Acne - What Is It?

A common skin disease, Acne Vulgaris is the technical name for what we simply refer to as acne. It results in the inflammation of the skin and leads to pimples on the face, back and chest. The causes for acne are really simple- clogging of the skin due to oil, bacteria or dead skin cells.

There are many debates about. The general contention is that acne can arise at just about any age. However, the worst cases begin at puberty and become real bad during adolescence. In the United States alone nearly 17 million people are affected by acne. Maximum cases are found in the age group of 12-25.

The whole process that simulates acne begins inside one's own body. The surface beneath our skin has sebaceous glands in hair follicles that secrete oil. This oil is for the flexibility of the hair and moisturizing of the skin. It reaches the skin through pores that open on the surface of the skin. At times, due to the excess secretion of oil owing to increased level of androgen hormone etc the hair follicle gets clogged. If Propionibacterium acnes a type of bacteria living on the skin attacks this plugged follicle then infection occurs. As a result chemicals and enzymes are produced which cause inflammation.

Different types of acne emerge as a result of bacterial action. Some pimples are formed on the skin which are read and raised called papules. More often than not they are filled with pus and also called pustules. However, there are cases where the follicle may continue to enlarge rather than being ruptured. Such a sac like formation is called a cyst and can be felt under the skin. At times growths similar to sacs but deeper and harder than them can also occur. They are called nodules and can cause pain and scarring.

Diagnose and treatment of acne though seemingly regular can be complicated depending upon the nature of the problem as well as the concerned person's history of the disease. It is very important that doctor who treats acne should look into the complete medical history of the patient. Apart from that what need to be determined are skin care habits, food allergies as also environmental factors that have a bearing on the skin condition. If there is suspicion of hormonal problems then blood tests are usually done to ascertain the true status of the disease. At times there could also be bacterial or yeast over growth that could contribute to the condition as well. All in all acne is something that's very common however; its causes can be varied.