Acne Facts


► What is Acne?
Acne is a well-known inflammatory skin disorder caused by hormonal imbalance. If the level of male hormone testosterone (despite its name, it also exists in females) is too high, the oil glands in the skin greatly increase their activity. This slows down the natural skin exfoliation process and the dead skin cells start clogging the hair follicles, creating ideal conditions for Propionibacterium acnes (common skin bacteria) to multiply. This attracts white blood cells and starts inflammation. In most cases the clogged follicles take the form of some acne lesions – blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pimples, nodules or cysts. Acne usually attacks face, neck, back, chest and shoulders.	Frequently Asked Questions:
	• What is Acne?
	• What_Types_of_Acne_are_there?
	• What are the Causes of Acne?
	• What are Whiteheads?
	• What are Blackheads?
► What Types of Acne are there?	• What are Blackheads?
► What Types of Acne are there?	• What are Papules?
Acne Vulgaris – Mild It is the most common kind of acne, characterized by several kinds of pimples: whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules. In most cases anti-acne cosmetics are enough to contain the disease and there is only little chance of suffering from acne scars. Acne Vulgaris - Severe In some cases, the more severe form of acne can develop. It is characterized by nodules and cysts in addition to other kinds of pimples. There is a high risk of scarring and long-term inflammations, especially if someone tries to pop a nodule or cyst the way one pop other kinds of pimples. If you suffer from severe form of acne, be sure to contact your dermatologist for assistance. Acne Conglobata - Extreme It is the rarest, but the most dangerous form of acne, characterized by numerous lesions (sometimes interconnected) and widespread blackheads. If suffer from this form of acne, contact your dermatologist immediately! Unlike mild forms of Acne Vulgaris, this form of disease can cause severe scarring and disfiguring if left unchecked. Fortunately it is easily controlled by using isoretinoids (Accutane).	• What are Papules?
	• What are Nodules?
	• What are Cysts?
	• What are Pustules?
	• Does the sun help acne?
	• Is it harmful to squeeze my blemishes?
	• Can anything be done about scarring?
	• What kind of cosmetics can I use?
	• My face is clear! Can I stop taking my medication now?
► What are the Causes of Acne?
The causes of acne are linked to the changes that take place as young people mature from childhood to adolescence (puberty). The hormones that cause physical maturation also cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to produce more sebum (oil). The hormones with the greatest effect on sebaceous glands are androgens (male hormones), which are present in females as well as males, but in higher amounts in males. Sebaceous glands are found together with a hair shaft in a unit called a sebaceous follicle. During puberty, the cells of the skin that line the follicle begin to shed more rapidly. In people who develop acne, cells shed and stick together more so than in people who do not develop acne. When cells mix with the increased amount of sebum being produced, they can plug the opening of the follicle. Meanwhile, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, and the follicle swells up with sebum. In addition, a normal skin bacteria called P. acnes, begins to multiply rapidly in the clogged hair follicle. In the process, these bacteria produce irritating substances that can cause inflammation. Sometimes, the wall of the follicle bursts, spreading inflammation to the surrounding skin. This is the process by which acne lesions, from blackheads to pimples to nodules, are formed.
► What are Whiteheads?
Whiteheads are painless, small white bumps. They form when a pore is completely blocked, keeping all the oil, bacteria and dead skin cells inside. It is a very common symptom of mild acne. Unlike many other kinds of pimples, whiteheads can be popped, however you need to do it very carefully to avoid skin irritation or further inflammation. Make sure you know exactly how to pop a pimple before you do it! Whiteheads are typical lesions of mild acne.
► What are Blackheads?
Blackheads are the blocked pores in which the “plug” enlarges and moves towards the surface of the skin. The dark color of the pimple is not due to the dirt, but the local buildup of melanin, the skin's pigment. While in most cases blackheads are painless, they still may cause some problems. Technically, they can be popped, but it is unadvised to do so, especially by oneself, as there is a danger of irritating the skin (which makes acne worse) or even cause a severe inflammation. Blackheads are typical lesions both of mild and mild-to-severe acne.
