What is Acne?
When Oil glands secrete too much of sebum, pores in the skin are blocked and so a variety of skin problems including acne start arising. If the sebum protrude above the skin blackheads occur; whiteheads occur if they are present under the skin. Worst of all are red pimples, which appear due to the inflammation of the tissues, they secrete pus and leave permanent pits and scars.
Acne Symptoms
- Permanent pits and scars signify chronic acne.
- Red, swollen and sore cysts signify cystic acne.
- Presence of inflamed eruptions, with or without redness and the presence of whiteheads, blackheads, pustules and cysts.
- Chin and jaw-line are the main targets of acne for adults; for teenagers it is mainly face along with neck, shoulders, back and buttocks. During each menstrual period the symptoms worsen in women.
Acne Causes
- Acne can be caused by anything that blocks skin pores like tight clothing, cosmetics and grease.
- It can also be inherited from parents.
- Climatic changes, exposure to herbicides and stress can also cause acne.
- Medications like Vitamin B12, lithium, cortico-steroids and oral contraceptives are other factors.
- In women hormonal fluctuations can cause acne.
Home remedies for Acne
Acne can be controlled but cannot be cured and the steps to be followed are –
- Wash your face gently, daily with plain water and ordinary soap (but not frequently). Avoid scrubs, cleansers and saunas.
- Use blackhead extractor with medical consultation, otherwise it may leave behind pits and scars.
- Benzoyl peroxide 5% or 10% drying cream or lotion can be used for about 4-6 weeks.
- Pull your hair away from your face when you style them or go to sleep; avoid greasy hair- dressings.
- Skin can be damaged by ultraviolet lamps and overexposure to sunlight and sometimes can cause skin cancer, so avoid them.
- Avoid foods that you feel are responsible for flaring up your acne.
- If acne is severe avoid cosmetics, otherwise water-based cosmetics, which are non-acnegenic can be used.
- When you are exercising wear loose fitting, absorbent clothes and headband.
- Flare-ups are stress related too, so have plenty of rest.