Causes of acne

What are the causes of acne? This is a really very burning question now days for teenager’s women and men’s also. We know that acne is caused by hormonal imbalance, the bacteria P. acnes, and over production of sebum by sebaceous glands.

There are also lots of other general factors which contribute in making control or total eradication of acne almost impossible. These factors can be as important as the nutrients in your diet or as trifle as how you wash your face. Diet plays a significant role in skin disorders, including acne. Sometimes a lack of certain nutrients causes’ acne, and sometimes the presence of certain food items worsen acne.

The reason is said to be that toxins and food, which are not processed properly by the digestive system in absence of necessary nutrients, sometimes end up getting eliminated through skin as acne or eczema, the chemical decomposition of certain food in digestive systems increases the amount of such elements which help in acne proliferation. Like saturated fat in animal products and the hydrogenated fat in processed food, refined sugar, coffee, alcohol etc,  these produce bio-chemical toxins after decomposition in the GI tract and these toxins are released through the skin pores causing or inflaming acne. The improper digestion also helps acne to increase.

It’s also seen that most of the cosmetics also increase up of acne

because of chemicals present in them. The cosmetics which have oil bases are not ideal for people suffering from acne, as these will increase the already high amount of sebum which is an oily substance in skin.

Even water-based cosmetics sometime contain certain chemicals which worsen acne. Recent findings about acne-inducing cosmetics include blushers in which red tints have been used which make the cane worst.
We have said that improper diet, excess use of cosmetics and pollution increases the acne but apart from these all the modern day lifestyle also contributes to acne indirectly. It is also fined in some research that the stress factor increases the acne. In one such study, researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine say that stress might actually worsen acne.

Acne Fulminans

Acne fulminans

Acute febrile ulcerative acne is also known as Acne fulminans it occurs after unsuccessful treatment for another form of acne, acne conglobata. This is an abrupt onset of acne conglobata which normally afflicts young men. Symptoms of severe nodulocystic, often ulcerating acne are apparent.  The condition is commonly, albeit inefficiently treated with steroids. Acne fulminans’ begins as pain and inflammation in the joints. It eventually progresses into a swelling of the lymph nodes located at the base of the neck, causing inflexibility in the neck within weeks after the nodes swell. This swelling will eventually decrease, but this decrease will be accompanied by an increased inflammation and swelling of the joints

Acne fulminans is thought to be an immunologically induced disease in which elevated level of testosterone causes a rise in sebum and Pacne bacteria’s. The condition is commonly, albeit inefficiently treated with steroids.

The disease activates at the height of puberty, usually at around 13 years of age.

Acne Fulminans

Acute febrile ulcerative acne is also known as Acne fulminans it occurs after unsuccessful treatment for another form of acne, acne conglobata. This is an abrupt onset of acne conglobata which normally afflicts young men. Symptoms of severe nodulocystic, often ulcerating acne are apparent.

The condition is commonly, albeit inefficiently treated with steroids. Acne fulminans’ begins as pain and inflammation in the joints. It eventually progresses into a swelling of the lymph nodes located at the base of the neck, causing inflexibility in the neck within weeks after the nodes swell. This swelling will eventually decrease, but this decrease will be accompanied by an increased inflammation and swelling of the joints

Acne fulminans is thought to be an immunologically induced disease in which elevated level of testosterone causes a rise in sebum and Pacne bacteria’s. The condition is commonly, albeit inefficiently treated with steroids.

The disease activates at the height of puberty, usually at around 13 years of age.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis:

Gram-Negative Folliculitis:

This condition is a bacterial infection characterized by pustules and cysts, possibly occurring as a complication resulting from a long term antibiotic treatment of acne vulgaris.

It is a rare condition, and we do not know if it is more common in males or females at this time. Fortunately, isotretinoin (Accutane) is often effective in combating gram-negative folliculitis.

Pyoderma Faciale:

In the previous post we described about a type of acne which is know as acne conglobata which is the most severe form of acne vulgaris and is more common in males. Today we define about Pyoderma Faciale

Pyoderma Faciale

This type of severe facial acne affects only females, usually between the ages of 20 to 40 years old, and is characterized by painful large nodules, pustules and sores which may leave scarring. It begins abruptly, and may occur on the skin of a woman who has never had acne before. It is confined to the face, and usually does not last longer than one year, but can wreak havoc in a very short time.

Acne Conglobata:

This is the most severe form of acne vulgaris and is more common in males. It is characterized by numerous large lesions, which are sometimes interconnected, along with widespread blackheads. It can cause severe, irrevocable damage to the skin, and disfiguring scarring. It is found on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs.

The age of onset for acne conglobata is usually between 18 and 30 years, and the condition can stay active for many years. As with all forms of acne, the cause of acne conglobata is unknown. Treatment usually includes isotretinoin Accutane, and although acne conglobata is sometimes resistant to treatment, it can often be controlled through aggressive treatment over time.

Acne Rosacea

Acne Rosacea can look similar to the aforementioned acne vulgaris, and the two types of acne are sometimes confused for one another.

Rosacea affects millions of people, most of whom those who are over the age of 30. It appears as a red rash which is normally confined to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. The redness is often accompanied by bumps, pimples, and skin blemishes. Blood vessels may also become more visible on the skin. Blackheads are not a part of rosacea. It is more prevalent in women, but often more severe when found in men. Left untreated, it can cause swelling of the nose and the growth of excess tissue, a condition called rhinophyma. Treatment is often different for rosacea than for acne, and it is important that you consult a doctor can determine if what you are experiencing is acne vulgaris or rosacea.

