Acne Basics

Thursday, October 30th, 2008 | local info

I am sure that every one of you is somehow familiar with acne and acne treatments. Sometimes it seems as though everyone got that skin disorder, right? Acne is usually defined as an inflammatory skin disease that generally affects the tiny pores that cover the face, arms, back and chest, even the oil glands attached to them. Technically, it is named acne vulgaris and considered as the skin disease caused by the interplay of follicular hyperkeratinization, the presence of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria in the follicular canal and sebum production.

Acne, according to certain studies, can vary from quite mild to tremendously severe. It typically forms when the lining of the skin duct as well as the sebaceous glands start to work over time. Acne starts when the lining of the duct sheds cells which are then transported to the the skin by the sebum. A plug known by many as the comedo is formed when the sebum and cells begin to amass, blocking the duct.

As more studies have been done it has been found that once the plug stays below the plane of the skin, whiteheads or closed comedo occurs. It is called the open comedo or blackhead if the plug boosts and pops out of the skin duct because the top is dark. As noted, since this is not just dirt it will not wash away.

It is very interesting to know that the discoloration is basically caused by the buildup of the dark tint in our skin, known as melanin.

According to certain studies, 80 percent of all teenagers suffer from acne. The onset of acne is most prevalent in people aged 25 to 30 years old, mainly for women. It is not certain as to what really causes the development and onset of acne in adolescence. When it comes to the formation of acne there are many different factors. It involves heredity, which is deemed as the most important factor that plays a role in the acnes development. As is believed by many, if a member of your family, either your parents or your grandparents, had acne there is a greater possibility that you too will have acne.

Today, acne is treated in many different ways. So, acne does not need to control your life. For those suffering with it, there are some prescription drugs available you can use to treat such a disease. Since there are so many acne treatments available, you should always consult your doctor before starting any.

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