Acne is a skin condition that occurs due to the over-production of oil by the oil glands of the skin.  The oil gets trapped in blocked oil ducts and it results in what we know as pimples, blackheads and whiteheads on the surface of the skin. Acne can be severe in some people; it can cause large pimples and they can form firm swellings deep under the skin. Those pimples become inflamed and cause painful lumps.

Are you an acne-sufferer?  Don't worry because you are not alone. Many teenagers around the world experience acne. However you should bear in mind that acne does not only develop in teenagers. Research shows that there are rare cases where babies are born with acne, and some people get acne for the first time only after they've reached adulthood.

Causes of acne

There are four major factors responsible for causing acne. These factors act together to cause the characteristic pimples, whiteheads and blackheads which are associated with acne. These factors are:-

• Overactive oil glands
• Blockage of the skin pores
• Activity of normal skin bacteria
• Inflammation

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Who Gets Acne?

Adolescents are recognized as the people most affected by acne, because of the high hormonal activity during puberty. People whose oil glands produce more oil are also at high risk to be affected by acne as opposed to those whose glands don't produce excess oil. Also, statistics suggest that heredity could be a contributing factor for acne.

Treatment

Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as Benzoyl peroxide, Resorcinol, Salicylic acid and Sulfur. Bear in mind that if the acne is treated at an early stage or at the onset of the condition then the treatment responds very well. It is best to seek help from a dermatologist in cases of serious/ severe acne

Acne treatment is offered to:

• Deal with inflamed and painful areas
• Limit the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads
• Lessen any stress or embarrassment associated with the condition

In some people the treatment might have side effects causing irritation on the face, redness or burning. This normally happens for a few days after which it settles down. However, if it continues then you should see a dermatologist. In the case of severe acne, a physician normally prescribes a course of oral antibiotics (tetracycline or erythromycin). Antibiotics reduce the population of acne and the skin bacterium responsible for making chemicals that cause inflammation. They also help to reduce the number of red and yellow pimples.

If you have acne, it is important to take precautions in caring for the affected skin. For a man who shaves, you should try to avoid pricking the pimples by softening your beard before shaving. If you are a woman who wears makeup, make sure that you clean your face carefully every night with mild soap and water to remove all traces of makeup.

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