The Basics of Acne

The Basics of Acne
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Liz_Lunn]Liz Lunn

What is acne?

Acne blemishes start at comedones. A closed comedone is a whitehead and an open comendone is a blackhead. The comedones are caused when a pore is blocked. It fills with oil and bacteria. As these areas become inflamed and infected, they are known as papules or pustules, better known as pimples or zits. Some blemishes start as nodules, which are lumps deep within the skin. These can be very painful.

What causes acne?

Acne can be triggered by many things, including cosmetics, overwashing and stress. Acne cannot be cured by constantly washing your face. In fact, washing too much will irritate you skin and aggravate your acne. Cosmetics can block pores and trap oil and dirt on your face. Stress causes acne flares in many people. Stress causes hormones to be released that increase sweating and oil production. This is also the reason that many women have acne outbreaks just prior to their period.

Treatment Options

There are many treatment options available for acne.You can buy over-the-counter topical medications (creams and gels). For milder or occasional acne, these usually work very well. For people with more chronic acne, a visit to the dermatologist is probably necessary. There are prescription creams that can prevent acne breakouts and help outbreaks heal faster. Antibiotics and hormone therapy are popular acne treatments. However, you should never pick at or squeeze your pimples. This can aggravate the acne and cause even more blemishes.

Acne can cause emotional as well as physical distress. Pimples and nodules can be painful, but more often the emotional distress has a bigger impact on the individual. Anyone who has acne that bothers them should see a dermatologist to get help with reducing the effects of acne.

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