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Common Forms of Acne
Most people have been troubled by acne
at some stage of their lives. The most common form of
acne is called ‘acne vulgaris’ and is caused
when the pores of the skin become partially blocked
by oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria that is normally
found on the skin surface then invades the area, causing
inflammation and pain. In many cases the ensuing pimples
contain pus and sometimes a blackhead. The blackhead
is not dirt, but a change in the pigment of the blockage.
Acne is thought to be partly hereditary,
but there are several other factors that can precede
its onset. One of these is hormonal activity such as
the menstrual cycle. Stress is also likely to bring
on the dreaded zits due to increased output of hormones
from the stress glands. Anabolic steroids have a similar
effect, while medication containing halogens, lithium,
barbiturates or androgens is also cited as a cause.
A more severe form of acne called Chloracne is caused
by exposure to high levels of chlorine. This type of
acne is very severe and long lasting.
The normal form of acne usually gets
better by itself, but the trouble is that it can often
take a long time: decades in some cases. Another problem
is that acne at its worst can cause bad scarring of
the skin. If a pimple full of pus is squeezed until
it bleeds, there will often be scarring.
Some experts say that pimples should
not be squeezed because this can force the pus deeper
into the skin. This deep-rooted infection can result
in scarring and cyst formation. It is easier to prevent
these scars in the first place than to cure them, so
go easy on the squeezing. If you do squeeze a pimple,
wash your hands in a disinfectant first, then gently
pierce the pus-filled pimple with a sterile needle.
This will allow the pus to come out instead of being
forced downwards. Sterilize the needle by passing it
through a candle flame two or three times.
Some mature women have what they think
is acne, but it may be the less common acne rosacea.
It is similar to look at, but the skin is usually flushed
and becomes thickened. People who blush easily are the
most likely to develop this condition. Acne rosacea
is frequently stress-related and is a potential threat
to the vision, so a correct diagnosis is imperative.
It is possible for the two forms of acne to co-exist.
Another condition that can be mistaken for acne is keratosis
pilaris.
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