Questions And Answers About Acne

Questions And Answers About Acne Related Information:

What are the different types of inflammatory acne?

There are a number of types of inflammatory acne, and these include:

Papules. This is the mildest form of acne, which looks like a small pink bump on the skin. Papules are often tender to touch and are sort of the middle ground between inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.

Pustules. These are small round lesions on the skin that are inflamed and contain pus. They are usually red at the base and a whitish or yellowish color in the center. The pus inside the pustules is not generally caused by bacteria, but is rather a build up of chemical irritants from such things as fatty free acids.

Nodules (Cysts). These are large and usually very painful. They are filled with pus and are deep within the skin. They occur when the bacteria in clogged follicles spills out into the skin and the white cells rush to the rescue. This kind of acne can last for long periods of time with the nodules forming hard cysts. This results in scarring of the skin tissue, especially if you pick at the nodules or try to squeeze out the pus.

Acne Conglobata. This is a very rare form of acne on the back, buttocks and chest. There are pustules and nodules and there is an increased risk of bacterial infection.

Acne cosmetica. This is caused by allergic reactions to cosmetics. It is a mild form of acne that is very common. Products that you rub on your skin are the leading cause of this type of acne and it can strike anyone at any age. It usually starts as a small rash of itchy pink bumps that gradually worsens over time. It does not cause scarring and clears up when you stop using the offending products.

What is non-inflammatory acne?

Non-inflammatory acne consists of whiteheads and blackheads. With whiteheads the clogged follicle remains below the surface of the skin and looks like a small white lump on the skin. Blackheads, on the other hand, are clogged follicles that push through the skin. There dark appearance is often viewed as dirt, but it is actually a build up of the pigment in the skin.

Are there any ways of preventing acne?

Don’t overwash your skin. Since acne does not come from dirt, there is no need to scrub your skin using harsh abrasive cleansers. Two washing a day for normal daily activity are sufficient because more than that can dry out your skin leaving the pores open to irritation. It can also cause the skin to produce more oils and this leads to clogged pores.

Use gentle exfoliating products. You should exfoliate your skin at least twice a week, but you should look for formulas that have small granules that will be gentle on your skin. Products that contain shell fragments from apricots or almonds can irritate or tear your skin.

You need to avoid any skin products that contain high concentrations of rubbing alcohol. This strips the top layer off the skin resulting in dry skin so the skin produces more oils.

Don’t squeeze or pick a pimple as soon as it appears. This action can force the bacteria deep into the skin causing acne to develop and become red and inflamed.

Keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. There are many types of bacteria on your hands and these can spread to your face and get into the pores.

Make sure you shower as soon as possible after you exercise. Sweat on the body provides a natural environment where bacteria grow and flourish.

Are there any nutrients that can help to keep acne at bay?

There are a number of nutrients to keep your skin healthy and help to prevent acne for people of all ages. These vitamins are:

Vitamin A. You can find this nutrient in fish and fish oils, liver and dairy products. It is also found in fresh fruits and vegetables, but you have to take care not to overdo it with Vitamin A.

Vitamin B-2. This is wonderful for relieving stress, which is known to cause acne. This vitamin is found in whole grains, fish, eggs, milk, meat and green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin B-3. This vitamin helps to improve the blood circulation and promote healthy skin. You can find this important nutrient in such foods as peanuts, eggs, liver, lean meats and avocados.

Vitamin E. This helps to prevent the development of free radicals within your body and protects the cells against them. It is found in peanuts, eggs, liver, avocados, seeds, broccoli and wheat germ.

Zinc. Even in the smallest amounts, zinc will boost the body’s immune system and this is reflected in healthy skin. You can find zinc in eggs, whole grains, nuts and mushrooms.