Acne, or Acne vulgaris as is its full name, is the nemesis of the young. Its biology aside, it can be one of the most traumatic conditions in terms of self esteem and confidence at a time when a teenager is most vulnerable to social and pier pressure. Spots, zits and pimples, as it is more commonly referred to, can be the focus of bullying in schools and whilst it may seem that it appears to affect the most timid amongst us, this is more often a product of its effect, rather than the susceptibility of the withdrawn to contract the condition.



Its a simple complaint in medical terms, but unfortunately due to the varied causes it can be a stubborn little bugger to treat. The acne treatment industry is a multi billion dollar affair and ranges from soaps and ointments to creams and pills that would have made an Apothacarian in the last century proud . To treat it, first know it. Then you can establish your own differential diagnosis as to its probable causes and choose the best treatment accordingly.

Acne is caused by a blockage around hair follicles, usually on the face, but also it can occur on the back, shoulders and sometimes on the upper arms. Facial acne is most visible and most predominantly found in adolescents going through puberty when the first facial hair starts to appear. In its simplest terms, the root of the hair follicle acts like the cork in a bottle of champagne. An infection below the root can inflame the surrounding skin producing the blotchy appearance and the white blood cells produced to attack the infection, like the bubbles in champagne collect 'in the bottle neck' until it either explodes or is released by a helping hand.

Some are more susceptible due to dermatological variances that are genetic. Ask your parents, did they get zits? You may have larger skin pores than most. Whatever the reason though, treating the infection effectively and preventing the re-occurrence of the prevailing conditions that caused the infection to begin with are your primary goals.

The earlier you start to deal with the problem and effect a solution for you, then the quicker you may stem the spread of the infections. You may not win every battle. but winning the war is the aim so keep focussed on the big picture and don't worry about minor losses in the field!

Treatments for more advanced cases where over production of the adrenal glands or high hormonal fluctuations can cause high inflammation and damage to the layers of skin that may ultimately cause scarring, range from phototherapy to the use of hormone supplements and antibiotics.However, in this day and age where antibiotics are being used by all and sundry and the resistance of bacterium is growing faster than the pharmaceutical companies can produce new varieties, there are also now various homeopathic remedies that are being employed.

For the more common occurrences the first steps to prevention maybe found in diet and general personal hygiene regimes. But don't be put off when, once put into effect, these don't abay the onset of the inflammation. This condition, as I said in the beginning, has many sources and by slowly eliminating them one by one you will eventually get to the root of your problem. And remember, it is the intelligent among us who strive to understand. Those who just mock and make fun, mark my words, will be life's future pimples on society and in years to come you will realize that this phase in your life helped you focus your character.

It is just the first of many problems that you will face on lifes journey. Problems that you will need to solve. Solving problems is what life's all about, so don't get disheartened. Just keep working the problem and you will find an answer.