Facts About Acne

Acne Defined
By Keith M Johnson

Acne is defined as ‘a common inflammatory disease of young people in which pimples continue to appear on the face, back, and chest, occurring when oil glands in the skin become clogged and swollen’, according to Webster’s Dictionary. But it is not limited to just young people. Acne is a bacterial infection caused by overproduction of oil or sebum in the glands which gets trapped in skin pores. This will lead to breakouts which can be mild or severe, sporadic or chronic.

There are many factors which contribute to acne, including stress, hormonal imbalances, heredity and others. Hormonal imbalances occur throughout our lives, from puberty in the teenage years to menstruation and child-birth in women. The leading cause is stress, which sends messages to the brain to induce glands to produce more oil or sebum. Heredity also plays a large role in the development of acne. Usually if a person suffers from the condition, so will their offspring.

Smoking introduces toxins into the system which clog pores and inhibit the skin’s ability to regenerate and heal itself. Cosmetics work in a similar fashion if not removed correctly and completely. Oily skin is more prone to pore blockages and breakouts which usually lead to whiteheads, blackheads, and/or pimples. These are relatively easy to treat with either over-the-counter medications or home remedies. However, severe forms include nodular and cystic acne, both of which are marked by deep skin lesions and very severe inflammation and should be treated by a dermatologist as soon as possible in order to prevent extreme scarring.

Diet and vitamin deficiency are also contributors. Even though the myth about chocolate, junk food, and soda consumption being responsible for acne is not true, a healthy, well-balanced diet is recommended for the prevention of breakouts. Vitamin supplements are also recommended.

Whether you suffer from just a simple case of pimples or more severe nodular or cystic acne, you should seek treatment as soon as possible not only for the prevention of possible scarring but also for healthy self-esteem. If you would like to learn more, please visit Acne Information

Keith Johnson writes on various issues.