Yes, I did say more breakout. Some products are simply not right for your skin, and can create more acne through harsh irritation. One of the big concerns many of us have involves blackheads. Yeah, you know what blackheads are. These are those nasty little blocked pores. So many of us have them on our noses where it typically stays oily. Now, do you want to know how to remove blackheads? Well, pay attention; this is a tricky process.

If you’re one of the thousands trying to figure out a way how to remove blackheads, hold on for a minute. The last thing you want to do is cause damage to your delicate skin. Believe me; I understand completely that blackheads are some of the most annoying skin blemishes. These puppies always hide deep in our pores, making it excruciating to get them out. Many people resort to the pinching and squeezing method. While this probably does temporarily rid you of some blackheads, it’s certainly not permanent. The problem with this method is the irritation caused by the pressure. All that squeezing and pinching can lead to broken blood vessels around the nose, which you won’t care for either.

Probably the most popular and contemporary route concerning how to remove blackheads is the ever-popular Biore strip. People are buying these things up. My wife was using them like a mad women. Although the adhesive strips do pull out up to 50 percent of the current blackheads, they also come with a warning. This is due to the product’s harshness. If you’ve used one, then you know what I mean. These powerful strips can irritate your delicate skin, hence producing more irritation. And that, translates as more blackheads, folks.

One effective method regarding how to remove blackheads concerns a hot wash cloth. You can place a hot wash cloth over your face for 5 minutes and then follow up with a gentle face scrub. This should slough away some of those nasty buggers without damaging your delicate mug. Some individuals prefer a professional blackhead remover, which can be purchased online for a small price. Remember to use gently.

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Do you know what blackheads are? Well, for those of you who don’t have a clue, let me bring you in on the mystery known as blackheads. These basically consist of dirt and oil that is oxidized by the air, hence transforming it into that yucky, stiff substance that’s difficult to get rid of. We’ve all seen this subtle form of acne. In fact, it usually dominates your nose. How many blackheads are covering your nose as you read this?

There are tons of these resilient little pore cloggers. The thing I hate about blackheads is not necessarily the fact that they’re clogging my pores, but that they always come back. It doesn’t matter how much you pinch, squeeze, and pry; those annoying blackheads repetitively return to your nose and face. You’d think that once they were gone, you’d be good to go. But life just can’t be that simple.

Well, there fortunately are ways to remove blackheads. First of all, you may want to avoid clawing at your nose in a desperate attempt to squeeze them all out. This procedure often causes irritation, which can create more blackheads.

One way to remove blackheads involves a warm washcloth and a Biore strip. First you apply the warm wash cloth to open your pores. Leave it on for five minutes, and then slap on a Biore strip. After 15 minutes of drying, the Biore strip should pull a good 50% of those blackheads right out. However, make sure that you use proper caution. Those nose strips can be rather powerful.

In addition, you can also resort to a quality blackhead remover. This is a nifty little precision tool that can gently press the blackheads from the nose and face. For more information regarding acne and blackheads, you may want to hop online.

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Mild conditions of acne can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications but more severe cases need the attention of a doctor. Acne can cause physical as well as emotional suffering and can lead to permanent scarring if not properly treated. When acne is not responding to over-the-counter medications you should consult with a dermatologist for treatment.

It is a good idea to prepare for your first consultation by writing down as much information about your acne as possible. The doctor will want to know the background — how long you have had acne, what form it takes (blackheads, whiteheads, lesions etc.) and what you have done to treat it. You may also be asked if your parents or siblings had acne and how severe it was for them.

Since the acne treatment may include oral medications you should be prepared to tell the doctor if you are allergic to certain medicines. Girls may be asked to describe their menstrual period and boys may need to say how often they shave.

The dermatologist may offer a choice of treatments so knowing a bit about the various options can help you make an informed decision. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Antibiotics can be given orally or in a lotion that is applied to the skin. Severe cases may require the use of both forms.

Topical treatments include benzoyl peroxide and retinoic acid. These are usually prescribed in gel form and may cause dryness or reddening of the skin.

In severe cases of acne physical treatments may be recommended. These include the removal of blackheads and whiteheads and the drainage of cysts.

No matter which form of treatment you decide on it is important to follow directions given by the doctor. Don’t take more or less of a medication than prescribed. If your acne clears up, continue treatment until advised otherwise, otherwise it may come back.

Always be informed about your condition and get the information you require. Write down questions as you think of them so that you can ask your doctor at your next consultation. Common questions include:

· What kind of treatment is best for me?
· How soon will I start to see results?
· How long will the treatment last?
· Are there any side effects?
· How should I care for my skin?
· Can I use makeup?
· How can I prevent acne scars?

