Acne

Acne, skin blemishes, comedo, comedones, pimples, zits, whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, impurities.

Whatever we call it, acne can be serious and really annoying. Acne lesions heal slowly, and when one begins to resolve, others seem to arise. This ongoing battle and long-term cycle is tedious and frustrating.

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin called pores become blocked. Each pore is an opening to a canal called a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. Normally, the oil glands help keep the skin lubricated and help remove old skin cells. When the glands produce too much oil, the pores can be blocked, accumulating dirt, debris, and bacteria. The blockade was called a plug or comedone.

Top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead). If it ruptures, the material inside, including oil and bacteria could spread to the surrounding area and causing an inflammatory reaction. If inflammation is deep in your skin, the acne may extend to form firm, painful cysts.

It is not known what causes the increased production of sebum, which leads to acne. But a number of factors - including hormones, bacteria, certain medications and units of heredity - play a role. Contrary to what some people think, food has little effect on acne. Acne also not caused by dirt. In fact, scrubbing the skin too hard or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals can irritate skin and make acne worse.

Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but can also occur on the trunk, arms, legs and buttocks.

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