Acne – Ignorance Can Lead To Complications

Only a few fortunate teenagers escape the trauma of having to deal with pimples on their faces. While for some it may be just a brush with pimples or acne, others may experience the problem for a longer period of time.

Known to occur due to hormonal changes in our body, acne is common among teenagers and young adults. However, people in other age groups too can be affected by it. An estimated 80 percent of all people in the age group of 11 years to 30 years are known to develop acne. [1]

Don't Hate Acne, Know About it

Acne is a common problem, which is usually not dangerous. However, due to lack of knowledge, people tend to do certain things that can lead to a worsening of acne. Some common practices/factors that could worsen acne include:

• Squeezing or picking at pimples.
• Hard scrubbing of the skin.
• Pressure from backpacks, tight collars or bike helmets.
• Pollution and high humidity.

Acne may leave permanent scars and spots on the skin. Squeezing the spots could lead to scarring of the skin. So, it is best not to burst or squeeze your pimple. [2]

Scratching or picking at the comedones (white or black heads) leads to increase in inflammation levels, which eventually spreads to the surrounding areas. The skin might remain red for quite a few days; pain and irritation may persist.

Besides, some common myths surrounding acne can also contribute to acne-related complications. Contrary to common belief, stress and dirty skin do not cause acne. However, stress can worsen it. [3]

Also, acne has not been found to be associated with eating chocolates or greasy foods in most people. Therefore, don’t stress yourself if you have acne. It's a common problem, which heals over time. However, if it persists for long, meet your dermatologist to seek medical assistance.

Acne is not a simple skin infection. Therefore, it needs attention and care. A proper customized treatment regime, keeping in view the skin type and other ailments or allergies, should be followed to prevent major damage. Our body has special mechanisms to alert us when things go wrong. It’s advisable to take action at the right time.

Meanwhile, here are some simple ways for you to manage minor cases of acne:

• 1. Wash your skin at least twice a day, especially after sweating.
• 2. Gently apply a non-abrasive cleanser using your fingertips.
• 3. Avoid products, such as toners or exfoliants that may irritate your skin. Use gentle products that do not contain alcohol.
• 4. Don’t scrub your skin. It can worsen the acne. Use lukewarm water to rinse the acne-affected areas.
• 5. Don’t pop, squeeze or pick your acne. It could lead to acne scars.
• 6. Avoid touching your face. It could result in a flare-up.
• 7. And most importantly, consult your dermatologist if your acne:
  • Embarrasses you.
  • Is not responding to treatment.
  • Is leaving scars or causing skin darkening.

References:

[1] Fast Facts About Acne. 2015. Fast Facts About Acne. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Acne/acne_ff.asp. [Accessed 07 October 2015].

[2] Acne - Complications - NHS Choices. 2015. Acne - Complications - NHS Choices. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Acne/pages/complications.aspx. [Accessed 28 September 2015].

[3] Acne: MedlinePlus. 2015. Acne: MedlinePlus. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/acne.html. [Accessed 07 October 2015].

[4] Prescription Drug Side Effects: These Meds May Be Behind Your Adult Acne. 2015. Prescription Drug Side Effects: These Meds May Be Behind Your Adult Acne. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.medicaldaily.com/prescription-drug-side-effects-these-meds-may-be-behind-your-adult-acne-305096. [Accessed 28 September 2015].

[5] Acne: Tips for managing. 2015. Acne: Tips for managing. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/acne/tips. [Accessed 07 October 2015].