Just when you thought acne was bad enough, other similar skin conditions occasionally occur with acne. Some of these conditions simply co-exist with the conditions leading to acne, like dandruff, others tend to look like acne but require entirely different methods of treatment. Understanding these conditions can help you make the best choices for your own health. Below are seven ‘false acne’ conditions.

Acne Cosmetica

This is a mild form of acne common when using cosmetic products. Certain cosmetic products are more likely to induce acne than others – especially those that are not marked non comedogenic. In this case, anyone who wears the cosmetic products is susceptible to acne, even if they aren’t normally. This type of acne appears as small red bumps on the cheeks, chin, and forhead. It usually persists well after you stop using the cosmetic products, but does go away eventually.

Dandruff (Sebborrheic Dermatitus)

Dandruff often occurs along with acne. The underlying mechanism is similar to that which causes acne, with skin cells attempting to fight off P.ovale fungus. Climate, genes, diet, hormones, and stress all play a role. In dandruff, this process is accelerated, and dead skin cells are shed at an excessive rate. The symptoms which follow are very well known – an itchy, flaky scalp. Also as with acne, shampoos containing zinc or salicylic acid are helpful to the condition. Overwashing is not a factor, but excessive scratching can make the problem worse.

Eczema (Dermatitus)

This is a red rash which spreads quickly and is usually itch, swollen, and blistery in appearance. There are two main types: 1. Atopic dermatitus is an allergic reaction, similar to asthma and hay fever. It commonly occurs in early childhood. 2. Contact Dermatitus is an allergic reaction to contact with chemicals or other irritants. Anything the patient contacts which he or she may be allergic to is included: chemicals, rubber, preservatives, metallic objects, perfumes.

Eczema can be chronic, often occuring on hands, eyelids, and neck for long periods of time. Affected skin is often darker than surrounding skin, and may be thicker from excessive scratching. Chronic eczema is most often genetic in nature but can be caused or exasperated by factors in the environment.

Enlarged Skin Pores

As hormone and sebum production increases in teen years, so does the size of skin pores. The normal process of aging then causes pores to appear even larger. Genetics largely determines how big skin pores of an adult will be. Any irritation to the skin, such as picking at acne, causes pores to become damaged and permanently larger.

Epidermal Cysts

This is a nastier version of acne which occurs in deeper layers of skin than the usual pores. Often, the sac is filled with a whitish pus which doesn’t go away. Small cysts can remain untreated, but larger cysts may become painful quickly. In this case, a dermatologist is recommended – as the only treatment is to excise the affected skin.

Favre-Racouchet Syndrome

This false acne syndrome is characterized by large blackhead like spots called coalescent comedones by the eyes and upper cheeks of the face. It is usually caused by significant sun damage over a period of years, although genetics can be a factor as well. These comedones do not go away, their only treatment is surgery or retinoids.

Keratosis Pilaris

This condition consists of many small, red, hard bumps in patches. They are found behind your arms, on the shoulders, the buttocks, front thighs, and cheeks. They usually don’t cause pain and get worse in the Winter months.

Perhaps the greatest trigger for acne comes from our own bodies. Hormones starting around the age of 10 and peaking in puberty contribute significantly to breakouts. For adults with acne, this process can continue for decades.

Onset of puberty

The main acne hormones are the class known as Androgens. These include Testosterone, DHEA-S, Andro, DHT. They are also precursors for the female sex hormone estrogen. At puberty, the body goes into full production of these hormones. As they stimulate the sebaceous glands into producing more oil, the conditions for acne are set.

Acne During Menstration

Another time hormonal acne tends to rear its ugly head is during or just before menstration. The female body produces increased quantities of multiple hormones during this time which stimulate the sebaceous glands. Of course, the result of more oil tends to be more clogs and hence more acne.

Hormonal Acne During Pregnancy

For much the same reason that acne increases during mentration, acne during pregancy can be a problem. Unfortunately, this is the time when its hardest to treat. Many common treatments such as sacylic acid and oral pills are unsafe for baby. This means you’ll have to use natural treatments such as vinegar.

During Menopause (Female Hormones and Acne)

Like pregnancy and menstration, Menopause is a time of significant hormonal fluxuation. Therefore acne can almost be expected. Fortunately the normal treatments which are available can be used without harming anyone.

Adult Male Hormones and Acne

In males, there are fewer periods of dramatic hormone changes than in females. The most likely causes of changes in males would be related to high stress or unusual physical activity. Unfortunately this means that adult males who suffer from acne will likely have the problem until their middle ages.

Treatment of Hormonal Acne

For adults who suffer from acne that do not respond to normal treatments, there are a new range of ‘hormonal’ treatments available. For women, this can be as simple as taking a contraception pill. For males and females, there are various ‘anti’ androgens now being marketed. This treatment tends to be complex, however, as hormones regulated many things in the body. The potential for unwanted side effects is also high.

A better way to treat acne is through natural means. Many people throughout the Internet are coming together and discussing various dietary supplements (such as zinc) which have helped them tremendously. So while you may not be able to eliminate acne entirely with just one shot, you can certainly reduce it significantly without harming yourself.