions and can likely leave scarring or hyperpigmentation.
The Zeno Device works by heating the bacterium infected skin
for 2 1/1 minutes after which time the Zeno automatically
turns off signaled by a musical tone. This heat will kill
the bacteria that are responsible for the infected pustule.
In clinical trials the Zeno was shown to cause 90% of
blemishes to disappear or fade when observed at a 24-hour
post treatment checkup.
The Zeno should always be used in conjunction with an
appropriate lifestyle and hygiene that is known to reduce
acne flareups and breakouts.
The Zeno is not for use on blackheads or cystic acne. The
FDA has approved the Zeno and some patients in clinical
trials experienced temporary skin redness but there were no
other reported adverse effects of using the Zeno device for
acne.
If the Zeno can keep someone from taking prescription
medications for their pimples and acne they should refrain
from their potentially dangerous medications and faithfully
use the Zeno.
So this is an interesting way to address pimple problems, to
"cook" the pimple.
About the Author:
Did you know it was possible to "cook" a pimple? Learn more
about skin conditions and how to treat them on the company
website, http://www.revitalizebeautifulskin.com or go right
to this article online,
http://revitalizebeautifulskin.com/acne-vulgaris/does-the-zeno-device-for-acne-w\
ork/
While natural skin oil (sebum) plays a role in developing acne, removing every trace of it is not beneficial. Sebum helps keep skin flexible, which discourages microcracks from forming. These can provide a pathway for bacteria. It also keeps the skin from becoming excessively dry, which can again lead to small cracks in the outer layers.
Astringents that remove oil should be used sparingly. Over the counter acne treatments are specially formulated to achieve the right balance. They should be used according to the directions.
Shaving is always a challenge, of course. Men's faces are the hardest problem to solve. Electric razors help solve it, but even they can nick the skin, especially when it contains blemishes. There's no substitute for patient, careful movements. Use of a pre-shave softener can help, too.
Use of a manual or safety razor is possible. It plays a negligible role in developing acne. An ingrown hair and clogged pores that produce acne follow from different causes. Don't backshave against the direction of hair growth, though. Softening the beard before shaving with warm water and soap can help smooth the process.
What Types of Pimple Are There?
Good skin care practices play only a minor role in whether a person develops acne. But they are essential to treating it, and to good skin health in general.
Some believe, mistakenly, that a thorough scrubbing will help prevent acne. Actually, washing has little effect on whether acne develops or not. The effects occur mostly afterward, once acne has occurred.
Scrubbing doesn't help, in general, though. It merely roughens and often dries out the skin. Harsh treatment of skin exposes lower layers, which then have to develop a protective coating of oil and outer dermis. In the interim, the skin is exposed to airborne and contact bacteria. The skin is our first defense against pathogens of all kinds. Removing multiple layers of it doesn't promote good skin health.
Instead, a gentle washing with a mild cleanser is the answer. Be thorough. Since acne can occur on shoulders, back and chest as well as the face, take care of those areas in the shower. During mid-day and in the evening, a mild cleaning from underneath the jaw to the hairline is helpful.
Types of Pimple Are There?
There are more than ten types of pimples. With that many
types and the fact that they have treatments that vary you
need to make sure that you know which of the types of
pimples you have.
Here is some information about the various types of pimples:
Acne Vulgaris is the most common acne affecting 60-70% of
Americans at some time during their lives. Twenty percent of
Americans have severe acne with permanent physical and mental
scarring; however this does not have to be the case if
treatment is administered at the first signs of flair up.
Each person is a little different from the next so
treatments vary upon the type and severity of your acne.
Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris is made up of the proceeding
types of pimples:
Whiteheads form when a pore is completely blocked,
entrapping sebum (oil), bacteria and dead skin cells. Since
the air is unable to reach the follicle it causes a white
appearance on the surface. Whiteheads are normally
dissipated within a shorter life cycle than blackheads.
Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked,
allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead
skin cells to gradually make its way to the surface. It is
interesting that the black color of the blackhead is not
caused by dirt. More or less it's the skin's own pigment,
the melanin, interacting with the oxygen in the air.
