Severe acne can affect the way a person thinks about themselves; it can be stressful and causes embarrassment . It can affect a persons social life due to the pimples or zits and from scarring that may come from severe pimples. Learning what causes acne will help you understand what treatment you need that is right for you.

The oil glands located on your face, back and chest produce an oil which is used to lubricate the skin through your pores. When dead skin cells are not flushed out of the pores by this lubricating action they can become clogged, which would be the beginning of a pimple. The oils will continue to attempt to come through the clogged pore as usual and the pimple will get worse and enlarge. This process of creating a pimple will take a couple of weeks. The different types of acne that may form are pimples, cyst and nodules. Bacteria is present in and on your acne and can be the cause of inflammation.

If you ignore your acne it will become a problem. If you do not take care of your skin during your teen years, acne may progress to the point it would be difficult to get rid of, acne or pimples could be with you for as long as 5 to 10 years. There are some people who are more prone to acne due to genetics. If someone in your family had trouble with acne, you may also have problems. You must wash your face at least twice a day to clean off the excess oils so the pores do not get clogged. You can use regular soap but if you see blackheads or whiteheads forming, switch to a medicated acne face cleanser.

If you do have extreme acne you should see your doctor or a dermatologist. They would evaluate your condition and skin type and prescribe medication that would be appropriate. It may be a topical medication that would go directly on the skin or possibly an oral medication. The doctor would monitor your progress to make sure there are no side effects and that the medicine is doing its job. Do not expect the acne to heal overnight, it could take up to eight weeks before you see results. You just need to be patient, for it will eventually go away.