Acne

Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20's - even into their 40's - can get acne. While acne usually clears up after several years even if untreated, you need not wait to outgrow it. Untreated acne can leave lifelong scars.

While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When sever, acen can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can lead to scarring.

How acne forms

Rising hormone levels during adolescence (puberty) cause the oil (sebaceous) glands of the skin to get bigger. These glands are found in areas where acne is common (the face, upper back, and chest). They are stimulated by male hormones found in both males and females.

The glands are connected to a hair-containing canal called a follicle. The sebaceous glands produce oil (sebum) which normally travels via hair follicles to the skin surface. However, skin cells can plug the follicles, blocking the oil coming from the sebaceous glands. When follicles become plugged, skin bacteria (called Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes) begin to grow inside the follicles, causing inflammation. Acne progresses in the following manner:

Incomplete blockage of the hair follicle results in blackheads (a semisolid, black plug).
Complete blockage of the hair follicle results in whiteheads (a semisolid, white plug).
Infection and irritation cause whiteheads to form.

The mixture of oil and cells also helps bacteria in the follicles grow. These bacteria make chemicals that can cause the wall of the follicle to break. Then sebum, bacteria and shed skin cells spill into the skin causing redness, swelling and pus - a pimple.

Treatment

The goal of acne treatment is to minimize scarring and improve appearance. Taking into account hormone levels or what you use on your face - also what you put in your body - will help your dermatologist determine the best course of action. Many non-prescription acne lotions and creams help milder cases of acne. For more severe cases, a combination of topical (medications applied to the skin) and systemic (oral) may be recommended. Remember, proper care is necessary.

Acne

Treatment

Wellness Section:

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