Acne Can Affect Teenagers and Adults
Acne is a common skin problem. It is prevalent in both males and females, of almost every ethnic background making it one of the most extensive medical conditions in the world. Being much more common in young adults, acne affects 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24, usually starts at the beginning of puberty when teenagers start to produce large amount of sex hormones which augment the formation of oils (sebum) from the sebaceous glands of the skin.
Acne is most common on face, but it can be found on the neck, shoulders and back. Acne most commonly affects teenagers but can affect some adults too. It is mainly caused by hormonal disturbances, inflammation, extra sebum production, follicle fallout, stress and use of low quality cosmetics. All these factors combine together and produce what we call acne. Low quality cosmetics lead to accumulation of bacteria on pores. Family history of a skin problem can also lead to acne production in teens. Acne may appear in form of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and sometimes it may appear in form of profound painful sores that look like boils.
Whiteheads and blackheads are considered to be first signs of acne. Whiteheads occur when the Propionibacterium acnes and trapped sebum accumulate underneath the skin’s surface. Blackheads arise when Propionibacterium acnes and sebum are partially open to the skin’s surface and become black because of melanin presence, a pigment of skin. Papules and pustules (pimples) are also signs of acne. Papules are tiny, red, tender bumps that have no head. It is not good to squeeze these papules, because the result could be scarring. Pustules resemble whiteheads, but they are inflamed with a white or yellow center and a red circle around it.
If one has severe acne, he or she may see nodules and cysts. Nodules are stiff, large bumps below the skin that can lasts for months. Cysts are just like nodules, they are puss-filled with approximately 5mm or more in diameter. Some people think acne is contagious, but according to latest research, it is not, nor does it spread from one body organ to another.
About Author:
Nick has been an expert in skin health writing specifically on the subject of acne. His work has been published on various websites and magazines and provides insightful advice for best acne treatment, skin regimes etc. For more articles on acne and its causes please visit http://www.quickacneremedy.com/