Common Forms of Acne
Most people have been troubled by skin breakouts and lesions at some stage of their lives, usually during the adolescent years. The condition is most common in the Western world which has caused it to be linked to diet, perhaps incorrectly. The studies are still being conducted on the issue of a link between acne and diet.
Vulgaris
When adolescents come down with a form of pimples or zits with all its attendant miseries, it is most likely be the form known as vulgaris. This is the most common type of skin eruptions. The cause is known to be blockage of the skin pores due to oil and dead skin cells. The cause of the increased oil production and sticky cells is still under investigation. Because of the blockage, the bacteria that normally lives on the surface of the skin invades the sensitive area creating inflammation and pain. At this point, the ensuing eruption is called a blackhead, pimple, zit, or other terms and may contain pus. The blackhead is not dirt, but the coloration of the pigment due to the blockage of the area.
Rosacea
Occasionally, a woman who believed she was past the age when acne would be a problem, she contracts a condition called rosacea. This type of the skin problem looks much like its cousin vulgaris, but the skin tends to be thickened and flushed. Rosacea has the danger of being a threat to vision so it is especially important that this condition be diagnosed and treated early. Women who tend to blush easily are more likely to develop rosacea.
Vulgaris also appears similar to another condition known as keratosis pilaris.
Causes
It is understood that there is a genetic link with some of the types of this condition, but there are other factors as well that can bring about the lesions, pain and swelling of the disease. Commonly cited examples are the onset of the menstrual cycle and physical or emotional stress. Both these factors are tied to the hormonal levels in the body. Other substances which may affect the number and severity of the lesions include anabolic steroids, halogens, androgens, barbiturates, lithium and chlorine.
Treatment
Acne Vulgaris typically gets better, even if nothing is done to treat it, but the process can take years or sometimes decades. The more severe zits can leave the skin pitted and scarred forever. Although many people form a practice of squeezing a pimple to release the pus, this is the poorest method of getting rid of the pimples. Instead of squeezing the pimple which forces the infection deeper into the skin causing scarring and cyst formation, you should disinfect your hands then pierce the head of the pimple with a sterilized needle to release the pus.
Although not every type of acne responds favorably to the same treatment, most are treatable with success varying according to the age, type of condition and type of treatment plan used. A complete plan which includes diagnosis, prevention, symptom treatment, and skin repair through cosmetic procedures as required, generally tends to have the most positive success score.
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