Acne 101

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin

, affecting the sebaceous glands, which are small units within the skin layers that produce and secrete the oily coverage of the skin surface. Acne is very common in the face region, and also in other prone areas such as the back and chest. The exact pathological causes for acne are multi-factorial, resulting both from genetic predisposition, gender (men more than women), age and environmental factors.

The main reason for acne to occur is a process causing these sebaceous glands to occlude. This obstruction increases the production and secretion from the glands, causing a "magic cycle" of overgrowth of normal skin organisms.

One organism is usually related to the development of acne. That organism is called Propionibacterium, a small bacteria from the Staphylococcus species. Another organism related to the formation of acne is the Malassezia Furfur.

These bacteria accumulate in the skin surface, causing constant irritation of the sebaceous glands, and contributing to the inflammatory processes, which eventually result in pustules and scarring. Therefore maintaining strict personal hygiene plays a significant role in preventing acne in those who are prone to it.

Other causes that increase the prevalence of acne are exposure to a high level of androgens (the "masculine" hormones, for example testosterone). That is the reason men suffer from acne more than women. Females who tend to produce higher levels of androgens (usually due to genetic tendency), can develop acne as well as other more masculine characteristics (excessive body hair, increased muscle tone, etc.).

Acne is a very disturbing disorder, affecting approximately 85% of teenagers, beginning as early as eight years of age. Some medications can contribute to the development of acne, especially androgenic hormonal treatment and corticosteroids.

Other disorders of the skin must be ruled out before starting treatment for acne. Usually the diagnosis of acne is not very difficult because of the unique characteristics of the lesions and their chronicity. Other options of various skin disorders such as Rosacea and folliculitis should be carefully examined. A dermatologist should always be consulted whenever moderate and severe acne appears, or when common conservative treatments fail.

AS previously mention, the prevention of acne should focus on maintaining personal hygiene and avoiding greasy hair and cosmetic preparations. There is hardly any data on different diets suggested for patients with acne (for example avoiding greasy food or high intake of fatty foods).

It is also not advised to repetitively cleanse the skin surface with soap, because of the irritation they cause.

by: Maria Gonzales

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