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Acne is the name of a skin disorder commonly found among teens and adults. It manifests itself as raised bumps on the skin, which can often become inflamed. There are three general classifications of acne: blackheads and whiteheads, mildly inflamed, and severe cystic or nodular acne. Depending on the varied degree of inflammation, there are treatment options that correspond to the severity of the skin irritation.
While there is no definitive cure for acne, there are several treatment options that are quite effective at treating the underlying causes of acne. For mild or minor and occasional acne cases, doctors may describe topical treatments that are only to be used when an outbreak occurs. For more intense or longer lasting outbreaks, doctors may prescribe oral medications and antibiotics. Antibiotics are great for reducing the risk of infection and scarring as a result of infected and inflamed acne. In some cases combinations of oral and topical treatments will be used.
But the question as to what actually causes acne still remains. Contrary to popular belief acne isn't caused by lack of cleanliness, fatty fried foods, chocolate, or caffeine. While a combination of these things will create an environment, which is favorable for the cultivation of acne, they are not direct causes. The primary cause of acne is overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Sebum is an oily substance that the skin actually needs in small supply (in order to avoid drying out). Sebaceous glands are typically found in and around hair glands though they may be found elsewhere.
As a result of the general location of sebaceous glands, sebum is typically deposited into hair follicles and finds its way to the skins surface (via hair shafts) where it is excreted through pores. Sebum provides excellent nourishment and hydration for dry skin, but it's not so great for skin that is excessively oily. According to the encyclopedia, sebum is only found in mammals. Its primary function is to prevent dryness and mild skin irritations. When it is produced by the human body in excess, the body has no idea what to do with what isn't used. As a result it continues depositing it in the same places, which leads to clogged pores, inflammation, and the potential for infection.
Young children and infants tend to have dry skin because their sebaceous glands have not yet fully developed. As a result they will have the effect of really dry skin where teenagers and some adults produce too much leading to a condition known as oily skin. Those of us who are a little older, are often inclined to miss those days as we encounter a skin problem that we had forgotten about in the interim-dry skin.
As we age, the sebaceous glands tend to produce less sebum, which allows valuable moisture to escape and lessons the skins first line of defense against dryness. This is why, as we age, our skin tends to show more signs of dryness and less resilience. Of course, dry skin can also be the result of genetics, humidity, use of chemicals, poor air quality and ventilation as well as frequent contact with water.
•• DermaDoctor