Acne which is an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin, often referred to as a chronic skin disease because it represents 15-20% of all dermatology consultations. It is known to be prevalent in teenagers and Statistics reveals that Acne affects 80% of teenagers and a number of adults, but more women are affected (35%) between the ages of 30 and 40.
What is Acne?
A disease common with adolescents, they develop as spots on the skin, normally on the face, chest, shoulder or back which usually last for months and if left unattended to, could last for years. Its a disorder which involves glands in the skin located close to the hair follicles, the glands are known as sebaceous glands, secretes an oily substance called sebum.
The secretion of sebum is normal, but people suffering from acne have larger glands that release more sebum into their skin, and in turn, this excess sebum can trap oil, kill cells and bacteria. P.acnes is a bacterium that is particularly known to thrive in conditions with excessive sebum. And the growth and proliferation of these bacteria can cause inflammation of the skin, leading to pimples.
Causes of Acne
Though the exact cause of acne is not known, researchers think environmental and genetic factors play a major role, also changes in the hormone levels during puberty which is believed to also be a cause of acne.
Medications
Drugs medications that contain corticosteroid, androgens or lithium are believed to worsen acne. Certain steroid mediations are believed to cause symptoms very similar to those seen in acne.
Food
Certain diets such as dairy products and food that are rich in carbohydrate which include; bread, bagels and chips are likely to trigger acne. Chocolate has long being suspected to worsen acne but research hasn’t confirmed that yet. Some myths exist that the consumption of greasy food could induce acne, which has no scientific backing.
Cosmetics and skin care products
Cosmetics don’t necessarily cause acne, especially the use of oil-free makeup that doesn’t log pores. Practice the removal of makeup regularly helps keeping the pores on the skin free from clogs.
Sweating
There are evidence that reveals sweating or humid environments trigger acne because excess humidity partially blocks skin pores, which may lead to acne. So avoiding sweating and humid environments helps in keeping the pores free from clogging and results in fewer acne symptoms
Treating acne
With the use of some over-the-counter gels and cream that contain benzoyl peroxide, you can effectively treat blackheads, whitehead and spots. Other self-help techniques may include
- Wash affected area with mild soap or face cleanser using lukewarm water
- Avoid washing affected area of the skin more than twice a day, this can cause irritation and worsen the situation
- Remove makeup before going to bed
- If you have a dry skin, use a fragrance-free, water-based emollient
- Avoid the use of too much cosmetic makeup, a better alternative will be water-based products that are described as non-comedogenic (product less likely to block skin pores)
Treatment can take months before the effects are apparent.
Some facts about acne
- Acne is not infectious, and is not caused by poor hygiene either
- There is no conclusive evidence that fatty foods are responsible for acne
- Acne requires both short and long term therapy
- Acne appears typically first in adolescence, but may persist into adulthood if left unattended to.
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