Stop Spots

Acne is one of the most common disorders of the skin. Most of us first experience the disorder during our teen years but the condition can follow many into adulthood. Though much research has been done concerning acne there are still no definitive answers as to what actually causes it. No treatment can actually cure acne but there are many things that one can do in order to prevent it.

How to Recognize Acne

There is a few other skin conditions that mimic acne that may make you think that acne is the condition with which you are suffering. Some features that are related to acne are:

• Skin that is excessively oily
• Inflamed spots or whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Pores that are large and visible
• Clusters of bumps beneath the skin

Bacteria and Its Role in Acne

Most people have yeast like fungus as well as two types of bacteria that cover the surface of the skin. Typically they are harmless when one has skin that is normal. When one has oily skin it is then the bacteria becomes harmful. When the pores of the skin become congested or blocked, harmful bacteria will thrive in an environment that has lower oxygen. They will flourish inside your glands and will change the triglycerides chemically into fatty acids which in turn cause whiteheads to form.

Types of Commonly Caused Acne

Mild acne is the condition that typically affects teenagers. It is usually referred to as teenage spots. When the skin is examined closely it shows that a background of skin that is greasy or oily will contain blackheads and papules. Most of the time this type of acne comes and goes with breaks in between flare ups. It is a condition that is fairly easy to treat though it can turn into acne that is severe if a good skin care regime is not followed.

Moderate acne sometimes affects those that were suffering the milder form because of skin that is severely oily. This can make the spots turn red because of blood vessels that rupture. Usually when one suffers with this type of acne it can improve when one hits their later teenage years or their twenties.

Severe acne affects fewer individuals but the number of spots is larger and can be painful to the touch. Often the back, shoulders and the entire face are affected. This condition is much harder to treat and will take longer to clear. Scarring is usually severe especially if the affected person picks the spots and pimples.

Fringe or cosmetic acne is usually found on one’s forehead. It is caused by excessive grease or oil which can clog up the follicles of the hair. Keeping the hair clean can often help this type of acne as can keeping the area itself clean. Picking and touching the area will not help acne; in fact many times it will make it worse. There are quite a few factors that can aggravate acne and learning what they are can help to avoid spots caused by acne that many feel detract from their appearance.