The Acne Focus

There is quite an array of unpleasant features associated with acne. They include whiteheads, blackheads, cysts and pimples. They occur when the pores become clogged from the oil that our skin produces. We create more oil as our hormone levels rise and this is why teenagers are the most frequent sufferers. Women around the time of their menstrual cycle may also experience a breakout of acne. Acne can also break out when women reach menopause.

The structure of Acne

The way our cells deal with the clogged pores will determine which acne feature is produced. A pore that is clogged, but open at the surface is called a blackhead. Oily pores are an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. As the bacteria multiply the surrounding skin tissue becomes inflamed. If the infection is able to penetrate deeply into the skin then a cyst will form. These are very painful and can create permanent scarring once it heals.

Medicine

For every case of acne that occurs today medical help is available. It is possible to control outbursts of acne! For those who have mild acne problems, over the counter products and hygienic skin care will yield good results. Some people who have a more serious acne problem may need to see a dermatologist. Even the worst case of acne can be controlled with the aid of medicine.  By treating acne you can prevent further breakouts or scarring.

Quality of Life

In using medicine to assist with acne outbreaks people can be more at ease with their appearance. This is always especially important to teenagers who are still in the process of developing their self-esteem.  Severe acne can even cause depression and anxiety. If the individual feels that the acne is under control then the individual is more likely to feel confident.

Myths

There is a lot of misinformation out there. A commonly held myth is that acne is result of poor hygiene. The paradox here is that the more you try to clean the surface of your skin the worse your acne will become. This just irritates the problem further. The other myth is that you are not eating a healthy diet and as a result are suffering from a round of acne. Pizza, French fries and chocolate are often cited as the reason for the outbreak. Another myth is that acne just affects your personal appearance and is not a serious disease. While it is true, that to a large extent, acne only affects our appearance, the way we look is constantly being toted in society as the most important aspect of our identity. How we feel about our appearance will have an impact on every aspect of our lives including our productivity, employment options, and social interactions.

The Time Element

In the fullness of time acne will run its course. This doesn’t mean that we have to sit passively by and do nothing about it. There are over the counter products available and medical assistance if you have a moderate to severe acne problem. Don’t wait for the scarring to occur, be proactive.