Acne treatment is easier to understand when you know exactly what acne is. Acne is a term used for describing clogged pores that develop into whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and pimples. This can occur not only on the face, but also on the back, upper arms, shoulders, chest, and neck.
Acne affects most teenagers in some way, but it is not only restricted to that age group. Adults of all ages may get acne. It is not a life threatening disease, but without acne treatment it can disfigure, scar, and disrupt the life of an acne sufferer.
Most people have mild acne that is easily manageable with an over-the-counter acne treatment. Sufferers of moderate to severe acne require acne treatment under the direction of a dermatologist.
Acne usually starts somewhere between the ages of eleven to eighteen, regardless of race. Typically, outbreaks happen for somewhere between three to ten years. For most people, acne disappears in their twenties and does not return. However, this is not always the case. Some people do not develop acne until adulthood.
Men and women equally suffer from acne. Young men usually have more severe acne, requiring acne treatment with a dermatologist. A young woman's acne is many times due to hormonal changes or reactions to cosmetics, which usually respond well to acne treatment.
Types of Acne:
Comedo - A follicle clogged with dead skin cells, hairs, or bacteria. A blackhead is an open comedo that has a black appearance. A whitehead is a closed comedo and it looks like a slightly raised bump. With a whitehead, the comedo opening is closed over with skin. A blackhead comedo is open. Do not squeeze or pick at whiteheads or blackheads.
Papule - A small, solid bump elevated slightly above the skin surface. A grouping of small papules is sometimes practically invisible, but does have the feel of sandpaper.
Pustule - A larger raised bump that contains pus consisting of dead skin cells, white blood cells, and bacteria. Pustules healed with acne treatment do not usually progress to the cystic phase and do not usually leave scars.
Macule - A red spot left by acne that has healed. A macule is usually temporary, lasting a few days to a few weeks before it disappears.
Nodule - Similar to a papule with inflammation, nodules extend deep into the skin and sometimes cause tissue damage and scarring. Nodules are severe and usually best treated with an acne treatment from a dermatologist.
Cyst - Cysts are raised bumps containing dead skin cells, white blood cells, and bacteria. Cysts are larger than pustules. They are usually seriously inflamed and extend deep into the skin. Cysts are painful and typically leave a scar. Acne treatment for cysts should be under the care of a dermatologist.
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