Acne Information

What is Acne?


What is acne? Acne is a term attributed to plugged pores, commonly known as blackheads and whiteheads, pimples, and even cysts or nodules, occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Follicles, often called pores, often get blocked with sebum (oil), which normally drains to the surface, and a bacteria propionibacterium acnes, begins to grow. Both whiteheads and blackheads start out as a "microcomedone" which then become skin blemishes called comedones. Acne can be upsetting, disfiguring, sometimes leading to permanent scarring.

There are different types of acne. A white head is a lesion where trapped sebum and bacteria stay below the skin surface. A blackhead, on the other hand, is a lesion where trapped sebum and bacteria partially open to the surface and turn black due to the skin pigment melanin.

A papule is a small solid lesion slightly elevated above the surface of the skin. A pustule, again, is a dome-shaped skin elevation containing pus: a mixture of white blood cells, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It often has a hair in the center. A macule is a temporary red spot left by a healed acne lesion. It is flat and pinkish, with well-defined borders that can persist for days to weeks. A number of macules can contribute to the "inflamed face" appearance of acne. A nodule is a solid dome-shaped or irregularly shaped lesion, characterized by pain, inflammation and extending into deeper layers of the skin. It may cause tissue destruction resulting in scarring.

A cyst is a sac-like lesion containing white blood cells, dead cells, and bacteria. It may be severely inflamed and painful, extending into deeper layers of the skin and can result in scarring.

Who gets acne? Acne affects teenagers mostly; however it can occur in adults of all age groups also. Acne starts between the ages of ten and thirteen and usually lasts for five to ten years. It normally goes away on its own in the early twenties but can stretch into the late twenties or thirties or even beyond. Some people get acne for the first time as adults.

The treatment of acne is not difficult at all. Following a clear regimen helps considerably. Gentle cleansing plus plenty of 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide gives a clear skin as Benzoyl peroxide kills the acne bacteria well. A little itchiness after an application is quite normal, and some people also experience redness of the skin for the initial couple of weeks. However, this will definitely get better because it will cure the acne and prevent any new outbreaks.

Lana Hampton is the webmaster of http://www.theacnecenter.com. Visit her site today for the latest acne information, treatments and product reviews.


MORE RESOURCES:
Google

Not your teen's acne
Indianapolis Star, United States - Jul 7, 2008
By Shari Rudavsky Acne, the bane of adolescence. But for many adults, particularly women, saying farewell to one's teen years does not guarantee ...


Dermatologists In Denial: Controversial New Chocolate ...
FOXBusiness - 14 hours ago
The product may come as a shock to most consumers, as many people believe eating chocolate causes acne. But dermatologists have long argued that acne has ...


Video: MTV's Total Request Live Host Lyndsey Rodrigues Launches ...
PR Newswire (press release), NY - 12 hours ago
AcneRumorControl.com), an online campaign and video contest to debunk common acne myths and help teens get clearer skin without having to go through the ...


Dealing with adult acne
PerthNow, Australia - 2 hours ago
But a rise in adult acne means many of us are dealing with what was meant to be a teenage curse. If you thought pimples and the threat of acne disappeared ...


Best Syndication

Acne - 3 Useful Tips in Preventing Acne
Best Syndication, CA - 5 hours ago
Acne isn?t caused by eating chocolates or having dirty skin. Acne is actually caused by oil glands that have been overactive and a buildup of skin flakes. ...


The News - International

These simple treatments help fight dryness, bumps and acne
The News - International, Pakistan - 20 hours ago
"It may be instantly hot and humid, so on top of all your dry skin, you're suddenly having oiliness and acne, or even an allergy that starts in the spring ...


Milk of magnesia helps battle against acne
Los Angeles Times, CA - Jul 7, 2008
Longtime sufferer of acne reports good results with the topical treatment, which is said to help reduce inflammation and redness. ...


Lanvin and Acne Jeans Create A Dynamic Denim Team
Blackvoices - Jul 7, 2008
The Lanvin designer and Stockholm-based, Acne Jeans united to create a line of versatile, upscale denim. "I want to bring Lanvin into their (Acne Jean) ...


Best Syndication

Acne Treatment ? 4 Types of Light and Laser Therapy Treatments Are ...
Best Syndication, CA - Jul 7, 2008
They have gained preference to people who find it difficult to periodically apply creams on faces to treat acne since conventional acne treatments require ...


Inspirational Youth Encourage You to Show Your Real Face
Earthtimes (press release), UK - 13 hours ago
"We created this site in conjunction with the launch of Cetaphil Acne Principles, as a way to encourage those who deal with acne to show their real faces," ...

Acne - Google News

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