Suffering From Acne Anxiety?

Acne can be stressful, for both men and women. Experts tell you how to deal with this condition

If you thought that acne was only stressful for women, think again. Men, too, feel extremely anxious when they see a zit or pimple on their face. Recently, Maroon 5 band member Adam Levine reportedly stated that acne had left him depressed in high school. Dermatologist Dr Swati Srivastava confirms, "Acne in men can be much worse as compared to women." Another city dermatologist, Dr Shefali Trasi-Nerurkar, says, "Men and women suffer from psychological abnormalities like depression, anxiety, embarrassment and social inhibitions due to acne. Hence, a prompt treatment of acne becomes important to gain back self-confidence."

Cause of Concern

Though acne is commonly found during teenage years, hormonal imbalances can lead to adult acne too. Studies show that men suffer from acne for longer periods probably because of testosterone, which is present in higher quantities. Meanwhile, pre-menstruation, pregnancy and even menopause causes acne in women. Dr Srivastava says, "Acne occurs because of hormonal imbalances, which induce sebum secretion. When we touch our face or pick our acne, bacteria gets entry and boils, blackheads and pus come as a result." Factors like emotional stress, applying wrong cosmetics, hot and humid climate and a diet rich in chocolates, fat-rich foods and ice creams can also lead to acne among adults.

Types of Acne

Types of acne include whiteheads, blackheads, papules which are small, pink bumps on the face, pustules that have red base and are filled with pus, nobules embedded deep in the skin and cysts, which are extremely painful and can cause scars easily.

Prevent Acne Scars

While inflammation caused by acne subsides in a few days, it is essential to prevent acne from scarring your face permanently. According to experts, you should never pick the pimples on your face. Says Dr Nerurkar, "One should visit a dermatologist as the treatment of scars depends on the grade of acne. One can also opt for lasers, strong chemical peels, acne surgeries like Subscission, Dermabrasion and  Microdermabrsion to remove the scars. They can be treated with hydrating fillers too."

Tips to Treat Acne

-Don't pick or squeeze your pimples.

-Don't scrub them with soap.

-Go for regular clean-ups

-Wash your face after coming from outdoors with a salycilic acid face wash.

-Include foods rich in Vitamin A and minerals like iron, zinc and chromium.

-Applying ice gently on the infected area can also reduce the inflammation.

-Visit a dermatologist if your acne problem persists.

Try these natural remedies to cure acne

-Apply the paste of nutmeg powder and un-boiled milk on the infected area and wash after an hour.

-Rich in Vitamin C, orange peels are one of the best ways to treat acne. Apply orange peel mask with water base.

-Scrub tomato pulp on your face and wash with warm water.

-Use epsom salts in your bath.

-Include honey and oatmeal cereal for breakfast.