Acne - What is it and what causes it?
Acne, also known as Acne Vulgaris, is simply put- an inflammatory disease of the skin. Acne shows itself in the form of pimples, zits or spots. It is often caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units. The pilosebaceous units refer to the skin which consists of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. “Acne” derives from the Greek words “acme” (which means skin erruption) and “bacne” or “backne”. The latter terms are often used to refer to the form of acne found on one’s back.
The condition is often found in pubescent people and is especially common in Western societies most likely due to a high genetic disposition to getting it. It is often considered to be an abnormal response to normal levels of the male hormone testosterone in the body and for many people this tends to diminish over time so the acne then often disappears or at least decrease usually when a person reaches their early 20’s. But unfortunately there is no way to predict just how long it will take for the acne to disappear completely and for some individuals they may continue to suffer from acne for decades later (sometimes in to their 30’s or 40’s or even beyond these). A large percentage of people will be affected by acne at some stage during their life.
There are several different types of acne, as described below:
1. Acne Vulgaris - The most commonly experienced forms of acne and will appear around puberty it is typically to be found on a person’s face, shoulders and chest.
2. Acne Rosacea- predominantly found on one’s face. It presents itself as a red rash.
3. Acne Keloidalis Nuchae - Also known as Pseudofolliculitis Nuchae and is a rash caused by shaving.
4. Acne Conglobata (also knowns as Hidradenitis Suppurativa) - usually found in armpits, on the groin or buttocks, or also under women’s breasts. This type of acne describes chronic abscesses or boils on sweat glands and hair follicles.
5. Acne Cosmetica - This type of acne is caused by cosmetics.
6. Acne Fulminas - refers to Acne Conglobata in an extreme form.
7. Acne Medicamentosa - typically triggered by starting or finishing a course of medication.
8. Baby Acne - This is a form of acne that is a rash that is seen on the cheeks, chin and forehead of an infant.
9. Chloracne - caused by being exposed to chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as PCB’s or dioxins.
Hopefully the information provided to you above with regard to acne will help you to understand more clearly what it is and how it is caused.
