The Acne Outline

21Jan10

Acne

What is acne?

Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The glands become clogged, leading to pimples and cysts.

Acne is very common – nearly 80 percent of individuals in the US between 11 and 30 years old will be affected by this condition at some point. Acne most often begins in puberty. During puberty, the male sex hormones (androgens) increase in both boys and girls, causing the sebaceous glands to become more active – resulting in increased production of oil (sebum).

How does acne develop?

The sebaceous glands produce sebum that normally travels via hair follicles to the skin surface. However, skin cells can plug the follicles, blocking the sebum coming from the sebaceous glands. When follicles become plugged, skin bacteria begin to grow inside the follicles, causing inflammation. Acne progresses in the following manner:

Incomplete blockage of the hair follicle results in blackheads (a semisolid, black plug).

Complete blockage of the hair follicle results in whiteheads (a semisolid, white plug). Infection and irritation cause whiteheads to form.

Eventually, the plugged follicle bursts, spilling oil, skin cells, and bacteria onto the skin surface. In turn, the skin becomes irritated and pimples or lesions begin to develop. The basic acne lesion is called a comedo.

Acne can be superficial (pimples without abscesses) or deep (when the inflamed pimples push down into the skin, causing pus-filled cysts that rupture and result in larger abscesses).

What causes acne?

Rising hormone levels during puberty may cause acne. In addition, acne is often inherited. Other causes of acne may include the following:

• hormone level changes during the menstrual cycle in women
• certain drugs (such as corticosteroids, lithium, and barbiturates)
• oil and grease from the scalp, mineral or cooking oil, and certain cosmetics
• bacteria inside pimples

Acne can be aggravated by squeezing the pimples or by scrubbing the skin too hard. Skin may also become irritated with friction or pressure from helmets, backpacks, or tight collars. Some environmental conditions such as pollution or humid conditions can also irritate the skin.

What are the symptoms of acne?

• face
• chest
• upper back
• shoulders
• neck

The following are the most common symptoms of acne. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• blackheads
• whiteheads
• pus-filled lesions that may be painful
• nodules (solid, raised bumps)

The symptoms of acne may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis.

How can acne be treated?

Specific treatment for acne will be determined by your health care provider based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• severity of the acne
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the condition
• your opinion or preference

The goal of acne treatment is to minimize scarring and improve appearance. Treatment for acne will include topical or systemic drug therapy. Depending upon the severity of acne, topical medications (applied to the skin) or systemic medications (taken orally) may be prescribed by your health care provider. In some cases, a combination of both topical and systemic medications may be recommended.

In order to have your skin condition treated a complete physical exam including lab testing should be done as this may reveal an underlying cause to the acne trigger.

To request an appointment for evaluation and treatment of Acne log on to MetroMedicalDirect.com to conveniently and discreetly request your appointment online.

Acne treatment in your Manhattan home, office or hotel by board certified Nurse Practitioner.

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