Acne is a skin condition which is caused by changes in skin structures which consist of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland. Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also be found in non-inflammatory forms. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as acne, pimples, blemishes, spots,or zits.
More than 85% of teenagers get Acne. It is most common during adolescence and frequently continues well into adulthood. The cause in adolescence is an increase in male sex hormones. Both genders get these hormones when puberty strikes.
For most people, acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear ” or at the very least decrease ” after one reaches one’s early twenties. However, there is no way to predict how long it will take acne to disappear entirely because some individuals will continue to suffer from acne well into their thirties, forties and beyond.
The face and upper neck are the most commonly affected. However, the chest, back, upper arms and shoulders may have acne as well. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already are most socially insecure.Aggressive and early treatment is therefore required to lessen the overall impact of this condition.
The basic cause of why some people get acne and some do not is unknown. It is known to be partly hereditary. Several factors are thought to be linked to acne:
- Genetic/family history
- Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles and puberty .
- Inflammation, scratching or skin irritation of any sort will activate inflammation.
- Stress, through increased output of hormones from the adrenal glands
- Hyperactive sebaceous glands, but, secondary to the three hormone sources above.
- Accumulation of dead skin cells which block or cover pores
- Bacteria in the pores.
- Using anabolic steroids
- Any medication containing barbiturates, lithium, or androgens.
- Exposure to chemical compounds.
- Exposure to halogens. Halogen acne is linked to exposure to halogens (e.g. chlorides, bromides, fluorides, iodides,)
- Chronic use of amphetamines or other similar drugs.
- Amount of toxicity in the body
Today, most dermatologists are waiting for confirmatory research linking acne and diet but some do support the idea that acne sufferers should experiment with their diets.
Studies have shown that newly diagnosed acne patients tend to have lower levels of vitamin A circulating in their bloodstream than those who are acne free. In addition, people with severe acne also tend to have lower blood levels of vitamin E.
Acne is not caused by dirt. This misconception probably comes from the fact that blackheads look like dirt stuck in the openings of pores. The black color is not dirt but simply oxidized keratin. In fact, the blockages of keratin that cause acne occur deep within the narrow follicle channel, where it is impossible to wash them away.
These plugs are formed by the failure of the cell linings the duct to separate and flow to the surface in the sebum created by the body. Built-up oil in the skin can block the passages of these pores. So a standard and thorough washing of the face could wash off old oil and help unblock the pores.
We hope that you found this research helpful and interesting. Thanks for looking.
Disclaimer ” No information included here is meant to treat, mitigate, diagnose or cure any condition or disease. You must talk with your doctor before using. No government agency has approved this information. It is meant only for educational purposes.
- 0