Acne Treatment and Control

Almost all teenagers get acne at one time or another. Whether your case is mild or severe, the information here can help you keep your acne under control.

What causes acne?

You haven’t done anything to cause your acne. It’s not your fault if you have it.Pimples are caused when oil ducts in the skin get plugged up and then burst,causing redness and swelling. Although there are many myths about acne, the following are the three main factors that cause it.
1. Hormones
When you begin puberty, certain hormones, called androgens, increase in both males and females. These hormones trigger oil ducts on the face, back, and upper chest to begin producing oil. This can cause acne in
some people.
2. Heredity
If other members of your family had acne as teenagers, there may be a chance that you’ve inherited a tendency toward getting acne as well.
3. Plugged oil ducts
If you are prone to acne, the cells that line the oil ducts in your skin tend to get larger and produce more oil, and the ducts get plugged. This traps the oil and leads to the formation of blackheads or whiteheads. The plugged ducts allow germs in the skin to multiply and produce chemicals that cause redness and swelling. This is why simple blackheads and whiteheads may turn red and bumpy and turn into the pimples of acne.
There is not much you can do about heredity, so your best control efforts are those that keep the oil ducts unplugged.

What makes acne worse?

• Pinching (or “popping”) pimples, which forces oil from the oil ducts into the surrounding normal skin, causing redness and swelling
• Harsh scrubbing, which irritates the skin
• Things that rub on the skin, such as headbands, hats, hair, and chin straps,which also cause irritation
• Certain cosmetics (makeup), such as creams and oily hair products,which can block oil ducts and aggravate acne
• Some medications
• For young women, changes in hormone levels brought on by menstrual
periods
• Emotional stress and nervous tension

What doesn’t cause acne?

• Acne is not caused by foods you eat. Despite what you may have heard,there is no proof that soft drinks, chocolate, and greasy foods cause acne.
• It’s not caused by dirt. The black plug in a blackhead is caused by a chemical reaction. It’s not dirt. No matter how carefully you wash your face, you can still have acne.
• It’s not something you can “catch” or “give” to another person.
• It’s not caused by sexual thoughts or masturbation.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the full treatment prescribed by your health care provider. In addition you can:
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Wash your face 2 times a day with a gentle soap . Dermatologists often recommend Dove or Lever 2000.
Change your washcloth every day (bacteria can grow on damp cloth). Wash as soon as possible after you exercise.
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Wash your hands more frequently and avoid touching your face unnecessar ily. Don't squeeze, pick, scratch, or rub your skin. Scars may form if you squeeze pimples.
Don't rest your face on your hands while you read,study, or watch TV.
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Shampoo your hair at least twice a week. Pull your hair away from your face when you sleep. Style it away from your face during the day.
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Although researchers have not been able to show that any foods cause acne, some people have found that certain foods seem to worsen their acne. Keep a record of the foods you eat and try to see if any foods appear to make your acne worse. Try avoiding those foods.
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Avoid working in hot kitchens where greasy foods are cooked.
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Try not to get sunburned.
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Avoid extreme stress if possible. Practice stress reduction strategies such as exercise, meditation, and counseling if stress is extreme.
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Get physical exercise regularly.
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Keep your follow-up appointments with your health care provider. Keep a record of the treatments you have tried and how they have worked. There are many alternatives for you and your provider to try, so don't give up!