We find in our society that 85% of people between the ages of 12-24 are likely to suffer from different
types of acne. Teenage acne, zits, blackheads or pimples as they are called is neither blood related
or contagious. Acne is a universal skin disease which manifests in all genders, ages and race groups.

Diagnosis

The doctor will look for acne comedones, pustules, nodules and cysts on your face, chest, back, upperarms and shoulders.
The doctor will ask questions about your medical history to try and identify contributing factors. You will be questioned on
your patterns of hair growth, cosmetics, etc.

This skin disorder comes in many forms. It is basically categorized into three:

1. Blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) - Comedones are enlarged hair follicles filled with sebum. Blackheads
   are comedones that have opened to the skin’s surface.
2. Pimples (pustules) – These are inflamed hair follicle. The bacteria in the follicle multiply, attracting infection-fighting
   cells, which releases substances that cause irritation and redness.
3. Nodules and cysts-Are larger infections of the hair follicle that extend deeper into the skin, forming firm, deep
   bumps and swelling.

Causes

• Propionbacterium acnes
• Unhealthy diet
• Improperly functioning digestive system
• Cosmetics (oil based)
• Psychological stress (emotional stress)
• Hormonal imbalances and changes

Treatment

Acne cannot be prevented. Acne is part of your life when you maturing. Acne is a skin disease which cannot be cured but
only treated. However, there had been developed treatments to decrease the skin vulnerability to acne infection.There are
many remedies that people have tried over the years eg. home remedies, herbal remedies and creams.There are many
acne cures.

Methods of Treatment

• Homeopathic treatments – Those that can be prepared at home and are usually available over the counter (soap and
  water, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide )
• Tropical treatments - Those that are applied on the external layers of the skin.
• Oral Drugs - Drugs that can be taken systematically, these are usually composed of antibiotics.

Seek help from the Skin Doctor

Call your dermatologist if you or your child has acne that cannot be controlled with over-the –counter washes or gels.
Parents need to remember if your child has acne it can be embarrassing and psychologically painful to young teenagers.