Acne Information and Treatments That Actually Work

One of the most common problems faced by all men and women around the world is acne. Acne is the medical term for pimple. Acne or Acne Vulgaris is caused by an inflammatory infection usually in the face and can be found on the chest and back also. Pimples are sometimes called spots or zits.

With the reach of the age of puberty, lots of biological changes are triggered in the body. Once such change is the maturation of the skin which leads to the enlargement of the sebaceous glands. This may lead to conditions of hyperkeratinization and accumulation of sebum. If is accumulation is not cleared it gets infected. The immune system of the body attacks this infection and separated the pus into segregated pockets which is below the skin.
Acne is caused due to various factors such as genetics, hormonal activity and accumulation of bacterias in the pores.

Baby Acne and Acne Treatments for Teenagers

If your newborn or infant breaks out with a case of acne, don't panic! It's quite normal. Usually the acne will clear up all by itself and there's rarely a need to use any medications or call your doctor. Babies, especially newborns, often get acne bumps that are caused by natural skin oil becoming trapped in hair follicles. While mostly found on the cheeks, it's not uncommon for babies to have acne on their forehead or chin as well. Just continue to bathe your baby as normal using a clean and soft washcloth and your normal baby soap as long as it is hypoallergenic. Otherwise, switch brands to something that is. If the condition appears to worsen, or it doesn't clear up within a few weeks, then ask your doctor for advice. Adolescent and Teen Acne Issues While the occasional blemish can break out at any age, persistent acne usually begins about the same time your child enters puberty. Forget the old wifes tales about eating too much chocolate or oily foods. Acne in adolescents and teenagers results from a natural increase in body oil which becomes trapped in pores. And it's not about failure to wash the face enough either. In fact, washing too much can actually irritate the skin, clog the pores, and cause more acne. Child Acne Prevention and Treatment While prevention may not be possible, you can reduce the appearance of your child's acne by encouraging him or her to gently wash twice a day using warm water, a soft facecloth and a mild hypoallergenic soap. If your daughter wears makeup, help her to choose cosmetics which are labeled 'noncomedogenic' since they are specially formulated not to promote acne. Also encourage her to never go to bed without removing her makeup. Tell your child that 'popping' just makes things worse. Most acne responds well to over-the-counter products containing benzol peroxide. This ingredient is available in a number of different lotions and cremes from several manufacturers. Save yourself some money by comparing store brands with national brands. If the ingredients are the same and they are present in the same levels, go for the cheaper one. The percentage of available benzol peroxide varies among brands. Choose a product with the highest concentration possible, but always test a dab on an inconspicuous portion of your child's body to see if there is any reaction. If you do not see a marked improvement within 4-6 weeks after treatment begins, take your child to their regular doctor for an exam and treatment advice. There is no need to head straight to a dermatologist unless your child's regular doctor suggests it. There is no convenient time for an acne breakout in children. Be available to provide the emotional support that your child will need to help him or her through the social stigma that comes with acne. It's a lot bigger deal to them than it is to us.

Scalp Acne

Just about everyone knows what acne is and that it commonly breaks out on the face, chest, arms and on the back. Acne also appears on other parts of the body as well, but unless you're someone with acne in one of these 'other' areas, you may not have realized this.

If you think about what acne is – a skin condition – it makes sense then that acne can appear almost anywhere on the body. One area in particular that is not often associated with acne is the scalp.

Scalp acne, the mildest form of which is also known as scalp folliculitis, probably occurs more frequently than most people realize. This form of acne is most often triggered during times of high stress. This irritating scalp condition usually develops whenever the scalp becomes oilier than usual, such as when the hair isn't washed frequently or when hair care products that contain a considerable amount of oil are used.

Scalp acne is very itchy and that makes it difficult for those who have it to leave it alone. In its mildest form, the pustules are small, crusty, and they're sore. They appear mainly on the upper forehead at the hairline. A person can have just a few pustules or there can be many.

