Acne affects people of all ages from children to adults, although it seems to be most prevalent in adolescents. This embarrassing skin problem is easily identified by red, inflamed bumps, sometimes with a “white head” at the tip. There are different types of acne and it can affect all parts of the body, although it is mostly present on the face and facial skin. Acne can also be accompanied by scarring or it can appear as tiny black dots on the face known as “blackheads.” There are many different causes of acne, but the most basic reason for it is the result of excess natural oils known as sebum, which build up under the skin’s surface, causing it to appear red, bumpy, and inflamed.
There are different signs and symptoms of acne. It typically starts with a redness of the skin in areas where it appears. Scaly, red skin known as seborrhea is usually the starting sign of more severe acne to come. Something called comedones are what the acne actually is. These are also known as blackhead and whiteheads. Essentially, the skin becomes inflamed and starts to grow into large pustules. Smaller sized acne known as papules contain a smaller amount of sebum, and can sometimes be called pinheads. Larger bumps are called pustules, and often have a large, white head at the tip. Nodules are even larger, and can almost resemble a boil. Many people tend to pick at their skin if they have acne, which can result in scarring. Ice pick scars are deep and narrow. They cause pits to appear in the skin and are the most common scars. Box car scars are more angled and usually appear on the cheeks, and rolling scars give the skin a dimpled look. Hypertrophic scars are raised and stay within the boundary of the scar. These fade or lesson over time. Pigmentation scars have a darker, more raised appearance and can be permanent.
Acne can have a number of different causes. Hormones are often blamed for increases in acne in teens and young adults. If the hormone balance is off, the skin may produce too much sebum, causing acne to form. Women dealing with pregnancy may see an increase in acne because of hormonal changes. Some doctors think acne could be genetic, so parents may pass it down to their children. Stress can often cause acne to form or worsen. Generally, bacteria makes acne much, much worse. A bacteria called propionibacterium can infect the pore, causing it to appear inflamed and resulting in acne. Other physicians and dermatologists think diet is linked to acne in many cases. Diets high in sugar or cow’s milk can sometimes contribute to acne, however the old wives’ tail of too much chocolate is really a myth.
The result of acne can be difficult for many people to cope with, particularly younger people. It can take a serious toll on one’s self esteem, and can often be a source of pain for many people. Teasing is common for people with acne, and it can make young women and men feel as if they are unattractive or inferior. This can often lead to depression, stress, and in some severe cases, even suicide. Even young adults into their 30′s can have acne, which can make it especially difficult. While acne is often associated as a teenager’s affliction, adults are affected as well.
There are ways that acne can be managed and controlled. Various forms of prescription medication as well as medicated cleansers are often given to patients with extreme cases. Simple changes in diet and lifestyle can sometimes help quell the severity of acne, although it may not cure it completely. Some dermatologists recommend treatments like Dermabrasion for acne, which is simply a mild sloughing of dead skin cells, often thought to clog pores. Phototherapy is sometimes offered as an alternative treatment. This procedure involves shooting the skin with intense light beams thought to reduce the inflammation of the skin. Surgery is sometimes offered for very severe, cystic forms of acne.
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