We all have, at least once in our life, experienced acne during our teens. Maybe even into our adult years. Most of as have not had the benefit of seeing a doctor about this problem simply because it comes and goes and we're often told that it's a part of growing up! However, that doesn't stop us from having questions about it! Here we would like to answer FAQS (frequently asked questions) on acne in the simplest way possible so that you will easily understand what this skin problem is all about.
What is acne?
It is a skin condition wherein the skin pores are blocked with oil and dead skin cells resulting in skin blemishes such as pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
What can cause it?
Basically, it is caused by a combination of these factors:
- Oil glands - become overactive at puberty due to hormonal changes and during times of stress when androgens are produced which stimulate the production oil.
- Blocked skin pores - dead skin cells tend to block the skin pores and trapping the oils produced by the oil glands.
- Skin bacteria -Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes),which is a normal part of the skin reacts with the trapped oil and dead skin cells blocking the pores irritating the skin and causing inflammation.
- Swelling or soreness occurs due to the action of the body's immune system to get rid of foreign substances such as the combination of bacteria, oil and dead skin cells that are blocking the skin pores.
Is it caused by stress?
We cannot explicitly say that stress can cause comedones because stress is a physiological condition which can be, on the other hand, caused by severe blemish problems. Stress may theoretically be a cause of this skin problem when its effect triggers hormonal changes, which also lead to blemishes.
Does the food we eat cause it?
Actually there is no scientific evidence that the foods we eat can causes this problem. Not even going through a fruit and vegetable diet will guarantee a clear blemish free skin. Although there are foods that may worsen your condition, this is on a case-to-case basis as in people who might be affected may have prior allergies or sensitivity to these foods.
Are pimples, blackheads and whiteheads all the same?
Pimples, blackheads and whiteheads are all types or kinds of acne which differ only on how they look on the skin and on the severity of the condition. Pimples are another term for the type that is characterized by skin protrusions that contain pus. Blackheads are an open type that are not inflamed and are located near the surface of the skin while whiteheads are located deeper in the skin pore and are the type that may lead to pimples or zits because it has a tendency to become inflamed.
Is it hereditary?
Yes, heredity contributes to the severity of a person's condition and genes have a bearing on the condition. Statistically people whose parents have blemish problems during their teen or adult years are also likely to have similar problems.
Who are prone to to this problem?
Everybody is prone to this problem whether male or female. However, adolescents or teens are more prone to it due to the high hormonal changes that occur at puberty. People who have oily skin are also more prone to having having comedones.
Can acne be found in other parts of the body?
Yes, aside from the face, acne can be found in the neck, back and chest. There are also rare cases where acne is found in the reproductive organs of both male and female.
Is it infectious?
No, it is not contagious nor is it an infectious disease so it is not passed on from one person to another like colds and flu.
Can it scar my face?
Yes, very bad pimples can leave scars on your face when it is not treated early enough and properly.
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