Acne Treatment
One thing is certain; acne won’t help you get any dates! It is the timeless torture of teenagers and some adult sufferers who feel that they are going through an extended puberty. They appear suddenly at the most inappropriate moment, at anytime and on any given day. Acne causes people to have low self-esteem, depression and little confidence in themselves, making some of the most sociable individuals become introverted and reclusive, especially during adolescence, when insecurity is at its peak.

Although we associate acne mainly with the face, it can appear anywhere on your body. The term acne is the formal name for pimples, zits, whiteheads, and blackheads. Acne forms in hair follicles or pores when the oil or sebum is trapped under the surface of the skin, causing bacteria to develop. It is considered an irregular reaction to regular levels of testosterone. There are a number of factors that are connected to acne, including:

- puberty
- stress
- irregular menstrual cycles
- accumulation of dead skin cells
- frequent scratching of skin
- pores that are full of bacteria
- the consumption of barbiturates, lithium, halogens or androgens
- anabolic steroid usage
- contact with chlorine compounds

Various foods may exasperate the condition, making a mild case of acne turn into a severe outbreak. A balanced diet that refrains from excessive consumption of foods that have high iodine content is recommended to people who are prone to acne. Research is ongoing to determine whether high-glycemic foods, such as soft drinks, white bread and sweets in general, affect acne.

Many people have mild acne at one time or another, but others have cases of severe acne, which is called acne vulgaris and may cause disfiguration and serious scarring. It is of the utmost importance that you do not touch the acne-affected area, though if this is unavoidable then the area and your hands must be thoroughly washed. It you manage to get some of the puss out, try not to spread it to surrounding areas, or it may cause another outbreak.

We have all been in the position when a pimple is just plain annoying and we want to pop it so it will go away. This must be done carefully because popping a pimple that is not ripe may cause scarring. If you pop it before it’s ready, most probably you will end up with a giant, irritated spot that will scab and spread to surrounding areas.

In case you succumb to the temptation of popping, make sure you have removed all make-up, washed the area and your hands well. It is preferable to use the soft part of your fingertips rather than you fingernails, where dirt and bacteria can get trapped and be transferred to the pimple when popping. You can use a tissue, or even better a tool specifically designed for this purpose, which is carried by most cosmetic retailers. Let out as much puss as possible without forcing it because this may cause further irritation.

The most prudent action would be first to consult your dermatologist, who can prescribe a suitable acne treatment, depending on the severity of your case. Some treatments work and others don’t, so be careful when buying over-the-counter creams and cleansers. Exfoliating the skin can get rid of the dead skin which when accumulated, can cause cases of acne.

Most acne treatments include 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which does work quite effectively on mild to moderate cases, in combination with daily gentle cleansing of the skin. You can find a great deal of information about acne treatments in the internet, as many sufferers offer hands-on experience in battling and defeating acne.

For more severe cases of acne, antibiotics or Retin-A are often prescribed. If the sufferer is female, the acne may be a result of hormonal imbalance, and can be treated effectively with anti-testosterone Cyproterone.

So if you suffer from acne, do not despair. There is a treatment out there that will work for you!