Archive for September 5, 2010

Acne is a common skin disorder, affecting people of all age groups, especially teenagers. It can be mild or severe. Due to this problem, people face depression and embarrassment.

How Does Acne Develop

Basically, it is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. A number of hair follicles are present on the face, upper neck, and chest. Sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil) to moisturize the skin and hair.

Whenever sebaceous glands enlarge and produce more sebum due to androgen hormones and bacteria, known as Propionibacterium grows within the swollen follicle. It causes skin irritation and a “whitehead” appears. Due to exposure to air, it turns black and is known as a “blackhead.” Often, it turns into pimples.

Pimples mainly affect the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, upper arms, and legs. They can mainly be seen on the face. Mostly, these are caused due to heredity and hormonal problems.

Sufferers

It is a problem among all age groups, but mostly occurs in teenagers. Acne affects both male and female equally, but boys are more prone to this problem because of their oily skin. The problem reduces by the age of 25, but it can continue well into adult years.

Root cause of acne

Hormonal causes, immune system, and heredity are responsible for this problem. The androgen hormone is responsible for oiler complexion and pimples. Women undergo many hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and perimenopause. During these phases of life, lesions are most likely to develop. Other factors that may cause pimples are oily cosmetics, stress, certain drugs, and hard scrubbing of the skin.

Acne Types

1. Papule : It is a small, firm, and pink bump. It is without pus or white head.

2. Pustule : It is a typical pimple. It is red in color and has a white head. A pustule can be small to large in size and does not have a large number of bacteria.

3. Nodule: A nodules is a large, reddened bump. It is found deep within the skin tissues. It is a deep infection and causes severe problem.

4. Cyst: It is a large, very painful, red, and pus-filled lesion. It occurs deep within the dermis. A cyst can cause deep scars.

5. Acne Conglobata: This is a rare but very serious form of lesions. It develops on the face, chest, back, and buttocks. There may be a severe bacterial infection due to the presence of pustules and cysts.

Treatments for acne

This is a complex problem. Generally, there is no cure for pimples, but there are many treatments for acne

1. Mild cases of pimples can be treated at home. Do not squeeze a lesion; it often makes the breakout worse. A good daily skin care regime should be followed.

2. Over-the-counter acne treatments like benzyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be useful. But, these medicines may cause side effects like skin irritation, redness, or burning. Always consult your doctor.

3. Prescription medicines like retinoid cream or gel, or antibiotics such as minocycline, doxycycline, and tetracycline can be effective.

Facing acne problem! Don’t worry, take good care of your skin and follow the advice of your dermatologist.