Acne vulgaris, more commonly known simply as acne, is a skin disease caused by the alteration of certain formations called pilosebaceous structures. In simple terms, these relate to skin structures consisting of:
Hair follicles, which are that part of the skin that grows hair by the act of compacting together the old cells, and
The associated sebaceous gland, which is attached to the follicle, and consists of a tiny gland that produces sebum, a waxy substance, that is made of fats and the debris of dead fat-producing cells.
These glands are found all over the skin except on the palms, lips and soles of the feet. As the density of hair increases, so does the number of sebaceous glands that are to be found.
Severe acne can be inflammatory, which refers to a protective attempt by the organism to remove the harmful stimuli, such as infectious agents, as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue. Accordingly, the process of inflammation does not refer to or imply the characterisation of infection, which is a common conclusion. However, acne can also be associated with non-inflammatory variants.
Acne lesions are sometimes referred to by the popular name of pimples, spots, or zits. Acne is particularly prevalent during adolescence. Research has indicated that it can affect as many as 80% of teenagers, and often continues well into adulthood.
For the majority of people, as they get older, acne tends to become less of an issue. In fact, by the early twenties, it tends to either disappear completely, or at the very least, to have decreased significantly.
Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how long it will take to be completely eradicated. There are, in certain cases, individuals who continue to be afflicted well into their thirties, and possibly even into their forties and beyond.
The areas of the body most commonly affected are the face and upper portion of the neck. However, the chest, back and shoulders may also be prone to acne. The upper parts of the arm can also become affected. Also, lesions found in these areas are often not associated with acne itself, but with the malady called keratosis pilaris, which is a very common genetic condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin.
The most common form of acne lesions are comedones, inflammatory papules, pustules and nodules. Some of the large nodules were previously called cysts, which is a closed sac that may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material. Severe cases of inflammatory acne are sometimes described as nodulocystic.
Apart from the unsightly scars, the main effects experienced by an individual are psychological, such as reduced levels of self esteem. Further, recent studies have indicated that other associated episodes include depression, and even suicide.
The onset of acne is usually during adolescence. This is the period in their lives when young people tend to be most socially insecure. It is for this reason that a programme of early and aggressive treatment is therefore advocated. In this way, it is felt that such a course of action would tend to lessen the overall impact upon the individual.
This Article considers the different forms of Acne and their composition. It considers those most at risk and the regions of the body most prone to the infection. The psychological effects are also mentioned with special reference to adolescence.
Peter Radford writes Articles with Websites on a wide range of subjects, under the heading: Subject - How To Succeed. Acne Articles cover Background, Causes, Scars, Various Treatments in Detail. Website has many more.
View his Website at: acne-how-to-succeed.com
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