An Embarrassing Condition

Everyone can remember that period during their teenage years when zits and blemishes were more than a skin condition but a sure sign of being uncool.

There are certain acne types that resolve into much more serious conditions that make the face, back, neck and other areas of the body break out into painful patches of skin called acne vulgaris. This condition is common enough and is caused by what dermatologists refer to as changes in the pilosebaceous units in the dermal layer of the skin. These are located in the chest, back, face and neck. These acne lesions can become inflammatory and then develop into cysts, becoming quite painful.

Because the developing cysts and nodules are prone to erupting they may cause scarring to the flesh, but may also have emotional effects on the patient, including depression and reduced self-esteem which may lead to suicide. Acne is cause when the follicles of the skin are blocked by dirt, grease, or others foreign substances. This causes what is known as blackheads when the comedone becomes opened or in other cases closed, resulting in a whitehead. In the case of whiteheads this is the result of skin pores that are clogged with a substance called sebum which is an oil in conjunction of dead skin cells. When this occurs inflammation may set in, causing lesions to form which in turn creates redness, hyperpigmentation, and scarring.

What Causes Acne?

While for the most part researchers believe that acne is hereditary, it has been shown that there are several determining factors that contribute to acne.

Genetically, acne is something that is hereditary and will be passed down generationally. Since acne is common among teenage boys it will be common for their brothers of the same age to develop it as well. Because of this, acne is considered to increase in those that have a family history of acne, including acne lesions.

Hormones also play a part, specifically during puberty and menstruation. It is during puberty that increases the male hormone known as androgen which causes the follicle glands to enlarge, creating more sebum.

Stress is also a factor when factoring in an adrenal response as the adrenal gland will produce hormones that cause acne. This has not been scientifically proven and evidence remains anecdotal at best though the National Institute of Health has found that stress certainly causes acne flare-ups within the individual while other studies have shown that in adolescents a statistically higher number of acne blemishes occurs in those that have had significant stressors introduced into their life. That is not to say that pores that accumulate dead skin cells or block the pores do not play their part, as the bacteria that cultures in these pores creates even more acne.

Chemicals may also play their part, such as the use of anabolic steroids, amphetamines or medications that contain certain compounds of androgens, lithium or barbiturates – even toxic exposure to chlorinated doxins, halogens – such as fluorides, chlorides, iodides and bromides. Since hormones are considered the primary factor in developing acne vulgaris, it is common for acne to resolve itself and finish manifesting in later years. Acne may occur in pregnant women or in patients that develop Cushing’s Syndrome, though menopause may also cause acne.