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The term acne is derived from the Greek word Acne which
means skin eruption. In medical circle, it is known as Acne Vulgaris.
Acne or pimples is a disorder that causes your skin to inflame due to
changes in the sebaceous or oil glands found on your skin and hair
follicles. The inflammation can either be small or large, tender or
hard, soft or dull, red, black or white. It usually occurs on the face,
neck, shoulders, back and chest, but eruption of acne all over the body
is not unusual.
Acne is commonly known as pimple
or zit. It develops when the pores on your skin get plugged. This
happens due to the action of hormones and other substances on your
skin's oil glands. It is the most common among teenagers in puberty, but
can also affect infants, teenagers and adults alike. It is also not
limited to any creed or race.
If you are also an acne sufferer,
you would have noticed that the 'T zone' of your face was the first
acne-invaded area. The 'T-zone' includes the forehead, the nose and the
chin. Apart from the T-zone, acne may also appear on your cheeks and
other parts of the face. The second most common area for acne to appear
is the back, followed by the neck, the chest, and the shoulders.
Though
acne, over time, diminishes gradually and then disappears entirely, some
people suffer from this infliction throughout their lives. They develop
acne as late as in their 40s or 50s. In fact, acne affects a large
portion of the world's population at some time or the other in their
lifespan.
Actually, acne is such a common condition that it
affects approximately 85% people between the ages of 12 and 24. 25% of
this 85% suffer from acne in other places besides the face. As a matter
of fact, acne can be so severe that you can be forced to seek medical
help, which is done by at least 40% of all acne sufferers.
Unfortunately, acne has been surrounded by myths and
misconceptions since decades. You might believe that a particular type
of diet, stress, anger, frustration, and similar feelings would lead to
acne. But, this is not true. You might also believe that exposure to sun
would cure your acne. This is again not true.
However, there are several medications, therapies, techniques, and tips
available to help cure your acne. But, the type of treatment you chose
would depend on your stage of acne, skin color, and the type of acne you
have. In addition to finding out more about your particular type of
acne, you will also have to take special care of your skin.
While
acne is not a life-threatening disorder, it can cause permanent scars.
Though you can undertake treatment for scars, these might have a
psychological effect and social impact. But, you do not need to worry as
today acne is not something that happens to only a particular type of
people. In fact, it has become a global phenomenon.
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