Acne is an inflammation of the skin that affects
people from every country and every culture around the
world. In the US, acne is predominantly thought of as a
teenage dilemma, as more than eighty percent of teens
and preteens will develop some form of acne. However,
the condition certainly affects a large number of adults
and even infants. The scientific name for the condition
is acne vulgaris because acne usually strikes in plainly
visible locations such as the face, neck, chest and
back. There are various types of acne that range in
annoyance, severity, and healing time. The most severe
type of acne may even lead to scars that if not treated
properly, may be visible for a lifetime. If you or a
loved one is troubled by severe acne, here's what you
need to know about acne scars and what you need to do to
avoid and care for them.
How Does Acne Form?
Contact with an oily substance such as mineral oil,
vegetable oil, or petroleum is a potential cause of
acne, as is the use of certain medication and steroids.
However, acne is most often cause by the secretion of
androgens. Acne is also aggravated by milk or dairy
products, red meat and fast food. Androgens are sex
hormones that are initially secreted at the onset of
puberty. They are male hormones but they are secreted by
females as well. Androgens stimulate the production of
oil from the skin's oil glands. Acne occurs when these
overactive oil glands become blocked, causing the oil to
build up in the gland and swell. A bacteria called
Propionibacterium acnes normally colonizes this swollen
gland causing the development of inflammation and pus.
In particularly severe cases, the glands may burst into
the skin and produce cysts.
Types Of Acne
Acne blemishes are categorized into four grades,
ranging from mild to very severe.
Grade I: Mild acne falls into this category. People
with grade I acne generally have blackheads and
whiteheads but pimples are not present.
Grade II: The condition is considered moderate acne when
blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples are present,
but they are confined to the face and the inflammation
they cause is minimal.
Grade III: Severe acne includes blackheads, whiteheads,
and deeper pimples with more pronounced swelling.
Grade IV: acne is considered very severe when it occurs
on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. Pustules
and deeper cysts occur with very severe acne and
scarring may result if the condition is not cared for
properly.
Preventing Acne Scars
The most important rule for acne sufferers to
remember is that you should never pick or squeeze acne
blemishes. This can lead to the spread of acne and the
development of acne scars. Instead, there are a number
of herbal, homeopathic, and traditional formulas that
can be used to treat acne and prevent the development of
acne scars. Herbs work naturally with the body to reduce
acne blemishes and prevent the development of acne
scars. Echinacea and poke root are often used for their
anti-inflammatory properties and red clover may be
beneficial for its estrogenic action. Witch hazel has
excellent astringent properties and may be very
effective on acne.
Relieving Acne Scars
Acupuncture: Stagnant of Chi in the channels of the
face is said to be the cause of acne. Acupuncture
performed on these points of the face may help relieve
acne, and prevent the development of acne scars.
Surgery: In moderate to severe cases of acne, doctors
may use surgery to open up the blemishes and remove
blackheads and whiteheads. Unlike medication treatments,
the effects of acne surgery are usually more immediate.
And surgery is also effective in reducing the
development and visibility of acne scars.
Cleaning the intestinal Tract: Acne can be a
by-product of a filthy intestinal tract and colon. In
most cases when the colon is clean the acne will go
away. I recommend the intestinal cleanser Oxy-Powder.
Other remedies include the skin rejuvenation program
including 3 products: Oxy-Skin, Oxy-Zap and a strong
Aloe Vera concentrate available at http://www.acne-answers.org.
These products should help prevent acne scarring.
Dr. Group is heads the research and development
division at http://www.acne-answers.org.
