For a great deal of time now acne has been the torment of many a teenager, and, of which, the subject matter, is not readily discussed. People who are afflicted with acne have been remorselessly teased and tormented, plus shockingly christened with nicknames such as pimple faces. Only those who have unfortunately suffered from acne can empathize how cruel and hurtful such name calling can actually be. Over the years interesting advances have been made in the causes and symptoms of acne which have also aided the formulation of effective treatments.
Acne is the name of an inflammatory disease of the skin often found in teenagers. It is characterized in the excessive production of oil in the sebaceous glands in the hair follicles which commonly become blocked. It can alter the processes in the follicles and pores in the skin of the arms, chest and back as well as the face. those follicles and pores which have become blocked are medically labeled as comedo.
The comedone are the blockages in the pores which is a mixture of sebum and keratin. A comedo is referred to as being open or closed. An open comedo is commonly referred to as a ‘blackhead’, and the closed comedo is commonly referred to as a ‘whitehead’.
Once a comedone has formed it is usually followed by the most unpleasant and noticeable symptom of acne – spots. First the comedone becomes infected and with this comes inflammation and redness of the skin, which then leads to an outbreak of spots. The spots usually become filled with pus and the skin surrounding the blemish looks incredibly red and is sore to the touch.
There are two types of bacteria responsible for the infectiona and inflammation in acne, these are called Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. As well as being responsible for the formation of pus filled pimples, acne abcesses and cysts can develop.
Amazingly our Scientists have made fantastic moves forward in the understanding of those processes involved in the formation of, and the control of, acne. Alarmingly there has little or no increase in the understanding of the reasons for the development of acne. However, it is almost globally accepted thata selection of things, such as hormones, diet and stress can all act as triggers for acne.
Large numbers of scientists are currently investigating genetic theories in relation to acne. No matter what the causes of acne are, this ongoing research can only be of benefit in the long term, in both the treatment and understanding of acne. Hopefully, over the next few decades there will be many more acne cures and treatments created and it is also hoped that these will be effective acne treatments.
