As skin conditions go, acne is probably one of the most common. In this condition, the sebaceous glands produce an excess of sebum which results in a clogging of the pores. This clogging creates the skin lesions we call acne. Although acne appears most often on teenagers and young adults, in can affect anyone at any age. It does appear to run in families as well.
Acne appears most often in the areas where there are the most sebaceous follicles. The face, of course, is the primary place on many people. The upper chest, back and neck are other areas where acne often crops up.
The increase in male hormones, which is seen in both sexes during their teens, appears to be a cause of acne. Generally, the acne appears less and less as the person gets older. By the time people are in their 20s, it has all but disappeared. For some, however, it continues to be a problem throughout later life.
As any woman can attest to, menstrual cycles are often preceded by development of acne. Scratching and any kind of skin irritation will also make it worse. Although scientists are not in complete agreement, there appears to be a correlation between the level of stress a person has and how severe is there acne.
Diet is another area that is still being studied with respect to acne. It does not seem as if chocolate is the problem food it was once considered. Dairy has been shown to have some effect on acne but it is possible that this is due to hormones in the milk rather than to something that is inherently natural. Some studies are indicating linkage between eating refined sugars and processed food with acne breakouts but more research needs to be done to confirm this.
While there are many products on the market for acne treatment, it is generally found that a combination of treatments achieves the best results. However, the most effective treatments tend to be more likely to have side effects, so it may be best to consult a doctor to determine which treatment or treatments are best for you.
Treatments being used to resolve acne include: laser treatment, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, sulfur, oral retinoids, topical retinoids, topical antibacterials, topical antibiotics and oral antibiotics. Alternative medical treatments include herbs from the Ayurvedic discipline, from Chinese medicine, as well as calendula and other Western herbs. Detoxification is a course of treatment that is also being promoted.
While not necessary for health in most cases, acne treatment can still be warranted. To keep from scarring is one such reason. But, more importantly, it may be vital for the emotional well being of teenagers. The teen years are already difficult on the self-esteem. Severe acne especially can lead to depression and thoughts of suicide. In these cases, early treatment is especially crucial.
Would you like to learn more about how to get rid of acne? Read other article at acne treatment guide
