Acne

Acne Vulgaris, or more often called just plain common acne, is a disease of the skin caused due to changes in the pilosebaceous units. Acne can manifest in non-inflammatory forms where as when it is severe is very inflammatory. Lesions are usually referred to as zits, spots and pimples. Affecting more than eighty five percent of teenagers, acne is most prevalent during adolescence.

Some of the time, the challenges that you are faced with during adolescence can be carried with you into adulthood. For most, acne tends to decrease and diminish over time. Acne tends to disappear after one reaches his or her early twenties, but some can suffer into their late thirties and forties. There is no way to assume or predict how long you will suffer from acne. The upper neck and face are the usual areas that are affected most by this skin disease. But, depending on the individual, your shoulders, your back, thighs and buttocks can all be affected. Acne can leave scars, but besides the scars, acne can also have an effect on the mind.

Living with Acne can be embarrassing and affect one's self esteem. Aggressive and early treatment can help prevent this skin disease and help gain confidence back for that insecure teen. Blockages in the hair follicle results in acne. Enlargements of the glands and excessive sebum production will occur either creating a "black head" or a "white head", which is slightly raised on the skin. White heads occur when the pores become blocked with sebum, natural oil and dead skin cells.

This disease can cause hyperpigmentation or even scarring if it is not taken care of properly. The reason as to why some people do not suffer and why some people do is not completely known, but several factors can give us some insight; stress, hormonal activity, family and genetic history, hyperactive sebaceous glands, accumulation of dead skin cells, the use of steroids, bacteria in the pores of the skin, exposure to certain chemicals, anabolic steroids and even skin irritation. Any of the conditions above are grounds for an outbreak - not all can be completely cured but most can be helped and or prevented.