Acne


Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin tissue, characterized by clogged pores and pimples. The disorder results from the action of hormones and other substances acting on the skin's oil glands and hair follicles. Acne occurs when narrow follicles become plugged, and oil (sebum) can not reach the skin surface through the pore. The mixture of oil and cells allow bacteria to grow, producing chemicals and enzymes which attract white blood cells and cause inflammation. Blocked pores become lesions, which are commonly referred to as pimples.

These lesions can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne tends to be more common in teenagers, pre-menstrual woman, pregnant woman, and people using certain medications, including cortisone. Although acne does not generally constitute a serious medical condition, it frequently causes emotional distress, self-esteem issues, and depression. Acne may cause permanent scars.

Acne Lesions

The most common types of acne lesions are inflamed, pus filled reddish bumps, whiteheads (Closed Comedo) and blackheads (Open Comedo). Whiteheads occur when the lesion does not reach the skin surface. Blackhead lesions partially reach the skin surface and are pigmented darker from skin melatonin. Papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are other forms of acne lesions that can appear.

Causes of Acne

Acne can occur at any time of life, but most often affects people between the ages of 12 and 24. The exact cause of why some people get acne while other do not is unknown. Several factors are known to exacerbate acne, such as hormonal activity during teen years and during menstruation, stress, accumulation of dead skin cells, hyperactive sebaceous glands, bacteria in the pores, skin irritation or scratching, and the use of anabolic steroids. Medications containing halogens, lithium, barbiturates, or androgens may cause acne, as well as high exposure to chlorine compounds.

It is often assumed that chocolate, french fries, potato chips and sugar cause acne. This has yet to be scientifically supported, but for general health reasons, these foods should be limited anyway. Some studies have linked milk consumption, particularly skim milk, with acne. Health care practitioners encourage acne patients to experiment with their diet, and refrain from eating anything that seems to make the acne worse.

Acne is also not cause by poor personal hygiene, or dirty skin. Regular cleansing of the face can reduce acne, but vigorous scrubbing and harsh soaps and chemicals can worsen existing lesions. Risk factors for acne include direct skin contact with greasy or oily substances or cosmetics, family history of acne, and friction caused by clothes, collars, helmets, backpacks, etc.

Acne Treatments

Medical treatment from a dermatologist should be considered for persistent pimples or cysts that may scar the skin. Topical treatments are most common, and these may work to dry skin oil, kill bacteria, and remove dead skin layers. Many over the counter products are available, and if found unsuccessful, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger topical treatments. For more severe acne, oral and topical antibiotics may be prescribed. For deep cysts, isotretoin may be prescribed. To treat acne scars, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, peeling procedures and other cosmetic surgery techniques can help to restore the complexion.

By Doug Vanisky