Causes of Acne and Treatments

The term "acne" covers a whole variety of skin conditions all with one important thing in common. The connection is the bacillus, an enzyme producing factor which aggravates certain types of skin flare up. The bacillus is, in fact, present in all skins but it needs the right conditions (wrong for the sufferer!) to start working.

The main cause of acne is too much sebum, or grease. Usual reasons are the extra glandular activity during adolescence, just before menstruation in girls and in cases of nervous troubles. Usually just enough sebum is produced to keep the skin soft and the tiny hair follicles all over the skin which have the job of carrying the sebum to the skin's surface can cope very well.

But, once that flow of sebum is stepped up, things get out of hand! The follicles get blocked, and the (usually dormant) acne bacillus gets to work producing enzymes which break up the sebum into fatty acids. These harden, combine with any waste matter, and produce a hard plug which darkens when it reaches the top of the follicle. Meanwhile, underneath, the sebum is trying to work through to the surface that's when redness and soreness start. Usually, the sebum succeeds in getting through and a pimple or acne is formed.

Sometimes, however, the sebum bursts out of the follicle before it gets a chance to reach the surface. Inflammation starts, bacteria start working and pus is formed. These "pustules" are extremely painful and potential acne scar makers. They need expert attention and should never be burst , however tempting it might be to do so.

At the root of these troubles are the over active sebaceous glands which are triggered off by hormone or glandular activity which is largely beyond control. So what can you do about acne?

While these troubles last, scrupulous cleansing of the skin's surface to remove the grease as it forms (plus the dirt and debris which is so inviting to the acne bacillus) is vital. Light medicated camouflage which helps cool down inflammation and makes you feel less self conscious is also a help. However, thick covering creams will simply block the hair follicles completely. It's important to recognize the degree of your acne condition. Do you for instance have:

Greasy, shiny facial skin and blackheads? Treat the condition yourself, with regular and thorough cleansing (using medicated pads during the day if you can't get to a clean cloakroom), and by wearing a light, medicated make up.

You can remove blackheads yourself, using a comedo expressor a spoon shaped instrument with a hole in the bowl. First, place a hot compress over the blackhead area, then place the sterilized expressor over each blackhead in turn and use a gently rocking movement to squeeze it out. If you're ham fisted it's best to leave it alone. And if the blackheads are in difficult spots like your ears and the back of your neck, then go to a beauty specialist. Greasy skin, blackheads and spots proceed as above, but use a drying medicated cream on the spots at night. Watch for the pustules. If you get one or two, leave them alone. If a lot start consult your doctor.

Pustules, spots and blackheads? If you have all three types of acne erupting anywhere on your skin (face or body) then do see your doctor. He will give excellent advice and prescribe the right treatment for acne. Never try to cope with this kind of acne alone. By getting the right treatment now, the acne condition can be checked before there's any danger of scarring.

The A - Z of Acne

Acidity: Fatty acids on the skin's surface combine with dead cells and waste matter to form blackheads and whiteheads. Over acidity can be one of the contributory factors to acne.

Androgen: This is the male hormone (secreted by women too, but to a lesser degree) which can cause over secretion of skin sebum during adolescence and acne.

Blackheads: Blackheads, a type of acne is caused when too much sebum tries to force its way through the tiny hair follicles on the face, chest and back. The acne bacillus breaks up the sebum into irritant fatty acids , which combine with dead cells and waste matter to form a horny plug. On exposure to the air, oxidation takes place and the plug turns black. Blackheads are called "comedos" by dermatologists.

Cleansing: Removing the extra grease on the skin is a vital part of acne treatment. Cleanse at least three times a day using a non irritant soap or liquid preparation.

Camouflage: Heavy grease based makeup may cover acne but it will certainly aggravate the condition. However, a light medicated make up can help in two ways: It effectively camouflages the condition; and increased confidence means less nervous tension and this can help to calm down those over active sebaceous glands. Dermatologist If your acne condition is persistent a visit to a skin specialist, or dermatologist, can be a good idea.

Epidermis: This is the top layer of the complex, multi layer structure of skin. It's composed of over lapping flat cells of an insoluble protein called keratin. The cells are continually replaced from plump, live cells in the lower layers of the skin and "rubbed off" at the top. Total life span of a cell from start to finish is about one month.

