Acne Facts
I've put together a list of interesting facts about acne - well I think they are!
A skin disease that involves the sebaceous glands at the base of hair follicles.
Commonly occurs during puberty.
Not dangerous, but can leave skin scars.
Types of pimples include whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nobules, cysts.
3/4's of 11 to 30 year-olds will get acne at some time.
Primary cause believed to be a rise in androgen levels (hormone).
Could also be genetic.
Treatment depends on how severe and persistent it is.
Can be affected by the menstrual cycle, anxiety and stress, heat and humidity, oil/silicone based makeup, greasy hair and pimple squeezing.
Young men suffer from acne for longer than women - likely due to testosterone, which is present in higher quantities.
The types of acne pimples
Human skin has pores (tiny holes) which connect to sebaceous glands located under the skin. The glands are connected to the pores via follicles - small canals. These glands produce sebum, an oily liquid. The sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin.
Whiteheads - remain under the skin and are very small.
Blackheads - clearly visible, they are black and appear on the surface of the skin. A blackhead is not caused by dirt, therefore scrubbing your face vigorously will not help.
Papules - small bumps, usually pink, visible on the surface of the skin.
Pustules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin, red at their base and have pus at the top.
Nodules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. Large, solid pimples, painful, and are embedded deep in the skin.
Cysts - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful, and are filled with pus. Cysts can easily cause scars.
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References
Brazier Y (2015) Acne: what causes it and how to relieve it. (online at medicalnewstoday.com) [Accessed 01/03/2017].
Gardner SS (2017) Skin care for those with acne. (online at www.webmd.com) [Accessed 01/03/2017].
Unknown (2017) Acne: skin care and prevention tips. (online at www.webmd.boots.com) [Accessed 01/03/2017].