What is acne

What is acne vulgaris?

The skin problem due to oil and dead skin cells closing pores is known as acne vulgaris or acne. It is also called blackheads, blemishes, pimples, zits and whiteheads. The acne starts in its mild form with red spots or pimples. The acne can become severs with increase in pimples that can cover face, neck, chest and back. There can be bigger solid red lumps with severe acne. The least mild acne can attack most young people which get better after teenage. The adult women can have acne in the days before their menstrual periods.

The acne feelings are not related to how bad it is. People might not bother with severe acne while other are embarrassed even with few pimples. There are many treatments available to get acne under control.

What causes acne?

The acne starts due to due to dead skin cells. There can be swelling, redness, and pus if germs enter into the pores. The acne may start during teen years due to hormonal changes which can make skin oily. The acne can not be due to chocolate or greasy foods these things can make acne worse by clogging your pores. The acne problems can spread from one person to another.

What are the symptoms?

There can be whiteheads, blackheads, pimples with acne on face, back and neck. The large and deep pimples are called cystic lesion which can be very painful if they get infected.

How is acne treated?

You should always keep your skin clean to control acne and avoid skin product which can clog your pores. You should use products with label “noncomedogenic”. You should wash your skin once or twice daily with acne wash. The pimples should not be picked as these can become worse to cause scars. You can uswe acne cream if there are few pimples to treat and there should be benzoyl peroxide or salicylic in these creams.

You should make treatment for 6 to 8 weeks as it can take time to get acne under control. It may get worse before it gets better. You can use another products if you skin is not better after 8 weeks. You should contact your doctor if these pimples are bothering you or scarring your skin. You can use prescription cream or gel and antibiotic pill. You should also take birth control pill if you are female.

You should use stronger medicines like isotretinoin if you have acne cysts. You can also use Accutane but it can cause depression. You should use two forms of birth control to protect against pregnancy. There can be birth defects with this drug if women use it during pregnancy. This medicine should not be taken if you are breast feeding.

What can be done about acne scars?