Acne Explained

Acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions afflicting today’s society. While it is considered a teenager’s disease, it can actually occur at any age, from infancy onwards.

Acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. This is made up of a skin follicle or pore, a sebaceous gland, and a hair, and are found almost everywhere on the body, excepting the palms of the hands, the soles and tops of the feet, and the lower lip. These units are most numerous on the face, chest, shoulders, upper arms, and back.

The sebaceous gland produces an oil known as sebum. This sebum acts as a natural moisturiser for the skin. Should the skin follicle become blocked, the sebaceous gland is no longer able to secret sebum and dirt and bacteria may enter the pore, causing it to become infected and this causes acne to occur.

During puberty, these glands produce more sebum due to the increased activity of certain hormones called androgens (i.e. male sex hormones). As puberty ends, the production of sebum gradually decreases again. Thus, during puberty, the formation of acne is more common, explaining why it has become known as a teenaged condition. However, the development of acne becomes more noticeable during any period of increased hormonal activity such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Acne occurs in two main forms, namely inflammatory and non-inflammatory.

Non-inflammatory acne is more commonly known as either blackheads or whiteheads. Whiteheads occur when the bacterium in the follicle and the sebum remain below the surface of the skin and is usually imperceptible. When the bacteria and sebum press through the surface of the skin and oxidise, it forms a more visible spot or blackhead.

Inflammatory acne is noticeable as pimples or cysts. Pimples occur when the cell walls of the follicle break and white blood cells unintentionally block the follicle in their hurry to repair the break. This becomes visible as a large bump. A cyst occurs when the inflamed lesion breaks and causes the surrounding skin and follicles to become inflamed.

Some of the main causes of acne are: the male sex hormone, androgen; certain hair products, cosmetics, steroids and hormonal medications. Genetics also play a role in causing acne. Contrary to common belief, acne is not caused by dirt, and in actual fact, excessive scrubbing of the skin can worsen the outbreak.

By: Fred M Fourie

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