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WHAT IS ACNE?

Acne is a very common skin condition which is marked by spots, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads on the face, forehead, neck, chest, upper arm and shoulders. It is a long-term skin disorder that mostly affects teenagers and can often get prolonged into adulthood. It can take the form of Swellings, Polyps, Papules (small red raised bumps), Pustules (small, red pimples with pus at their tips), Nodules (these are painful solid lumps beneath the skin) and Cysts (large lumps beneath the skin surface that contain pus)

WHAT CAUSES ACNE?

The skin has pores and each pore on the skin is an opening to a follicle, which consists of a hair and the sebaceous oil gland. This sebaceous oil gland secretes the oil called sebum which travels up the hair and through the pore onto the skin. The sebum keeps the skin soft and smooth.

Acne can occur when the lubrication process is obstructed. This could be due to too much oil being produced by the follicles or accumulation of dead skin cells in the pores or presence of bacteria in the pores.

During puberty, there is an increase in certain hormones, particularly the testosterone, which can trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more of an oily substance called sebum. The sebum gets mixed with bacteria and dead cells to clog the pores on the skin and prevent the skin from ‘breathing or obstructing the oxygen supply to the cells.

Thus, presence of high levels of testosterone and male sex hormones along with hormonal imbalances in women where different phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle are affected, give rise to acne. Besides, acne tends to run in families. Stress and anxiety, smoking, side effects of certain medications like epileptic drugs, diets rich in carbohydrates or refined sugars are also among the major causes of acne.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ACNE?

Acne can be found almost anywhere on the body but commonly on the face, forehead, neck and shoulder region. It is recognized from their characterized pimples that are either back or whiteheads. Other representations include Papules, Pustules, Nodules and Cysts.

Should the basic home remedies not suffice, and you need help, ask a doctor online at your convenience.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF ACNE?

Home Remedies for Acne Treatment usually involve:

Daily cleaning of the skin with mild soap to clean the pores and remove excess dirt and oil
Regular shampooing of hair and keeping it off the face to prevent dandruff
Drinking adequate water to prevent dandruff (dead cells of the scalp)
Not squeezing or picking the pimples
Not touching the pimpled face