For millions, this condition has stopped them from getting that perfect girlfriend or posing for that lovely picture.
Acne (or pimples, spot or zit) is a common skin condition in which the skin pores become clogged, forming pimples which become inflamed and infected pus (abscess).
Although it has spoilt the perfect dinners for many, it is surprisingly very easy to control despite the brouhaha over it. Acne tends to develop in teenagers as a result of the interaction among hormones, oils and bacteria found on the skin and in the hair (like Propionibacterium acnes).
During puberty, sebaceous (oil-producing) glands in the skin become hyperactive and the excess oil blocks the skin pores with the formation of what is called a comedo. Bacteria in the pores break fats in the skin further irritating it. It is worse in winter and better in summer, because of the sun.
Most form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Anyone can get acne, but it is common in teenagers and young adults. It is not serious, but it can cause scars, and many consider it 'uncool'.
Now, it is important to state that diet has little or no effect on acne even though some think they are sensitive to certain foods. But, stopping the food and taking it after a few weeks can help determine if there is a correlation. That said, you can buy a bottle of groundnuts on your way to school this morning...lol.
It may also appear during menses in young women and may either increase or decrease during pregnancy. Teenagers using anabolic steroids are going to worsen their cases, and the same goes for some cosmetics. Stress can also worsen it so stop worrying!
WHAT TO DO:
Now, if you want to surprise your girlfriend this new year with a flawless face or reduce the sadness of your boyfriend (LOL!), you can make use of the following:
-►Try as much as possible not to touch the face or affected areas (difficult ba?)
-►Washing the face has no effect except to improve appearance. However, dabbing warm water over the face compresses the comedones and makes them easier to remove. Far from preventing acne, frequent washing may actually irritate pores and cause them to become clogged. Your doctor will show you the correct way to remove a comedone with the use of a loop extractor or a sterile needle. Stop that pinch-bursting joor!
-►Drugs like isotretinoin and antibiotics such as tetracyclin and clindamycin can be taken (see your doctor).
-►Sunlight can also help as it dries the skin and reduces scaling. But if you are placed on tretinoin, do not expose yourself to the sun to prevent severe skin irritation.
-►For a woman who develops severe pimples during her menstrual period, an oral contraceptive may help but therapy may take 4-6 months for results to show.
SUMMARY: Nothing is as good as fixing an appointment with your dermatologist. And stop taking pimples serious. Cos it isn't!
-MedlinePlus/MMM/Wikipedia/Acne.org
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