Friday Health With Nyasha Kawanzaruwa




Acne


Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples.


Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.



Effective acne treatments are available, but acne can be persistent



The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up.

Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problems.




Symptoms


Acne signs vary depending on the severity of your condition:


Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)


Blackheads (open plugged pores)


Small red, tender bumps (papules)


Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips


Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)


Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions)


Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders.



Causes


Four factors cause acne:


Excess oil (sebum) production


Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells


Bacteria


Inflammation



Certain things may trigger or worsen acne:


Hormonal changes. Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormone changes during midlife, particularly in women, can lead to breakouts too.


Certain medications. Examples include drugs containing corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium.


Diet - Consuming certain foods — including carbohydrate - rich foods, such as bread, bagels and chips — may worsen acne. Further study is needed to examine whether people with acne would benefit from following specific dietary restrictions.


Stress. Stress doesn't cause acne, but if you have acne already, stress may make it worse.




When to see a doctor


If self-care remedies don't clear your acne, see your primary care doctor. He or she can prescribe stronger medications. If acne persists or is severe, you may want to seek medical treatment from a doctor who specializes in the skin (dermatologist or pediatric dermatologist).


For many women, acne can persist for decades, with flares common a week before menstruation. This type of acne tends to clear up without treatment in women who use contraceptives.


In older adults, a sudden onset of severe acne may signal an underlying disease requiring medical attention.



Risk factors


Risk factors for acne include:


Age. People of all ages can get acne, but it's most common in teenagers.


Hormonal changes. Such changes are common during puberty or pregnancy.


Family history. Genetics plays a role in acne. If both of your parents had acne, you're likely to develop it too.


Greasy or oily substances. You may develop acne where your skin comes into contact with oil or oily lotions and creams.


Friction or pressure on your skin. This can be caused by items such as telephones, cellphones, helmets, tight collars and backpacks.


  Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.

Effective acne treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up.

Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problems.



Ways to reduce acne :


Properly wash your face. To help prevent pimples, it's important to remove excess oil, dirt, and sweat daily. ... 


Moisturize skin.


Use over the counter acne treatments. 


Stay hydrated. 


Limit makeup. 


Don't touch your face.


Limit sun exposure




Nyasha Kawanzaruwa is a nurse at Matizha clinic in Gutu, Masvingo Province.

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