Acne is a common skin disorder that knows no social, political and geographical boundaries, not even age as both newborns and elderly individuals can be afflicted with it albeit in varying degrees. Thus, the numerous ways to get rid of acne are popular topics in face-to-face conversations and in online forums.
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We are not surprised by such popularity considering that acne can be unsightly on the face, neck and shoulders, among other areas of the body. Fortunately, acne is neither a serious medical condition in itself nor an untreatable skin issue. Many ways have been found to prevent, control and treat acne from its earliest stage of blackheads and whiteheads to its advanced stage of cysts and nodules.
Medical Means
Nowadays, we all have the benefit of over-the-counter and prescription medications to remove the various types of acne. These medications to get rid of acne come in topical, oral and even injectable formulations, which can either be prescribed singly or in combinations. For example, a topical ointment to control the redness, rashes and inflammation is prescribed along with an antibiotic to kill the bacteria.
And speaking of antibiotics, it is of utmost importance to ask for a prescription for a specific antibiotic before actually taking it. You want to avoid the adverse side effects of the misuse or abuse of antibiotics. The most common antibiotics used against acne are tetracycline, erythromycin and minocycline.
Dermatologists also prescribe oral birth control pills and corticosteroid injections for certain cases. When necessary to get rid of acne of the severe type like acne conglobata, drainage and surgical excision are performed.
Keep in mind that medical means to treat acne are only necessary in limited instances. First, acne is one of the symptoms of a serious underlying medical disorder like ovarian disease. Second, the pimples become infected and inflamed by bacteria so much so that obvious acne scars are possible.
Home Remedies
The following home remedies have also been proven effective against acne. However, each individual may respond in a different manner to these home remedies so do set your expectations. For example, if you want to remove mild pimples, these methods will work but not as effectively as for severe nodular acne. These home remedies to get rid of acne include:
• Use steam to loosen blackheads and whiteheads. Place your face over a bowl of steaming hot water for a few minutes and then wash your face with a gentle cleanser or exfoliant.
• Steam is not recommended for pimples, however. Ice cubes wrapped in a soft, clean cloth, which must then be applied to the pimples for 20-30 seconds, is the better option.
• Fresh lime juice combined with warm water, which will be used as a final rinse when cleaning your face is also a good idea.
Once your acne has been treated, you should start adopting the healthy lifestyle habits that make for healthy, radiant and flawless skin. We are referring to a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains rich in Vitamins A, B, C and E; and a healthy lifestyle characterized by sufficient sleep, good stress management and no smoking.
After all, it is easy to get rid of acne but it is easier to invite them back with unhealthy lifestyle habits.