We will talk in detail about what is acne, how it develops, how many types of acne, and what are the reasons for its development. What is acne? Sebaceous glands or oil glands below the skin produce an oil that is known as sebum and it comes out to the surface of the skin through small pores in our skin. Hair follicles under the skin shed dead skin cells that mix with sebum and come out to the surface of the skin naturally but sometimes when there is excess production of sebum, these dead skin cells get attached to sebum and block the pores of the skin and clog the skin pores. After that bacteria which are normally fewer in number in the skin, they get deposited in this clog, their amount increases, results in the generation of an inflammatory reaction, due to this pain, heat, and redness occurs. Types of Acne - 1) Whiteheads- if on clogged sebum with a thin white layer of skin above known as whiteheads. 2) Blackheads - If clogged sebum gets exposed to air and becomes black then it is known as blackheads. 3) Papule - When clogged sebum looks like a pink bump on the skin then it is known as a papule 4) Pustule/ Pimple - When on papule, white or yellow pus gets deposited then this papule is known as Pustule or pimple 5) Cystic Acne - When pus-filled sebum becomes very large and grows deep in the skin, this is known as cystic acne. Acne is most commonly found on the face in our body but it are also found on the shoulders, back, and chest. When acne occurs in teenagers they are more common in males and but when they occur in adulthood or older age groups they are more common in Females. How acne develops - Three main factors play role in the development of acne. 1) Excess production of sebum or oil 2)Buildup of dead skin cells in skin pores which results in clogging the skin pores 3) Growth of bacteria in skin pores. Causes of acne development amplify these factors. 1) Male sex hormones which are also known as androgens, amount of these hormones increase at the time of puberty in both boys and girls, these hormones increase the size of sebaceous glands and increase the production of sebum resulting in the development of acne . 2) Family history- It has been found in researches that if any of the parents have a problem with acne then chances of development of acne are very high in children. 3) Medication - Hormonal medications or medicines which contain steroids, medicines that contain lithium, or anticonvulsant medicines increases the chances of getting acne 4) Pressure on the face, shoulder, or back due to helmets, chin straps, or collars, can result in the development of acne. 5) Industries that involve the use of oil, people working in such industries are prone to the development of acne as oil clogs the skin pores. 6) Environmental factors like high humidity and pollution is also the reason for acne development. 7)Rubbing the skin multiple times or vigorously rubbing the skin, irritate the skin, and will increase the propensity of development of acne. 8) Some cosmetic products clog the skin pores and become the reason for acne development that is why water-based cosmetic products are better for acne.
Sources: 1) www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne/advanced 2) https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-treatments-that-work#1
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Thanks and regards, Dr. Rishab Sharma MBBS, MD
(INTERNAL MEDICINE) Dr. Divaanshu Gupta MBBS, MD (ANAESTHESIA)
