Acne is the term for pimples and complexion problems that occur in many young people and some adults. Approximately 90% of all people will have acne at some point in their lives. Pimples usually occur on the face, but may extend to the neck, chest, upper arms, back and legs. Acne is only a skin problem and does not affect your general health.
What Causes It?
Acne usually begins at puberty and may continue for many years. Teenagers get acne as the body matures and produces hormones that stimulate the sebaceous (oil producing) skin glands to make more sebum or oil. Sebum lubricates the skin. Sebaceous glands within the hair follicles or pores become plugged when oil secretion occurs faster than the oil and skin cells can exit the pores. Sometimes the plug causes the wall of the pore to rupture causing redness, swelling, and pus. Plugged oil glands may form blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are not caused by dirt; rather there are bacteria that normally lives on the skin and thrives on the sebum produced by oil glands. Sometimes the bacteria multiply and cause inflammation and acne.
Helpful tips:
- Wash your face twice daily with a gentle skin cleanser to prevent oil build-up.
- Do not scrub your face with a harsh washcloth or sponge. Scrubbing may actually make it worse by irritating the skin. Try gentle cleansing with your hands.
- Topical astringents can be used to remove excess oil after cleansing.
- Don’t squeeze, scratch, or pick the lesions. This can leave tiny, permanent scars on your face.
Regular cleansing and topical medicated creams are often used to keep the pores clear. In persistent cases, oral medications including oral antibiotics can be prescribed. Chemical peels, acne photodynamic treatment and microdermabrasion may also prove effective. Every patient responds differently so a dermatologist will have to find a treatment or combination of treatments that work for each patient.
To learn more about acne treatments, visit WebMD.com.
Contact an Expert Dermatologist Today
Tennessee Clinical Research Center routinely conducts clinical research studies for acne with some of the newest medicines in the industry. For more information call TCRC at 615-383-9660 or visit www.tnclinicalresearch.com to view the current list of studies. To learn more about how the dermatologists at Gold Skin Care in Nashville can help you overcome your acne, get in touch with us today by contacting us online.
Next, read about Autoimmune Disorders.
