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Acne is not just kid stuff. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease in the country. Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples, or "zits." Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring and permanent scarring, which can be upsetting to people who are afflicted with the disorder. |
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How Does Acne Develop?
Doctors describe acne as a disease of the pilosebaceous units (PSUs). Found over most of the body, PSUs consist of a sebaceous gland connected to a canal, called a follicle, which contains a fine hair. These units are most numerous on the face, upper back, and chest. The sebaceous glands make an oily substance called sebum that normally empties onto the skin surface through the opening of the follicle, commonly called a pore. Cells called keratinocytes line the follicle.
The hair, sebum, and keratinocytes that fill the narrow follicle may produce a plug, which is an early sign of acne. The plug prevents sebum from reaching the surface of the skin through a pore. The mixture of oil and cells allows bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) that normally live on the skin to grow in the plugged follicles. These bacteria produce chemicals and enzymes, and attract white blood cells that cause inflammation. When the wall of the plugged follicle breaks down, it spills sebum, skin cells, and bacteria into the nearby skin, leading to lesions or pimples .
People with acne frequently have a variety of lesions. The basic acne lesion, called the comedo, is simply an enlarged and plugged hair follicle. If the plugged follicle, or comedo, stays beneath the skin, it is called a closed comedo and produces a white bump called a whitehead. A comedo that reaches the surface of the skin and opens up is called a blackhead because it looks black on the skin's surface. This black discoloration is not due to dirt but, to oxidation that occurs when the contents are exposed to open air. Both whiteheads and blackheads may stay in the skin for a long time.
What Causes Acne?
The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors. One important factor is an increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.
Another factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder. Certain drugs, including androgens and lithium, are known to cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together, producing a plug.
Factors That Can Make Acne Worse
Factors that can cause an acne flare up include:
• Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women two to seven days before their menstrual period starts
• Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin
• Pressure from bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars
• Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity
• Squeezing or picking at blemishes
• Hard scrubbing of the skin
How Is Acne Treated?
Acne is often treated by dermatologists (doctors who specialize in skin problems). These doctors treat all kinds of acne, particularly severe cases. Doctors who are general or family practitioners, pediatricians, or internists may treat patients with milder cases of acne.
The goals of treatment are to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, prevent scarring, and minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by this disease. Drug treatment is aimed at reducing several problems that play a part in causing acne: abnormal clumping of cells in the follicles, increased oil production, bacteria, and inflammation. Depending on the extent of the person's acne, the doctor will recommend one of several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or prescription medicines that are topical (applied to the skin) or systemic (taken by mouth). The doctor may suggest using more than one topical medicine or combining oral and topical medicines.
Newer treatments using lasers or photodynamic therapy are becoming more common. These are especially suited to patients who wish to avoid systemic medications or who have failed to find relief with other treatments. Read about the dangers of Accutane here
Treatments That May Help
The following treatment links will take you to www.ajune.com
for more information:
Profect Laser Therapy, Alpha Beta Extreme Clean, Glycolic Peels, Salicylic Peels, Ajune Glow for Teens, Alpha Therapy, Vitalize Peel, Alpha Beta Facial, Dermaster
Products That May Help
Neocutis Hyalis
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For before and after images, please contact Dr. Romita at 212-772-3220. |
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