Food: Diet can help skin troubles considerably, since every cell in the body (including those involved in skin health) are formulated from the substances we eat proteins, vitamins, minerals. Chocolate and fried food won't themselves irritate an acne condition but don't eat them at the expense of foods which actually help formulate healthy skin.

You need fresh fruit (especially citrus fruit), vegetables, dairy foods, meat or fish and plenty of water. You don't need sugar, and sugar based foods, starchy foods, alcohol, excess of coffee, tea.

Grease glands: "Greasy skin" is caused by over active sebaceous glands which, in turn, can be triggered off by other factors. The greasy area can be all over the face, chest and back or confined to specific zones such as nose, chin, forehead. However, a certain amount of sebum is essential to soften the keratin layer which forms the epidermis, or outer skin. One bonus a greasy skin is less prone to wrinkles later on than a dry one!

Hair: Oily hair often goes with an acne condition. Even if you don't suffer from dandruff, strands of hair falling onto the face can aggravate acne by causing a build up of grease and dirt. Hair should be kept off the face and shampooed regularly.

Infection: Rigorous skin care is necessary to keep irritant factors (grease, dirt and flaky skin) at bay, not to prevent spreading. "If you touch that spot, it'll spread," say well intentioned advisors. It won't but it will be irritated and possibly take longer to heal, especially if bacteria are present.

Jobs: Working in a hot atmosphere (bakery, over heated office, factory) or in a job which involves heavy physical activity means perspiration is likely. This will give the narrow hair follicles in the skin even more work to do and will aggravate acne. The only solution is to wash thoroughly and carefully whenever there's an opportunity. Another idea is to mop your face with fresh medicated cleansing pads at regular intervals. Don't use a handkerchief.

Keratin: This is the horny, protein based substance which forms the top layer of the skin. It's also the stuff that toenails, fingernails and hair are made of. A high protein diet (meat, eggs, fish, cheese) helps replace dead keratin cells. Get more knowledge about your skin and apply it wisely.

Loofah: Scrubbing a greasy, acne prone back with a clean loofah will whisk away dead cells. Not recommended, though, where spots, pustules and blackheads are sore and inflamed.

Laxative: Irregular bowel movements usually indicate irregular meals with insufficient roughage (bread, green vegetables, fruit). By taking a laxative, you're attacking the symptom, not the cause. Instead, regulate diet and mealtimes and drink lots of water.

Menstruation: Pre menstrual glandular activity (producing androgen again) often gives girls a mild kind of acne during the days before the menstrual period starts. Minimize this acne problem by keeping skin scrupulously clean during this time. Medication: Patent acne creams can help in cleansing and healing inflamed acne conditions. However, to get the product which is absolutely right for you, consult your doctor. He may also recommend a course of antibiotics.

Nerves: Nervous tension can certainly make acne worse. Try not to let the situation get you down.

Oily creams: Avoid any make up with an oil base to protect yourself from acne. Even if you like to remove eye make up with baby oil, make sure that none goes onto the skin of your cheeks or forehead. Avoid too much oily food or salad dressings to get rid of acne problems.

Pustules: These are dangerous, and occur when the grease and debris blocking the hair follicle gets really out of hand. The follicle wall breaks, the fatty acids spread under the skin and pus is formed. Never try to squeeze these it's a job for an expert. If you do, scarring can result.

Puberty: Danger time for acne. Skin secretions are stepped up because of heightened glandular activity more pronounced in boys than girls. The end of puberty usually eases the situation.

Peeling: Removal of extra layers of the epidermis with the object of encouraging rapid fresh cell growth. Peeling "agents" are usually chemical compounds based on sulphur or resorcinol. The process is usually carried out by a beauty therapist or dermatologist.

Questions: Ask your doctor and dermatologist as many questions as you like they'll be delighted to answer them. Don't be too shy or embarrassed to discuss your problems.

Redness, roughness: Avoid wearing scratchy clothing which could irritate your skin.Woolen jerseys should be as soft as possible and the same goes for underwear. It's best to wear cotton underwear If you have acne on back, chest or buttocks, as synthetic fabrics do not absorb perspiration.

Scars: If you try to squeeze acne spots yourself (especially the "blind" pustules), you could get scarring. Even blackheads should only be extracted with the greatest care. However, bad scars can be helped by cosmetic surgery.

Touching: Don't. Easier said than done? Yes, but fiddling with spots will simply bruise and redden an area which is sensitive enough already. Knit, crochet, draw, paint, or take up carpentry in the evening anything to keep those hands occupied!