The face is usually the first thing that is noticed about a person, and acne can negatively affect others’ perceptions. The medical term for “pimples” is acne or acne vulgaris (vulgaris means “common”). The reason it's called "common acne” is because nearly everyone suffers from a pimple outbreak at some point in life. The psychological effects of acne can be profound, and persons with acne are at risk for substantial, negative effects on quality of life, similar to those seen in persons with asthma, epilepsy, or arthritis. Adolescents and adults with acne have higher rates of anxiety, low self-worth, and depression than those without acne. Acne lesions are most common on the face, but they can also occur on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Acne is characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, oily skin and black spots/scarring. Contrary to popular belief, acne isn't caused by a harmful diet, poor hygiene, or an uncontrolled sex drive. The simple truth is that heredity and hormones are behind most forms of acne. Swearing off chocolate or scrubbing your face 10 times a day won't change your predisposition to this unsightly, sometimes painful, and often embarrassing skin problem.

Causes of Acne  

Acne is caused by a combination of factors:  clogged pores, increased oil production, inflammation (redness and irritation) and bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes).  The pores of the skin become clogged and oil builds up in the pore or hair follicle.  A pore clogged with oil is called a comedone.  Whiteheads are closed comedones deeper in the skin.  Blackheads are open comedones near the surface of the skin.  They appear dark because the oil (sebum) and skin cells filling the pore become dry.  They are not dark because of dirt.  A comedone can become inflamed when the bacteria (P. acnes) on the surface of skin gets into the pore.  This causes red bumps under the skin.  These can be painful and tend to last longer. The risk increases with:

·         Environmental factors: Exposure to extremely hot or cold temperatures

·         Stress

·         Oily skin

·         Endocrine disorders/ Hormonal activities

·         Use of drugs, such as cortisone, male hormones, or some oral contraceptives (though most oral contraceptives improve acne).

·         Family history of acne (Genetics)

·         Some cosmetics

·         Diet

·         Mechanical obstruction of hair follicles (use of helmets, cell phones, face caps, chin straps, etc)

·         Squeezing, rubbing or picking at the skin

Types Of Acne

Comedones

A comedo, or basic acne lesion, is a hair follicle that has become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Comedones (the plural of comedo) can develop into bumps called whiteheads and blackheads. Products that may trigger comedones are called "comedogenic." Makeup labeled "noncomedogenic" is less likely to clog pores and contribute to acne.

Blackheads are comedones that are open at the surface of the skin. They are filled with excess oil and dead skin cells. It's not dirt that causes the comedone to turn black. The black hue results from the irregular reflection of light coming from clogged hair follicles.  Blackheads can frequently be treated with over-the-counter medications

Comedones that stay closed at the surface of the skin are called whiteheads. This happens when oil and skin cells prevent a clogged hair follicle from opening. Many of the same over-the-counter medicines that treat blackheads are also effective against whiteheads.

Papules

Papules are comedones that become inflamed, forming small red or pink bumps on the skin. This type of pimple may be sensitive to the touch. Picking or squeezing can make the inflammation worse and may lead to scarring. A large number of papules may indicate moderate to severe acne.

Pustules

Pustules are another kind of inflamed pimple. They resemble a whitehead with a red ring around the bump. The bump is typically filled with white or yellow pus. Avoid picking or squeezing pustules. Picking can cause scars or dark spots to develop on the skin.

Nodules

Nodules are large, inflamed bumps that feel firm to the touch. They develop deep within the skin and are often painful. Nodules should be treated by a dermatologist. Over-the-counter treatments may not be powerful enough to clear them up, but prescription drugs can be effective.

Cysts

Cysts are large, pus-filled lesions that look similar to boils. Like nodules, cysts can be painful and should be treated by a dermatologist. People who develop nodules and cysts are usually considered to have a more severe form of acne.

Acne can also be classified into the following;

Mild Acne

Acne falls into the "mild" category if you have fewer than 20 whiteheads or blackheads, fewer than 15 inflamed bumps, or fewer than 30 total lesions. Mild acne is usually treated with over-the-counter topical medicine. It may take up to eight weeks to see a significant improvement.

Moderate Acne   

If you have 20 to 100 whiteheads or blackheads, 15 to 50 inflamed bumps, or 30 to 125 total lesions, your acne is considered moderate. Dermatologists usually recommend prescription medication for moderate to severe acne. It may take several weeks to notice an improvement, and your acne may appear to get worse before it gets better.

Severe Acne

People with severe nodulocystic acne have multiple inflamed cysts and nodules. The acne may turn deep red or purple. It often leaves scars. Prompt treatment by a dermatologist can minimize scarring. In some cases, a doctor may inject corticosteroids directly into nodules and cysts to reduce the size and painful inflammation.

Acne Mechanica

Acne mechanica is caused by heat, friction, and pressure against the skin, often the result of wearing sports gear such as a helmet or baseball cap. It is sometimes called "sports-induced acne" because it occurs frequently in athletes. Preventive measures include wearing an absorbent material under sports equipment and showering immediately after activity.

Acne Conglobata

Acne conglobata is one of the most severe forms of acne. It involves many inflamed nodules that are connected under the skin to other nodules. It affects the body (the neck, chest, arms, and buttocks) and often leaves scars. This type of acne is more common in men and is sometimes caused by taking steroids or testosterone

For trustworthy natural products available at Anike Natural to treat the different kinds of acne, call  08124875280.

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