Acne is a common skin condition causing cysts, blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Teens get acne due to hormonal changes during puberty. Acne Vulgaris is the type of acne associated with the teenagers. In most of the cases, once a teenager experiences the condition, it usually does not come again in lifetime.
Causes of Acne
The exact cause of acne still remains unknown. Research has proved that acne can be inherited from parents to children. Acne is said to develop when pores of the skin get clogged. The type of acne depends on the type of clogging. A blackhead for instance appears when the pores are clogged by sebum and the dead cells of the skin. Though the pore remains clogged, its surface is open allowing you to see inside the pore that looks black.
On the other hand, whiteheads form due to excess oil and dead cells of the skin blocking the opening of the pores. Excess oil in our skin favours the development of acne since the bacteria thrive and rapidly increase in this type of environment. The multiplication of bacteria in clogged pore inflames the pore causing it to look red and swollen. The reason for teens getting acne more often is that our body produces more sebum when the hormones surge. This is also the reason behind women often getting the breakout before the periods.
Prevention and Treatment
Squeezing, popping and picking of acne can lead to infection and scarring. Popping and squeezing of a pimple is of no help to the affected person. This is because squeezing pushes the bacteria deeper in the skin which can cause more swelling and redness. Moreover, it can leave the person with pits and scars. Patients of acne should be patient since the pimple will disappear on its own.
There are various treatments available for acne. Doctors combine multiple treatments so as to avoid drug resistant bacteria. Medications includes application of lotions or gels to the affected part of the skin. Oral medication is also recommended by some medical specialists. Most of the acne treatments take long time to show results.
The first and the most recommended way to prevent acne is regular washing of the skin. This helps in getting rid of excess oil and dead skin cells that can clog the pores. But too much of washing should be avoided since it damages the skin and causes irritation of the existing acne. Washing after exercise is even more important since sweat clogs the body pores and makes the acne worse. Furthermore, while using makeup, lotions or other skin products, choose the ones that are non-acnegenic or which do not clog the pores. Acne patients with infection on areas such as chest or back should avoid wearing tight clothes since they can rub the body and cause irritation.