Nodulocystic acne

Nodulocystic acne is also known as Cystic acne, it is a severe form of acne wherein acne develops into small cysts. Acne cysts are not true cysts in the sense that they are not abnormal dilations of skin structure, but rather nodules of inflammation. Although not uncommon, it is rarer than other types of acne. Like other forms, it is caused by an excess buildup of sebum in the pores and, contrary to popular belief, is not caused by, nor is it affected by, hygiene or the lack thereof. A common treatment for cystic acne is isotretinoin, which cures most acne in about 90% of patients.
Cystic acne can affect the face, chest, back, shoulders and, occasionally, upper arms. Like pimples, which are more common, cysts are usually filled with a white pus-like substance. They are usually several millimeters in diameter, and can be quite painful.

If cystic acne is not treated early on, especially with antibiotics along with a topical cream, some degree of scarring will occur.

This can be quite severe depending on the case. Although many scars can be treated, scars on the body often do not respond as well as those on the face. In most cases, it is unlikely that all scars can be removed.

Acne Scarring

Two types of true scars exist

• Depressed areas such as ice-pick scars,
• Raised thickened tissue such as keloids.

Macules or “pseudo-scars” are flat, red or reddish spots that are the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. After an inflamed acne lesion flattens, a macule may remain to “mark the spot” for up to 6 months. When the macule eventually disappears, no trace of it will remain—unlike a scar.

Post-inflammatory pigmentation is discoloration of the skin at the site of a healed or healing inflamed acne lesion. It occurs more frequently in darker-skinned people, but occasionally is seen in people with white skin. Early treatment by a dermatologist may minimize the development of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Some post-inflammatory pigmentation may persist for up to 18 months, especially with excessive sun exposure. Chemical peeling may hasten the disappearance of post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Causes of Acne Scars

In the simplest terms, scars form at the site of an injury to tissue. They are the visible reminders of injury and tissue repair. In the case of acne, the injury is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells in the plugged sebaceous follicle.

When tissue suffers an injury, the body rushes its repair kit to the injury site. Among the elements of the repair kit are white blood cells and an array of inflammatory molecules that have the task of repairing tissue and fighting infection. However, when their job is done they may leave a somewhat messy repair site in the form of fibrous scar tissue, or eroded tissue.

White blood cells and inflammatory molecules may remain at the site of an active acne lesion for days or even weeks. In people who are susceptible to scarring, the result may be an acne scar. The occurrence and incidence of scarring is still not well understood, however. There is considerable variation in scarring between one person and another, indicating that some people are more prone to scarring than others. Scarring frequently results from severe inflammatory nodulocystic acne that occurs deep in the skin.

Avoid use of strong cosmetic in acne 2:

If you are having acne then you should avoid using cosmetics. If it is possible use, only water based cosmetics. Care should also be taken to check if they are noncomedogenic.

As it is got in the research that cosmetic manufacturers generally add artificial oil to the products assuming that sebum is always helpful for the skin. These oils actually block the pores and aggravate acne. So it is suggested to use water base cosmetic only.

Avoid make up products with a strong fragrance as they can trigger an allergic reaction. Instead, use products with a very lightly fragrance. Compact pressed powder should also be avoided. The puff tends to collect all the dirt, grime and bacteria of the skin and alleviate acne. Use loose face powder instead. The face powder will help to absorb the extra oil. Apply moisturizer evenly with a light hand. This prevents deposition of excess products at different spots.

Another option available is mineral make up. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They have anti bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that help prevent acne. Even these should be used with caution since at times they tend make the skin dry.
At the end of the day, completely remove all make up. You can do so very conveniently with witch hazel. It is easily available. It contains enough alcohol to cleanse the skin but does not dry it out completely.

Avoid the use of strong cosmetics in acne

We know that cosmetics are chemical compound if they are used then are directly related to acne. In fact, acne cosmetica, or acne caused by cosmetics, is a common mild form of acne. This type of acne is triggered by topical factors and not the complex processes that take place inside the body. Even those people who are not susceptible to acne sometimes suffer from acne cosmetica.

Acne cosmetica it is generated by outside chemical substances, acne cosmetica is easy to get rid of. Stop using the cosmetic which has triggered acne and the acne disappears. Acne cosmetica is small, rashy, pink bumps on the cheek, chin and forehead. It develops over a period of a few weeks or months and may be persistent for a long time.

The outbreak can be stopped by end the use of the particular cosmetic which triggers the onset. In any condition, people suffering from acne should avoid using cosmetics. It is proved that makeup does not cause acne, but it can worsen the existing acne condition. Unfortunately, people are not aware of this “action and reaction” relation between acne and cosmetics, and end up worsening their infection by using more cosmetics to hide acne.
Now days some skin and hair care products can induce comedones, or a basic form of acne. This ability to induce acne is called “acnegenicity.” Acne inducing ability refers to both comedogenicity (inducing comedones- whiteheads and blackheads) and papule and pustules formation. Acne cosmetica is different than other forms of acne because in this condition papules and pustules means pus filled pimples, appear first and comedones appear later. Most cosmetics carry the label of having been tasted for acnegenicity and being noncomedogenic, yet people suffering from acne should be careful in using even these cosmetics.