Pimple Facts

Acne, most commonly known as pimples, is the bane of almost every face and the worst nightmare for those too unfortunate to suffer.

It is the most common skin disease today. In United States alone, nearly 60 million people are infected with acne, where 85 per cent of teenagers suffer from it.

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.

Contrary to the popular belief, acne is not just a teenager’s disease. It is a socially bane and can be upsetting and disfiguring in certain cases. It has a significant economic impact, as people spend a lot of money on non-prescription and prescription treatments and therapies.

Acne cases vary from mild to severely disfiguring. It ranges from comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) to nodules and cysts. Here are several acne terms that can help you better understand acne.

Comedo or Comedones are simply a plugged and enlarged hair follicle. When a comedo is open, it is usually called a blackhead. When it is closed or deep into the skin, it is usually called whitehead. The whitehead differs in color from the blackhead because the opening of the plugged sebaceous follicle to the skin’s surface is closed or very narrow, in contrast to the distended follicular opening of the blackhead. Neither blackheads nor whiteheads should be squeezed or picked open, unless extracted by a dermatologist under sterile conditions. Tissue injured by squeezing or picking can become infected by staphylococci, streptococci and other skin bacteria.

Papules are inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch. A group of very small papules and microcomedones may be almost invisible but have a “sandpaper” feel to the touch. A papule is caused by localized cellular reaction to the process of acne.

Pustules are papules topped by pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base. A pustule that forms over a sebaceous follicle usually has a hair in the center. Acne pustules that heal without progressing to cystic form usually leave no scars.

Nodules are solid, dome-shaped or irregularly-shaped lesions. They are commonly characterized by inflammation, extend into deeper layers of the skin and may cause tissue destruction that results in scarring. A nodule may be very painful. Nodular acne is a severe form of acne that may not respond to therapies other than isotretinoin.

Cysts can appear similar to nodules but are pus-filled, very painful and can cause scarring. They are usually described as having a diameter of 5 mm or more.

Although it cannot be known for sure, there’s good reason to believe that none of the millions of people who have suffered or are suffering from acne has refrained from picking open or squeezing their pimples. In fact it seems to be one of the most common actions among those people whose faces or bodies are covered with unpleasant-looking red spots. It is also one of the worst possible ideas. Pimples should never be squeezed or picked open by you. This is a job for a doctor and to be performed only if he deems it necessary. The main reason is that a pimple that has been squeezed or picked open is practically an invitation to every bacteria around to enter your body and cause an infection through the tiny opening in your skin. If you think the danger is negligible, you’re wrong.

At the very least your action is a sure way of causing future pimples to emerge in the same spot. Most likely, by tampering with your pimples in less than sterile conditions will result in permanent scarring, as the damaged skin closes around the gaping hole formerly known as a pimple. While I may seem to joke about it, let me assure you that this issue is very important. I know that it’s very hard to resist the temptation to squeeze your pimples in an attempt to eliminate at least the worst of them, but you should try as hard as you can to resists.

Believe me, you don’t want to spend the rest of your life with the scars of past acne flare-ups crisscrossing your face. This is why it’s very important to deal with acne in a decisive manner and prevent the emergence of pimples. The best way of taking care of your problem is to use an acne treatment that can really help your body put an end to basic cause of acne: widespread clogging of pores. The best acne solution around is the ClearPores Skin Cleansing System, the three-part system that takes care of acne both from the inside and the outside and prevents future flare-ups. Try it and you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

There’s a rather worn-out saying, which goes like this: you are what you eat. Not surprisingly, the cheap soundbite appearance serves as a mask for a deeper truth, since any skin care professional would tell you that diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin. Many skin conditions are caused by diets that actually starve the body instead of bringing in the much-needed vitamins and minerals.

Your skin cannot function properly without the daily supply of vitamins, among which the most important are Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B7, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E.

Vitamin A is one of the building blocks of the body’s immune system. It plays a key role in the formation of intact epithelial tissues, which are the first barrier to infections, and also in keeping white cells healthy to fight bacteria. An insufficient supply of Vitamin A can lead to xerosis, which means “dry skin”. The best sources of Vitamin A are milk, eggs, carrots and spinach.

