People of all races suffer from acne, In the US 85% of everyone aged between 12-24 develop some form of acne, that amounts to 17 million people making it the most common form of skin disease.
In the UK 80% of 11-30 year olds will suffer from acne at some point.
Acne symptoms tend to disappear for the majority of people when they reach their 30's, however people can still suffer from acne well into their 40's & 50's.
Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skins oil glands, known as sebaceous glands, which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions more commonly known as pimples or zits. They tend to appear on the face, neck, back, chest & shoulders.
Doctors believe that acne results from several related factors rather than one single cause. One of the most important factors is an increase in hormones called androgens, a male sex hormone. These increase in both boys & girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge making more sebum.
Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.
Heredity or genetics is another factor and researchers believe that acne can be inherited from parents. Studies have shown that many school age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder.
Certain drugs containing androgens or lithium can cause acne. A side effect of steroids can be acne.
Greasy cosmetics can alter the cells of the skin follicles and make them stick together causing plugs which can lead to acne.
Factors which can also cause acne are:
- Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin.
- Squeezing or picking at blemishes.
- Hard scrubbing of the skin.
- Environmental irritants such as pollution & high humidity.
- Changing hormonal levels in adolescent girls & adult women 2-7 days before their menstrual period starts.
- Pressure from bike helmets, backpacks or tight collars.
Myths about causes of acne include.
- Greasy foods & chocolate are often blamed for acne, but what we eat seems to have little effect.
- Acne is cause by dirty skin is another common myth however blackheads & other acne lesions are not caused by dirt.
- Stress is often blamed but has no effect in regards to the condition.
Acne treatment
There are 2 ways to treat
acne, topical (applied to
the skin) or systematic (taken
by mouth). Both over the counter
(OTC) meaning no prescription
is necessary & prescription
remedies are available. The
goals of treatment are to
heal existing lesions, to
prevent new lesions forming,
stop scarring & minimise
psychological stress &
embarrassment caused by the
disease. Drug treatment is
aimed at reducing several
problems that play a part
in causing acne: abnormal
clumping of the cells in the
follicles, increased oil production,
bacteria & inflammation.
Depending upon the extent
of a persons acne it is recommended
to try one of several OTC
medicines that are topical
(applied to the skin) or systematic
(taken by mouth) or a combination
of both. For prescription
remedies you must see your
doctor.
Prescription topical medicines
can result in side effects,
the skin may look worse for
a while before hopefully improving.
Other side effects include
stinging, burning, redness,
peeling, scaling or discoloration
of the skin.
Similarly some prescription
oral medicines can have side
effects such as increased tendency
to sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness
or light-headedness & changes
in skin colour. Also some drugs
decrease the effectiveness of
birth control pills making it
necessary to use a backup birth
control method.
(c) John Mac 2006
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John Mac is Author & Owner
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