It is not often a comfortable experience to any person who has pimples or spots on his or her face. Many of such people are ready to give up anything as long as they find solution to the problem. In 1948, Zaldems and Sulzberger, two American dermatologists, stated that “there is no single disease which cause more maladjustment between parents and children, more general insecurity, feelings of inferiority and greater sums of psychic suffering than does acne vulgaris” (Mitchell & Dudley xiv).
It is very unfortunate to realize that despite the problems that such people undergo not very many people have the complete information about acne. Many have given different advices on how to curb or control this disease yet those who try any of these realize later that they do not help and sometimes even leave the condition worse. This research paper is aimed at exposing facts about acne.
What is acne?
Mitchell and Dudley in their book “Acne: the Art Our Fingertips Guide” describe acne as a disorder that is manifested on a person through the development of white heads, black heads, yellow or red sports on one’s skins. In addition to all these, the skin also becomes very greasy and oily. Statistics have shown that acne is the world’s commonest disease of the skin. This is a disorder that affects people from all races and nationalities, religion and gender; though it has been commonly associated with those approaching puberty, the contributing factor being the fact that the skin begins undergoing some changes that prompt the beginning of the acne process.
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Though to many people acne will stop after teenage or slightly after that, some, especially women will have this disorder even at the age of forty years (Mitchell & Dudley 1- 2).
It is important to note that when inflammation takes place, the defense system of the body is awakened and releases the white blood cells in order to eradicate the bacteria in addition to fixing the damage that has been caused by the latter. The pus, whether greenish or yellowish, is made up of the white blood cells (Mitchell and Dudley 3).
Causes of acnes
Both men and women have male hormones though it is obvious that they are more in the former than the latter. When boys and girls reach puberty, the sebaceous or oil glands become active after being stimulated by these male hormones that are produced in the adrenal glands. This oil (sebum) works as a lubricator and protection to the skin. However, some conditions make the cells on the skin’s surface to close and in the process block the sebaceous glands’ openings, making the oil underneath to build up (Rockoff & Stoppler 1).
Under the skin of every human being, there are harmless bacteria. However, the build up oils will stimulate the bacteria to increase and thus inflame the surrounding tissues. If the inflammation is very near to the skin, then a pustule would be produced but if a bit deeper then a pimple (papule) will be formed; if the inflammation takes place further deeper into the skin, then a cyst would be formed. Sometimes the oil will break out at the surface and what is formed in this case is a white head. Sometimes this oil will be oxidized or attain melanin pigment and what will result is a “black head.” This disapproves the hypothesis that black heads are caused by the accumulation of dirt (Rockoff & Stoppler 1).
Subtypes of acnes
There are several subtypes of acne. Neonatal acne occurs when the sebaceous glands are stimulated by neonatal and maternal androgens that originate from neonatal adrenal gland. Gram-negative folliculitis is as a result of “secondary colonization with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter or Proteus sp” (Neinstein 15).
This takes place when one is using spectrum antibiotics and the victim may not improve even with the use of antibiotics. Cosmetic acne is as a result of the clogging of the skin pores as a result of the application of some cosmetics such as cocoa butter or pomades.
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Occupational acne is induced by the products that one keeps in contact with and which block sebaceous follicles. Such products include coal tar, crude oil and mineral oil. Others forms of acne include; acne mechanica, acne fulminans, acne conglobata, acne excoriee des jeunes filles and drug induced acne (Neinstein 15).
There are other skin disorders that may look like acne but are different. Some of these include; Rosacea, pseudofolliculitis, folliculitis and gram negative folliculitis. Folliculitis is a skin disorder where pimples occur on legs, buttocks and abdomen. This should not be confused with acne but rather inflamed follicles. Sometimes these pimples just disappear on their own though sometimes the doctors may prescribe some antibiotics which are however different those of acne.
The other similar disorder is pseudofolliculitis also referred to as razor rush or bumps. These would appear when one is cut near the skin and the curly hair either on the chin or neck curve while under the skin, producing pimples (Rockoff & Stoppler 2).
This disorder is not a result of bacteria infection but a mechanical one. Those who have had such problems should minimize the number of times they shave or they can utilize the laser hair removal.
The third such a disorder is referred to as gram negative folliculitis. This occurs to those people who have had oral antibiotics prescribed to them before which causes them to grow bacteria filled eruptions that become “resistant to the antibiotics which have previously been used.” For treatment, other antibiotics can be prescribed by a physician to treat gram negative folliculitis (Rockoff & Stoppler 2)
Myths about acne
There are several beliefs regarding acne but which the physicians have disapproved as not being factual. There are those that hold to the belief that acne only affects the physical appearance of a person. This is not a fact as in addition, a person who suffers from the disorder will also be affected psychologically, a situation that may lead into low self esteem, social withdrawal and even suicide. Another common myth is that acne is as a result of poor hygiene. This is not true because the dead cells and oil that are responsible for the disorder are often below the surface of the skin and thus there is no way one can clean such. In fact victims who have tried to scrub off pimples have made the situation worse (King, par. 1-4).
