What is acne? Symptoms and causes

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the skin by changes in the hair follicle units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and associated sebaceous glands) causes. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, spots or zits.
The condition is common in puberty, especially among Western societies most likely by a higher genetic
predisposition. It is considered an abnormal response to normal levels of the male hormone testosterone. The answer for most people is increasing over time and acne thus tends to disappear, or at least reduce after you reach their early twenties. However, there is no way to predict how long it takes for them to disappear completely, and some people will continue to suffer from acne decades later, in their thirties and forties and even beyond. Acne affects a large percentage of people at some point in life.
Symptoms
The most common form of acne is known as “acne vulgaris”, meaning “common acne”. To block excessive secretion of oil from the sebaceous glands combines with naturally occurring dead skin cells to the hair follicles. There are also appeares in some cases a faulty process keritinization into the skin along the pores to abnormal secretion of the skin. Oil secretions build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes to multiply uncontrollably. In response inflames the skin, the visible lesions. The face, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms especially affected.
The typical acne lesions are: comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and inflammatory cysts. These are the more inflamed form of pus or reddish bumps, even boil-like tender swellings. Non-inflamed ‘sebaceous cysts’, more properly called epidermoid cysts occur either in conjunction with acne or alone but are not a constant feature. After resolution of acne lesions may remain prominent unsightly scars.
Aside from scarring, are primarily psychological effects such as reduced self-esteem and depression. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already tend to be socially insecure.
Causes of Acne
Exactly why some people get acne and others do not is not fully known. It is known that they are partly hereditary. Several factors are known to be linked to acne:
Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles and puberty
Stress, through increased output of hormones from the adrenal (stress) glands.
Hyperactive sebaceous glands, secondary, the three hormone sources above.
The accumulation of dead skin cells.
Bacteria in the pores, to which the body becomes “allergic”.
Skin irritation or scratching of any sort activated inflammation.
Use of anabolic steroids.
Any medication containing halogens (iodides, chlorides, bromides), lithium, barbiturates or androgens.
Exposure to high concentrations of chlorine compounds, particularly chlorinated dioxins, can severe known, long-lasting acne, such as chloracne.
Traditionally, attention has focused primarily on hormone-driven over-production of sebum as the main factor in acne. More recently, more attention narrowing of the follicle channel has been given as the second major factor. Abnormal shedding of the cells lining the follicle, abnormal cell binding (“hyperkeratosis”) within the follicle, and water retention in the skin (swelling the skin and so pressing the follicles shut down) were all put forward as important mechanisms. Several hormones have been associated with acne: the male hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I). In addition, acne-prone skin has been shown that insulin-resistant.
Development of acne vulgaris rarely in later years, although this may have the age group for Rosacea which have similar symptoms. True acne vulgaris in older adults may be a feature of an underlying condition such as pregnancy and disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or the rare Cushing’s syndrome.
Misconceptions about the causes

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There are many misconceptions and rumors about what works and what does not cause the condition:
Diet. A faulty study claims that affect chocolate, french fries, potato chips and sugar, among other things acne.A recent review of scientific literature can not claim either way.The consensus among health professionals is that acne suffer should experiment with their diets , and refrain from consumption of such fare if they find such food affects the severity of their acne.A the current study is based on a survey of 47 335 women, found a positive epidemiological link between milk consumption and acne, particularly skimmed.The researchers suspect that The association may be caused by hormones (such as bovine IGF-I) in cow’s milk, but that is not yet clearly demonstrated. Seafood, on the other hand, a relatively high iodine, but probably not enough to cause an acne outbreak. Nevertheless, people who are prone to acne want to avoid excessive consumption of foods with high iodine. It was also suggested that there is a link between a diet high in refined sugars and acne. According to this hypothesis could the appalling absence of acne in non-Western societies by the low glycemic index of these tribes’ diets.Further research says is necessary to determine whether a reduction in consumption of high glycemic index (eg, soft drinks, candy, White bread alleviate) clearly acne, though consumption should be reduced in each case to a minimum of a high glycemic index, for general health reasons.
Poor personal hygiene. Acne is not caused by dirt. This misconception probably comes from the fact that acne infections of the skin is connected. In fact, the blockages occur that cause acne deep within the narrow follicle channel, where it is impossible to wash them. These plugs are formed the cells and sebum created there by the body. The bacteria are the same bacteria that are always present on the skin. Regular cleaning of the skin can reduce but not prevent, acne for a specific person, and only very small differences between individuals on hygiene. Everything that can also very gentle cleaning even worsen existing lesions and even encourage new due to damage or dry out the skin.
Sex. Common myths that either celibacy or masturbation cause acne and, conversely, that sexual intercourse can cure it. There is absolutely no scientific evidence that these are facts. It is true, but that influence anger and stress-hormone levels and thus bodily oil production. Whether an increase in oil production are due to stress enough to cause acne is under investigation.