ACNE & HOW TO PREVENT IT

What is Acne?

 Acne, commonly referred to as pimples, is a frequent skin condition. It occurs commonly in adolescents at puberty and beyond as well as in pregnancy. Dermatologists say about three quarters of people between 11-30 years will have acne at some point. Acne typically affect the face, back, chest, shoulder and neck but can affect other areas. 

How do they develop? 

Normally, oil glands (sebaceous glands) in the skin produce oil (sebum) which prevent the skin from being dry. When these glands are blocked the oil accumulates and bacteria invade the gland which then gets swollen and inflamed, resulting in acne. The gland can be blocked by skin cells, hair and/ or sebum. This image below illustrates what goes on in acne.

Cause and factors affecting

Hormonal factors:  Menstrual cycle and puberty may contribute to the development of acne. Testosterone is known to cause the development of acne. The use of body-building steroids (anabolic steroids) has a similar effect likewise pregnancy and some hormonal problems (eg. Cushings and polycystic ovarian syndrome).

Genetic Factors:  The tendency to develop pimples has been shown to be genetically determined in certain cases. 

Diet: High sugar diets and oily foods Diets rich in sugar have been suggested as contributory factors but there is evidence in to dispute such claims. 

Psychological factor: This boils down to stress. When stress levels are high, hormones like cortisol (which stimulates acne formation) are released.

Infection: Some micro organisms are thought to contribute to the development of acne. Never mind their names, that's  a whole lot of medical gibberish. (Oh  well i couldn't resist telling you Proprionibacterium and Staphylocccocus species)

Prevention

1. NEVER pick, squeeze or burst pimples: Its unhygienic, unhealthy and can lead to spread to other areas. It can also cause infections to spread to the brain, particularly if the pimple that is picked is located in a triangle formed by the root of the nose and the 2 corners of the mouth.
2. Wash your face twice a day and not more than that. Washing helps remove the excess oil but too much of it irritates the  face and also makes it dry.
3. Avoid heavy foundation or make up. These block the oil glands and encourage the accumulation of sebum and subsequent development of acne.
4. Reduce Stress in your life. Stress causes the buildup of hormones,, like cortisol, which encourage acne formation.
5. Use drugs which reduce/ dry up excess secretion: eg. Spironolactone and acutane. however, these are extremely serious drugs that require a doctor's prescription and attention before use.
6. Using astringents: These are skin solutions or cleansers which kill bacteria and remove dirt.