Acne

**Acne:**

- Acne is a skin disorder occurring when follicles, often called pores, overproduce cells and sometimes get blocked. Sebum, or oil, which normally drains to the surface is trapped and bacteria begins to grow. Acne Diagram

There are two types of Acne: - non-inflammatory - inflammatory

Non-Inflammatory: - includes white heads and blackheads - a whitehead or blackhead can release its contents to the surface and heal - can be caused by random occurrence or by picking or touching the skin

WHITEHEADS: - when the trapped sebum and bacteria stay below the skin surface, a whitehead is formed - may show up as tiny white spots, or they may be so small that they are invisible by the naked eye Whitehead Acne Picture

BLACKHEADS: - occurs when the pore opens to the surface and the sebum, which contains melanin, oxidizes and turns a brown/black color - it is not dirt and can not be washed away - can last for a long time because the contents drain very slowly to the surface

Inflammatory: - includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts - caused by the follicle wall rupturing

PAPULES: - occurs when there is a break in the follicle wall and white blood cells rush to the pore, causing it to become inflamed. Papule Diagram

PUSTULES: - forms several days later after a papule is formed. - <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> what people usually refer to as zits or pimples. Pustules Diagram

NODULE : - when a follicle breaks, total collapse can occur causing a large inflamed bump that can be sore to touch. Nodule Picture

CYST: -Somes a severe inflmmatory reaction can result in very large pus filled lesions. Cyst Picture

Milia: - are tiny white bumps that occur when normal sloughed skin cells get trapped in small pockets on the surface. - is common in newbors across nose and upper cheeks/usually disappear within first few weeks of life. - bumps go away from skin shedding. - for adult milia it can persist indefinitely. Adult Milia Newborn Milia

<span style="color: #963cc8; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Treatment: <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">- benzoyl peroxide - salicylic Acid - azelaic acid

The type of treatment you receive depends on what type of acne you have. Treatments may be combined to achieve better results. Some at home treatments are also available, including face washes, creams, and lotions.

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