How is acne caused

Results from studies suggest that when stress intensifies, the severity of the acne increases. Nearly everyone develops at least a few breakouts during the teenage years. Today, virtually every case of acne can be treated successfully. Sometimes, this requires the help of a board-certified dermatologist. Dermatology Secrets Plus 5th edition. China, Capitanio B, Sinagra JL, et al. Heymann WR. Last accessed June 14, Mosby Elsevier, China, Is it really acne?

Acne or rosacea? Adult acne Baby acne Stubborn acne Acne symptoms What is acne. They do this by producing an oily substance called sebum. In acne, the glands begin to produce too much sebum. The excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and both substances form a plug in the follicle.

If the plugged follicle is close to the surface of the skin, it bulges outwards, creating a whitehead. Alternatively, the plugged follicle can be open to the skin, creating a blackhead. Normally harmless bacteria that live on the skin can then contaminate and infect the plugged follicles, causing papules, pustules, nodules or cysts. Teenage acne is thought to be triggered by increased levels of a hormone called testosterone, which occurs during puberty.

The hormone plays an important role in stimulating the growth and development of the penis and testicles in boys, and maintaining muscle and bone strength in girls. A pimple is a small pustule or papule. Pimples develop when sebaceous glands, or oil glands, become clogged and infected, leading to swollen, red lesions filled with pus.

Also known as spots or zits, pimples are a part of acne. They are most likely to occur around puberty , but they can happen at any age. During puberty, hormone production changes. This can cause the sebaceous glands, located at the base of hair follicles, to become overactive. As a result, pimples are most likely to occur during the teenage years and around menstruation, for women.

Pimples most often affect the face, back, chest, and shoulders. This is because there are many sebaceous glands in these areas of skin. Acne vulgaris, the main cause of pimples, affects over 80 percent of teenagers.

After the age of 25 years, it affects 3 percent of men and 12 percent of women. Whiteheads : Also known as a closed comedo, these are small pimples that remain under the skin. They appear as a small, flesh-colored papule. Blackheads : Also known as an open comedo, these are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. Some people mistakenly believe they are caused by dirt, because of their color, and scrub their faces vigorously.

Scrubbing does not help. It may irritate the skin and cause other problems. Papules : These are small, solid, rounded bumps that rise from the skin. They are often pink. Pustules : These are pimples full of pus. They are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. The base is red and the pus is on the top. Nodules : These have a similar structure to papules, but they are larger. They can be painful and are embedded deep in the skin. Cysts : These are clearly visible on the surface of the skin.

They are filled with pus and are usually painful. Cysts commonly cause scars. More Information Adult acne: Can natural hormone treatments help? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Mayo Clinic; American Academy of Dermatology. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Alpha hydroxyl acids AHAs. Natural Medicines. Accessed July 9, Rakel D, ed. Acne vulgaris and acne rosacea. In: Integrative Medicine. Elsevier; Accessed Sept. Dinulos JGH. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders.

Habif's Clinical Dermatology. Accessed July 6, Graber E. Treatment of acne vulgaris.