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Acne is the term of a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands) which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called whiteheads, pimples or zits. The lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, shoulders and chest. Nearly 17 million Americans suffer from acne making it the most common skin disease in the nation. Although is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfigurement, permanent scarring, and has a significant psychological impact on a person's self-esteem and outlook on life. AcneDesk.com was created specifically to provide information, answers and resources about all aspects of this embarrassing skin disorder.
This site contains general information about acne, what acne is, how it develops, the causes of acne and the treatment forms that are available for the various forms of the disorder. By better understanding acne, you can find better treatments whether you use natural methods at home or visit a competent dermatologist. Dispelling some of the frequent misconceptions and myths dealing with acne will also help in control and treatment, thereby reducing emotional stress and embarrassment.
People of all ages and races get acne. It is most common, however, in adolescents and young adults. Approximately 85% of young people between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. For most people, acne tends to subside by the time they reach their thirties: however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to battle this skin problem.
There a many myths about what causes acne. Soft drinks, chocolate and greasy foods like French fries and pizza have often been blamed, but recent medical research shows that foods seem to have little effect on the development or course of acne. It may be just a coincidence that acne breaks out in teenagers when they are consuming large quantities of the above foods.
Acne> is not a result of poor hygiene. It is not a result of dirt or surface skin oils. In fact, vigorous scrubbing of the affected areas will irritate the skin and actually make the acne worse. And the ordinary stress of every day life is not an important factor in acne.
Doctors describe acne as a disease of the sebaceous glands which produce a oily substance called sebum that normally empties onto the skin surface through a small opening commonly called a pore. These pores may sometimes be plugged, which prevents the sebum from reaching the surface. A mixture of oil and cells allows bacteria to grow in the plugged pores. These bacteria produce chemicals and attract white blood cells that cause the inflammation. The four signs of inflammation: swelling, redness, heat, and pain, are a characteristic reaction of tissues to disease or injury. When the wall of the plugged pore breaks down, it spills everything into the nearby skin--sebum, shed skin cells, and bacteria--causing the pimples.
The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors. Perhaps the most important factor is the increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both sexes during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. Another important factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers have found that a tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. Using greasy cosmetics may also contribute by altering the cells and plugging the pores.
Acne is a treatable condition. The goals are to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, prevent scarring and minimize the psychological stress that comes from decreased self-esteem, anger, depression and frustration caused by the appearance of the pimples.
If you would like additional tips, information and resources about this prevalent and embarrassing condition, please take a few minutes to browse our website. You can find reliable and current advice whether it be about finding the best dermatologist or the most healthy way to wash your face. This site has it all.
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