Question 1

What is acne?

Accepted Answer

Acne is a disease that affects the skin’s oil glands. The small holes in your skin (pores) connect to oil glands under the skin. These glands make an oily substance called sebum. The pores connect to the glands by a canal called a follicle. Inside the follicles, oil carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. A thin hair also grows through the follicle and out to the skin. When the follicle of a skin gland clogs up, a pimple grows. Most pimples are found on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne is not a serious health threat, but it can cause scars.

Question 2

What kind of acne do I have?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, the hair, sebum, and skin cells clump together into a plug. The bacteria in the plug cause swelling. Then when the plug starts to break down, a pimple grows. Below are the stages of acne and types of pimples: Whiteheads. These are pimples that stay under the surface of the skin. Blackheads. These pimples rise to the skin’s surface and oxidation makes them black. Papules. These are small pink bumps that can be tender. Pustules. These pimples are red at the bottom and have pus on top. Nodules. These are large, painful, solid pimples that are deep in the skin. Cysts. These deep, painful, pus-filled pimples can cause scars.

Question 3

What causes acne?

Accepted Answer

It is a common belief that things like too much sugar, chocolate and alcohol can cause acne. While these things can contribute to the problem the cause can be much more complex, for example, an imbalance of your gut microbia. An assessment by a physician will help you gain a better understanding of your specific cause.

Question 4

Will my acne ever go away?

Accepted Answer

Acne flare-ups can disappear on their own if the body can restore balance however sometimes the body needs help to normalize and this means finding the root cause. The use of conventional physician-prescribed medicines and topical treatments are temporary measures and often don't provide a long-term solution to the problem. Similar to a laser treatment centre, we will find the right treatment plan for you and it is a realistic expectation that acne can be resolved.  Acne scarring can also be treated with skin care programs and laser.

Emily Fitzgerald N.D.

I'm doctor Emily!

Frustrated with acne and/or scarring? I'd love to explain how a naturopath can help.

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