Treatment for severe acne may continue for some time. Each time you see your doctor take the opportunity to clear up any questions or concerns you have about acne or your treatment. Try to become as well-informed as possible so that you can participate fully in your acne treatment.

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What’s different?

Unlike acne, which involves the sebaceous glands, Hidradenitis Suppurativa involves a different set of glands – the apocrine glands. Apocrine glands are located in the groin area and under the arms and the nipples and these glands can also become blocked. Perspiration is the culprit, much like it is with acne, but something else that can happen to the apocrine glands is that they sometimes do not develop completely. When materials become trapped inside these glands and cannot get outside the body they end up being forced out into the tissues that surround the blocked glands. The end result is a painful infection and inflammation surrounding the area of infection that sometimes causes lesions to appear on the surface of the skin.

Besides excessive perspiration, which is common in this area, there are other situations that can cause irritation in the groin area and trigger this condition. Clothing that is too tight and that constantly rubs against the skin is one culprit, but some laundry detergents can also irritate the skin. If you’ve got trouble in this area, try using a different detergent or even a different body soap to see if the problem goes away.

When to See a Doctor

If the problem persists and especially if the lesions are present on the genital organs, it’s probably time to see a doctor. Unfortunately, genital acne (or Hidradenitis Suppurativa) is sometimes something more serious. The lesions can actually be a symptom of a sexually-transmitted disease such as genital herpes or warts and have nothing at all to do with blocked glands. Yes, this visit will likely be uncomfortable and even embarrassing, but it’s absolutely necessary to get the right diagnosis. That’s the only way you’ll be able to make this bad situation better.

When the diagnosis is Hidradenitis Suppurativa, it’s easier to treat if it’s a mild case. If so, then switch to wearing clothing that doesn’t fit quite so snugly. And just as with acne, you’ll want to keep the affected areas free of bacteria so cleanse with an antiseptic, or hydrogen or benzoyl peroxide solution. If the lesions have a discharge or are painful, they might have an infection that requires antibiotics. Extreme lesions may even need to be sliced open and drained, but this is only recommended for very severe situations.

When this medical situation is under control, making a few simple changes to your cleansing routine will help keep this often painful condition from reemerging. As with any type of acne, gentle exfoliation is the key to keeping bacteria under control. The exfoliating process helps to remove dead cells so that they don’t become a problem. Be sure to use a mild cleanser and to rub gently so the skin doesn’t become irritated.

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While ointments, soaps and lotions remain by far the most popular acne treatment options, perhaps hundreds of companies in business right now are offering herbal remedies for acne and natural acne treatments. Do these products work?

The manufacturers of these products claim they do. They offer plenty of testimonials from satisfied customers but they come up short on scientific data. And unfortunately, there aren’t any governing bodies in charge of validating their health-related claims. Does this lack of legislative oversight make a product good or bad? The answer depends on whom you ask and what you believe.

But this much is certain. In earlier times, as far back in time as there is record, civilizations relied entirely on herbal and natural remedies to treat every ailment. They had to because the neighborhood pharmacy, with its manufactured treatments for every ailment ever documented, is a very recent development.

Throughout the centuries, civilizations ate only the foods that came from the earth or that they raised on their farms. Life was more difficult and life spans were definitely shorter but these people overall were very healthy. Why? Many believe the reason for this better state of health is because they did not fill their bodies with processed ingredients, harsh pesticides and other potentially dangerous combinations of chemicals.

So how do you decide whether herbal remedies and natural treatments for acne are effective? The only thing you really can do is research this issue. Find out which herbs and natural ingredients have been shown to be effective in treating acne and then find skin care products that include them. Then try these products for yourself and measure your own results.

For example, dermatologists typically recommend antibiotics because bacteria are a main cause of acne. But did you know that several natural products have shown promise in fighting bacteria? Echinacea and Tea Tree oil are two of the more common natural remedies for acne. A dermatologist may be able to give you more information on herbal remedies and natural treatments for acne and if yours won’t, it might be time to find someone who will.

If you’re willing to look, you’ll find plenty of clay masks, facial peels and gentle abrasives made from all-natural ingredients. If you take time to find a reputable company and to also read the ingredients label, you’ll find plenty of natural options for treating your acne.

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Physical treatments must be conducted by a dermatologist. Although popping pimples is a form of physical treatment, it is ill-advised. It can cause acne-causing bacteria to spread and may lead to scarring. Physical treatments done under controlled conditions (i.e. in a doctor’s office) minimize risk while providing the best outcome.

