Most people realize that acne is a common ailment, but few realize the actual prevalence of acne and other skin-related conditions. If you or someone you know suffers from acne, here’s what you need to know. Remember that knowing the facts about any skin condition, especially acne, can make a big difference in treating the condition.
According to Wiktionary.org, the word acne comes from the New Latin acne, probably a corruption of the Ancient Greek ἀκμή (akmḗ, point, to). According to Wiktionary.org, … the word acne comes “From New Latin acne, probably a corruption of Ancient Greek ἀκμή (akmḗ, point, top).
Acne isn’t just common in the United States. It is the most common skin condition, affecting roughly 40 to 50 million individuals annually. The condition is described as a chronic inflammatory skin condition in several forms. Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and even cysts or nodules are typical forms of acne, and the condition can affect the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and even the upper arms. While acne can occur at any age, it is most common in adolescents and young adults, with nearly 85 percent of individuals ages 12 to 24 experiencing minor acne.
What makes acne worse?
You’ve probably heard many warnings to avoid the common causes of acne, like overeating sugar or oily foods, but these aren’t the true causes of acne. This skin condition is affected by several factors but is typically caused by overactive sebaceous oil glands that cause the pores to become plugged with oil and old skin cells. Once the pores are clogged, the bacteria on the skin multiply and cause lesions. Additional factors can make acne worse, including:
- Genetics or heredity
- Hormones
- Menstruation
- Emotional stress
- Certain foods, including white grains and sweets
How to treat acne
There are several different recommended treatments for acne, and almost everyone has a different remedy. Most recently, only 10 percent of individuals consult their physician, while 20 percent of affected individuals seek assistance from a skin care center. Surprisingly, 40 percent of individuals do nothing to treat acne, while the other 30 percent use over-the-counter products. At the very least, you should follow a simple acne care routine that involves a few simple steps.
- Wash the affected area with mild, non-drying soap to avoid further skin agitation.
- Avoid touching your face, and keep your hair out of your face and oil-free.
- Do not pop, pick, or squeeze acne to avoid scarring.
- Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to cleanse the skin.
- Seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist if your acne does not respond to over-the-counter medication.
While you may not realize it, acne not only has physical ramifications. It also affects individuals emotionally. Roughly 92 percent of individuals who have dealt with acne report that they have felt symptoms of depression, with 14 percent of individuals stating that they have felt suicidal at points.
Acne is such a far-reaching condition that it is important to understand it. If you or someone you know deals with acne, remember you are not alone, and you can try several different treatment options.
References:
https://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/conditions/acne
http://best-acne-remedies-otc.com/2014/11/04/infographic-acne-statistics-in-america/
http://naturalon.com/useful-acne-stats-and-tips-infographic/
Recently edited. Originally published October 23, 2015.