Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Acne is caused by many things. Among them are chemicals, bacteria, stress, hormones and even family history of acne.

By Conrad Blomberg

Acne is a skin condition caused by changes in skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its sebaceous gland. Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also be found in a non-inflammatory form. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, blemishes, zits, or acne.

Acne is most common during adolescence where affects more than 85% of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood. The cause in adolescence is generally an increase in male sex hormones. Both genders get these hormones during puberty.

For most people, acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear " or at the very least decrease " after one reaches one's early twenties. However, there is no way to predict how long it will take acne to disappear entirely because some individuals will continue to suffer from acne well into their thirties, forties and beyond.

The face and upper neck are ordinarily the most affected. However, the chest, back, upper arms and shoulders may have acne, too. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already are most socially insecure. Aggressive and early treatment is therefore a good idea to lessen the overall impact of this condition.

The root cause of why some people get acne and some do not is not fully known. It is known to be partly hereditary. Several factors are thought to be linked to acne:

- Family/Genetic history.

- Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles and puberty .

- Inflammation, skin irritation or scratching of any sort will activate inflammation.

- Stress, through increased output of hormones from the adrenal (stress) glands

- Hyperactive sebaceous glands, secondary to the three hormone sources above.

- Accumulation of dead skin cells that can block or cover pores

- Bacteria in the area's pores.

- Using anabolic steroids

- Any medication containing barbiturates, lithium, or androgens.

- Exposure to some chemical compounds.

- Exposure to halogens. Halogen acne is linked to exposure to halogens (e.g. iodides, chlorides, bromides, fluorides)

- Chronic use of amphetamines or other similar drugs.

- Amount of toxicity in the body

Most dermatologists today are waiting for confirmation research linking diet and acne. However, some do support the idea that acne sufferers should experiment with their diets.

Studies have shown that newly diagnosed acne patients tend to have lower levels of vitamin A circulating in their bloodstream than those who are acne free. In addition, people with severe acne also tend to have lower blood levels of vitamin E.

Acne is not caused by dirt. This misconception comes, most likely. from the fact that blackheads look like dirt stuck in the openings of pores. The black color is not dirt but simply oxidized keratin. In fact, the blockages of keratin that cause acne occur deep within the narrow follicle channel, where it is virtually impossible to wash them away.

These plugs are formed by the failure of the cells lining the duct to separate and flow to the surface in the sebum created there by the body. Built-up skin oil can block the passages of these pores. A good thorough washing of the face could wash off old oil and help unblock the pores.

We hope that you found this research interesting and helpful. Thanks for looking.

Disclaimer " Information included here is not meant to diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure any condition or disease. You should consult with your doctor or medical adviser before using. No information given here is approved by any government agency. It is for educational purpose only. - 14130

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