Acne

About eight out of ten teens suffer from acne, a condition in which spots develop on the skin. The spots are caused by overstimulation of the sebaceous glands in the skin, which produce an oily substance called sebum. The sebum blocks the pores and makes people prone to spots.

 

Teenage Acne

Teenage acne is associated with a rise in the levels of the male hormone testosterone as puberty is reached. Whether or not you develop spots has nothing to do with how high the testosterone levels are, it depends on the sensitivity of your skin to the hormone - and girls produce testosterone too. It is the testosterone that stimulates the glands to produce sebum, blocking pores and causing spots.

Adult Acne

The good news is that most people grow out if it by their late teens or early twenties. However, a few people will still be struggling with it in their forties. There is also an adult form called acne rosace that affects one in ten women between the ages of 30 and 50. It can affect men too, although its less common. In both men and women it tends to run in families. Acne rosacea causes red skin with broken veins and acne-like pustules on the forehead, cheeks and nose.

Treatments

Chemists' shelves are packed with products claiming to clear your skin. I find the most effective are creams that contain benzoyl peroxide.  These creams come in varying strenghs so always try the weakest first; ask your pharmacist for advice.

Soap can alter the pH of the skin and in some people may make acne worse. Try washing your skin with an antiseptic solution (ten parts water to one part antiseptic) instead; it can really help control greasy skin.

You can also visit http://the-health-talk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/home-made-spot-treatments.html for some homemade treatments for acne and spots.

Doctor's Advice

If over the counter remedies dont work, dont despair. Your doctor will be able to help. It's such a common problem that they see someone with acne almost evry day. They will say to try topical antibiotics, such as creams or gels, some of which contain vitamin A. If they dont work, it may be worth trying a course of antibiotics. These are normally taken every day for several months. It often takes eight weeks or so to see a definite improvement.

One type of oral contraceptive (Co-cyprindiol) is also  licensed for the treatment of acne. It is very effective, although it is not suitable for all women. In very severe cases, they will refer patients to a consultant dermatologist, because there are some treatments that are onlt availablle via a specialist.

Questions

Doest eating chocolate make ance worse?
No, research shoes there is not link between your diet and acne. A balenced diet diet suppors healthy skin, but chocolate doesn't give you spots

Squeezing blackheads get rid of them quickly?
No, in fact it makes it worse and can scar.

Moisturizers make acne worse?
Yes they do, as they block your pores, making you prone to spots.

Acne creams clear up spots?
No, most of them are to sprevent new spots from appearing.

Do hair products cause acne?
Yes, along the hairline.

Does it run in families?
Yes, it not definite, but if you had it, your children are more likely to suffer from it.

Its a sign of poor hygiene?
No, its a sign that the pigment of the cells are blocking poors, ad infact washing can make it worse.

Hope this can help you.
Credir to Dr Dawn