Acne Statistics Tables -
What Are Your Odds?

The majority of folks with modest or moderate acne will recover from the condition without serious scarring. With those people having serious acne, nonetheless, scarring is almost a given. But stay positive -- new and innovative acne cures can reduce scarring and existing scars can be eliminated with a number of methods.  But stepping back, what do you think your chances are of avoiding a bout with acne?

Statistically, 85% of teenagers are likely to suffer from acne outbreaks between the ages 12 to 24. Additionally, 25% of these people will generate permanent scars, ranging from minor to severe. Considering these odds, the American Dermatologists Association stated that:

• 25 % of men and women in adulthood suffer from active acne.
• 60 Million Americans experience active acne.
• 20 Million Americans are likely to suffer from acne-generated scars.
• Only 11% of all acne sufferers seek medical assistance.
• Acne is regarded as a social taboo.

Also, it was found out that although acne can be completely treated by various methods, only:

• 11% of individuals with acne will seek a physician’s help.
• 20% of those people will go to a dermatologist.
• 30% will make use of over-the-counter acne medications, purchased from drugstores and pharmacies to personally treat acne.
• 40% will do nothing about their skin disorder.

Modest cases of acne can commonly be handled with over-the-counter acne medications but more very serious cases should be addressed by a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe oral medications as well as topical ointments for utilization on the skin. In some cases, the doctor will also physically dislodge blackheads or whiteheads and lance and drain pus filled nodules. The dermatologist utilizes surgical instruments which are sterilized, so these treatments should never be attempted at home.

Pimples develop on the skin because of the presence of bacteria. The bacteria irritates the skin. Once the acne has run its course, the skin may appear discoloured -- this is goes along with the natural healing process, and the discolorment will go away after a period of time.

This healing process can be accelerated with the use of drugs like Retin-A, Renova, and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids. Sunshine can harm the skin and actually delay the healing process, so sunscreens should universally be worn outside.

Existing scars left over from acne can be addressed in a variety of ways. If scars are not too serious, a chemical peel can be applied to the skin. This effectively removes the microscopic top layer of the skin allowing the cells under to regenerate.

More serious scarring can be treated with lasers or dermabrasion. Lasers eliminate the damaged layer of skin and tighten the skin under to heave the depression caused by the scar. The treatment can be mildly uncomfortable so the dermatologist may employ an anesthetic to numb the pain. The healing process after laser treatment takes about three to ten days.

Dermabrasion takes off scars by actually scraping away the surface of the skin where the scarring happens. During the healing cycle a fresh layer of skin is formed to replace the scarring. Both dermabrasion and laser cures can cause the skin to turn red, but this discolorment will go away after many months.