Adult Acne

Adult acne (acne vulgaris) is a very common skin disorder that causes breakouts of pimples and red spots on the face and/or body. Acne can be caused by a variety of physical factors and is definitely a condition that can also be induced through stress or repressed emotional issues. Severe acne can be a contributor to low self esteem, a lack of confidence and a poor self image. Acne is the most common skin condition affecting the majority of people during some stage of life. It is also big business within the healthcare system�

Physical Cause of Adult Acne

Acne is the result of clogged pores and the simultaneous excretion of oils from the sebaceous glands located in the skin. The pores are the tiny openings above hair follicles that help the skin to breath and release oils. Sometimes, the normal shedding of skin cells causes pores to block up, creating a reservoir of oils and dead cells that can breed bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for the inflammatory skin reaction that causes pimples and other types of breakouts. In some patients, the oils seem to be the primary cause of skin blemishes, while in others, the buildup of dead skin cells seem to be the most prominent cause.

Contributing Factors to Adult Acne

The following are all physical factors that may contribute to the development of acne symptoms:

* Menstrual cycle
* Hormonal imbalance.
* Certain drug or steroid use.
* Poor skin hygiene.
* Excessive skin sensitivity
* Diet may contribute

Treatments for Adult Acne

Dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and estheticians have profited from the high demand for quality acne care. There are many treatment options available, depending on the exact type of acne suffered, as well as the severity and areas affected:

* Pharmaceutical relief, including antibiotics.
* Topical creams, salves and ointments.
* Skin care and cleansing regimens.
* Phototherapy and exposure to specific light waves.
* Surgical scar reduction.
* Chemical and acid peels.
* Various laser treatments.
* Dietary alterations, including herbal use.

Psychosomatic Adult Acne

Conscious stress, as well as repressed subconscious issues, can both contribute to the development of an acne breakout. Patients often experience acne symptoms around times of great pressure or emotional turmoil. Recurrent chronic acne is often an indicator of hidden emotional issues working constantly to create distractive physical symptoms. This is the same process used by the mind in many other psychologically induced pain syndromes. Like many of these syndromes, there is often one or more physical indicators of the condition that are actually diagnosed as the cause, rather than acknowledging the role of the mind in symptom production.

Recommendation on Adult Acne

I have been known to get an occasional red mark on my face when I am stressed. To me, it is really a sure warning that something is going on in my mind, beneath the conscious surface. Thank God I am not disposed to developing severe acne, since my mind has always sought to express my subconscious issues mostly through my painful back. Even now, when I see a mark on my skin, I know there is something that needs to be emotionally addressed, and upon thinking about it, I always find the issue�

If you have treatment resistant acne, there is a good chance that the emotional contribution has been overlooked. Physical treatments can be fine to control symptoms, but they will often not stop the condition from recurring. In the case of psychosomatic acne, only knowledge therapy can make the mind/body associations needed to actually stop the condition once and for all.
Adult Acne to Back Pain Home 5/21/08 Revised 7/23/08