A more severe form of scalp acne called acne necrotica miliaris is characterized by inflamed larger papules with black-colored crusts. This form of acne can leave behind scars that resemble those resulting from Chicken Pox. There is an even more severe form of scalp acne that primarily affects adult African-American men, but can actually affect anybody, regardless of race or sex. This extremely rare condition is a combination of large cysts and smaller pustules and papules that grow to be very large.

Treatment for Scalp Acne

The mild form of scalp acne can be treated the way most other acne is treated. Keep the affected area clean by using a product that contains salicylic acid. Remember though that these products can cause excessive dryness so use only on affected areas. For better control, apply using a cotton ball.

Since oily hair is a contributing factor to scalp acne, using shampoo that is formulated for oily hair and scalp is another good option. Hair care products designed especially to treat seborrhea have also been used successfully. And since many people use more than just shampoo on their hair, it's a good idea to check the labels on all hair care products and make changes as necessary.

Never attempt to treat the more severe forms of scalp acne without first speaking to a doctor or a dermatologist.

One thing that should not be used to treat scalp acne is any product that contains benzoyl peroxide. The peroxide, when it comes into contact with hair, can change the color of the hair and result in a less-than-desirable look. Those who have chemically-textured their hair (for example those with perms) or color-treated their hair are most prone to hair trouble when benzoyl peroxide comes into contact with hair.

More About Back Acne

Back acne – you might not see it, but if you have it, you'll certainly feel it. And although not everyone will get acne on their backs, this condition is common enough to have earned the nickname, 'bacne'. Sounds funny but it isn't really. The back area is home to thousands of sebaceous glands and each one is busy producing a lot of oil. Tight-fitting clothing and clothing made from fabrics that don't allow the skin to breathe are two of the biggest instigators of back acne. Even wearing a backpack has been attributed to triggering bouts of back acne. These types of clothing and accessories trap the oil that's being constantly produced by the sebaceous glands on the back. And just like the acne that appears on other parts of the body, when the sebaceous gland gets clogged, dead skin cells become trapped inside the hair follicles and soon, bacteria is on its way, inflaming the tissues surrounding the affected areas and causing acne. Any type of acne can appear on the back including whiteheads and blackheads, pustules (the surface type), papules (a bit deeper) or the acne can form deep in the skin and cause acne cysts. Back acne doesn't seem to be triggered by hereditary, stress or a poor diet, but long hair has been known to aggravate the pores on the back. If you have long hair and back acne, you might want to keep your hair off your back. Back Acne Treatments The skin that covers the back is much thicker than the skin that covers the other parts of the body where acne is prone to appear. And because of this difference in skin thickness, the treatment regime for 'bacne' is going to be different. It's still very important to keep the back clean and the best way is to bathe or shower frequently, especially after working out. Use a cleanser that contains salicylic or glycolic acid. If you've never used one before, now is the time to learn how to gently use a loofah so you can begin removing those dead skin cells (also known as exfoliating). After washing and drying the skin, apply a topical product that contains benzoyl peroxide to the areas on the back that are affected by acne and be sure to allow the product to fully absorb into the skin (it can stain clothing). Also, it's important to only treat the areas that have acne, rather than slathering the product all over the back. You don't want the skin on your back to become excessively dry. If you dry out the skin, you'll have to moisturize and that could cause more acne. If you cannot reach the affected areas, have someone apply the product for you. That's all you really need to treat back acne. Most people don't wash their backs as well as they should so changing this bad habit will produce almost immediate results. Of course if your back acne is severe, you should consult with a dermatologist.

Is Genital Acne for Real?

What is commonly referred to as genital acne is actually a medical condition known as Hidradenitis Suppurativa. The visible appearance of this other condition resembles acne which is probably why the confusion between the two conditions exists.

What is Different?

Unlike acne, which involves the sebaceous glands, Hidradenitis Suppurativa involves a different set of glands – the apocrine glands. Apocrine glands are located in the groin area and under the arms and the nipples and these glands can also become blocked. Perspiration is the culprit, much like it is with acne, but something else that can happen to the apocrine glands is that they sometimes do not develop completely. When materials become trapped inside these glands and cannot get outside the body they end up being forced out into the tissues that surround the blocked glands. The end result is a painful infection and inflammation surrounding the area of infection that sometimes causes lesions to appear on the surface of the skin.

