Acne

Content reviewed by Dr. Maya Vedamurthy M.D. (Derm)

Acne, commonly known as pimple or zit is a problem faced by most teenagers. Although this condition may pass off without any event in a few people, it causes much concern among many adolescents. Acne has spurned a host of treatments. To know more about acne, read on.

What is Acne?

Acne is the most common skin lesion which can appear on the face, neck and upper part of the body. Sebum, which is produced by the body to lubricate the skin and help it to retain the moisture, sometimes blocks the tiny hair follicles in the skin. Keratin, a very important component of hair, can also block the follicles. Bacteria can multiply in these blocked follicles. These spots may blacken by exposure to air and dust. They are then called blackheads. If the spots have white centers, they are called whiteheads. These conditions are called non-inflammatory acne. If the follicle wall ruptures under pressure and sebum leaks into nearby tissue, it results in inflammatory acne. Sometimes there may be pustules (red lumps filled with pus). There are more than 50 varieties of acne, but the one that most youngsters have is called Acne vulgaris.

What is the cause of Acne?

During puberty and teenage, androgens are produced in increased quantities, both in boys and girls. This may lead to increased production of sebum and then follow the course mentioned above. Harmful diets, lack of hygiene and uncontrolled sex drive have all been said to cause acne. But none of these have been proven. Family history, an excessively oily skin and increased hormone secretion are all probable causes of acne. Stress, birth control pills and corticosteroids have also been blamed.

What are the bacteria that are found in the acne?

The bacteria P.acnes is the most common bacteria found in acne. Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, which occur naturally in healthy hair follicles, may accumulate in plugged follicles and secrete enzymes which break down sebum, promoting localized inflammation.

Which age group is most prone to acne?

Those in their teens are the ones who will most often suffer from acne. Boys are more often affected than girls, during this age. Adults, especially women who do not suffer from pimples during their teens may sometimes develop adult-onset acne later in life. This is most often an allergic reaction to cosmetics. Some people are more sensitive than others to the reactions that take place in the hair follicle, so that sebum levels which may cause only a few pimples in one person can result in an outbreak in another.

What is the treatment for acne? Should a person see a doctor to get treatment for acne?

A simple pimple or two may not need treatment. A mild case of acne may respond to 'Over The Counter' (OTC) drugs that use benzoyl peroxide. But one must be sure that these drugs are water-based and do not cause allergies. When the condition is more severe, or when it is resulting in scars, or when one is doubtful whether it is a case of acne, then it is most advisable to consult a skin specialist. Drugs containing tretinoin (retinoic acid which is a Vit.A derivative), antibiotics to combat the infection and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. Most of the prescribed drugs act by reducing the inflammation and infection, normalizing the shedding of skin cells in hair follicles and reducing the secretion of sebum. The specialist may also treat scars by a technique called dermabrasion, which is basically like sandpapering the skin.

What can a person with acne do, to make the condition better?

First of all one should not pick the pimples or scratch the skin. The face should be washed with mild soap and not scrubbed harshly. While shaving, Gel should be used instead of creams. One should take care not to expose oneself too much to direct sunlight.