Acne Articles

When pores and hair follicles become clogged and develop sores on the skin surface it is known as acne. These marks can take many forms including zits, cysts, abscesses, open comedos, and in more severe cases even permanent scarring. Acne most commonly happens in both men and women during the teenage period called as puberty. This is when the body begins to undergo big hormonal changes as a result of developing into a grown-up, adult body capable of sexual reproduction. Acne often has an effect on young teenagers, but it is not limited to just them. Acne can affect both men and women of all ages; sometimes throughout their whole adult lives. This is less common but definitely not uncommon.

Pustules are discolored sores that are filled with pus and have a whitish or yellowish color. They can develop from whiteheads or blackheads. They are round sores that are inflamed because of itirritated sebaceous glands. The human body has thousands of sebaceous glands that produce an oil-like substance called sebum. Infection and irritation can start when the body produces too much sebum. Cysts are larger pus filled sores that develop on the surface but are actually embedded within the epidermis. Because of the size and depth of the inflammation, cysts are often very irritating and can be as big as an inch across the affected area. They develop as a result of the contents of a comedo spreading across the infected area and the bodies natural defense of producing pus to minimize these effects. Permanent scars can result from cysts. Inflammatory and Non-infalammatory are the two major types of acne. Open comedos and closed comedos are the two major categories of non-inflammatory acne. A closed comedo is also known as a whitehead and appears on the skin as a tiny white or yellow bump. The open comedo is also called a blackhead. A build-up of dirt, contrary to popular belief, is not the cause of blackheads. It is actually a build-up of melanin, a chemical that encompasses the color of the skin surface. Using a gently exfoliating cleanser with anti-inflammatory aspects like Proactiv or another restorative product that has aloe vera can minimize blackheads and whiteheads.

Inflammatory pimples are the more visible of the two kinds regarding skin appearance. Inflammatory acne can mostly be seen on the face, but can occur on a variety of other locations on the body such as the legs, chest, upper arms, back, shoulders, neck, and scalp. The most common form of acne observed is the pimple. A pimple is when the pore or hair follicle becomes agitated and develops tiny red spots on the skin surface. Before the blemish is fully formed there are symptoms that can be observed. These signs include blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and pustules. Open comedos are clogged pores that have a darker hue with a hole at the top of the skin. They are commonly found on the nose, but can also be found on the cheeks and forehead as well. White heads are a little bit different in that they don't have an open ended pore. They are marks that appear to be bulged out from under the skin. If left alone for a few days whiteheads will develop into pustules. If they are squeezed or popped, they will generally become more infected and could lead to permanent scarring. So it is a good idea to leave the closed comedos alone. Consumers with whiteheads should instead use a gently exfoliating cleanser, such as Proactiv solution or Neutrogena.

Whatever kind of acne there is, there is an efficient treatment that is around and available.A better knowledge of the various types of acne will give the patient a more complete idea of what the most efficient form of treatment will be. Remember, blemishesdoesn’t have to make you suffer all your life. With some research and time everyone can find the treatment that is right for them.