Acne Types And Diet For Acne Treatment

What Is Acne?

Acne is a condition of the skin caused by changes in pilosebaceous units of the skin. A pilosebaceous unit is a structure of the skin that consists of sebaceous gland and hair follicles. Acute acne can be inflammatory. There are other non-inflammatory forms as well. Acne wounds are commonly termed as pimples, spots, blemishes, or acne.

Acne normally occurs during adolescence and affects more than 80% of teenagers.

Both males and females experience an increase in sex hormones during adolescence which is generally the cause of acne. Acne usually diminishes when one reaches the early twenties. However, some people suffer from acne even in their thirties and beyond. As such, there is no way of predicting the duration of this problem. Acne mostly affects the face and upper neck of the body, though it may appear on shoulders, chest, back or arms as well.

Interesting Facts About Acne And Skin Care Treatment

Types Of Acne:

Pimples are the most common type of acne. Other acne types include:

Comedones: These are also known as blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are opened pores, whereas whiteheads are closed pores that contain secretion of the sebaceous gland.
Lesions: These are patches which appear on the skin.
Papules: Papules are small inflammations that surface on the skin, and are devoid of any pus.
Pustules: Pustules are inflammations with pus.
Maculae: This is a red spot left behind on the skin by acne.
Nodule: This is the most painful acne lesion.
Cysts: These are larger versions of pustules and contain liquid or semi-liquid pus.

Impact Of Acne On Social Life:

People normally suffer from acne when they are growing up and undergoing different hormonal changes. At such times, acne can severely impact the social life of the young boys and girls.

People with acne problems normally exhibit following social problems:

Low self-esteem
Non-socializing behavior
Anxiety and depression
Frustration
Low self-confidence
Feelings of inadequacy

Diet For Acne:

People who suffer from acne must avoid foods with saturated fats as these contribute to an oily skin. These fats are found in red meat and dairy products. Fish may be consumed for the vital fatty acids.

Eat foods which are rich in protein. Green tea is useful for acne problems. Vitamin A and zinc also helps in treating acne. Acne is provoked by iodine. Avoid salty foods such as chips as these can have high levels of iodine, if iodized salt is used in the making of these foods.

Submitted on March 12, 2009