The dreaded menace - Acne!
Acne vulgaris is one of the most common problems cropping up every now and then in young as well as old. Though the problem is persistently high in young teenage population, elderly people also may suffer from acne rosacea due to various physiological changes.
It is well said that skin is the mirror of mind. That’s why in this era of fast foods and excessive anxieties, skin is the seat of manifestations for many bodily ailments. And so, it is important to annihilate the maintaining cause for acne in order to treat it completely without recurrence.
Why acne is so common in teenage?
Teenage is almost synonymous with acne age. Yes, it is the age group when most young people keep trying different solutions and creams in order to control the effervescent acne problem. This is also the age when the youth wants to be at their best and skin with acne is the last thing they want.
But as with all other bodily changes, skin is also prone to many changes during this age group. Because of hormonal influences of especially androgens, the sebaceous glands especially in the skin of face, neck, posterior side of neck etc secrete much mucus.
Because of this oiliness, the pores of the skin get clogged and dust gets entangled here leading to bacterial infection. This terminates in formation of acne.
Also with the changing lifestyles and junk foods, the skin texture is changing fast. Even the effect of different habits like alcohol, cigarette smoking etc is seen on the facial skin. That’s why the teenage acne is very common.
Why in other age groups also, at times, acne problem crops up again?
Well, there are hormonal influences on the body all throughout life. These influences are the major reason for acne crop ups at the ages other than teenage. And this acne that crops up at other times may be in mid forties or fifties are dreaded by people, because they are at times much more severe than teenage acne. Especially the variety acne rosacea can crop up in elderly. Though the exact cause is unknown, hereditary factor has been stressed. Also, the gastrointestinal disorders with helicobacter pylori, stress, anxiety, fear, exercise, alcohol consumption etc are some of the triggers for acne rosacea in middle age. Thus no age is barring for the menace of acne, though the type and severity may vary depending upon many factors.
What are different treatment approaches?
The acne problem is being solved by different people since time immemorial. There are lot of theories and speculations about the treatment of acne. Everyday, a new acne treatment comes into picture. Though many researchers have researched many types of treatments for different type of acne, the baseline remains same, that is, unless the root cause is treated effectively, permanent cure is not possible.
Also, some believe that for severe acne, temporary recession should be aimed at by short term treatments like laser treatment. Also, the hormones are thought of as important tools in the treatment of acne. No wonder antibiotics are used much effectively to tackle the bacterial infections. Alternative therapy is also one of the most widely used approaches to the acne treatment, as most of the times; they give radical results without any side effects.
If you have acne problem, before labeling it as acne vulgaris, it is better to consult a dermatologist or your family physician and get proper guidance not to make it worse!