Diagnosing Acne

Many people mistakenly believe that every blemish and blackhead is acne. Acne is more complex than a simple blackhead, although such blemishes can signal a potential onset of acne. These two conditions are often separated as non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne.

Acne Diagnosis

Most people have non-inflammatory acne, a relatively mild form with just a few whiteheads and blackheads.

Non-Inflammatory Acne

Non-inflammatory acne can be treated very effectively with topcial products such as Clearogen and Proactiv. Many of these treatments contain Benzoyl Peroxide.

Inflammatory Acne

For those experiencing inflammatory acne, whiteheads become infected with bacteria and swell, producing pimples and pustules.

The key to treating acne completely, and not just treating the acne symptoms is to diagnose the underlying cause. This includes:

• A full family history to determine any genetic predisposition to acne
• Any underlying hormonal inbalances that are normally the root cause of acne.

Severe Inflammatory Acne

In it' severest form, severe inflammatory acne, can cause disfiguring cysts and deep scars and needs to be under a dermatologist's care who may initially use prescription drugs like oral antibiotics or Accutane as well as laser acne treatments.

Once the deep cystic lesions have been treated, topcial acne prevention products can be used to prevent future breakouts.

Acne Diagnosis

Since various factors appear to make certain people prone to developing acne, such as family history of the condition, stress, and using contraceptives or corticosteroids; dignosis must take each causative factor in turn in an attempt to identify which cause is the culprit for each individual. Not all individuals react to the above in the same way.

Taking oral contraceptives may trigger acne in some women but actually suppress it in others, depending on the type of pill taken.

Anabolic steroids taken by some bodybuilders can also lead to severe outbreaks, and have no effect on others.

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