Vitamin B2 is involved in the regulation of human growth, including the health of skin, hair and nails. It can be found in milk, cheese, leafy vegetables and almonds. According to studies conducted by Doctor Hung Leung, deficiency of Vitamin B5 can cause acne. Doctor Leung has actually managed to prove through his studies that regular doses of Vitamin B5 have a positive impact on acne, with milder cases being solved in matter of weeks. This vitamin is common in whole grain cereals, legumes, eggs and meat. Vitamin B7 is used by the cosmetics and health industries in many skin and hair care products. It is also recommended by doctors for strengthening hair and nails. Common sources of B7 are liver and kidney, dairy products and some seafood.

The well-known Vitamin C is not used solely for preventing the loss of teeth, but also to keep skin flexible and strong at the same time. The vitamin is required for the production of collagen in the connective tissues. Collagen is responsible for keeping the connective tissue flexible, yet strong. The best sources of Vitamin C are fruits and vegetables, with the Billygoat Plum (also known as Gubinge or Kakadu Plum) being the undisputed leader of Vitamin C sources (60 times more Vitamin C than oranges).

The body synthesizes large quantities of Vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, which makes this vitamin one of the easiest to get. However, the end of summer means an end to large-scale Vitamin D synthesis and the body has to rely on reserves to get through the autumn and winter. Lack of Vitamin D is one of the causes behind skin cancer. Other sources of Vitamin D are fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) fish and beef liver and eggs.

Vitamin E is used in many skin creams and lotions. It is believed to play a role in promoting skin healing and reducing scarring after certain injuries. It can be found in vegetable oils, nuts, wheat and leafy vegetables.

To get a personal look at this matter of difficult and long acne suffering, take a look this website called My Acne Solution. The site describes in detail the journey of one lady by the name of Elizabeth Stanton. She suffered with Acne for years, and tried all kinds of acne treatments and medicines. Some of the ones she used are also reviewed, but the emphasis is on the product Clearpores Acne System.

Clearpores Acne Care System

Acne Treatment System Information

Visit my blog for more acne info or to ask my a question- www.highonhealth.org Join my free acne cure mini-course- http

Acne is a common result of a woman’s hormonal cycle, but this acne can be treated with a skin care regimen that consists of cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing and protection. Find out how birth control pills can contribute to acne withhelp from a professional skin care specialist in this free video for moms on women’s acne. Expert: Robert Scott Contact: www.rsfacebody.com Bio: For over 20 years, Robert’s dedication to wellness has kept him at the forefront of the health service industry …

A SCENE FROM “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” where Professor Sprout, the herbology professor, asks the students to collect “bubutober pus” during a lesson to give to Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse:

“This’ll keep Madam Pomfrey happy,” said Professor Sprout, stoppering the last bottle with a cork. “An excellent remedy for the more stubborn forms of acne, bubutober pus. Should stop students resorting to desperate measures to rid themselves of pimples.”

“Like poor Eloise Midgen,” said Hannah Abbott, a Hufflepuff, in a hushed voice. “She tried to curse hers off.”

“Silly girl,” said Professor Sprout, shaking her head. “But Madam Pomfrey fixed her nose back in the end.”

Admit it—haven’t we all tried to pull off an Eloise Midgen and resorted to drastic measures to drive acne away? While we may not have the capabilities to curse pimples off our faces, there’s certainly a long list of worse ways to remove acne.

What exactly causes acne? While it is true that stress, cosmetics and detergents (such as harsh shampoos and toothpaste) aggravate acne, they are not the direct sources of your pimples. They will only make worse an already existing condition. And do not blame your diet—chocolate and French fries will not cause acne—or your crush for the huge blemish on your nose. They have nothing to do with it at all.

Hormonal imbalance

The usual culprit behind acne is an imbalance of hormones, which causes the production of extra sebum and therefore, pimples. This could be because of your genes (if your parents were pimply in their childhood, you know who to blame) or other circumstances that could lead to this imbalance—puberty, menopause, pregnancy and monthly periods among them. So if you have a friend who has effortlessly clear skin, curse the genetic lottery and take better care of your skin instead of trying to imitate his/her (lack of) routine.

