November 30th, 2009What Are the Exact Causes of Acne?
Author: Karan Naidoobr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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People do not always regard acne as a major problem. However, having acne may lead to mental and psychological stress, resulting in a loss of self esteem. What exactly causes acne? In theory, acne is brought about by an imbalance of hormones. Hormonal imbalance causes skin glands to secrete too much oil, which combine with dead skin cells. This combination blocks the hair follicle, creating the ideal environment for Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne, to grow and develop.
Such bacteria inflame the skin and bring about lesions. Adolescents and young adults are the most likely to develop acne. Statistics point out that eighty-five percent of the eleven to thirty years old age group is plagued with outbreaks of acne. Usually, acne begins to recede when you get into the thirties, but unfortunately some unlucky people are still plagued by acne even up into their fifties.
Other factors which may contribute to acne include:
- Hormonal imbalances during puberty and menstrual cycles.
- An increase in hormone output from adrenal glands, usually caused by too much stress.
- Overly active sebaceous glands
- Building up of dead skin cells.
- Pores infected with bacteria. -Inflammation caused by skin irritants or mere scratching.
- Anabolic steroid use.
- Presence of halogens in medicines (chlorides, bromides, iodides), androgens, lithium, or barbiturates.
- Instant exposure to high-level chlorine compounds, especially chlorinated dioxins.
Approximately twenty-five percent men and fifty percent of women in the adult age group are plagued by acne. This leads to social isolation or worse, depression. Although the causes of adult acne still remain to be discovered, many believe these contribute to acne:
- Acne which was resolved in adolescence recurs during adulthood.
- Sudden outbreak of outbreak after a period of resolution, experienced during pregnancy.
One should always refer to a skin specialist or dermatologist to get the best treatment possible. An example of a good treatment is the Clear Skin Regimen, which utilizes Benzoyl peroxide. It has been observed that treatments geared towards teenage acne are also effective on adult acne.
Body acne occurs on specific body parts such as the back, chest, and buttocks. Stress and hormones are believed to be the culprit for this type of acne. Other culprits include excessive perspiration and tight-fitting clothing.
Clothing which fits too tight on the body hinders skin perspiration from flowing and mixes it with body oils, resulting in clogged pores and blemishes. The objectives of acne treatments are to resolve lesions, prevent the emergence of new lesions, and resolve scarring. Dermatologists may recommend over the counter medicines (OTC).
These may include oral or topical medicines:
- Benzoyl peroxide – diminishes oil production and eradicates acne.
- Salicylic acid – eradicates whiteheads plus blackheads. This also slows down skin cell shedding along hair follicles.
- Sulfur – also eradicates blackheads and whiteheads.
Topical medicines commonly recommended include:
- Antibiotics which may halt bacterial growth and avoid inflammation
- Vitamin A which keeps comedones from plugging up. This allows topical treatments to have maximum effect on follicles.
Benzoyl peroxide, sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur or Azelaic acid all aim to slow down body oil formation and inhibit bacterial growth. By resorting to these treatments, ones acne may be resolved. One would not have to deal with any kind of stress or embarrassment caused by acne.
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pKaran has been involved with internet marketing for nearly 4 years and is an avid writer who writes on various subjects. Come visit his latest website at a target=_new href=http://www.coffemaker.org/ rel=nofollowhttp://www.coffemaker.org//a which helps the coffee lovers find and review the best a target=_new href=http://www.coffemaker.org/ rel=nofollowCoffee Maker/a at the best prices./pbr
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