Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples. Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin clog up. Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Acne is not serious, but it can cause scars.
No one knows exactly what
causes acne. Hormone changes, such as those during the teenage years and
pregnancy, probably play a role. There are many myths about what causes acne.
Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that
foods have much effect on acne in most people. Another common myth is that
dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt.
Stress doesn't cause acne, but stress can make it worse.
What Causes Acne?
The exact cause of acne is not known. Acne is the visible result of bacterial and
swelling and is often traced to the effects of natural hormones. You can have acne on any part of your skin where
hair and sebaceous glands are found. These are the glands that produce oil for
the skin. Acne may be on your face, chest or back.
As time goes by, more oil is produced within
the glands. Tiny flakes grow on the inside walls of hair follicles found in the
glands and the oil gland becomes stickier. This builds up and blocks the pore.
This shows up as whiteheads and blackheads. The acne bacteria grow and multiply
in the oil. The bacteria help to release chemicals within the pore. That’s what
leads to inflammation. On the skin, the inflammation is seen as pimples or
zits.
Pores can get blocked by cosmetics, oils,
greases, and hairsprays. Hats, helmets and pads used in sports may also
contribute to this problem. Humidity, sweating and wearing damp clothing can
also block your pores.
Acne Basics:
Acne is the most common
skin disorder seen by doctors. It will affect almost every one of us at some
time in our lives. It can happen at any time, but teenagers are the ones who
get it most often.
Scaring:
Squeezing and picking acne spots may make things worse by causing more inflammation. If acne scarring has occurred, several treatments are available to make your skin look better. These
include skin filler substances, laser therapy and even surgery. These can be
used alone or in combination.
How Does Acne Affect You?
Acne not only causes physical discomfort and damage, but it can also have a big emotional and social
impact on your life. If you are feeling embarrassed and anxious about your
appearance, this can be even more painful. Emotional effects can lead to mood
changes, depression, social withdrawal and poor performance in school or at
work. If acne is bad enough to leave scars, you may have to endure these
emotional issues for years, because scarring is not readily correctable, it is
best if you can prevent their formation in the first place.
Complications of Acne
- Papules. Inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch
- Pustules (pimples). Papules topped by white or yellow pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base
- Nodules. Large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin
- Cysts. Deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring.
Doctors usually recommend
an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription topical medicine for people with mild
signs of acne. Topical medicine (medicine you run on your skin) is applied
directly to the acne lesions or to the entire area of affected skin.
Prescription medications are required for serious cases of acne.
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