Acne is a condition that affects the skin, including the face, back, chest and neck. The disorder stems from infection and blockage of the subaceous glands, which coat the hair with oil as hair grows from the follicle. Blockage causes oil to build up and leaves the painful acne pimples in the infected area.
Cause
Acne can stem from poor hygiene, genetics, environmental factors, hormones and medications. Genetics play a role in causing a person to have a predisposition for the condition. Since oil buildup and blockage are the cause of infection, a patient with poor hygiene might develop acne. Choosing oily cosmetics that are made from animal products also can lead to increased levels of oils on the skin. Medications and hormone products, such as steroids, increase oil production as well.
Features
Small, red pimples are the common sign of an acne outbreak. These pimples might be simply red and inflamed, or they can have a white or black center. White puss pimples are called whiteheads, while ones that develop a black center are called blackheads. Some acne pimples are deeper in the skin than others. When pressure on the skin is too great, the pimple bursts, causing pain and irritation in the area. Some acne sufferers develop scars.
Misconceptions
Patients often think that acne is caused by the types of food they eat, such as chocolate, greasy foods and diets high in fat. However, the University of Maryland contends that diet is not a part of acne outbreaks. Instead, patients who see a correlation between diet and acne outbreaks instead might have food allergies. Such patients are advised to stop eating certain foods if outbreaks persist.
Risk Factors
Although genetics and hygiene can play a large role in acne outbreaks, some common risk factors also are part of outbreaks. Puberty is usually the start of acne; for some patients, acne subsides when they reach adulthood. Other patients, however, have continual acne, even as adults. Acne sufferers should avoid cosmetics made with animal fats. Medications such as corticosteroids, androgens, lithium and phenobarbital increase oil production and lead to the development of acne. Clothes that rub on the skin, including hats, headbands, neck ties and helmets, might lead to an outbreak, too.
Treatment
The type of treatment for acne patients depends on the severity of the condition. Some patients can alleviate symptoms by washing their faces regularly. Topical creams with benzoyl peroxide can rid the skin of infection, reducing the amount of acne. For patients with severe bacterial infections, a dermatologist might prescribe antibiotics. Surgery is performed on patients with severe scars from acne.
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