AcneSome experience more serious and lasting problems: papules, pustules, nodules and cysts, conditions severe enough to warrant medical attention. Blemishes can occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. The condition MAY go away on its own in the early twenties, or persist into the thirties or even middle age. How pimples or zits begin
The sebaceous glands in the pores are designed to drain oil (sebum) to the skin surface. If that oil gets clogged below the skin surface, it attracts bacteria, which begin to grow. A small bump (micro-comedone) forms a few layers under the surface, at the site of the clog. Micro-comedones become comedones, non-inflamed blemishes visible on the skin surface. These are blackheads (open comedones) or whiteheads (closed comedones). When either type of comedone releases its contents, it can heal. If the contents are not released, the follicle wall bulges, breaks and an inflammation occurs. Inflammations can happen naturally or be caused by touching, picking, popping or squeezing comedones or pimples, by adding bacteria from your hands or any tool you're using. Although contents of comedones and pimples can release on their own, if you simply can't wait for that to happen and just HAVE to squeeze one or more, at least learn the right way to pop a zit. Physical and Emotional ScarringWhile it's estimated that over 17 million people in the US alone suffer from acne, there is still a social stigma involved with having it. Since most skin problems develop in the teenage years, already a time of wobbly self esteem, physical and emotional scarring may result. No matter your age, it's important to take care of both these aspects. There are many possible causes and knowing which ones you can avoid makes a difference in your skin. Research the options available for your level of skin blemishes - and follow the guidelines. Learn tips from others, remedies that are tried, true and inexpensive, and the truth about the myths you've heard. To help boost your self confidence, join a sport or a club, volunteer at a local charity or hospital or develop one of your talents. Meeting and working with others takes the focus off your own problems, helps you make friends and put things in perspective. I had plenty of pimples as a kid. One day I fell asleep in the library. When I woke up, a blind man was reading my face. Rodney Dangerfield Click here to ask a question about acne.
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