Acne is an extremely common skin condition with a prevalence of 80% in female and 90% in male teenagers. However, it can occur at any age. A growing number of adults are being diagnosed with adult acne.
For most people, acne is a bothersome condition characterized by occasional flare-ups of blackheads, pimples, and pustules. Most often, pimples develop on the face, neck, upper chest, and/or the back. More severe forms can result in inflamed nodules and cysts with scarring.
Hormones called androgens stimulate increased oil production. The oil is broken down into free fatty acids by bacterial enzymes, which causes skin inflammation and abnormal plugging of the oil glands and hair follicle.
Pimples eventually rupture.
Acne can sometimes be confused with these conditions:
- Rosacea
- Folliculitis
- Dermatitis
What can make acne worse?
- Menstrual cycle: acne often worsens premenstrual or mid-cycle
- Prescription medications: certain birth control pills, steroids, and lithium
- Being overweight: increased insulin production can signal the body to release extra male hormones called androgens, which are involved, which can cause pimple formation.
- Stress
- Pore-clogging (comedogenic) cosmetics, sunscreens, moisturizers, greases, and oils
- Adolescence
- Poor diet: excessive sugar, trans fats, fried, salt, and processed foods. In addition, insufficient intake of water, healthy oils, fruit and vegetables, and fiber can cause acne.
- Excessive intake of foods: chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages, milk products, seafood and other iodine-rich foods can cause acne.
Tumors in the adrenal glands, polycystic ovarian syndrome (especially when adult acne occurs with irregular menstrual periods), and other health conditions can cause acne. Examination by your family physician is recommended to rule out these conditions.
Treatment:
Conventional treatments for acne are usually quite successful. They can include cleansing agents and lotions made with benzoyl peroxide, gels or creams made modified forms of vitamin A, and antibiotics applied to the skin or taken orally. The risk of scarring is an important factor when considering the type of treatment. 9 Highly Effective Natural Acne remedies.
[slideshow_deploy id=’3460′]
