What is Acne?

Who gets Acne?

Almost 80% of the people between the age of 12 to 25 years suffer from Acne. It is just a part of growing up. Some people in their 30s and 40s may also get acne. Untreated, it may last 4 to 5 years. In some cases it may last as long as 10 years. 30% of teenagers may be at risk of scarring.

Indian skin is prone to Acne vulgaris, eczema and dandruff.

What is Acne ?

Just under the skin surface, there are sebaceous glands. These glands create an oil called sebum. Tiny pores (holes) in the skin let the sebum come to the surface. Sebum keeps the skin smooth and supple. During teenage years, the sebum production is increased due to hormonal change specially testosterones. Higher the amount of sebum, greasier is the skin. The dead skin cells get stuck blocking some of the pores. Sebum continues to build up puffing up the blocked pores.

If your parents suffered from Acne in their youth, your chances get increased of getting Acne.

Acne appears in the area where sebaceous glands are largest: face, arms, back, neck and chest.

Inflamed acne spots eventually heal but can leave small scars.

Mild to Moderate Acne: Whiteheads, Blackheads, small pimples

Whiteheads

The pores are clogged, closed up and bulges

Blackheads

The pore are clogged, stays open, and top surface becomes dark.

The Black part of the blackheads is due to skin pigment (melanin).

Pimple

Some sebum collects under blocked pores. These are visible small spots also called papules

Moderate to severe Acne: Large spots and inflammation, Cyst

The body's natural immune system fight bacteria caused by large amount of sebum. It causes inflammation.

The skin becomes red, and the spots become larger filled with pus (pustules). Pustules become even larger and form nodules and cysts.

The inflamed becomes a pitted scar. These scars do not completely fade away with age.

Myths

Chocolates, sweets, fried foods cause acne........ Not true

Food does not cause Acne. In some cases, it is possible that certain foods will worsen Acne. Discontinue the given food if you believe it is making your Acne worse.

Poor hygiene causes acne........................................ Not true

It is contagious and can be caught by kissing........... Not true
Frequent washing reduces severity ......................... Not true

Stress causes acne.................................................. Not true

Drinking lots of water cures acne ............................. Not true
Sun-beds and sunbathing cures acne ...................... Not true

What makes acne worse?

1. Few days before the menstruation period. It is called 'premenstrual acne'.

2. Progestogen-only contraceptive pills

3. Phenytoin, an epilepsy medication

4. Steroid creams for eczema

5. Anabolic steroids.

6. Thick and greasy make-up

7. Picking, squeezing spots worsen the acne

8. Sweating contributes to blocking pores.

9. Stress does not cause Acne, but it can make acne worse.

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