What is Acne?

What is acne? Acne is a term attributed to plugged pores, commonly known as blackheads and whiteheads, pimples, and even cysts or nodules, occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Follicles, often called pores, often get blocked with sebum (oil), which normally drains to the surface, and a bacteria propionibacterium acnes, begins to grow. Both whiteheads and blackheads start out as a "microcomedone" which then become skin blemishes called comedones. Acne can be upsetting, disfiguring, sometimes leading to permanent scarring.

There are different types of acne. A white head is a lesion where trapped sebum and bacteria stay below the skin surface. A blackhead, on the other hand, is a lesion where trapped sebum and bacteria partially open to the surface and turn black due to the skin pigment melanin.

A papule is a small solid lesion slightly elevated above the surface of the skin. A pustule, again, is a dome-shaped skin elevation containing pus: a mixture of white blood cells, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It often has a hair in the center. A macule is a temporary red spot left by a healed acne lesion. It is flat and pinkish, with well-defined borders that can persist for days to weeks. A number of macules can contribute to the "inflamed face" appearance of acne. A nodule is a solid dome-shaped or irregularly shaped lesion, characterized by pain, inflammation and extending into deeper layers of the skin. It may cause tissue destruction resulting in scarring.

A cyst is a sac-like lesion containing white blood cells, dead cells, and bacteria. It may be severely inflamed and painful, extending into deeper layers of the skin and can result in scarring.

Who gets acne? Acne affects teenagers mostly; however it can occur in adults of all age groups also. Acne starts between the ages of ten and thirteen and usually lasts for five to ten years. It normally goes away on its own in the early twenties but can stretch into the late twenties or thirties or even beyond. Some people get acne for the first time as adults.

The treatment of acne is not difficult at all. Following a clear regimen helps considerably. Gentle cleansing plus plenty of 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide gives a clear skin as Benzoyl peroxide kills the acne bacteria well. A little itchiness after an application is quite normal, and some people also experience redness of the skin for the initial couple of weeks. However, this will definitely get better because it will cure the acne and prevent any new outbreaks.

Lana Hampton is the webmaster of http://www.theacnecenter.com. Visit her site today for the latest acne information, treatments and product reviews.

Eating junk food doesn't cause acne Post-Tribune My grandmother says that I'm getting acne. I'm really worried about this. Grandma says that I'm eating too much junk food and that if I stop “eating that junkâ€� my complexion will start to clear. Is this true? Please tell me what I should do to get rid ... and more »

What Triggers Teenage Acne? Dermatologist Explains MyFox Detroit (WJBK) -- Bad acne is physically and emotionally scarring. It's tough at any age, but for teens it can be traumatic. Dermatologist Steve Grekin sees a lot of acne, kids like 17-year-old Talvin Stephenson, whose skin and self esteem are both at-risk.

Zion Health Announces Simple Home Remedy; Natural Clay Skin Care Products Now ... San Francisco Chronicle (press release) Zion Health's Detox Clay Home Remedies to help heal skin conditions including adult acne, rashes and skin break outs- Now available at Olivers Market in Cotati, CA. Zion Health announces a unique line of Healing Clay skin care products now available ... and more »

Avoiding Acne Patch.com Of course, I love this, but it wasn't always so "beautiful," in fact, I had a very severe case of cystic acne for several years. Almost everyone I know has had some form of acne in their lives. I had great skin all my teen years, and developed acne as ...

Don't blame whitening agents in toothpaste for those breakouts The Republic Despite suspicions from some zit-stricken folks seeking answers on online advice forums, dermatologists say there's no reason to blame toothpaste for acne breakouts. What toothpaste can cause, however, is irritation or allergic reactions in people with ...

Don't blame whitening agents in toothpaste for those breakouts Chicago Tribune Despite suspicions from some zit-stricken folks seeking answers on online advice forums, dermatologists say there's no reason to blame toothpaste for acne breakouts. What toothpaste can cause, however, is irritation or allergic reactions in people with ... and more »

Use Of Cosmetics When You Have Acne Oye! Times You have acne and like every other girl you still want to use cosmetics for looking different, for that you need to follow some cosmetics tips for acne. Make a personalcosmetic guide which includes the cosmetics and products that suit you and that suit ...

BBC News

New acne treatment up for award BBC News A Scottish company has launched a new treatment based on light-therapy to treat acne. Ambicare has developed a device which can be used at home. The patient places pads, which emit a blue light, directly onto the affected parts of their skin.

Murad® Healthy Skin Facials Now Available at Massage Envy Spas in the Houston Area Houston Chronicle Treatments include the Environmental Shield® Vitamin C Facial, Clarifying Enzyme Acne Facial, Anti-aging Facial and the Sensitive Skin Facial. Massage Envy Spas also offer an at-home skincare kit to continue treatment in between facial sessions! and more »

Acne Inversa Patients Face Sexual Distress Skin and Allergy News Digital Network Sexual dysfunction and distress are increased in patients with acne inversa leading to a diminished quality of life, according to the findings of a recent prospective, observational study. The findings, which are among the first to evaluate sexual ...