Acne at All Ages
Infant acne
The occurrence of infant acne is a fairly common condition,
but it' typically clears away in a matter of several weeks.
Acne-like bumps on the surface of the face are caused by trapped
oil on the skin follicle. Infantile acne generally appears
on the baby’s cheek but may often cover the forehead and the
chin. Slight blemishes on the skin are due to exposure
to hormonal alteration in the womb preceding childbirth. This
condition needs no treatment and can re-occur after six months.
Persistence of this condition may suggest early sexual hormonal
reproduction. In this case, the infant must be examined by a
physician to determine if there exists a genetic predisposition
in acne development.
Ages two to six are acne free zones, meaning acne development
will cease between these ages. In addition to this, if
acne occurs during this stage of life, it is important to consult
a physician. This condition may also suggest a problematic hormonal
imbalance in a child.
Teenage acne
The American Academy of Dermatology states that there are
several reasons behind acne production in puberty. One is the
result of excessively productive sebaceous glands. These glands
produce sebum and are attached on the hair follicles. Sebum
is an oily substance which produces blemishes on the skin if
trapped on the hair follicles.
At any rate, acne can also be a product of bacterial reproduction
at an abnormal pace. Doctors often recommend acne treatments
using topical antibiotics for acne. These are
efficient in destroying Propionibacterium acne, which is the
primary cause. Additionally, too quick shedding of dead skin
cells and the release of toxic substance on the skin may also
be the cause for this skin disorder.
During puberty, excess reproduction usually occurs on teenage
boys due to significant hormonal changes in a boy’s body. This
unnecessary elevation in sebum production can result in skin
lesions. Consequently, it is possible that teenage boys are
more likely to experience this form of acne.
Although it is often difficult to treat acne during
pubescence, it is the diversity of causes which must be properly
analyzed so as to provide the better treatment. If over-the-counter
medications don’t work, physicians must be consulted to provide
better options to care for this skin disease.
Adult acne
Chiefly due to hormonal changes, 5% of people who develop acne
are infected in their adulthood while the remaining percentage
experience this skin disease during puberty. In addition, this
skin disorder is a hereditary disease and a manifestation of
abnormal hormonal imbalance.
Furthermore, adult acne may often get worse during pregnancy
because of hormonal changes in the women’s body. In several
cases, oral contraceptives are often applied as treatment to
improve conditions dealing with adult acne. Alcohol, emotional
and psychological stress and hot foods can intensify the condition.
Dermatologists would usually prescribe topical medications
that contain salicylic acid or sulfur to lessen the outbreak
of acne and the burning sensations. Topical medications basically
cleanse the skin from bacteria and also aids in slowing down
the performance of oil glands.
It is advisable that people infected with this skin disorder
to refrain from having their skin exposed to sunlight and must,
avoid using oil-based cosmetics.
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