Acne is a skin condition that has haunted millions of people over the years. Although commonly associated with adolescence, this is a condition that can erupt at any time, and particularly when your body undergoes hormonal changes such as during pregnancy. There are a number of acne treatments available these days, many of them prescription only medications and others that are available over the counter. It is important for those with acne – particularly severe acne – to seek medical advice before starting any regular treatment. A doctor may suggest a prescription only medication, or your acne may be mild enough to use the creams, lotions, and soaps available over the counter.
The type of treatment that you use should depend upon the type of acne from which you are suffering. There are a number of different acne types, and acne can also strike at different stages throughout life, which can also affect the type of medication that should be used. Some of the types of acne you might come across include:
Acne rosacea: This is a severe form of acne, and this affects the face in most circumstances, although it can affect the neck, back and chest also. This form of acne can also affect the eyes. Some symptoms associated with acne rosacea include flushing, thread veins, rash, and possible swelling of the affected area. Sufferers of acne rosacea often have a worn, ruddy complexion. This condition normally affects those aged thirty plus.
Acne vulgaris: This is also known simply as acne, and this condition affects a large proportion of the world’s population at some time during their lives. Acne is a disorder that comes about through excess skin oil production by the sebaceous glands, as well as by pores blocked by debris and dead skin. There is a myth that acne is caused through the consumption of fatty foods and chocolate, but this is simply a myth. Because this condition is not related to what you eat, it can be difficult to find an effective treatment.
Cystic acne: This is an unpleasant skin condition, and manifests as an abscess-type infection. This type of acne is the result of bacteria trapped within the pores, and the acne can spread with speed. It can also be very slow to heal. The infection can spread when dead skin and dirt, and excess oil combine with the bacteria. The pores can become blocked, which enables the bacteria to reproduce and spread infection. Because this form of acne can be very severe, getting treatment may not be easy. You may need antibiotic treatment, but even this may prove ineffective in some cases.
Although treating acne can be a long-winded process, there are ways in which you can help to prevent acne. Using the right type of cleansing and washing products can be a big help. For example, if you have oily skin then use a cleansing bar, and cleanser that is formulated for oily skin. Also, be vigilant about your skin regime – don’t share towels with anyone else, and make sure that you maintain your skincare regime in order to eliminate the build-up of bacteria.
Of course, even with the utmost care there is not guarantee that you won’t get some form of acne at some point. This could be caused by anything from bacterial build-up to hormonal imbalance, and it is advisable to check with your doctor before you commence any off the shelf treatment. You may find that your acne can be successfully treated with prescription medication, and you need to take care that you don’t worsen the condition by using inappropriate products that have harsh chemicals on them.