Besides excessive perspiration, which is common in this area, there are other situations that can cause irritation in the groin area and trigger this condition. Clothing that is too tight and that constantly rubs against the skin is one culprit, but some laundry detergents can also irritate the skin. If you've got trouble in this area, try using a different detergent or even a different body soap to see if the problem goes away.

When to See a Doctor

If the problem persists and especially if the lesions are present on the genital organs, it's probably time to see a doctor. Unfortunately, genital acne (or Hidradenitis Suppurativa) is sometimes something more serious. The lesions can actually be a symptom of a sexually-transmitted disease such as genital herpes or warts and have nothing at all to do with blocked glands. Yes, this visit will likely be uncomfortable and even embarrassing, but it's absolutely necessary to get the right diagnosis. That's the only way you'll be able to make this bad situation better.

When the diagnosis is Hidradenitis Suppurativa, it's easier to treat if it's a mild case. If so, then switch to wearing clothing that doesn't fit quite so snugly. And just as with acne, you'll want to keep the affected areas free of bacteria so cleanse with an antiseptic, or hydrogen or benzoyl peroxide solution. If the lesions have a discharge or are painful, they might have an infection that requires antibiotics. Extreme lesions may even need to be sliced open and drained, but this is only recommended for very severe situations.

When this medical situation is under control, making a few simple changes to your cleansing routine will help keep this often painful condition from reemerging. As with any type of acne, gentle exfoliation is the key to keeping bacteria under control. The exfoliating process helps to remove dead cells so that they don't become a problem. Be sure to use a mild cleanser and to rub gently so the skin doesn't become irritated.

Natural Acne Skin Care Solutions - Give me some acne home remedies

If someone could figure out a way to prevent acne, that person would be very wealthy because people all over the world would stand in line to buy the solution. But so far, the way to prevent acne remains a mystery.

Home treatment for acne?

While ointments, soaps and lotions remain by far the most popular acne treatment options, perhaps hundreds of companies in business right now are offering herbal remedies for acne and natural acne treatments. Do these products work?

The manufacturers of these products claim they do. They offer plenty of testimonials from satisfied customers but they come up short on scientific data. And unfortunately, there aren't any governing bodies in charge of validating their health-related claims. Does this lack of legislative oversight make a product good or bad? The answer depends on whom you ask and what you believe.

But this much is certain. In earlier times, as far back in time as there is record, civilizations relied entirely on herbal and natural remedies to treat every ailment. They had to because the neighborhood pharmacy, with its manufactured treatments for every ailment ever documented, is a very recent development.

Throughout the centuries, civilizations ate only the foods that came from the earth or that they raised on their farms. Life was more difficult and life spans were definitely shorter but these people overall were very healthy. Why? Many believe the reason for this better state of health is because they did not fill their bodies with processed ingredients, harsh pesticides and other potentially dangerous combinations of chemicals.

Are acne home remedies effective?

So how do you decide whether herbal remedies and natural treatments for acne are effective? The only thing you really can do is research this issue. Find out which herbs and natural ingredients have been shown to be effective in treating acne and then find skin care products that include them. Then try these products for yourself and measure your own results.

For example, dermatologists typically recommend antibiotics because bacteria are a main cause of acne. But did you know that several natural products have shown promise in fighting bacteria? Echinacea and Tea Tree oil are two of the more common natural remedies for acne. A dermatologist may be able to give you more information on herbal remedies and natural treatments for acne and if yours won't, it might be time to find someone who will.

Some basic Home remedies for pimples

If you're willing to look, you'll find plenty of clay masks, facial peels and gentle abrasives made from all-natural ingredients. If you take time to find a reputable company and to also read the ingredients label, you'll find plenty of natural options for treating your acne.

Does Your Diet Really Affect Acne?

