Acne is a most commonly occuring skin imflammation which can affect all the people in their adolescent days. It is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes in the pilosebaseous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). The most common form of acne is known as acne vulgaris, which means common acne.

Excessive secretion of oils from the glands combine with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block the hair follicles. Oil secretions build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes to multiply uncontrolled. In response, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion. The face, chest, back and upper arms are especially exposed.

What is the cause of acne?

There is no such a thing as a single cause of any health problem. We can only talk about cofactors, causative agents and life situations that like pieces of puzzle interact with each other, and together promote a chain of events ending with a named set of symptoms and health problems & with Acne. Genes are always a factor of our health, but that is the only factor we can't do anything about. Genes only represent our predisposition & potential to encounter certain problem or disease. It is our life and our lifestyle as whole that makes the final decision on whether we are going to experience certain problem or not. The truth is, no illness and no disorder or any health problem is caused by a single factor!

The typical lesions of acne are: small whitish or skin-colored bumps whiteheads or blackish elevations blackheads. More inflammed rashes take the form of pus-filled, or reddish bumps, even boil-like tender swellings. After resolution of the lesions, prominent unsighty scars may remain.

The condition is common in puberty as a result of an abnormal response to normal levels of the male hormone testosterone. The response for most people diminishes over time and acne thus tends to disappear, or at least decrease, after one reaches the third decade of life. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take for it to disappear entirely, and some individuals will continue to suffer from acne decades later, into their thirties and forties and even beyond.

Acne affects a large percentage of humans at some stage in life. Aside from scarring its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and depression. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already tend to be at their most socially-insecure. For this reason acne should be treated if severe.

Prevention and Remedies for Acne

Although acne is an oily-skin condition, you may experience superficial dryness of the outer layers. If this is so, a light, liquid moisturiser sholud be used. Avoid heavy creams. It is alos necessary to protect the skin during the day, specially if you are going out of doors. Wash gently, and dab your skin clean. You're trying to remove excess oil produced by your skin pores; scrubbing hard will actually force the oil and dead skin cells back into the pores.

A few cautions when using acne products -change the line

Avoid getting the product in your eyes, mouth or inside your nose (ouch!). Don't apply any product to an open wound (that includes any zits you picked at), sunburn or irritated skin. If you develop a rash, unpleasantly dry skin or other side effects, discontinue use and consult your doctor or dermatologist.

Puberty acne

Puberty acne develops from a few simple steps. First, teenage acne occurs when for some unknown reason or combination of reasons, hair follicles, also known as pores, become blocked. Although the exact combination of reasons that pores become clogged may not be fully known

Your Questions and Our Answers about Acne
Q: Should acne be touched and broken?
Ans: No, it can cause scarring and pigmentation.

Q: What should be done to prevent acne?
Ans: Wash your face with soap and water, 3-4 times a day, avoid facial, use sunscreen before going out in sunlight and avoid junk food.