Basics of Acne

What is Acne ?
Acne is one of the most common of all skin problems. It affects most teenagers to some degree and even more adults. Acne shows up as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and deep painful bumps that look like boils. Acne most commonly occurs on the face but can also appear on the neck, back, chest and shoulders. It is estimated that as many as 80% of people between 12 and 25 years of age suffer from acne. While in most people, acne clears up after few years, many suffer from permanent scarring of the skin. Even when there are few physical marks left, the emotional ones can be devastating.

Myths & Misconceptions:
Is acne caused by dirty skin?
    No - overcleansing and scrubbing your skin         excessively will not help acne and it may make it worse. This can dry out and irritate your skin, increase inflammation and aggravate the situation. 
Is acne caused by certain foods?
    There is no clear associations have been made between foods and acne. However, some people are allergic to certain foods that can make acne worse.
Is acne caused by sexual activity?
    No - When you reach puberty, your body experiences hormonal changes that lead to the development and maturation of your sexual features and cause you to get acne. Acne is associated with these changes, not with sexual activity.
What effects cosmetics have on acne?
    While it is true that many creams, oils and greases can aggravate your acne, there are many cosmetic products you can use that do not, including sunscreens, moisturizers and foundations. Those that do not aggravate acne are labeled “non-acnegenic” or “non-comedogenic”. 

What causes acne?
During puberty rising hormone levels cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to get bigger. It is activated by male-type hormones found in both males and females. The sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum which empties onto the skin's surface through hair follicles. The cells shed more rapidly and stick together, plugging the opening of the hair follicle, resulting in whiteheads. When whiteheads are exposed to air they form blackheads. Also, the mixture of oil and cells helps the bacteria, especially P. Acnes, to grow and become virulent. The increased pressure within the clogged follicle causes the wall of the follicle to rupture. As a result, sebum, bacteria and shed skin cells escape into the surrounding tissue, forming papules, pustules and nodules that can be large and painful. This usually heals within 8 weeks. Nodular acne can result in permanent scarring.

Acne stages:
Minimal Mild Moderate Severe
Few comedones  Moderate comedones  Many comedones
Rare papules  Few papules  Many papules   
No nodules/scars  Few pustules  Many pustules 
Face only No nodules No nodules on the face   Nodules
No Scars   Few Scars   Scars on face and back

What type of acne do I have ?
Acne consists of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and sometimes, deeper boil-like lesions called nodules. Acne can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild acne can appear as whiteheads and blackheads or even pimples. If you have moderate acne, you will see more pimples and pustules on your face, and possibly on your chest or back. In severe acne, you will see a lot of nodules, which are painful and large, on your face, chest, back and maybe on other areas of your body, too. It can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can be followed by scarring. If you think you might have nodular acne, see your doctor right away!
Males generally have more severe acne than females because of their hormonal structure and they tend to develop acne on the back and chest. This type of acne is more often difficult to treat than facial acne.

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