Information on Acne/pimple/zit (With Pictures)
Hello guys!
As you all know,acne has become a major problem among teenagers.Hence,Id like to post you a few information on acne.Please note,Im not a dermatologist so I cant answer all your questions and this thread is for information only :)
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin disease often characterized by inflammation in the skin, erupting in lesions. Acne.They occur normally occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring.
How does Acne happens?
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/images2/acne_illus.gif
Acne forms inside a person's pores. A pore is an opening in the skin through which a very fine hair grows.Sebaceous glands connected to the pores produce a substance called sebum, which lubricates the hair and the skin.
Acne occurs when several things happen inside the pore. First, the sebaceous glands produce too much oil. Then, as the pore's lining naturally renews itself, it sheds dead cells. These cells -- not the cells on the surface of the skin -- combine with sebum to create a plug. The result is an enlarged, blocked pore called a comedo.
If the plug stays beneath the surface of the skin, it causes a whitehead. If it reaches the surface of the skin, it causes a blackhead. If the walls of the pore break down, the result is a pimple, also called a pustule.
Plugged pores create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which causes pain, inflammation and swelling. The bacteria and oil can also create deep, painful areas called cysts, which can lead to scarring.
Why does Acne happens?
Hormonal changes
Genetic factors
Over-secretion of sebum
Environmental factors such as hot & humid conditions
Certain medications like steroid
Improper skin care products
Types of Acne :
Non-inflammatory acne
Inflammatory acne
Non-inflammatory Ance
Whitehead
http://www.makemyacnegoaway.com/make.../whitehead.jpg
http://www.acne.org/images/whiteheads-mag.gif
When the trapped sebum and bacteria stay below the skin surface, a whitehead is formed. Whiteheads may show up as tiny white spots, or they may be so small that they are invisible to the naked eye
Blackhead
http://www.makemyacnegoaway.com/make.../blackhead.jpg
http://www.askanddiscuss.com/blog/wp...blackheads.jpg
A blackhead occurs when the pore opens to the surface, and the sebum, which contains the skin pigment melanin, oxidizes and turns a brown/black color. It is not dirt and can not be washed away. Blackheads can last for a long time because the contents very slowly drain to the surface.
A blackhead or whitehead can release its contents to the surface and heal. Or, the follicle wall can rupture and inflammatory acne can ensue (see below). This rupture can be caused by random occurrence or by picking or touching the skin. This is why it is important to leave acne prone skin relatively untouched
Inflammatory Acne
Papule
http://www.acne.org/images/papule.gif
http://www.acne.org/images/papules-mag.gif
A papule occurs when there is a break in the follicular wall. White blood cells rush in and the pore becomes inflamed.
Pustule
http://www.acne.org/images/pustule.gif
http://www.acne.org/images/pustules-mag.gif
A pustule forms several days later when white blood cells make their way to the surface of the skin. This is what people usually refer to as a "zit" or a "pimple".
An inflamed lesion can sometimes completely collapse or explode, severely inflaming the surrounding skin, and sometimes engulfing neighboring follicles. These lesions are called nodules or cysts:
Nodule
http://www.acne.org/images/ex-nodule.jpg
When a follicle breaks along the bottom, total collapse can occur, causing a large, inflamed bump that can be sore to the touch
Cyst
http://www.acne.org/images/ex-cyst.jpg
Sometimes a severe inflammatory reaction can result in very large pus filled lesions
How To Wash Your Face
1. Look for the terms "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic" (non-acne aggravating) when selecting a facial cleanser. Simply choose a gentle liquid cleanser with no scrubbing agents, beads, or balls.
2. Wash your face only twice per day, morning and evening. Excess washing can cause irritation. You want to be as kind to your skin as possible.
3. Use only your bare hands to wash, and wash for 10 seconds or less.
4. Pat dry. Do not rub dry as it will cause excess irritations that lead to more breakouts.
Once,its thoroughly clean,you are free to apply whatever medications required.
Well,there are many infos out there on acne but it wont all fit into here.So,feel free to seek out for information and NEVER GIVE UP to heal all those acnes!
Some useful websites :
http://www.acne.org/
http://www.medicinenet.com/acne/article.htm
http://www.acne-resource.org/index.html
I hope that you will find this useful :) Cheers :eusa_danc
