|
Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes
in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair
follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). The condition is
common in adolescence as a result of an abnormal response to
normal levels of the male hormone testosterone. The response for
most people diminishes over time and acne thus tends to
disappear, or at least decrease, after one reaches their early
twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will
take for it to disappear entirely, and some individuals will
continue to suffer from acne decades later into their thirties
and forties and even beyond. Acne affects a large percentage of
humans at some stage in life.
SYMPTOMS The most common form of acne is known as "acne
vulgaris", which means common acne. Excessive secretion of oils
from the glands combines with naturally occurring dead skin
cells to block the hair follicles. Oil secretions build up
beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for
the skin bacteria Propioni bacterium acne to multiply
uncontrolled. In response, the skin inflames, producing the
visible lesion. The face, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms
are especially affected. The typical acne lesions are comedones,
papules, pustules, nodules and inflammatory cysts. These are the
more inflamed forms of pus-filled or reddish bumps, even
boil-like tender swellings. Non-inflamed 'sebaceous cysts', more
properly called epidermoid cysts, occur either in association
with acne or alone but are not a constant feature. After
resolution of acne lesions, prominent unsightly scars may
remain. Aside from scarring, its main effects are psychological,
such as reduced self-esteem and depression. Acne usually appears
during adolescence, when people already tend to be most socially
insecure.
CAUSES OF ACNE The increased hormone production in the puberty
stimulates to increased sebum production. The male hormone,
testosterone, seem to contribute most. Also girls begin to
produce more testosterone in the puberty. Also in other periods,
altered hormone production may give acne, for example by |
|
women
in the menopause. Exactly why some people get acne and some do
not is not fully known. It is known to be partly hereditary.
Here are some other factors that may contribute in causing acne
or aggravating the condition.
- Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles - Stress, through
increased output of hormones from the adrenal (stress) glands -
Accumulation of dead skin cells - Bacteria in the pores, to
which the body becomes allergic - Skin irritation or scratching
of any sort will activate inflammation - Use of anabolic
steroids - Some contraceptive agents - Humid environments - Some
antidepressants. Testosterone and anabolic steroids used for
treatment or by body-building - Use of some types of greasy
cosmetic products. Some antiperspirant products. - Exposing the
skin for chlorine or other halogens, or medicines containing
halogens. - Women may get aggravated acne 2-7 days before
menstruation.
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CAUSES There are many misconceptions and
rumors about causes of acne.
1. Acne is not caused by dirt. This misconception probably comes
from the fact that acne involves skin infections. In fact the
blockages that cause acne occur deep within the narrow follicle
channel, where it is impossible to wash them away. These plugs
are formed by the cells and sebum created there by the body. The
bacteria involved are the same bacteria that are always present
on the skin. It is advisable to clean the skin on a regular
basis, but doing so will not prevent acne. Anything beyond very
gentle cleansing can actually worsen existing lesions and even
encourage new ones by damaging or over drying skin. 2. Sex.
Common myths state that either celibacy or masturbation causes
acne and, conversely, that sexual intercourse can cure it. There
is no scientific evidence suggesting that any of these are
factual. It is true though that anger and stress affect hormone
levels and thus bodily oil production, which can cause acne.
TREATMENT
Sometimes Acne is so severe that special medical treatment is
required, and sometimes the causes of acne necessitate medical
treatment. But you |
