Acne Articles

Acne is a common disorder where the pores and hair follicles become agitated and inflamed, leading to facial blemishes that show on the skin. These imperfections 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 adolescent period that is known as puberty. This is when the body begins to develop major changes in hormone levels as a result of developing into a mature, adult body capable of sexual reproduction. Acne often has an effect on male teenagers, but it is not limited to just them. Acne can affect both genders of all ages; sometimes for their entire adult lives. This is less common but definitely not irregular.

Blemishes that appear more obviously on the skin are called inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne can most obviously be seen on the face, but can appear on a number of other spots on the body such as the shoulders, neck, chest, upper arms, scalp, back, and legs. The pimple is the most obvious form of acne seen. This is when a pore or hair follicle becomes agitated and forms small red spots on the skin surface. This is usually the end result of a variety of symptoms that are seen before the actual sore is fully developed. These symptoms include blackheads, closed comedos, cysts, and pustules. Open comedos are clogged pores that have a darker appearance with a hole at the surface of the skin. They are more often than not found on the nose, but can also be seen on the cheeks and forehead as well. Closed comedos are slightly different in that they don't have a pore opening. They are spots that seem to be bulged out from beneath the skin. Whiteheads will commonly turn into pustules if not aggravated for a couple of days. If the zits are squeezed or popped, they will commonly become more infected and could lead to permanent scarring. So it is an excellent idea to leave the whiteheads alone. Acne sufferers with whiteheads should instead use a gently exfoliating cleanser, such as Proactiv solution or Noxema.

Inflammatory and Non-infalammatory are the two major types of acne. The non-inflammatory is divided into two categories; closed and open comedo. A closed comedo is also known as a whitehead and appears on the skin surface as a small white or yellowish hump. The open comedo is otherwise known as a blackhead. A build-up of dirt, contrary to popular belief, is not the cause of blackheads. It is actually a surplus of melanin, a chemical that encompasses the hue of the skin surface. Blackheads and whiteheads can be minimized and maintained by using anti-inflammatory cleaners like Proactiv or others that have aloe vera.

Pustules are dark sores that are filled with pus and have a whitish or yellowish hue. They can develop from whiteheads or blackheads. They are round sores that are inflamed because of agitated sebaceous glands. The human body has thousands of sebaceous glands that produce an oil-like substance known as sebum. Infection and irritation can start when the body manufactures too much sebum. Cysts are larger pus filled sores that can be seen on the top but are in reality deep within the epidermis. Because of the size and depth of the inflammation, cysts are often very unpleasant and can be as large as an inch across the affected area. They appear as a result of the contents of a comedo spreading across the affected area and the bodies natural defense of developing pus to minimize these aspects. Cysts can leave deep and permanent scars.

Whatever kind of zits there is, there is an efficient treatment that is around and available.A better knowledge of the different kinds of acne will give the consumer a better idea of what the most effective form of treatment will be. Remember, zitsdoesn’t have to affect you all your life. With some research and time anyone can find the treatment that is correct for them.