Acne is a skin condition that may affect various parts of the body. Acne is most prevalent in the areas that include the face, neck, chest and shoulders.
Acne is caused when pores of the skin become plugged with dead skin cells that mix with the oils of the skin. There is also a bacterial that lives in the oils of the skin, which can aggravate the problem.
Hormonal changes in the body can cause production of more oils in the skin. Acne, due to these hormonal changes is found in teens, women as they progress through their menstrual cycle or while they are pregnant, or when they start or stop birth control pills.
Acne that becomes infected can leave scars on any of the affected areas. Facial scaring may affect a person’s self esteem.
There are many treatments recommended for acne. For teens, products containing benzyl peroxide are often effective at drying outbreaks and preventing more outbreaks from forming. Washing the face with a good antibacterial soap can also help to prevent further outbreaks of acne.
Adults should avoid using benzyl peroxide, and the preferred over the counter treatments for adults contain salicylic acid.
When you have an outbreak of acne, avoid touching, squeezing, scratching or picking at the skin which is already irritated. This increases the likelihood of infection and more scaring.
If over the counter products are not clearing up the acne problem, you should see your doctor or a dermatologist. They may decide to prescribe an antibiotic to be taken as directed. This will help to keep down possible infection and prevent further scaring.
It is not possible to prevent all outbreaks of acne. There are a few steps that can lessen your chance of permanent scars. Some teens may feel these steps are somewhat of a hassle, but they result will prevent lifelong scars.
Tags: acne, acne cause, acne causes, acne scar, acne scarring, acne scars, acne treatment
