blocked hair follicles or acne

maya · Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 246

We all suffer from them. They have cast a shadow on at least one perfect date and made us miserable at least once during our lifetime. What causes them, and, even more importantly, how are they to be treated?

chery · Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 135

Acne is among the commonest skin problems in the world. They occur as hair follicles become blocked and then inflamed.
Our skin has sebaceous glands that produce oil, also called the sebum. When hair follicles become blocked, which can be due to the irregular shedding of the dead skin cells, the oil builds up. This enables the bacteria to multiply, causing the inflammation, swelling and redness. Acne can even be quite painful.
Unfortunately, blocking of the hair follicles and consequent formation of acne cannot be prevented. Factors that cause their occurrence are many, and range from stress and heavy sweating to oily cosmetics and abuse of steroids.
However, the good news is that they can be treated and thus kept in control.
Various products can help you with this, from the over-the-counter lotions to the prescription crèmes and gels. Some you can try on your own, and for some you might want to seek medical advice before you start using them.
Whichever course of action you choose, it is important to remember two things. Firstly, this problem is universal and you are not alone. Secondly, visible improvements, as with many other things, require time and patience. And, as in most cases, it always pay off.