Know All About Acne

About four in every five teenagers have some acne even if only pimples. About one in every five teenagers is troubled by acne in its more severe form which leaves scars.

As a person reaches adolescence, glands produce sex hormones which circulate throughout all the body tissues. One of the effects of these hormones is to stimulate the tiny sebaceous glands or oil glands which are associated with the skin's hair follicles. The cells within the sebaceous glands multiply so rapidly that the gland's outlet may become plugged with keratin containing dead cells. The sebaceous gland continues to be active even though its secretions (sebum) can no longer reach the skin surface. As this tiny gland bulges, it stretches the surrounding tissues and produces a whit dot.

Some of the impacted secretion then undergoes chemical change which makes it look black. As the sebaceous gland and its hair follicles stretch even more, they rapture, producing local inflammations. In some severe cases, the breakdown of the delicate tissues within the skin permits dust, dirt and germs to enter the affected area and infections develop. Acne may also be caused by rapid development or the sweat glands.

Acne, unfortunately, occurs at a time when the teenager is especially concerned over his appearances. The blemished skin causes the young person to be sensitive and embarrassed. This condition cannot be treated or avoided by a good diet and is not a sign of uncleanliness.

Treatment of acne then should be prompt so as to avoid possible scaling that occurs in neglected cases. There are two phases in the treatment of acne.

The first part is completely dependant of the individual. He should build his general health so as to be more resistant to all kinds of illness and must avoid whatever aggravates his acne condition.

The second part is the doctor's. He should evaluate each condition to find out if it is a severe or mild case. The severe case of this condition is called acne conglabata. Another form of acne is chloracne caused by chlorinated compounds. In acne rosacea, the capillaries in the cheeks, forehead and nose are swollen with blood and the oil glands in the skin become infected. The doctor should provide treatment and encourage the patient to persist in the treatment.

Some of the treatment that the doctor may opt for when treating the more severe cases are antibiotics e.g. Erythromycin and Tetracycline (to kill the bacteria in the hair follicles), benzyl peroxide, vitamin A derivatives e.g. tretinoin or other medicines that decrease sebum production such as cimetidine. Cimetidine if taken, then the patient should avoid excessive alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine. New medication has most certainly made it easier to treat acne.

So, what should you do to when you have acne?

1. Clean the face and upper back twice a day using soap and warm water. Avoid medicated soaps and excessive washing.

2. Do not use cosmetics during the period of treatment. However, simple foundation creams may be used.

3. Avoid mechanical pressure on the skin such as resting the chin on your hands, pinching and pressing.

4. Have sufficient rest; al least eight hours a day if you can.

5. Avoid in-between meal snacks and sweetened drinks. Avoid chocolate, cola drinks and over eating.

6. Don't use medicines other than those prescribed by a doctor.

7. Avoid anxiety and frowning which may cause permanent marks.

8. Keep in touch with your doctor especially if he has prescribed strong medicines. Don't take medication that you are not sure of its dosage.

Note: in many cases the strong medicine prescribed by the doctor will make the skin condition to seem worse after three or four weeks. The treatment must continue in order to derive the real benefits. Stopping the use of medicines without the doctor's knowledge even if the acne improves may make the condition worse than before. The treatment may have to be continued for months so, be patient.