Articles

Acne is an inflammatory skin ailment characterized by superficial skin eruptions that are caused by clogged skin pores. Acne usually appears on the face and shoulders, but may cover the trunk, arms and legs.

Acne appears when sebaceous glands within the hair follicles (pores) of the skin become clogged, due to secretions that are produced faster than oil and skin cells can exit through the follicle. The plug causes the follicle to bulge (causing whiteheads), and the top of the plug may darken (causing blackheads). If the plug causes the wall of the follicle to rupture, the oil, dead skin cells, and microbes found normally on the surface of the skin can invade the skin and form small infected areas called pustules (also known as pimples or "zits").

The actual pimple is usually the result of bacteria entering an open skin pore causing the body to react with millions of white cells to destroy the invaders. As the white cells defend and die they cause an inflamed area that becomes red (pimple) which over time turns into an even greater mass of dead cells that can form a pus pocket (white head). If an acne isn't treated properly it can evolve into an acne scar, however, you can prevent scarring by treating acne breakouts early on.

Open pores can also be affected by dried oils. Foreign matter or just facial dirt creates what is usually called a black head. Salt from sweat is another cause of many facial break outs when it dries and clogs pores.

Cysts appear when the infection reaches the deeper layers of the skin. A sebaceous cyst appears when the sebaceous gland continues to secrete oil. Instead of breaking the follicle wall, the follicle continues to enlarge and form a soft, pliable lump (known as a cyst) under the skin. The cyst is usually not painful or discolored unless it becomes infected.

Acne in Teens

Acne is usually seen most in adolescent boys , but it can appear in both sexes and at all ages. The tendency to develop acne is inherited. The condition usually begins at puberty and may continue for many years. Every 3 out of 4 teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that activate the sebaceous (oil secreting) skin glands. Other hormonal fluctuations that occur with menstrual periods, pregnancy, use of anticonceptive pills, or stress, also aggravate acne.

Acne is not simply caused by dirt or build-up, but dirt and oil can worsen the condition. Other factors that elevate the chances of acne are oily skin, stress, exposure to weather extremes, endocrine disorders, certain tumors, hormonal changes, and the use of certain drugs (such as cortisone, testosterone, estrogen, and others). Acne is not contagious. A tendency to have acne may persist through ages 30's to early 40's.

Prognosis

Acne is usually chronic from puberty to adulthood, but ultimately lessens. Acne generally responds well to treatment after a few weeks, but may flare up from time to time. Acne is not medically dangerous except for untreated, grievous infection. Scars may appear if severe acne is not treated; a good acne scars removal treatment is then needed.