Acne Facts and Treatments

The human skin is the largest organ of the body that is made up of three layers -- the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer.

Benjamin Franklin said,"In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes," and there is another third certainty, which is acne. Acne is one of the equally dreaded, affecting most people in their lives. This includes mostly teenagers. In fact, nearly 80% of all young people will face at least an occasional breakout of acne.

Acne is the most common skin disorder in the world. The complete medical name for acne is acne vulgaris. Vulgaris is Latin for 'common' which aptly describes one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions worldwide. Blemishes, red spots, clogged pores, bumps, lesions, papules, spots, whiteheads, zits, goobers, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, the rash, the plague or whatever names it is called, almost everyone is liable to get it. Acne is a very common and often chronic medical condition of the hair follicles that line the skin and their associated oil-producing glands.

People of all races, ethnicity and ages get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. Doctors believe acne itself result from several related factors, including hormones and heredity. Less commonly, acne can occur as a reaction to certain drugs and chemicals, and other physical factors may exacerbate the problem. During pregnancy, acne is unpredictable. Some women experience clear skin, the 'glow of pregnancy' while others have existing acne that get worse or may experience acne for the first time, even if they never had acne during their teens!

Acne not only disfigures the face and body but can also leave profound, permanent scars on one's self-esteem. Acne can be responsible for stress, depression, anxiety, self-consciousness, social withdrawal, job impairment and intimacy difficulties. Conversely, these and other negative emotions can also cause the onset or worsening of acne. The events that take place in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles trigger acne. The exact cause is unknown; however, regardless of a person's age, acne is a condition of clogged hair follicles and the reaction of sebaceous glands, glands that are attached to hair follicles and produce an oily substance called sebum. Mix in some dead skin cells that become 'sticky' and block the pores, add a bit of bacteria, and you have the makings of a breakout!

There are no quick cures for acne. There are so many acne treatments available because no one treatment is perfect and there are so many underlying reasons, both internal and external, that either cause acne directly or at least cause acne to flare in an individual. In fact there are not really any cures. The goal of acne treatment is to manage your acne, help to control it, and prevent it from scarring.

Common Acne Treatments
Trying to sort through the acne products can be confusing. Below are some categories of acne treatments based on how they work:

• treatments that normalize pore lining cells
• treatments that kill bacteria
• treatments that decrease inflammation
• treatments that exfoliate dead skin cells, helping to unclog pores
• treatments that decrease oil gland production
• treatments that alter hormones or hormone effects
• lasers, ultraviolet, and intense light therapies
• herbal and vitamin therapies
  

Treating acne yourself is easy. Many wonderful topical treatments such as Resurgence and acne body wash are available for acne, both over the counter and prescription. You can find many acne products at the pharmacy, drugstores or cosmetic counters. When shopping for acne products, it is important to know how the product works and why you are using it. This will make you more successful in improving and managing your acne. For those people with severe acne, treatment by a doctor or a dermatologist are advised.

Childbirth

In the beginning, during the first trimester, time seems to pass so slowly. The nauseousness or morning sickness made me felt so terrible. Soon my second trimester was over and the third trimester came. My tummy was big for this pregnancy and I had put on so much weight. At the 8th month of my pregnancy, I was so eager to know how my baby looks like.

On the last week of pregnancy, it was a countdown -- not knowing when 'the show' or the actual contractions are going to begin. The great expectation soon came. First I had bleeding. It was my first time having such experience. My previous pregnancy was water bag burst first. I was rather shocked and scared to see blood early in the morning. I went to my gynae and was told that my cervix was not dilated yet.

The next day, I had bleeding again and there was more contractions than the previous day. Richard and I proceed to the hospital for admission. At the hospital, I stayed at the labour ward, thinking that I might give birth to my baby on that day. However, my gynae came around noon time. He told me that labour would not be so soon. I had to go to the ward then. It was a 'false alarm'.

The whole day and night, I could not have a proper sleep. The contractions were painful. The contractions were more painful and more regular somewhere in the early morning again, around the next day 3-4am. At that time, I would not stand the pain anymore and told the nurse if I can have epidural.

As it was early in the morning, getting an anesthetist was difficult. I was put on nitrous oxide first. It did not help much. I do not like the gas either. Eventually time passed and around 7am, I was put on epidural. It was such a great relief from the contractions pain.


Photograph of my baby just after delivery.

It was moment of great anticipation and endurance. The nurses measured my cervix every now and then. My dilation was so slow but yet the contractions so intensed. Towards the afternoon, I was so tired; and my baby was finally out after all the pushing as well as suction. I can feel the sudden release of tension from my body (the tummy).


Photograph of the hospital bed/ ward I stayed.

The epidural made my lower body numb. After labour and birth, I was extremely tired. When the anesthesia was over, I still had difficulties moving. The nurse asked me to press the Medical Alarm if I needed help. As shown in the photo above, the Medical Alarm is hanging at the side of the bed. The nurse specifically hang it there for me (for easy reach). How thoughtful of her.

The hospital stay was a pleasant one. The nurses were very courteous and helpful (of course not all). The room is clean, neat and tidy. The toilet as well as the bed was equipped with Medical Alarm, so that the patient can seek the help of the nurse at any time. This is simply so wonderful.


Photograph of The toilet at the Hospital Ward I am staying, showing the Medical Alarm at the toilet bowl and at the bathroom.

My overall experience of childbirth is dreadful. But this pregnancy and childbirth is another totally new experience for me this time round. All the pain (pregnancy and childbirth) is now finally over and I got to thank God for giving me a healthy and cute baby boy. It's another brand new life for me again now!