Nearly everyone the world over has experienced acne at some time in their life. Acne is a skin disorder that erupts in inflamed lesions on the face, neck, back and shoulders. It affects the physical appearance of a person, causing them to suffer embarrassment and drives down their self-esteem. It is a frustrating experience in knowing just how to deal with the problem; plus knowing how to treat the disorder.

An enlarged hair follicle becomes clogged with oil and bacteria, causing an inflamed lesion. The skin produces more oil which causes bacteria to grow in the lesion and now you have a case of acne.

There are five basic forms of acne: blackheads, whiteheads, papules (red pimples), pustules and cysts or nodules.

Whiteheads and blackheads are distinguishable by color. The whitehead on the skin has small white bumps; whereas the blackhead is dark colored. This dark color does not mean the skin is dirty; rather, it is due to a buildup of melanin, the skin's dark pigment.

Papules are red pimples that have become inflamed by a blockage of oil glands, while pustules are similar pimples except with white pus at the top.

Cysts or nodules are the most serious acne. They are blocked oil glands that burst and spread inflammation and pus into the skin tissue. This type of lesion can cause scarring and should receive immediate treatment.

Down through the years there have been many myths passed down from generation to generation about the causes of acne. It was generally thought for years that acne was caused by dirt. Improper hygiene causes dirt to form in the pores of the skin; thus causing acne. This is not true as dirt has nothing to do with acne.

Eating greasy foods such as French fries cause acne. There is no scientific basis for this idea, as no connection has been found between acne and food.

The idea that it is teenagers who have acne is not completely true, as some women in their twenties or thirties will have a breakout case. This is thought to be caused by hormones fluctuating.

'This is something you will grow out of', is not good advice for a young sufferer of acne, as leaving it untreated can cause scarring. So it is important to treat the breakouts and not expect it to go away as they age.

These misconceptions need to be put to rest, so no one is given the wrong advice.

There is no cure for acne, only control. Acne can be controlled and prevented by using certain products on the skin that have acne-fighting ingredients. These products should include benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient found to be effective in the control and prevention of acne. Benzoyl peroxide destroys the bacteria that causes acne and works to minimize the number of blocked pores. Benzoyl peroxide is found in cleansers, toners and lotions and may be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription.

Simple tips to help prevent acne are: clean makeup off the face before going to bed, use clean towels and clean pillow cases, keep cosmetic brushes clean and above all, do not pick or squeeze on the lesions, as this can cause infection and can lead to scarring.

Acne sufferers of today are lucky in that there are more treatments for this disorder than in years past and the future looks promising for maybe a cure, as more and more research will be done in this regard.