How To Manage Your Acne

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The scattered lesions caused by acne can manifest as single or multiple bumps generally called nodules or papules. The lesions are associated primarily with the sebum-producing glands that surround hair follicles in skin that is visibly greasy.

Acne is most likely caused by a combination of factors. First, there is an increase in sebum production and a blockage of the hair follicle. With the follicle is blocked, the population of normal bacteria in the follicle increases dramatically. The bacteria produce inflammatory chemicals, which leak into the surrounding skin.

Acne is common in adolescents and young adults. It usually occurs in early adolescence and decreases after the age of 25. However, some people, particularly women, develop acne for the first time in their late twenties or thirties. Severe acne seems to run in families and is seen more often in males.

Acne may also develop in individuals who also suffer from any of several endocrine disorders. In particular, acne may develop in individuals who have abnormalities in circulating androgens. Some drugs can also cause or make acne worse.

Factors that exacerbate acne:

• overproduction of sebum
• bacterial growth
• abnormal hair growth
• environmental factors, such as humidity, drugs, and cosmetics
• occlusion of the hair follicles by headbands etc
• emotional stress

Factors that do not affect acne significantly:

• diet (little effect)
• very poor hygiene

If you suffer from acne, try to keep oily or greasy materials off your face. Do not pop zits or pick at the acne. Popping zits and picking at the acne will not make the pustules heal faster. And, popping or picking at the zits may cause serious infections in those already inflamed follicles.

As you can see, your diet (despite the myths out there) has nothing to do with the acne. So PLEASE be sure to eat properly!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels