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Description
Acne is the term for pimples and complexion problems
that occur in many young people and some adults. Approximately
90% of all people will have acne at some point in their
lives. Pimples usually occur on the face, but may extend
to the neck, chest, upper arms, back and legs. Acne
is only a skin problem and does not affect your general
health.
Cause
Acne usually begins at puberty and may continue for
many years. Teenagers get acne as the body matures and
produces hormones that stimulate the sebaceous (oil
producing) skin glands to make more sebum, or oil. Sebum
lubricates the skin. Sebaceous glands within the hair
follicles, or pores, become plugged when oil secretion
occurs faster than the oil and skin cells can exit the
pores. Sometimes the plug causes the wall of the pore
to rupture causing redness, swelling, and pus - in other
words a pimple. Plugged oil glands may form blackheads
and whiteheads. Blackheads are not caused by dirt; rather
there is a bacteria that normally lives on the skin
and thrives on the sebum produced by oil glands. Sometimes,
this bacteria multiplies and causes inflammation and
acne.
Some facts about acne:
- Acne is built into your genes; it runs in families.
- In women, acne frequently worsens at the time of
menstruation.
- Your cosmetics should be labeled "oil-free,"
or "noncomedogenic".
- Adult women often have trouble with acne through
middle age. The reason is unknown although hormones
play some role.
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