ACNE =




                   Acne is a skin disorder that causes a variety of blemishes on the skin, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, nodules, and cysts.

Each hair on the human body grows upward through the skin and exits through a tiny opening called a follicle, or pore. The follicles also secrete sebum, an oil that acts as the skin’s natural “moisturizer.” Sebum is created by tiny glands within the skin that empty directly into the follicles.
Acne begins when hair follicles become clogged with excess sebum, dead skin cells and/or bacteria. Bumps develop on the skin surface as these waste products build up in the clogged follicle. In some cases, the blemish becomes infected, causing redness and tenderness.
Acne can affect any part of the skin but is most common in areas with lots of oil glands like the face, chest, back, neck, upper arms, shoulders and buttocks.
Left untreated, acne can cause significant scarring, especially if deeper cysts and nodules are present. As the blemishes heal, they may leave behind a discolored patch that lingers for months or years. Chronic (long-term) acne can also cause significant emotional distress, including low self-esteem and depression.
Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting some 80 percent of preteens and teenagers. It also appears to be impacting more and more adults, though the reasons for this increase aren’t clear. Women are more likely than men to suffer from acne, as are people with a family history of the condition.
labeled illustration of skin cross-section showing follicle and sebaceous gland

Causes=

Any condition that causes the skin to produce excess oil can trigger an outbreak of acne. Oil not only clogs pores, but also causes dead skin cells within those pores to stick together and makes them more difficult for the skin to excrete. The clogged pores create a favorable environment for certain bacteria that naturally live on the skin.
Possible acne triggers include:
  • Hormones, especially sex hormones called androgens that stimulate sebum production. Hormonal changes associated with puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and hormonal birth control methods can trigger acne outbreaks. Some women tend to break out 2-7 days before a menstrual period.
  • Medications, including corticosteroids and lithium.
  • Oil from cosmetics, sunscreens or the work environment (for example, cooking oil).
  • Pressure from tight clothing, hats, sports equipment or holding a phone against the face.
  • Irritation to the skin caused by scrubbing, harsh cleansers or environmental pollutants.
  • Sun, an acne trigger for some people.
  • Stress, which can cause the sebaceous glands to make more sebum.

Symptoms=

Acne causes several kinds of skin blemishes.
Comedones are slightly raised, skin-colored bumps around the opening of a hair follicle. The trapped sebum inside may be open to the air (a blackhead) or closed (a whitehead). Comedones are considered a mild form of acne and aren’t likely to leave scars.
When bacteria invades a clogged follicle, it can cause redness, swelling, and pain. These “inflammatory” blemishes are more likely to cause scarring or discoloration. Types include:
  • Papule - a small, red, raised bump around a hair follicle.
  • Pustule (pimple) - a red bump with a white pus “head” at its tip.
  • Nodule - an infection or blockage deep within the hair follicle that causes a solid, closed lump under the skin.
  • Cyst - a painful, closed lump under the skin that’s filled with pus. Like a nodule, it’s caused by an infection or blockage deep within the follicle.



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