What Is Acne?

What Is Acne and What Are Causes of Acne?

Acne, Acne vulgaris or cystic acne is a common skin disease that develops as a result of blockages in follicles and which characteristics usually include scaly red skin, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and sometimes even scarring. Acne most commonly affects the areas of the skin which are dense like the face, upper chest and back and may vary in severity from inflammatory which is severe to noninflammatory which is mild.

Acne usually occurs during the adolescent years and is usually caused by the increase of testosterone which affects both males and females. Although it commonly accrues during puberty it may also continue on to adulthood. For the most part, this skin disease diminishes over time and decreases or can disappear by the age of 25. Unfortunately, there is really no way to tell how long it can take to disappear and for some people acne can continue on into their thirties and forties.

Cystic acne is the most severe inflammatory acne and tends to affect where there is deeper skin tissue like the armpit area, buttocks and groin or anywhere where sweat collects in hair follicles or perspiration ducts. Scarring occurs when the wound, the inflamed area within the dermis tries to heal itself resulting in too much collagen in one area.

There are four types of acne scars:

• Rolling Scars - the skin has a wave-like appearance 
• Box Car Scars - deep or superficial scars that occur on the temple and cheeks 
• Ice Pick Scars - these are deep pits which are the most common acne scarring 
• Hypertrophic Scars - thickened scar caused by excessive growth of fibrous tissue

There are many different types of treatment for acne. The most popular include:

1. Antiseptics 
2. Antibiotics - for the more severe cases 
3. Hormones - hormonal treatment for women 
4. Benzoyl peroxide - for the mild cases 
5. Anti-inflammatories - vitamin B3

Some alternative medicine treatments that also deserve mentioning are:

• Melaleuca oil or Tea tree oil 
• Aloe vera and Egg oil 
• Black currant seed oil 
• Echinacea

The treatment for acne and the natural remedies for acne have become a recent controversy. Some doctors now believe that acne problems are not food related. However, those on the holistic side still believe that by adopting a healthy lifestyle such as a healthy diet, cleansing and the right hormonal balance still is and will be the answer to clear acne.


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