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One of the most popular myths is that eating some specific types of foods such as chocolate, sugar or potato chips leads to acne. Though people should be advised to take healthy food, the truth is that the cause of acne has nothing to do with the food one takes. However, foods that have high level of iodine as well as milk may worsen acne (King, par. 1-4).
In addition, there are those who believe that if someone has acne there is nothing he or she can do but it should be left to run its cause. However, the fact is that there are several treatments that are offered by dermatologists or even over the counter.
These are those who believe in the myth that if one wants to be better from acne then they should try all sorts of medicines and in large numbers. This may be dangerous to the user as the ointment may cause serious irritation to the skin. There is also a belief that sunbathing is one of the best treatments for acne. However, such treatment is temporary because though sun does dry excess oils, continued exposure makes the skin to adapt and acne remains. Also sun burns may lead to increased occurrence of skin cancer (King, par. 5- 7).
Though makeup do not cause acne as many may tend to believe, yet there some of these brands that will block the skin pores and lead to a condition that may affect the health of the skin. In fact, some of these make up have acne-treating medicine in their composition. It is quite important for the victims to use cosmetics with the labels “nonacnegenic” or “noncomedogenic.” Is it factual to claim that acne is a health condition of the teenagers? Though many people who are affected by acne are between the age of puberty and early twenties, some people have experienced this condition even in their forties.
The most surprising fact is that there are those that would be acne free in the youthful years but become affected in their later years. Other will suffer from this condition for their entire lives (King Par. 8-9).
The other common myth about acne vulgaris is that either lack of sexual intercourse or being too much sexually active leads to the disorder. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this. It is important to note that sexual intercourse lead to the production of hormones. However, there is no known link between sexual activity and the releasing of sebum that cause acne. Anger as well as stress may also alter the hormonal levels in an individual. Another very dangerous belief is that if pimples are to be gotten rid off, they must be squeezed out. Such an action only makes the situation worse because the bacteria spread to other areas. In addition, popping only leads to permanent or temporary scarring. (King, par 10-11).
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Treatment of acne
It is the responsibility of the person who is suffering from acne to care for his or her skin and avoid any action that may make the situation worse. One should avoid any masks, exfoliators, astringents and toners that may have scrubbing particles. This is because these usually irritate the skin making the acne worse. In fact these products may not after all assist in clearing acne. In addition, it is advisable for such an individual to avoid using products which are greasy as they clog the skin pores resulting into acne. The products that should be avoided include pomades and oil rich gels. It is not advisable at all to rub alcohol on the skin with the intention of drying it as it in reality leaves the skin irritated instead of clearing acne (American Academy of Dermatology).
Tanning (exposing the skin to sun) should be avoided as this leaves the skin damaged. Moreover, whenever one is using retinoid such as tretinoin, adapalene or tazarotene on the skin, then one should reduce direct exposure to sun in addition to not using a sun lamp or even a tanning bed (American Academy of Dermatology).
Such medications become harmful to the skin as they make the layer of the skin thin and therefore leaves it sensitive to sun’s ultraviolet light or that from other tanning devices. Even if one discontinues the use of retinoid for a while, the sensitivity will still remain. Tanning has also been known to make one vulnerable to skin diseases such as melanoma. Statistics have shown that melanoma tops the list of the different types of cancer affecting those between the ages of 25 and 29. People with acne are also advised by dermatologists to avoid touching their skins as this usually results into flare-ups (American Academy of Dermatology).
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There are several methods that the dermatologists use to treat acne. These may include surgical excision and drainage, use of oral contraceptives, isotretinoin and interlesional corticosteroid injection. Drainage and surgical excision is performed when acne results into large cysts that may not respond to several medications. However, patients are often warned against trying to drain the cyst on their own by either picking or squeezing. Acne cyst that has become serious infrared may rupture resulting into a severe scar. To prevent such, the doctor may inject interlesional corticosteroid into the cyst.
When the physicians do not find any improvement after treating severe acne or cyst, they may be forced to use isotretinoin, a drug that has been very effective in the treatment. Oral antibiotics have also been used for long as they fight P. acnes, reducing inflammation. Oral contraceptives are also very effective in the treatment of acne, precisely to women as they suppress sebaceous glands (American Academy of Dermatology).
Conclusion
Acne is the commonest skin disease but unfortunately not many people know what exactly to do to either manage or treat the disorder. There are several myths that have been raised from different quarters which sometimes however make the condition even worse. It is therefore very important to understand the cause of acne, what may aggravate it and how to care for one’s skin.
Works Cited
Mitchell, Tim and Dudley, Alison. Acne at Your Fingertips Guide. London: Class Publishing
2002: Print
Rockoff, Alan and Stoppler, Melissa. “Acne (Pimples).” Medicine Net, 2010. Web. 24 August,
2010, <http://www.medicinenet.com/acne/article.htm#2whatcauses>.
King, Ron. Acne: “10 Most Common Myths.” Webradian Article Directory, 2010. Web.
24 August, 2010 <http://www.webraydian.com/content/view/158/32/>.
Neinstein, Lawrence et all. Adolescent Healthcare: A Practical Guide, Issue 414. Philadelphia:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008: Print
American Academy of Dermatologists. “7 Acne Skin Care Taboos.” AcneNet, 2010. Web. 25
August 2010, <http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/acne_care_taboos.html
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