What is acne?
Acne vulgaris is the scientific name for acne. It is a common skin disease. It affects the scalp of the skin. It occurs because of some psychological issues like depressions, reduced self esteem. The characterized areas are seborrhea, comedones, papules, nodules and pimples. It is a common disease among teenagers. It is caused by increase in certain gene which occurs due to ageing. Acne is mainly concerned with increase in androgens like testosterone. It occurs during puberty. Acne mainly affects persons who have oily skins. The areas where acne occurs are face, chest and back. Acne is a simple disease which can be cured easily. Acne is mostly common among the teenagers as they have increase in testosterone at their age. This type of skin changes is common. It cures on its own as they cross the teen ages. Acne is most common in western part of the world. It occurs during the adolescence.
Signs and symptoms:
Acne has several symptoms. Severe cases of acne cannot be treated simply. Seborrhea, comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and scarring are some of the typical features of the acne. It varies with the skin type. Acne may also result in various psychological as well as social problems. Cystic acne is one of the severe cases of acne. It may occur in buttocks, groin armpit area. It may also occur in any parts of the body where sweat gets collected. Cysts are nothing but large nodules or boils. It is the most severe case of acne. Acne causes scars on the skin which occurs due to the inflammation of the dermis. This scar tries to cure by itself. But this results in large amount of collagen in a single scar. Scars are of different type. Ice pick scars are the most common scars which is a deep pit on the skin. Box car scars are similar to chickenpox scars. They are deep in the skin. Hormonal changes are also the reason for acne. Acne increases due to the increase in sex hormones. It also occurs during pregnancy. There are also some persons who have acne genetically through their family.
Treatment:
People having acne must follow a strict diet. They must eat less carbohydrate foods. They must eat less milk and chocolate items. Benzoyl peroxide is the best ointment for the treatment of acne. It is used for people having mild acne. It reduces the irritant feeling on the skin and helps in reducing the scars. It works by preventing the formation of comedones. Benzoyl peroxide works by causing the skin to dry, thus reducing the formation of the nodules. Sunscreen must be used during the treatment to avoid sunburn. Many antibiotics can be used to cure acne. Antibiotics are preferred only during sever cases of acne. Salicylic acid can also be used to reduce acne because it has bacteriostatic and keratolytic properties. Hormone therapy can also be used during severe acne. But it must be avoided during pregnancy.
