Top 10 treatments for Acne

Acne is a human skin disease with characteristic scary red skin, white heads, blackheads, pinheads and large papules. Most people develop acne at some stage of their life, but it most attacks teenagers at their puberty due to hormonal changes at this stage.

Acne Causes and incidences

Acne occurs when tiny pores in the skin become clogged. These pores open to follicles that contain hair and oil gland. Oil is released to keep the skin soft and get rid of dead skin. When too much oil is produced, skin pores become clogged. Bacteria and dirt build up at the pore leading to infection. That blockage is called comedone. If at the top is white, it is a whitehead. If it is black, it becomes a blackhead. Cysts form when acne goes deep into the skin. They are normally hard and painful. Occasionally, acne breaks open leading to swelling and bumps on the skin.

As stated earlier, hormonal changes are the major factors that cause acne. This may be due to body development at puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, stress or use of birth control pills. Use of overly oily cosmetics and skin lotions can also lead to acne. People who live in hot, high humidity areas are also likely to get the infection. Such people sweat heavily but there is less evaporation of sweat. Use of steroids, estrogens and testosterone may cause acne. Infection commonly appears on the face, arms, breast region, buttocks and at shoulders. These areas have high concentration of hair follicles and thus have many pores.

Acne prevention

Here are few guidelines on how to prevent acne.

ü  Wash the face regularly; it is important to clean the face regularly with the use of a mild deodorant. This removes dead skin, dirt and oil. Harsh soaps may inflame the skin.

ü  Know your type of skin; the knowledge of your type of skin will help choose the best skin products to use. The major skin types include, dry skin, oily skin and natural skin.

ü  Keep the skin moisturized; Moisturized skin is supple and soft. Try keeping the skin in this state by use of skin gels and moisturizing lotions. Check if the lotion is for your skin type before purchase. If not sure, contact your beautician.

ü  Keep hands off the face; avoid the temptation to touch your face every now and then. There is a likelihood of spreading bacterial with the hands. Likewise, avoid propping the chin with your hands.

ü  Use the right make up and sparingly; It is important to understand make ups that one is using for the face. To protect the skin, use a foundation that augers well with the skin. Do not over apply the makeup.

Acne treatment

Doctors use a combination of several therapies, gels and drugs to treat acne. Treatment is based on the severity and the cause of the infection.

ü  Use of oral antibiotics such as monocycline and doxycycline

ü  Use of gels such as dapsone and clindamycin

ü  A laser procedure called photodynamic therapy.

ü  Women whose acne is caused by hormonal changes may use spironolactone pill.

ü  Cortisone is injected into cysts that may have formed on the skin.

It is important not to prick the pimples as they cause scars and spread the bacteria. Furthermore, avoid wearing baseball caps, hats and headbands when infected since they concentrate sweat in those areas building up bacteria.