Acne is the most common of all skin diseases. Statistics show that eighty-five percent of all people between the ages of twelve and twenty-five have some type of acne. It is a combined disorder of the oil glands and the hair follicle in the skin. Contrary to some conventional conceptions, it is a problem suffered not exclusively by teenagers. Some people are plagued their whole lives by constant outbreaks of acne.
Blackheads
Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is not caused by dirt. Rather, it is a reaction of the skin's own pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air. A blackhead tends to be a stable structure, and can often take a long time to clear.
Treatment
Deeper exfoliation treatments for stubborn blackheads and milia are options you may want to consider. Microdermabrasion, either from an at-home treatment (Neutrogena's At Home Microdermabrasion System) or the procedure performed at a doctor's office or spa are options. Also AHA or BHA peels and laser resurfacing may possibly have a positive impact on the appearance of blackheads and milia. However, the research on this is at best limited. Anecdotally, it appears to be an option. Keep in mind that none of these treatments alter hormone function or the structure of the pore, or improve pore functioning—rather, they temporarily get rid of the surface problem, making the skin look better in the short term.
Whiteheads
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. Whiteheads are normally quicker in life cycle than blackheads.
Treatment
Whiteheads are treated with topical medication that include Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Resorcinol and Sulphur, Alcohol and Acetone, Azelaic Acid, and Topical Retinoids.
Most of these medications may cause dryness, redness or peeling of the skin in the beginning of treatment. If you have dry skin, you may want to use a moisturizer .The skin takes some time to adjust to the acne medications. If irritation persists, you should consult your doctor.
Papules
Papules are blockages of oil glands that have been inflamed. Papules are red pimples. Pustules are pimples with a central collection of white pus. Small solid rounded bumps rising from the skin that are each usually less than 1 centimeter in diameter Papules may open when scratched and become crusty and infected. The term "papule" is derived from Latin from "papula," a pimple.Dermatologists (and other physicians) call any small solid circumscribed bump in the skin a papule, as opposed to a vesicle which contains fluid or a macule which is flat and even with the surrounding skin.
Treatment
At the Wimpole Aesthetic Centre Dr. Joshua Berkowitz is able to painlessly remove the papules with a Hyfrecator, using local anaesthetic. This method is safe, efficacious and accurate. After the procedure the healing is quick and all is back to normal about a week later. Dr Berkowitz believes that this procedure is better than using cryo-cautery or a CO2 laser.
