Acne
Summer is arriving and I am already concerned with increasing heat, sweat and oil with related illnesses like acne, allergies et al. Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne usually appears on your face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. Treatments are available, but acne can occur frequently. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up. Acne is most common among teenagers, with a reported prevalence of 70 to 87 percent.
Acne can cause emotional discomfort and scar the skin. At times, scared faces may affect your social relationships and self-esteem.
Common Symptoms of Acne
- White-heads (closed plugged pores)
- Blackheads (open plugged pores — the oil turns brown when it is exposed to air)
- Small red, bumps (papules)
- Pimples (pustules)
- Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules)
- Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)
Common Remedies for curing Acne
- Wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser: Twice a day, use your hands to wash your face with a mild soap and warm water. Products like facial scrubs and masks should be avoided because they tend to irritate skin, which can worsen acne. Excessive washing and scrubbing irritates skin.
- Try over-the-counter acne products to dry excess oil and promote peeling.
- Avoid irritants: You may want to avoid oily or greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, hairstyling products or acne concealers. Use products labelled water-based as they are less likely to cause acne.
- Use an oil-free moisturiser with sunscreen: For some people, the sun worsens acne, so stay out of the sun as much as possible.
- Watch what touches your skin: Keep your hair clean and off your face.
- Avoid prolonged holding of objects in your hands or touching products like telephone receivers, on your face: Tight clothing or caps also can pose a problem, especially if you’re sweating. Sweat and oils can contribute to acne.
- Don’t pick/ squeeze blemishes. Doing so can cause infection or scarring.