Exfoliation

The top layer of skin can be removed either chemically or with abrasion. Chemical peels are usually done with salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These work by destroying a microscopic layer of skin cells to unclog pores and remove the build-up of dead cells. The same effect can be achieved by using an abrasive cloth or liquid scrub. Glycolic acid treatments can be done every two to four weeks over a period of about six months, but salicylic acid treatments are milder and are often included in over-the-counter medications. They can be used on a daily basis.

Comedo Extraction

Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) can be removed by a dermatologist using sterile instruments. An anesthetic cream is used in the immediate area and then the comedones are extracted using a pen-like instrument which opens the top to allow removal of the plugged skin cells and sebum. The procedure is usually followed by an application of antibiotic cream. It is important not to try this at home — squeezing or picking at pimples can lead to infection and permanent scarring.

Drainage

Severe acne can sometimes cause cysts to form under the skin. These cysts can be painful and disfiguring. Smaller cysts can be treated with cortisone injections which flatten the lesion in a day or two. Larger cysts may need to be drained and surgically removed. Drainage can help relieve the pain associated with cysts and also reduce the chance of scarring. It is performed in the dermatologist’s office with sterile instruments. It is important not to try to drain cysts by yourself because of the risk of infection which could lead to permanent scarring.

Light Therapy

Light therapy is sometimes used to combat the acnes bacteria that cause acne. It is particularly useful in treating hard-to-reach areas but may have a short-term effect because it does not do anything about the production of sebum or the accumulation of dead skin cells.

Laser therapy is useful for treating the scars caused by acne. It can be used for both surface-level scarring as well as deep tissue scarring caused by serious acne conditions. Research is currently being conducted on the use of lasers for acne treatment. Several approaches are being examined – burning away the follicle sac which produces the hair; burning away the gland which produces sebum; and forming oxygen in the bacteria to kill them. It is not yet known if laser acne treatment can cause permanent damage to the skin.

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If you think about what acne is – a skin condition – it makes sense then that acne can appear almost anywhere on the body. One area in particular that is not often associated with acne is the scalp.

Scalp acne, the mildest form of which is also known as scalp folliculitis, probably occurs more frequently than most people realize. This form of acne is most often triggered during times of high stress. This irritating scalp condition usually develops whenever the scalp becomes oilier than usual, such as when the hair isn’t washed frequently or when hair care products that contain a considerable amount of oil are used.

Scalp acne is very itchy and that makes it difficult for those who have it to leave it alone. In its mildest form, the pustules are small, crusty, and they’re sore. They appear mainly on the upper forehead at the hairline. A person can have just a few pustules or there can be many.

A more severe form of scalp acne called acne necrotica miliaris is characterized by inflamed larger papules with black-colored crusts. This form of acne can leave behind scars that resemble those resulting from Chicken Pox. There is an even more severe form of scalp acne that primarily affects adult African-American men, but can actually affect anybody, regardless of race or sex. This extremely rare condition is a combination of large cysts and smaller pustules and papules that grow to be very large.

Treatment for Scalp Acne

The mild form of scalp acne can be treated the way most other acne is treated. Keep the affected area clean by using a product that contains salicylic acid. Remember though that these products can cause excessive dryness so use only on affected areas. For better control, apply using a cotton ball.

Since oily hair is a contributing factor to scalp acne, using shampoo that is formulated for oily hair and scalp is another good option. Hair care products designed especially to treat seborrhea have also been used successfully. And since many people use more than just shampoo on their hair, it’s a good idea to check the labels on all hair care products and make changes as necessary.

Never attempt to treat the more severe forms of scalp acne without first speaking to a doctor or a dermatologist.

One thing that should not be used to treat scalp acne is any product that contains benzoyl peroxide. The peroxide, when it comes into contact with hair, can change the color of the hair and result in a less-than-desirable look. Those who have chemically-textured their hair (for example those with perms) or color-treated their hair are most prone to hair trouble when benzoyl peroxide comes into contact with hair.

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But why does adult acne occur? The reasons are many. But the most commonly attributed reason, that of poor personal hygiene, is a myth. Almost all cases of acne, even adult acne, are a direct result of hormonal imbalances or blocked pores on the skin. Some adult acne could also be caused by infection of the sebaceous glands or faulty closing of the hair ducts on the face. And all acne is curable to a greater or lesser degree.

Most adults are so embarrassed by the onset of adult acne that they try the first remedy they can get their hands on at the local pharmacist. But this may actually cause more harm than good. Most over the counter acne remedies are created specifically to deal with acne among younger populations. These medicines and treatments may not have the strength or the capability t deal with adult acne, the causes of which may differ greatly.

