What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that commonly afflicts people during their teenage years. Acne mainly afflicts the face but it may additionally appear on the back, neck, shoulders and chest. While most common in teenagers it can appear on adults as well. Neither race or gender is an indicator of acne as it affects male and female and all races equally.

The medical term for it is Acne Vulgaris. It can be diagnosed by the lesions that form on the skin. Acne can take several different forms, including blackheads, whiteheads and cysts. Cysts are formed when the pore becomes completely blocked. Acne occurs most commonly at puberty because your body is creating an excess of sebum during this time. Sebum is an oily substance designed to keep the hair and skin soft and lubricated. The production of sebum is greatly increased during puberty, which may cause the skin to feel oily and clog pores.

During puberty there is also an increase in the production of follicle cells. Dead cells in combonation with sebum can accumulate and cause white heads. This mixture of oil and dead cells is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria which causess the swelling and redness associated with pimples.

Acne affects about 85% of all people sometime from the age of 12-24. Around 25% of these people will have acne on their back and/or neck as well as the face. The acne will be severe enough to cause about 40% of these people to seek medical treatment.

Acne is most common on the face, especially on the forehead, nose and chin. The back is the next most common area of affliction followed by the neck, chest and shoulders.

Most will outgrown their problems with acne after the teens, but some will still suffer with acne even as adults. In some cases people will not have any acne issues until they are adults, this happens more frequently in men than women.

Acne can have severe emotional and psychological repercussions. Because it affects your appearance it can also affect your self-image and self-esteem. Teens are particularly suceptible to the effects of acne on their self-confidence and can even trigger withdraw and depression, as well as feelings of anger and frustration.

Fortunately in this day and age there are many treatments that can help with acne. The main thing you can do to help avoid or reduce the spread of acne is to keep the skin as clean and oil free as possible. Washing the infected areas regularly with soap and water, especially after any activity that triggers perspiration, is usually adequate. There are also many medications available by prescription and over the counter to help with acne control.

If the acne is sufficiently severe, you should seek out a dermatologist. They may prescribe medications, including antibiotics for the skin to help fight the bacteria. They can also offer advise on life style and diet changes that might help with the condition.