Mild Vs. Moderate Acne
Acne is categorized into three different stages: mild, moderate and severe. While severe acne is easy to recognize and diagnose, the line between mild and moderate acne may be fuzzy. They are not the same. Each has its own symptoms and treatment options. Recognizing the differences between mild and moderate acne is important and essential to choosing the right treatment methods. Does this Spark an idea?
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Symptoms
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Acnetalk.com defines mild acne as "up to 3 dozen comedones and/or scattered papules, no big permanent lesions and lesions which are not visible from 2.5m away, on your skin. It consists of closed comedones, open comedones and papules."
The same website defines moderate acne as "inflamed red lesions, numerous comedones and pustules, which are as large as 1-2cm and inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions visible at a distance of 2.5m also."
Comedone is the clinical name for a blackhead while a close comedone is a whitehead. A papule is a pimple that has not broken the skin. It is red and does not have an extractable white head. A pustule is is a pimple that has broken the skin. It has a visible white head that is filled with pus and can be popped.
Mild acne is marked by mostly blackheads and whiteheads. There may also be a few small pimples that lie under the surface of the skin. Moderate acne is more serious. It is marked by large swollen pimples and painful lesions. Both mild and moderate acne can commonly be found on the face, back and chest.
Treatment
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Mild acne can be effectively treated with a regular skincare routine that includes cleansing and moisturizing. Topical acne creams will usually be enough to get rid of mild acne.
Moderate acne takes a more aggressive treatment to get rid of. Often times a doctor must be consulted before moderate acne will start to clear up. A dermatologist will most likely prescribe an oral antibiotic like etracycline, minocycline, doxycycline or erythromycin to help clear up moderate acne. Anti-inflammatory medication can be taken to reduce swelling of lesions.
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Prevention
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Mild acne can be prevented much in the way it is treated, with a simple, yet regular, skincare routine. Cleanse and moisturize the skin daily. Add a weekly exfoliation and mask into your skincare regiment. If you feel an acne flare up coming on, use a spot treatment made with tea tree oil on areas where acne is most likely to appear.
Moderate acne must be prevented from the inside of the body out. A healthy diet is important. Do not eat excessively greasy foods. Stick to vegetables and lean proteins that contain essential vitamins and minerals. Also, drink plenty of water. Water will keep the skin hydrated and will wash away unhealthy toxins in the body that may cause acne. This along with a daily skincare routine will help prevent moderate acne.
Products
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Those with mild and moderate acne should use skincare products that are especially formulated to fight acne. Look for products that contain tea tree oil, sulfur, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
If the acne does not go away after using commercial products, consult a doctor who may give you a product that can only be obtained by prescription.
Tips
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There are a few tips that will benefit sufferers of both mild and moderate acne. Never try to pop pimples by yourself. This could lead to scarring. Try not to touch your face too much. Natural oils on the hands can transfer to the skin and clog pores. Wash the face or other acne prone areas with warm water to open pores and allow them to be thoroughly cleaned. Always use clean towels so as not to reinfect acne prone skin. Always wash off sweat, which can carry dirt and bacteria into open pores.
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References
- Photo Credit face to face image by Melanie von Snarly from Fotolia.com
