Useful Information about Acne

Acne: what is it, really?
Acne is a term that is used to describe blocked pores (whiteheads and blackheads), deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) and pimples. These can occur anywhere including the face back and chest. Acne is not age specific but the characteristics and the treatment that is required depends on the age of the patient.

So what is a pimple or comedon?
It is basically a plugged sebaceous follicle with dead cells tiny hairs and bacteria. Blackheads are open comedons and whiteheads are closed. Papules are small raised lesions usually under 5mm. A pustule is a fragile lesion containing pus that has a hair through the middle. A macule is the remains of a healed acne lesion. They can stay red up to weeks but eventually will disappear without scarring. A nodule is a solid lesion. It is characterized by inflammation and extends into the deeper structures. Nodules may leave scars. A cyst is filled with liquid or semiliquid material consisting of white cells bacteria and dead cells. These too can leave scarring.
A few words on acne scarring.
Macules or red spots left after a pimple has gone away are not scars, they do not leave a permanent mark after the red goes away. Post-inflammatory pigmentation can happen after a pimple or nodule have healed. Post inflammatory pigmentation may persist up to 18 months, especially with sun exposure. Peels and bleaching agents can help with this. Two types of scars can occur: raised and depressed. The best treatment to help with acne scarring is really to treat the active acne early.
Simple rules to follow if you have active acne:
Acne treatment consists of reducing sebum production, removing dead skin cells and killing bacteria with topical drugs and oral medication. Don’t pop or squeeze or pick (unless you want to make it worse). Do wash your face frequently. Remember acne is due to clogged pores and dead cells. Use a good cleanser with a salicylic or glycolic base. Diacneal is excellent for this. La Roche Posay also has a foaming gel cleanser called Effaclar. Also consider the use of a weekly mask. For masks consider the Jan Marini C Esta Facial mask. Follow any cleansing with a toner that will remove any traces of dirt such as La Roche Posay Effaclar Toner. After toning, apply a salicylic acid product. Salicylic acid is effective in treating non-inflammatory acne lesions and it corrects abnormal shedding of the skin cells and unclogs pores by exfoliating the inside of the pore as well. To work, a salicylic must be used continuously or the acne will return. La Roche-Posay has the Effaclar line which combines salicylic acid with their well known thermal spring water. The Effaclar K treatment fluid is 1.5% salicylic acid. It is gentle enough that it can be used every day.