Acne ScarsWritten by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
Acne is an inflammation of skin that affects people from every country and every culture around world. In US, acne is predominantly thought of as a teenage dilemma, as more than eighty percent of teens and preteens will develop some form of acne. However, condition certainly affects a large number of adults and even infants. The scientific name for condition is acne vulgaris because acne usually strikes in plainly visible locations such as face, neck, chest and back. There are various types of acne that range in annoyance, severity, and healing time. The most severe type of acne may even lead scars that if not treated properly, may be visible for a lifetime. If you or a loved one is troubled by severe acne, here's what you need to know about acne scars and what you need to do to avoid and care for them.How Does Acne Form? Contact with an oily substance such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum is a potential cause of acne, as is use of certain medication and steroids. However, acne is most often cause by secretion of androgens. Acne is also aggravated by milk or dairy products, red meat and fast food. Androgens are sex hormones that are initially secreted at onset of puberty. They are male hormones but they are secreted by females as well. Androgens stimulate production of oil from skin's oil glands. Acne occurs when these overactive oil glands become blocked, causing oil to build up in gland and swell. A bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes normally colonizes this swollen gland causing development of inflammation and pus. In particularly severe cases, glands may burst into skin and produce cysts. Types Of Acne Acne blemishes are categorized into four grades, ranging from mild to very severe. Grade I: Mild acne falls into this category. People with grade I acne generally have blackheads and whiteheads but pimples are not present. Grade II: The condition is considered moderate acne when blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples are present, but they are confined to face and inflammation they cause is minimal.
| | Acne TreatmentWritten by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
Acne is an annoying skin condition that affects people of every age, gender, and race. The scientific name for condition is acne vulgaris because acne usually strikes in plainly visible locations such as face, neck, chest and back. Acne is an age old problem that has likely been plaguing people for centuries. But there are numerous treatment methods available for this bothersome condition. Read on to learn more about acne, and what you can do to treat it.Who Gets Acne? Acne usually begins around time of puberty. More than eighty percent of teenagers and preteens will develop acne to some extent. It affects both males and females, but boys are more likely to have severe acne and to have acne that continues into adulthood. What Causes Acne? Acne can be caused by a number of factors. Contact with an oily substance such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum is a common cause of acne, as is use of certain medication, steroids, on contraceptive pill. However, acne is most often cause by secretion of androgens. Androgens are sex hormones that are initially secreted at onset of puberty. Acne is also caused by ingesting a lot of red meat, milk, sugar and white flour. They are male hormones but they are secreted by females as well. Androgens stimulate production of oil from skin's oil glands. Acne occurs when these oil glands become overactive and exit from gland is blocked, causing oil to build up in gland and swell. A bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes normally colonizes this swollen gland causing development of inflammation and pus. In particularly severe cases, glands may burst into skin and produce cysts. How Should I Treat My Acne? Over ninety percent of acne patients respond to treatment, although treatment may need to be continued for months or even years. Here are a few common treatment methods that can be used for acne.
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