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Acne often begins with the
normal hormonal changes of puberty. The hormone
testosterone increases at that time in both men and women and
causes an increase in the size and secretions of the sebaceous
glands in the skin that produce sebum (an oily secretion).
Most excess oil produced by these glands leaves the skin though
the hair follicles (the tube like structures from which hairs
develop). Sometimes, however, oil clogs these tubes and
creates comedones (blocked hair follicles). Comedones are
what form the initial bumps of acne.
If comedones are open to the
surface of the skin, they are called blackheads. They
contain sebum from the sebaceous glands, bacteria, and any skin
tissue that accumulates near the surface. Comedones that
are closed at the surface are called whiteheads.
Plugged hair follicles can
rupture internally, resulting in a discharge of their contents
into the surrounding tissues. Bacteria in the injured area
can sometimes lead to more widespread inflammation and the
formation of painful cysts. In severe cases, pitting and
scarring result.
Acne
normally resolves all by itself without
specific medical treatment. For
some individuals, however, acne can
continue into the adult years. In
women, acne may cycle with the menses,
due to varying output of hormones.
Oily cosmetics or moisturizers can
sometimes cause acne or make an existing
case worse. And although a link
has not been medically proven, many
people notice acne flare-ups when
they're under stress. There is,
however, no medical evidence to suggest
that what you eat affects acne (see Dietary
Myths and Acne).
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ACNE
