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Acne Introduction

 

Acne, also called acne vulgaris or acne conglobata, is an inflammatory disorder of the pilosebacous, or sweat, glands. The disease is caused by an increase in both keratin and sebum (oil) production within the gland.

 

Acne Factors: Hormones, allergens, friction from garments, excessive cleaning, bacteria, skin irritation, and excessive picking are among the many factors that contribute to the onset and severity of acne.  Acne can be superficial—blackheads and whiteheads.  It may also be deep, characterized by pustules and cysts.  Acne is worst when bacteria are involved with excessive picking; a habitual process which often leads to life long scarring. [1]

 

Acne affects 85% of individuals between the ages of 12 and 24. [2] It commonly begins during puberty as a result of the increased hormone production.  Androgens (testosterone) are the primary hormones that affect acne by causing increased sebum production. [3]

 

In the majority of cases, acne usually resolves by the 3rd decade of life.  It does, however, have a guided misconception in older adults.  Persons in this age demographic generally view the condition as a "disease" of adolescents and young adults.  Many older adults fail to realize that it can affect them well into their 40's and 50's. [4]

 

 

Acne Symptoms

 

Acne is the most common of all skin problems/disorders. The lesions are mainly on the face, but can also present on the back, shoulders, and chest. There are several different types of lesions.

  • Open comedones - called blackheads; these are enlarged follicles filled with dark plugs
     

  • Closed comedones - often referred to as whiteheads if no inflammation is present; called papules if inflammation (redness) is present
     

  • Nodules - deep collections of pus in the dermis (layer under skin) with no  opening or ‘head'
     

  • Cysts - nodules that fail to discharge the pus
     

  • Large deep pustules - nodules which have caused breakdown of adjacent tissue [5]

Acne is usually worse in the winter and better in the summer. This is believed to be a result of the sunlight drying out the surface of the skin. In addition, It can cycle with the menses and often will get better or worse with pregnancy.[6]

 

 

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