1. Acne - An Overview
Acne is inflammation of the skin, due to blockage of your skin’s pores. Blockage occurs due to an excessive secretion from the skin’s oil glands and accumulated, dead skin cells. This combination encourages the skin bacterium Propionibacterium which multiplies and causes increased skin inflammation. Acne comes from the Greek word, άκµή or acme, meaning skin eruption. Common acne is acne vulgaris.
Acne is a problem for most adolescents, although it can occur at any age. Acne cuts across all barriers of race, age, culture and gender. Acne most often occurs on the face but can occur on other areas too. You can often find acne on the chest, back, shoulders and upper arms.
There are many different forms of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads and swollen nodules or pimples, showing as reddish bumps, boil- like swellings, or pus-filled bumps. Sometimes, acne occurs singly, without any additional cysts.
Hormonal disturbances during the teenage years are the main cause of acne. Acne usually vanishes once you reach your twenties. For some, the misery continues beyond the teen years, in the form of scars. Acne can also occur because of your genetic make-up. Acne can lower your self-esteem, as you tend to feel inferior due to your physical appearance.
It is impossible to avoid acne, although you can try to keep tabs on it and prevent major eruptions. Simple remedies and solutions abound, such as:
• eating a healthy diet,
• using water-based cosmetics,
• washing your face with non-irritating soap,
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“The Complete Guide to Acne Prevention, Treatment and Remedies” by Pamela Archer Page 10 of 103
• avoid touching acne or other facial eruptions with your hands and spreading infection further.
These simple methods may help you to keep a check on the further spread of acne.
Regular treatments can provide relief from acne. Use acne cream or ice to lessen the inflammation due to acne. Most medications, creams, and acne liquids contain benzyl peroxide.
This kills the bacteria present in acne and dries up your skin. Simple acne can be relieved with many home remedies, but you need to consult a dermatologist for severe acne.
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