Acne Facts

What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition which most often begins in adolescence. The term is used to describe clogged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. They are typically found on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders.

What Causes Acne?
Acne is most commonly caused by the changes that occur in adolescence. Specifically, the hormones which prompt physical maturation also cause the sebaceous, or oil-producing glands of the skin, to produce more sebum (oil). When skin cells mix with an increase in sebum, pores are clogged and acne can result. Male hormones (androgens), present in both males and females, are the primary culprit in acne. Hormone fluctuations and cosmetics can also produce acne, notably in adult women.

Another cause of acne is heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder. Certain drugs, including androgens and lithium, are known to cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together, producing a plug. Although you may hear that acne is not caused by greasy skin, greasy sking can still cause a problem.

Who Gets Acne?

Teen Girls

• 79-82 percent of girls have acne.
• Girls tend to be more motivated to visit their dermatologists on their own to seek treatment.

Teen Boys

• Acne in boys is typically more severe and longer-lasting than in girls.
• 81-95 percent of boys have acne.
• Chest and back acne is more prevalent in males.
• Boys are generally less likely to seek treatment.
• Parents can motivate and assist boys in visiting a dermatologist and obtaining an effective, appropriate treatment.

Adults

• Acne is more prevalent in women than men.
• Acne prevalence in women appears to be increasing.
• Factors that may contribute to acne in women include: Hormonal fluctuations of menstrual cycles, and cosmetic use.
• When women develop acne, it can persist into mid-life.

What makes acne flare up?

• Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts
• Oil from skin products (moisturizers or cosmetics) or grease encountered in the work environment (for example, a kitchen with fry vats)
• Pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight sports uniforms
• Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity
• Squeezing or picking
• Hard scrubbing of the skin

MYTHS about acne?

1. Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, myth or reality?
   In reality, strenuous activity can temporarily increase your body's oil production that can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.
2. Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, or lack thereof; true or false?
   False, another myth. Just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, does not mean that this has anything to do with acne.
3. People with acne are dirty and don't wash enough.
   Not! This is another myth. Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Dirt is not even a factor in the equation
4. Acne is contagious, true or false?
   Not! No one can "catch" acne; it is non-communicable.
5. You'll outgrow acne, so just leave it alone - myth or truth?
   This is false. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn't be left alone to possibly worsen.

Are There Different Types of Acne?

There are two classes of acne, Non-inflammatory and Inflammatory.

Non-inflammatory

• Whiteheads are plugged follicles below the surface of the skin.
• Blackheads are enlarged plugs, appearing dark in color, that push through the skin's surface.

Inflammatory

• Papules develop as firm, pink bumps that feel tender to the touch.
• Pustules are small, round lesions with a red base and yellowish or white center.
• Nodules/Cysts, a severe form of acne, are very large and painful and can result in scarring.

Acne can cause scars, particularly from severe acne (such as nodules) or from people picking, squeezing or popping their acne. This is why it is important to treat acne as soon as possible.

What is The Social and Emotional Impact?

While the "invisible" aspects of acne are often overlooked, the emotional and social impact may be as great as what is seen in serious, chronic conditions, including asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, back pain and arthritis.

Adolescents with acne may experience a range of emotional and social symptoms:

• Social isolation
• Decreased self-esteem
• Reduced self-confidence
• Poor body image
• Feelings of embarrassment, depression, anger, preoccupation and frustration
• Missed school, work or social events

This is another reason why it is important to cure acne as early as possible.

BASIC ACNE SKIN CARE REGIMEN : -
Usually, mild acne skin care is done with soap and water. The logic is to not remove the dirt (as the majority of acne-inflicted person perceive) but to remove the plugs on the skin pores, which may be a combination of dead skin cells, bacteria and hardened sebum. Although dirt is not truly the cause of acne, it may contribute to further infection through its interaction with skin debris and particles and extra oil in the skin.

You should not vigorously scrub the face as this may result into an accelerated spread of the infection to other areas. A mild scrub will do. Minimize the use of seriously abrasive acne skin care products. This may cause more harm than good.

To further care for your skin, you should make use of the following acne routine:

• A healthy, well-balanced diet must be observed. Meaning, your food intake must incorporate all the essential nutrients the body needs for efficient functioning.
• Drink plenty of fluids like water, juices. Minimize the intake of carbonated drinks.
• Vitamin supplements must complement vitamins absent in your diet.
• Wash your face with mild soap and water.
• Minimize the use of abrasive cleansers and use acne skin care items that exfoliate mildly.