subject: Acne: The Unwanted Skin Condition [print this page] Acne is a very common skin disorder that causes pimples. These pimples can occur on the upper part of the body and most teenagers seem to have acne on the face and neck as well as on the chest and shoulders. People of all ages an get acne but it is most common among teens and young adults. Although acne is not a serious threat to your health, it is unsightly and it can cause scarring.
If you suffer from acne then you should be made aware of the fact that there is acne medication on the market that will help to clear up and control the outbreak. You can find medicines and creams at your local drug store or you could visit your family physician to have strong medications prescribed to you.
Acne control comes in many forms. You should be sure to keep your face as clean as possible and to wash the affected areas at least twice daily using a medicated skin cleaner that is designed for acne. It is also very important not to touch the acne any more than necessary as you do not want to cause more of the pores on your skin to clog with oils and dirt which will only make the acne spread even further.
A great natural acne treatment consists of doing an exfoliating procedure that will remove dull and dead skin cells. You can purchase natural exfoliates at most drug stores. Be sure to choose one that is designed to be used on sensitive skin. If you exfoliate one time every week you should be able to keep the acne from worsening.
You can also apply benzoyl peroxide to the acne or use one of the over-the-counter acne medications such as Clearasil or Stri-Dex. If you find that you have deeper blemishes such as nodules and cysts, then you are in danger of scars developing so you should seek the help of a physician. Your doctor can prescribe oral antibiotics to kick start the healing process and he may even suggest that you allow hi to drain the larger pimples and cysts.
Keep in mind that most acne treatments take time. You can expect six to eight weeks to pass before you start to notice significant improvements. If you discover that your acne has not improved in this amount of time then perhaps your doctor will want you to take an oral retinoid. You should be sure to visit your doctor if your acne is embarrassing and if it is causing you to avoid social situations such as dates and parties.
