Health Care

by Robert Locke

If you can't stand your face read on! Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms are all manifestations of acne. Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones and other substances on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands) and hair follicles. It is often treated by dermatologists (doctors who specialize in skin problems). . Acne is not a serious health threat but, it can cause scars. It is a serious skin condition that affects billions of people in any walks of life around the world. Acne is so common that it's considered a normal part of puberty. At the moment in the United States nearly 40 million people are currently experiencing the problem.

Blackheads

Blackheads are dark formations on the skin due to an accumulated mixture of oil and cells in a blocked skin pore and they get their name because the surface appears black. Blackheads tend to be stable structures, and often take a long time to clear. Neither blackheads nor whiteheads should be squeezed or picked open, unless extracted by a dermatologist under sterile conditions. Both whiteheads and blackheads may stay in the skin for a long time.

Treatments

Treatments for acne vary depending on the type and severity of each case. Treatments Include: reducing sebum production,reducing bacteria on the skin, reducing the inflammation. Exfoliation - peeling of the skin which unclogs pores; removes dead skin cells and debris. Many young people are able to manage their acne with over-the-counter (non prescription) treatments. Americans spend well over a hundred million dollars a year for non prescription acne treatments, not even taking into account special soaps and cleansers. Scientists are also trying to better understand the mechanisms involved in acne so that they can develop new treatments that work on those mechanisms. This information may help researchers develop new treatments to target the bacteria. Among all the alternative skin treatments there are a few that can be called quick fix pimple remover. So, the best way for them to get rid of acne is to go for herbal acne treatments. Yet, one should be careful while using these products since not all the treatments would suit your skin. Treatment with hormones is another option.

What to Avoid

If the acne products you have tried haven't worked, consider seeing a dermatologist. With the products available today, there is no reason why someone has to endure acne or get acne scars. Factors that can cause an acne flare include: changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period . Tight clothes, eg uniforms together with environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity can all aggravate the condition. Squeezing or picking at blemishes does NOT help and can even be dangerous.. All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, moisturizers, and hair-care products should be oil free. Use products that will effectively control oil production, while maintaining a healthy level of hydration.

Conclusion

Although acne is usually not a serious health threat, it can be a source of significant emotional distress. The first and the foremost point to be remembered in the treatment of acne is not to panic. No matter what you've heard, acne isn't caused by eating greasy foods like french fries or pizza, munching on chocolate, or drinking soda.

source: www.goarticles.com

About the Author Author: Robert William Locke . colbor@yahoo.com Specialising in Health and Fitness. Read more about considering alternative treatments for this condition :- http://tinyurl.com/2seuyh