Acne is most common in teenagers and young adults. Boys are more commonly affected than girls. Acne is a condition characterised by the appearance of various types of spots or comedones (singular: comedo) on the surface of the skin. Sebaceous glands naturally secrete oily sebum via your pores to maintain healthy skin. However in acne the pore becomes blocked causing an accumulation of sebum that can present itself as a whitehead if skin forms over the pore or a blackhead if the sebum oxidises.
Acne causes increased oily secretions which then lead to spots most commonly found on the face back or chest. These spots can take on a range of forms including whiteheads blackheads and perhaps nodules and cysts.
Though not physiologically related acne very often causes depression and anxiety. Even if you don’t consider your acne as particularly severe if you experience any kind of distress as a result then treatment is recommended.
Acne occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Hair follicles are connected to oil glands. These glands secrete an oily substance (sebum) to lubricate your hair and skin. Many people experience some form of acne during puberty when hormonal changes cause an increase in sebum secretion. This is normal and around 80% of people are affected by this. Unfortunately this can develop with complications.
Acne is not dangerous but can leave skin scars. Human skin has pores (tiny holes) which connect to oil glands located under the skin. The glands are connected to the pores via follicles - small canals. These glands produce Sebum an oily liquid. The sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin. A small hair grows through the follicle out of the skin. Pimples grow when these follicles get blocked resulting in an accumulation of oil under the skin.There is also a genetic link to acne: While it is unknown as to what degree your genome affects your chances of developing acne it is not uncommon for it to “run in the family”. If both your parents had acne in the past then you are far more likely to develop it too.
Women also can experience outbreaks of acne associated with their menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. This is treated in a similar manner to other cases.
Although the symptoms of acne can often be treated at home with an appropriate cleanser there are many cases that require the intervention of a dermatologist. Treatment for mild acne (whiteheads blackheads or pimples) may include: Gentle cleansing with warm water and a mild soap such as Dove or Cetaphil. Applying benzoyl peroxide (such as Brevoxyl or Triaz). Applying salicylic acid (such as Propa pH or Stridex).
Common treatments include a variety of topical medications such benzoyl peroxide cream which acts against the P. acnes bacterium retinoid cream to reduce sebum production and azelaic acid cream which has anti-inflammatory properties.
More serious cases can be treated with manual extraction of the comedo for temporary relief and photodynamic therapy. Acne scars can also be treated with dermabrasion laser resurfacing and chemical peels should this be desired.
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Doctors Catalog has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 108 for immediate assistance.
