Preventing Acne
What is acne?
Our skin secretes an oil called “sebum”, which is being produced in hair follicles and it travels up to the surface of the skin and lubricates and protects the skin. When the oil is being secreted in excess amounts, some times the oil gets trapped into the hair follicles. The pores that get clogged are called blackheads or whiteheads, and that creates an environment, which allows the growth of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium then further causes the inflammation of the hair follicle and reddens the skin surface causing acne.
How to prevent acne from spreading?
Acne is not a serious problem, but it can become pretty serious if not enough care is taken of it. It mostly involves the face, back, and it is pretty painful. The best way to deal with it is to take a few precautionary measures and to be patient with it.
1. Do not pop, squeeze or pick at the acne lesion. This can spread and worsen the situation.
2. Wash your face twice daily with soap or a sulfur soap. Pat your face dry and not rub it.
3. Always use non-comedogenic products to prevent formation of blockage of the hair follicles.
4. Do not use oil-based products.
5. Do not rub on the acne if you have an urge to scratch it.
6. Apply anti-acne products and give them time to clear up the lesions. This might take several weeks to months.
What medications to use?
The most common medication that is used for acne is benzyl peroxide, which is an over-the-counter topical treatment. It is applied once or twice daily and it takes time to take its effect so the person applying it must be patient to obtain the results from it. There are other antibiotics that are taken orally, which are prescription medications such as erythromycin, tetracycline etc. For severe cases of acne, doctors prescribe Accutane as the drug of choice.
Our guide to acne cure and lots of home remedies on acne.
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