Common Forms of Acne
Most people have been troubled by acne at some stage of their lives.
The most common form of acne is called acne vulgaris and is caused when
the pores of the skin become partially blocked by oil and dead skin
cells. Bacteria that is normally found on the skin surface then invades
the area, causing inflammation and pain. In many cases the ensuing
pimples contain pus and sometimes a blackhead. The blackhead is not
dirt, but a change in the pigment of the blockage.
Acne is thought to be partly hereditary, but there are several other
factors that can precede its onset. One of these is hormonal activity
such as the menstrual cycle. Stress is also likely to bring on the
dreaded zits due to increased output of hormones from the stress
glands. Anabolic steroids have a similar effect, while medication
containing halogens, lithium, barbiturates or androgens is also cited
as a cause. A more severe form of acne called Chloracne is caused by
exposure to high levels of chlorine. This type of acne is very severe
and long lasting.
The normal form of acne usually gets better by itself, but the trouble
is that it can often take a long time: decades in some cases. Another
problem is that acne at its worst can cause bad scarring of the skin.
If a pimple full of pus is squeezed until it bleeds, there will often
be scarring.
Some experts say that pimples should not be squeezed because this can
force the pus deeper into the skin. This deep-rooted infection can
result in scarring and cyst formation. It is easier to prevent these
scars in the first place than to cure them, so go easy on the
squeezing. If you do squeeze a pimple, wash your hands in a
disinfectant first, then gently pierce the pus-filled pimple with a
sterile needle. This will allow the pus to come out instead of being
forced downwards. Sterilize the needle by passing it through a candle
flame two or three times.
Some mature women have what they think is acne, but it may be the less
common acne rosacea. It is similar to look at, but the skin is usually
flushed and becomes thickened. People who blush easily are the most
likely to develop this condition. Acne rosacea is frequently
stress-related and is a potential threat to the vision, so a correct
diagnosis is imperative. It is possible for the two forms of acne to
co-exist. Another condition that can be mistaken for acne is keratosis
pilaris.