Understanding Acne

Acne is a condition that is characterized by plugged pores; white heads and blackheads, deep lumps and pimples. The condition usually affects people on the upper arms, face, neck, chest and shoulders. Acne does not discriminate against age but it is people in their teens who mostly suffer from it. Among the effects of the condition is the patient getting upset and disfiguring of the affected parts. Permanent scars may occur in the very severe cases although some acne types leave scars regardless of the severity of the condition.

Several factors work together to cause the acne condition. Sebaceous glands also known as oil glands cause acne when they get enlarged and overproduce oil; this is especially during puberty and at stressful times. Clogged pores of the skin in turn trap the over produced oil and prevent it from flowing out which causes whiteheads and blackheads. Bacteria although not a direct cause, also play a role in the worsening of the condition by growing in the blocked pores and producing chemicals which change the composition of the oil. This ultimately leads to the irritation of the skin and its inflammation.

Discomfort, swelling, warmth and redness are some of the characteristics of an inflamed skin. Inflammation occurs because the skin is trying to remove the bacteria. The lesion is a type of acne and is a change in the tissues of the body that can be seen physically. A lesion can also be caused by injury or disease and can be caused by internal; lung cancer, liver cirrhosis and atherosclerosis or external; knife cut, cancer, psoriatic plaque and skin cancer.

Some of the common types of acne result as a form of lesions. A papule is a 5 millimeter solid lesion on top of the skin and has sandpaper feel. The pustule on the other hand is a lesion that is dome-shaped and contains pus that consists of bacteria, dead skin cells and white blood cells. The macule is an impermanent, red, flat spot that usually remains after a lesion is healed and can persist for weeks or days. The nodule is also dome shaped and is usually inflamed.

The cyst acne resembles a sac and contains semi liquid or liquid material that consists of bacteria, white blood cells and dead cells. The cyst is bigger than the pustule and is sometimes inflamed severely. Cysts extend into the skins deeper layers, can be very painful and results is scarring. Acne has many treatments and some of them are use of antibiotics, hormonal treatments, phototherapy, and oral retinoids among others.

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If you want to read more about Acne and how to remove it, refer to these articles at How To Get Rid of Back Acne and Getting Rid of Acne Marks

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