Blackheads are much more stable structures, allowing them to
take much longer time to clear than whiteheads.
Papules are the inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head. It
is highly recommended to Never squeeze papules do to the
outcome of scaring.
Pustules are inflamed and show up as a red circle with a
white or yellow center. Pustules are your garden variety
zit.
Severe Acne Vulgaris
Severe Acne Vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts:
Nodules: As unlike the information on lesions noted above,
nodular acne is spots of acne which can be much larger,
quite painful and can last for several months. Nodules are
bigger, solid bumps beneath the skin's surface. Scarring is
very common with this type of pimple. Untreated nodules can
sometimes leave an impaction behind, allowing it to flare
time and time again. The worst thing you can do if this
occurs is to squeeze it. It is likely that you will cause
serious harm to the skin and the lesion may persist for a
number of months longer than would have been typical. It is
recommended that treatment be sought from a dermatologist
where they can administer a shot of cortisone to reduce any
inflammation as well as the chance of scarring.
Cysts: An acne cyst appears almost similar to a nodule but
is pus-filled, and is explained as having a diameter of 5mm
or more across. It is common for people with Cystic Acne to
have scarring and the acne itself is quite painful.
Squeezing an acne cyst will only worsen the situation and
cause the infection to spread as it deepens; more painful
inflammation which will last much longer than if you had
left it alone. Dermatologists usually have ways to reduce
swelling and take preventative measures to reduce the
chances of scarring scarring, such as administering a
cortisone shot.
Rosacea is commonly mistaken for Acne Vulgaris do to the
similarity in features. Rosacea appears in the form of a
reddish rash and is usually limited to the chin, cheeks,
nose and forehead and it affects millions. Rosacea is most
common in the people in the 30 year old age bracket. Is it
common for the redness to come along with bumps, pimples and
skin imperfections and blemishes. In some cases vessels of
blood become more visible through the skin. Rosacea and
blackheads are not likely to be found on the same person. It
more commonly found in females yet often more severe when
found in males. This condition left untreated could cause
swelling of the nose along with excessive growth tissue, a
condition called Rhinophyma. Rosacea is frequently treated
differently than Acne and so if you suspect that you have
Rosacea you should contact a dermatologist right away.
Severe forms of acne
Severe forms of acne are rare, but inflict such hardship on
those people who experience them.
Acne Conglobata: It is interesting that the most severe type
of acne is found in males. It is discriminated by the
presence of many big lesions, which are sometimes joined,
along with many blackheads. It can cause severe,
irreversible damage to the skin, and disfiguring scarring.
This unfortunate type of acne is found from your thighs up
"Thighs, buttocks back, chest and face." Acne Conglobata can
show up as early as 18 and usually no later than 30, however
this condition can stay active for several years after. As
with all forms of acne, the cause of Acne Conglobata is
unknown. The most common treatment is Isotretinoin
(Accutane). Acne Conglobata has been known to be resistant
to treatment but results are promising that it can be
managed with aggressive consistent treatment for a period of
time.
Acne Fulminans: This is the sudden flair up of Acne
Conglobata which normally affects young men. Symptoms are
severe nodulocystic and often ulcerating acne is apparent.
The same is true with Acne Conglobata. There is often acute
disfiguring scarring. Acne Fulminans is unique in that it
also includes a fever and aching of the joints. Acne
Fulminans does not respond well to antibiotics. The typical
situation is that Accutane Isotretinoin will be prescribed.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis: This condition is a bacterial
infection characterized by pustules and cysts, possibly
occurring as a complication resulting from a long term
antibiotic treatment of Acne Vulgaris. It is a rare
condition, and we do not know if it is more common in males
or females at this time. Fortunately, Isotretinoin
(Accutane) is often effective in combating Gram-Negative
Folliculitis.
Pyoderma Faciale (Rosacea Fulminans): This type of severe
facial acne affects only females, usually between the ages
of 20 to 40 years old, and is characterized by large painful
nodules, pustules and sores, all of which may scar. It begins
abruptly, and may occur on the skin of a woman who has never
had acne before. It is confined to the face, and usually
does not last longer than one year, but can wreak havoc in a
very short time. Doctors often prescribe Isotretinoin
(Accutane) and systemic corticosteroids.
