Acne Medication and Advice: Basic Training

Take heart. Acne affects almost everyone

Commonly known as pimples, the proper name for acne is Acne Vulgaris. Acne doesn't show favorites. It's a widespread skin condition characterized by lesions that break out on the skin. Men and women of all races during adolescence and adulthood are nearly equally prone to acne.

Acne is extremely common. It affects nearly 85% of the population between the ages of 12 and 24. 40% of acne sufferers have breakouts severe enough to require medical treatment.

Location

Acne usually shows up somewhere on the face, but also breaks out on other parts of the body, such as the neck, back, chest and shoulders. The lesions form as whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts because pores get clogged.

The so-called 'T zone' of the face -- the nose, the chin and forehead -- are the most common areas for pimples to appear. Acne may also appear on the cheeks or other parts of the face. The back is the second most common area for acne, followed by the neck, chest, and shoulders.

Timing

Most often acne first appears sometime during adolescence. It forms most often at puberty because that's when the body produces an abundance of an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is needed to keep the hair and skin soft and lubricated, but during puberty, the body produces an excess. The abundant sebum clogs the pores and leaves the skin feeling oily.

Puberty also triggers an excess production of follicle cells. The dying cells quickly build up and combine with sebum to form whiteheads. The oil and dead cell creates a bacteria breeding ground that creates redness and swelling in the troubled area known as pimples.

A Bad Image

Acne becomes a self-image difficulty for many people because it affects their appearance. Teenagers are particularly at risk as acne can cause feelings of reduced self-confidence and even depression. It causes some to withdraw from social interactions and others become angry and troubled.

Most people find their acne has cleared up by the time they reach their 20s. For others, it may persist throughout their adult years. Boys have a slight edge over girls when it comes to experiencing acne.

Treatable

The good news is there are many modern medical treatments for acne. The first line of defense is to keep the skin clean and oil-free. Do this by gently washing with soap and water twice a day, especially following activities or conditions that cause perspiration. There is a wide variety of medical treatments available, both prescribed and over-the-counter.

An appointment with a dermatologist is a good way to resolve the worst cases of acne. They can provide valuable advice about nutrition and lifestyle changes that may help in combating the condition. They can also treat the worst cases with medications that are applied directly on the skin, as well as prescribing antibiotics that fight the bacteria causing pimples.

So, don't just look in the mirror and moan. Fight back!