Acne is a skin condition that may affect various parts of the body. It is most prevalent in the areas that include the face, neck, chest and shoulders.
When skin cells die off, they can mix with the oils of the skin to plug the pores. In mild cases of acne, these plugs appear as blackheads. In more severe case, the bacteria of the skin cause infection and the problem becomes worse.
Hormonal changes in the body can cause production of more oils in the skin. Acne, due to these hormonal changes is found in teens, women as they progress through their menstrual cycle or while they are pregnant, or when they start or stop birth control pills.
If acne becomes infected, it can leave scaring. Facial scars from acne can affect a person for a lifetime.
There are many treatments recommended for acne. For teens, products containing benzyl peroxide are often effective at drying outbreaks and preventing more outbreaks from forming. Washing the face with a good antibacterial soap can also help to prevent further outbreaks of acne.
For adults, benzyl peroxide is sometimes too drying to the skin. Adults have better results with products that contain salicylic acid.
Persons experiencing acne should avoid touching, picking or squeezing the already irritated skin. This can cause the problem to become even worse.
If you are using the preferred over the counter medication for your age group, but your problem is not clearing up, you may need a prescription for a mild antibiotic. When taken as directed, the antibiotic lowers the possibility of infection and the scaring that is associated with it.
Prevention of acne is not always possible, however you can take steps to lower the risk of it causing a permanent scar.
Tags: acne, acne cause, acne causes, acne scar, acne scarring, acne scars, acne treatment