While others go directly to the source and have hormone treatments in order to lessen their acne, this can be costly and impractical in minor acne cases—sort of like swatting a fly with a nuclear bomb. Some treatments, like birthcontrol pills, have undesirable side effects such as weight gain and headaches. The more dangerous side effects include clots in blood vessels and an increased risk of breast cancer. Males who take birth-control pills suddenly find themselves saddled with a pair of breasts (while some do this intentionally, that’s an entirely different story.)

A good skincare regimen will not only prevent more pimples from popping up, but will delay the onset of wrinkles and freckles. Simply washing your face just doesn’t do anymore. In our more polluted environment, you will have to learn how to cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin at least once a day. Applying sunscreen even when you’re not going out in the sun is also important because indoor lights also contain skin-harming rays. So if you’re planning to spend extended hours in front of the computer for a term paper, make sure you’ve slathered on some SPF.

Old staple

If you’re really going for a direct treatment of the pimple, you might want to check out an old staple: Benzoyl Peroxide.

However, Benzoyl Peroxide apparently isn’t just a spot treatment. According to Dr. Bernadette Arcilla of the Philippine Dermatological Society, when faced with acne, you should treat the entire affected area with Benzoyl Peroxide, but don’t overdo it! Too much of it (say, a huge dollop on top of the blemish) will dry out not just the pimple, but the surrounding skin as well, causing more damage. “The best way to apply it is to spread it evenly over the affected area, so that not only will the pimple dry out, but future breakouts will be prevented as well,” Dr. Arcilla said.

Before buying a tube of treatment, said Dr. Arcilla, take note of the concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide before applying it—PanOxyl, for example, has three variants: 2.5 percent for mild acne, 5 percent for moderate acne and 10 percent for severe cases. The latter is best left for body acne, such as pimples on your back and chest, while facial acne is adequately treated by the less concentrated variants. Again, overdoing anything will cause more harm than good so always start with a smaller concentration.

Dr. Arcilla also advised patients to use medication daily—not just on a pimple, but on the entire affected area. “You should treat the skin, not the pimples. Pimples are just a symptom of something bigger,” Dr. Arcilla said. “And if you treat it early, you can prevent scarring due to more blemishes.”

Instead of treating just the surface, go for an acne management program. In the long-term process (which combines a good skincare regimen and acne treatment), pimples won’t be gone in a week, but there is a significant 30- to 40-percent reduction of acne in one to two months. The process can be expedited with the help of your dermatologist, who can help you create an acne management program for yourself. This does take a lot more time than quick fix-acne treatments, but the results are permanent, at least.

Now, isn’t that better than cursing pimples off your face?

Kerwin Chang writes for http://www.acnestuff.net where you can find out more about acne and other skin care topics.

A homemade mask designed to treat dry sensitive skin and also treat pimples and irritations. Proven and tested remedy. 3 ingredients Oatmeal Honey Bioyogurt (chilled & fresh) I have always been a fan of natural ingredients because beauty is skin deep and I believe natural ingredients is best for our skin. I have tested this mask for months on myself and others and can proudly say it is an effective & inexpensive treatment for the skin. Best thing is- the ingredients can be found in your own …

Have you felt vaginal pimples on the inside of your vagina or spotted them on the outside. Are you concerned over this, if so, then you shouldn`t be unless you`re sure that it is pimples you feel and see, as it could be nothing more than a regular vaginal rash. A vaginal rash can occur from a material allergy or from tightness of genital covering. Nevertheless if your 100% certain it is not a vaginal rash then have it checked out by your doctor.

First let us settle your nerves and clarify that vaginal pimples are not life threatening and neither are genital warts; however, if your concern is connected to an untreated.STD then health complications can rise. You are not alone in your suffering. Wherever there are pores on the body you can get pimples. Vaginal pimples are usually caused by a blocked infected sebaceous gland or from an ingrown hair. Primary section of the body for pimples is the face.

