10 FACTORS THAT CAN WORSEN ACNE

If your acne has suddenly flared up or if it has refused to clear up despite stringent

measures and astringent solutions, it may be that you may be exposed to some aggravating factors, albeit unknowingly.

The following is a list of 10 factors that can aggravate or worsen acne. Go through the list and determine the factors that may be worsening your acne.

1. Hormones

Acne often begins at puberty due to increased production of male sex hormones. This results in increased sebum production which contributes to clogging the pores.

Women who never had acne in their teenage years can also develop acne due to hormonal changes triggered by the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.

In some situations, acne can be due to serious endocrine disorders such as Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

2. Oral Contraceptive Pills

Some contraceptive pills are used to treat acne while others can worsen it. Some women develop clear skin while on the pills while others develop eruptions after stopping them due to hormonal changes.

3. Over-Washing the Skin

Compulsive washing of the face can aggravate acne as it may stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.

4. Cosmetics

Applying oil rich skin products with pore clogging ingredients especially on the face can result in pomade acne or worsen pre-existing acne.

5. Medications

Prescription medications can also trigger or aggravate acne. Isoniazid (used to treat tuberculosis), lithium (used to treat mania) and anabolic steroids are common causes of iatrogenic acne. If you develop acne or your acne worsens after starting on these or any other medications consult your doctor first before you stop taking them.

6. Iodides

Dietary iodides are excreted from the body through the oil glands and they may flare up acne.

7. Industrial Chemicals

Workers who handle machine oils, grease and coal tar derivatives are prone to developing occupational acne especially on parts of their body exposed to these industrial chemicals.

8. Mechanical Obstruction

People who wear motorcycle helmets or other helmets can develop acne due to the physical trauma and friction of the helmet straps on their skin. Stiff hard collars can also aggravate acne using the same mechanical mechanism.

9. Stress

Emotional stress can aggravate acne as the stress hormones released when one is stressed stimulate oil production.

10. Climate

Some climatic conditions can worsen acne in some people. For instance heat and humidity can aggravate acne in some people as they cause the stratum corneum (the top layer of the skin) to swell.

10 FACTORS THAT CAN WORSEN ACNE

By: Dr. Miriam Kinai

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