INTRODUCTION
Remember when you were a teenager and your skin would break out just before a first date? Or a job interview? Or before a big exam? Back then, the eruption of a large pimple, or the sudden appearance of a constellation of zits, was the biggest nightmare imaginable. It still is, not only for teenagers, but many adults, who are suffering with acne a decade or more past the teen years. Many people have blemishes well into their twenties, thirties . . . and even forties. In fact, 20% of adults are bothered by persistent acne.
Acne is the most common skin disorder, with over 85% of us experiencing it at some point in our lives, and 80% of teens (from ages 11-19) going through it. Yet, two-thirds of these acne sufferers have never turned to a dermatologist for help, even though many effective treatments are now available. The good news is, many treatments are available for those who want it.
So What Is Acne?
It is an inflammatory skin condition involving the eruption of whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples, usually on the face, shoulders, chest, and back, and can exist in either mild, moderate, or severe forms. Acne is caused by four basic factors:
- The increase of oil production in the sebaceous glands (glands that secrete "sebum" or oil) in the skin.
- An increase, or imbalance, in a hormone called "androgen" (a male hormone).
- Changes inside the hair follicle, which is where the hair shaft comes out of the skin. The dead skin cells accumulate in the pore and become more "sticky," blocking the pore.
- The invasion of bacteria, called P. acnes, causes inflammation, swelling, and pain above and beneath the surface of the skin.
Can I Treat Myself At Home?
In some cases of mild acne, you might try some over-the-counter topical medications. However, these usually work in only very mild and isolated cases. If your acne persists or worsens, visit a dermatologist.
Is Popping A Pimple Recommended?
In some cases, when a pimple has come to a head (a white pus spot surfaces near the center of the blemish), it may help to apply a warm washcloth and squeeze gently with clean fingernails. However, if you squeeze too hard, or squeeze until the blemish bleeds, you may damage the delicate skin tissue beneath the surface layer of the skin. The deeper layer is called the "dermis." Damage to this layer will result in scarring. When you squeeze your pimples, there is also some risk of infection.
Do Certain Foods Cause Acne?
Some people insist that if they eat a chocolate bar, they break out almost immediately. Or if they drink a soda, or eat a pizza, or eat potato chips, they break out. If you think this is true, then don't eat them. However, for most people, food is not a significant factor. It is recommended that you eat healthy for the sake of your entire body, but diet affects the outbreak of acne in only about 2% of cases.
When Should I Seek Professional Treatment?
If your acne is mild, you may wish to try using an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide product to see if it helps, but if the condition is bothering you, or isn't improving within two months, you should consult your doctor. Many treatments are available that make suffering unnecessary. Generally, the longer you wait to get help, the more severe your acne becomes, and the longer it will take to control it.
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