Genital acne is easily confused with particular sexually transmitted infections due to similarity in symptoms, and, is “not” alike to ones on the face; but treatment is pretty much the same. This is not thumbs up to use face cream on vaginal acne.

Most common causes recognized for vaginal pimples:

Bacteria in the pores

Lively sebaceous glands

Hormonal swings

Tight underwear garments or other

We see vaginal pimples affect teenage girls more at the time of puberty. They are easily removed with proper treatment. When we speak proper treatment it means we have to ascertain that there is no mix up between genital warts/herpes and vaginal pimples. Aside from the treatment you might have been prescribed by your GP or suggested by your pharmacist, there are other ways for stabilizing the condition.

Moist and sweaty body spots are most favorable for bacteria to grow their colonies. Water and soap is all you need for vaginal freshness. Prescriptive medication comes mainly in oral form (Tetracycline, erythromycin or tretinoin.) Birth control pills are another method, as they regulate unbalanced hormones. Wear loose clothing round the genitals, “tight is not right,” and neither is it healthy. Change you`re washing powder in case you`re allergic to harsh ingredients contained in the substance.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by a type of human papilloma virus found on genital skin which shows up as white/pink smooth bumps, or lumps shaped like cauliflower florets. We have over 100 recognized different subtypes of HPV, and around thirty of them directly affect the vaginal area. Even though a person is infected with HPV they may not see actual warts because; their particular infection might be a strain that does not create warts resulting in being asymptomatic, even though the virus remains. Genital warts form on the vulva, inside the vagina, and on the cervix which can cause bleeding. It is uncommon to see a change in vaginal discharge, however not to be ruled out. Anything is possible with any condition. Genital warts can bring itch but best not scratched if possible – and are normally painless. Genital warts can be suffered without the human eye ever seeing them. If this is the case then how can a doctor possibly treat what he/she cannot see? Simple, your GP will apply a vinegary solution in the location of the suspected warts which will then whiten the area and the warts then become visible.

What is Herpes simplex and if what I have heard is right, does it only affect the mouth. First, no matter what you hear it should never be taken for a diagnosis to whatever problem you have. People mean well when they share their experiences with you, but, it really is dangerous to take heed of what they have to share. It is a medical expert that you need listen to. Herpes simplex is a viral infection what affects both the face and genitals. Character symptoms appear as cold sores on the mouth. Either of two viruses can cause the infection i.e. herpes simplex virus type 1 or herpes simplex virus type 2. Type

1 is the familiar sort for cold sores or fever blisters, and type 2 the major of the two, is behind genital herpes. Although both lookalike they however differ in other ways. Tell tale signs of difference show up in the proteins on the outside of the viruses. Symptoms of herpes vary in each individual. Genital herpes are blister type sores and because of this they are easily mistaken for vaginal pimples. Herpes is not known for any unfamiliarity in vaginal discharge. Having genital warts can be emotionally upsetting and traumatic for the patient. Quite alarmingly this infection is with you for life, yes that’s right, it never goes away. Even after treatment it continues to sleep in the nerves. Time and time again we are asked Is genital warts common, well figures show that about 500,000 US citizens are diagnosed with herpes annually, and over 50 million cases currently are estimated to exist in either the active or dormant stage, so I would say far from uncommon. Genital herpes is usually transmitted by sexual intercourse. Although this is a medical pointer it does not mean refrain from sexual activity and turn celibate, it just means be extra careful when you do couple. Unprotected sex is the chief problem why we have so many vaginal concerns. Herpes simplex occurs through contact with infected secretions or mucosal surfaces. The main issue that people confuse themselves over is the actual catching of the disease. Some useful facts for you on genital herpes that will enlighten you on the matter and ease your worries.

Transmission is caused by oral, anal, or genital contact including – sexual intercourse and scarily kissing, or direct skin-to-skin contact which permits transfer of bodily fluids.

The infection is considered contagious if i.e. active sores and healing lesions are still present on a patient. Herpes is still contagious when no symptoms show, so be weary, whether with, or without noticeable signs.