To be diagnosed properly is so important since your acne
treatment will be determined by which of the types of
pimples you have.
About the Author:
http://www.RevitalizeBeautifulSkin.com is committed to
helping people learn about their skin so they can maintain
the ageless beauty of your skin. Skin conditions like Acne,
Wrinkles and much more are discussed in depth like this
article about Types of Pimples and can be seen on the
company website at
http://revitalizebeautifulskin.com/acne/types-of-pimples/
Makeup selection is easier these days. There are numerous formulations that specifically address the possibility of acne. They are designed not to clog pores. Going light on the foundation can help. Subtle cheek blush is better than slathering it on. Look for makeup labeled 'non-comedogenic'. 'Comedones' is a general term for the most common types of mild acne, including blackheads and whiteheads.
An over-the-counter antibacterial can help prevent acne, but is most helpful after it has developed. But follow the directions. Over medicating can lead to clogged pores and damaged skin, exactly the conditions that tend to promote acne.
Keeping pores open in order to allow for natural oil movement and shedding dead skin cells is key to minimizing outbreaks. Proper skin care practices aid both.
Some believe, mistakenly, that a thorough scrubbing will help prevent acne. Actually, washing has little effect on whether acne develops or not. The effects occur mostly afterward, once acne has occurred.
Scrubbing doesn't help, in general, though. It merely roughens and often dries out the skin. Harsh treatment of skin exposes lower layers, which then have to develop a protective coating of oil and outer dermis. In the interim, the skin is exposed to airborne and contact bacteria. The skin is our first defense against pathogens of all kinds. Removing multiple layers of it doesn't promote good skin health.
Instead, a gentle washing with a mild cleanser is the answer. Be thorough. Since acne can occur on shoulders, back and chest as well as the face, take care of those areas in the shower. During mid-day and in the evening, a mild cleaning from underneath the jaw to the hairline is helpful.
Types of Pimple Are There?
There are more than ten types of pimples. With that many
types and the fact that they have treatments that vary you
need to make sure that you know which of the types of
pimples you have.
Here is some information about the various types of pimples:
Acne Vulgaris is the most common acne affecting 60-70% of
Americans at some time during their lives. Twenty percent of
Americans have severe acne with permanent physical and mental
scarring; however this does not have to be the case if
treatment is administered at the first signs of flair up.
Each person is a little different from the next so
treatments vary upon the type and severity of your acne.
Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris is made up of the proceeding
types of pimples:
Whiteheads form when a pore is completely blocked,
entrapping sebum (oil), bacteria and dead skin cells. Since
the air is unable to reach the follicle it causes a white
appearance on the surface. Whiteheads are normally
dissipated within a shorter life cycle than blackheads.
Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked,
allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead
skin cells to gradually make its way to the surface. It is
interesting that the black color of the blackhead is not
caused by dirt. More or less it's the skin's own pigment,
the melanin, interacting with the oxygen in the air.
Blackheads are much more stable structures, allowing them to
take much longer time to clear than whiteheads.
Papules are the inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head. It
is highly recommended to Never squeeze papules do to the
outcome of scaring.
Pustules are inflamed and show up as a red circle with a
white or yellow center. Pustules are your garden variety
zit.
Severe Acne Vulgaris
Severe Acne Vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts:
Nodules: As unlike the information on lesions noted above,
nodular acne is spots of acne which can be much larger,
quite painful and can last for several months. Nodules are
bigger, solid bumps beneath the skin's surface. Scarring is
very common with this type of pimple. Untreated nodules can
sometimes leave an impaction behind, allowing it to flare
time and time again. The worst thing you can do if this
occurs is to squeeze it. It is likely that you will cause
serious harm to the skin and the lesion may persist for a
number of months longer than would have been typical. It is
recommended that treatment be sought from a dermatologist
where they can administer a shot of cortisone to reduce any
inflammation as well as the chance of scarring.
Cysts: An acne cyst appears almost similar to a nodule but
is pus-filled, and is explained as having a diameter of 5mm
or more across. It is common for people with Cystic Acne to
have scarring and the acne itself is quite painful.
