Pimples And Your Skin

Pimples or Acne Vulgaris is the most commonly occurring skin disease, found to affect the people of adolescence age group mostly. About 85-90% of the teenage population is known to suffer from this disease condition.

Acne occurs due to the abnormal androgen (sex hormone) secretion, which results in the hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands causing blockage of the follicles and formation of a plug of sebum. This plug may increase in size to form open comedone (black head) or a closed comedone (white head). But when this condition is super imposed by bacterial infection, it ultimately results in inflammatory type of acne.

Acne occurs mostly in the areas of skin with excess of sebaceous glands such as face, upper part of chest and back. Acne may manifest itself in inflammatory or non-inflammatory forms. Inflammatory form is generally severe form of acne, which is a type of acne that is accompanied by redness, pain and skin irritation. Non-inflammatory form is milder form of acne.

Causes of Acne

The children whose parents suffered or are suffering from acne are more prone to develop acne. Stress may also cause increased secretion of sebaceous glands that ultimately results in acne.

Hormonal activity increases during pregnancy and mensturation, which increases the tendency to have acne. Bacterial infection of the clogged pores can also cause pimples.

Various other causes such as prolonged exposure to pollution and chemicals may also increase risk of developing acne.

Preventing Acne

Diet management by decreasing the consumption of fatty food and food rich in carbohydrate (such as chocolates and full cream milk) helps to minimize the pimple formation. Consumption of more of vitamin A and E is also helpful in preventing acne.

Regular cleaning of the face using a mild cleanser and timely removal of the black and white heads help in maintaining proper hygiene.

Treating Acne

Medicinal treatment such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents and hormonal prescriptions are often useful.

Various other techniques such as phototherapy and laser treatment may also help in getting rid of these unwanted plugs.