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Acne
Medical Questions » Acne
| Name: Acne |
| Also known as: Pimples |
| Skin infection that can vary from the occasional spot to a severe disease that may cause both skin and psychological scarring. Normally occurs in teenagers, but may develop later in life, particularly in women. Usually more severe in teenage males, but starts earlier in females. Affects Caucasians (whites) more than Negroes or Chinese races. Acne vulgaris is a severe form that almost invariably results in scarring of the face, back and chest. Acne conglobata affects mainly the buttocks and chest and causes skin abscesses and severe inflammation. |
Causes of Acne
A blockage in the outflow of oil from a few of the millions of tiny oil glands in the skin caused by dirt, flakes of dead skin, or a thickening and excess production of oil. Once the opening of the oil duct becomes blocked the gland becomes dilated with thick oil, inflamed and eventually infected. Hormonal changes at puberty are the major aggravating factor, as they cause changes to the thickness of the oil. Pregnancy, menopause and the oral contraceptive pill may all influence pimples in this way. Acne may be worsened by stress (either psychological or physical), illness (eg. a common cold), skin pressure (eg. spectacles on the bridge of the nose or tight collars), increases in skin humidity (eg. a fringe of hair or nylon clothing), and the excessive use of cosmetics (further block the oil duct openings). The severity also depends on hereditary factors. There is no evidence that diet, chocolate, vitamins or herbs have any effect on acne. |
Symptoms of Acne
A white or black headed skin eruption, with a surrounding red area of infection. The face, upper chest, upper back and neck are most commonly affected. |
Tests for Acne
None normally necessary. |
Treatment for Acne
The skin should be kept clean with a mild soap and face cloth, and simple oil drying, antiseptic and cleansing creams or lotions used. Further treatment involves combinations of antibiotics (eg. tetracyclines) that may be taken in the short term for acute flare ups or in the long term to prevent acne, skin lotions or creams containing antibiotics and/or steroids, and changing a woman' s hormonal balance by putting her on the oral contraceptive pill or using other hormones. In rare cases it is necessary to see a skin specialist for isotretinoin (which can cause birth deformities if used during pregnancy), steroid injections (eg. triamcinolone) into the skin around particularly bad eruptions, and abrading away the skin around scars. The treatment of adults with maturity onset acne is more difficult than juvenile acne.
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Complications of Acne of its treatment
May cause both skin and psychological scarring. Picking acne spots can cause serious secondary bacterial infections that can spread deep into the skin (cellulitis). |
Likely Outcome of Acne
Cannot be cured, but the majority of cases can be reasonably controlled. Eventually settles with age. |
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