One day, my 20 year old cousin asked me to prescribe meds for an erupting acne on her beautiful face. She is very much worried that it will ruin her pretty face. It's true a small seemingly unharmful eruption on the face becomes a big deal especially among adolescents.
How does an acene develop? You must have encountered, at least, once in your life acne eruptions especially when you were teenagers. Acne commonly starts in the early teen years because the oil glands in the body starts making more oil. In people who have acne, dead skin cells mix with the extra oil and plug up hair follicles in the skin. Bacteria that grows in the hair follicles causes more skin irritation. Remember, an open skin is a site of entry for bacteria which are not normal 'inhabitants' of the tissues under the skin.
A "whitehead" occurs when the hair follicle is plugged with oil and skin cells. If the follicle is plugged near the surface of the skin and the air touches it, it turns black and is called a "blackhead." A blackhead isn't caused by dirt. If the wall of a plugged follicle breaks, the area swells and turns into a red bump. If the follicle wall breaks near the skin surface, the bump usually becomes a pimple. If the wall breaks deep in the skin, acne nodules or cysts can form.
Things that often make acne worse include : oil-based makeup, suntan oil and hair products , stress, hormonal changes, especially during menstruation, squeezing or picking at blemishes and hard scrubbing of the skin.
Both boys and girls get acne. But it may be worse in boys because they have more skin oils. Heredity also plays a role. If your mother and father had bad acne, you may too. Your immune system plays a role too. Some people are extra sensitive to the bacteria that get trapped in their hair follicles.For many people, acne fades by the age of 25, but it can continue well into the adult years. When it happens, proper care of the face and your skin in general is a must!
Both boys and girls get acne. But it may be worse in boys because they have more skin oils. Heredity also plays a role. If your mother and father had bad acne, you may too. Your immune system plays a role too. Some people are extra sensitive to the bacteria that get trapped in their hair follicles.For many people, acne fades by the age of 25, but it can continue well into the adult years. When it happens, proper care of the face and your skin in general is a must!
Many drugstores sell products for the skin. Some over-the counter drugs such as benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid and sulfur are used to treat acne. These medications are available in many forms, such as gels, lotions, creams, soaps or pads. In some people, over-the-counter acne medications may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning or redness. Keep in mind that it can take up to eight 8 weeks before you notice an improvement in your skin.
Sometimes we recommend antibiotics, which can be very effective for treating acne. They can be taken by mouth or used on the skin in a lotion, cream or gel.
Some forms of acne can cause scars in some people. You can help reduce scarring by not squeezing or picking at blemishes. Also, avoid scrubbing your skin. When you have acne eruption, avoid touching it especially when your hands are dirty. For more concerns, it is always good to ask your doctor.
