Acne Causes, Effects, and Management

Acne is a skin disease which is common among adolescents and young adult. This disease often affects specific areas of the body such as the face, the neck, and the upper chest or back. Facial acne type is characterized by an outburst of pimples, the presence of white heads and black heads, reddish skin which is often scaly, pin heads, papules, and scars on the face alone.

Papules, if you're wondering, are elevations on the skin which measures as small as a pin head with up to 1 cm in size. It may appear similar to a pimple but does not have any fluid secretions. In worse cases, acne becomes inflamed and may cause lesions to appear.

This acne condition is also referred to as cystic facial acne. Aside from lesions, the presence of cysts or boils accompanies the lesions. These appear on other bodily areas too such as the arm pit, buttocks, groin area, and other areas where sweat is collected by perspiration ducts in hair follicle. This type of acne affects the skin deeper than superficial common acne does.

Causes of Acne

In general, acne spots occur during puberty due to the increase in testosterone production. Although it is primarily a male sexual hormone, it is produced during adolescence and young adulthood for both male and female individuals.

Aside from hormonal causes, a more common cause is the same reason for the occurrence of pimples since acne is a worse form of pimples. When hair follicles block the release of skin wastes, keratin and sebum accumulates. When not excreted, these cause the formation of pimples.

Notably, other factors which may contribute to an increase in pimple formations are diet and stress.

Adult acne eventually disappears as years go by. This happens when the presence of testosterone in the body becomes more regulated or in consistent amounts. Some individuals continue to have issues with this condition despite age. This can be attributed to other factors such as genetic makeup, environmental causes, and overall health status.

Effects of Acne

The effects of acne can be grouped into two categories: physical and psychological. The scars left behind, particularly in facial acne cause changes, deformities, and damage on a person's physical appearance.

This change in one's physical appearance may affect the person's emotional and mental condition. During the period when one is suffering from problems with acne, a teenager or young adult may suffer from psychological issues such as lack of self confidence or even depression. These may not appear to be disturbing for most people but for those with weak personalities, it may even lead to suicidal tendencies.

Management of Acne

There are various ways which can be utilised when treating acne cases. The most commonly used are medications. These include antibiotics, anti inflammatory, the application of benzoyl peroxide, the use of topical and oral retinoid, and hormonal therapy. Other methods include dermabrasion procedure, phototherapy, and surgery. Phototherapy covers laser treatment, photodynamic therapy, and blue or red light therapy. Natural means to treat facial acne can also be applied. These include herbal and organic products and supplements.

Acne management is also possible through skincare products online such as Dermalogica products. The author also recommends skin care salons such as Soho Skin Management for Australian clients in Queensland, particularly Bald Hills and nearby suburbs.
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