Acne: It’s getting under my skin. (Part 1)
Acne is one of the most self misdiagnosed conditions to date. Estimated to affect 9.4% of the global population, making it the eighth most prevalent disease worldwide. While most common in post pubescent teens, it can affect people of all ages. Even adults! About 12% of women and 3% of men may still have acne even in their 40s. A home remedy may be the solution to your odd breakout, but It will not suffice for severe cases. Falling victim to this may do a lot more harm than you think.
When we wake up and notice a new unwanted visitor on our faces, we tend to panic and think, Is this acne? Not only is acne not something to panic over, learning the difference between a “here today, gone tomorrow” pimple and the different types of acne is important for knowing when to seek some guidance.
Bearable Blemish vs. Mount Everzit
So what’s the difference?
Distinguishing between a pimple and acne is understanding that pimples are a symptom of a condition, whereas acne is the condition itself. Someone who has acne-prone skin will experience pimples as a part of their condition, however not everyone who gets the occasional pimple has acne-prone skin.
What is a pimple?
Pimple
‘Pimple’ is an informal term for closed or open comedones, also known as blackheads and whiteheads.
These are small, non-inflamed blemishes that occur when a pore becomes blocked. Blemishes of this kind occur close to the surface of the skin in the epidermal layer. It’s possible to experience occasional pimples as part of a “normal skin type” and they are usually able to be improved by over-the-counter topical products.
What is acne?
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when the sebaceous glands found in the hair follicle produce excessive oil or sebum.
The sebum mixes with dead skin cells and both substances form a plug in the follicle. Harmless bacteria called propionibacterium acnes(p.acnes) living on the skin can contaminate and infect the plugged follicles. This causes spots and pimples to occur which usually appear on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back. If left untreated it can cause acne scarring.