Say Goodbye to Acne

Squeezing pimples or zits, as they are commonly called, can be painful and cause serious damage. An enduring myth about acne is that squeezing blackheads can clear up the acne faster. This myth is not only false, but following this advice can also cause long-lasting harm to the skin. 

Pimples can be classified into two types. There is the non inflammatory type, which is essentially whiteheads and blackheads, also called closed comodones and open comodones respectively. Whiteheads are plugged follicles below the surface of the skin. Blackheads on the other hand are enlarged plugs that look like minute black spots and push through the skin’s surface. Then there are the inflammatory types which are further classified into papules, which are pinkish in color and tender to the touch; pustules, which are small and round lesion like pimples with a red base and a yellowish centre; and nodules or cysts, which is the most severe form of acne, and are large and extremely painful and tend to leave scars.

Squeezing blackheads is more likely to harm than heal. As tempting as it can be, squeezing comedones can injure the sebaceous follicle and the tissue around it and force the contents, the bacteria, deeper into the skin tissue and also force its contents to extrude to the skin surface. This can result in inflammation of the skin. Also, scientific evidence suggests that blackheads not be removed by using blackhead extractors that are so commonly available on the Internet or magazine ads. A fully developed blackhead will not become inflamed if left alone.

Moreover, squeezing whiteheads can be potentially even more damaging. Whiteheads, also called sandpaper comedo, are so small that they can hardly be seen, and are more likely to be felt as roughness on the skin. a whitehead is more likely than a blackhead to become inflamed, and further evolve into a pustule or a papule.

When whiteheads naturally evolve into papules or pustules, they should be treated by a dermatologist. Acne can be severely exacerbated if you attempt to squeeze the inflammatory type of lesions. Also whiteheads are so small, that there is hardly any content in it to squeeze out so overall the whole squeezing experience can be rather unsatisfying! A regular acne treatment, based upon your specific type of problem, cause and skin type is by far the best way to keep your acne under control.

Acne treatments are plentiful in the market. While there are plenty of magic cures out there, not many of them have ever stood up to scientific scrutiny.

Acne can be mild, moderate, or severe. For each type of acne, the treatment is very different. Acne is not a cosmetic condition but a health problem.

If your acne problem seems to be getting worse with time then before going to buy the next magic cure, try visiting a dermatologist for a skin analysis and determining what type of treatment suits you best.

Mild acne can usually be treated with a gentle wash using warm water and soap, twice a day. Over the counter creams containing salicylic acid can also be used. These creams are helpful in eradicating the bacteria on the skin surface.

Acne cures are all about proper skin care. Once an acne condition has developed all cures will take some time. You should expect nothing better than a gradual improvement in skin health.

Vitamin supplements for healthy skin can also be taken with the doctor’s advice.

Moderate acne is when pimples cover about half of the face. People with moderate acne should consult a dermatologist before doing anything in the way of self-help. While acne can be embarrassing and the impulse to do something fast is ever-present, you should take care and not do anything that might worsen the case.

Best treatments for moderate acne involve a combination of physical treatment and prescription drugs that are antibacterial. Oral acne treatments have also given good results in the past. Acne can also leave scars and if they are not attended to immediately they can become a permanent feature on the skin.

In cases of severe acne, pimples and zits will become deep, inflamed, and possibly very painful. In such cases there will be a lot of skin scarring that can result in psychological complications like depression. It is best to treat acne before it becomes severe.

Most doctors and dermatologists will use methods as severe as acne to cure the condition. Oral antibiotics and medicines like accutane will probably be used at this stage. Other drainage technique and surgical methods might also be used.

Acne can go into a very phase if not treated in time so it is best to obtain good professional advise even if you are having a mild acne attack. Remember that treatment of acne takes a long time before any improvements become visible. When your doctor gives you instructions for acne treatment then it is necessary that you follow them with an almost military discipline.

Be patient and persistent, continue taking the prescribed medications and follow your doctor’s advice.

By: Melvin Ng

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