Acne, medicine, information and cure

Health Articles | September 20, 2008

What is Acne? Acne is the most common skin condition, with over 85% of teens--and many adults, as well-experiencing breakouts at least occasionally. Acne is linked to the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum (or oil).

Plugged follicles can take the form of either whiteheads, where the plugged follicle remains beneath the skin's surface, or blackheads, where the plug in the follicle extends to the skin's surface and becomes visible. Once a follicle becomes plugged, it creates an ideal environment for a common sebum-eating skin bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes (or just P. Acnes), to multiply. This bacterium produces enzymes and chemicals that irritate and inflame the skin around a clogged follicle. Pimples, breakouts, or zits are common names for the lesions that result from this type of skin irritation and inflammation, though doctors have more precise ways of classifying acne lesions. For most people, acne is a generally mild condition. Of course, a pimple at the wrong time is never desirable, but in truth, there are far more concerning issues than acne. For some people, however, severe cases can result in permanent scarring if left untreated.

What Causes Acne?
The precise cause of acne is not known, but its onset is usually linked to a few key factors. One of the most important of these factors seems to be the increase in the production of androgen hormones that occurs in both men and women during puberty or adolescence.
Increased amounts of androgens in the body cause the sebaceous glands to become enlarged and to produce greater quantities of sebum (oil).
Other factors that are thought to contribute to acne include:
o Use of oil-based, pore-clogging cosmetics (look for non-comedogenic products).
o A family history of acne.
o Abrasion caused by over-vigorous scrubbing or frequent shaving.
o Exposure to high heat and humidity.
o The use of certain drugs, such as glucocorticoids, iodides, bromides, lithium, artificial androgens and others.
Treatment & Prevention
o At the surface...Since acne develops in clogged pores, use a keratolytic ingredient like Salicylic Acid to unclog pores.
o Deep down...Use an antibacterial ingredient like Benzoyl Peroxide to eliminate the P. Acnes inside the pore.
o Treat your skin everyday...Dermatologists agree that regular, consistent use is the key to a clear complexion.
Since normal changes in the body during puberty are the main contributors to acne, it's no wonder virtually everyone experiences breakouts. Remember, your friends experience it, your parents probably experienced it, and it's not a sign of personal failure when you experience it. Yes, even models and movie stars experience breakouts...of course; they have a lot of help hiding them!

Will One Acne Treatment Work For Everyone?
Will one acne treatment work for everyone? The simple answer is no, but you may want to know more. You may want to know why a problem cannot be matched up with a solution that seems to work for others. Unfortunately, there is still much that is unconfirmed about acne and its symptoms. One thing all sufferers certainly do have in common is that we agree that acne sucks. It can affect your self-confidence in the short term, and in many cases, particularly for those who have already had acne for a while, it can cause scarring that lasts a very long time. Anyone who has acne wants to be able to treat it and treat it quickly.
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Learn How 4 Types of Acne Medicine Can Be Used For Acne Treatment To Help Solve Your Problem
Once the acne is diagnosed, there are many options still open to the sufferer.� Here is a brief discussion of some of the more popular and accepted acne treatment and acne medicine.
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Three Acne Scar Remedy Options You Should Consider for Acne Scars
If you are suffering from acne scars, I feel your pain - literally.� I have at least 20 scars on my forehead, and several on my chin.� I know how terrifying it can be to wake up one morning and see where the skin your acne used to inhabit is now covered in acne scars.� It made me start trying to find an acne scar remedy very, very quickly.
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Acne Exercise - How Exercises Can Reduce Acne
Exercises not only are they good for health and general wellbeing but they contribute to reducing acne. People who are affected by acne should exercise regularly. Stress is among the main causes for acne because it results in the over-production of hormones and exercising has the added benefit of rebalancing these hormones, hence reducing acne.
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This Article was written by : Jojo Michelle, Discuss about Health Articles, it was published at September 20, 2008 and was updated at