What is Acne?

Acne is a localized skin inflammatory disease that is caused by overactive oil glands and dead skin cells at the base of the hair follicles, creating blockage and allowing bacteria to multiply and aggravate inflammation (please note that bacteria does not cause acne, just aggravate). This causes infection that result in complications of acne.  It can be very upsetting and painful. The sebaceous (oil) glands are stimulated by testosterone that is produced by the sex organs and also in small amounts by the adrenal glands in both boys and girls during puberty.  The glands do what they were designed to do by constantly producing and secreting oil to lubricate and protect the skin.  This build up oil becomes a feeding ground for the bacteria that is always present on human skin.  The over-fed bacteria multiply and cause inflammation.  When the inflamed area is near the surface of the skin the result is a pustule (small elevation of skin containing pus); if it is deeper the result is a papule (pimple); when it is even deeper the result is a cyst.  A white head is formed on the skin when the backed up oil breaks through to the surface of the skin.  If that same oily white head gets oxidized by the air it becomes a blackhead. 

Acne is not just a teenage disease. Nowadays, more and more adults are complaining about acne. As life becomes more stressful, our hormones fluctuate, and since hormones likely play a role in life of acne, all ages can be affected. (please note that hormones do not cause acne, just aggravate) In teenagers, testosterone really appears to convolute the issue, which is why male teenagers tend to have worse acne (more cystic acne is prevalent in male teenagers than female). Cystic Acne occurs when not only the sebaceous glands work overtime, but also because of the dead skin cells that build up within the hair follicles. Hidradenitis suppurativa is also a common skin inflammation in teenagers because of the apocrine (sweat) glands that tend to be overactive. You can help out this issue by making sure to shower after sports or perspiring profusely.

Actual Causes of Acne = Clogged pores, overactive sebaceous glands, inflammation and varying fluctuations in normal skin bacteria count.

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