Pimples are an inflammatory disease of the skin. They usually occur during puberty, disappearing or at least decreasing as you reach your early twenties. Acne usually starts from an enlarged hair follicle which becomes clogged with bacteria and oil called a comedo. You can't see the comedo with your naked eye but it is present under the surface of your skin. Over time it develops into an inflamed lesion. The oil which your sebaceous glands produce can help the bacteria to grow inside the hair follicle.
There are two types of non-inflammatory acne - closed comedo also known as whiteheads, and open comedo also known as blackheads.
Inflammatory acne comes in four different types:
1. Papule. This is the mildest type of acne and appears as a small, hard pink bump.
2. Pustule. These are small pus filled lesions which are usually red at the base and white or yellow in the center.
3. Nodule or Cyst. These are also pus filled lesions but unlike the pustule the nodule or cyst are large and very painful. They are also deep inside your skin, not on the surface like the papule or pustule. This form of acne can last for weeks or sometimes even months eventually hardening into a deep cyst. Nodule and cysts will usually leave deep scars.
4. Acne Conglobata. This is a very severe bacterial infection which you will usually get on your chest, back, and buttocks.
Acne is normally caused by bacteria, hormones, over-production of sebum by your sebaceous glands, and follicles or pores becoming clogged. If you wish to take control of your acne, try the following tips:
1. Try not to over-wash your skin. Wash your skin in the morning when you wake up and right before you go to bed. If you wash your skin too much you will cause your sebaceous glands to produce extra sebum which will make your acne worse.
2. Don't use skin products which contain alcohol. The alcohol will dry out your skin causing your sebaceous glands to increase production of sebum.
3. Keep your hands off your acne. If you pick or squeeze your acne it will force the bacteria deeper into your skin and can leave a permanent scar.
4. If you exercise, and you should, make sure you take a shower afterward. When you get over-heated and sweat you create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
5. Eat foods which contain a healthy supply of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-2 and B-3 and also zinc. Foods like milk, liver, fish, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and eggs.
If you have acne scars you can use laser surgery to reduce the scars. You can use salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid to treat your acne. Many people, rather than using the usual over-the-counter acne products, are turning to herbal acne remedies such as tree tea oil.