► What are Papules?
Papules are the least dangerous form of pimples. They are small, firm conical bumps that do not contain pus of any kind. They are painless, but they often become tender and irritated if touched. Many dermatologists consider them as a middle step between a non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesion. Of course, due to the lack of pus, papules should not be popped. Doing so may cause a serious skin irritation and aggravate acne while not having any effect on papules themselves (they don't contain anything that could be popped). They are typical for mild acne.
► What are Nodules?
Nodules are large, hard bumps deep below the skin surface. They are long-lasting (a single nodule can stay for over a month) and can be quite painful. The danger of scarring is real, especially if they are not treated or if they are popped. Remember that trying to pop the nodule is not only dangerous (it may cause severe trauma to the skin), but also completely useless – there is no way in which they might be effectively popped. If you suffer from numerous nodules, or if they seem to be permanent, contact your dermatologist – you may need a more aggressive acne treatment. Nodules are typical for severe acne.
► What are Cysts?
Cysts are large (sometimes over 5mm in diameter), hard bumps below the skin surface. They are similar to nodules, with only one exception – they are pus-filled. They can be painful and long-lasting. They may cause scars, especially if they are popped. In such situation they become more painful and the inflammation lasts longer than when they are left alone. If you want to get rid of cysts or at least keep them under control, you should see your dermatologist – they often have ways of reducing the swelling and pain. Cysts are typical for sever acne.
► What are Pustules?
Pustules look like small red circles with white centers. They are similar to whiteheads but, unlike them, pustules are inflamed, though most of the time painless. Popping them is possible and the chance of scarring are minimal if you know how to pop pimples. If you're not sure how to do that, better leave them alone – you may only irritate the skin or cause additional (this time painful) inflammation. Pustules are typical lesions of mild acne.
► Does the sun help Acne?
Many patients feel that sunlight improves their acne lesions and go to great lengths to find sources of ultraviolet light. There is no proven effect of sunlight on acne. In addition, ultraviolet light in sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. It is, therefore, not a recommended technique of acne management, especially since there are many other proven forms of treatment for acne. Moreover, many acne treatments increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light, making the risk of ultraviolet light exposure all the worse.
► Is it harmful to squeeze my blemishes?
Yes. In general, acne lesions should not be picked or squeezed by the patient. In particular, inflammatory acne lesions should never be squeezed. Squeezing forces infected material deeper into the skin, causing additional inflammation and possible scarring.
► Can anything be done about scarring?
Scarring is best prevented by getting rid of the acne. Dermatologists can use various methods to improve the scarring caused by acne. The treatment must always be individualized for the specific patient. Chemical peels may be used in some patients, while dermabrasion or laser abrasion may benefit others. It is important that the acne be well controlled before any procedure is used to alleviate scarring.
► What kind of cosmetics can I use?
Look for "noncomedogenic" cosmetics and toiletries. These products have been formulated so that they will not cause acne. Some acne medications cause irritation or pronounced dryness particularly during the early weeks of therapy, and some cosmetics and cleansers can actually worsen this effect. The choice of cosmetics and cleansers should be made with your dermatologist or pharmacist. Heavy foundation makeup should be avoided. Most acne patients should select powder blushes and eye shadow over cream products because they are less irritating and noncomedogenic. Camouflaging techniques can be used effectively by applying a green undercover cosmetic over red acne lesions to promote color blending.
► My face is clear! Can I stop taking my medication now?
If your dermatologist says you can stop, then stop--but follow your dermatologist's instructions. Many times patients will stop their medication suddenly only to have their acne flare up several weeks later. If you are using multiple products, it may be advisable to discontinue one medication at a time and judge results before discontinuing them all at once. Ask your dermatologist before you stop using any of your medications.
questions and answers sourced from www.skincarephysicians.com

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