What is acne?
Acne is a disease of the hair follicles of
the face, chest, and back that affects almost all males and females
during
puberty;
the only exception being teenage members of a few primitive isolated
tribes living in
Neolithic societies. It is not caused by bacteria, although bacteria
play a role in its development. It is not unusual for some women to
develop acne in their mid- to late-20s.
Acne appears on the skin as...
- congested pores also known as
blackheads or
whiteheads,
- tender red bumps also known as pimples or zits,
- pustules, and occasionally as
- cysts (deep pimples, boils).
You can do a lot to treat your acne using products available at a drugstore
or cosmetic counter that do not require a prescription. However, for tougher cases
of acne, you should
consult a physician for treatment options.
Causes of acne?
No one factor causes acne. Acne happens when sebaceous (oil) glands
attached to the hair follicles are stimulated at the time of puberty by
elevated levels of male hormones. Sebum (oil) is a natural substance
which lubricates and protects the skin.
