What is Acne?
Introduction
The
medical term is called acne
vulgaris. Over
17 million people, including adults suffer from this condition. Most
people refer to it as either a pimple or "zit".
The
sebaceous gland produces sebum (an oily secretion) that comes out of
the hair follicle through a pore on the skin. When this pore is
blocked by sebum and skin cells, it leads to the all noticeable red and
white pimple also called a comedone.
When the bacteria Propionibacterium
acnes,
which normally lives on the skin, gets involved inside the pore, it
leads
to inflammation and redness.
The pimple contain pus
which is a mixture of sebum, bacteria, dead skin cells,
chemicals
produced by the bacteria, white blood cells and the bacterial itself.
This is called a pustule.
If the pustule opens up, then the pus
is released and the skin has a chance to heal. However, if it does not
rupture and stays filled up, it can lead to a cyst and
become a lump (nodule) underneath the skin. This can be a painful
condition and is likely to cause permanent scars.
Can't wait discover effective home and natural remedies for acne?
In
these articles, we reveal some of the home remedies acne treatment
and natural remedies that are effective in curing this common skin
problem.
Facts and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What are the symptoms of acne?
Pimples can
appear on face, the back, the shoulders or the chest as blackheads,
whiteheads,
red flat or raised spots or pustules. The pimple may be painful and
tender to the touch.
It is often associated with an
oily skin. These areas are the most common area because they contain a
high concentration of sebaceous glands.
What is the main cause of acne?
Practically
everyone knows that
excessive production of the male hormone testosterone is a major cause
of pimples in adolescents. Too much of this hormone causes:
- excessive production of sebum causing it to
easily clog the pores,
- an increase in production of keratin, a protein
that covers the skin, and
- an increase in the number of sebaceous glands,
thus producing more sebum.
Some believe in the myth that you can "catch" pimples like you can catch the flu or the cold virus. This is not true.
What are other common causes of acne?
Hormone
fluctuations
during pregnancy or around the menstrual period can also cause pimples
to
flare up. Even babies can develop this condition (although it goes away
on its own).
Here is a comprehensive list of factors that can cause or worsen this
common skin problem:
Age - Adolescents
are more likely to get this condition.
Gender - It is well
known that boys are more likely to develop severe pimples compared to
girls.
Heredity - Those
with a family history are more likely to get this condition.
Environment -
Working in an environment that is hot or polluted can worsen this skin
condition. This is common for those who are exposed to cooking grease
in the air while working in fast-food restaurants.
Clothing
- Clothing and bags (such as a headbands, helmets, backpacks and tight
collars) can rub and put pressure on the skin causing the pimples to
get worst.
Diet - Foods does
not directly cause this problem but may cause flare-ups and worsen the
condition.
Drug Use -
Prescription drugs such as birth control pills, antibiotics and
steroids can aggravate this condition.
Hygiene
- Although some people believe that pimples are caused by not cleaning
the
skin properly, this is far from the truth. It is a myth. However, using
harsh soaps
or scrubs can cause excessive irritation to the skin and make the
condition worst.
As well,
touching or squeezing the "zit" can cause
further inflammation and can easily worsens the appearance of the
pimple. Gently clean the skin with a mild cleanser designed for the
skin and avoid the regular bar soap used to wash your hands.
Use of Cosmetics
- Avoid using oil-based cosmetics products or those with perfume. They
can worsen the condition. Even hair spray can aggravate the
pimples on the foreheads.
Candida/Yeast
Overgrowth - Yeast (Candida
albicans) overgrowth in the body can contribute to the
acne condition.
Toxins
in the Body - Some herbalists believe that acne is related to
toxins and bacteria building up in the liver or intestine.
Stress
- Emotional stress, although it does not cause acne, can aggravate the
condition significantly. Read our detailed article on how to manage stress using natural remedies.
Nutritional Deficiency
- Low levels of zinc and
essential fatty acids may also be involved in worsening the acne
condition.
What is cystic acne and how can it be treated?
Cystic acne is
a condition where there are one or more painful fluid-filled cysts.
With this severe form of acne, scarring can result.
Home
remedies and natural
remedies may help but severe forms will require medical
treatment from your family doctor or a dermatologist.
What is adult acne?
It is less
common for adults to develop
acne but it does happen. This can persist into the late 40's and
50's for some people. It is also more common for women to develop adult
acne than men.
During adolescent years, most cases of pimples are caused by overactive
hormones. But what about when it comes back in adulthood?
Experts are not exactly sure of the cause but there are several factors
that seem to play a role. Stress,
drug use (birth control pills and hormones) and poor quality cosmetics
can cause or aggravate this condition. Of course, genetics play a part
and pimples are more common in those with a family history.
As well, fluctuating hormones during pregnancy, monthly
periods and during menopause
can be responsible for creating this problem.
What diet should I go on to avoid acne?
Recommended
foods to eat
Drink water to help your body deal with toxins.
Drink up to 10 glasses (2.5 liter) of water daily.
Food sources rich in essential fatty acids such as
flaxseed, almonds, nuts and seeds can be helpful for the skin condition.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils, are also
recommended to promote a healthy skin.
Foods to avoid
There is the myth that chocolate causes pimples
(unless you are allergic to it). This is not true.
Avoid eating too much "junk" foods high in
saturated fats and sugar such as potato chips, carbonated beverages and
candies. Excessive sugar can promote the growth of bacteria and yeast,
something you don't want to happen if you have acne.
Often, when an adult gets the acne condition, it
may not be due to fluctuation in hormones and could be a sign of a
sensitivity to certain types of foods.
Foods that have a high risk of triggering such an
allergic reaction include wheat, sugar, chocolate, margarine, corn,
deep-fried foods and dairy products. You may have to eliminate foods
from your diet to try to isolate the cause. An elimination diet is a
diet where the person cuts out dairy products, alcohol, caffeine,
sugar, smoking and processed foods.

Can vitamins help to cure acne?
Yes, in some
people, the use of vitamins and supplements have been very helpful.
These vitamins probably won't get rid of all the pimples, but they can
lessen the outbreaks.
Click here to see the comprehensive list of
natural remedies for treating and curing this annoying skin
condition.

What about a detoxification (detox) program?
Herbalists and alternative healthcare experts
suggest a detoxification program that can help the body eliminate
toxins that worsen the outbreak of pimples. Keep in mind that it is
possible that the condition may appear worst initially.
A three day vegetable juice fast can help the
body remove toxic substances. The juice can be a blend of apples,
beets, carrots and well as green juice such as wheatgrass and spirulina.

Related
Articles and Resources
Natural Remedies for
Acne
Return to Health Conditions List
References
Revised: April 25, 2015
Ref:08.31.19-br removal
Use the search box below to
quickly find what you are looking for!
Home | What's New! | A-Z Herbs | A-Z Ailments | FAQ's | Sitemap | Privacy
|