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Acne or
pimples is a
common skin
condition
frequently
seen in
young
individuals
during
teenage and
youth years.
This occurs
mainly due
to the
action of
hormones on
the oil
glands in
the skin.
The draining
ducts of the
oil glands
get blocked
and hence
they are not
able to
drain the
oil
secretion.
The oil and
cells inside
the blocked
gland form a
perfect
environment
for the
growth of
Propionibacterium
acnes (the
organism
responsible
for acne).
Thus, it
results in
the
formation of
pimples or
acne. |
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Acne
usually
occurs
on
the
face,
chest,
back,
shoulders
and
neck.
It
is
one
of
the
most
common
skin
conditions.
Although
acne
is
not
a
serious
threat
to
the
health,
yet
it
can
lead
to
scarring
and
disfigurement
of
the
face
that
can
have
a
significant
impact
on
the
patient.
Acne
may
present
itself
in
various
forms
and
these
are
as
follows:
Whiteheads
and
blackheads
(Comedones):
White
or
black
tiny
bumps
on
the
skin
which
are
nothing
but
the
enlarged
and
plugged
hair
follicles |
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Papules: Inflamed
lesions that usually
appear as small, pink
bumps on the skin and
can be tender to the
touch
-
Pustules (pimples):
Pus-filled lesions that
may be red at the base
-
Nodules: Large, painful,
solid lesions that are
lodged deep within the
skin
-
lesions that can cause
scarring
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Following are the
commonly recognized
types of Acne:-
Acne vulgaris
Acne rosacea
Acne conglobata
Acne cosmetica
Acne fulminans
Acne medicamentosa
Acne keloidalis
nuchae
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Causes of Acne:
One of the most
important causes is
the increase in the
male hormones
(androgens) that
occurs in boys as
well as girls during
puberty. These
hormones cause an
increased production
of sebum (oil) and
hence result in
acne.
Hormonal changes
related to pregnancy
or such changes
caused by starting
or stopping birth
control pills can
also cause acne.
Another factor is
heredity or
genetics; there is
evidence to support
the fact that the
tendency to develop
acne can be
inherited from
parents. Apart from
this certain drugs,
including androgens
and lithium, are
also known to cause
acne. Greasy
cosmetics may cause
further plugging of
the follicles in the
skin and hence can
precipitate the
onset of acne.
Majority of people
who develop acne are
between the ages of
12 and 25. For most
people, acne tends
to go away by the
time they reach
their thirties;
however, some people
in their forties and
fifties continue to
have this skin
problem. |
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