Acne affects people of all ages!
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by: irida
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Contrary to popular belief, reaching adulthood does not guarantee immunity from a medical condition known as ‘acne’. Indeed, acne is not just a problem for teenagers, but can be diagnosed in babies, as well as people from ages 10 through 40.
We all have either seen or experienced acne blemishes, the painful red lumps that tend to occur wherever there are many oil glands. These are mainly located on the face, chest, and back. For reasons scientists still do not quite understand yet, these follicles (pores) sometimes get congested. Does this occur because Sebum oil, which normally drains to the surface of the skin, gets blocked, allowing bacteria to grow? Or are hormonal changes during puberty the stimulating triggers?
Sebum is a natural substance, lubricating and protecting a person’s skin. Sometimes, cell openings close to the surface are obstructed and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates usually harmless bacteria to multiply, and cause the surrounding cell tissue to become inflamed, producing an abscess, a pimple or even a painful cyst. Once the oil breaks through to the surface it will result in white cheesy plugs, or "whiteheads." If the oil accumulates melanin pigment, or becomes oxidized, it will change colour and turn black, proving that “blackheads” really do not reflect poor hygiene, but are merely a result of a chemical reaction.
Understanding what can cause acne can give a suffering patient solace, and a possibility to avoid or reduce red, swollen, pus bearing skin aggravation. What contributes to acne break-outs? Let’s start with stress, a physical and/or emotional human response, which has never helped improve any medical condition. Some scientists will state that tension definitely will affect skin break-outs, while other medical experts will reject that notion and proclaim that anxiety has no bearing what-so-ever.
Medications, such as those containing bromides, iodides, lithium, and any type of steroids, androgens, or barbiturates, and other chemical substances are also considered contributing factors that can have adverse effects on acne patients. These substances may be curing one disease or condition, yet irritating another. Also, environmental irritants, such as pollution and elevated humidity, constant squeezing or picking at blemishes, and firm scrubbing of the skin can make acne worse.
Changing hormone levels can affect both sexes. In girls and women it may cause additional outbursts 2 to 7 days before the start of a menstrual period, as well as during hormonal fluctuations related to pregnancy or ‘birth control pill’ changes. If acne can be inherited is still a heated discussion topic among medical professionals, and will remain so until further studies have been conducted.
Myths exist to be proven wrong, as it is in the case of acne. There are several known factors that usually will not cause acne, at least not by themselves. While foods like pizza, chocolate, or greasy, fried and junk food may not be recommended for overall health, they do not tend to cause acne, or make it worse. Also, recent studies examining milk, and other dairy products, as aggravating factors, have not been able to show conclusive results. Sweat and dirt will not clog pores and cause acne. Actually, overzealous cleansing and vigorous scrubbing can dry and irritate the skin more. The application of most cosmetics and skin-care products will not set off pore-clogging ("comedogenic") either, but if there are concerns, products listed as "water-based" or "oil-free" are generally a better choice.
In conclusion, acne or acne vulgaris, is an inflammatory skin disorder of the skin's sebaceous glands and hair follicles. It affects millions of people worldwide, and is often triggered by several factors, some still unknown. It is a condition that needs to be medically treated to prevent scarring, and if home remedies do not work, it is best to consult with a general practitioner or dermatologist.
About the Author
Irida Sangemino is an international copywriter/journalist/editor with multiple interests.
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