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ACNE
Acne is the inflammation of the sebaceous glands, the glands that produce a type of oil called sebum. When the pores of the skin become clogged, this oil cannot get out.
Acne causes and risk factors
Almost 80% of teenagers develop acne. Teenagers have acne mainly because of hormonal changes that occur during puberty. Most of the time, the sebaceous glands produce a certain amount of sebum, but while the teenager’s body starts to mature and develop, hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum. The excess of sebum and dead skin cells, clog the pore. Then, the bacteria trapped inside the pore start to reproduce, causing the skin to become swollen and red: the beginning of acne.
If the plug stays below the surface of the skin, it is called a "closed" comedo or whitehead. If the plug enlarges and pops out of the duct, it is called an "open" comedo or blackhead because the top is dark. Sometimes when the wall of the pore opens, letting the sebum bacteria and dead skin cells develop under the skin, a little red infection is produced forming red pimples, pustules or cysts that can be painful.
There are other factors, (genetics being the most important) that cause a greater likelihood that the person will develop acne. If one of your parents had acne, you have a greater chance of developing it.
Acne Symptoms
Acne can be mild, moderate, severe or very severe. This can be measured if the acne is non-inflammatory or inflammatory and the amount present on the face, neck, back or chest.
Non-inflammatory acne is usually the presence of whiteheads and blackheads on the face. This is the most frequent type of acne. When acne is mild, it can be treated effectively with over-the-counter medicine that don’t need a docor’s prescriptions.
With inflammatory acne, the whiteheads inflame, developing red pimples and pustules. In the most severe cases, inflammatory acne can produce deep scars on the face, neck, back and chest. To treat this type of acne, sometimes it is necessary to use medicines prescribed by a doctor, or the need for surgical procedures.
What can I do to prevent or treat acne?
What if I still have acne?
Sometimes, even if you wash your face correctly and use lotions and make-up that do not contain oils, you might still develop acne. This is completely normal. In fact, some girls who don’t usually have acne problems develop acne before their period. This is called premenstrual acne. Due to hormonal changes, approximately 7 out of 10 women have it.
Some teenagers who have acne can get help from a doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin problems) and treat the acne with specialized medicine. Depending on the type of acne, this can include creams, antibiotics, or having minor surgery, if it is severe.
Remember you are not the only one who has acne. If you look around, you will see friends and classmates as evidence that you are not alone.
Myths and reality about acne
You will be amazed at the things you have heard about acne that are not true:
Myth 1: Taking sun baths will help your skin. Truth: Even though a tan skin can temporally hide acne, the sun can dry and irritate your skin, increasing the frequency of acne in the future. Protect your skin every time you expose yourself to the sun, use a minimum 15 Solar Protection Factor (SPF) lotion that will not clog your pores (non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic).
Myth 2: Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne. Truth: Eating a lot of sugar and greasy foods is never a good idea. However, research has not demonstrated that any specific foods causes acne. Some people notice that they get acne after eating certain foods. These food will vary from person to person.
Myth 3: The more you wash your face, the less acne you will have. Truth: Washing your face can help remove dirt and oil from your pores, but washing it excessively can cause dryness and irritation, causing more acne. Avoid rubbing your skin, wash it twice a day with soap and water using a circular movement, and dry it gently.
Myth 4: Squeezing a pimple will make it disappear. Truth: Squeezing a pimple can give the appearance that it has disappeared temporarily, but doing this can make it last longer. Sometimes the marks can last for months and the scars can be permanent.
Myth 5: If you want healthy skin, don’t use make-up. Truth: If you use make-up that does not clog the pores of your skin, it will not cause you to get acne. Some bases contain salicylic acid that will help prevent acne. You can try using skin colored creams with benzyl peroxide that will cover the acne and help alleviate it.
Myth 6: If you keep having acne, it is useful to use more medicine until it disappears. Truth: Acne medications have components that can dry the skin. Excessive use of these medicines can cause irritation, dryness and a proliferation of acne. Medines should only be used in the amount recommended or prescribed by the doctor.
If you continue to have acne problems after using over-the-counter medicines, it would be a good idea to visit a doctor or a dermatologist. If you are taking medication, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Some medicines need in excess of eight weeks to take effects.
Referentes:
Behrman, Kliegman & Jenson. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. W. B. Saunders Company; 16th Edition, 2000.
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