Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples. Pimples form when the hair follicles under the skin become clogged. Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Anyone can get acne, but it is common in teens and young adults. It is not serious, but it can cause scarring.
No one knows exactly what causes acne. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during adolescence and pregnancy, are likely to play a role. There are many myths about the causes of acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much of an effect on acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt. Stress does not cause acne, but stress can make it worse.
If you have acne
Cleanse your skin gently
Try not to touch your skin
Avoid the sun
Treatments for acne include medications and creams.
Eating fewer simple carbohydrates like sugar can help. Treatments that are applied directly to the affected skin, such as azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid, are commonly used. Antibiotics and retinoids are available in formulations that are given to the skin and taken by mouth for the treatment of acne. However, antibiotic resistance can develop as a result of antibiotic therapy. Various types of birth control pills help against acne in women. Isotretinoin pills are generally reserved for severe acne due to the greater potential side effects. Some members of the medical community recommend early and aggressive acne treatment to lessen the overall long-term impact on people.
In 2015, acne was estimated to affect 633 million people worldwide, making it the eighth most common disease worldwide. Acne commonly occurs in adolescence and affects approximately 80-90% of adolescents in the Western world. Lower rates are reported in some rural societies. Children and adults can also be affected before and after puberty. Although acne becomes less common in adulthood, it persists in nearly half of affected people into their twenties and thirties, with a smaller group still struggling into their forties.
Aloe, known for its burn-relieving properties, can promote healing, fight infection, and even reduce scars. Scrape the gel off an aloe plant with a spoon and apply it to acne. You can also buy aloe gel in health food stores, just make sure it is pure aloe, with no added ingredients. Other home remedies can help
