Introduction Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms.
Acne is a skin condition that occurs due to the overproduction of oil by the oil glands of the skin.
Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at any age, even as an infant.
Acne is a complex problem, but one we are learning more about it every day.
Treatments Treatments for acne include medicines and creams.
Americans spend well over a hundred million dollars a year for non-prescription acne treatments, not even taking into account special soaps and cleansers.
For that reason, you should use appropriate acne treatments for acne.
Moreover, many acne treatments increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light, making the risk of ultraviolet light exposure all the worse.
Your dermatologist will decide which treatments are best for you.
For more information about the types of acne treatments that are available, and for basic acne treatment guidelines, please see Acne Treatments in the main part of AcneNet.
Most mild cases of acne can be treated effectively at home, with good daily skin care and over-the-counter treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
If you are suffering from moderate to severe acne or home treatments are not working for you, contact your doctor.
There are many treatments methods which range from covering up your symptoms using creams to attacking the root of your pimples.
Bacteria Tissue injured by squeezing or picking can become infected by staphylococci, streptococci and other skin bacteria.
In the process, these bacteria produce irritating substances that can cause inflammation.
Now the oil and bacteria that should be coming to the surface of the skin is stuck.
The same bacteria and oils that are causing you to break out are also on your hands.
Squeezing your pimples does nothing more than deposit and push more bacteria and oil into your skin.
Conclusion Acne is an equal opportunity destroyer, with no regard to race, culture, gender or even age.
While some people feel that their acne is aggravated by certain foods, particularly chocolate, colas, peanuts, shellfish and some fatty foods, there is no scientific evidence that suggests food causes or influences acne.
Avoid any foods which seem to worsen your acne and, for your overall health, eat a balanced diet--but diet shouldn't really matter if the acne is being appropriately treated.
The best means to prevent acne is to maintain a proper skin care regimen that includes regular use of masks and exfoliants.