ACNE- CAUSES AND CURE

by Angelina Rao

Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). The condition is common in adolescence as a result of an abnormal response to normal levels of the male hormone testosterone. The response for most people diminishes over time and acne thus tends to disappear, or at least decrease, after one reaches their early twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take for it to disappear entirely, and some individuals will continue to suffer from acne decades later into their thirties and forties and even beyond. Acne affects a large percentage of humans at some stage in life.

SYMPTOMS The most common form of acne is known as "acne vulgaris", which means common acne. Excessive secretion of oils from the glands combines with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block the hair follicles. Oil secretions build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propioni bacterium acne to multiply uncontrolled. In response, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion. The face, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms are especially affected. The typical acne lesions are comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and inflammatory cysts. These are the more inflamed forms of pus-filled or reddish bumps, even boil-like tender swellings. Non-inflamed 'sebaceous cysts', more properly called epidermoid cysts, occur either in association with acne or alone but are not a constant feature. After resolution of acne lesions, prominent unsightly scars may remain. Aside from scarring, its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and depression. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already tend to be most socially insecure.

CAUSES OF ACNE The increased hormone production in the puberty stimulates to increased sebum production. The male hormone, testosterone, seem to contribute most. Also girls begin to produce more testosterone in the puberty. Also in other periods, altered hormone production may give acne, for example by women in the

menopause. Exactly why some people get acne and some do not is not fully known. It is known to be partly hereditary. Here are some other factors that may contribute in causing acne or aggravating the condition.

- Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles - Stress, through increased output of hormones from the adrenal (stress) glands - Accumulation of dead skin cells - Bacteria in the pores, to which the body becomes allergic - Skin irritation or scratching of any sort will activate inflammation - Use of anabolic steroids - Some contraceptive agents - Humid environments - Some antidepressants. Testosterone and anabolic steroids used for treatment or by body-building - Use of some types of greasy cosmetic products. Some antiperspirant products. - Exposing the skin for chlorine or other halogens, or medicines containing halogens. - Women may get aggravated acne 2-7 days before menstruation.

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CAUSES There are many misconceptions and rumors about causes of acne.

1. Acne is not caused by dirt. This misconception probably comes from the fact that acne involves skin infections. In fact the blockages that cause acne occur deep within the narrow follicle channel, where it is impossible to wash them away. These plugs are formed by the cells and sebum created there by the body. The bacteria involved are the same bacteria that are always present on the skin. It is advisable to clean the skin on a regular basis, but doing so will not prevent acne. Anything beyond very gentle cleansing can actually worsen existing lesions and even encourage new ones by damaging or over drying skin. 2. Sex. Common myths state that either celibacy or masturbation causes acne and, conversely, that sexual intercourse can cure it. There is no scientific evidence suggesting that any of these are factual. It is true though that anger and stress affect hormone levels and thus bodily oil production, which can cause acne.

TREATMENT

Sometimes Acne is so severe that special medical treatment is required, and sometimes the causes of acne necessitate medical treatment. But you can do much

yourself also. Here are listed things you can do yourself to prevent or treat acne:

1. Some advices about diet that may help prevent and cure acne:

- Do not consume a great amount of fat - The fat you add to the food should be natural oils. Such as Olive oil, walnut oil, and sunflower oil. - Eat much fish, seafood and not so much meat. - Eat food with a high fiber content to regulate the digestion like vegetables and fruit.

2. Here are some things you should avoid.

- Do not use greasy or heavy cosmetics that clog your skin and are difficult to wash away. - Do not wash with soap or cleaners that dry up your skin and take away all the natural oily protection in your skin. - Use clothes that allow air to reach your body surface to avoid collection of humidity and overheating of your skin.

3. Use of rinsing milk or solutions

You can rinse your skin with mild products especially made to dissolve the plugs in your pores, and to make the environment in your skin unfriendly to bacteria causing infection. Some of these products are just products to wash your skin with one ore more times a day others should be on during night and flushed away in the morning.

Salicylic acid is a mild ingredient often used in these products to dissolve the comedones. The products usually also contain ingredients that work antibacterial and stimulate the skin's own cleaning activities, like Tea tree oil or Echinacea extract.

Here is a link that might be helpful for you

http://www.homeh erb.com/brand.asp?vid=106

About the author:

homeherb.com is committed to supplying you with the products and information you need to keep yourself and your family healthy. We offer thousands of top brand products at unbeatable prices from dietary supplements to aromatherapy to personal care products, but that's not all.

We recognize that education plays a key role in health and wellness. We want our customers to make informed decisions and

Other Articles:

30% of all people suffer from Sinus Infections
Have you ever felt like your head is going to explode? Felt intense pressure behind your eyes making it next to impossible to concentrate. Had headaches, pain in the upper jaws, fever, coughs and runny nose? If your answer is yes, then you could be suffering from Sinus infection. ...

Countdown To Summer Fitness Challenge! How To Get Fit And Lose Weight In 6 Weeks.
How about those fabulous bike rides in the park! What about grilling barbeque on the deck? Are you down for a little surfing and tanning on the beach? Summer will be upon us in less than six weeks. Not only do we want to enjoy the warm months that are rapidly approaching, we want to...

Acid Reflux Recovery Diet and Recipes
Curing oneself of the condition called acid reflux can be accomplished by using natural, healthy methods. I suffered from this condition for years, taking harmful, expensive PPI drugs (proton inhibitors), which only masked the symptoms. These drugs, not only had myriad side effects,...