Blocked body pours develop bacteria, which react with body oil to grow spots or boils on the surface of the skin called acne. There are two types of acne. They may be inflammatory or non-inflammatory.
Non-inflammatory acne may grow in whiteheads and blackheads over the skin. Blackhead grows when trapped body oil and bacteria comes partially near the surface. The skin grows black spots that may remain on the body for a long time. Whitehead grows when trapped body oil and bacteria function just below the surface.
If follicular wall breaks, white blood cells gush out creating inflammation. Inflammatory acne is called papule. It has another variety called pustule. When white blood cells open up to the surface of the skin a pustule forms. It is often called a pimple .A total collapse of follicle leads to the growth of a large and inflamed body called nodule. A severe reaction can lead to formation of large pus filled cysts.
It is yet to be discovered the reasons for growing acne. Why does body pores block? How do bacteria come? Why can't body oil function properly? Doctors and researchers give many reasons, but not one particular convincing one. Unless we know the reasons, it is difficult to treat them.
Prevention is better than cure. Since it is known that bacteria causes acne, effort should be made to see that bacteria are not grown. It can be ensured by daily bathing, wearing clean clothes and keeping the sweats away. In tropical countries, people sweat heavily. They are more prone to acne than their counterparts in the western hemisphere. Regular bathing, if possible four times a day, would keep the body cool and sweat free.
Doctors are also of the opinion that hormonal imbalances may cause acne, especially in the face in the form of pimples. If pimples occur at the adolescence, do not panic. Those will vanish with the passing of time.
Sleep disorder, mental stress and overwork may also develop acne. If one takes about all these, acne may not appear. If appeared, good sleep, stress-free mind and light physical work may help cure acne. Diet also functions greatly. Oil-free food is recommended. Green vegetables would also ensure good skin. Fruits having Vitamin C are advised to eat.
For stubborn acne, one may apply benzyl peroxide over the affected skin. Benzyl peroxide is the common ingredient of all over the counter medicines for treating acne since 1930s. Benzyl peroxide opens the blocked pours by cleaning the skin surface and also kills the bacteria.
The first thing you may do is to cleanse the body part where acne grows. After cleaning the body part with warm water, apply a mild dose of benzyl peroxide over the affected area. And then let it dry naturally. After sometime you will find the acne gone. It is a common practice all over the world. Medical practitioners also advise this.
Do not itch or irritate the acne. Leave it as it is. On an irritated skin, benzyl peroxide does not act. If your skin is already irritated by pricking or by some other medication, do not use benzyl peroxide immediately. Stop itching or stop applying other medicines. Allow your skin to return to its normal state. Once it is done, then use benzyl peroxide. It will work magic on your skin.
For severe acne, microdermabraison may be resorted to.
