is a common skin disorder characterized by inflammation of the sebaceous glands. Symptoms include a mixture of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads occurring mainly on the upper body, face and neck. Acne can occur in both sexes and can afflict anyone who is undergoing hormonal changes. teenage boys tend to have the most severe cases.

The cause of acne is not fully understood. While poor hygiene, poor diet, and stress can aggravate acne, they clearly do not cause it.

Tiny hair follicles, especially those on the face, neck, chest, and back, can become plugged with sebum and keratin. As the follicles fill up and bacteria multiply, blackheads or whiteheads form on the skin's surface, a condition called non-inflammatory acne.

If the follicle wall breaks under pressure sebum can leak into nearby tissue and inflammatory acne can develop. If pustules become infected, the infection can penetrate the skin and create cysts.

The inflamed redness, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and in extreme cases, cysts are the result.

Various factors appear to make certain people prone to developing acne, it can be inherited, a stressful lifestyle, and the use of oral contraceptives. Taking oral contraceptives may trigger acne in some women but actually suppress it in others, depending on the type of pill taken. Anabolic steroids taken by some bodybuilders can also lead to severe outbreaks.

However common acne vulgaris usually occurs in adolescent years as this is when there are large increases in hormone production from the sex organs and the Adrenal Glands.

During puberty, both boys and girls produce high levels of androgens - male sex hormones that include testosterone. Androgens can increase production of sebum, the substance that lubricates the skin and helps it retain moisture. There is usually only enough sebum produced to keep the skin supple and healthy.

Traditional Treatment:

The most important treatment is to keep the skin clean which allows the pores to breathe. Do not squeeze or touch any infected or inflamed areas as acne can produce lifelong scars.

The occasional pimple or two need no treatment. Over-the-counter cover-up creams and cosmetics, if used at all, should be water based and hypoallergenic. These creams usually contain anti-bacterial antiseptics to reduce skin bacteria and keratolytics which remove any plugs of sebum blocking the follicles. These products can be very helpful for many patients. Always follow the instructions carefully. Mild degreasing products may also be beneficial. If you use cosmetics ensure that only water-based products are the favored choices.

If these simple procedures do not help the problem, it is sensible to consult a doctor who may prescribe certain treatments.

When pus-filled pimples are ready to break, applying a hot towel for a few minutes may encourage the process. Infected pimples should be opened only by a nurse or doctor using surgical instruments and following antiseptic practices. Squeezing pimples yourself may lead to further infection and the possibility of permanent scars.

Conventional medicine favors drug therapies that inhibit sebum and keratin production, limit bacterial growth, or encourage shedding of skin cells to unclog pores. People with severe, persistent cases need the care of a dermatologist.

Patients taking anti-acne drugs should be alert to possible side effects and interactions. The drugs tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide can leave skin reddened, dry, and sensitive to sunlight. Benzoyl peroxide may inhibit the healing effects of tretinoin, so never apply them at the same time. Taking antibiotics for more than a few weeks may leave women susceptible to yeast infections.

There are surgical procedures available to eliminate the scars from acne and your medical practitioner may be able to advise on this treatment.

Dietary Considerations:

Most Health Professionals agree that fatty or oily foods should be avoided. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Seek Professional Advice When:

You notice the formation of large boils, cysts or abscesses.

The surrounding tissue is bruised and damages as a result of squeezing the blackheads.

The information offered in this web site is not intended for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a medical practitioner. Unless otherwise indicated, the information offered has not been evaluated by the FDA or Health Canada.

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