Acne is a skin disease which occurs during the adolescence. Our skin structure consists of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. They produce oil and shed the dead skin cells periodically. When this process works out in an uncontrolled way, they produce more dead cells which are carried to the skin surface by the sebum produced in the sebaceous gland. Thus more of the cells and the sebum are accumulated in the pores of the skin, forming a plug called comedo.

If this comedo or plug is found below the skin, it is named as the white head or closed comedo.The white heads are the non-inflammatory acne which could be treated easily.
When the plug enlarges and come out of the pores, they are termed as black head or open comedo. They are inflammatory acne, on further infection they may lead to red pimples and pustules. They can cause scare on the affected area. Sometimes surgery may be needed for treating the inflammatory acne.

The common cause for acne:
• The family or genetic history
• Stress – a condition where our adrenal gland gives more output, leading to imbalance in hormone level
• Hyperactive sebaceous gland – produces more sebum
• When more dead skins are produced , they block the skin pores leading to acne
• Bacterial growth in the skin pores where the dead cells and the sebum are accumulated
• Use of steroids
• Exposure to some toxic chemicals and halogens
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Acne can be treated either by topical treatment or oral treatment. In mild cases they can be treated using ointments containing sulfur, salicylic acid and benzyl peroxide. Proper hygiene in the affected areas, like washing ones or twice a day with the usual cleanser is recommended.

Do not prick, scrub or squeeze the acne, which may lead to scarring. Applying turmeric (antibacterial effect) on the affected area will prevent the bacterial growth. You can approach a dermatologist for a topical or oral antibiotic. Treating at the early stages will prevent the formation of scars.

Following a proper diet plan containing fiber–rich foods like fruits and vegetables, reducing the intake of junk foods, chocolates, tea, coffee, hydrogenated fats, avoiding alcohols and other drugs like aspirin may help you to prevent acne.