Companies make billions of dollars each year from selling beauty products and cleansers promising blemish-free skin in a matter of days. According to the authors of "The New Harvard Guide to Women's Health," more than 17 million people in the United States have acne. Though most prominent in teenagers, people of all ages and from all cultural backgrounds can develop acne, as it is the most common of all skin diseases.
Basics
Around 80 percent of people between ages 11 and 30 have acne and though it seems to diminish with age, some deal with it throughout their lives. Acne most commonly occurs on the face, neck and back, shoulders and chest. Pimples, which make up acne, are caused by clogged hair follicles. Changes in androgen levels, heredity and genetics are important factors in acne formation, according to MedlinePlus.
Causes
No one knows the cause of acne, but the buildup of bacteria, the overproduction of oil and the irritation of hair follicles play key roles. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases add that hormonal changes during adolescence and pregnancy, use of oily makeup, and reactions to certain medicines are all factors. Dirty skin, stress and greasy and fatty foods do not cause acne, but they can make it worse, notes MedlinePlus.
Cultural Implications
Regardless of race or culture, acne affects about 90 percent of all teens. Behavioral neuroscientist Dale F. Bloom, writing in the November, 2003, issue of the journal "Medical Hypotheses," asserts acne is evolutionary and universal across the human race. According to research led by Robyn N. Smith and published in the July, 2007, "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," Western diets may affect acne by increasing its duration. Western diets tend to be high in carbohydrates and rich in high glycemic index foods, which affect your body's hormones. Milk consumption, which also varies across cultures, is also believed to play a role in the proliferation of acne by increasing the body's insulin levels. More study is required to definitively link diet and acne, however.
Types
Acne varies in type and level of severity. Pimples can come in the forms of whiteheads, blackheads, nodules, papules, pustules and cysts. Some acne is painful, with swelling and inflammation that is likely to leave a scar, while other kinds may be painless and disappear relatively quickly. Whiteheads and blackheads are non-inflammatory and tend to be less troublesome than inflammatory papules, pustules and cysts.
Treatment
There are a number of ways to prevent and treat acne. Avoid touching your face to decrease the level of irritation and avoid oil makeups that may clog your pores. Also be sure to clean your face gently and avoid overexposure to the sun. According to MedlinePlus, you may consider treating acne with antibiotics or vitamin A derivatives. Though acne is not often a serious problem, you may want to see your doctor or dermatologist for more intensive treatments and to help prevent scarring.
References
- MedlinePlus: Acne
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: What Is Acne? Fast Facts: An Easy-to-Read Series of Publications for the Public
- MayoClinic.com: Acne
- "The New Harvard Guide to Women's Health"; K. Carlson, S. Eisenstat, T. Ziporyn; 2004
- Medical Hypothesis: Is Acne Really a Disease?
- PubMed Central: The Relationship of Diet and Acne
