Acne

Acne
Acne is defined as an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the skin which is apparent by small or big pimples or pustules on the face or body. Acne is a problem that can affect almost everyone’s life. There are a few different types of acne.
Whiteheads and Blackheads
The first types of acne are whiteheads and blackheads. Whiteheads are caused when pores are blocked with sebum, an oily secretion that our bodies produce naturally. Blackheads are similar to whiteheads but are exposed to air and when the sebum oxidizes it causes the black appearance.
Papules and Pustules
Papules are red bumps that are usually tender to the touch and are not filled with anything. A pustule is an elevation in a skin but is filled with pus. Pustules appear like an inflamed mountain with a white center surrounded by inflamed red skin. Both papules and pustules are inflammatory acne.
Nodules and Cysts
Nodules are characterized as hard lumps which are formed under the skin. They develop at a deeper level then the other forms of acne and take a longer time to heal. Cysts are similar to nodules and form when sebum and bacteria leak into the hair follicle. Both are usually hard red lumps and can be painful to the touch. For a visual look of acne please see Figure 1.
Figure 1-Types of Acne
This description will examine the: * Causes * Treatment
Causes
Acne can occur when hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Three different factors can contribute to acne formation: * Excessive production of oil(sebum) in skin * Excessive amounts of bacteria in the skin * Abnormal shedding of dead skin cells

Excessive Oil in Skin
The sebaceous glands produce oil called sebum that lubricates hair and skin. But when the body produces excess sebum and dead skin cells they can both build up in the hair follicles and form a plug.

What causes excess sebum? * Excessive sebum can be caused by hormones. During puberty hormones can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. Any hormonal changes such as pregnancy or oral contraceptives can alter sebum production. * Medications that contain corticosteroids, androgens or lithium which affect hormones can increase sebum production. * Diet can also increase sebum production. People have different sensitivities but most acne sufferers are affected by a hormone in milk which changes sebum output.

Excessive Bacteria
Once a plug is formed the environment is suitable for bacteria to grow. The bacteria called Propioni bacteria is found on most skin but only becomes a problem in large numbers. As long as the bacteria have conditions with no oxygen and sebum to digest; the population will grow out of control. When the bacteria digest the oil trapped in the pore they produce a fatty acid waste. This waste irritates the pore lining and causes inflammation and redness.

Figure 2- Acne Blockage

Abnormal Shedding of Skin Cells
The human skin is constantly shedding even when we sleep. Acne can occur when the skin is being produced faster than the skin can be shed. Since the skin cells are being produced faster and not shed fast enough: they remain stuck inside a follicle and can create acne.

Treatment
Acne can be treated by: * Reducing oil production * Exfoliating excess skin * Fighting Bacterial Infection or Reducing inflammation

Topical treatments can dry up oil, and exfoliate the skin. Most of the topical treatments can be purchased over the counter. Some over the counter products contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid works by exfoliating excess skin so the pore will not become clogged. Benzoyl peroxide reduces oil and fights bacteria. Both are available in different strengths and a lot of people will need to use trial and error to find the right product for their skin. If over the counter products do not work: stronger topical treatments are available by prescription. These products are prescribed by a dermatologist and are called retinoids. Retinoids work by exfoliating the skin and prevent the hair follicle from becoming plugged. Another option for more severe acne is antibiotics. Antibiotics are doctor prescribed and taken orally. The antibiotics reduce the bacteria in your body and fight inflammation. Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics if used for a prolonged period of time so most doctors recommend antibiotics as a short term treatment. All treatments take time to work and must be used diligently.

Conclusion
Acne can affect everyone’s life and cause major stress and low self-esteem. The causes of acne can be different for each individual and must be examined thoroughly to prevent acne. Acne should be treated as soon as possible to prevent acne scars and can be treated with the use of topical products, antibiotics or retinoids.

Sources
Palmer Angela. "Acne Causes". 23 Dec 2012. http://acne.about.com/od/acnebasics/tp/causes.htm. 1 Feb 2013
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Acne". 21 Oct 2011. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne/DS00169/DSECTION=causes 1 Feb 2013
Figure 1:"Types of Acne". http://acnehubs.com/types-of-acne/types-of-acne/
Figure 2: "How Acne Develops". http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical/IM02434