Understanding Acne
 

What Is Acne?

Acne vulgaris is a dermatological condition caused by the skin's pores becoming infected by the p. acnes bacteria after having been blocked by over-production of sebaceous oil by the sebaceous glands and poor cell shedding.

Acne vulgaris is characterised by outcrops of small skin lesions in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, pustules (pus-filled spots) and papules (non pus-filled lumps).

Cystic acne (sometimes referred to as nodular acne) is simply a more severe form of acne vulgaris which sees the skin lesions become larger in diameter (5mm or larger), with the skin being infected at deeper layers. The papules of cystic acne are described as nodules, while the pus-filled variety are called cysts. The level of skin infection in cystic acne runs far deeper, may last several months and will frequently cause scarring. Often found on the face, this is also typically the type of acne experienced by those who suffer from back and body acne.

Dispelling The Myths About The Causes of Acne

Out with Myth #1

Your skin does NOT begin producing more oil than is necessary simply because you eat too much candy or greasy food.

Out with Myth #2

You DON’T develop acne for the first time because you're stressed.

Out with Myth #3

Acne is NOT caused by you being dirty.

Out with Myth #4

You do not ALWAYS simply ‘grow out of it’.


While all the factors mentioned above may aggravate an existing condition, especially in someone whose lifestyle is includes an excess of for example, fatty foods or sugary foods, none of them is the sole reason why one person develops acne and another does not.

While we don't yet know the precise reasons why individuals develop acne, we do know that it is probably triggered by a slight hormonal imbalance as the body shifts gear into puberty and adolescence.

By the time the majority of acne suffers have passed through adolescence and into adulthood, their bodies have found some equilibrium and the acne quietens down. For some really unlucky people however, the condition will drag on into their 30's, sometimes triggered by the use of "gym drugs" or contraceptives.

Regardless of why, or how long the flare ups are present, acne is such a physically and psychologically debilitating condition, no-one wants to live with it a minute longer than they have to.