Whether or not a person's diet affects the presence or absence of acne is one of life's greatest debates. There are as many people who claim a relationship exists between acne and diet as there are those who swear no such relationship exists. So which way of thinking is right? Will you really break out if you eat too much chocolate or too many greasy, high-fat foods? The Great Debate is Over As much as we wish it could be true, to date there is no scientific evidence that links what you eat to the development of acne. Acne isn't caused by eating too much pizza or French fries or by drinking too much soda. Acne is caused by the oils that are produced by overly-active sebaceous glands beneath the skin, but these oils are very different from the oils that are used in food preparation. So next time your mother, friend or other family member tries to tell you otherwise, it's okay for you not to believe what they're saying. If no relationship exists between diet and acne, how has this myth survived for so many years? Well many people simply believe it to be true. They believe that, in their own case, eating certain foods triggers acne outbursts. If you too happen to think this is true, then you have every right to steer clear of the foods you've identified as acne instigators. Doctors will tell you to avoid those foods that you think spell trouble, but that's as far as most will go when it comes to linking diet with acne. Do Watch What You Eat Even though there might not be a scientifically-proven connection between acne and food, there are many health- and nutrition-related reasons for limiting your intake of processed, fried, high-fat foods and those tasty sweet treats that are made from refined carbohydrates. Those types of foods have been proven to cause heart disease, a condition that is far more serious than acne. That reason all by itself should be enough to make every person, regardless of race, sex or age, change their eating habits. A diet that is the right balance of vitamins and nutrients can greatly reduce the risk of heart trouble. Such a diet will leave you feeling more energized and may even slow down the effects of aging (the debate on this issue still rages). Equally important, a balanced diet is the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off, and that claim has also been proven. What really happens when the body is fed a nutritionally-balanced diet is that it is more capable of performing at optimum capacity. When the body feels better, it acts better, and it's only a short time until it looks better too. So go ahead and start adding more fiber, anti-oxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and complex carbohydrates to your diet and start reaping the benefits. You might find that glowing, blemish-free skin is one way your body benefits from eating a proper diet!

How the Birth Control Pill and Pregnancy Affect Acne

Acne first develops during adolescence, when hormone levels begin to surge. This deluge of hormones causes the sebaceous glands to go into overdrive. They begin producing increased levels of sebaceous oils that often become clogged inside the glands. When the oils can't escape, acne develops.

If fluctuating hormone levels within the body trigger an increase in sebaceous oil production, it makes sense then that any time a person's hormone level is altered there's an increased chance that an outbreak of acne will occur. With women, acne flare-ups are common while they are taking birth control pills and also when they become pregnant.

Birth Control & Acne

Women who do take the birth control pill and who notice that their acne is getting worse should discuss the situation with their doctor. Different brands of oral contraception have different levels of hormones and one side effect of some brands is an increase in acne. Switching to another brand can bring acne back under control.

And that's why women who have moderate but persistent acne sometimes choose to start taking the birth control pill as a way to help clear up their acne. Any women who is healthy, who is at least age 15, who has begun menstruating and who has made the decision to begin using oral contraceptives can discuss getting a prescription for a birth control pill with their doctor. There are several brands that help clear up acne but only one so far has been approved by the FDA for treating acne and that is Ortho Tri-cyclen.

It's important to note that taking the birth control pill as a way to treat acne is an option that is best pursued only after all other acne treatment options have been attempted without success. The birth control pill does have side effects and it must be taken exactly as prescribed to be effective.

Acne During Pregnancy

Women who have become pregnant often report an increase in acne, too. Many changes occur within a woman's body in an effort to properly prepare the body for the growing fetus. The two primary female hormones at work in every woman's body are progesterone and estrogen. During pregnancy, progesterone becomes the dominant hormone, taking on new roles as the fetus develops. But progesterone is more androgenic than estrogen, which basically means it is more like the hormones found in men. Increased progesterone during pregnancy causes the sebaceous glands to produce more sebaceous oils than normal and that is what can cause outbreaks of acne.

