Description of Acne:
Acne is an inflammatory condition of the skin marked by pimples, white heads, and blackheads. It is caused by a problem with the sebaceous glands, the oil-secreting glands that lubricate and moisturise the skin. These are found in large numbers on the face, chest, and back. Acne is particularly common among teenagers. As a result of hormone shifts associated with adolescence, there is an increase in the number of sebaceous glands, with a consequent increase in the production of oil, or sebum. Normally, sebum passes through glandular canals to the surface of the skin. But when the glands are suffering hormonal overload, an obstruction or hardening of the oils in a glandular canal can occur, preventing sebum from reaching the surface of the skin and resulting in a blackhead or whitehead.


Hormone Production:
Hormone production also causes an abnormal increase in the amount of Propionibactedum acnes, a normally benign bacterium that lives in the glandular canals. The combination of the increased bacteria count and the obstruction of sebum cause inflammation to occur, leading to the characteristic tender, red, swollen bump we call a pimple. There are other types and causes of acne as well. Acne can be caused by external irritation, or it may occur following the ingestion of an irritating substance. There is one form of acne that appears as hard, cone-shaped plugs at the corners of the mouth and affects the surrounding skin. There is also a more severe form of acne, often called cystic acne, which produces abscesses, cysts, and thick, raised scars.

Teenage Acne:
A teenager's acne, however, may require some intervention. Chronic acne - as opposed to the occasional "zit" or spot - is a trying experience for a teenager, not least because it occurs at an age when peer acceptance, appearance, and attractiveness to the opposite sex are of paramount importance. On an emotional level, acne can be very difficult. Because of this, the treatment of teenage acne is very important. Acne sufferers deserve serious attention and prompt intervention in order to avoid the pockmarks and scars that can occur when the condition is untreated or treated incorrectly. Acne is so common among teenagers it should be considered normal, concluded a recent Australian study. Researchers found 90 per cent of 16 to 18 year olds had clinically confirmed acne; a quarter had scarring and nearly half reported negative feelings because of their spots. As if that isn't bad enough, the most effective treatment to date, Roaccutane, is no longer being prescribed by some doctors following reports of depressive illness and even suicides among users. *From British Vogue (June 1999).

It is important to realise that most often acne is not the result of poor hygiene!

Cosmetics:
All the washing and scrubbing in the world will not alter the underlying condition. Acne can, however, be aggravated by many commonly used cosmetic products, especially "moisturisers", which often contain oils that block the pores. Always check the label of any hair or skin product to be sure that it does not contain such irritating or potentially harmful substances.

Understanding why acne develops and what to do about it is the first step toward eliminating it.