The First Step To Curing Acne

Acne (acne vulgaris) is a condition involving blemishes (or lesions) of the skin that affects most people at some stage of their life. Tiny openings on the skin (pores) typically hold a single, tiny hair (follicle). A group of cells called sebaceous glands is located at the bottom of each follicle. These glands make an oily substance called sebum. The body uses the sebum to lubricate the hair and skin. Movement of sebum from the sebaceous glands to the skin surface helps to clean out the follicle, carrying away dead skin cells, hair cells, and bacteria. When the follicle becomes clogged and the sebum is trapped inside, the familiar Acne blemishes can develop. These blemishes can appear as dark-colored follicle plugs, small white pimples, or red, swollen, and painful bumps under the skin. Acne typically affects adolescents from about 11 years of age through the mid-teens. However, Acne can affect both younger children and people in the 20- to 40-year age group. It usually goes away without any permanent damage, although scarring is possible in some cases.

Defining Acne
Acne is a chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Acne is characterized by black heads, pimple outbreaks, cysts, infected abscesses, and (sometimes) scarring.

Symptoms of Acne
Acne can involve the face, scalp, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms and legs. The lesions can be any of several types and more than one type of lesion may be present at the same time.

Blackhead (open comedone)
A follicle plug made up of dried sebum, dead skin and hair cells, and a skin chemical called melanin that gives the blackhead its dark color.

Whitehead (closed comedone)
A follicle appearing as a white or skin-colored bump under the skin.

Papule, pustule, or nodule
A more serious lesion appearing red and swollen due to inflammation or infection of the tissue around the clogged follicle which is often painful and feels hard. This can lead to scarring in most people.

What causes the condition
Acne most often begins during puberty (usually 11-14 years of age), the period when the body increases production of hormones called Androgens.

Androgens cause sebaceous glands to get bigger and make more sebum. This is a normal body function. Sometimes, however, the body's response to the increase in androgens is greater than it should be. In this case, the body makes too much sebum.

Mixed with the dead skin and hair cells inside the follicle, the extra sebum does not easily make its way out of the follicle, resulting in a plugged follicle (or Acne).

Normal skin-surface bacteria are sometimes trapped inside the clogged follicle. The most common bacteria in Acne is called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). The trapped sebum becomes a good environment for causing infection.

Androgen overactivity can occur at any age and is equally possible in males and females. A family history of Acne can increase the risk of developing the condition. Some women will also notice their acne gets worse before each menstrual period.

Other causes include cosmetics (eg, skin creams, hair care products), work-related substances (eg, restaurant grease, motor oil), tight-fitting clothing or sporting equipment (eg, football helmets, chin straps), and long hair. Some medications (eg, steroids and birth control pills) can also cause Acne.

Diagnosing the acne
Diagnosis is based upon a careful physical examination of ther affected area by a dermatologist (a specialist in the treatment of skin conditions). This will involve an evaluation of the lesions, plus a review of the patient's full medical history.

Treatment
There is no actual cure for Acne, although treatment can help to control the condition. It is also important to try to identify and remove any underlying cause of the condition.

Acne can cause significant psychological problems for the sufferer including social withdrawal, decreased self-esteem, poor body image, depression, anger, and frustration. Family and friends, therefore, need to understand the effect Acne can have on the sufferer and offer positive support.

Some medications work by decreasing production of sebum, controlling skin cell shedding, and/or killing skin bacteria, and may be available over-the-counter for treating mild to moderate cases. Typically, all medications will take at least 4 weeks to begin to show improvement.

Note: Sexually active females must be screened for pregnancy before starting certain medications, and continue to maintain an effective method of birth control during treatment. It is also recommended that they are screened for pregnancy on a monthly basis while continuing to take a prescribed medication. This is because some Acne medications can cause severe birth defects if a woman should become pregnant while she is taking it, or if she took it 1-2 months prior to becoming pregnant.

Self Help
Do not pick or squeeze Acne lesions. This can result in increased inflammation and increase the risk of developing scars. A dermatologist (a specialist in the treatment of skin conditions) has specific tools for safely emptying or removing these lesions.

Wash the skin with a mild soap twice daily and pat the skin dry. More frequent cleaning and/or scrubbing can actually worsen Acne. Do not use abrasive sponges or cloths. Always use make-up labelled noncomedogenic (does not encourage the formation of comedones).

When shaving, use a gel instead of a cream. A double-edged razor is better than an electric shaver. Shave in the shower when possible - the steam helps to soften whiskers. Always shave in the direction the whiskers grow.
Protect the skin from the sun. Sunburn can increase sebum production and worsen the condition. Limit your exposure to direct sunlight - particularly while on vacation.

Use a sunscreen labeled noncomedogenic lotion with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating of at least 15.

Poor dietary habits do not appear to cause Acne. However, if you notice that certain foods worsen the condition, limiting them foods should be considered.