Acne, a skin condition causing unsightly, irritating and painful spots on the skin. Acne primarily affects the face and, depending on the severity of the condition can also break out on the skin of the back, neck, chest and arms. Typically, acne affects people between the ages of 12 and 35 but can also strike people in their 30 s and 40 s. Acne can be experienced by all colors of skin, however, is most noticeable with those of fair or pale skin. Acne has not only physical symptoms, causes and effects but can also trigger depression in many teens. Acne need not be left untreated, there are many treatment types available. Acne causes blackheads (comedones), red or yellow

spots, scars, whiteheads and greasy skin. It is quite common and affects approximately 8 out of every 10 people at some point in their lifetime.

Acne is caused by the sebaceous glands in the dermis overproduction of sebum, the body s natural oil. Testosterone, a naturally occurring hormone in the blood in both men and women, stimulates the sebaceous glands into overactivity, causing a buildup of oil and improper shedding of the dead skin cells and hair. Blackheads and whiteheads are a result of this activity.

Most people have had a pimple or two, some people have had severe cases of acne. In these cases, the acne spots, called Propionibacterium, grow in the hair follicles when this backup of

oil and dead skin cells combines. In inflammatory acne , these bacteria have grown to create cysts, which develop beneath the surface of the skin. These cysts can spread the infection to other areas of the skin through rupture and scarring of the skin can be a consequence.

Treatment of acne will not cure it but will keep it under control, prevent new acne from forming and help to reduce detrimental and irreversible scarring. Acne can cause terrible emotional distress, as it often crops up in the teenage years that are emotionally distressing, even without the acne. Getting treatment can severly improve the mental health and self-esteem of your teenager.

Some myths dispelled about acne: you can

t get it from eating chocolate or French fries, it is not contagious and overly-washing your face will not clear it up, it will only dry it out and create more skin discomfort. Making sure to aptly cleanse the face twice daily and leaving the spots alone (no picking or squeezing) can help in keeping the acne under control.

No treatments are miraculous and result in instantly clear skin. Whether prescription or over-the-counter creams, cleansers or scrubs will affect the acne slowly, over time. If misused, these products can be harmful to your skin, causing more harm than good. Ease in on the application of creams containing benzoyl-peroxide, an antibacterial agent that dries out the skin, making the production of

excess oils more difficult for the skin. If these over-the-counter products do not lessen the acne within a few months, it is advisable to visit the doctor for a stronger prescription. The doctor can provide topical, oral or systemic treatment programs depending on the severity of the case.

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