Acne, formally known as acne vulgaris, is a very common skin condition caused by changes in our pilosebaceous units. A pilosebaceous unit consists of a hair follicle and a sebaceous gland. 90% of all teenagers have problems with acne of some degree and it is common for the problem to persisit into adulthood.
Today, several different acne treatment options are available depending on the severity of the problem. Very potent acne medication normally requires a doctor’s prescription while milder products can be purchased over the counter.
Mild to moderate acne is often treated with products containing benzoyl perozxide, such as bar soaps, washes, creams and gels. The amount of benzoyl peroxide in a product can vary a lot between different products so check the strenght before buying. Benzoyl perozxide dissolves the keratin that has been plugging the pores in the skin, and will also kill off. acne related bacteria a relatively slow growing, typically aerotolerant bacterium linked to acne.
Another way to treat acne is to use antibiotics that are ingested or applied to the skin.. Persons with limited acne problems on easy to reach areas of their body usually use topical antibiotic creams while. the face or chest. Persons with widespread acne or acne in hard to reach spots like the shoulders and neck often opt for oral antibiotics instead, although they will have a larger impact on the body and can for instance cause stomach problems. Always tell the doctor if you use any hormones before getting a acne treatmen as hormones and antibiotics can interfere with eachother, this especially improtant if you use hormonal contraceptives.
One type of acne that used to be known as open comedo is now referred to as blackheads. A blackhead is a black to yellowish bump or plug on the skin caused by excess oils accumulated in the duct of the sebaceous gland. Blacks are not, despite the popular myth, caused by bad hygiene. On the countrary, excessive scrubbing of the skin can cause increased dryness which in turn can cause more blackheads as the body increase the production of oils needed in the skin.
A lot of people want to know how to remove blackheads since they find them unsightly, but there is often no medical need to remove blackheads since the body normally eliminates them without any special coaxing. It is possible to treat blackheads with acne medication such as salicylic acid. An easy alternative that dont require a precription is an adhesive strip that is placed on the skin and left there for 5-10 minutes before it is removed taking the blackheads with it.
