Acne is a skin condition which has plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed pimples (pustules), and deeper lumps (nodules). Acne occurs on the face, as well as the neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Although most teenagers get some form of acne, adults in their 20's, 30's, 40's, or even older, can develop acne. Often, acne clears up after several years, even without treatment. Acne can be disfiguring and upsetting to the patient.

Causes of Acne

Eating junk food and chocolate normally has nothing to do with acne. In a few cases, particular foods cause pimples, but this is rare. Greasy hair and skin also doesn't cause acne, but they're often a sign of overactive sebaceous glands, which can cause acne. Research suggests that stress may worsen acne.

Drugs and alcohol are also culprits in causing acne. When the body cleans itself, it sends drugs and alcohol out through the skin, through sweat. Then the pores clog: clogged pores are one of the reasons for acne. The skin pores become clogged and oils and dirt become trapped. They then become infected, which is what we call pimples, whiteheads and blackheads.

Blackheads and whiteheads are caused by sebum and skin cell blockage toward the surface of pores, and usually have little bacterial involvement. Blackheads do not contain dirt. They merely look black because the dead skin cells pushed to the surface have oxidized and changed color. Whiteheads usually are blocked a little farther into the sebaceous gland, causing small white bumps (skin cell and sebum) to be pushed outward and become noticeable.

Some of the Acne Symptoms are:-

1. Comedones - Enlarged, plugged hair follicles. If the comedone is under the skin, it's a whitehead. If it breaks the surface of the skin, it's a blackhead. 2. Whitehead - Whiteheads are clogged hair follicles that contain oil (sebum) and look white. 3. Blackhead - Blackheads are clogged hair follicles that contain both oil (sebum) and tightly packed skin cells. Although blackheads look black, they do not contain dirt. 4. Pimples - Inflamed pus-filled lesions that are red at the base. Pimples look red and often are raised above the level of the skin. 5. Cystic acne - One of the most severe forms of acne, cystic acne occurs when the infected contents of a pustule or pimple erupts beneath the skin, rather than on the surface.

Acne Treatment

Wash with a gentle soap of your choice 2-3 times a day to remove the greasiness from your skin. Try to avoid harsh soaps, astringents, or scrubs, which will irritate the skin. Remember, acne is not caused by dirt and cannot be scrubbed away. The treatment prescribed for acne must be performed on a daily basis to see improvement. The first signs of improvement are usually in about 1 month.

Possible Lifestyle Changes for Acne / Pimples A diet high in raw vegetables and fruits is beneficial. Avoid all forms of sugar, alcohol, butter, caffeine, cheese, chocolate, cocoa, cream, fat, fried foods, margarine, hydrogenated oils, soft drinks, iodized salt and processed foods. Sugar may impair immune function and promote the growth of bacteria and candida.

Medical treatments for acne

Over the counter products such as astringent lotions, oil-removing pads, and medicated bar soaps are used to keep the skin clean. Non-prescription topical agents containing salicylic acid (Clearasil Acne-Fighting Pads®, Stri-Dex Pads®) and benzoyl peroxide (Oxy 10 Maximum Strength Advanced Formula®, Fostex 10% Wash®, Clear By Design®) are often recommended to prevent the formation of pimples and to treat preexisting cysts.