Each individual differs and with some – they may not get the usual blister-like sores but still harbor active virus in their saliva, vaginal, or penile secretions, These people unfortunately unknown to themselves can shed the virus without any knowledge of having herpes.

Herpes wounds can happen inside the vagina where they cannot be seen or felt, but still unsafe, as it doesn`t alter virus transmission from occurring.

Oral herpes can be transmitted to the genitals, and vice versa.

Auto-inoculation – An infected individual can spread the virus to other body parts by touching the shedding virus and then touching, scratching, or rubbing other vulnerable body parts.

As this is a much contagious infection it is imperative to use your own personal bathroom wash and dry items. Towels are particularly favorable for spreading herpes.

Vaginal pimples can at times be painful and sting, however if treated early before the pimples mass will lessen treatment time and rid discomfort. See your doctor to be on the safe side in case the pimples become severe and develop into abscesses. Poor hygiene can encourage vaginal pimples. Use warm water to treat – but soaking with a hot compress is more preferred as an ideal solution for soothing. The hot compress will help reduce inflammation and irritation. Aside from thorough cleansing, bacterial infection is a known fundamental cause of vaginal pimples.

Swollen hair follicles could be your problem. Hair follicles on your genitals, for example, can clog and form pimples just as they do on your face-maybe even more so, given the extra chafing and sweating down there. People ask do you pop a pimple on your genitals the same way you pop a pimple on your chin. You shouldn`t squeeze a pimple full stop. Warts must be treated by a physician before they spread.

Contact dermatitis can be the cause of genital rashes it is said, Latex condoms are a little more obscure source of contact dermatitis, but they can goad a itchy red rash. If your consider using another type condom then remember only latex offers the best protection from the virus that causes AIDS.

Honey, as a treatment for acne, acts as a natural antibiotic to kill the impurities in the skin. Use honey to treat acne with tips from a professional makeup artist in this free video on skin care. Expert: Kim Haertl Contact: www.austinmakeupartist.com Bio: Kimberly Haertl has worked and been trained as a makeup artist and skincare consultant by major cosmetic brands such as Chanel, Lancôme, Shisedio, La Parire and Dior. Filmmaker: Todd Green

Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that acne is a common condition that almost everyone has to deal with at some point in their life. Teenagers and young adults have a particular struggle with acne, as hormones and stress are especially common during those ages, which produces acne breakouts. So, are you currently dealing with acne? If so, you may have tried several popular (and expensive!) store-bought treatments, but you might find that you can get great results from natural acne treatments. This article is going to talk about some effective all-natural remedies you can try.

Of course, acne always pops up at the worst times, although we’re not so sure there ever is a good time to have acne! But for those last-minute, emergency treatments, there are a few things you can try without having to run to the store and shell out for an expensive name-brand product.

The first all natural acne treatment is found in almost every bathroom, but the thought of putting toothpaste on your face could seem a bit…odd. That’s right—toothpaste! Put a generous amount of toothpaste on each pimple right before bed. The toothpaste will help dry up the excess oil and greatly reduce redness while you sleep. Of course you can put toothpaste on your acne in the day time, just make sure you’re able to leave it on for a while so that it has plenty of time to soak up the excess moisture from the pimple. A good tip for those red pimples is to apply a bit of Visine eye drops. It won’t treat the pimple, but it will get rid of the redness.

Did you know that Neosporin could help you? Neosporin is an antibiotic that will kill the bacteria in the area you apply it to. Before bedtime, you should apply it to the acne in order to cause it to have a short life span. Honey is something that has natural antibacterial properties in it and it is perfect to use in the homemade acne treatment. In the end, some of the other types of homemade acne remedies you could use consists of baking soda, garlic, ice cubes, crushed aspirin (our favorite to use), potatoes and much more.

There are two pimples on my chin, one of them I accidently popped. I’m left with a huge brown scar :I… Do you know how to fade this scar?

The two pimples look like they have pus in them. One of them’s kinda black looking around the edges of the pimple. I have been putting ProActive on them for around four days now, and they have just gotten worse.
How do I treat them?