If it's possible, the best way to handle acne during pregnancy is to realize that it is a short-term problem that will usually go away once the baby is born. If this isn't possible, discuss your options over with a dermatologist who has experience working with patients during their pregnancy. After discussing your situation, the dermatologist will be able to suggest treatment options that'll make you happier with your appearance and that won't harm your baby.

Makeup for acne scars - What is the best way to conceal them?

OK, so your new acne medication promises fast results in 7 days, but you've got to put your best face forward today. Is there anything you can do besides stepping out your front door wearing a ski mask? You bet there is. All you need is to learn a few creative acne makeup concealing tips to help you look your very best at school, work or play. Remember -- Makeup conceals acne, it doesn't cure it! But you already knew that, right? Using makeup to conceal acne isn't difficult, but there are some basic rules that you should always follow. Your basic acne makeup toolkit Your three acne-hiding makeup weapons will be a concealer, a foundation and a finishing powder. Stay away from the dollar store and use only brand names that you can trust. Choose only oil-free makeup products that match your skin tone. Oil-free is the key to success here so read the labels carefully. You don't want to aggravate your existing acne problem by layering a fresh coat of oil on skin that already has too much to begin with. Choose a hypoallergenic brand while you're at it. If this is the first time that you are using a new brand, test the makeup applying small dabs to a spot under your jaw to see how your skin reacts. If you are going to have a problem you'll know within an hour or so after applying it. Nothing's worse than adding more blotches to an already colorful face. Before you begin Wash your face with your normal face cleansing product and pat dry. Apply your acne medication per the instructions and let it dry throughly. Start with the concealer Apply the concealer in a light dabbing motion directly to any dark blotches or red areas that the acne has produced on your skin. Blend the concealer in using a disposable facial sponge. Use the concealer sparingly. You can always apply more if you need it but you don't want to layer it on too thickly. It will look terrible when it dries. Next, apply the foundation Apply the foundation sparingly as well and use a light dabbing motion here too. Blend the foundation with your sponge and reapply to any areas that need it. And now for the final touch Apply a light layer of the oil-free powder using a large makeup brush. This will take care of any shine that the acne concealer and foundation left behind and it will give you an even and finished look. Throw away the disposable sponges when you are through so you don't transfer yesterday's skin oil to tomorrow's clean face! Before you go to bed Wash your face throughly to remove all makeup before you go to bed, but preferably as soon as you can after you return home. You want your skin to breath and your acne to get as much fresh air as possible.

Pimples cause an inflammation over the skin which results in itching of the skin. So people generally tend to scratch with nails of pointed object to over come the irritation. This results in the puncturing of the inflammation resulting in the spreading of the puss to surrounding areas. This also results in the formation of scars over the area where the acne was present.

Treatment for pimples is of various types which are depending upon the severity. At the initial stages facial creams, antibacterial lotions and also oral medication is prescribed by dermatologists for the treatment of pimples. The most important step is to keep the skin clean and fresh. It is very much advisable to wash the face with a good soap regularly which helps in keeping the skin clean and fresh. This also helps the skin to breath easily thereby avoiding bacterial blockages.

Further levels of treatment include Light therapy, Microdermabrasion and laser treatment.
Light therapy: Exposure to light has its effect over the skin which is known to all. When exposing the skin to lights of wavelengths of red light will result in the production of certain free radicals in the skin which will act over the bacteria and there by curing the acne.


Microdermabrasion: This type of treatment includes usage of chemical crystals to clean the face. The face is constantly rubbed using minute chemical crystals that will remove a layer of the infected skin there by exposing the underlying bacterial to the treatment. Thus once the skin is cleaned from the bacteria, the acne is reduced.
Laser treatment is mainly concentrated for the treatment for the scars formed from the pimples, but also helps for the treatment of pimples also. The laser light will burn away the infected area and the oil producing gland there by stopping the acne from further spreading. The laser light also acts on the bacteria and kills them. Much of fear is present for undertaking of laser treatment. But care will be taken to expose the skin to permissible limits of laser lights.

With proper care of the skin and timely medication acne can be easily controlled and cured giving way to a healthy and a glowing face.