Acne may not be a serious medical condition, but it can be painful and embarrassing. If you suffer from pimples, you may feel socially stigmatized or feel a lack of self-esteem that stops you from enjoying activities you used to love. Talk to a doctor about the acne problems you experience, and she can help you develop a skin care regimen that will treat your acne and allow you to put your best face forward.
Physical Problems
Acne blemishes result when your pores get clogged with excess oil, dead skin and bacteria. These blemishes can range from flat blackheads to the red, swollen and pus-filled bumps known as whiteheads, and they can crop up all over your face, chest, arms and back, says MayoClinic.com. Your pimples may be painful and difficult to treat, and they are more common among those with oily skin.
Emotional Problems
According to Acne Net, acne is not just a physical problem. People who suffer from acne often feel unattractive and lose their self-esteem, and they may also experience anxiety and depression that causes them to withdraw from friends and loved ones. When blemishes are difficult to get rid of, you may feel angry and frustrated or become preoccupied with thoughts of healing your pimples instead of focusing on the task at hand.
Misconceptions
Another dilemma in dealing with acne is that those around you may have misconceptions about what actually causes blemishes. According to DermNet NZ, no link between the foods you eat and your acne has been proven, and MayoClinic.com notes that zits are not caused by dirt. Moreover, washing your skin too frequently or scrubbing it with abrasive products can irritate your acne and make it worse.
Treatments
You do not have to suffer from acne. A variety of over-the-counter pimple treatments exist, and their efficacy varies. However, dermatologist John Koo, M.D., states that a doctor can give you a prescription-strength treatment that will clear up your acne and help prevent more blemishes from forming. A typical acne-care regimen includes washing with a medicated cleanser and applying a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid lotion twice a day. Treatment can require a few weeks to take effect, and consistency is paramount for getting rid of your acne, says DermNet NZ.
Considerations
While you may be tempted to squeeze your pimples, do not do it. Scratching at acne can put you at risk for getting an infection, as well as lead to scarring, says the MayoClinic website. Apply your treatments regularly and let them clear up your acne. If you have a particularly nasty zit, ask your dermatologist for help getting rid of it.
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