What Causes Acne?

There are several factors that can cause acne such as hormonal changes in adolescence or pregnancy, birth control pills, bacteria in the skin pores and use of anabolic steroids among other things.

One important factor behind acne experts believe is an increase in the male sex hormones androgens which increase in both boys and girls during adolescence that cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, creating more sebum (oily secretion).

Experts also believe acne to be in part, hereditary.

Types Of Acne

There are two types of acne, non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne.

Non-Inflammatory Acne

Whitehead (closed comedo) – Whiteheads, pimples that don’t break the surface, are called closed comedo’s and appear as small, white bumps.

Blackhead (open comedo) – Blackheads, pimples that break the surface, are open comedo’s and appear as small, black pins. Note: This isn’t dirt but a buildup of dark skin pigment called melanin.

Inflammatory Acne

Papule – Papule is the mildest and most common form of early development acne and appear as small, but firm pink bumps that are usually tender to the touch.

Pustule – Pustule is a similar lesion to Papule, however this form of acne contains pus as the name suggests, appearing as small, bumpy reddish and yellowish spots.

Nodule or Cyst – This form of acne comes in a large form and is often painful. Nodules are puss-filled lesions lodged deep into the skin and is the severest form of acne, often leaving scarring with most forming into cysts once hardened.

Acne Conglobata – This is the rarest form of acne and the most serious stage. Appearing on the buttocks, chest and back, Conglobata usually contains bacteria.

Acne Treatment

Treatment can vary from topical treatment such as benzoyl peroxide – a cream, lotion or gel consisting of antiseptic, antibiotic and oxidizing agents – or oral treatment in the form of standard antibiotics or retinoids.

Acne scar treatment can vary from lazer treatment that penetrates the affected area burning away the scar, to skin peels that peel away bad skin to reveal healthy unaffected skin.

In this day and age acne suffering is treatable and if you are considering treatment It is highly advisable that you seek professional advice from a dermatologist or your physician regarding your acne problems.