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.