Squeezing an acne cyst will only worsen the situation and
cause the infection to spread as it deepens; more painful
inflammation which will last much longer than if you had
left it alone. Dermatologists usually have ways to reduce
swelling and take preventative measures to reduce the
chances of scarring scarring, such as administering a
cortisone shot.
Rosacea is commonly mistaken for Acne Vulgaris do to the
similarity in features. Rosacea appears in the form of a
reddish rash and is usually limited to the chin, cheeks,
nose and forehead and it affects millions. Rosacea is most
common in the people in the 30 year old age bracket. Is it
common for the redness to come along with bumps, pimples and
skin imperfections and blemishes. In some cases vessels of
blood become more visible through the skin. Rosacea and
blackheads are not likely to be found on the same person. It
more commonly found in females yet often more severe when
found in males. This condition left untreated could cause
swelling of the nose along with excessive growth tissue, a
condition called Rhinophyma. Rosacea is frequently treated
differently than Acne and so if you suspect that you have
Rosacea you should contact a dermatologist right away.
Severe forms of acne
Severe forms of acne are rare, but inflict such hardship on
those people who experience them.
Acne Conglobata: It is interesting that the most severe type
of acne is found in males. It is discriminated by the
presence of many big lesions, which are sometimes joined,
along with many blackheads. It can cause severe,
irreversible damage to the skin, and disfiguring scarring.
This unfortunate type of acne is found from your thighs up
"Thighs, buttocks back, chest and face." Acne Conglobata can
show up as early as 18 and usually no later than 30, however
this condition can stay active for several years after. As
with all forms of acne, the cause of Acne Conglobata is
unknown. The most common treatment is Isotretinoin
(Accutane). Acne Conglobata has been known to be resistant
to treatment but results are promising that it can be
managed with aggressive consistent treatment for a period of
time.
Acne Fulminans: This is the sudden flair up of Acne
Conglobata which normally affects young men. Symptoms are
severe nodulocystic and often ulcerating acne is apparent.
The same is true with Acne Conglobata. There is often acute
disfiguring scarring. Acne Fulminans is unique in that it
also includes a fever and aching of the joints. Acne
Fulminans does not respond well to antibiotics. The typical
situation is that Accutane Isotretinoin will be prescribed.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis: This condition is a bacterial
infection characterized by pustules and cysts, possibly
occurring as a complication resulting from a long term
antibiotic treatment of Acne Vulgaris. It is a rare
condition, and we do not know if it is more common in males
or females at this time. Fortunately, Isotretinoin
(Accutane) is often effective in combating Gram-Negative
Folliculitis.
Pyoderma Faciale (Rosacea Fulminans): This type of severe
facial acne affects only females, usually between the ages
of 20 to 40 years old, and is characterized by large painful
nodules, pustules and sores, all of which may scar. It begins
abruptly, and may occur on the skin of a woman who has never
had acne before. It is confined to the face, and usually
does not last longer than one year, but can wreak havoc in a
very short time. Doctors often prescribe Isotretinoin
(Accutane) and systemic corticosteroids.
To be diagnosed properly is so important since your acne
treatment will be determined by which of the types of
pimples you have.
About the Author:
http://www.RevitalizeBeautifulSkin.com is committed to
helping people learn about their skin so they can maintain
the ageless beauty of your skin. Skin conditions like Acne,
Wrinkles and much more are discussed in depth like this
article about Types of Pimples and can be seen on the
company website at
http://revitalizebeautifulskin.com/acne/types-of-pimples/
Makeup selection is easier these days. There are numerous formulations that specifically address the possibility of acne. They are designed not to clog pores. Going light on the foundation can help. Subtle cheek blush is better than slathering it on. Look for makeup labeled 'non-comedogenic'. 'Comedones' is a general term for the most common types of mild acne, including blackheads and whiteheads.
An over-the-counter antibacterial can help prevent acne, but is most helpful after it has developed. But follow the directions. Over medicating can lead to clogged pores and damaged skin, exactly the conditions that tend to promote acne.
Keeping pores open in order to allow for natural oil movement and shedding dead skin cells is key to minimizing outbreaks. Proper skin care practices aid both.
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