Acne is caused by clogging of hair follicles by dead cells or excess oil. The areas that are commonly affected by acne include the face, the forehead, the upper back, and chest. A person of any age can get acne but it is more common in teenagers. Acne can heal by itself or it can persist or recur after some time. Acne may also cause you to lose confidence in your physical appearance especially when you have acne scars in Fort Worth that require treatment by a dermatologist.
There are myths about acne like that acne can be caused by eating chocolate and greasy foods or that makeup and dirt cause acne. These are false beliefs. When you are struggling with acne, you should consult a dermatologist who will take your medical history and examine your skin and offer you the treatment that can treat the acne and remove the acne scars.
What are the Risk Factors of Acne?
Acne is primarily caused by excess production of sebum which clogs the hair follicles which can be infected by bacteria. Acne is more common in young people who are going through puberty. Hormonal changes like an increase in androgens during puberty also cause acne. This is because androgens cause the oil-producing glands to enlarge and produce more sebum which triggers acne. The level of androgens can also be increased by hormonal contraceptives and during pregnancy, thereby worsening acne.
Some people are also genetically predisposed to acne where it runs in their families. Some factors worsen acne like stress and friction, or pressure on your skin that can be caused by wearing tight collars, or by placing telephones on your skin. Medications like lithium and those that contain testosterone can also trigger acne. The use of oily lotions and creams that contain grease on your skin also trigger acne.
The symptoms of acne include whiteheads and blackheads on the skin and pimples which may have tips. Acne can also present with bumps on the skin which can be red and tender. Other symptoms of acne include cystic lesions that are filled with pus and solid nodules or lumps beneath the skin.
How Can You Prevent the Worsening of Acne?
You should regularly wash your face with water and a mild soap or a gentle cleanser. Avoid using chemicals on your face and excess scrubbing of your face because it may irritate your skin. Avoid using greasy cosmetic products, hair styling chemicals, or acne concealers because they can clog the skin. You should instead use non-comedogenic products or those that are water-based.
You should avoid exposing your skin to direct sun rays because the UV rays can worsen the acne. If you have to go out with the sun, apply a moisturizer that contains sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving. Avoid touching your face with the phone, helmets, or tight collars. Do not pick pimples because this will leave scars on your skin. Always take a shower after strenuous exercise and when you are excessively sweaty. Do not touch your face with dirty hands.
Conclusion
Acne is a common skin condition that is caused by excess oil in the skin that can clog hair follicles or get infected with bacteria. Triggers of acne include hormonal changes like excess androgens and stress. You can prevent the worsening of acne and formation of scars by maintaining the hygiene of your skin and avoiding irritating chemicals or picking your pimples. Consulting a dermatologist can help to treat your acne.