 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- What is acne?
- Symptoms of acne
- Causes of acne
- Prevention of acne
- Risk factors for acne
- Complications of acne
- When to see a doctor about acne
- Diagnosis of acne
- Conventional treatment of acne
- Alternative/complementary treatment of acne
- Living with acne
- Caring for someone with acne
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition which affects up to 80% of all teenagers. Acne is usually the result of over-activity of oil glands in the skin, usually because of increased hormonal activity in adolescence and often signals the start of puberty in many teenagers.
Some acne does occur in adulthood. This type of acne starts in adulthood to people that may or may not have experienced any acne as teenagers.
Acne is classified as follows:
- Grade I - this is the mildest form of acne, in which there are blackheads, some pimples and whiteheads on the skin without any inflammation. This type of acne is very easy to treat
- Grade II - this is moderate acne, where there are a many blackheads and whiteheads on the skin, with some pimples having quite a bit of pus. This type of acne is usually easy to treat with over-the-counter medications or soaps, but a doctor should be seen if it gets worse
- Grade III - this is moderate to severe acne, where there are a great number of blackheads and whiteheads on the skin, with many pimples having quite a bit of pus, as well as visible redness and inflammation on the skin. This type of acne needs to be properly treated by a dermatologist as it can cause possible scarring
- Grade IV - this is severe acne, where the skin many pustules, nodules, and cysts, as well as a very large number of blackheads and whiteheads. There will also be very visible redness and inflammation to a large extent on the skin. This type of acne needs to be properly treated by a dermatologist as it can cause possible scarring
Advertisement
Facts about acne
- Almost all teenagers will have varying degrees of acne
- Most acne usually heals by itself in time
- Many women experience a flare-up of acne during the time of PMS (or PMDD), which resolves as soon as menstruation starts
- Shea butter is an excellent emollient to be used on the skin, as it is high in vitamin A and vitamin E, as well as essential fatty acids. It penetrates deep into the skin and helps to reduce inflammation
- Jojoba oil is excellent as it promotes healthy skin and is really beneficial for acne sufferers
- Natural clays that contain naturally-occuring minerals, which help to draw out impurities and are beneficial in the treatment of acne on the face and body
- Severe acne needs treatment by a dermatologist because it can cause scarring, which can only make the discomfort and embarrassment worse
- Acne is officially known as acne vulgaris
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
2: symptoms >
Last reviewed: 15 August 2008 || Last updated: 26 February 2009
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
