Acne treatments

More than three quarters of all adolescents will experience acne; in some cases it is a condition that will persist into adulthood. Acne is an inflammation of the skin caused by overactive glands that secrete oil called 'sebaceous glands'; these glands are caused by androgens - male sexual hormones (found in both men and women). Contrary to popular belief acne is neither caused nor intensified by eating fatty foods or chocolate.

Acne most commonly affects areas of the face, but is also frequently found on the back, chest and shoulders, it can cause emotional distress and a lack of self-confidence; physically, in more severe cases, it can cause scarring of the skin tissue. There are a number of treatments that can counter acne dependent upon the severity of the inflammation.

In mild cases acne can be counteracted with the application of unperfumed cleansers, antibacterial f ace washes and soaps. It is important that the product used is not too strong, the skin needs to maintain a natural balance and a product that is too strong will remove oil that is needed for healthy skin. Home treatments can take time - weeks, sometimes months to work, during this period it may be tempting to pick the acne but this will cause infection and scarring, it is also important not to wash too vigorously, this can damage the skin further.

Moderate acne sufferers should obtain an over-the-counter treatment, it is advisable to get a lotion that contains benzoyl peroxide; this is the main defence against acne and is an exfoliant found in all good anti-acne treatments. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial chemical that dries out the skin causing the surface layer of dead skin to be shed.

If a case of acne is more acute then a GP should be consulted who can prescribe stronger read more