Acne Guide - acne, help, advice and information

Acne Overview

Acne is a universal skin disease which manifests in all genders, ages, and races. Up to 85% of people ages 12 to 24 are likely to suffer from some form of acne. Others may experience intermittent and serious forms of acne well up to their forties. This skin disease is neither blood related or contagious.

This skin disorder is the result of over-induced sebaceous glands (the skin's oil glands) and blocked pilosebaceous units imbedded deep beneath the skin and blocked skin pores. Acne primarily develops from blocked pilosebaceous canals. If these canals are obstructed by hardened sebum and dead cells, the combination of which may accumulate and block the ejection of dirt and body wastes;

thus providing breeding grounds for Propionibacterium acnes or the P. acnes in the follicle walls or hair pores. These acne-infecting bacteria will attract white blood cells.

The area then gets inflamed due to the reaction of the body to the activities eventually leading to the growth of acne.

This skin disorder comes in many forms basically three categories: Whiteheads and blackheads or closed and open clogs respectively. Mild inflammatory acne which includes papules and pustules. Cystic acnes or nodules.

Acne may come in many types, each possessing their own characteristics. Some types may be inter-related and some have their independent origins: Comedo or microcomedo, the smallest type of lesion. Pustules are pus-filled, usually yellowish in colour. Nodules are the same with pustules only varying in size and the degree of swelling. Papules are typically inflamed pimples. Cysts are pus filled and have sac-like formation. This is the most severe form of acne.

There are other forms of acne like: Acne vulgaris which is the most common form which comprises of blackheads and whiteheads. This is normally found around the shoulder, the surface of the face, and the forehead. Infantile acne occurs in infants or new born babies. Acne rosacea is acne growing on the skin surface of adults, especially middle-aged women. Scalp folliculitis is an acne that manifest on the scalp and around the hairline. Perioral dermatitis is more prevalent in women, characterized by small pustules and papules. Acne conglobata is acne vulgaris in its severe form. Acne fulminans is usually characterized with systematic symptoms.

There have been developed treatments to decrease the skin's vulnerability to acne infection, although acne is a disease that cannot be fully cured. Treatments may be composed by the following methods: Homeophatic treatments or those that can be prepared at home and are usually available over the counter (soap and water, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and alcohol). Topical treatments or those that are applied on the external layers of the skin. Oral drugs or drugs that can be taken systematically, these are usually composed of antibiotics (like spironolactone, minocycline and doxycycline treatments).

For most forms there have not been any tangible causes of acne. Several studies were made to determine some of the causes which may trigger the production of acne. These include the following: Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes (the acne-infecting bacteria). Psychological stress (also, emotional stress). Unhealthy diet (the basis may be the diet followed in the West which are fat-enriched). Improperly functioning digestive system. Hormonal imbalances and changes (which may be the product of the digestive system reacting to some food items). Cosmetics (especially those that are oil-based) - acne.

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Acne Overview
Acne Scar Removal
Acne Prevalence
Acne in All Ages
Specific Kinds
Teenage Acne
Acne and Stress
Diet Associated
Acne Prevention
Hormone Imbalance
Development Cycle
Digestive System
Minimum Intensity
Oily Skin Acne
Acne on the Back
Vitamin Treatments
Acne Treatments
Acne Forms
Cystic Treatments
Rosacea Acne
Acne Dirt Facts
Depression Acne
Cleansing Removal
Dry Skin Acne
What Causes Acne
Evening Primrose
Cause of Acne
Homeopathics
Blackheads
Whiteheads

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