Just what on earth is this unsightly parasite called acne? What causes it? The idiot-proof guide to acne will help to shed some light on this skin condition.



What is Acne?

Acne, which is also commonly known as pimples, is a normal skin condition which appears more often during the teenage years. Acne usually appears on the face, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the neck, chest and the back. Although acne is prevalent among teenagers, adults are also not spared from this condition. It doesn't matter if you are male or female, it doesn't matter what your race is, and it doesn't matter what profession you are in. Acne is universal ? it affects just about anyone.

How is it formed?

Acne is best characterized by lesions which break out on the skin. The lesions can be in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, or small cysts which form because of clogged pores. It is most commonly seen during the teenage years, when the body tends to produce an excessive amount of sebum. This oily substance is needed to keep the skin and hair lubricated and soft. Too much sebum can cause pores to clog, and will in turn give rise to acne.

Another process which occurs during puberty is the excess production of dead cells, or better known as follicle cells. These dead cells, mixed with the excessive production of sebum, creates a platform for bacteria to work on, and this will lead to swelling and redness in the affected area. This area of swelling is what we now know ? pimples.

Who are the most vulnerable?

Acne affects about 85% of the people between the ages of 12 and 24. Besides the face, about a quarter of these sufferers have acne on other parts of the body as well, such as the neck and back areas. Some 40% of these acne sufferers have to seek medical help, because they are so badly affected by the severity of their acne outbreaks.

What are the other side effects of Acne?

The side effects of acne is very much psychological. Acne is a big problem to the appearance and self image of the sufferer. Since teenagers take a lot of pride in their self image, acne can actually cause them to feel depressed and low on confidence. It may even cause withdrawal symptoms, anger and utter frustration.

So are there any treatments for Acne at all?

Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available for acne. Prevention is better than cure, as they say. So the first line of defense should be to keep your skin clean and free of oil. You can do this by washing your face preferably twice a day, with a normal soap and water. Of course, there are also various medical treatments available to treat acne, both prescribed and over-the-counter.

If your acne condition is in a severe state, you can seek the professional advice of a dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions. The normal treatment a dermatologist can prescribe for you is some ointments which are applied directly onto your affected skin. The doctor may also prescribe some antibiotics to fight against the bacteria responsible for the pimples. You can also gain valuable advice from the doctor about your lifestyle and diet which may help to prevent acne.