Conditions and Treatment for Itching Conditions

Acne (formal name: acne vulgaris) is not just a problem for teens, it can also affect adults up into their 50s. Most of us have experienced it in our lives to varying degrees. Either as young people, or possibly as we grow older we may experience it again due to hormonal changes, other health conditions, stress, diet, etc. Even with today's current technological breakthroughs, there isn't necessarily a "cure-all" to end acne. It's all based on each person's body and chemistry. Often times, acne can itch terribly, but it can also become painfully sore, depending on how bad the condition is.

It isn't unusual for women to develop acne throughout different stages of life. Some women, who never had teen acne, may suddenly develop adult breakouts in their 40s. It all boils down to each person.

Acne can appear on the skin as any of the following:

• Congested or clogged pores (bumps)
• Whiteheads & Blackheads (known as comedones)
• Pimples - a.k.a. slang: Zits!
• Pustules or cysts (deep pimples, boils).

Now, pustules and cysts can fill up with what appears to be infectious pus, but surprisingly, this these may not necessarily contain infectious bacteria. These types of blemishes occur where there are many oil glands present (known as sebaceous glands), mainly on the face, chest, neck and on the back.

What Causes Acne?

While no one thing can be proven as the "iron clad" factor, acne in teens will occur when sebaceous glands (oil glands) come to fruition around puberty, stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Sebum (oil) is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin, and under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed. We all live with bacteria on our skin, and generally this doesn't cause a problem. With proper hygiene (daily baths or showers, etc), a normal amount of regular skin bacteria is a part of our own individual eco-system. However, when we are in our teen years, things tend to go a little haywire for a while! But as we get older, this usually balances itself out just fine.

Inflammation near the skin's surface produces pustules. Deeper inflammation results in a papule (a pimple), and deeper still becomes a cyst. If the oil breaks through to the surface, the result is a "whitehead." If the oil accumulates melanin pigment or becomes oxidized, the oil changes from white to black, and the result is a "blackhead." Blackheads are therefore not dirt per se, but good hygiene, keeping the face clean, is very important.

Here are some factors that don't necessarily cause acne, at least by themselves:

Heredity: With the exception of very severe acne, most people do not have the problem exactly as their parents did. Almost everyone has some acne at some point in their life.

Food: There are conflicting reports on this issue. Many reports will tell you food isn't a factor, but many health care specialists will tell you otherwise. In and of itself, food doesn't necessarily "cause acne," but bad foods, sugary sodas, and anything bad you put in your body can aggravate the problem. As a teen, your body is going through immense changes. A poor diet can only serve to add to the turmoil. Obviously, junk food, greasy fried food, and sugary snacks aren't good for anyone. It's not a bad idea to clean up your diet, and it's a great idea to drink a lot of water. Make sure to eat more raw fruits and vegetables. You can't go wrong with this advice for any health purpose.

Dirt: As mentioned above, "blackheads" are oxidized oil, not dirt. In addition, sweat doesn't necessarily cause acne, but it's always a good idea to wash it off and keep the skin clean. Make sure not to obsess and wash affected areas, as this can dry and irritate the skin.

Stress: The verdict is also out on stress as a contributing factor. We tend to feel that stress, in any form, is a killer. This doesn't mean that "stress causes acne," but enhanced nerves or apprehension can contribute to churning those hormonal chemicals already so active in a teenager's blood stream!

Hormones: Some women break out cyclically, around the time of their monthly menstruation, but not always, and certainly not all women. Some oral contraceptive pills have been found to actually help relieve acne, but unless a woman has abnormal menstrual periods, the hormones may not be a contributing factor to acne. Interestingly, some women, during pregnancy report that they clear up completely, while others might get worse, and some see no change at all.

Makeup & Cosmetics: Many of today's cosmetics and skin-care products are not pore-clogging, or "comedogenic," as it's referred to. Of the many available brands, those which are listed as "water-based" or "oil-free" are obviously a better choice. The biggest factor with keeping the skin healthy and breakout free is to make sure all makeup is removed before going to bed. Also, it is very important to make sure the face is always clean when applying new, fresh makeup. The most important thing is to avoid touching your face throughout the day, as much as possible.

Wearing Tight Articles of Head Gear or Clothing: There are people who break out from wearing helmets, chinstraps, collars, suspenders, and other tight items, and the like can aggravate acne. Even tight pants can cause certain people to break out on their lower back area. Some say it's the pressure of the article that causes the breakouts. Others say it's the combination of the rubbing and perspiration combined. Whatever it is, try limiting your usage of these articles to when it is necessary.

Use of Drugs: Some medications can definitely contribute to an increase in acne breakouts. Whether prescription meds or "street drugs" used for recreational use, these things can certainly interfere with a person's chemistry and cause more acne problems for some people.

Working in Certain Occupations: In some jobs, exposure to dirty environments, greasy kitchens or industrial products may contribute to acne breakouts. Again, try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. These environments can make the skin feel itchy, which can make the problem worse.

Check With Your Doctor: There are many things you can do to treat your acne. Good hygiene, along with using a good skin care line and/or cosmetics will help. However, for more extreme, severe cases of acne, you should consult a physician for treatment options.