What is Acne?
The onset of acne in early teen years is typically a traumatic time. Acne is caused when a hair follicle becomes blocked. At the base of the hair follicle there is a small gland called a sebaceous gland. This gland is responsible for lubricating the hair and skin and produces oil called sebum. Typically at the onset of adolescence the hormone changes cause these glands to produce more oil. This extra oil tends to block the follicles and the follicle tends to become infected. The infection is what is typically known as acne and some studies have shown that up to 70% of teens are affected to varying degrees. Acne is highly contagious and the bursting of the pimple can rapidly cause infection to surrounding follicles. Picking or popping pimples often results in scars, and this should be actively discouraged.
What types or Acne are there? Are blackheads Acne?
The most common form of Acne is medically known as Acne Vulgaris. This categorisation of acne encapsulates both the common white head and blackhead outbreaks experienced by most teens. Blackheads are also part of the Acne cycle. Should the whitehead be popped or squeezed some of the puss containing bacteria is squeezed into deeper tissue and the body sends out blood cells to attack the infection. This results in inflammation that presents as painful lumps under the skin. This categorisation in the medical field is known as Cystic Acne. The most sever type of acne is known as Nodules. This is where large cysts under the skin infect surrounding areas typically resulting in high inflammation, pain and resultant scaring.
What can I do to get rid of Acne? Do natural products work or should I go prescription?
There are many treatments for Acne. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the acne outbreak. Some common sense approaches to acne:
- Keep the area clean. Remember the excess oil, dirt, and dead skin blocks the pores causing the acne flair up. Use natural products like Dead Sea salts to wash and exfoliate (remove dead skin) the face. We the face and then rub the powdered dead sea salt over the entire face. The salts help exfoliate and the salt component is a natural disinfectant. The mineral content of the salts also feed the skin helping it to repair. Natural products have less side effects than commercial or prescription medications. Use these first or in conjunction with prescribed medications.
- Do not apply makeup, or crème’s to your skin. This will only make matters worse unless they are specifically designed for use with people with acne.
- Avoid contacting the skin with hats over the forehead, or scarfs over the face as this can cause sweating and infection spread causing increased breakouts.
- Try to modify your diet. The better your diet the better your body will function. Keep the diet simple and as wholesome as possible.
- Try and reduce stress. Exercise, meditation, soaks in a bath, tai chi, music are all good ways to reduce the stress levels. Stress can be a key element in altering hormones in your body precipitating acne.
- Whatever you do try and refrain from popping or squeezing the pimple or blackhead. This could make your acne worse or leave you with permanent scaring. If you do however burst a pimple be sure to wash the area thoroughly to lessen the chances of further contaminating.
If your acne is not clearing or becoming increasingly worse you need to see your doctor. They have many medications available to help in combating this common problem, and they will find the one that’s right for you.
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