Acne is a common skin problem that occurs when the hair follicle is plugged with dead skin cells and oil. It can cause either whitehead, blackhead, or pimples.
Acne problem is common in teenagers, though it can affect people of varying ages. Acne is a persistent skin condition because as one pimple is healing or drying up, another begins to pop up.
Acne can compromise the quality of life because one’s face may never appear smooth. The pimples are also uncomfortable and sometimes itchy. Consequently, acne heals, leaving dark scars on the face, causing emotional distress, especially in adolescents.
Acne usually affects the forehead, the face, chest, shoulders, and upper back. Acne is most stressful when they appear on the face and forehead.
Symptoms
Symptoms may differ from person to person. However, look out for the following:
- Whiteheads-these are closed plugged pores on the skin
- Blackheads- open clogged pores
- Pimples- also known as pustules, are usually filled with pus at their tips
- Nodules-these are large, solid, painful lumps
- Cystic lesions-these are pus-filled lumps under the skin.
When To seek professional skincare
If home-care remedies fail to clear the acne, it is critical to seek professional’s help from certified dermatology in Tenesse. The dermatologist is a qualified skin specialist who may prescribe a stronger medication for your skin problem.
Acne is common in women than in men. For some women, acne symptoms may flare up a week before their menstrual period. In such cases, the acne disappears by itself.
It is also critical to seek a professional’s help because severe acne may signal some underlying medical issues. If you continue with home-care treatments, you may never know if the other contributing factors.
Factors that trigger acne condition
- Hormonal imbalance and changes- During puberty, the androgen hormone may cause the sebaceous gland to enlarge. Consequently, more oil and dead skin cells fill the gland leading to acne. Hormonal changes among middle-aged women can cause breakouts.
- Diet- Certain foods can trigger acne breakouts. Carbohydrates such as bread, chip, and fatty foods can worsen the condition.
- Stressful conditions- stressful situations can worsen acne breakout but do not cause acne by itself.
- Certain medications-Drugs containing steroids, lithium, or corticosteroids may affect some people by causing an acne breakout.
Myths Around Acne
The following are some myths about acne problems. It is crucial to know that none of them has any inclination to acne.
- Hygiene- Claims that the acne problem is a result of unhygienic skincare are untrue. Acne is not caused by dirty skin. Scrubbing it too hard or using harsh soaps and chemicals irritates the skin and causing a further breakup.
- Cosmetics- Cosmetics do not worsen acne, especially if you choose oil-free makeup. Non-comedogenics do not clog pores. Non-oil-based products do not interfere with acne medication. Consequently, one can use such cosmetics when under medication.
- Greasy foods and chocolate- Eating chocolate or fatty foods does not incline to acne breakout.
If acne does not respond to home-care remedies, it is crucial to seek a professional doctor’s intervention. A dermatologist is a skin care specialist who can advise and treat your condition effectively.
