Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots to develop on the skin, usually on the face, chest and back. It affects almost all teenagers during puberty. However it is not unusual for adults, especially women, to develop acne in their mid to late 20s. 

Acne can vary from mild (the occasional pimple) through to severe acne (nodules and cysts). 

Causes 

Acne occurs when hair follicles of our skin become blocked. We all produce oil under our skin (called sebum) from glands next to the hair follicles which helps to keep the skin from drying out. However with acne too much of sebum is produced. This excess oil, when combined with dead skin cells, can cause the follicle to become blocked. Pimples or cysts occur when a normally harmless bacteria that live on the skin, grows in the blocked follicle causing it to become inflamed. 

Symptoms 

There are in fact six main types of spots: 

• Blackheads 

These are small black or yellowish bumps on the skin. The black colouring is not dirt, but rather due to the inner lining of the hair follicle producing pigmentation. 

Whiteheads – look similar to blackheads but they can be firmer and when squeezed they will not empty. 

• Papules 

These are tender bumps that are red in appearance. 

• Pustules 

These are similar to papules, but the tip is white in the centre due to a build-up of pus. 

• Nodules 

Large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful. 

• Cysts 

Large pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils. These are the most severe type of acne spot and have the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring. 

Prevention Tips 

• Wash your face twice a day 

Use an antibacterial bar soap and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can aggravate acne. 

• Don’t try to squeeze spots 

Squeezing can make them worse and lead to scarring. 

• Avoid touching your face and make sure to wash your hands 

Avoid touching your face with your hands and make sure you regularly wash your hands with a bar soap that has antibacterial properties. Touching your face with dirty hands can not only spread bacteria, you can irritate skin that may already be inflamed. 

Myths and Truths 

• Adults don't get acne. 

False. Acne has no age limit. But hormones do play a key role in adult spots. The thing to remember is this: generally, adult skin is less oily than teen skin. 

• Squeezing your spots is the best way to tackle acne. 

False. Squeezing spots, whether they are blackheads or whiteheads, could actually make the problem worse, and may eventually lead to scarring. 

Well, now that we have busted some myths for you, you can now make a decision for yourself. Don’t think twice when it’s about acne, and always remember the easiest way to fight it is to wash your hands and face with a bar soap twice a day.