And while adult acne is in form and appearance no different from regular acne, it may demand stronger remedies. Whenever one is confronted by adult acne, it would be a good idea to consult a dermatologist. S/he will be able to determine what caused the adult acne in the first place. Once a diagnosis is made, there may be a simple prescription drug that might be able to eradicate the problem forever. But all adults with adult acne must remember that it is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Like I said earlier, adult acne is more common than normally imagined. And wouldn’t it be better to go for one visit to the dermatologist to get rid of the problem than to spend a fortune at the local drugstore trying to find a diagnosis and a cure? Not to mention the worry and fear that inevitably accompanies the late onset of acne.

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Use a gentle soap or specialized skin cleaner for washing the face once or twice a day. It is important not to scrub the skin as this will further aggravate the acne. Just use a soft cloth to moisten the face and then apply the cleanser to all areas from the hairline to the neck. Rinse the cleanser with plenty of water and pat your face dry with a soft towel.

Those with especially oily skin may need to use an astringent, but it must be used with care. Only apply it to the parts of the face which are most oily and discontinue use if your skin becomes irritated. It is best to consult with a dermatologist if you feel you need to use an astringent.

Hair care is also an important part of skin care. Shampoo your hair two or three times a week and try to keep it off your face as much as possible. Those with oily hair may need to wash their hair once a day.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

A suntan may dry out the skin and make your acne less noticeable but this is only temporary. As your skin becomes accustomed to sun exposure the acne will flare up once again, and in the meantime you are also risking skin damage that may cause it to age prematurely or even cause skin cancer. Many of the medications used to treat acne cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunshine and more vulnerable to burning. It is always best to wear a sunscreen when outdoors.

Choose Makeup with Care

The best choice for good skin care is to wear no makeup at all, but if you feel you must wear makeup choose some that will not clog the pores. These products are labeled noncomedogenic, but they may still cause acne in some people. Above all, avoid makeup with an oil base. Read the labels carefully and use sparingly.

Shaving

Try both electric razors and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. Don’t use safety razors with dull blades — change the blade every two or three shaves. You may have to shave around blemishes to avoid cutting them, and be sure to soften the beard as much as possible with water and shaving cream. If you happen have a lot of breakouts perhaps it is best to skip shaving that day.

Avoid Touching the Skin

As tempting as it may be too squeeze and pop those pimples, don’t do it! You are only inviting more trouble because the bacteria which causes pimples will spread. Popping pimples can also lead to permanent scarring.

Try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. Many people do this unconsciously, but the hands are dirty and oily and can spread germs over greater areas of your skin. Acne can be brought under control. Medications are a great help in clearing up the skin and combating the bacteria which causes acne, but be sure to help it along as much as possible by taking good care of your skin.

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Several different acne scarring treatments are available. These work to help the scarred area return to a more ‘normal’ appearance because most acne scars, like any type of scarring, can almost never be permanently removed.

The available treatment options differ considerably in their approach and what’s right for a person will depend on several factors including the type and extent of scarring involved, an evaluation of how the scarring is impacting the person’s livelihood and the individual’s budget. It’s always advisable to thoroughly discuss treatment options with a dermatologist before making a decision.

Causes of Acne Scars

As with all scarring, acne scars result from tissue damage. When tissue is damaged, the body reacts by initiating the repair process and taking steps to protect against infection. Collagen is something the body sends to the damaged area but sometimes the body produces too much. When this happens, the excess collagen builds up into a fibrous mass that ends up becoming a smooth and firm acne scar with an irregular shape. Acne scars also result when tissue is lost and this is actually the more common reason scars develop. Many different types of scarring exist within this latter category including the well-known ‘ice-pick’ scar, depressed scars, soft scars, atrophic macules and others.

Treatment Options

Injecting collagen into the scar site is an effective method for most people however it’s one that’ll need to be repeated regularly, about every 3 – 6 months. Once injected under the skin, the collagen puffs out the scar area, making the scar less noticeable.

A similar process involves using a person’s own body fat. This treatment option is called autologus fat transfer. Basically, fat is taken from another part of the body and injected into the acne scar, causing it to fill out. This option also does need to be repeated, although less frequently, because the fat will begin to absorb back into the skin.

Dermabrasion is a common treatment method for most types of acne scarring. It’s done under local anesthesia. In this procedure, a thin layer of surface skin is removed using a fraise or a brush set on high speed. Removing the surface layer can actually remove some shallow scarring at the surface and it can lessen the depth of deeper scarring. Microdermabrasion also removes the surface skin but does so using crystals of aluminum oxide that pass through a vacuum.

Laser treatment is another acne scar treatment option. Lasers of various intensity and wavelength are aimed at the scarring with the goal of changing a scar’s shape. Depending on the scar, permanent results can sometimes be achieved. Again, multiple treatments may be necessary.

Other acne treatment options are available including skin grafting and skin surgery, but these extreme procedures are reserved primarily for deep scarring or extreme situations.

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