Acne vulgaris commonly known as acne is a common skin disease that affects the oil glands and causes inflammations on the skin. Acne usually grows on areas of the body that produces oil such as the face, neck, chest, and back. These skin inflammations are normally called pimples or zits. It is a disease that affects 60-70% of the population at some point in their lives. Although it occurs at any age, it is more frequent among teenagers and as well as young adults.
The main cause of acne production is still unknown although there are several factors that affect its development. Oil glands, sebum, and bacteria play a big role in acne production. A small group of cells that contains a cavity called a follicle connects the oil glands to the pores. When this cavity gets clogged, sebum will build up underneath the pores. This will cause bacteria to multiply, resulting to inflammation of the tissues surrounding it.
Hormonal changes, especially during puberty and pregnancy, have also been linked to the development of acne. In addition, there are also myths pertaining to greasy foods, chocolate, dirt, and stress as contributing factors to acne, but there are no concrete evidences to support these theories.
Blackheads normally occur in partially blocked pores. Sebum, dead cells, and bacteria are slowly draining to the surface of the skin and the black color is caused by the pigments in the skin being exposed to air. Blackheads can take a long time to clear up.
Whiteheads come out when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface. Whiteheads are normally quicker in life cycle than blackheads.
Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is not caused by dirt. Rather, it is melanin, the skins pigment reacting with the oxygen in the surface. A blackhead tends to be a stable structure, and can often take a long time to clear.
Pustules are red bumps with white pus at the center. Before you try to pop or squeeze a pustule, make sure that you know how to properly pop a pimple without leaving possible scars or marks on the skin.
Nodules are large bumps underneath the skin and are firm and sore to the touch. If nodules remain untreated, there is a tendency that it would leave an impact on the skin that would keep it flaring time and time again. Nodules are normally treated by dermatologists and skin experts by injecting cortisone to it.
The cyst acne is not really a true cyst. It is an abnormal dilatation of a normal skin structure. Acne cysts are nodules of inflammation. A cyst may appear to be filled with thick, yellow pus. If you ever try to drain such a cyst, it should be done in a dermatologists office under sterile conditions not in front of a bathroom mirror.
Acne is not a life-threatening medical condition and it does not pose any risk to your health; however, a person suffering from acne may have poor self-esteem and self-confidence. For severe acne cases, it is advisable to seek medical advice treatment to avoid complications such as scars.
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