Posts Tagged “whiteheads”

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In very mild forms of acne, little diagnosis is required. Most people who reach their teens will readily recognize the small blackheads or white pimples surrounded by a reddened area that constitute mild acne.

But more severe forms, where nodules or cysts form, where papule or pustules have spread around the face, shoulders and chest often call for a visit to the dermatologist. These skin professionals will obtain a complete history and carefully examine the affected areas. They’ll note the color, number and size of outbreaks.

Whiteheads and Cysts

The acne may consist of a field of small, white bumps called whiteheads. These will often disappear on their own. Blackheads form when the material reaches the surface, where it combines with air to form the characteristic dark color. These two are called, respectively, closed or open comedones. A good antibacterial cleanser and time may be all that’s needed.

In the more severe cases, where nodules or cysts form, the patient may have other symptoms we don’t commonly associate with acne, such as fever and aching joints, or even headaches and GI (gastrointestinal) distress. These indicate more serious types of acne, calling for more specialized treatments, such as prescription drugs or lasers.

When symptoms appeared, and in what order, is important. Typically, only the patient can provide that information. It’s useful to keep track by keeping a log. Note what type of lesion occurred before the appearance of any pustules and when. Read the rest of this entry »

While there are always new questions to answer, many of the factors that tend to produce acne have been well researched.

Hormones and Sebum

It’s no accident that acne tends to be associated with teens. It strikes over 85% of us during those years. It’s at that stage of life when hormone levels rise sharply. Androgen levels increase in both males and females.

Among other effects, those stimulate the sebaceous glands that produce sebum, the natural oil found in hair follicles. The largest increases occur in the face, back and upper chest – right where acne tends to concentrate. The result can well be an outbreak of acne.

Increased oil or sebum isn’t generally a problem if it reaches the surface. It’s spread around, and often washed off with alcohol or soap and water by those who take good care of their skin. Still, blackheads may form as a result of the excess oil. Read the rest of this entry »

A pimple is, by definition, a red, raised bump that is clogged with oil and dead skin and is infected with bacteria. The pimple bursts beneath the skin and sends the bacteria into the surrounding tissue. It is then called a papule. If this spreads deeper into the skin it is called a papule. If it goes even deeper it is then called a pustule. A pustule is not usually as red as other pimples, but it may have a white center and be painful. If it goes deeper than a pustule, then it is called a cyst. A cyst can be very serious needs to be treated by a trained professional.

Propionibacterium acne is found on the skin. This type of acne usually increases during puberty, as it uses sebum as a nutrient. Some people may have even more bacteria on their skin. When this occurs it collects in the pore of the hair follicle and becomes clogged with dead cells, a comedone is formed. A comedone is the medical term for blackheads and whiteheads. After the whitehead is formed, the body sends white blood cells to the follicle. The white blood cells begin to fight the bacteria and try to destroy it. This causes inflammation in the area.

A normal follicle has sebum that is produced by your sebaceous glands. The sebum fills the hair follicle and spreads over your skin; this is what causes skin to appear oily. When the cells slough off after dying, they may become lodged in the hair follicle with the sebum. If the oil breaks through to the surface, then you will see a whitehead. If the oxygen oxidizes the oil, then the comedone changes from white to black and you see a blackhead.

You shouldn’t pick at or pop pimples, but sometimes they are painful and you have to relieve the pressure. There is a sanitary way to do this that we will share with you later. In the meantime you are wondering what comes out of the pimple when you pop it – right? What you see is a whitish-yellow fluid. The fluid contains white blood cells, old tissue that has become liquefied and other cellular debris. This pus is often the site of infection where a foreign body has entered the body. This stuff is perfectly natural for it to be found in a pimple. The pus is the result of your body trying to fight off the bacteria.

Acne is a disorder that causes outbreaks of skin lesions commonly called pimples. It is caused by the skins oil glands making too much sebum, an oily substance, which leads to plugged pores. It also can be caused by the rapid production of a bacteria P. acnes.

Acne lesions occur mostly on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. It is the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring and permanent scarring.

Women actually have more and different issues than men with acne. Read the rest of this entry »

Salicylic Acid is one of the real basic products when it comes to fighting acne. Many of the products that you will find on the market as creams contain Salicylic Acid just make sure not to put too much on your skin.

Salicylic Acid is best on acne-prone and sensitive skin types. The pore-cleansing properties of salicylic acid make it a more effective comedone fighter. Those with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate alpha hydroxy acids may find that they are able to use salicylic acid with good results. However, alpha hydroxy acid’s penetration into the deeper layers of the skin produce better anti-wrinkle and anti-aging benefits.

Look for concentrations of 1-2% in any salicylic acid product to assure on effective concentration. A 1% concentration would be better or sensitive skin types and a 2% concentration would be useful on stubborn acne.

Salicylic acid is an ingredient used in many over-the-counter acne medications. It is often found with pads as applicators (such as Stri-dex pads). It is also used to treat other skin disorders including dandruff, psoriasis, calluses, corns, warts, and more.

Acne is formed when skin cells inside hair follicles shed too fast and clump together, plugging up the follicle and causing a pimple. Salicylic acid helps slow down shedding of the cells inside the follicles, preventing clogging. Salicylic acid also helps break down blackheads and whiteheads.

Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, people should avoid the other over the counter medications I list: sulfur, resorcinol, or benzoyl peroxide, while using salicylic acid, as it may be overly irritating.

People often report a mild stinging when applying the product.