Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring.

Whiteheads result when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface. These types of acne lesions sometimes seem to be begging to be popped. Care must be taken if the pimples are squeezed, to avoid damaging both the skin and underlying tissue. Always make certain, your hands and face are clean and use gauze or tissues to gently apply pressure to a white head near the surface of the skin. Whiteheads will normally respond to treatment faster than blackheads.

Parents often tell teens to avoid pizza, chocolate, and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don't cause acne or make it worse. Although some recent studies have implicated milk and pure chocolate in aggravating acne, these findings are very far from established.

Acne can be divided into two categories: inflamed and non-inflamed. Non-inflamed acne breakouts consist of microcomedones, blackheads, and milia. These types of comedones are not red or painful. Symptoms of non-inflamed acne include bumps or bumpiness across the skin's surface, or an uneven skin texture. Even if comedones are not readily visible, they will make the skin feel rough or "sandpapery."

Grated cucumber applied over the face, eyes and neck for fifteen minutes are very much beneficial for acne and blackheads.

Blackheads develop when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface of the skin. The black color is not caused by dirt but rather it is due to the skin's own pigment, (melanin) reacting with the oxygen in the air. A blackhead tends to be non-inflammatory and stable often taking a long time to clear.

Papules are small, red, tender bumps with no head. Sometimes papules are referred to as "blind pimples". Do not squeeze a papule since it will only exacerbate the condition and lead to tissue damage and possible scarring.

Nodules represent a severe form of acne vulgaris. Nodular acne consists of pimples which are much larger (larger than papules), can be quite painful and can last for months. Nodules appear as large, hard bumps under the skin's surface. Absolutely do not attempt to squeeze such a lesion; doing so may cause severe damage to the underlying skin and the lesion may last for months longer than it normally would. Scarring is common; therefore care must be taken when treating nodular acne.

Cystic acne is also considered one of the most severe forms of acne-vulgaris. Cystic acne can appear similar to a nodule in size, but is pus-filled, and routinely have a diameter of 5mm or more across. Cysts originate deeper in the skin than typical pimples. These inflammatory lesions can be painful and commonly produce scarring. Treatment of existing cystic acne followed by prevention of future acne is therefore necessary to avoid scar formations and to help healing of those acne scars that have already developed.

Opposite to a common belief squeezing an acne cyst may cause an even deeper infection and more painful inflammation spreading under the surface of the skin which will last much longer and lead to the development of additional cysts.

Cystic Acne most often occurs during the adolescent as a most severe manifestation of Teen Acne. In addition, Cystic Acne may also affect adults as a part of Adult Acne and hormonal acne or even Body Acne

This unique acne treatment works in several ways: It prevents the forming of new pimples, whiteheads and blackheads and significantly improves symptoms associated with Adult Acne, Cystic Acne, teen acne and Body Acne AZ Derma also reduces facial flushing and the incidence of blepheritis (itchy gritty eyes) and gastric reflux (heartburn), symptoms often associated with Rosacea. More about AZ Derma