What is Answerbag?

Ask questions and share your knowledge with the world here on Answerbag. Get the best answers where there are no duplicate questions and questions are always open - our community of over 1,142,000 will find your answer!

Join For Free!
 

Treating Acne Blemishes

Thursday, February 12, 2009
Related Tags: acne | inflammatory | skin | counter | oral
 

Instructions

What Is Acne?

  • Step 1:
    If you are to treat acne properly, you should first understand what you are treating. Acne is caused by the clogging of pores in the skin where hair grows. The clog can be below the surface (a whitehead), or it can be above the surface (a blackhead). If there is no redness, then the acne is non-inflammatory and easier to treat. If the acne is red, swollen, or has created a pus filled pocket, then it is inflammatory and should be treated more delicately.

Non-Inflammatory

  • Step 1:
    For non-inflammatory acne, a good cleansing can sometimes work. If not, an over the counter medication should do the trick. Try washing your face with a facial cleanser set for your skin type. Do this twice a day for a week to see if the acne clears up on its own.

    Purchase an acne medication. These usually come in a cream base and contain such active ingredients as salicylic acid, resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur. They all can work well with mild acne, buy you might need to try out different ones until you find the one that works best for your skin type.

    You should not do is pick or pop acne. This can result in scarring or worse acne.

Inflammatory

  • Step 1:
    For inflammatory acne, you should go straight to the over the counter medication to get your skin back under control. If your acne is severe enough, or the over the counter medications do not seem to be working, then you should see a dermatologist. Stronger topical treatments and antibiotic creams can be prescribed as well as oral antibiotics and hormone balancing medications such as oral contraceptives.

Treating Acne Blemishes Provided by eHow.com
Related Content
About Oral Acne Treatments
Acne is a common skin disease found in people throughout their teen years. However many women get premenstrual acne. Dermatologists usually describe acne as, mild, moderate or severe. Oral acne...
How to Treat Inflammatory Acne
Acne is caused by overactive sebaceous glands in your skin. The glands produce excess amounts of a substance called sebum, which clogs your pores and causes blackheads. Blackheads are the ideal...
Face, Back & Chest Acne Treatments
Acne is one of the most common skin disorders. Breakouts can not only erupt on the face; they are also known to show up on your back and chest. You may be able to camouflage pimples on your face...
Body Acne Cures
Acne is not limited to your face. It can also form on your back, chest, shoulders, and buttocks. The presence of acne can make someone self-conscious. Many people will avoid clothing that does not...
About Acne Medication
Acne affects nearly everyone to some degree and is especially prevalent in teenagers during a time of life when increased emphasis is placed on physical appearance. Untreated acne can be damaging...